Chapters

One thing I find interesting (and complicated) about writing is chapters. I've heard many people talk about what is contained in a chapter is essential in keeping a reader tuned in and hooked on the overall story. And each and every chapter must meet the criteria for making this happen. And this all must happen while keeping the flow of your story constant, making your characters believable, setting up your plot twists (for every good story has those) and convincing the reader your story is logical.

My question is what constitutes a perfect chapter, since writing is encapsulated in well written chapters. Does the length of a chapter matter? Can a one page chapter be as good as a ten page chapter? I find my chapter vary greatly depending upon what I've trying to tell. I have written chapters with only a 1000 or so words which I felt hit the mark and I've written chapters of several thousand words where I wondered if I'd adequately addressed the topic and issues of that chapter.

Also important is the opening and closing of a chapter. What makes for a great chapter first sentence? Obviously, drawing the reader into your story and keeping them there is important, even within the confines of a chapter. Their wanting to read on and see what happens is also key. And when we close a chapter our intent is to motivate the reader to move on the next chapter. So what makes an average chapter a great chapter? What does every great chapter contain? Great writing to me means incorporating the elements of a chapter people can't stop reading while being true to what is important to you.

For me a chapter has to include a thought, or progression of thoughts, that tell of something meaningful. Whether it is a one sentence narrative or several sentences of descriptive passage, it should captivate. When I reread and hopefully edit I look at each individual sentence and paragraph to see how I can make each chapter really shine. In writing, how do you tackle the chapter?

Prophet

For some time now religion has weighed heavily on my mind. Being a Latter Day Saint I have a unique perspective in that I belong to the Lord's church. I belong to the church because of the simple, humble prayer of a young boy in a grove (it would be called sacred). The prayer offered by this young boy was answered as all other prayer are, but perhaps this was something special because this young boy was visited by his Heavenly Father and His only Begotten Son, our very Lord, Jesus Christ. When the prayer and Heavenly visitation was complete the young boy, Joseph Smith, Jr. returned home changed for the reminder his mortality and beyond and we were soon treated to the restoration of the gospel, the dispensation of the fullness of times, and a prophet who would take his place with Moses, Abraham, Enoch and one who other latter day prophets would call the greatest man to walk the face of the earth, save the Savior only. I have such a strong love and respect for Joseph Smith and wholeheartedly concur with what those prophets have said of him.

I am so lucky to say many my ancestors were early church converts. Their faithfulness has helped prepare me for what is true and right and I am encouraged to follow in their faithfulness. Like any human, I make my share of mistakes, but I have such a wonderful base.

Remember, all my LDS friends, that we belong to the greatest organization in the world and Jesus stands at the head. And all of this we have because young Joseph Smith kneeled down and spoke in humble prayer.

Charlie

Hierarchic of passions

What is the LDS writer passionate about? The ones I've met (in cyberspace) are passionate about writing. And that is a good thing. Their passion is reflected in some very well told stories. In addition, LDS writers are passionate about helping other writers. And that is also a good thing. Also, LDS writers are passionate about praising the books their fellow authors have written and filling them up with encouragement. But, it is my belief that if you ask an LDS writer what he/she is most passionate about their answer will probably be being LDS. They would probably say that giving a blessing (Melchizedek Priesthood holders) is something they'd always stop writing for. They would always say being a mother comes before being a writer. I believe most LDS writers would say their passion for the Lord come first, followed by passion for their family (and all that that entails) and then passion for writing a wonderful story of clean engaging fiction or non-fiction that would hold the interest of anyone. And that is a very good thing.

I am so grateful

Each Sunday I listen to the talks, lessons and miscellaneous conversations and search for a phrase or something among all the important things discussed to remember and stick with me. The speaker in sacrament meeting today talked about cleaning the building and the spiritual benefits of doing it. I sort of glossed over his words until he drew near the end. He talked about the pleasure and spiritual uplift he received when he was asked to clean the temple. And then those four words, spoken often, but rarely given justified attention, perhaps because of repetition, came out his mouth. "And I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives me the chance to grow, to give back to Him. I am so grateful to my Savior who sacrificed all for me." And on it went and for some reason my ears perked up and I knew I felt the same way.

I am so very grateful for a wonderful loving Heavenly Father and perfect older brother and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for friends who like to write, like me, and who are LDS and know the encouragement each of us needs. Each of my friends at latterday authors, even though I have not met any of you, I know you are the most wonderful people. You couldn't be any other way.

The Lord's Suffering

Sunday evening and time to talk about something that bothers me now and again. It bothers me because I am the type of person I'm going to talk about now. We all have our struggles - the challenges our Lord places in our path back to Him - and we each cope with them in different ways. But one thing I've noted as strikingly similar and that is we all finds ways to complain.

At work we complain about the long hours or our boss who doesn't understand us and has his/her own agenda. We are frustrated with the long lines at the store, or the heavy traffic, or the children who also have their own agenda. We wonder why we were chosen to have to bear so much.

Now, when I begin to realize these feelings have overtaken me, and they do, I make an effort to refocus. I refocus and I encourage all who fall into this complaining trap to also refocus on the one person who suffered most of all. Our Lord and Savior, who I love more than anyone else, suffered at Gethsemane to the point of bleeding from every pore. And yet not a single word of complaint came forth from His mouth. So when we think about the things that weigh us down and overwhelm us in our mortal journey let us consider the Lord's suffering. For me, at least, my trials are really put in perspective.

Charlie

Showing off

This is our grandson, Calan. I guess since his parents have him plastered all over Facebook I can show him off here. I'm pretty attached so more photos may be forthcoming. Enjoy.

Charlie

Mother Eve

I think the veil is placed over our eyes when we come to our earthly estate, but through our faithfulness we're allowed a glimpse of little snippets from the side we came from. I believe this first happened with Adam. We all know the breath of life was first given to Adam and then to Eve. When Heavenly Father came to visit Adam and Eve He asked Adam what name he'd given the woman and Adam answered "Eve." Heavenly Father then asked why he would call her Eve, to which Adam replied, "because she is the mother of all living." Heavenly Father then said that is correct.

There are many people I look forward seeing when I cross the other side of the veil. Some, like my mother, who I knew well here on earth and others, like my aunt Bonnie and grandma, who I only knew in the first estate. Along with family members from a more recent past, I am also greatly looking forward to seeing once again father Adam and mother Eve.

I believe Adam and Eve look down upon our generation with great love as we continue to bring together all of their children through temple work. As this work passes on to our children and future generations it will continue to grow and the love of our first parents will grow with it.

It is a beautiful thing.