by Roseanna White | Aug 28, 2013 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
One of the most challenging–and amazing–aspects of writing is digging deep into issues that the author knows nothing about firsthand. That’s what research is for, and when it comes to facts, it’s pretty simple. You look things up. Read. Watch documentaries, maybe. Voila. Knowledge.
But some parts of books aren’t about knowledge so much as wisdom–how our characters would react to things, how faith grows and fades. There are ways to research that too. More books, interviews… But I’ll be honest. I don’t do that. When it comes to internal aspects of my characters, I go from the gut. Which can be a challenge, because I’ve led a beautifully boring life, LOL. I’ve never suffered even the slightest abuse, never gone without.
I love, though. And I’ve lost. I’ve fought. I’ve prayed, I’ve cried, I’ve laughed. And though losing a grandfather to cancer is far different from, say, losing a child in a lot of ways, in other ways, grief is grief. I take what I know and put a magnifying glass on it when it comes to these things–prayerfully. And thus far, the feedback I’ve gotten from people who have suffered the things my characters have suffered is that my methods work. =)
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| Holy Spirit depicted as the dove above Child Jesus in two Trinities by Bartolomé Esteban Perez Murillo |
But in
A Soft Breath of Wind, I’m dealing with aspects of the faith that go beyond imagination. And while I have some experience to go on, and have spoken with some people (not when researching, I’m just blessed to have met folks with an amazing awareness of the spiritual world), I’m keenly aware that the Holy Spirit’s movement can feel different to us all.
So today, as I’m five chapters into this new biblical, I wanted to take the time to talk to you. Would you be willing to share with me your experiences with the moving of the Spirit? How and when you’ve most strongly felt Him? What other senses came alive? Have you ever seen-with-your-eyes into the spirit world? Heard His whisper? Felt His touch? Dreamed His dream? Have you ever followed a nudge and seen so clearly why He did the nudging? Felt a call to pray at a time you thought random, but which was anything but?
You’re welcome to share in the comments if you don’t mind it being public. Or if you want to share but not publicly, you can email me at Roseanna at RoseannaWhite dot com — because this is me, I sincerely doubt I would use anything you share exactly. But I’m quite likely to take bits and pieces and aspects and weave the understanding of them into my character’s world.
On an unrelated note, it’s my day at Colonial Quills–and the blog has a new look! It’s a revision of my post about espionage in early America that I posted in July, but if you missed that one,
check it out here.
by Roseanna White | Aug 22, 2013 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
It’s been quite a month. A lot has happened. Some things are up in the air that I thought were solid, other things are solid that had been up in the air. Our home school year has started, and I have two kids in my little classroom this year instead of just one.
I’m in the blissful throes of the beginning of a novel I’ve been pondering for 7 years, and in the midst of quite a few editing projects.
My thoughts are a bit jumbled, LOL. So I thought today I’d do one of the list thingymabobs that I’ve always enjoyed reading on other blogs. Just some thoughts, epiphanies, observations, and blessings I’m thinking about today.
1. My kids are well behaved. It doesn’t always feel like it when I’m with them 24/7, but I seriously can’t take these little guys out in public without someone commenting on how polite and good they are. And I think, Wow. I guess I’m doing something right!
2. Orson Scott Card is brilliant. I just finished the second book in his Gate series, and some of the tidbits that only got a couple lines were just astoundingly clever. On The Big Bang Theory, Leonard says something in an early episode about how all physicists can ever say is “Look, my theory is internally consistent, yay!” Card had some internal consistencies that make you stop and go, “Huh. That makes so much sense I kinda wonder if it’s true even though it can’t be.”
3. I love biblical fiction. Not a newsflash, I know. But digging into one for the first time in 3 years is just so darn fun.
4. There’s beauty in the boring parts. I just finished reading Leviticus. There are some places that are so redundant. Where every single tribe brought the exact same things for the tabernacle, but he names each single bowl and plate Every. Single. Time. At first, I sighed and thought Couldn’t you just say they ALL brought this, Moses? Once? But then I stopped and really looked at it. And I realized how beautiful it is to state it 12 times. Because each bowl, each plate, each ounce of gold and silver was a sacrifice. And every one deserved attention. Remembering each is so very important.
