Loree Huebner ~ Between you, me and the gatepost...: March 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

Imagination

~ Origami flowers made by my daughter Hannah ~
Quite an artistic imagination, wouldn't you say?

We as writers touch on many different emotions and life experiences as we write and develop the characters in our stories. Whenever possible, we draw from our own life experiences to make our writing genuine and unique. However, sometimes our stories call upon us to portray emotions with which we have no personal experience.

How does a writer connect with the emotion or experiences that he or she has not undergone in real life?

IMAGINATION

Merriam-Webster defines imagination as:

: the act or power of forming a mental image of something not present to the senses or never before wholly perceived in reality

a : creative ability

b : ability to confront and deal with a problem :Resourcefulness <use your imagination and get us out of here>

c : the thinking or active mind : Interest stories that fired the imagination>

a : a creation of the mind; especially : an idealized or poetic creation

b : fanciful or empty assumption

As a writer, one of the most important skills we have is the imagination. When we open our imagination - allow it to flow - anything is possible.

Are you exercising your imagination?

My two cents: This week I am challenged by writing a character that is a widow. I personally have never been widowed, so I must use my imagination to feel my way through the sadness, loneliness, and sorrow that accompanies such a difficult life experience.

Do you struggle when writing emotions that you have not personally experienced? Do you research events which alter our hearts and lives in order to write about them? Or do you solely rely on your vivid imagination?

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

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Monday, March 19, 2012

Many Moons Ago...

The Wabash River from I-65 at 70mph - Photo by Loree Huebner

Sorry this post is a bit late. Eric and I spent an wonderful weekend on a road trip. The weather was just awesome. Compared to the northern part of our state, spring was in full swing downstate—trees and bushes were blooming! The 80 degree weather made it perfect.

While driving home down I-65, I thought about the first time that I had decided to write a novel. Up to that point, I had tossed around the idea, dreamt of being an author, pictured myself with a series of my own books on the bookshelf, but this was the moment that I knew I was ready to sit down and start. I had stories in my head waiting to come out.

It was early December (this is some years ago) and I had just quit a very stressful job. I decided to do some stargazing out on the back deck. I just love the winter sky. The weather wasn’t too cold yet—a coat was comfortable enough. As I sat on a comfy chair, kicking my feet up on the railing, an enormous full moon rose on the eastern horizon. I was hypnotized by it. As I watched it slowly climb its way up in the eastern sky, I was overwhelmed with a feeling—a new beginning.

Just a few weeks before, I had come to a difficult decision (with the blessing of my husband) to quit my full time job. The job was extremely stressful—constantly piling more work upon the work we were already required to do—spreading us too thin. I was always mentally exhausted. I had stopped exercising and had gained weight. It wasn’t a healthy situation.

As I sat there gazing at this beautiful moon, I asked God, “Okay, what do I do now?”

A verse from the Bible came to my mind ~

For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven…

~Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ASV)

The Kankakee River from I-65 at 70 mph - Photo by Loree Huebner

Suddenly, I just knew—there was no booming voice, no flash of light, just a gentle tickling of my spirit. I went from weeping to a smile in less than 10 seconds. God was giving my answer. It was a time to write.

I went into the house and announced my decision. Eric thought it was about time. I started writing my first novel the very next day. Many moons later…I have 4 novels written, and have started my fifth. I’ve been back to work, full time, for several years now. I write when I’m not working. There’s time for exercise and fun. I’m much happier now. It all fit together…only with God’s help.

Where were you when you decided to sit down and write your first story, novel, or article, paint your first picture, or knit your first afghan? Whatever craft you do for a living or for fun ~ Do you remember what drew you in? Do you remember that defining moment of clarity? I would love to hear your stories.

Between you, me and the gatepost,

Loree

Monday, March 12, 2012

Spring Tagged!

Purple Crocus - March 11, 2012 - Photo by Loree Huebner

The weather has warmed up, and signs of spring are everywhere. Two days ago, I spied several crocuses blooming in my yard. Those daffodils that were coming up last month—bloomed this week…yes, this week! The honey bees and hornets are busy looking for open flowers, and the robins are in every yard. I've got to say that I don't remember such a windy March. Forget doing your hair! Anyway, spring is nearly upon us here in Indiana.

