GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED: THE GRANDDADDY OF THEM ALL

One click of my computer’s mouse and I was headed toward disaster.

As I put the final touches on my inspirational thriller, "The Face Behind the Veil," and about to e-mail it to my publisher, I decided to change a character’s name from Joseph to Stanley.

In an instant, this global change was made throughout the 600 page, three-part document, which traces the legend of the birth veil through three generations.

That was the only change I made after the book underwent extensive editing. Confident it was error-free, I clicked the mouse and off it went. It wasn’t long before I received the galley proof to review and approve, so the printing process could begin.

Weary of the seven-year project and the tedious historical research that had gone into it, I almost didn’t review the galley. But something in me couldn’t let it go until I did. That must have been Providential.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered how that last minute name change affected a scene where the Christmas story is told. In horror, I read the following.

"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary

was espoused to Stanley, before they came together, she was found with

child of the Holy Ghost. Then Stanley her husband, being a just man, and

not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away

privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the

Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Stanley, thou son of David,

fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost . . .. Then Stanley being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife:" (Matthew 1:18-20, 24).

After getting over my initial shock, I made the necessary changes.

However, rather than globally, I did this the old-fashioned way, one at a time.

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Flora invites you to look inside her books on Amazon. Published by MillerWords.

The face Behind the Veil: Historical Fiction 

https://www.amazon.com/Face-Behind-Veil-Flora-Reigada/dp/1418443646

The Castle in the Sun Series

Book 1: Love's Sweetest Revenge: Romantic-Suspense

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbXY53W5N

Book 2: Love's Sweetest Deliverance: Romantic-Suspense

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBFRHJT?

Where Your Heart Meets God's: Inspiration:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_9PI3Eb7NZF4TW?fbclid=IwAR0nd9Tmw-

SO, YOU WANNA BE A WRITER?

It was "Sarah's" first time at our writers' critique group. Her eyes wide with expectation, the young woman sat on the edge of her seat. She appeared poised to dazzle us by reading from the book she was writing. Certainly, she believed it destined to be a bestseller.

Our group consisted of journalists, novelists, editors and beginners. We met regularly to evaluate and polish each other's writing. We divided the time, each reading aloud from a work in progress, then the rest of us offering our input. It was our policy to begin each critique with praise, before suggesting ways the story might be improved. This worked until Sarah joined us.

That meeting started out like all the others. Sitting in a circle, we each took our turn. Then Sarah's turn came.

Proudly clutching her manuscript, she cleared her throat and with a big smile, began reading. At first, I thought it was only me to whom none of it made any sense. There was no story or plot, only disconnected thoughts that went nowhere.

Sarah was still smiling when she finished and looked us over, as if waiting for the accolades. We were supposed to begin with praise, but no one could think of even one positive thing. The room was as quiet as a tomb as Sarah's smile faded.

Kay, an editor known for her diplomacy, began. As gently as possible, she told our newbie the truth. Sarah did not take it well. Her eyes filled with tears.

"My husband said the story is wonderful," she blurted, sobbing. 

She then ran from the room, slamming the door behind her. Kay followed, trying to smooth things over. But it was too late. The damage was done.

After that fateful day, I would occasionally bump into Sarah. I tried speaking with her and asked about her writing, but she always brushed me off. The contempt in her face revealed dislike for me and others in the critique group. We were not worthy of her time. Nor were our opinions worthy of her consideration.

That is sad because who knows where her writing could have gone, given some attention. What she read, might have been a seed of an idea that needed guidance and development--like all of our writing projects.

Our critique group would have helped Sarah along her journey. And writing is always a journey, often long and hard.

It is likely that Sarah's husband thought he was being kind by telling her what she wanted to hear, rather than what she needed to hear. She believed him and it impeded her development.
However, I know from experience that the soul of any serious writer is battle-scarred from criticism, harsh editors, brutal critiques and rejection of our work. Still, we go on. We keep writing, learning and hopefully, improving. Of necessity, we develop a thick skin like our friend to the right

As far as I know, Sarah's work never went anywhere.

"Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, 'It might have been."

A journalist and novelist, Flora invites you to check out the three books in her Castle in the Sun, romantic suspense series.

Book 1, Love's Sweetest Revenge: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbXY53

Book 2, Love's Sweetest Deliverance.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBFRHJT?

Book 3, Love's Sweetest Truth

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09BM9829B/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp

Please also check out Flora's Devotional, Where Your Heart Meets God's.

E-book FREE for a limited time.

            https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_

WILL LIZ DIE IN THE FOREST?

 

Excerpt from Chapter 1, Love's Sweetest Revenge

Where could Liz run in the vast forest?