5. I love design. I’ve come to the conclusion that playing in Photoshop at least once every two weeks is crucial to my creativity in general.
6. Celery Soup is okay. How’s that for a bizarre thought? But I accidentally bought Cream of Celery instead of Cream of Chicken, and had only that for my chicken and dumplings. And you know, it added something!
7. Friends = Joy. I have some of the most amazing online friends imaginable. I love emailing and messaging y’all every day. And I’m also so, so grateful to have connected with some local families through homeschooling and Bible studies. Hanging out with other young-ish moms and talking about everything from kids to books to clothes to jobs is something I really missed for a few years.
8. Disappointments only last for a blink. I’ve had a doozy, and for about 12 hours there, all I could pray was, Whatever You want for me, Lord. I give it to You. It’ll be enough. But it wasn’t the end of the world. It wasn’t even the end of a dream. It might have been the end of one particular idea, at least for now, but that’s okay. I have a lot of ideas. I have people who believe in me. People willing to fight for me. And faith that my feet are on the path He set before me. Doesn’t mean there won’t be potholes. Just means I’m heading where I need to go despite them.
9. Ellie Sweet is awesome. I just got to read my critique partner’s next book, due out in November. I loved the first one in the series so intensely I couldn’t imagine this one displacing it, especially knowing some of the twists she was throwing in against my objections. But she made me love it. Ellie rocks more than ever. (And Stephanie too.) 😉
10. Sometimes you can compromise. Sometimes you can’t. I want to be the kind of person people love to talk to, hang out with, work with. I want to be easy and encouraging and not get my knickers in a bunch. Mostly, I can do that. I can brush away irritation or frustration or whatever. But sometimes, I have to stand where I’m put and not budge. Just sometimes. But those are important times.
11. I’m so in love with my husband. He’s been working his rear off so we can move here in the next week or so. Just one of the many things that makes me stop and wonder at this crazy love still filling me for him after 15+ years as a couple.
12. Pedicures are da bomb. Seriously. Da bomb. My hubby scheduled me one for my birthday last week. See #11.
13. Absolutely nothing beats encouragement. Nothing. Ever. Notes I’ve gotten from you guys have picked me up on days I’m down, made me laugh when I’m already smiling, and just encouraged me to keep on, no matter what. So thank you. I hope you realize that every kind word you speak or write inspires the recipient to return the favor, either to you or someone else. It’s a beautiful cycle, one that lights the world. So Shine on, me lovelies. Shine on.
by Roseanna White | Aug 15, 2013 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
First, thanks for all the birthday wishes yesterday–I had an amazing day! Now on we go. =)
Sometimes reading the Old Testament can be baffling. We’re told that the Lord our God never changes, that He’s the same yesterday, today, and forever. Yet when we read about all that transpired in those early days with Israel, all the times He lashed out against someone for what we would deem nothing…well, that makes us go “Huh?”
I recently read the portion where Aaron’s sons lit a profane fire to the Lord, and He struck them down, three of them. Because it was there, I read a note on it–the note simply said that God wanted to be very clear about the rules of the Tabernacle, and they had disobeyed them.
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| Rembrandt – Balaam and his Ass |
I had to shake my head on that one. Because you know, in all these confusing places–where someone was commanded to be stoned for picking up sticks on the Sabbath, where Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, where Balaam’s donkey has to talk because Balaam keeps trying to force the creature past an angel that came simply because he rose too early–there’s one obvious thing in common.
People are disobeying the letter of God’s word.
But beyond that, I think it’s this–that people are disobeying the spirit of God’s word.
Very rarely do the Old Testament writers provide us with motivation, beyond “they grew discontent” or “His anger was roused against them.” That’s all we hear. But what do we know? That God doesn’t change. And that God sees not our outward actions, but our inward heart.
My first realization of this was in Genesis, when Cain’s sacrifice is unacceptable to the Lord. Why, when we know He does in fact except produce as offering later? The only answer I see is that Cain didn’t give his best. It specifies that Able did, but just says Cain brought “some.” Some isn’t good enough for our Lord.
When the sons of Aaron lit a fire the Lord had not told them to light, what were they trying to do? And what would that fire have meant to the gods of the lands around them? Where they trying to take or conjure power not meant for them?
