Passion: Saying no so we can say yes
When the doctor told me I had cancer, my life came to a screeching halt. Maybe that’s a time that you would respond with spiritual insight or wisdom. Not me.
“I don’t have time for cancer,” I said. (more…)
Exciting news
When my agent signed me as her client, it was because she liked my fiction writing. I had shared a manuscript with her I had written for young teens called Sticks and Stones and Skinny Bones.
That was 8 years ago, 600 nonfiction articles and five nonfiction books later.
Though nonfiction fits my love of ministry, fiction remains my dream. I write articles. I chew through deadlines for my nonfiction books. But in my off time I spin stories. Nonfiction is work. But time slips by when I write fiction. I get lost in the story, the characters, the research, the path that it takes me.
In the past few years I’ve written four fiction books, and they nest securely on my flash drive.
But maybe, just maybe, they’ll soon become reality. (more…)
A passion for writing
The discussion on The Writers View this morning is about mid-year goals.
My passion is writing, but right now you might be able to tell that around the Eller house. I do everything but write sometimes. I check the lint in the dryer. I blog (see!). I clean the kitchen. I check the mail obsessively. (more…)
ICRS - Staying home
It’s been interesting this week. I’m on several writing and speaking loops and the buzz is all about ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). They are talking about flights and shuttles and hotels, and interviews and book signings, and get-togethers.
And for the first time in eight years, I won’t be a part.
But it’s okay. I’m not supposed to be there this year, and I’m at peace with that. Other things are taking precedence and financially it just doesn’t make sense. I expected to nose dive when the buzz started. I love ICRS.
Last year I had two books coming out, one with Kregel and one with Harvest House. I had TV interviews, radio interviews, dinners and brunches and late night hang-out time with some of my favorite authors and speakers. I changed clothes at least twice a day, sometimes more as I jetted from one event to the next in the Hotlanta sun. I got to meet musical artists and hear their new songs and CD’s. I listened to speakers like Rob Bell. I perused the massive ICRS floor where publishers presented their new titles. I spent time sitting with good friends who LOVE the same things I do, like ministry and writing, and talked shop. I was one of the authors at the Personality party, an event where I got to meet some of my favorite writers.
But there was one moment that was better than all of those. A transforming moment.
I was in line holding a plate filled with delicious breakfast. It was a Harvest House Publishers brunch. Stormie O’Martien and her daughter sat nearby. Emilie Barnes and her sweet husband, George, were at the table behind me. Reps and media filled the room, waiting to visit with these A-list authors. Suddenly an arm slipped through mine.
“Sit with me,” the woman said, standing near me.
I turned. Kay Arthur.
“Yes, mam,” I replied. (more…)
Comments from She SpeaksAt the She Speaks conference, I shared my normal working attire: blue jersey shorts, a tank top or T-shirt, barefoot, no makeup, and my hair in a ponytail.
I wish you could see me now. The only thing is that I’m not wearing a ponytail. Otherwise, dead on.
Some professional, huh? : )
But it’s the words that flow and the work ethic that matters, and I can dress up when I’m traveling to conferences, eating out with my hubby, or stepping outside the door into the real world.
Here are a few of the comments from friends made at She Speaks (who thankfully don’t care what I’m wearing right now). Love you girls!
From Tammy: Your workshop was outstanding! One of my absolute favorites! Thank you for your “tips” and your “transparency.” I smile as I sit here with glasses on, hair in pony tail, wearing sweat pants! (more…)
Interview with author, Miralee FerrellI just finished the fiction novel, The Other Daughter. I invited the author, Miralee Ferrell, to talk about her new book and the issues behind the story.
Suzie: Miralee, this is your first published book. Tell us a little bit about your writing journey.
Miralee: Hi Suzie, it’s great to have a chance to chat with you. I started writing seriously with the thought of publication three years ago. The Lord spoke to me through a special speaker at church when he prayed for me. He felt the Lord was saying that I needed to be writing, and whatever I chose to write should be published. I prayed about it for over two weeks, and decided the Lord was nudging me that direction.
I started by writing my memories since my husband and I met 33 years earlier, with the things we’ve encountered and the spiritual applications. From that, I moved to short stories (non-fiction) and had three of them published in magazines. Then a friend and fellow author suggested I try Christian fiction. I didn’t think I could do it, but came up with a story line who’s inception was an incident in our past, then embroidered and changed it fiction. (more…)
Writer’s Block
Writing can be a barren place. In 2006 and 2007, three books were published. But they were written in 2005 and 226.
Since July of last year I’ve not been able to write.
Funny, but I’ve penned thousands of words and articles and blogs, but the books I wanted to write? Nada. Zilch. I could blame time, or busyness, or travel. But can I be honest? It’s not any of those.
I was stuck. For whatever reason, the words in my heart just wouldn’t come. . . (more…)
T. Suzanne Eller
Believing that God redeems our life stories, Suzanne teaches you how to give every chapter of your life to a relevant and life-changing Savior.
