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In April, I traveled with a group to Greece for an absolutely wonderful trip experiencing ancient ruins and archeological digs, starting in Athens with the Acropolis. In Ancient Corinth we walked through more ruins and artifacts. Breathtaking antiquities. Originally, we were to cruise through the Greek islands to Ephesus, Turkiye. Unfortunately, our cruise ship was stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, blocked due to the wars among Iran, USA, and Israel. Collette Tours made alternate arrangements for us: three nights on the island of Santorini ... white washed buildings, churches, and windmills sloped to the still, turquoise sea. Back on the mainland, we traveled north through Thermophlae and Kalambaka to see the "hanging monasteries of Meteora" (UNESCO) ... six secluded communities perched on peaks of dark sandstone pinnacles ... Think Garden of the Gods on steroids. We visited two: one a safe haven for nuns and the other a home to monks. From there, we continued north to Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Philippi ... archaeological sites and monuments from the Ancient Roman and Byzantine eras, and remains of Paul's dungeon to the tree-shaded river where he baptized Lydia. After Greece, ten of us went to Rome for three days packed with sightseeing ... Colosseum, Forum, dungeons of Peter and Paul, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, Basilica of St. Peter, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Awe-inspiring. As usual, I took photos of everything. However, on Vatican day, I accidentally left my phone in the hotel lobby. When we returned to the hotel, I went straight to the receptionist. He had it on his desk and brought it to me. "... and I even charged it for you." I was so relieved! A couple of fellow travelers took pity on me and "beamed" Vatican day photos to my phone. Incredible friends! Home, again. Back to the book, again. After much deliberation, I am adding "literary" to my novel's genre because my writing is character-centered, theme-centered, and includes multiple first-person voices. Unlike a plot-driven story, mine is more reflective, until crucial events demand immediate action and get it! I have the impression that many publishers only want books that contain constant conflict and excitement so the reader will keep reading. That is also what most of today's movies do and what most moviegoers expect. But I know many readers who are wanting something else. They want books that have emotional weight and are thoughtful, hopeful, comforting, and/or inspiring. My Literary Biblical Historical Novel, Expecting and Encountering the Messiah is written for them. In HOW TO EDIT YOUR NOVEL: Practical Tips for Strengthening Your Story, respected author and editor Karin Beery said: Fans of literary fiction are perfectly willing to read a novel in which deep characterization and the exploration of ideas (i.e., theme) is placed above the forward momentum of the plot. I still need to rewrite portions, especially where I need to "show, not tell" in order to strengthen my story. I'm catching on, though. I must show, not tell, and stop. Just stop. Explanations are not needed at that point. God willing, I will have the novel finished in two months and ready to publish in September.
Writing the Mother Road: Texas High Plains Writers Celebrates Route 66 is THPW's newest anthology of short stories. Twenty-four authors have contributed a variety of excellent stories. The large-print book is available on Amazon as well as at several events where we will have the anthologies, and our own books, for sale:
in Christian love, Betty |
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May 2026
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