Liz forced her thoughts back to the sights and sounds of the forest. She realized something had changed. The forest was quiet … too quiet. The wind had stilled. Birds were no longer singing. Liz paused, her eyes darting one way, then another. As a cloud moved over the sun, a sense of danger crept over the landscape.Suddenly, a snapping twig shattered the stillness and a flock of birds launched into the sky, their chirping and flapping wings fading away. Then, a growl seemed to shake the ground beneath Liz.

She froze, almost afraid to breathe. Is this how it’s going to end for me?

Fear tingled up and down Liz’s spine as her eyes drifted to a clearing, where a black bear was sniffing the air.

She saw two cubs, partly concealed by brush. Her heart pounded in her chest.

Steve’s warnings screamed across her mind. Bears have a keen sense of smell. If you see one, don’t try to run away. Back away slowly. Yell at the bear. Firmly tell it to leave. Get out of here! Especially beware of a mother bear with cubs.

Then, in one horrible moment, the bear charged in her direction. In a blind panic Liz also ran, forgetting everything Steve had told her. Though the episode lasted scarcely a minute, time seemed to move in slow motion.

What will happen to Liz? Find out more in Love's Sweetest Revenge, first in the Castle in the Sun, romantic-suspense series. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbXY53

Book 2, Love's Sweetest Deliverance

Even as Liz revels in her engagement to Carlos and celebrates Christmas with him, she can feel  her ex-husband's cold, blue eyes watching her every move. How far will he go?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBFRHJT?

Book 3, Love's Sweetest Truth:

So, you think your past is past? So did Liz and Carlos,

until Monique and temptation catch up with him in Paris.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09BM9829B?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_tkin_2&storeType=ebooks

* Covers by Mark Miller of MillerWords Books.

Visit them on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MillerWords

Jewels That Sparkle With Wisdom and Enlightenment

BOOK REVIEW BY FRAN

Where Your Heart Meets God's

This lovely devotional will greet you each morning with a precious jewel. That's what "Where Your Heart Meets God's" did for me. I was greeted by jewels that sparkled with both wisdom and enlightenment. Just as physical jewels have various facets and distinctions, each of Flora Reigada's devotions are novel and hold fresh insight. The author first draws you in with a brief Bible verse, expounds on it, and concludes with a Pearl to Ponder and a Love Nugget. They join together to awaken new views of the ageless Scriptures and to draw the reader closer to the Holy Spirit. Even the cover joins with the interior to stimulate the reader's imagination with the well-chosen symbol of a string of lustrous pearls. Since I can't possibly choose a favorite, I'll close by saying that "Where Your Heart Meets God's" would be an inspirational addition to your daily devotions, and would make an attractive and useful choice as a gift for friends and loved ones.

FIND OUT MORE

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_

GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED

                               GRAMMATICAL CRIMES I HAVE COMMITTED                            By Flora Reigada, journalist and novelist

Occasionally, when someone learns I am a writer, they approach me with a big smile. "So, you're a writer. That's great. You can write my book."

Of course, no one mentions anything about paying me. But I can't judge these people because as a fledgling writer, I did the same thing.

No one would write my books, so I did what was necessary--I learned to write them myself and all that involves. This includes hours, days, weeks and even years of writing, re-writing, research and more. Ernest Hemingway got it right. "There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed." This is said in the Scriptures. "Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." (Ecclesiastes 12:12b).

But most challenging for me had been editing. I enjoy painting vivid word  pictures. That is where my husband, Dan, steps in. A meticulous, detailed person, he can spot an error like an eagle its prey. Editing my work, he has well-earned his nickname, "Ol' Eagle Eye."

I keep a log of my mistakes discovered by him, others and even myself. Here are some examples. 

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As Dan and I reviewed Love's Sweetest Revenge, Book 1 in my Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series, he marveled at a character's strength. "Wow! I can't believe Rosa wrestled a bear into  her car."

That is how the following passage sounded to him. "I did bring my rifle after you told me about this latest bear. It's in the car."

In context, Rosa is speaking to best friend, Liz, about Liz's narrow escape from a bear. Another had been sighted. 

Dan and I had a good laugh, then rewrote the passage as follows: "After you told me about this latest bear, I brought my rifle. It's in the car."                         

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In Love's Sweetest Truth, Book 3 in the series, coming soon, I wrote the following: "Carlos returned to his room, immaculately cleaned by hotel workers." Dan asked me if they had scrubbed him with a big brush.  We re-wrote as follows: "Carlos returned to his hotel room, finding it immaculately cleaned by hotel workers."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------While writing a newspaper story about how a historian became acquainted with Florida history when she thought the state was new, with little or none, I wrote: "A move to Titusville, Florida and the historic LaGrange Cemetery would challenge that perception."Dan asked, "How did she like living in the cemetery?"

