wide-eyed fiction

Real Book vs. Electronic Book

2009-12-29T05:26:00.003-05:00

The big news this past year in publishing has been the popularity of the e-reader. There's the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader, and the Barnes and Noble Nook. Also, coming on strong is the e-book download. More and more publishers are catching on to this wave of the future and offering their books in some form of electronic format.

For me, personally, I hate reading off a screen. I can only sit in front of a computer for so long before my eyes get buggy and my hind end gets numb. I need a real book to hold and smell and real pages to turn and dog-ear. That's just me. I'll always prefer a "real" book over an electronic one (of course, I said I'd never get a cell phone too and now couldn't do my job without one (I still don't like it, though)).

So how about you? Do you prefer real pages to turn over digital ones? Or are you riding the electronic book wave?

Reflecting on the Year That Was

2009-12-27T20:14:00.003-05:00

In this last week of 2009 I was looking over some of my posts from earlier in the year. In January I had my final surgery to put me back together again after my battle with colon cancer (reversal of my ostomy). It's interesting and moving to go back and read what my thoughts, fears, and hopes were at that time.

Here's a verse that comforted me the day before surgery:

The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. (Deut. 31:8)

Remember that. Whenever we're standing on the precipice of a valley so deep and wide and dark it looks like it stretches on forever, that our Lord goes before us, carving a path, clearing a way, lighting the trail, taking the brunt of the storm so we don't have to.

Here's some other things I wrote during the days following surgery while I was recovering and getting used to life A.C. (after cancer):

"I have new fears (even though I want so desperately to live fearlessly) and one is the hospital. And I have fears I've conquered--needles don't bother me anymore. I've experienced pains and discomforts I've never felt before and hope I'll never feel again. And I've felt joy and excitement over things I only would have raised my eyebrows at before.

Cancer has totally shifted my paradigm, altered my perspective on life.

And that's good."

"God's in heaven. We're on earth. His ways are not our ways; His perspective is different than ours; His mind is greater than ours; His ideas far out-distance ours. He is God; we are man.

And yet the miracle is that He is totally near us, around us, within us. He is not a God who stays in heaven and rules from a distance. He became one of us. Emmanuel. He's a personal God who loves up close, holds our hand, whispers in our ear, touches our heart.

Figure that out.

God is in heaven and we are on earth. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)"

"You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. (2 Samuel 22:29)

I like that. A lot. When darkness surrounds and pushes in around us, when it threatens to steal our hope and joy, when it becomes so overwhelming it seems we'll never experience the warmth of the Son again, when darkness is that oppressive, that burdensome, that fear-inducing, I pray these words will echo in our hearts. Our Lord can turn even that kind of darkness (ie. sorrow, hurt, misery, fear, pain, suffering, confusion, angst . . .) into light."

That's some thought-provoking stuff. I'm enjoying reading over those old posts and challenge those of you who keep a blog to do the same. Read over 2009 and rediscover the year that God gave you. What are some ways God worked in your life this past year?

Reflecting and Looking Ahead . . . to Simplify

2009-12-26T10:33:00.003-05:00

So Christmas was great. My favorite part is watching the kids open their gifts and seeing the excitement and happiness on their little faces. Their eyes get so big and when they let out one of those ear-piercing screams . . . boy, I rememeber those days well.

People are always asking us what little girls like these days and it's hard for us to answer because while we know what our little girls like, I'm not sure it's a good reflection of little girls in general. For our daughters the hot items are American girl dolls and accessories and Playmobile stuff. In addition, our youngest likes the Calico Critters, our middle enjoys building stuff (she got a huge marble track you have to assemble), and our oldest got a guitar.

Now, it's also that time of year when one reflects on the time that has passed and looks ahead to the months that lay around the corner. In the next week I'll be reflecting a bit on the past year and sharing some plans for the upcoming year.

One plan is to simplify. I've noticed lately that I've been having a very difficult time keeping up with both my blog and my website. Often, the website gets neglected, sometimes for weeks, sometimes for months. Not good. I just don't have the time to update and maintain it the way I should. So in an effort to simplify I'll be combining my blog and website into one location (I'm thinking of calling it a blobsite . . . just kidding). If you want to take a look at what I'm working on, go on over to the new site and peruse it a bit (just keep in mind it's a work in progress and there's still much to do). It's simpler, more efficient, more manageable, and easier to maintain. And that's what I'm looking for.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-24T05:39:00.002-05:00

Just want to wish you all a very blessed and merry CHRISTmas!

Remembering Emmanuel, God With Us,

Mike

Concerning My Colon

2009-12-23T06:11:00.005-05:00

Thank you all for your prayers and thoughts regarding my "procedure" yesterday. There's nothing like a good 'ole sigmoidoscopy to get the day started right. Really gets you hopping. Anyway, things went fine and the surgeon said my colon looks great.

