December 13, 2008
Column Reprinted: "Punishments from God"
One of my Everyday Faith columns has been reprinted in Fear and Trembling. Please stop by and check it out if you have a chance. While you're there check out the very cool "Dragon Claus" cover by Hisart. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:59 AM | Comments (0)
November 07, 2008
"The Book Signing" by Valerie L. Smith
Next up is a speculative story in a modern setting. You won't want to miss this one!
"The Book Signing"
by Valerie L. Smith
What if your thoughts and actions were recorded in living color and surround sound in a leather-bound book—or books, plural, if you’re prone to walking on the wild side?
Posted by Selena at 07:10 AM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2008
Quote of the Day
Today's quote is from an old Gary Chapman song called "In His Hand," which sadly is not available on iTunes. (Grrr.)
"There is no cause for fear, here in His hand."
It looks like there used to be a video of the song on YouTube, but sadly it's not there anymore. (Bummer.) I used to have it on video myself, but that was back in the days of VHS and who's got VHS anymore?
So, I guess I'll just have to sing it from memory as best I can to remind myself that in God's hands "there is only safety."
I'm also trying to keep this Bible verse in my head:
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)
Or as I like to say when my life looks hopelessly screwed up: "Relax. God knows what he is doing and he has my best interests at heart."
Posted by Selena at 07:10 AM | Comments (0)
July 12, 2008
Quote of the Day
Today's quote is from Psalms 31:
"Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress."
You can read the whole Psalms here.
Posted by Selena at 04:30 PM | Comments (0)
July 01, 2008
Psalms 139
In getting ready for this week's Sunday School lesson, I came across Psalms 139 and it really spoke to me of how closely God is with us and how we can never get so far away that he isn't right there with us.
Here's my favorite section, verses 1-10:
"O LORD, you have examined my heart
and know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts when I'm far away.
You see me when I travel
and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know what I am going to say
even before I say it, LORD.
You go before me and follow me.
You place your hand of blessing on my head.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too great for me to understand!
I can never escape from your Spirit!
I can never get away from your presence!
If I go up to heaven, you are there;
if I go down to the grave, you are there.
If I ride the wings of the morning,
if I dwell by the farthest oceans,
even there your hand will guide me,
and your strength will support me."
This verse is perhaps especially comforting to me because I sometimes feel alone, unseen, and far from home. But with God, I am never truly alone, unseen, or far from home. Because ultimately home is where God is, and God is everywhere.
Posted by Selena at 09:42 PM | Comments (2)
June 13, 2008
Column Reprinted: "Tithing My Time"
One of my columns has been reprinted at Haruah. Please stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 09:53 AM | Comments (0)
May 22, 2008
New Column Pub'd: "God Day"
I just had a new column published at Haruah. Please stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 09:25 AM | Comments (0)
May 05, 2008
Quote of the Day: "Be the change..."
Today's quote is actually a few lines from last week's Grey's Anatomy:
---
Addison Montgomery: "You're a fighter, Stevens. What happened?"
Izzie Stevens: "I lost a lot of fights."
Addison: "Well... Time to get back up. Go. Be the change you want to see in the world."
Izzie: "Did you just quote Gandhi to me?"
---
What a great scene! I particularly love Izzie's face when she says, "I lost a lot of fights." I can totally relate.
"Be the change..."
I'm trying.
Posted by Selena at 04:34 PM | Comments (0)
May 02, 2008
Column Reprinted: "The Source"
One of my columns has been reprinted in Fear and Trembling. Stop by and check it out if you can. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 03:16 PM | Comments (0)
April 25, 2008
Column Reprinted: "Letting God Drive"
One of my columns has been reprinted in Haruah:
Stop by and check it out. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:17 AM | Comments (0)
March 24, 2008
Story Published: "The Word"
I just had a story published. It's called "The Word" and is at Anathema, an online anthology that publishes stories written sympathetically from a contrary point of view. Being a Christian, I chose to write from a non-Christian point of view. I hope Christians won't find the story offensive; it's not meant to be.