Was Moses too angry to follow the instructions God gave him? Did he think it not enough of a show to speak to the rock, even though the Lord then says he ruined the point with his outburst?
Motivations are what I allow myself to change and interpret when writing historicals, so I give them a lot of thought when reading these examples.
And I need to give them a lot of thought in my own life. Is my heart right when I’m performing the small tasks set before me? Do I turn astray even a degree with the thought that I want to do it my way instead of the way I know He wants me to do it? Do I greet clear, precise instruction with a “No”?
Maybe right motives aren’t always enough if we fail to do something–but wrong motives can destroy us. So Lord, cleanse my heart anew today…that I might hear those detailed instructions and obey them precisely.
Is there a particular Old Testament passage
that has always baffled you?
by Roseanna White | Aug 14, 2013 | Remember When Wednesdays, Uncategorized
As I was taking my walk the other morning, I was thinking about my next biblical and my heroine, Zipporah. Zipporah is going to be interesting to write. She’s scarred (physically, I mean), but still confident. Not in the beauty she knows she doesn’t have, but in who she is. She’s outspoken with enemies, yet often hesitant with friends. Friendly and witty, but too different to be totally understood. Respected, but sometimes in a don’t-get-too-close way.
She has quite a story to tell. =) And as I was thinking through one of the moments I have planned for late in the book, I realized she needs a catalyst for really flying off the handle. My original jotted notes was that this villain would insult her looks, but she’s so used to that by now, I don’t think it would have any great effect after all.
But then a dog barked at the house I was walking past, and I had to pause to say, “Good morning, Tipsy.” (Her owner pauses every day as he drives by to say, “Tipsy’s out. Say hello.” So I do, LOL.) Another neighborhood dog answered. Squirrels jumped up the tree at my side, and birds twittered overhead. That’s when it came to me.
A pet! Zipporah needs a pet! Some poor creature she rescues, perhaps with an injury of its own that she can relate to.
So…now to decide on what kind. =) She’s on a villa outside Rome, so I have to make sure it’s an animal that would have been there. Still, Rome was a bit of a hub (ahem), so the options should be pretty wide.
Thoughts? What kind of pet should my biblical heroine have?
And yes, that’s all I’m talking about today. 😉 It’s my birthday, and I’m off to enjoy a day of pampering. Which reminds me–last day to place your orders for my online Mary Kay party!!
www.MaryKay.com/TerriHarr and put “Roseanna White Hostess” in the memo box at checkout.
by Roseanna White | Aug 8, 2013 | Thoughtful Thursdays, Uncategorized
I’ll be honest–the week turned pretty crappy on me. I had a couple nasty-bad days there.
My first response? Wallow. Only, it’s hard to wallow with kids and a hubby who need me on my game, with a gazillion books still needing sent out and edits pending on the WhiteFire book releasing in one short week.
Maybe, were it just me in my cave, I’d wallow. But it’s not me–or not the me I can be right now anyway. I know everyone deals with disappointments in their own way. My best friend cries, my sister works out, I know some who opt for retail therapy.
I don’t really do any of that. It’s hard for me to get outside my head, but my head says I need to stay strong. Handle disappointments with grace. Easy? No. But I say a prayer, suck it up, and…well…get on with it. But it’s difficult sometimes. So I try to tweak my mindset. For me, that means getting out of the jammies and ponytail and showing the world I’m okay. I put on my favorite outfit, fix my hair, and even break out the makeup bag. This is a rarity, LOL. And maybe to some, it seems strange to go all-out just to sit at home in front of my computer. But when I look bad, I feel bad. When I take the effort to look better, I start to feel better. Call it vanity–maybe it is. But it’s also me taking control of something and making an effort to change my attitude.
Which leads me right into my party. =)
On August 14th, next Wednesday, I’m turning 31. So when a friend of mine from one of my writing groups asked me if I’d host an online Mary Kay party, I thought, “Oh, fun! It’ll lead straight into my birthday!!” This was before the week turned sour. 😉 But you know, I think it’s just what I need. A reason to look beyond blips on the screen and focus on something else.
I really want to support Terri Harr, one of my most dedicated readers and a friend to boot, as she’s launching this new enterprise. And she’s even promised a few goodies for giveaways down the line, if the party goes well!
