I love brainstorming books.
I love the endless possibilities at the outset, all the combinations of what ifs, and the “Oh, have you ever thought about trying this?” suggestions.
Brainstorming is definitely one of my favorite stages of the writing process. That, and discovering who the characters are as I write and rewrite, digging deeper with each pass.
Part of our brainstorming weekend in Coeur d’Alene always involves LOTS of laughter, as you can see me and Janet Ulbright doing here. I could hardly catch my breath!
After I brainstorm a book, something special starts happening. Life starts introducing ideas all around me. And that’s exactly what happened when we went to an art fair in Coeur d’Alene this year.
I happened across a booth FULL of the art that my female protagonist crafts. She works in metals. And when Robin and I happened across this booth, Robin snapped a pic for my idea file.
I love brainstorming—and I also love birthdays, which is a good thing because they just keep comin’!
I celebrated the BIG 6-0 last week and welcome this next decade with open arms. There’s so much to be grateful for these days, and so much that I would still like to do, Lord willing. Yet there’s a comfort in knowing who you really are—which takes getting some years beneath your belt to truly grasp. And there’s also a sweet peace in knowing who you will never be. So far 60 is fabulous!
One of my favorite gifts I received this year is a gorgeous and oh-so-cushy handmade blanket from my dear friend Kim. And the little sign I’m holding (RELAX, we’re all crazy. It’s not a competition.) is also a fun one. (Thanks, sweet Kim!) Kim matched the colors to our house perfectly. But no surprise there. She’s an amazing decorator.
And now…a GIVEAWAY!
If you haven’t read At Love’s Command by our own sweet Karen Witemeyer, it’s an absolute must! I’m giving away a copy to one special Inspired by Life & Fiction friend today. At Love’s Command is a wonderful story about the power of God’s redemption.
Enter to win by:
1) filling out the Rafflecopter form, and
2) leaving a comment on this blog post sharing a favorite birthday gift you’ve received in recent years.
a Rafflecopter giveawayBlessings on your Tuesday, friends,
Tammy
DO YOU LOVE JOURNALS?
If yes then this month’s giveaway on my website is definitely for you!
ENTER TO WIN ONE OF THREE JOURNALS — Your pick!
Tamera Alexander
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I would have to say ‘BOOKS’!
wfnren at aol dot com
Love that, Wendy. Me too, babe!
My parents gave me a beautiful opal necklace and earrings for my birthday that I really like.
I love opals, Lori. So beautiful.
one of my favorite birthdays was when our two kiddos were 2 and 4 yrs old. Dad took them out to shop for me. To this day I dont know how he got them both to not give it away. When I opened it: oh my gosh: it was a bread maker. My first. I had been wanting one for a long time. I was so happy I started crying. Our oldest didnt understand and thought I didnt like it so he started crying. Well his sister who was 2 saw her brother crying so she started crying. My poor husband had his hands full. After a while we finally all stopped crying and my husband and I were able to explain about happy tears. I dont think they got it at the time. But as time went on they would ask “are those happy tears?”
Oh how precious, Lori. I love that story—and warm bread from any oven! 🙂
This was years ago. My parents gave me a signet ring before I was married. I know they couldn’t afford a gold ring but they thought I should have it. And I still do have it, it will go to my sweet new baby grandaughter. ibjoy1953
I love that, Joy. What a treasure!
A silly gift, but a birthday gift with a fun memory is a stuffed llama that my husband and kids gave me. I named her Loraine and she sleeps with me every night. My kids think it’s hilarious.
That SO makes me smile, Laura! Love it!!! Thanks for sharing today. : )
Time with friends is the best gift for me.
A treasure for sure, Caryl. I agree. As I sat there that night at the restaurant, looking around the table, my heart just filled with gratitude for all those precious people.
One of my favorite gifts was an Escape Room game from my family. It’s a blast to play!
My fabulous daughter-in-law LOVES Escape Room games! She’s started us on them. They are so fun! Love that we have this in common, Abby.
