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Building Characters, Recognizing Joy-Stealers, and Learning Contentment

Writer's picture: Cheryl  Gerou Cheryl Gerou

What I'm writing:

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I'm working on the fourth book in my Treasured Truths series. One of my favorite parts of the writing process is putting together both a written and visual summary of who my characters are. As I do this, I make note of how I see them struggling and growing, where they start their journey and where I want to see them at the end of that book. This includes thoughts about what needs to happen in their lives to get them to that place, whether that be a physical place, an emotional place, or a spiritual place deep in their hearts or a combination of the three.


The visual part of this process entails finding pictures of what my character looks like, how he or she dresses, what they enjoy, and what their home or apartment looks like. I either use online photos putting them on Trello or I use magazine pictures, putting them in a notebook/scrapbook. Doing this helps me with writing descriptions of the people and places.


The written part of this process is me making many notes adding specifics to my description. I frequently look at this collection of information as I write about that character or group of characters.


Right now, I'm working on Ruby. I'm deciding more about what her life looks like, and how she'll react to her current decisions in the future. I'm choosing pictures of her apartment and its furnishings for when she moves out of Jade's home. I'm also thinking about emotionally how all of this will affect her life in the future and jotting down notes.


As I mentioned, this is one of my favorite parts of writing a book. And now, you have an idea of what I do to flesh out my characters and keep them as individual as you and I. Please take a moment to share in the comments what about a character draws you into a book.


What I am learning in my walk with the Lord:

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I recently realized that when life gets stressful, it's easy for me to allow joy-stealers in, causing me to lose my sense of contentment. Some of the joy-stealers I've recognized are fear, worry, stress, and busyness. Each one shows me how I've taken my eyes off of the Lord. I'm learning that knowing contentment is all about trusting in the Lord's love and goodness no matter what life brings. His grace is sufficient (see 2 Corinthians 12 9). As I grow in trusting Him more, I learn to hold more hope in my heart because of the contentment His presence brings me. It's when I'm looking at my circumstances, and problems that joy becomes fleeting. Have you struggled with discontent? Are you aware of any joy-stealers in your life?


What I'm reading:

Photo by Eugenio Mazzone on Unsplash


I recently finished reading "The Art of Divine Contentment" by the Puritan, Thomas Watson. My decision to read this book came about when I realized my personal lack of contentment. This was a great book, a deep book. It helped me to see how discontentment is a sin, and the importance of learning to trust more in the sufficiency and sovereignty of the Lord. I read this book in short chunks in order to really take its truths in. It was very thought provoking. Definitely, a book I would recommend. What books are you reading? Please share in the comments.


Thank you for taking time to read this post. I know life is busy and your time is a precious commodity. This makes me especially grateful.


Blessings,

Cheryl Gerou



My life verse: "For you have been my helper, And in the shadow of your wings [where I am always protected] I sing for joy My soul [my life, my very self] clings to You; Your right hand upholds me." Psalm 63:7-8 AMP


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