Have You Ever Met a Story World Character?

We often hear about the importance of a writer belonging to a critique group. Over six years ago, ICFW's Shirley Corder founded a non-fiction group called Truth Talk. I had the privilege of being one of the five initial members. Shirl and I lived in South Africa, but our homes were two days' drive apart. Jan and Yvonne were on opposite sides of America while Elaine lived in a small English village.


None of us had broadband or Skype in those days, but strong bonds of friendship developed among us as Truth Talk emails flew to and from our computers. We honed our writing skills, prayed together and became a close-knit unit supporting each other in our daily lives.


After several years I visited England with my husband and younger daughter. Elaine's village was one of the proposed places on our itinerary as a much loved aunt also lived there. I asked Elaine for her phone number and we planned to meet if possible.


I called Elaine from my aunt's house. I waited for her to pick up the phone and my anticipation grew as I imagined a flurry of excited squeals of joy and laughter as we spoke to each other for the first time.

Elaine answered my call and I said, "Hello, Elaine, this is Ruth speaking."

There was no response.

"Hello?"

"Hello, Elaine. Are you there?"

Still no response.

I was about to put the phone down when she spoke to me in a rather vague manner. I was nonplussed by her initial lack of reaction, but as we chatted the words came tumbling out. Elaine gave me directions to her house and later I visited her. It was so good to meet her at long last and give her a big hug.

Later I discovered the reason for Elaine's stunned silence. She had been totally immersed in the story world of the book she was writing. As she wrestled with a dilemma involving one of her key characters, who happened to be called Ruth, her phone rang. When she answered the call she was startled to hear a voice saying, "Hello, Elaine, this is Ruth speaking." Her first reaction was that her character had  phoned to give her side of the story!

We often laugh about this incident, but it gives an insight as to how characters become real people to their creators.

Has there ever been a time when your characters have come to life? This could be from a book you're reading or writing. If so, please leave a comment and tell me about it.

Review: Cast of Characters by Max Lucado

Cast of Characters
Written by Max Lucado
Published by Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-8499-2155-1

How do you bring Bible characters to life for today’s readers? Many authors take us back in time and show the folk in Bible days, but Max Lucado uses an innovative approach. He blasts them into modern society—then tells their stories with modern twists. For example, Matthew, the first-century tax collector, becomes the guy who's never invited to the neighborhood cookouts or high-school reunions.

“Cast of Characters” is gleaned from Max Lucado’s best-sellers. The Bible folk are chosen from the Old and the New Testament, and include lesser known people like Mephibosheth and heroes such as Paul. It was exciting to see myself in the book—if these peoples’ lives counted, then mine, with all its shortcomings, also counts in the hands of a loving God.

Max Lucado’s conversational style is a pleasure to read. The chapters are short and stand alone. They start with a Bible reading and then retell the character’s story set in modern society and laced with anecdotes from Max Lucado’s life. Questions for discussion and reflection end each one.

 I found this book ideal for a quick read during a coffee break as well as a great tool for my devotional time. It also lends itself for use in a Bible Study group.

I enjoyed “Cast of Characters” and highly recommend it.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "The Boy Who Changed the World" written by Andy Andrews and illustrated by Philip Hurst

The Boy Who Changed the World
Written by Andy Andrews
Illustrated by Philip Hurst
Published by Tommy Nelson, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4003-1605-2






This book, suitable for children from six to ten years, opens with happy pictures of a little boy playing in the cornfields with his sisters. It features the stories of four boys, not one as the title suggests. They are Norman Borlaug, Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver and Moses Carver who respectively became Nobel laureate, Vice President, inventor and farmer. Their lives illustrate The Butterfly Effect by showing how each life is interwoven by the decisions made by other people.

“The Boy Who Changed the World” can be read as one story, or as four short stories. I found it choppy to read in one sitting as it jumped around in time. I think it would flow better and provide clearer understanding for children if it followed the chain of events chronologically.

The illustrations are superb. Rich in color and detail, they are sure to appeal to children. Butterflies adorn most pages and the book closes with a cloud of these beautiful creatures.

I recommend this book to adults to read and discuss with children—it’s interesting and has a clear message that children’s lives are important to God. Every action a child takes matters and makes a difference in the world.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”