The Pen Is Mightier Than the Sword

As a writer, I love the phrase: “The pen is mightier than the sword.” It both empowers and encourages me. The phrase is taken from a play written by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in 1839. Entitled Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy, the play contains this speech for the character of Cardinal Richelieu: “True, This! Beneath the rule of men entirely great, the pen is mightier than the sword. Behold the arch-enchanters wand! Itself a nothing! But taking sorcery from the master-hand to paralyse the Cæsars, and to strike the loud earth breathless! Take away the sword. States can be saved without it!”

The power of the written word reflects the very power of words themselves. After all, God spoke the words and the universe was created. From the very beginning of the Bible until its end, its writers chronicle the power of words – for good and for bad. No one seems to understand this concept better than King David who wrote: “His speech was smoother than butter, but his heart was war; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” Psalm 55:21. And, “Who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and bend their bows to shoot their arrows—bitter words.” Psalm 64:3 (NASB)

Other biblical writers reinforce the power of words in the context of war and judgment. For example, the Apostle Paul wrote: “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God…” Ephesians 6:17 (NASB)

And the writer of Hebrews: “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Heb. 4:12 (NASB)

And the Apostle John: (from The Message Bible) “Then I saw Heaven open wide—and oh! a white horse and its Rider. The Rider, named Faithful and True, judges and makes war in pure righteousness. His eyes are a blaze of fire, on his head many crowns. He has a Name inscribed that's known only to himself. He is dressed in a robe soaked with blood, and he is addressed as "Word of God." The armies of Heaven, mounted on white horses and dressed in dazzling white linen, follow him. A sharp sword comes out of his mouth so he can subdue the nations, then rule them with a rod of iron. He treads the winepress of the raging wrath of God, the Sovereign-Strong. On his robe and thigh is written, King of kings, Lord of lords.” Rev. 19:11

However, I love the words the Shakespeare penned because they reflect the saving side of words. This is the speech that I love so much. It is the first part of Portia’s speech in Act 4, Scene 1 from “The Merchant of Venice”:
“The quality of mercy is not strain'd,
It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd;
It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes:
'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway,
It is enthroned in the hearts of kings,
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God's
When mercy seasons justice.”

It’s almost as if Shakespeare was interpreting Psalm 123, verse 1 (Message Bible) “I look to you, heaven-dwelling God, look up to you for help. Like servants, alert to their master's commands, like a maiden attending her lady, we're watching and waiting, holding our breath, awaiting your word of mercy. Mercy, God, mercy! We've been kicked around long enough, kicked in the teeth by complacent rich men, kicked when we're down by arrogant brutes.”

Words of mercy and words of power – they all come from the pen of a ready writer – a warrior for God.

Exciting News

Friday I received an email from an editor for a publishing company about my picture book manuscript, Melba Sue and the Cactus Kid. They are interested in it, and have asked me to make some revisions to see if it can become a good fit for their company. I was very excited to hear this, of course. but particularly pleased since this was the first editor to see this manuscript at all, since the other house I sent it to was not taking materials from non-agented authors. (Alas, incorrect information from a writer's market let me astray, but I don't grieve the lost postage.)

So now it is time for revisions to see what will come. No matter what comes, it is very encouraging, and I'm happy to see my favorite manuscript making some headway in the picture book market.

Who knows. If all goes well, maybe Melba Sue will bake me a pie.

To Kindle, or Not to Kindle? That is the Question.

I recently read someone's comment on facebook about the greatest gift ever for this year being a Kindle. Not knowing what Kindle was I googled it of course.

It was familiar. I remembered a cousin saying she thought eventually books might become obsolete because of this new invention.

Here are the facts. Kindle 1 came out in November of 07 by Amazon. It sold out in five and a half hours and the device remained out of stock for five months. The original Kindle, retailed then for $399.

Now there is Kindle 2 and Kindle DX. Kindle 2 holds 1,500 titles, Kindle DX holds 3,500. Kindle 2 is 8.0 x 5.3 in., Kindle DX is 2 1/2 times larger.

I have mixed feelings about this new invention. I love to read. Books are more reasonable priced through this device and you get immediate access to newly released books. It DOES NOT read like a computer. The images are razor sharp and can be read in bright sunlight. After you order a book it is delivered to you in less then 60 seconds. You also have free access to some classics.

Why would you want a Kindle? That's up to you of course. The written word will never go away in my opinion. There is always your local library were you can order any book you want whether they have it or not. You just have to drive and sometimes wait for what you want. With Kindle, you buy it and supposedly it is your forever. No books taking up space in your house. No germ filled books from the library which have been previously read by who knows who with who knows what disease. (No I am not a germaphobe) I do wonder where a library book has been when I read it. Don't you?

There are many pro's and con's to this Kindle. I will probable break down one day and buy one. Once the price is more reasonable. My biggest reservation is I hate reading online. This is supposed to be unlike that experience and more like a real book. I'd have to see for myself.

