On the MOVE!!!

Ladies and Gents,

This Blog has been moved over to my website: www.valeriefentress.com.

Hop on over to continue watching the blogging grow, and my writing blossoming right under my nose.

Happy Blogging!

Finished, Fineto, Done, Complete....YAY!

Goodness....I didn't think I would get it done. But I have with hours to spare.

I had set a goal to finished my manuscript by the end of December, and considering today is the last day I am Relieved, Joyous, Thankful to say it is finished!

WHAHOO!

Granted I know the work is not completely done on this little bit of 90,000 words, but the word count and meat of the story is all fleshed out. I can't believe how much this story has grown, changed and developed ever since I got back from the Mt. Hermon Writer's Conference this last March.

Now it's time for a little break (31 days exactly ), before I start polishing things up for the agents and publishers that will be at Mt. Hermon this March.

WHEW....I think it's time for my brain to veg.

Happy New Year!!!!!

Chubby Cheeks

I think I have my mouth full!!!

If I told you how much is going on, and how much has been lopped on my plate in the last month, I don’t think you would believe it.

Church Stuff, Work Stuff, Family Stuff, Friend Stuff, Writing Stuff….whatever happened to the simple life?

In the past, when I bite off more than I can chew, I proceed to get rid of stuff left and right. Yes I know that is not a good pairing of illustrations, but that how it used to be. I would have rather hidden in the shadows than take hold of the leadership opportunities set before me.

So why the change now? Well part of it is my husband is a service driven man of God, and I his other half get sucked in. For better or worse, better most times. J And I’m starting to think God is cultivating a heart of leadership and service for me too. He’s trying to get rid of the laziness and often time selfishness that I cling to.

But it’s not easy. Actually it is VERY tiring! But in God’s own grace He is helping me see part of the process, and take comfort in the plan he has for me.

WOW! I don’t think I’ve ever set my heart in this fashion. I am encouraged and a little weary of what’s ahead. If you find your walk with Christ in a place you feel overwhelmed. Search the heart of Christ in your decisions, and let his power guide you.

Blessings

10 DAYS LEFT!!!!!!

I can’t believe it…only ten days before I’m off to Mount Hermon California!

My stint of unemployment couldn’t have come at a better time. A time to relax, a time to prepare, and a time to pray. It’s funny how God works everything out for good. Now I just have to remember that when I want to stay under my covers on a bad day.

It has been amazing to watch God prepare my heart and my words as I get ready to step out in the writing world. I know He has great things planned for this conference, even if I don’t come away with a book contract. ;)

But that is the goal. That will be my passion and my heart as my excitement and anxiety start to take over this calm demeanor I’ve developed over that last few weeks, which is VERY un-Valerie like.

I ask for continued prayers as they days rush by, and all the people going to Hermon get amped up. IT’S ALMOST HERE……

Is it time to pack my bag YET!!????!?!?!???!???!?!???

Motivation Station-

34 Days to go……

Only a few days over a month left to go, before California. My heart jumps each time I think about it and God just keeps reminding me of how many other stories I have to tell.
From time to time in the last few weeks doubts has crept into my mind that I can’t write. And that all I have to write are the seven manuscripts I’m taking, but Blessed be the name of the Lord that I have heard his reminder of the joy in writing.

I am amazed and often frustrated by the attacks I undergo, in my writing and in my life. Many times it is hard to focus on God’s provision and grace in those times, but he is always there.
It’s also amazing to se what God reveals to me through reading the Bible, and from verses I have memorized. These have been on my heart.

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. –Jeremiah 29:11

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you… -2Thessalonians 3:3

But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the almighty that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise. - Job 32:8-9a

May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed…Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. - Psalm 20:4, 7

May these verses touch your heart and encourage your week.