So you are hereby invited to my online Mary Kay party, beginning today and extending through next Wednesday, my birthday. Obviously, I want you to buy lots, ’cause then I get free stuff, LOL. But I also just want to hang out here on the blog, chat about some simple things like mascara and lipstick, and support my friend in the process.
Here’s how it works–really simple.
1. Go to http://www.marykay.com/terriharr and browse through the catalogue.
2. Add whatever you please to your cart.
3. When you check out, put “Roseanna White Hostess” in the memo box
4. Voila! Your order will be sent straight to you!
5. Share with a friend. Cuz, you know, the more the merrier at this party. Since I don’t have to clean my house for it or anything. 😉
My question for you today:
What’s your default when you’re feeling down?
or
What item of makeup can you not live without?
by Roseanna White | Aug 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
Today, in case you’ve misplaced any time this week, is August 1st. Do you know what that means? That it’s the official release date for Whispers from the Shadows!
I don’t know about you, but I’m excited. 😉 July has been a blast with the loooooong giveaways, and now I’m looking forward to basking with my newest book-baby.
You can read the official blurb here, but since you may have already done that, I thought I’d write something fresh today. Some behind the scenes. =)
Ring of Secrets includes the first chapter of this one in the back, so it’s not exactly a spoiler to share that the book begins with the murder of my heroine’s father. She’s British, and given that they are once again at war with America, I needed a really good reason to send my heroine to the U.S. At first I’d planned for her father to have died in a rather typical way–illness–and she went to Maryland to obey his dying wish.
Which, yeah. Isn’t much motivation. Not enough to send her through a blockade and all that. Plus, there was no urgency. So I thought to myself, “Okay…what if he sends her to keep her safe? And what if instead of illness, he’s murdered??”
Muuuuch more interesting. =)
Still. When I sent that chapter to my editor for inclusion in Ring of Secrets, I believe her response was something along the lines of “What? YOU KILL FAIRCHILD? You’re kidding, right? He’s not really dead, is he? He comes back later? RIGHT??” 😉
It’s a suggestion she made several times, in several ways, LOL. But hey, starting with such a sad ending for Fairchild is what inspired me to write Fairchild’s Lady, so readers would know he’d been happy between the books. =)
So here we are with Gwyneth, daughter of Isaac Fairchild, and Thaddeus Lane, son of Winter and Bennet. Thad was an interesting hero because he’s so stinking good. He’s nice, he’s personable, everybody loves him, and he’s a man of rather staggering faith. I mean, this guy can hear the Spirit’s whisper so clearly… How was I to make him likable then?? LOL. Well, he has a few secrets that come halfway through, tied to his first wife. He also has a bit of a hero-complex. He has to save the day. Every day. So what happens when he can’t?
Gwyn was a lot of fun to write too. She’s suffering from some severe post-traumatic stress, which results in extreme insomnia. Nothing livens up a book like hallucinations and a heroine that might just fall over asleep in the middle of a conversation, right? 😉
And of course, a cast of secondary characters that I just adore. You should totally rush to get a copy and get to know them. 😉 (Subtle, right?)
So Happy Birthday, Gwyn, Thad, and the rest of the Whispers crew! I’m so happy to welcome you officially into the world, where I pray you’ll engage, enthuse, and most of all, make people stop for a moment and wonder if the Spirit whispers in their ear like He does in Thad’s.
I guess I’ll close today with something that still makes me giddy. =)
In this second installment of the Culper Ring series, Thad Lane gathers
information for the American government during the War of 1812. When
Gywneth Fairchild—daughter of a British general—escapes London after
witnessing her father’s murder, she finds refuge with the Lane family,
whom her father had assured her were friends despite the war between
their countries. Gwyn then battles a crippling despair that threatens
her health and her budding feelings for Thad, who is likewise drawn to
her. As the British menace Washington and Baltimore, Gwyn and Thad’s
relationship must reckon with family secrets and forces both spiritual
and military. White (Ring of Secrets) skillfully illustrates depression
and PTSD in the traumatized Gwyn. Secondary characters shine—new readers
will likely seek the first installment to acquaint themselves further.
The characters’ Christian faith is artfully integrated into their
personalities, words, and actions. The combination of romantic tension,
spiritual contention, and wartime intrigue makes for an engrossing,
entertaining read.
~ Publisher’s Weekly
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary.