Home Again!

Good morning, Ladies! I couldn't resist using Crystal's latte picture again. Just wanted to feel like we were all in a circle, sipping hot beverages and commisterating over daylight savings time. I don't know about you but this time change kicks my buns. I overslept an hour and a half this morning -- although that could have been because I stayed up too late watching the movie Secretariat. It's wonderful. I can't remember if there was any bad language in it, which would indicate that if there was it wasn't offensive. It is superb, and not just for horse-lovers.

But I digress. That always happens after I go on a true vacation, which I did last week. My husband had business up in Lititz, PA, so I went with him. We spent a night in a very-cool hotel in Lexington, VA, which was formerly a plantation manor house. Complete with four-poster bed, fireplace, and all kinds of pre-Civil War ambience. I don't glorify that era -- slavery being the main reason -- but I couldn't help being drawn into some serious day dreaming.

And that was nothing compared to our stay in historic Lititz, where the first girls' college prep boarding school in the U.S. was right down the street from where we were staying. There was so much great stuff for a book there I can't even begin to tell you! I'd actually like to get back to historical fiction, which is where I really started at a writer with the Christian Heritage Series. What do you think, ladies? The Linden Hall Novels?

Anyway, it was a wonderfully inspiring trip and I'm energized to get back to work. I haven't had a chance to read all your comments from my time away; I'm waiting a day or two when I'll have time to savor them. I did want to tell you that I think I want to write a non-fiction book for teens called, Do I Have to Be a Freak To Be a Christian, based on some of the things we discovered during our weekend retreat. It would be more than a book you read -- it would be a book you DO. What do you think? If you'd like to comment in the next few days, you can address any or all of these questions:

    * What do you think of the title?

    * The theme would be our "preach the gospel using words when necessary" approach. How do you feel about that at this point?

    * I'd include challenges, sample situations, guides to going deeper in so you can go further out, that kind of thing. Anything else you'd want to see?

    * I'd love for you to complete this sentence:

    I'd be interested in this book as long as ___________.

Obviously I want honest responses. I think we're way beyond you feeling like you have to say, "That sounds cool" when you actually think it's a lame idea. You know how to express disagreement in that loving Christian way we're been practicing for several years now, so don't be afraid to suggest or pose challenges. 

Ah, ladies, it's so good to be back. Look for another post later this week.

 

Blessings,

Nancy

Comments

[Melody]

Both book ideas sound great! I haven't read much historical fiction, but if you wrote it Mrs. Rue, I'd read it.

Do I Have to be a Freak to be a Christian is an interesting title, but not my favorite. I'm not sure what I would like better though so that's not really helpful :) The idea sounds great and I love that it's going to be along the same theme that we've talked about. One of my youth pastors is big on starting a conversation about faith and stuff, but in high school there are very rarely opportunities for that kind of conversation. I always like doing quizzes...challenges are great which you said...I can't think of anything else I'd really really like to see...oh maybe like true stories of girls as like examples. I'd be interested in this book as long as it wasn't to shallow. Judging from the blog, I can't imagine that would be a problem.

[God's Girl/Abi]

I agree with Melody, the title is not my favorite.

I like the theme, but I would love it as well if it included witnessing with words as well.

I'll get back too you later on the other things...

[Ariadne]

I LOVE that book idea! I love the title too, it tells you what the books about right of the bat, and I think what most christian teens problem IS that their afraid of being a freak if they try and spread the gospel. One of the things that it would be awesome if it was in this book is how to slowly start including you faith in friend-conversation, without SUDDENLY bomb-dropping christian things if you NEVER talk about this stuff before, or at least hardly ever. That would be an awesome book...

[Mimi]

Hmmm well, the title is not my favorite but the idea is fantastic! I love the idea of using words only when necessary, like what melody said, often you dont have the opportunity to use words to share your fAith. Our actions are so important. I would like to see this book have real stories from real people, to be interactive , like with challenges and quizzes, oh and also for it to be challenging, and hard core something that can change your life. You are a amazing writer Mrs. Rue, I'm sure that whatever you do it will be a success!

[Mimi]

And also would the fact that we do need to use words sometimes be brought up?

[Alyson]

I love the idea, especially because not all of us were able to go to the retreat, or like me and could only go for a few minutes. To recreate that experience in a personal way is a great. I also think think the title could use a little work.

[Caitlin]

I love love love the idea of the book, but just not the title.

[Joy ;D]

* What do you think of the title? I like the title, but I'm the worst at naming things and judging names, so I wouldn't know. But in my opinion it's awesome:) :) :)

* The theme would be our "preach the gospel using words when necessary" approach. How do you feel about that at this point? I love that! I think that's absolutely PERFECT for your book!!!!

* I'd include challenges, sample situations, guides to going deeper in so you can go further out, that kind of thing. Anything else you'd want to see?

Hmm, well I like those little things you have in the Faithgirlz Bible, like those green things that ask questions at the corner of the page and then at the next pages corner says where to turn depending on where you answered and I like all the other things in there too :)

* I'd love for you to complete this sentence:

I'd be interested in this book as long as ___________.

Well, basically anything, I know everything you write is very good and teaches good lessons and is like perfect, so, just knowing you wrote a new book automatically makes me want to get it. :)

Tata
~jOy