I didn't mention that along with access to 350,000 book titles, you also can access newspapers, magazines, and over 2,500 blogs.

We all need to make up our own minds. This is not to sway anyone to the right or left, just to inform. In the spring Mac is supposed to come out with their own version of Kindle. I would definitely wait to see what they have to offer.

Until then, I shall return to my stack of library books waiting to be opened and devoured. Whatever way you take it in, the words remain the same, with the ability to wisp you off to another time and place, Kindle, or no Kindle.

Vision

It was only four months ago that my eyes decided to start being bright red each time they wore contacts! I would try them again randomly here and there, every couple weeks. But I always got the same result. Now, after so much time off I'm able to wear them again. I'm not sure why I can wear the same contacts as before when earlier I couldn't. But now, it feels like I've gotten a fresh look at life through lenses that my eyes accept! I can see better and clearer with them.

I think writing is that way. I'll try the same story the same old way. But then after a few days or months away I am able to try it again with a new perspective some creativity and usually...it glows!

BRIANA

Missed Monday: Oops!

Somehow I thought life would become easier after Nanowrimo. After all, that 50,000 word behemoth is behind me now. (Except for the days of rewriting, of course.)

Life has not become not easier.

In fact, in some ways, it's become more difficult since I have to somehow make up for taking time out to do all that writing when I was supposed to be doing other things. Sigh. I just hate being behind. And I know better than to delude myself into thinking that I'll use my Christmas vacation to put it all back together. No, I get more done when I'm busy than when I am not busy. I have to strike while the iron is hot, and go on knowing that Rome wasn't built in a day.

So the other night, when I had a peaceful hour before bed, I tucked myself in with pajamas, the Physics book, pen and paper, and felt that I made some respectable progress before I fell asleep. (That was Monday when this blog was due.)

Now you're probably wondering what the point of this blog is. I'm kind of wondering that myself. I guess there is no point, but that I'm just mulling over some thoughts.

• If I just keep on and don't give up, eventually, I will get everything done (or mostly done).

• If I keep a list, I won't forget important things like calling the surgeon about having Kathryn's wisdom teeth out (like I forgot to do today).

• I have to try to do what I can before the holidays get me, because somehow, no matter what, I CAN'T SEEM TO GET ANYTHING DONE DURING VACATION, AND BY THE END, I'M SOOOO GLAD IT'S OVER BECAUSE I HATE BEING UNPRODUCTIVE.

Now that I have that out of my system, I'm going to post this blog which has very little meaning, but at least is a blog. That first point might just be a mom's delusion, by the way. I have this eerie feeling that you don't ever really get everything done.

Now let's all take a purifying deep breath. I feel much better now. Don't you?

Self Expression

Just as no two snowflakes are alike, no two human beings are exactly alike - not even identical twins. Nowhere do I enjoy seeing this more than in the evidence of self expression. I love seeing the manifestation of God's gifts inside a person through self expression whether it is writing, the arts, sciences, or service.

However, since I am focusing on writing, here, I confess that I am looking forward to reading what others have written in the last month. After writing so intensively for the last month, I feel like I am crawling out of a cave of my own making and am blinking in the intense light of day.

I was part of a group called Hidden Talent Theatre and our tag line was "What's inside of you?"

It's important for us to share what's inside of us - whether good or bad - in the right way. Self expression can be fun and happy, but it can also help us to dig out the bad stuff and expose it to the light. Ultimately, as a Christian, self expression in writing can be an act of service. By honestly sharing what's inside of you through story form, a reader may recognize or understand a truth or insight that applies to them. Jesus was the best of storytellers.

Ella Enchanted

I just finished reading this Newberry Honor award winning novel.

I will admit, I almost didn't finish it. This novel has many similarities to the story of Cinderella and I love the character of Cinderella. No matter what her evil stepsisters or stepmother dished out she remained gracious and unselfish. This book paints Ella in a very different light.

Ella is a young maiden from Frell. As an infant a careless fairy bestows a gift. The gift of obedience. No matter what she is told to do, she must do. Whether it's scrubbing the kitchen floor, or chopping off her own head, she must obey.

Ella is funny and likable. However, she is strong willed in spite of the horrible gift/curse of obedience.

In this story Ella's ultimate quest is to seek out Lucinda, the inconsiderate fairy who bestowed the "gift" upon her. Ella befriends a prince, meets friendly elves, attends a wedding for giants, and almost gets eaten by ogres. There she discovers she has the ability to charm them.

In spite of my early reservations I thoroughly enjoyed this maidens tale of trials, perseverance, and ultimate happy ending. The resolution was very well done. It came through the power of unselfishness. It was definitely worth the reading.

NOTE- I also saw this movie after reading the book. The book is nothing like it. So if you didn't like the movie (like I did not) give the book a chance. It is worlds different.