Yellow Crocus - March 11, 2012 - Photo by Loree Huebner

Apparently, spring is also the season of tagging. This past weekend I was tagged by Marji Laine. Marji is a beautiful and talent writer. She is also a woman of many talents! You can stop by her blog anytime and always feel welcome. Go on over and visit her at Marji Laine – Faith-Driven Fiction.

I'm always feel awkward about things like this, but I will give it a whirl. The rules of being tagged are to answer the questions that Marji has left for us. I’ll give it a go.

1 Book or movie and why?

Book—hands down—there is no why.

2 Real book or e-book?

Real book. I still love the real deal. I spend a great amount of time staring at computer screens. I don’t want my personal reading time to be done on a screen if I can help it. I still love the smell of a book, the pages, the pictures. I love to hold it in my hands.

3 Funniest thing you’ve done in the past 5 years?

I do funny things all the time. Maybe this question should be directed at Hubz. Eric would probably tell you about the time that I was fishing on the shore of Lake Erie, right by the Marblehead Lighthouse in Ohio, and fell in the water. What happened next is written in the Huebner History book. It’s much too long of a story for an answer to a question. Maybe a future blog post? Yeah, maybe…AND there are pictures. It all involves hysterical laughter, crying, pain, more hysterical laughter, and a fish. heh heh…

4 How would your best friend describe you?

My best friend and I have been friends for over thirty years. Nancy would describe me as her “sister” even though we’re not related. At this point, we are sisters. We even send each other “sister” cards for special occasions. It’s an honor that I’ve earned and wear proudly.

5 How do you put yourself into the books you read/write or the movies you watch?

Hubz and I love to watch old movies. There are a lot of great stories out there in between the pages, or on film…it’s easy to get lost in them. As far as putting myself there, I love the Civil War era. This is the time period that I love to write about the most. I can put myself into the bubble…and I’m there.

6 Favorite kind of car and why?

Corvette – Always loved them. Don’t own one…yet.

7 Would your choice party be a catered meal or a BBQ out back?

Definitely a BBQ out back. When Eric and I were in Brussels visiting his brother and family, we were invited to a party at a friend’s home. When we got there, it was a BBQ out in their back yard. We had the greatest time! Our host was from Scotland, and his wife was an American. He cooked for all of us! Good food and good company, and the evening weather was just perfect! We had been to some great restaurants on that vacation, but Eric and I remember that night as one of the best nights from that trip to Europe.

8 What’s your favorite season and why?

Fall. I’m not sure exactly why, but maybe it’s because I was born in the fall. I love the changing leaves, the beauty of the land, and the refreshing cool weather after a warm summer…and the smell of the first campfire.

9 What specific lesson have you learned – Spiritual, educational, occupational?

Spiritual – “Do not be afraid” ~ Educational – “Fear not” ~ Occupational – “Do not let your heart be troubled” ~

10 Besides writing, what’s your favorite thing to do when you get some extra time?

I love to fish for largemouth bass, crappie, perch, and bluegills. Fishing is so relaxing. Eric and I, and all of our kids love to fish. We all get together at least once a year to go on a fishing outing together. Last year it was at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis. I love being out in nature and on the water. My other favorite thing to do is Civil War reenacting. I also love to garden, bird watch, hike, and star gaze.

11 What’s one place you can be found at least one time every week?

I’ll give you several once a week places—church, grocery store, the post office, sunset watching, our favorite park with the dogs, and a nearby small book store.

Now I’m supposed to tag 11 awesome bloggers. I wish I could tag everyone. I just picked some awesome bloggers at random, whose blogs I visit, and who I hoped hadn’t been tagged before. If you see your name below, you are tagged. (I provided the links to their blogs, so head on over for a visit).

Awesome Bloggers: Answer the same 11 questions that I did. No pressure to play along – all in good fun.

In no particular order:

Cynthia Herron
Sandra Orchard
Keli Gwyn
Cindy R.Wilson

Is the change of seasons in full swing where you live? Tell me what changes you’re seeing around your house this week.

And to my Irish friends - Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Between you, me and the gatepost,