The sentence was re-written as follows: "A move to Titusville and a visit to the historic LaGrange Cemetery would change that perception."

Well, that is all for now. More to come.

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Please check out my books, published by MillerWords.                            

How could a life and death encounter with a bear, lead to a locket filled with secrets, a vacation in paradise and romance? Find out in Love's Sweetest Revenge, Book 1 in the Castle in the Sun romantic-suspense series.                 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0785FWH5P/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_WKI3EbX                                                                                                                                  

    

"The outside world slips away as you read," a reviewer wrote of 

Love's Sweetest Deliverance, Book 2 in the 

Castle in the Sun, romantic-suspense series.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BBFRHJT?fbclid=IwAR336mGPTHieznX6dRte2

Might that dream you had mean something? What about that stranger who came to help at the right moment? Find out in Where Your Heart Meets God's.https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_

                                                            The Jewel of a Giving Heart

(Sample devotion from Where Your Heart Meets God's)

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14, NIV).
On that steamy summer day, the car trip was too long, the children too crowded in the back seat and our air-conditioner broken. Even the wind whipping in our open windows felt hot and stale. We were all in a foul mood by the time the car overheated.

My husband, Dan, turned off the road into a large service area. It consisted of several bays, all empty but one, where a young woman stood beside her car with its hood up. She watched us as we drove through the lot and pulled in beside her. In retrospect, it seems strange that we would come so close. However, we seemed drawn to her.

When Dan got out of the car, he noticed that there was no mechanic or attendant in sight—only the woman who approached to inquire about our situation and needs.

The kindness on her face was unlike any I had ever seen. It was more than an expression. It was a caring warmth at her very essence. She made me feel safe. Have you ever encountered someone like that?

Find out how she helped us and read about other supernatural encounters in Where Your Heart Meets God's, published by MillerWords.
With 51 "stand alone" devotions, the book may be used for study by Sunday school classes, small groups and individuals.

Find Out More:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_

I WASN'T READY FOR A FIGHT

The Jewel of God's Power

Sample devotion from "Where Your Heart Meets God's," published by MillerWords.

"God has rolled up his sleeves. All the nations can see his holy, muscled arm. Everyone, from one end of the earth to the other, sees him at work, doing his salvation work" (Isaiah 52:10, The Message).

I wasn't expecting a fight the morning I set out to visit my mother at her home in Queens, New York. I was busy pushing my daughter in a stroller, plus holding my sleeping infant son and an

over-stuffed diaper bag.
Our trip involved riding the New York City subway and I was already exhausted as we stood on the platform, crowded with commuters on their way to work. At last, I heard the train thundering through the tunnel. When it screeched to a stop, the crowd pushed toward the door. Hemmed-in by towering adults, my daughter cried in fear and I found myself struggling. A smartly dressed couple among the commuters was soon beside me.

"May I help you?" the man in a business suit asked.
"That would be great" I replied, moving the diaper bag his way.
"No!" he growled, shoving it away. "I'll take that little boy."
I felt large hands wrapping around my son and pulling. My arms tightened like a vise.
This all happened in a matter of seconds while the crowd was disappearing into the subway car. I knew its doors would soon close, leaving my children and me at the mercy of this couple who I knew would stop at nothing to accomplish their evil.
As the last few people filtered away, great strength came from somewhere outside myself and I yanked my son free. I dashed into the train with my children. We barely squeezed through the closing doors.
My heart pounding, I dropped onto an empty seat, my daughter still wailing and my son still blissfully asleep—his face peaceful as a cherub. But the incident woke me up to the evil around us. Though not yet a Christian, I realized I must have had angelic assistance wrestling my baby from this larger, stronger man, likely stalking the city for babies to sell, or worse. Until that point, I had felt immune from such dangers.
Years later, I realize how much we are all subject to danger, but also to attack from demonic forces, which prowl the earth, ravenous for prey. In John 10:10, Satan is called a murder and a thief. If we are not prepared, he will steal what he can, even our treasure of communion with God through impressions, visions and dreams.
And this enemy doesn't come with horns and a pitchfork. Like the couple who tried to kidnap my son, the thief can come in a suit, with a smile and smooth words. He will try to instill doubt, as he did Eve, in the Garden of Eden. "Did God really say …?"[i]
I remember a pastor saying, "Don't let the devil steal your lunch." I would add, don't let him steal your dreams.

Pearl to Ponder: How do you interpret these words of Jesus? "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10, NIV).

Love Nugget: Hold on tight to your dreams, just as God is holding onto you.
Read more devotions in Where Your Heart Meets God's, published by MillerWords.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077X37MVX/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_U_x_