Just Curious

Weather Report: Pennsylvania should find its Indian Summer in about two weeks. Until then, it’s autumn all the way. I was out for an early walk this morning. The stars were gorgeous, the air so fresh. The temperature, a brisk 45 degrees. I love this time of year. Enjoy today with me!

Okay, so I’m curious. What motivates you? I’m not talking about just writing. I mean, what motivates you in life? What is it that gets you up in the morning – maybe to take an early walk underneath the stars?

It could be writing. But it could also be several other things. Look at it this way. Symptoms tell us we have a disease, or at least, that something is wrong. The symptoms are not the disease, but they result from a disease. Or to simplify it, the fruit is not the root.

What I’m asking is why do you write? Where does the fruit of writing come from? Writing is a symptom, but the root goes much deeper. We all have unique experiences. We travel life’s path on different roads. Yet for many of us, the path leads to writing.

So I’m curious about your road. Where did it all begin, and what stops have you made along the way? What detours have you taken? What moves you on? I think these are questions worth considering because no one just sits down and writes. Consciously or subconsciously, our writing comes from the path we have taken. It comes from the root of our lives. It’s a symptom of something much deeper. Look at yourself. Where have you been and where are you going? In one way or another, you’ll see it in your writing.

Enough for now. I’ll see you next week. Same time – same channel.

WFK

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Common Inspiration

It’s a rainy day in Central PA, but autumn has finally arrived. Another month and the leaves will be full of color. The air is fresh and invigorating. The clear night skies reveal the Milky Way in all its glory. I love the fall.

The change in weather inspires me every year. What inspires you? Let’s be specific. What inspires you to write? Leave me your thoughts in the comments below.

We can find inspiration in many common places. One of my favorite places to look for inspiration is music. Depending on what I’m writing, I can always find some music to go along with it. In the novel, Pinpoint Analysis, the story line came first. The book is about a marine biologist, Les Griffin, who finds himself beneath the Bermuda Triangle in an attempt to save his daughter, who has been abducted by the devil. The song Ready for the Storm by Dougie MacLean inspired me to write the chapter where Les comes face to face with the evil that holds his daughter captive.

Sometimes the music comes first, as in Machan’s Tale. I love Celtic music and the history of the Celts. When I heard the song, Ghost of a Rose, by Blackmore’s Night, it was a no-brainer. I had to write a story based on the Celtic tune. The song inspired the entire first chapter.

In another of my Celtic stories, Cadeyrn’s Tale. the song, Ride On inspired the chapter where Cadeyrn loses his love. Several songs paved the way for Stage (f)Right.

Ideas can come from TV shows and movies, from every day experiences, from strangers on the street. A true story I read inspired Peter McClanahan’s character in The Voice. Inspiration can and does come in many forms from various sources. If you’re looking for inspiration, just keep your ear to the ground. It will be there.

Okay! Leave me your thoughts below and I’ll see you next week.

WFK

Writing and Schedules

The sun is shining in Central PA today. A gentle breeze is blowing. Fall is in the air. This is my favorite time of the year. Soon the Appalachians will be ablaze with color. Love it! Okay. Okay. So what about writing and schedules?

I would like to recommend that writers follow a set schedule – but I can’t. Usually, in the life of a writer, there is more than just writing to be concerned about. There are families that need to be added to the schedule. Outside work frequently takes precedence. We must allow time to take care of our bodies and spirits. In short, life can become terribly busy, and often it is busier than it is meant to be. So what’s the solution?

I have none.

Because of several other responsibilities, it is impossible for me to schedule my writing to the minute, or even the hour. I have a weekly schedule, however. Like right now. Wednesday is my day for adding to my blog. Thank you for being a part. Friday is my day for working on my Sunday sermon. And of course, Sunday is my day for giving the sermon. Except for my Sunday schedule, I set nothing in stone.

Sure, Wednesday is my day for the blog, but what time? It could be 6:00 am. It could be 3:00 pm. Who knows? That is not necessarily a bad thing. It just works for me. It allows me to get the writing done, but still take care of the things in my overly busy life. The important thing is that I write. And the important thing is that you write. If you call yourself a writer, that’s what we do.

If you can stick to a schedule, that’s wonderful. Just write. If you can’t, that’s wonderful – just write. Just write because that’s we do. See you next Wednesday.

WFK

Welcome, Ida!

Well, the remnants of Ida hit Central PA. Rain and wind everywhere. I am thankful I don’t live in Louisiana. My prayers go out to you folks down that way. I know this is a writing blog, but sometimes other things just become more important. This is one of those times, and I need to vent. If I offend you, I apologize in advance, but I’m not sorry for what I’m about to write. Regardless of your political affiliation, we need to admit that our beloved country is in serious trouble.

My heart breaks for my fellow Americans and those who stood with us who are trapped behind enemy lines in Afghanistan. It should never have been. Our leaders have shown carelessness, a lack of planning, and a complete disregard for human life.

We have transported to the USA at least one hundred men listed on the Terrorist Watch List. Our borders are wide open for other terrorists to enter, not to mention the drug and sex traffickers. Another 9/11 attack is being planned as we speak. In eight short months, our nation has fallen, almost to where there can be no recovery.

Our enemies and allies mock us. The crown is slipping fast from the head of the once-great America. I still love this nation, but I’m also embarrassed for her.

I could feel hopeless, except I know how the story ends. What is the eventual outcome for America? She will be destroyed at some future point. Today’s current events have been foretold in Bible prophecy thousands of year ago. A look at the daily news confirms once again that God sees all and will right all wrongs at His soon return. Before Him, no one will stand on their own merit. Our only hope is in Jesus Christ – not in a government, not in a religion, not in ourselves.

Whether you choose to believe it, the fact is Jesus Christ is the only way to peace and the forgiveness of sins. Praying doesn’t cut it. Church attendance doesn’t cut it. Baptism, communion, trying to keep the Ten Commandments don’t cut it. Jesus said, “. . . I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” The only way of salvation is to have a personal relationship with Him.

If you’re not sure what I mean, please allow me the privilege of talking with you further. Just email or message me, and I’ll get right back to you. In these ugly days, your eternal destiny is something you can’t afford to overlook. Thank you for allowing me to rant. Until next week . . .

WFK

PS – If you’d like more information on the destruction of America, I’d be glad to send you a free copy of my book, The Death of America. Just let me know.