There’s just something about music that deeply touches my soul. I’ve often been asked about my writing style, and one of the sparks that generates writing within me comes from listening to and singing songs that “tell stories”. There are so many songwriters that have touched my soul with their beautiful words and music. Their songs evoke emotions of love, romance, mystery, sadness, or great joy within me. Music inspires me and the lyrics intrigue me, comfort me, and imprint vivid images in my mind. It’s often hard to explain, but I am a very sensory and tactile person. I feel the words and the music. You can ask me about a song I loved many years ago, and I can quote it word for word.  Although, if you asked me what I wore the day before, I’d most likely not remember. Listen and “feel” the words of Rich Mullins, John Denver, Kenny Loggins… There are just too many to name because so very many have touched my life.

One of the songwriters who touched my life most was my mother. Her writing came from her heart, and her songs conveyed the love of God to all who listened.  My mom wrote many gospel songs, but I think the song she wrote for her mother, “Around My Mama’s Knees” always meant the most to her. Now that my mama’s at home in Heaven, it means the most to me. This song relates to the scripture “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6) And this is how she raised all of her children.

Almost from the time I could talk, I remember singing with my mother. The songs I most remember singing as a very small child are “Jesus Loves the Little Children”, “Deep and Wide”, and “Jesus Loves Me”. These are most likely the very same church songs you sang as well. As I grew older, my mom would often enlist my sister and I to sing “special songs” with her at church. Her favorite hymn was “I’ve Got a Mansion”. I remember the feeling of standing next to her by the piano as Mrs. Groom played, and we all sang out with our hearts and souls to the congregation. This became quite a routine, and amazingly I never felt the shyness I often possessed when I spoke in public.

As I’ve said before, life experiences deeply influence a writer, and my early life experiences most definitely left their impression on me and continue to shape who I am today.

I’ve looked at clouds from both sides now, from win and lose, but still somehow, it’s clouds illusions I recall, I really don’t know clouds at all. ~ Joni Mitchell

I really believe clouds were created for the writer and the dreamer in all of us. For as long as I can remember, every time I’ve gazed into the sky, my mind takes flight, and I start looking for all the wonders I can find within the clouds. As a teacher, I’ve had to learn all the scientific names for the clouds, the specific function of clouds in the water cycle, and what each “type” of cloud represents in terms of weather analysis. But in my heart, I too love the illusion of clouds most of all.

I was reminded of this childhood pleasure only a few weeks ago as we drove home from Missouri. There were strong thunderstorms most of our drive home, but close to sunset the storms abated and the solid dark wall of clouds began to move apart. The sun showered these towering clouds with light and outlined them in brilliant colors of crimson and gold. It was a magnificent sight to behold. Then as the clouds shifted, shapes began to form. We watched in wonder as a young girl with long flowing hair drifted slowly by, only to be transformed a few miles down the road into an old man with a big nose and shaggy beard. The clouds final variation had the look of a tired dragon slowly crawling home after a long day of fighting knights. At that point, the sun dropped below the horizon leaving only shimmering remnants of imagination behind.

Writing is the stuff dreams are made of, with a sprinkle of reality thrown in for good measure. Every experience we have shapes and forms us, and for me I’m so glad God granted me the gift of a lively imagination. I’ve often used it foolishly, often used it when I teach, but most often I’ve used it to make my dreams come true… at least on paper, that is.

Imagination is a gift that allows us to find hidden shapes in the clouds. It inspires us to write words on paper that evoke emotions in the heart of the reader. Or it allows us to sing a song straight from our heart to lift up others and give praise to the ONE who first used imagination to create the wonders of this wide world in which we live.

Tonight, as the rain continues to fall, the thirsty ground quickly soaks up these precious drops of moisture and stores what it needs to survive during the long, hot days of summer. As the rain pelts against the window panes, I watch mesmerized as large droplets slowly slide down the glass. The sound of the rain soothes and comforts me, and I feel safe within the walls of my own home. I contemplate getting up and taking care of all the “things” that await my attention, and yet I linger and daydream. “Words” are on my mind, or more specifically, the power of words. I ponder this because I know how amazing and how detrimental words can be. As an author, my words reach many. I feel a deep responsibility to represent not only the character of the “characters” in my book, but to let my words represent my innermost being. I desire to entertain my readers, as well as depict compassion, strength, determination, and faith throughout the pages of my book.