As soon as I got there, I was hussled from the waiting room to the procedure room, changed into my little gown (and by little I mean literally, they gave me a small, barely down to my knees), then sidelying on the bed for the you-know-what. I'll tell you, I hadn't one bit of anxiety in there. In fact, afterward I was taken to an exam room so the nurse could do her thing and she was shocked that my pulse was only 66. Thank you for the prayers!

It's fascinating, though. Because my colon is 18 inches shorter than it used to be and the part they took out was a tricky turn, whenever he does a sig-oscopy it turns into a full colonoscopy. I like this much better because one, it gives the surgeon a complete view of the colon rather than just a partial and two, I can stay awake the whole time and not have to miss a whole day of work because of anesthesia and such (instead I only miss about two hours then off to work I go). The fact that I can watch the whole event on TV is a bonus.

The only downside? The air they pump in there to make way for the camera. Boy, talk about feeling bloated the rest of the day.

So, relieved I am (as Yoda would say) and thanks again for the prayers. My colon is good to go.

Oh, one more thing. Just a little horn-tooting. This is my 700th post to this blog and, oddly enough, will take me over the 25,000th visitor mark. Two milestones with one post!

A Riddle For You, Dahling

2009-12-21T05:45:00.002-05:00

Here's a riddle of sorts: An early lunch will be my last meal of the day, I'm looking at a bottle of Magnesium Citrate Oral Solution sitting on my desk, and I'm already feeling a bit anxious. What's happening tomorrow?

Any takers?

Some of you no doubt have been where I am, planning that same "last meal", preparing to drink said Magnesium Citrate, feeling similar levels of anxiety.

Well, if you said building a snow man, I'm sorry but you're wrong.

Going to the dentist? Nope.

Here's a hint: the full name on the label of my little 10 oz. lemon-flavored cocktail is Mangesium Citrate Oral Solution Saline Laxative.

Ahhh, now you got it. Tomorrow morning I'm having a sigmoidoscopy done. Wonderful day it will be! (Read boucoup sarcasm)

I get a kick out of this oral solution stuff. They try to flavor it but it's still nasty. I've only ever tried the cherry flavored which tastes like you stuffed your mouth with Luden's cherry cough drops. The lemon should be heavenly. I'm thinking a mouth full of Lemonheads. It's funny, too, how they market this stuff. On the label it says "The Sparkling Laxative."

I guess this is the laxative for the rich and cultured: "Here, dahling, have the spahkling laxative."

Anyway, the anxiety comes not from my sparkling friend staring back at me and looking oh so refreshing but from the test itself. No, I really don't mind the procedure, the actual sigmoidoscopy. It's uncomfortable, yes, and totally unnatural, but like I mentioned in an earlier post, compared to chemo it's a breeze. The anxiety arises from the anticipation of the results of the procedure.

I know I shouldn't be anxious. Really, I do, but ask any cancer survivor and you'll find the same emotion surrounding each follow-up test whether it be an MRI, CAT scan, blood work, or infamous sigmoidoscopy. Because we all know the reality is that this monster could come back and hopefully, prayerfully, one of these tests will find it early.

My procedure is at 8:00 tomorrow morning. Tonight, I enjoy my spahkling laxative, dahling.

I Want to Be Like Mary (Not Literally)

2009-12-18T05:53:00.003-05:00

Reading through the Christmas account in Luke I'm amazed at how much is in there that I can apply to my life (of course, that's the beauty and wonder of God's Word, isn't it?). I mean, I'm no longer a teen, I'm certainly not female, I'm married, I'm not Jewish, and, obviously, I don't live in the first century nor do I live in Israel, but I can relate so much to Mary's story and learn so much from it that I can apply to my life.

In the first chapter of Luke the angel Gabriel appears to Mary, a young teen, a virgin. Gabriel proceeds to tell Mary some pretty unbelievable stuff. She, a virgin, is going to have a baby, and as if that's not enough, the baby will be God's seed, the Son of the Most High. He then tells her that Elizabeth, her cousin, old and barren, is already six months pregnant.

Now, if I'm a teenage virgin girl and an angel appears to me out of nowhere and tells me this stuff I'm going through a range of emotions. Fear, shock, disbelief, more fear, you get the point. But what Mary says is remarkable and can teach us a lot about true faith.

In verse 38 she says, "I am the Lord's servant, may it be to me as you have said."

Has God every asked you to do something big, something that was going to stretch you and challenge you? Has he ever stood you on the precipice of a great valley and you just knew it was because you were going to have to go through that valley? Or how about at the foot of a monstrous mountain that had your name written all over it? I know I've been there and will be again. I can only pray I have enough faith to look at the challenge before me and say, "Lord, I'm your servant, let whatever may happen, happen. I'm with You."

It surprises me (though it shouldn't) that Mary didn't argue, she didn't doubt, she didn't complain, and I doubt she fully understood what was about to happen to her . . . she just accepted it as from the hand of God and that was good enough for her.

