Virginia Martin - Author

My first experience in learning the writing craft was attending a writing class several years ago.  The class was taught by B.J. Tiernan,author ofStanding On A Whale.  She had the class do a writing exercise of five sensory lists.  The purpose of this exercise was to go back to the list when doing descriptions in your writing. B.J. said to assume every reader is blind, so you need to use description when you write. The reader wants details and can connect to you better if you do: "Show, don't tell". 
Sensory Lists These are five sensory lists and my responses to them as they relate to me. 
1. Things that are magical - rainbow, unicorn, gazebo, shooting star, full moon
2. Favorite Smells - scented candles, freshly brewed coffee, baked brownies, roses, hand/body lotion
3. Sounds I love - rain, wind chimes, piano, ocean, music box
4. Favorite Sights - watching people dance, ice skating, snow globe, sunset, sunrise
5. Favorite Feels - soft hands, cashmere, raised lettering, kiss, w…

1. Write from your heart 2. Choose your words carefully 3. Have a meaning and a message 4. Connect to the reader 5. Draw from experiences 6. Let it be inspirational/motivational 7. Make it easy to share with others 

What are some tips you can share?

(Inspirational Series)
Joel Osteen is a well-known pastor and speaker. His church is the LakewoodChurch in Houston, Texas. I find his messages to be inspirational, comforting and uplifting. I watched a broadcast of one of his sermons today on DVD. His message was about “gratitude and being thankful for the gift of today”.  He said to find things in your life to be grateful for instead of complaining about what you do not have or situations you have no control over. In our every day lives there are many things that we can get mad, sad or upset about. The trick is to change our attitude to a more positive one and see the good in things instead of the bad. Human beings tend to gravitate to the negative and worry or stress about the worse of things. However, with just a little discipline every day, when we start to get agitated about someone or something, we need to adjust our way of thinking and pray to God for the strength to overcome that feeling and move on. Let go of that side of you …

Returning for Valentine's by Victoria Pinder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this short, entertaining, sweet romance. It was a fun to read story, with a message to never give up on love.


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Whispers: Being with God in Breath Prayers by Jean Wise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book enlightened my understanding of what a breath prayer is and the purpose it plays in one's life. Breath prayers are an excellent way to get spiritual peace, and have a closer relationship with God. The author takes the reader step by step on how to practice breath prayers, as well as explains the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of doing so. The examples given of breath prayers are excellent, and ones you can incorporate in your life right away, and make some of your own in the process. I especially loved the author's use of quotes to emphasize the thought of prayer and its significance in the life…