This story is science fiction and short (under 2000 words). I think it's a humorous story about misunderstandings.
I'll hope you'll stop by and give it a read. I'd be interested to hear your reaction.
Here is the link to the story:
"The Word"
Here is the link to the magazine:
Anathema
A bit of trivia: I originally called the story "Visitors." The editor changed the title, with my consent.
Posted by Selena at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)
March 16, 2008
Quotes of the Day: from "Leap of Faith"
I didn't go to church today. I bugged out after Sunday School. But even before then, I had my own personal worship service going on courtesy of the movie soundtrack from "Leap of Faith."
Today the song I'm feeling most is "Change in My Life." Here is a sample lyric:
"Standing cold and scared on top of blue hill,
There came one moment when I lost my will.
I prayed for mercy, please Lord take me away.
Oh give me sunshine where I only see grey.
My past had a hold on me, it can't be denied,
And the changes don't come easily.
I've been lonely, I've been cheated,
I've been misunderstood
I've been washed up, I've been put down,
And told I'm no good
But with you I belong,
Cause you help me be strong,
There's a change in my life,
Since you came along."
I feel like I'm stuck in the downtrodden part of my life, knowing that God has changed my life, but waiting for that change to be made manifest. I guess God is trying to teach me patience. ;)
P.S. Actually, the next song on the album is a five-minute revival of its own. Who knew a song called "King of Sin Medley" could be so uplifting?
"The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?"
That right there, that feeling—that is what church is supposed to do to you.
Posted by Selena at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)
February 21, 2008
Godspell = Revival
While I was in DC last week, I visited a church I had attended for a few months back when I lived in the area. It was a great experience. It reminded me what it feels like to be in my kind of church, one where I fit in and feel at home.
Although I enjoyed the sermon—especially how the pastor used Facebook to make his point—it was the children's lesson that got to me the most. It was about Godspell and ended with a recitation of this prayer/song from the musical:
"Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day"
Today I happened to find the Godspell CD that I lost track of years ago. I promptly imported it into my iTunes so I wouldn't misplace the music again.
I've spent most of the evening listening to Godspell over and over again. The music does more for me spiritually that most of the church services I have attended. It reminds me and inspires me and prods me ever closer to God. It's like a revival in a CD case.
"Long live God."
----
For more on Godspell visit these sites I found via Google and liked:
I like this one for the full lyrics and the story of a church who performed the musical.
Then this is the official site (I guess). It's got a lot of stuff but I particularly like the history of how Godspell came about. That story was even part of the children's lesson mentioned above.
Posted by Selena at 08:19 PM | Comments (0)
February 03, 2008
Column Reprinted: "The Source"
One of my Everyday Faith columns has been reprinted at TeenAge. Plus it now has a very cool illustration accompanying it.
Please stop by and check it out:
"The Source"
Posted by Selena at 09:11 PM | Comments (0)
December 22, 2007
Unique Christmas Story
Well, RevGalBlogPals and Eternal Echoes strike again. (See Blog Jewels post for the previous mention.)
I was reading RevGals and related posts tonight and came across a wonderful three-part story about Christmas from the point of view of some women who were there but on the periphery: Mary’s mother, Elizabeth, and the innkeeper’s wife.
It’s worth checking out. Go here for part 1.
Merry Christmas, everyone.
Posted by Selena at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
December 15, 2007
Blog Jewels
Last night I was too tired to work, but still had to be awake for the baby-watching, so I ended up surfing. I found some jewels and wanted to share them:
Grendel, The Misanthropic Dog: this blog is from the point of view of a dog. So sweet and entertaining.
That led me to this blog post from one of Grendel's friends, a dog named BlackStar. What a great story about an "incident!"
I also like to read RevGalBlogPals. Yesterday's "Friday Five" turned up all kinds of good responses at various member blogs. But this response from Eternal Echoes particularly got me:
Under the heading of "what makes you rejoice about Jesus' coming," this blogger wrote:
"That God should come amongst us in the form of a baby,
born to a poor family...
That God should choose vulnerability..."
Wow. Thinking of Jesus, the Son of God, as a vulnerable baby… And that he chose that as his way into the world… What does that tell us?
Wow. Just wow.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
Posted by Selena at 10:31 PM | Comments (0)
December 12, 2007
Listening to…
"I Can Only Imagine" – both the version by Mercy Me and the one by Wynonna Judd. Actually I am also listening to the adapted Amy Grant version that is called just "Imagine."
The song gets to me every time, no matter which form it's in.
If there are still people out there who aren't familiar with this song, here is a sample of the lyrics:
---
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side
I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine
[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine
---
If you don't already have a copy of the song, I'll highly recommend it.
Posted by Selena at 02:24 PM | Comments (0)
November 20, 2007
Charlie's Gone
Last night my favorite cat, who had been dying slow for weeks, suddenly switched to dying fast. It was a terrible, heart-wrenching night.
It had been coming for a while, so at least I was a little prepared. By all rational measures Charlie should have died weeks ago. But God granted us a miraculous reprieve. Charlie inexplicably got better for a couple weeks. I remember thinking that I would be so grateful if he just lived through this really rough time I had scheduled November 17-19. And he did. God granted me the comfort of my favorite feline companion through that particularly difficult time. I am so appreciative of that blessing.
Still, I miss having Charlie around. The habit of him is so ingrained that I keep expecting to see him snoozing in one of his favorite spots or coming around the corner to see what's going on. Then a split second later my brain catches up and I remember.
Here's Charlie with the baby cat in the family. He's the solid black one. Madeline is the multi-colored baby.
God is so good. Even in the dark times. Especially in the dark times.
Posted by Selena at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)
November 09, 2007
My Column "Failure and Faith" Reprinted
My Everyday Faith column entitled "Failure and Faith" has been reprinted at Haruah. Please stop by and have a look. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 06:23 PM | Comments (0)
November 04, 2007
NaNo Day 4 + a Quote from Psalms
I had the day off from both baby-watching and editing, so I was able to get a lot of NaNo done.
The servers have been down on all the Double-Edged Publishing sites so I literally couldn't get any DEP work done today. I took it as a sign to spend more time on NaNo instead.
Today's Tally = 5428
Cumulative = 15,696
% done = 31.4%
Not bad at all.
Plus, I managed to work part of Psalms 31 into the story today. Here's a snippet from the psalm:
"Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am in distress.
Tears blur my eyes.
My body and soul are withering away.
I am dying from grief;
My years are shortened by sadness.
…
But I am trusting you, O Lord,
Saying 'You are my God!'
My future is in your hands.
Rescue me…
Let your favor shine on your servant.
In your unfailing love, rescue me."
It worked perfectly because my main character is going through a difficult time at this particular part of the book. Things are going to get better though. Don't you worry. I am all about the happy ending. Don't know what it will be yet, but it will be happy.
Posted by Selena at 06:34 PM | Comments (0)
November 03, 2007
Beautiful Photo at Haruah
I came across this in my morning surfing and just had to share…
"Boasting Peacock"
by W. Joy Robelen
It's the latest cover at Haruah and it's gorgeous.
The picture reminds me that God is an artist.
Stop by Haruah and check it out.
Posted by Selena at 07:59 AM | Comments (0)
October 23, 2007
Guardian Angels On Duty
Well, I got my break. Just yesterday I was wondering "Maybe tomorrow I can catch a break." And then today, I got it—a stroke of good luck so big that it could only be divine intervention.
Every now and then something happens—or, more often, doesn't happen—and it's obvious that guardian angels are protecting me and mine. Today is one of those days.
So, here I am to say:
Praise God for those moments of grace when He takes our mistakes and spares us from them.
Thank you, Lord. You are so good to me.
Posted by Selena at 10:12 AM | Comments (0)
October 16, 2007
"Diversity" Reprinted at Haruah
My Everyday Faith column entitled "Diversity" has been reprinted at Haruah.
Posted by Selena at 04:58 PM | Comments (0)
September 16, 2007
Quote of the Day: Firefly and Faith
My brain must work in strange ways because I was sitting in Sunday School today, the teacher asked something about what belonging to God means to us and my mind immediately went to this scene from "Firefly":
Wacky villagers have decided to burn River at the stake because they think she is a witch. (She isn't. She is just different and has abilities they don't understand.) Mal and Zoe have arrived to save her.
Villager says: "The girl is a witch."
Mal says: "Yeah, but she's our witch. So cut her the hell down!"
Love that.
Being God's means several things:
1) He will always protect us,
2) We owe Him our allegiance and obedience, and
3) He will always come to get us if someone tries to steal us away.
I just love the idea of God saying: "Let her go; she's one of mine."
Posted by Selena at 07:56 PM | Comments (0)
August 28, 2007
Quote of the Day: Failure
Here they are, from Ten Poems to Change Your Life by Roger Housden:
"Last night as I was sleeping,
I dreamt - marvelous error! -
that I had a beehive
here inside my heart.
And the golden bees
were making white combs
and sweet honey
From my old failures."
- Antonio Machado
Part of his poem “Last Night As I Was Sleeping”
(version by Robert Bly)
"Imagine the possibility that every single turn of events, however dark or disappointing the outcome, can in some circuitous way be the raw material for something that eventually surfaces with the sweetness of honey."
-Roger Housden
So, this is me, waiting for God to make sweet honeycombs out of all my failures.
Posted by Selena at 12:01 PM | Comments (0)
August 24, 2007
Quote of the Day: Rev Bem
"I have always believed the divine loves us best at the broken times."
- Rev Bem, in "Andromeda"
I think this was in one of the early seasons, because I don't think Rev Bem was around in the later seasons. He was one of my favorite characters though. A holy man struggling with his "beast" nature.
Posted by Selena at 07:30 PM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2007
Column Reprinted: "Wrestling with Envy"
One of my "Everyday Faith" columns has been reprinted at Haruah.
Please stop by and check it out. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 05:11 PM | Comments (0)
August 11, 2007
New Column: "Tithing My Time"
My latest column is now available at TeenAge magazine.
You can check it out here.
Please let me know what you think.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 08:32 PM | Comments (0)
July 09, 2007
Today's Tally
It's been a good day. I got a lot done, which always makes me feel good.
I read a couple submissions, walked one hour, and did a few other things on my to-do list. I'm especially excited that I finished and submitted a new column for Everyday Faith. (Don't know when it will appear though.)
That's progress. I've been getting so little writing done lately that accomplishing any writing at all is worthy of celebration.
It's not been my usual avoiding of the muse. Honest. It's just that my new granddaughter has been keeping me hopping. Seriously, anyone who tells you that taking care of an infant isn't a full-time job is either lying or clueless.
Here's wishing everyone a productive and happy week!
Posted by Selena at 04:54 PM | Comments (0)
June 01, 2007
Latest Column Now at TeenAge
My latest column ("Letting God Drive") is now also available at the brand new TeenAge magazine.
How cool is that?!!!
It's got me feeling all young and hip. And it's been awhile since I felt that way. Because, let's face it, I'm kinda old.
Check me out, I'm hanging with the young folk!
At least until they kick me out. ;)
Thanks TeenAge!
Posted by Selena at 04:25 PM | Comments (2)
May 28, 2007
Magic and God and The Ladies of Grace Adieu
Oddly enough, the topic of some Christians' objection to fantasy stories about magic came up at about the same time that I started reading Susanna Clarke's The Ladies of Grace Adieu.
Clark's collection of stories is about magic and fairies, and is set in the land of Faerie and old England. I'm pretty sure no one has labeled it Christian fantasy. But I don't just read Christian fiction and the book looked good, so I dove in.
I wasn't disappointed. In the first story, which is "The Ladies of Grace Adieu," one of the characters tells a story about the Raven King. The story so moved me that I have read that section over and over again. (I wish I could quote you the whole thing here, but I can't. I recommend you buy the book and read it for yourself.)