Man, I want to be there. I want that kind of faith.

Looking for Mistletoe

2009-12-17T05:41:00.003-05:00

Every now and then I get to work with someone who really brightens my day. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy all my patients. Working with someone in the environment of his or her own home is about as good as physical therapy gets. I've cried, I've laughed, I've talked, I've laughed some more. Everyone is unique and interesting and boy, some of the stories I've heard . . .

But occasionally I'll meet someone who puts that cherry on top of my day. I just got done seeing an elderly woman, a real cutie, for several weeks. She lives alone in a very small apartment in a very small town in which she is the self-proclaimed "town historian." Her medical record says she's "mildly retarded" but I saw no hint of it. She loves to talk, loves to laugh, and LOVES to talk (did I say that already?). Many a time I sat through photo albums of town history, listened to stories of her past, kidded her, laughed with her, and watched her improve both physically and emotionally.

One time, before leaving I asked her if there was anything I could do for her. Five minutes later I was climbing a step stool to re-hang a blind and curtains in her kitchen window. Then I was filling a pot of water to sit over the heater register. Then I was taking bags of garbage outside to the garbage cans. I don't remember all that being in my job description, but I didn't mind at all.

Monday was the last day I was to work with her and as I sat at her little kitchen table she said to me, "Mike, do you know the one thing I really miss about Christmas that no one does any more?"

I was expecting something very philosophical or sentimental. Some story about Christmases past and how commercialism has changed everything and real meaning hasn't gotten lost in the mix.

"What's that?"

She looked at me and smiled. "Mistletoe!"

Okay, so it wasn't philosophical or sentimental . . . but we both got a laugh out of it.

What Exactly is Christian Fiction Anyway?

2009-12-15T05:27:00.003-05:00

If you follow Christian fiction and the associated blogs by readers/authors/agents you may have noticed some increased discussion as of late concerning the "Christian" part of Christian fiction. How should it be used? What is its purpose? Should it be written for believers or non-believers? What kind of guidelines should Christian publishers impose upon their authors? And on and on. All this is good discussion, much-needed dialogue.

But I have a basic question: What exactly is Christian fiction?

I mean, at its core, when everything else is stripped away, what is it that separates Christian fiction from general fiction?

Is it merely the fact that it's written by a professing Christian and published by a Christian house?

Is it the absence of cursing, sex, and over-the-top gore and violence?

Is it the inclusion of some lesson in morality and right-living?

Is it a theme of good over evil?

Is it the fact that the story promotes a Christian worldview? (And by the way, that phrase is thrown around a lot. What exactly is a Christian worldview? What is its defintion?)

Is it nothing more than the intent and heart of the author?

Is it not necessarily any of the above but something else?

Or should we not label it Christian fiction at all because the term has gotten too ambigious?

Let me know what you think. When you hear the term Christian fiction, what comes to mind? What do you expect in the book?

I ask these questions out of all sincerity. It seems there has been some confusion over the term lately and the defintion has been lost somewhere along the way.

Making the Impossible, Possible

2009-12-14T06:05:00.002-05:00

I think it's quite normal this time of year to gravitate toward the Christmas story in the gospels. It's refreshing to re-read the accounts surrounding the birth of our Lord and see them in a new light every time. I never grow tired of hearing the story that's just as relevant today as it was so many years ago.

Interestingly, every time I read it I find new nuggets of gold that sparkle and shine and impact me in new ways. From now until Christmas I'll be sprinkling these blog posts with some verses that have particularly interested me this Christmas season.

Luke 1:37. Gabriel testifies to Mary that God Himself, the Holy Spirit, the Most High, will plant a seed in her, the "holy one," the Son of God, a miracle indeed, then he tells her that her cousin Elizabeth, old and barren, is six months pregnant, another miracle.

Now, all this comes on the heels of Gabriel telling Mary she will bear a son and Mary knowing that is an impossibility since she is a virgin. Virgin's don't get pregnant, basic biology here. So not only is Mary, a self-proclaimed virgin, going to give birth, but the child will be the Son of God, fathered by God Himself. And as if that wasn't enough impossibility to swallow, her cousin, well past the age of child-bearing and barren on top of that, is already pregnant. Can it all get any more impossible than that?

But what Gabriel says at the end of verse 37 refutes any argument, casts aside science and common sense and anything and everything having to do with the realm of possibilities and probabilities (remember, this is God we're talking about). He says, "For nothing is impossible with God."

How well we would do to remember that tidbit of information. In this world there are possibilities and impossibilities, but with God there are only possibilities. Anything is possible!

Too many times we (I) get downtrodden because circumstances overwhelm us, the valley grows too deep, the darkness too black, the waters too rough. We fear all hope is lost and despair fills our heart.

But wait, science doesn't call the shots here, medicine isn't infallible, even common knowledge is overrated. With God there are no impossibilities. Cancer can be beaten, death can be thwarted, the lame can walk and the blind can see, jobs can be found, and hearts can be changed. Folks, this is God we're talking about. Need we be reminded again and again? "For nothing is impossible with God."

Jingle Bell 5K

2009-12-12T09:55:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow I'll be running in the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell 5K in Lancaster, PA with my sister, Katie. The race starts at 1 pm and the weather, um, is "wintry." High 30s/low 40s, rain, sleet, the whole shebang. Great. Well, at least we'll be jingle belling all the way . . . everyone is to wear jingle bells tied to their shoe laces.

Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones

2009-12-11T06:04:00.003-05:00

Caroline had an appointment with the pediatric rheumatologist yesterday.

In case you're just catching up to speed, Caroline is our youngest daughter, just seven, and was recently diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It started in her hands over the summer and quickly progressed to involving not only her hands but her shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, back, and chest too.

Two months ago she was started on a course of two different kinds of medication and has seen some great results. Where she used to be in pain every day now she may go two, three, even four days without pain. When she does have pain now it is sporadic and irregular, her shoulder one day, her knee the next, maybe ankle pain in the morning then gone by afternoon, that kind of stuff. She still gets pain with most kinds of physical activity which makes playing like any seven-year-old loves to difficult and frustrating.

The doctor was very pleased with the progress she's making and suggested we stay on course with the current treatment for another three months at which time she'll get another set of x-rays to see if there has been any progressive damage to the bones. If there isn't, we'll keep the treatment as is; if there is, we'll try a different kind of medication.

One concern the doctor did have was that Caroline has been complaining of TMJ pain recently. He said the TMJ is the one joint that therapies don't seem to affect. The only effective treatment they've found, if things progress, is a steroid injection directly into the joint. We'll be watching for signs of further joint damage there and monitor her ability to open her mouth wide. If anything changes, a call will be made and said needle goes to work.

We'll be praying in three months she's doing even better.

An Open Letter to "Holiday Celebrator"

2009-12-09T18:36:00.004-05:00

Dear Holiday Celebrator,

You've made me sick of the "holidays."

No, I'm not sick of Christmas. Goodness, no. I love Christmas, the season, the day, and everything it stands for and reminds me of. What I'm sick of is "Happy Holidays," holiday trees, holiday cards, holiday cookies, holiday greetings, holiday presents, blah, blah, blah.

What's a holiday tree anyway? Can you explain that to me? "Well, it's . . . um, a Christmas tree." Oh, really? Then why not just say CHRISTMAS TREE!

Holiday cards? Don't they mostly have images of decorated trees, beautifully wrapped presents, snowy landscapes, Santa Claus, stockings, lighted homes, and such? All, traditional images of, hmmm, let's see, what's that holiday called? Oh yeah, CHRISTMAS!

Oh, and how about those holiday cookies? When's the last time anyone made pine tree-shaped cookies or reindeer-shaped cookies for Hanukkah? No, they're shapes associated with that holiday, um, you know, the one that falls on December 25th every year, you know . . . I think my calendar calls it . . . CHRISTMAS!

And what's with none of the stores mentioning Christmas? Holiday sales? "Happy Holidays" banners? When it's President's Day they're not ashamed to say it, or Independence Day or Memorial Day or Labor Day. And what do they all have in common with Christmas? They're all federal holidays.

Yes, Maybe it's slipped your mind, but we have a federal holiday called Christmas, whether you're a Christian or not, whether you're an American citizen or not, whether you recognize it or not. Look on your calendar, it's there, December 25th, the same day every year. Year after year. Kids are off school, government employees are off work, your mail won't be delivered. It's called Christmas. It's not a bad word. It's no more offensive than Labor Day or Memorial Day. It's a holiday. For some it holds special meaning, yes, because without the birth of Christ there would be no Christmas (not to mention no hope for mankind in which case not having Christmas to celebrate would be the least of our worries).

But the reality of it is, whether you see it as a holy day reminding of us that moment in time when God wrapped himself in flesh and humbled himself, becoming a helpless infant in our cursed world or whether you see it as just another holiday that you get off work and spend the day with family, it's called Christmas. Say it with me, "Christmas." You said it a million times when you were a kid and nobody got offended, our government didn't collapse, there was no widespread revolt. So what's changed? The day, the reason for the day, or you?

Sincerely . . . and merry Christmas,

A Christmas Celebrator

Before, During, and After Cancer, a Photo Journey

2009-12-06T16:37:00.005-05:00

Cancer has a way of becoming a benchmark in your life. From now on, everything will be B.C. (Before Cancer) and A.C. (After Cancer). I suppose that's how it is with any traumatic experience. Everything is measured against that experience. Whenever I have to get any medical procedure done now I compare it to chemo or the ostomy. A colonoscopy is child's play compared to that stuff. Blood work? Please, doesn't even make me sweat in comparison. Nasogastric tube (see photo below) . . . okay, that's pretty bad, ranks right up there with the chemo, not as bad as the ostomy. You get the idea. The same measuring tool is used for everyday events too.

