National Dictionary Day

October 16th has been designated as National Dictionary Day to commemorate Noah Webster's birthday. He was born on October 16, 1758, and spent 27 years compiling the first American dictionary, which he published in 1807. By 1840, when the second edition came out, it had sold around 25,000 copies.

Most Americans are quite familiar with the dictionary. In school, we were often required to use it. Today, many of us may use an online version more often, but even that one can attribute it's beginning to Webster. He's considered the father of the American dictionary.

So today, in honor of National Dictionary Day, why not consult a dictionary and learn two new words that you use throughout the day. If you like words and language skills, you might even pull out a word game, like Scrabble or pull up one on your computer. I carry some on my Kindle all the time. As an author, I consider it training, or at least that's my rationalization.

__________________________________

Why Does God Let Bad Things Happen?

And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall be there from heaven (Luke 21:11).

I've heard this question a lot recently in the wake of the devastation of hurricanes, earthquakes, and shootings. The best answer is we'll understand one day when we get to spend an eternity with God. However, let me share some other random thoughts with you on the subject, although I would never presume to know how God thinks. His thoughts are much too far above my humble thoughts.

There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape that he may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13).

First of all, God has given mankind the gift of free will. He wants us to come to Him willingly and chooses not to make us His puppets. Therefore, people are allowed to make both good and bad choices. Murderers, like the one in Las Vegas, for whatever reason, made a horrible choice, and innocent people suffered. 

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:1).

We live in a fallen world and evil exists here. If God intervened every time a disaster started to happen, Adam and Eve's disobedience and our sinful nature would have no consequences. Everything would be perfect. We can look forward to this in our eternal home as His children, but not in this world where Satan welds his influence.

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).

The Bible tells us that in this world we will have trouble, but Christ has overcome this world so we can, too. He never promised that we would be free from disasters, but He did promise He would be with us no matter what. As a child of God, there are worse things than going to be with our Lord.

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an unexpected end (Jeremiah 29:11).

____________________________________

Print Copies vs Ebooks

I know many indie authors who don't bother with publishing print books. They only put their books out in ebook formats. I don't understand the wisdom of this, because it doesn't take much effort to publish a print version from somewhere like Createspace once the e-version is done.


I have been surprised to find that my print books have actually sold as well as, if not better than, the ebooks. This is true, even though I put my Kindle books on sale occasionally and don't the print ones. The huge majority of my readers say they prefer a print book where they can turn the pages and flip through it.

In addition, I personally sell a lot of books at presentations and book signings. I wouldn't be able to do that with only ebooks. Although I like print books better for study and research, I love my ebook when it comes to reading for pleasure. I think eventually there will be more of my readers who prefer the e-format, but for now, I'm glad to offer both. I figure two markets are better than just one.

________________________________

Another Columbus Day

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue and landed in the New World on October 12th. Of course, he still hoped that he'd made it to India for a new trade route, and he called the people he found "Indians." Now we celebrate the day on the second Monday in October, which falls on October 9th this year.




Although Columbus hadn't found a new trade route to Asia, he did find more land for the Europeans to explore and settle, a mixed blessing depending on your ancestry and perspective. He certainly hadn't had an easy time getting here. First, he'd had a difficult time finding monarchs who would finance his venture. It took years of going to different courts before Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain agreed to furnish the ships and supplies (also see blog of April 30, 2015). And then, the voyage had been much longer and harder than he'd envisioned, and his crew was about ready to mutiny. They had sailed so far that many of them felt sure they were about to sail off the edge of the flat world and be gobbled up by the monsters there.

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy, in 1450 or 51. He became interested in sailing and navigation, as many Italians did. He had made several trips to the New World, after his first one, but his later life was also plagued with controversy and adversity. He fell out of favor and developed an uncertain sickness that took its toll. He died on May 20, 1506. However, despite all the problems, he made a name for himself and is still in our history books today.

________________________________________

What's Your Goliath?

And the Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid (1 Samuel 17:10-11)

Most of you probably know the story of David and Goliath. The giant goaded the Israelite army and challenged them to send someone to fight him. No one volunteered, because they were all terrified at the idea of facing Goliath in battle. 

And David said to Saul, Let no man's heart fail because of him; thy servant will go and fight with this Philistine (1 Samuel 17:32).

Three of David's brothers fought with the Israelites, and his father sent him with supplies for them. He happened to hear Goliath's threats, and he was appalled that this Philistine dared to ridicule the army of the living God. Other soldiers ran, but David said he would fight him.

And Saul said to David, Thou art not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him: for thou art but a youth, and he a man of war from his youth (1 Samuel 17:33).

Everyone thought he was foolish, and tried to talk him out of it. When they couldn't, Saul gave him armor, but it was too big and weighed him down. In the end, he walked out to stand before the giant with nothing but his slingshot and the favor of God. However, as a shepherd, he had become adept at using the slingshot to protect the sheep, and he had developed a reverence for God.

And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth (1 Samuel 17:49).

You know the outcome. With one swift shot, the rock embedded into Goliath's forehead, and the giant lay dead at David's feet. David had done what everyone else had been afraid to do. He could face the giant because he knew the Lord was with him.

And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands (1 Samuel 17:47).

What is your goliath? Is it divorce, depression, illness, addiction, obsessions, financial woes, heartbreak, or family problems? How are you handling it? Do you try to ignore it, like Saul did? Do you run from it like many of the Israelite soldiers did? Or do you stand before it, depending on God's power to give you victory?

...be stong in the Lord, and in the power of his might (Ephesians 6:10).

________________________________

Collaborative Efforts 

The book publishing industry has been rapidly changing, and authors feel it more than most. For example, publishing houses once did most of the marketing for a book, but the author is usually expected to do most of it today. In an effort to get some support, authors are banding together to help each other. This can be true in all phases of the writing process. 

One example is where a few authors come together to write. I have read standalone books, where more than one author wrote a section of the book. More common, are the series where a different author writes a different book in the series. One of the big advantages to these is the authors share fan bases and therefore build additional sales, which can lead to a larger following.

Online marketing, such as release parties or themed parties, do much better when several authors work together to host them. They can divide the time on duty, help with the gifts, and promote each other. I have been to many of these. The most recent one showcased colonial novels by five authors on the East Coast.

Authors are also getting together to share costs of things like attending writers' conferences, buying booths at book fairs and festivals, or even purchasing advertising. Holding joint book signings can also bring larger crowds. With a little creative thinking, you can probably think of many more ways collaboration could help authors, and the friendships formed are an added plus.

_________________________________

Charlie Brown

The comic strip, "Charlie Brown," was first published on October 2, 1950, by Charles Schulz in nine newspapers. To start with it was known as "Li'l Folks" but was later changed to "Charlie Brown." Schulz said that the character of Charlie Brown represents the common person most of us can relate to.

Charlie Brown began with a few friends and his gang evolved. On the last, there were also Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Schroeder, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, Sally, Franklin, Frieda, Pigpen, Rerun, Violet, Shermy, Peggy Jean, and "The Little Red-Haired Girl." Each one had their own unique personality and way of interacting with Charlie Brown. Some of these characters even had their own spin-offs.

By the 1960's the comic strip had become very popular, and other outlets promoted the characters - television specials, theater productions, a movie, toys, greeting cards, and products with the logos. Popular episodes and themes included Charlie Brown's Christmas, kicking the football, the baseball team, flying kites, the psychiatrist booth, the Great Pumpkin, and Valentine's Day. Charlie Brown made his last appearance in a comic strip on February 13, 2000, the day after Charles Schulz passed away. However, Charlie Brown has become immortal.

________________________________