One word spoken or written can create great happiness or utter despair in others. I write from my heart, from the very depths of my soul because writing is an integral part of who I am. In the real world, I earn my living as a teacher, and in this capacity, the words I speak are even more important than those I write. Each day in the classroom, I must try to teach young minds all they need to learn in order to “pass” to the next grade. During the short time I have a student in my class I pray my words and my actions demonstrate compassion, strength, determination, and faith.

I have been given a very great power. A power that at times I wish I didn’t have. Regardless of a child’s home life, teachers are empowered as role models for their students. The younger the child, the more they look to the teacher for guidance. A child’s self-esteem, desire to learn, even their need to be noticed and cared about is balanced by words. One word of kindness can motivate a child, while one unkind word can crush a child’s spirit.
As the rain falls, my thoughts drift back to my own school days. How powerful words can be to a child. So many years have gone by, yet certain memories remain permanently etched in my mind. I would like to say all my memories are positive ones, but I can’t. There were teachers who often criticized me for being a dreamer, while others nurtured the dreamer within me. I was not always the most motivated of students. I always did just enough to get by, even though I had the ability to be so much more. It wasn’t until high school that a teacher lit a spark within me that drew me to become who I am now. One small sentence, one kind word, spoken at a time in my life when I desperately needed reassurance changed the course of my life.

Words…Did my life change overnight because of one person’s gentle words? The answer is no, but it did begin the metamorphosis within me. Am I who I have become today because of her words. Possibly, because that day a simple spoken word of kindness helped me begin to believe in myself. Each day, as words are written or spoken the thirsty soul quickly soaks up these precious drops and stores what it needs to survive during the long, hard days of life.

Blessings,

Susan

What I like in a good author is not what he says, but what he whispers. 

~Logan Pearsall Smith, “All Trivia,” Afterthoughts, 1931

Each day, I try and remember that writing is a process that takes time… time and patience. Time to develop the plot, time for the characters to “become” real ( always makes me think of the Velveteen Rabbit), and it definitely takes persistence, even when you get discouraged and want to quit altogether.  Also, it takes a spoonful of encouragement because even though we don’t want to admit it, we all need that little stroke on the back that says, “Hey, you’re doing a good job.”  At the end of each semester, I like to have my students critique my writing in a reader response essay. I make it clear that a good critique is not just saying, “I loved it!” Rather, how does the writing affect the reader, what feelings does it evoke, or how does it connect with their lives.  I’ve received some really great responses. It’s amazing the connections one can make to another’s story, and these are the responses I most appreciated. I did have one student who verbally gave me that pat on the back when he said that he wanted to learn to write like me; to paint the story with words. Sometimes this is just the “push” necessary to keep you inspired. I love to share info on my books, and I really appreciate it when others share my work with their friends and family. Word of mouth is an author’s best friend. Please be that brave soul who shares my books with someone.  Just say, I read a great book recently, and I think you would love it.

As a relatively unknown author, I know I have to utilize all the resources at my disposal. There are times it may seem uncomfortable to put myself out there, but I’ve found that once I open the conversation it usually develops into something special. For example, this past week I was out and about on a river cruise, and as I opened my purse to get out some cash to buy a couple of sodas, I noticed that I had a few promo cards in my purse. I thought for a few minutes, debating with myself as to whether or not I should disturb others on the cruise by handing them my info card on Ghost of Johanna. Finally, I decided nothing ventured, nothing gained. I walked around the upper deck of the boat, said hello, smiled, and passed out my seven promo cards. After a few minutes, my efforts were rewarded when several moms and daughters came over to talk to me and ask how they could order the book. I showed them my info on the card, and they were excited to find out I was actually the author. Several sales and a new booking resulted from an unexpected opportunity. One woman even said how exciting it was to meet someone famous. I had to stop and look around the deck to see who it was that she was talking about. Hopefully, each one of these folks will share with someone else, as well.

Another resource I love is social media. I say love because it is a great way to connect with people all around the world. I’ve “met” some really great friends this way. Social media is also a wondrous way for authors to connect to their readers. I’ve made friends and gained fans from around the world, including the Dominican Republic, Columbia, and El Salvador. From the US and Canada to to UK and Europe, and on to South America, Asia, and Australia, please know that I always appreciate your comments, critiques, and support!

I’ll say goodnight by sharing a few quotes to hopefully give you that little pat of encouragement that we need…

The pages are still blank, but there is a miraculous feeling of the words being there, written in invisible ink and clamoring to become visible.  ~Vladimir Nabakov

                       Don’t tell me the moon is shining; show me the glint of light on broken glass.  ~Anton Chekhov                                                                                                                                                                                                     Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.  ~William Wordsworth