RandoM-E vol.5

100 things about ME

For any writer’s out there I encourage you to take this challenge, it is different way to express yourself and your creativity

1. I was conceived on Valentine’s Day
2. Most of my name is in that holiday’s title….VALERIE
3. The meaning of Valerie is STRONG
4 I’m not a body builder
5 I did survive massive back surgery at 17 though
6 My Dad calls me his Titanium driver (b/c of the titanium rod in my back)
7 I don’t like to watch golf, or play much either
8 I did a report in high school on the history of Golf (14 pages…WOW)
9 I golf right handed
10 Even though I’m LEFT HANDED
11 My husband is left handed too
12 Left handed people make the world right ;)
13 I’m a world history buff
14 I do Yoga
15 I don’t do Birkam Yoga- TOO HOT
16 I live in Texas
17 Never seen the Grand Canyon
18 Went to Vegas once, just the airport for a total of 3 hours
19 Didn’t play the slots in the terminal
20 I don’t like gambling
21 I don’t like alcohol
22 My favorite movie is a tie between the Italian Job and Pride and Prejudice
23 The six hour A&E version of Pride and Prejudice is best
24 If I could go back in time I would want to be a noble in the Middle Ages of England or Ireland
25 I’m 1/16th Irish
26 I have the red hair to prove it
27 My nickname is Coppertop
28 Or Buddy
29 Or Frank- as in Frankenstein cause of a fourteen inch scar from my surgery that I wear with pride
30 Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein is one of my favorite books
31 I’ve seen Mary Shelly’s grave and asked devil worshipers how to get there in the dark
32 My bedroom has to be completely dark in order for me to fall asleep
33 I love sleeping
34 My dreams are extremely vivid and I remember the too
35 Several of my manuscripts are dream inspired
36 I don’t believe most dreams mean anything
37 But I don’t deny that God speaks to people in many different ways
38 I’m currently learning American Sign Language
39 If I could go back to school I’d get a masters in Church History
40 I have a degree in Biomedical Science
41 I like ER but don’t like Grey’s Anatomy
42 I don’t like the movie ET
43 But I like the movie Cocoon
44 I don’t believe in aliens
45 I wish I had super powers
46 I like the show HEROS
47 I feel empowered and inspired after watching any Marvel Comic/ DC comic movies
48 Spiderman is my favorite
49 But Batman is up there too
50 I love animals
51Cats not so much- domestic, cause lions and tigers rock!
52 I believe it is our job to care for the animals of the world
53 I feel that adoption is an AMAZING option for kids and animals
54 I feel there are too many teens having sex
55 Media and Parents need to step up to their responisbilites
56 I am addicted to the TV
57 But I love to read
58 My favorite book is the Count of Monte Cristo
59 I’ve read it many times
60 I enjoyed reading Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons and the Da Vinci Code
61 I don’t believe that Mary Magdalene was Christ’s wife
62 I don’t believe there is a blood line through Christ other than him washing us clean of sin by spilling his blood
63 I do believe Christ had brother’s and sisters
64 I have one sister
65 Two sister’s in-law
66 I became an AUNT a few weeks ago
67 I don’t have any kids now
68 My dogs are my kids
69 I do want kids
70 Twin boys (maybe one girl)
71 I’ve already picked out their names
72 No I’m not telling you ;)
73 I volunteer in my church’s nursery
74 I trained service dogs in college
75 I was a volunteer with Equest
76 I used to be a Rodeo Rider
77 Never owned a horse
78 I want to rescue neglected animals one day
79 I think people should be certified to own pets of any kind
80 Too bad we can’t force people to be certified in order to have kids
81 I think animal cruelty is a crime
82 I love the show CSI, although the writer’s need help
83 I would love to be a writer for movies, or TV
84 I hope to see Ted Dekker’s move ‘THREE’
85 I wish there were more Christian movies out there
86 I wish good old sitcoms like Growing Pains and the Cosby show would come back in style
87 I believe reality shows are getting too insane
88 I only watch the tryouts of American Idol
89 I only sing in Church
90 Well sometimes in my Car
91 Yes the shower too, on occasion
92 I go to a Baptist Church
93 Baptism is important
94 I don’t believe baptism is your only way to salvation
95 I was raised in a Church going family
96 I love reading the Bible
97 I believe the Bible is the inspired words of God
98 I believe God did create the world
99 I believe Christ is the son of God
100 CHRIST IS MY SAVIOR

RandoM-E vol.3

I was in Hobby Lobby the other day with a gift card in hand, and I saw the words below in black lettering (50% off I might add). Something about these words struck me. What would my life be like if these four words were in my head and heart constantly?