Talk to any cancer survivor and they'll tell you the same thing, life changes after cancer, it's never the same again . . . for the good and bad. For one, I have a whole new outlook on who God is and how He operates in the lives of His children. He's so much more real to me now, so much more personal.

So, in thinking about all this cancer stuff I thought I'd post a few photos, before, during, and after the battle.

This photo was taken 10 months before diagnosis. We took a family vacation to the Pemaquid area in Maine. Little did we know that monster was inside me even then, growing stronger every day.

Here I am with the beloved nasogastric tube. Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase, "Up your nose with a rubber hose." That hose, by the way, is travelling all the way down to my stomach and draining its contents.

Here I am with my baby girl in some caverns in Virginia. This was taken seven months after finishing up chemo, two years after our vacation to Maine, the first photo. You can see I shed a few pounds along the way.

Fiction as Evangelism, Some Questions and Thoughts

2009-12-04T05:21:00.004-05:00

Earlier this week I mentioned a blog post by Mike Duran over at Novel Journey about using fiction to evangelize. Thank you for the responses. I've been thinking about this issue lately and it's brought up some questions in my mind.

Now, first, I realize that evangelism is a continuum that runs from living a godly lifestyle to sharing the gospel to leading someone to Christ to discipling that someone. There's more or less steps involved there, of course. Each situation and how someone ultimately comes to Christ is unique and unto itself. For the purposes of this post and my thoughts I'm zeroing in on the aspect of sharing the good news of God's salvation part of evangelism.

A few questions running through my mind:

Can fiction itself evangelize? Obviously, if it's going to, somewhere in the story there must be the gospel message. That can be presented in a myriad of ways, from covert to overt, but let's face it, telling a wholesome story with no swearing or sex and maybe a moral message isn't going to clue anyone in on the glory of what Jesus did on the cross and our need for Him as a Savior. Yes, God can use anything to lead someone to Himself but how shall they know unless someone tells them? God's intent is that people introduce the message.

Can fiction be used as a tool to evangelize? This is where I say a hearty YES! Jesus did it all the time in the form of parables. From the time we're old enough to understand the English language people are in love with stories. The way I see it, this can be done a couple ways. One, a story can be another seed planted in the soil of an unbeliever's heart. Maybe something in the story plucks that right heart string or opens the blinds just the right way to let the Light in. Maybe it clues in on just the right topic that brings that dawning of understanding. Whatever. The point is, when we write a story, we never know how God is going to use that story or the characters in it or the message in it. The second way is that the story can be used by someone else as a platform to share the gospel. A believer can give the book to an unbeliever then get a conversation started about the book and guide that conversation toward spiritual things.

Here's another question I have and it's spawned by Christian authors writing for the secular market with an intent to evangelize. They say they want to reach the unbelievers and I commend them for that and am not in any way questioning their heart or motives. My question is asked out of simple ignorance: How can they evangelize a lost world who knows nothing of God's salvation with a story that speaks nothing of God's salvation? Obviously, their target audience is the lost. And I would imagine a secular publisher isn't going to go for overt Christian messages in the book (except in rare circumstances), so how does this happen? I equate it to working side by side with your co-worker and living a clean, moral life in front of him/her but never going beyond that, never talking about spiritual things, never mentioning your faith, never talking about Jesus.

Now, I can see where a Christian author (or "an author who is a Christian," which seems to be the popular way of saying it nowadays) may want to write for the general market with an eye to believers who are struggling with one thing or another and has strayed from the faith. They would have a much better chance of reaching that person in the general market with a story of hope and redemption.

Just some thoughts. They are my thoughts. Feel free to agree or disagree. This is after all, America, and still a free country . . . for now.

I'm sure I'll have more thoughts as time goes by but for now, I'd like to hear yours.

Mike Duran on Using Fiction to Evangelize

2009-12-02T06:17:00.002-05:00

Last month here we had some discussion about what exactly "Christian" fiction is and how it is to be used. A discussion that could go much deeper and hopefully will in future posts here (once my home computer is up and running again). But for now, if you're interested at all in this topic of Christian fiction and it being used to evangelize read this post by Mike Duran over at Novel Journey. It's a thought-provoking piece that has generated some interesting coversation. Be sure to peruse through the comments too. There's some good stuff in there.

I'd like to write more on this issue of using fiction to evangelize soon. Should it be done? Can it be done? How should it be done?

A Sure-Fire Way to Beat Depression and Burn Out Dirty Stickiness

2009-12-01T05:38:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, Chip MacGregor, a literary agent, mentioned a book on his blog called How to Good-Bye Depression by Hiroyuki Nishigaki. Folks, you have to at least check this book out on Amazon. I haven't laughed so hard by myself in a very long time.