The story is a perfect example of why I don't just read Christian fiction, and why I don't feel the need to eschew stories about magic. God can speak through any story, not just ones without magic or with the "Christian" label. God spoke to me through the story of the Raven King.
The story is about the Raven King as a child. His uncle is concerned about the Raven Boy and decides to check the boy's dreams to see how he is doing. Upon laying the dreams out on a table, Uncle Auberon is dismayed to see that each of the boy's dreams contain terrifying things like dark towers, black birds, wolves and ghosts. He asks about each dream, "was you not afraid?" To which the boy responds "no" and depicts the nightmarish elements in a harmless, even loving way; for instance, that the wolves nursed, cuddled and comforted him when he was too young to do such for himself.
Finally the boy loses his patience with explaining his dreams and a fairy speaks up, warning the boy that "There are all sorts of things in Heaven and Earth…that yearn to do you harm." He then lists some pretty scary ones for good measure.
The boy responds that he knew the fairy sent him the dreams, and that he is a human child and thus cleverer than the fairy. Moreover he says, "I am an English child and all the wide grey English air, full of black wings beating and grey ghosts of rain sighing, belongs to me. This being so…why should I be afraid?"
At this point I was crying because what I heard was "I am a child of God. All the big, wide world belongs to my Heavenly Father, who loves me and cares for me. Every frightening thing in the world is under His command. Why then should I be afraid?"
Secular book, maybe. Christian blessing, for sure.
Posted by Selena at 04:43 PM | Comments (0)
May 27, 2007
New Column: "Letting God Drive"
My latest column was published today, so pop on over to The Sword Review and check it out:
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 05:17 PM | Comments (0)
April 29, 2007
Freaking Out a Little
I'm freaking out a little because when I tested my blood pressure yesterday it was 160/114. I think the official, medical term for that is "much, much too high."
When the resting pressure is almost as high as the normal blood pressure….well, I'm no expert but that doesn't sound good to me.
Thankfully I just came across this verse on a ShoutLife Profile:
2Timothy 1:7 "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind."
Thanks. I needed that.
:)
Posted by Selena at 07:14 PM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2007
Must Relax
"Three little birds sat on my window and they told me I don't need to worry."
That quote and the song it's from ought to be written on a prescription slip because it's a big part of my current treatment protocol.
You see, in addition to drastic diet changes, I also have to learn to relax and stop being such a perfectionist, worry-prone, type A personality. It's all part of the "Lower My Blood Pressure Before It Kills Me" Plan. I think this aspect of the lifestyle changes I have to make is going to be the hardest.
I've been trying to catch myself before I get worked up about things and say to myself, "Yeah, this is the sort of thing that would upset (or worry) me in the past, but I just can't afford to stress over it anymore. So, I am going to do what I can do then I am going to let go and trust God to work it out." I think I'm getting better at it. It takes practice like everything else. Long-ingrained habits are hard to break.
I also find that I am listening to my "Happy & Upbeat" Playlist over and over again. The quote above is from the top song on the list:
"Put Your Records On" by Corrine Bailey Rae
It is impossible to be in a bad mood while listening to that song! The song is "relaxed and happy" encapsulated into an easily transportable audio clip.
As a public service here is a sampling of my "Happy & Upbeat" playlist.
"Bad Day" by Daniel Powter
(I love that a song named "Bad Day" can be so uplifting.)
"Lover Come Up" by Josh Kelly
(from the soundtrack of "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" which includes several H&U songs. The movie is really good too.)
"Baby Girl" by Sugarland
"O What a Glorious Thing" by Akira The Don (also from the "Super Ex" soundtrack)
"Everything's Right" by Matt Wertz (also "Super Ex")
"Why Don't You & I" by Santana and Alex Band
"Streetcorner Symphony" by Rob Thomas
"Make It Happen" by Mariah Carey
"Love Love Love" by Tristan Prettyman ("Super Ex" strikes again!)
"The Joker" by Fatboy Slim (Also "Super Ex")
"Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina (classic 80's happy)
I used to have this quote on the wallpaper of my computer:
"Good morning. This is God. I will be handling all of your problems today. So, you can just relax and enjoy the day."