BELIEVE
LAUGH
LIVE
PRAY

If I stand firm on what I BELIEVE, LAUGH at myself more often, LIVE with passion, and keep my heart in PRAYER it would be hard for my pessimistic self to kick in.
Wow! What if everyone lived like this? What would our world be like?
Sometimes it is the simple words we’ve heard time and time again that give us the most inspiration.

In the Headlines vol.3

I guess this is my own personal headline: I was part of my company’s massive liquidation on Monday.

So I am jobless, and currently applying for any job I could qualify for. It’s funny though cause I’ve not enjoyed my job over the last six months or so, and in part it is a relief that I don’t have go and deal with all the drama.

Financially I may not be able to stay at home very long, but I plan on making most of that time in my preparations for a writer’s conference in California. There are two stories I would like to hammer out so that they will be at their best when the land in the hands of agents and publishers.

This job loss might be God preparing the way for my writing, or that’s what I’m telling myself for now.

I wish you all blessings and encouragement wherever you are in life.

“Trust in the Lord, with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. But in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.” –Prov 3:5-6

Jan. 29, 2007, 11:42PM
Lexicon will focus on drugs
By ANASTASIA USTINOVACopyright 2007 Houston Chronicle
www.chron.com

Lexicon Genetics said Monday it is scaling down its genetic research and will eliminate 18 percent of its staff as it focuses on drug discovery and development.

The Woodlands-based company, which develops genetically engineered mice to help in human drug development, said the cuts will affect 133 of 592 employees in its headquarters.
"We believe we can grow into a next-generation pharmaceutical company," said Arthur Sands, Lexicon's president and CEO. "That growth will be in the areas of pharmaceutical development, marketing and commercialization."

Sands said in the coming years the company plans to begin human trials with 10 drug candidates it has developed, including drugs to treat Alzheimer's, irritable bowel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis.

To reflect the strategy, the company said it will change its name to Lexicon Pharmaceuticals.

RandoM-E vol.2

COUNT DOWN TO CALIFORNIA!
60 DAYS

It is an odd and amazing thing for God to reveal to you a calling. What’s even more awkward is when you and God get your wires crossed.

Growing up I loved animals, and on my block I was the go to girl for strays and puppies. So in my ‘intelligence’ I decided I would grow up to be a Veterinarian. Taking care of animals must be my purpose, and God’s calling for my life.

It is amazing to look back and see God’s more subtle hints toward my real passion, writing. I was constantly coming up with on going stories for my toys to play out. In third grade, me and my friends would go out to the playground at recess and act out the stories that I wrote in class. I was always writing poetry, and entering contests and things for my school literary magazine. Then at sixteen, a story came to me in a dream, and it was so real and so moving for me that I had to write it down. So at sixteen I started writing officially, but I was still stuck on my Veterinarian kick, even with all these hints. Did I mention that I’m stubborn sometimes too?

But God has his reasons for putting Vet School on my radar, because that’s how I met my husband, and I wouldn’t trade in the set backs if that meant loosing him.

So now with sixty days left I am preparing for a Writer’s Conference in Mt. Hermon, California. In sixty days I will have the opportunity to break out, and get my manuscripts on the desks of agents and publishers.

All through my preparation I have seen God move through the words I put on the page, and I want nothing more than for him to be glorified by the stories in my head.

Keep your eyes out, one day you will find a book on the shelf by Valerie Fentress.

God Bless!