Go to the Amazon page (click on book link above), check out the "Look Inside" feature, but most of all, read the reviews by other readers. Hilarious! The amazing thing is that this book is selling really well on Amazon.

Here's a bit to whet your appetite:

The subtitle: "If You Constrict Anus 100 Times Everyday. Malarky? Or Effective Way?"

And from the back cover: I think constricting anus 100 times and denting navel 100 times in succession everyday is effective to good-bye depression and take back youth. You can do so at a boring meeting or in a subway. I have known 70-year-old man who has practiced it for 20 years. As a result, he has good complexion and has grown 20 years younger. His eyes sparkle. He is full of vigor, happiness and joy. He has neither complained nor born a grudge under any circumstance. Furthermore, he can make * * three times in succession without drawing out.

In addition, he also can have burned a strong beautiful fire within his abdomen. It can burn out the dirty stickiness of his body, release his immaterial fiber or third attention which has been confined to his stickiness. Then, he can shoot out his immaterial fiber or third attention to an object, concentrate on it and attain happy lucky feeling through the success of concentration.

If you don't know concentration which gives you peculiar pleasure, your life looks like a hell.

Folks, I don't know about you, but burning out dirty stickiness and releasing immaterial fiber sounds pretty good. Now if I could only concentrate and attain that happy lucky feeling. Maybe I need to dent my navel more.

Wishing I Was a Geek

2009-11-29T17:21:00.003-05:00

Computers are wonderful things, really they are, but at times, boy oh boy, I just want to . . . well, you know . . . self-control is needed. This morning was one of those times. Got up, trudged downstairs, turned computer on, just like I've been doing every morning for the past five years (almost every morning). While the computer boots up I take the dog out, feed her, then check email, etc. Only this morning when I went to check email I found a blue screen that said "Registry File Failure" then some computer gobblety-gook then "It is corrupt, absent, or not writable."

Didn't sound good. Words like "failure," "corrupt," and "absent" don't go well with a computer.

Now, I'm not computer savvy at all. I know how to turn it on and navigate myself around the programs I'm familiar with but when it comes to troubleshooting and repairing damaged software my knowledge base goes about as far as turning the thing off then back on again. When this failed I tried it again two or three more times. I'm having trouble remembering the details because at this point I was teetering on the edge of panic. Man, I wish I was a computer geek.

Every time I tried to restart it that same confounded blue screen popped up with that word . . . "failure." Failure. Kinda harsh, dont you think? Like the computer is laughing at me, hollering, "Failure!"

Luckily, I have some friends at church who are computer savvy and know a little more than turning it off and on. One guy said it sounded "not good" and suggested I find a computer repair man to see if he can salvage the data on the hard drive. So I talked to another friend who is a computer repair man. He said it sounded like he could retrieve the data but I'd need a new hard drive.

Repair man? New hard drive? I was seeing $$$. This is sounding too much like when my car goes to the shop. (My friend the repair man assured me it wouldn't cost too much.)

I always thought these crashing hard drives happened to that other guy, you know, the guy who doesn't know diddly about computers . . . oh, wait, that's me. Bummer.

Anyway, I wrote this post on my work IBM ThinkPad. I may be out of commission for a little while and definately won't be updating my Facebook or Twitter because the network this laptop runs on for work blocks social networking sites.

Hey, you know what? I might just enjoy the vacation from being "connected."

On Being a Historical Figure

2009-11-27T05:32:00.003-05:00

My girls are into the American Girl dolls. Every year for Christmas they look forward to either getting a new doll or some accessory for a doll they already have. Hey, I love the fact that my girls are still into dolls and not so interested in having their eyeballs glued to a computer screen.

Now, here's the rub. Here's my latest (and only) beef with the American Girl company. They have a line of "historical dolls," dolls modeled after girls from different time periods in American history. There's Felicity from the American Revolution, Josephina, a girl of Mexican descent in the 1820's, Addy from 1864, Kit from 1934, and Molly from the WWII era, to name a few. Each doll has a book that tells that girls' story, history lessons, and so forth. Each doll also has various outfits from the time period, funiture, accessories, etc. all fit to the time period in which the girl lives. Very cool stuff.

But . . . a few months ago I came home from work only to have my girls tell me I was now "historical." What? Here they had received the new American Girl catalog only to find out the newest "historical" figure was Julie, girl of the 1970s.

What? You gotta be kidding me. Puh-lease. I grew up in the 70s! I'm not historical! Sure I may be getting some gray hair and my joints may be a little more stiff than they used to be, and I remember seeing KISS in concert and when skateboards first got big (even though they were little and skinny then). Okay, so I remember seeing Star Wars (the real Star Wars) in the theatre. I had an Atari 2600. My bike had a big ole banana seat. I'm a child of the 70s, but I'm not historical. Please don't go there. Not yet.

What, Me Thankful?