It’s just hubby and I so when it comes to birthdays, presents don’t always fall on “the” birth day. Some times it’s even more fun that way because they come at you so unexpectedly. The birthday present of recent times that was the most fun was when hubby surprised me with tickets to a gathering of Amish authors and their fans in Shipshewana, IN couple years ago. It was a fabulous time and I loved sharing it with being with folks of like interest, learning more about authors whose books I enjoy reading and in a wonderful location. Warmed my heart to know hubby took so much thought to planning it all out so that I would enjoy it.
What a guy, Kay! Hold onto that man of yours!! 🙂 What a treasure. Both the experience and the love that went into giving it to you.
Happy happy birthday! I turn 59 in November and I think I dread that more than 60. But you make me feel much better about the aging process! We will be driving through Couer D’Alene this weekend to a memorial for my uncle. Your retreat looks wonderful. One of my favorite birthday gifts was a weekend away in the Seattle area, by myself. My honey sent me during a time of lives when it was crazy busy. Well, it’s still crazy busy, but I loved that gift!
60 is FABULOUS, Angie! So don’t dread it at all. Seriously. : ) Enjoy this last year of your 50s, and safe travels this weekend. CdA is SUCH a gorgeous place. Time away IS a special treat, and your husband was sweet to do that for you. A special man.
I just celebrated a birthday and received Connilyn Cossette’s newest book “Between the Wild Branches”. I’m so excited to start reading it! Big plug for her books, in case you haven’t read any.
I’ve read her before but haven’t read that one, Joyce. She’s good! Happy belated birthday, friend!
My all-time favorite birthday present was my husband’s flying my two sisters into Houston to spend a few days with me for my 50th birthday. The first rendez-vous after their arrival was dinner out at my favorite restaurant. The next day we went to Kemah for excellent seafood and had a great time exploring Moody Gardens. Since my sisters lived states away, my husband’s gift was extra special!
The gift of time with loved ones… Is there anything better? I love that your hubby did that for you, Suzanne. What a special time. Thanks for sharing!
My favorite gifts are always the cards!! My children are the best at picking out very sweet heartfelt cards! 🙂
I love the cards too, Beverly! And the handwritten messages inside. Keepers, all of them. : )
My favorite gifts are usually books. One year I got the Princess Bride book for my birthday. That was really fun because I’d never read it before. Thank you for the chance to win!
You’re so welcome, and thanks for sharing. I LOVED The Princess Bride. Both the book AND the movie. ; )
Happy Birthday! My fortieth birthday was very memorable as my sweet parents gave me a gorgeous opal ring which I will always treasure. (I was born in October, so opal is my birthstone.)
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity!
Amy, I love opals, too. Always have. I used to have an opal ring but the stone (very delicate) broke, but I still have the setting. Thanks for sharing!
I love having a dinner that I don’t have to cook and of course getting a book from my wish list!
AMEN on the dinner I didn’t have to cook. More and more (even though I enjoy cooking), that’s a REAL treat, Merry!
I’ve always wanted a big wind chime & my husband got me one for my birthday a few years ago. I love to hear it sing out on my back deck on a breezy day!!
My favorite birthday present is when family members call to sing (often off-key) Happy Birthday. I just wish I had recordings.
I don’t really receive many birthday gifts as it is to close to Christmas and my parents both passed. This will be my first birthday without both of them. About 8 years ago they bought me a pair of small diamond earrings that I always wear.
I received a great gift from my BIL this year! $75 to spend on books! WOOHOO!!!
I always appreciate a meal out and it doesn’t have to be a fancy restaurant. Just not having to cook is a wonderful treat!
Going out to eat w/ family (adult children & the grands!)
My favorite present was when my hubby presented me with a ticket to attend a quilt show with my best friend. He made all the arrangements of hotel room, car rental, and of course airline ticket. Best guy ever 🙂
My best one recently is when my oldest daughter, son in law and grandkids got me a 16×20 canvas of my husband, myself and all of our grandchildren. It is beautiful!
My mother and I both had September birthdays – hers the 19th and mine the 21st. After I became an adult, we always celebrated them together. We lost her in 2004, so I miss these special times, but am so gkad I had them!
Happy birthday, Tamera! You wear 60 well! Blessings to you and best wishes for a joyful year.
I have At Love’s Command, so don’t need to enter the giveaway. It’s a great book!!
A favorite birthday gift was last June from my daughter Rhonda: gift card to Michael’s craft store!