Maybe it's time to put that quote back up.
Be happy, all. God really is in control. And that's a very safe place for us all to be.
Posted by Selena at 09:14 AM | Comments (0)
April 09, 2007
Writing: My Will or God's?
Yesterday in Sunday School we listened to a sermon about Gethsemane. Several things struck me, but the one that I have been thinking about most this morning is the part about how our will has to be set aside in favor of God's will. The sermon put it even more strongly: our will must be torn out like a cancer, that it won't go quietly. At one point the preacher even used the term "dreams," that our dreams for ourselves have to die in order for God's dreams for us to become manifest in our lives.
That hit me hard. My mind immediately went to my one remaining dream: seeing myself as a successful, professional, published author. I have given up on and set aside all of my other big dreams. It is only this one that I am still clinging to. I'm holding onto it with desperation and passion. Does God really want me to let this dream go too? It seems like such a cruel thing for a loving God to ask.
Of course, there is also the parable of the talents. Maybe God wants me to use the meager writing talent He has given me in ways that glorify Him. I have tried to do that for the most part, but not everything I've written can be said to glorify God. Maybe that's the problem.
Anyway, it's a quandary, and bears thinking and praying about. At this point I have no answers, only questions.
Posted by Selena at 11:16 AM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2007
New Column Up: "Diversity"
My latest column is now available at The Sword Review. Pop on by and check it out.
Posted by Selena at 08:57 AM | Comments (0)
February 20, 2007
Take the Wheel
Some days I don’t even know what to hope for. I find myself faced with a situation that could go one way or the other, and I honestly don't know which would be best.
Today is one of those days.
All I can say is "Jesus, take the wheel."
(Yes, that's a song by Carrie Underwood
Or, as I like to pray, "God, please grant me the wisdom to know the right road and the strength to walk it."
Here's hoping it plays out however God prefers.
Posted by Selena at 06:55 PM | Comments (0)
January 14, 2007
New Column: "Stewardship"
My latest column is up. Pop on over and check it out.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 08:47 AM | Comments (0)
December 14, 2006
What Church Should Be
I can’t sleep. In my insomniac web wanderings, I came across this website that has a great vision of what church should be. (Scroll down to the bottom of the linked page.)
My favorite quotes from the page:
Church should be a place where God's people are sensitive and responsive to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of people. (Ephesians 4:29)
Church should be a place where God's priorities take precedence. (Matthew 22:36-40, 28:18-20)
I couldn’t agree more.
Posted by Selena at 12:32 AM | Comments (0)
November 25, 2006
Latest Column: "The Trinity is Not So Tough"
My latest column is up if you want to check it out:
"The Trinity Is Not That Tough"
It's about understanding the concept of the Trinity.
Posted by Selena at 08:24 AM | Comments (0)
October 17, 2006
New Column: Why Go to Church?
My latest column is now available at The Sword Review.
I was asking myself that same question again last Sunday as I tried out a new church (in my new neighborhood). I almost left several times.
The experience, especially the beginning, was so stressful that I was in tears. The church is much bigger than I am used to. Just getting in the parking lot and finding the appropriate place to park was a nerve-wracking traffic jam. Even once inside, the church and service were so loud and crowded and busy that it was overwhelming.
But there among the flash and the noise and the crush of many strangers was the still, small voice of God. So, it was okay.
Posted by Selena at 08:59 AM | Comments (0)
September 18, 2006
Column Up: "Freedom"
My latest column is up.
Check it out if you're interested. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)
August 17, 2006
New Column Published: "Come As You Are"
My latest column is up. It’s called “Come As You Are.”
I hope you like it.
Posted by Selena at 05:20 PM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2006
New Column: "Staying in Practice"
My latest column is up at The Sword Review. You can check it out here.
Some people have already posted comments about it, which is nice.
Posted by Selena at 07:34 AM | Comments (0)
July 02, 2006
Latest Column: "Calm Mind"
My latest column, “Calm Mind,” is up at Sword Review.
Pop on over and check it out.
Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)
June 18, 2006
New Column Up: "Negative Talk"
My latest column, “Negative Talk,” is up at The Sword Review.
Posted by Selena at 07:03 PM | Comments (0)
May 28, 2006
New Column: "Lane Bumpers"
My latest column is up at Sword Review.
Check it out if you have a chance. Thanks.
Posted by Selena at 07:30 AM | Comments (0)
March 19, 2006
Column Up: "Ask Me How I Know"
My latest column is up, check it out here
And feel free to post about it in the forums if you want.
Posted by Selena at 08:09 PM | Comments (0)
February 21, 2006
Column’s Up: "Choosing a Softer Answer"
My latest column, “Choosing a Softer Answer,” is up. You can check it out here.
Posted by Selena at 08:33 PM | Comments (0)
February 08, 2006
Column Up: "Saying Yes"/Must Write Now
My latest column, “Saying Yes,” is up at The Sword Review.
Check it out here.
I guess that means I better get to work on my next column.
Actually, I need to get back to writing in general. I have been spending a lot of time on other things – some important, some not. But I am trying to clear my schedule of the “not” and get back to what is important.
Posted by Selena at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)
December 09, 2005
Column’s Up
My latest column is up.
You can check it out at here.
It was the last one I had in the queue so I guess I better finish and submit the one I have been working on.
Posted by Selena at 04:35 PM | Comments (0)
November 06, 2005
Column’s Up
My latest column is up. Check it out at http://www.theswordreview.com/columns.php?sub_id=99
Posted by Selena at 07:04 PM | Comments (0)
September 09, 2005
Column’s Up
My latest column is up at The Sword Review (at least on the forums page, strangely not on the main page) .
You can check it out at http://www.theswordreview.com/columns.php?sub_id=74
Posted by Selena at 08:09 PM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2005
Column's Up
BTW, my latest column is up.
Click here to check it out.
Posted by Selena at 09:02 PM | Comments (0)
August 07, 2005
Good Reading-Non-Fiction Edition (Religion in Sci Fi)
I just found this article at Alien Skin and wanted to point it out to you:
"A Matter of Faith: Religion in Science Fiction"
by Rob Shelsky
It’s an interesting article.
I agree with Shelsky that religion has a place in science fiction. (One of my favorite writing accomplishments was creating an alien religion for one of my stories. But that’s probably not what he meant. ) Still, my stories do tend to have some religious elements – alien or human. But I don’t think the story should be an excuse for expounding a religious doctrine. Such stories tend to be boring and then you’ve failed on both counts.
Shelsky also talks about the idea that science and religion are incompatible. It’s a prevalent belief but not one I subscribe to. (Shelsky doesn’t say where he stands.) I don’t believe that science and religion are adversaries or that they are mutually exclusive. I believe science is man’s search to better understand God’s creation. I think science proves God’s existence not disproves it. (Stepping down off soap-box now.)
Anyway, the article's worth a look if you're interested in that kind of thing.
Posted by Selena at 11:06 PM | Comments (0)
August 06, 2005
Column's Up
Yippee, my second column is now up at The Sword Review. It'll only be on the main page today probably but you can also see it at
http://www.theswordreview.com/columns.php?sub_id=59
There are even already a couple of posts about it: click here to go to the thread.
Posted by Selena at 04:18 PM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2005
Column’s Up
My first column was published today. (Check it out at http://www.theswordreview.com/columns.php?sub_id=54)
I’m excited but I’m also a nervous wreck waiting to see what people think.
It’s a good thing I had to work all day because if I had been home I would have spent the day constantly checking for responses.
I really have to stop obsessing so much about what other people think. It’s just not healthy.
Do all writers do this, I wonder, worry about whether or not their work is well-received, throw their work out into the world and anxiously wait to see what sound comes back?
A friend sent me this additional quote about failure:
Quote:
"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled; nor where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
--Theodore Roosevelt
I really like this quote. It reminds me that succeed or fail, it’s the people who are in the ring, striving day after day, that are the real heroes.
Posted by Selena at 08:51 PM | Comments (0)