2009-11-25T05:36:00.004-05:00

The other evening after dinner I played a little game with my girls. We were talking about being thankful and how in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 it says to give thanks in all circumstances. I would give them a scenario and they would tell me one thing they could be thankful for in that circumstance. It was challenging but I think it opened their little eyes to the blessing of finding something to be thankful for no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in.

I would challenge you to do it by yourself or with your family.

Now, again, I was thinking back to where I was last year at this time and how far I've come, how far we've come as a family. I have much to be thankful for. Here's a quick run-down: (look, I know this time of year everyone's posting their lists and we all tend to just skim over them and think, "Oh, that's nice," so I won't be offended if you do the same here, but it may just be worth reading . . . and besides, you're on this list too!)

My wife, Jen. We don't always see eye to eye, I doubt if any married couple does, but I value her opinion and insight. And her faithfulness is legendary (in my mind). She stuck with me, by my side, during our darkest hours and saw things and experienced things I'm sure wasn't on her mind when she signed up for this gig. She's a good woman, a great mother, and a blessing of a wife.

My daughters, my three little chicks. What joy they bring a daddy. I'm so proud of them I could run up down our street like a psyche ward runaway screaming "I have the best kids in the world!" They are sweet, patient, forgiving, loving, and so talented in so many ways. And their faith constantly gives me an education.

My parents and family. Really, they're my biggest fans and I'm not just talking about my writing. No matter how low I get they are there to pick me up and set me back on my feet. You can't put value on that.

I'm thankful for my job, that I have a job. It suits me perfectly and I love spending time with my patients.

I'm thankful for the opportunity God's given me to write and publish my books. Folks, I don't take any of it for granted and write each book as if it will be my last. I know this whole rollercoaster is held up by God's good grace and at any moment it could be taken away (the Lord gives and the Lord takes away). I want to make each book count.

I'm thankful for my publisher and the wonderful team of people I work with. I truly feel like I'm part of their family. Also for my agent and writing friends. Without them none of this would be happening.

I'm thankful for YOU! Readers and lovers of fiction who encourage me and pray for me and read my books and share my books. You have no idea what an honor it is to know that someone took time out of their busy day to read a story I created and actually enjoyed it. Honestly, I still have a hard time believing all this is really happening. I'm like a little kid (or, hey, even a big kid) on Christmas morning every time I get an email or Facebook message or blog comment about one of my books.

I'm thankful for YOU! Those who don't read my books for one reason or another but keep up with my family and my blog for other reasons. Thank you for praying for us, thank you for supporting us and encouraging us and just being there for us. How wonderful it is to know that in this journey of life, no matter how scary or dark or tumultuous it may get, we are not alone.

This list could go on and on but you really don't want to keep scrolling down like that and I probably lost you after "too!)"

Sorry, but this list is more for me than you and it'll keep going on and on in my heart.

Darlington Woods Endorsement

2009-11-24T06:07:00.003-05:00

Here's another endorsement for Darlington Woods that came in last week. This one from a very talented author and screenwriter. In face, it was her books that first inspired me to start writing fiction.

"Terrifying and exhilarating, Darlington Woods is a heart-wrenching and soul-healing story of a father’s—and the Father’s—love. One of my favorite writers, Mike Dellosso delivers a book that readers will find almost impossible to put down. Action junkies, mystery lovers, and supernatural fans will be held captive by the dark journey through Darlington Woods. Keep the lights on—and be assured that the talented Dellosso will take you on a journey by the light that always shines in the darkness."

--Kathryn Mackel, author of Vanished

Thank you, Kathy!

Finding Thankfulness

2009-11-23T05:42:00.003-05:00

Somtimes life throws some real junk at us. It's like that merciless bully that just won't leave us alone. It's gotta keep coming and coming with the bad stuff. Relentless. Overwhelming. Cruel. And just when you think, "It can't get much worse than this" . . . it does.

Ever been there? I know I have. And I know many others who have as well.

This is the time of year when thankfulness is foremost on our minds. Everyone's saying their thankful for this and thankful for that. But what about when you're in that valley and the bully is hot on your heels, ready to dish out another beating? What about when you just don't feel very thankful at all? Things are bleak, the color for the day is black, gray at best, and the tunnel is long and dark with no light to be seen?

Like I said, I've been there.

And here's what I learned: there's always something to be thankful for. I know it sounds cliche-ish and maybe it is. But it's true. Every situation, every circumstance, every valley, every dark tunnel, has something to be thankful for. Oh, sometimes you have to look hard for it, and at the time it may not seem like much, but it's there. I promise.

I believe that God inserts these little blessings into every trial we go through, pinpoints of light. His fingerprints are there. Sometimes (maybe most times) they're not very visible and you have to go through some work to dust for them, but if you look closely enough, you'll find them. And then they'll be so obvious you'll wonder why you didn't see them all along and you'll cling to them like your life depends on it. Because it does.

Last year at this time I was undergoing chemo for my colon cancer, still had my ileostomy, and was struggling in more ways than I cared to admit. So I had to go back and see what I wrote on this topic of thankfulness last year. Here's a snippet:

This is going to sound really weird and maybe even a bit sick, but one of the things I'm thankful for this year is my battle with cancer.

Because of the cancer that has invaded my body I've experienced things, learned things, witnessed things, and prayed things I never would have otherwise. I've seen God work in, yes, miraculous ways. I've seen His faithfulness up close and personal, been on the receiving end of His grace, felt the comfort of His arms around me, found things in His Word I've never seen before, and heard the soothing sound of His voice in my ear.

Like I said, there's always something to be thankful for. Think about that.

Reality's Slap

2009-11-19T06:06:00.004-05:00

There are a lot of rewarding things about working in the field of physical therapy (my job that pays the bills) and a lot more rewarding things about doing it in someone's home. But at times it can be a real slap in the face by Reality. People suffer, they hurt, they cry, their lives are turned upside down and sometimes with no hope of ever being turned right side up again.

I'm currently seeing a young woman, just 34, with multiple sclerosis. She lives with her sister as she is unable to care for herself. Her movements are jerky, uncoordinated, and awkward. She walks using a walker and much effort so spends most of her time in a wheelchair. She has a seven-year-old son.

Most of the time she smiles and talks the best she can. She is such a sweet woman, such a kind soul.

Seeing how this awful disease has overtaken her and slowly debilitated her is saddening and maddening. It's downright cruel and viscious and merciless. I hate MS.

But the thing that's the hardest is watching her interact with her seven-year-old son. Her sister is raising the boy, stepping in as his surrogate mother, but I can tell my patient wants to be his mommy. Every boy needs a mommy. I can see the pain in her eyes when she can't be there for him or when her sister has to step in and do what she cannot. It's enough to put a knot in my throat and tears in my eyes.

So what do I do? Try to brighten her day as much as I can. Encourage her. Point out the areas where she's improving and celebrate what she can do. And pray for her.

Folks, none of us know what tomorrow holds. No one can tell what next year will bring. All of us are just one day away, one hour away, one minute, one second away from having our lives turned upside down. But for the grace of God I could be that thirty-something unable to care for my own children.

Celebrate, praise, laugh, love, run and play and explore and enjoy . . .

More Misconceptions About Writing and Publishing

2009-11-16T20:11:00.003-05:00

Here are more misconceptions about writing and being an author.

Misconception #5: Anyone can write a book if they only had the time.

The record: Okay, so this one is actually correct. Anyone can write a book. But no, not anyone can write a book worthy of being published no matter how much time they have. That reasoning would lead one to assume that anyone can play professional baseball if they were only given the chance. Or anyone can play the piano at concert level if they only had a piano. Writing is both a talent and a skill, both nature and nurture, innate and learned. Yes, it takes time, and determination, and hard work, and practice, and more practice, and humility, and perseverance, and creativity, and a lot of hard work.

Misconception #6: If you publish a book it will be in every bookstore.

The record: Don't we all wish. The reality is that your book getting in a bookstore depends on the publishers sales reps and the bookstore's or chain's buyers. The two have to click to make the deal happen. If your last name is Sparks or King or Patterson or Grisham, yes, you will be in EVERY bookstore, but for most of us, we can only hope for that.

Misconception #7: Once your published, continuing to be published is a cinch.

The record: Being published once is not a guarantee of being published twice. Every author lives with the fear that the book he or she is working on now will be the last one he or she gets published. It's a healthy fear, though, because it keeps us on our toes always striving to grow and improve our writing and come up with new and fresh and captivating story lines.

Misconception #8: Once you have a contract, anything you write will be accepted by the publisher.

The record: Um, no. Wrong. Every book idea has to be scrutinized by the editorial team, the marketing team, the accounting team, the sales team, and every idea has to be approved. I've had ideas both rejected and tweaked. That's the business. The center of the publishing universe is not the author, it's the consumer. And publishers will only accept ideas they think they can sell. Some get accepted, the rest rejected. That's life.

Any other authors out there, feel free to leave a comment with other misconceptions you've run in to. Or if you have any questions about writing or the publishing process, fire away.

2009-11-16T06:16:00.004-05:00

Some interesting things happened last week on the blogs of other notables in the CBA.

First, Ted Dekker posted his comments about the writing guidelines of the Love Inspired book line, an imprint of Harlequin that publishes Christian romance novels. His opinion sparked a flurry of comments both supportive and not so supportive.

One of those comments came from a rebuttal post by agent Chip MacGregor. If you haven't been following this, it's pretty interesting stuff. And if you read the posts, make sure to peruse the comments too. Ted does wind up backtracking a bit and apologizing to Love Inspired authors, whom he never meant to insult. And Chip then gives Ted kudos for "a very nice gesture on his part."

Check out the posts and see what you think.

Now, in other exciting news, Friday I got the cover art for Darlington Woods. Leave a comment and tell me what you think.