Thursday, April 30, 2009

Prince, by Callie M

Prince

Playfully playing
Running and jumping
Into the pile of leaves he goes
Not even thinking of what might happen next
Can't even
Explain my dog...Prince



All rights reserved to Callie M

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

April 29th, 2009, Cain's Redemption



Another prison book recomendation. This is my review on, Amazon.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
An Amazing Story and An Amazing Place., September 23, 2008
By
Kym McNabney (Illinois) -

This was a very inspiring story. A well written book that will send you on an emotional rollercoaster. This book IS NOT filled with a pack of lies, as one review seems to think. I met Dennis Shere, and Warden Cain, along with many of the inmates and those that work at Angola. Of course Angola is not a perfect place, run by perfect people, or has only perfect inmates. I don't believe that anyone ever made that claim. But what it is, is an amazing place with amazing things happening. Anyone who doubts this, start visiting different jails and prisons in your area, then go to Angola for several days, and tell me God isn't at work there.
The system is screwed up. The government is screwed up. People screw up. But God is good. With Him, all things are possible. I stayed at Angola for eight days. I ate there, slept there, worshiped with those that worked there, and those that were doing time there. I was so moved with what was going on there, I didn't want to leave.
I'm involved in the prison ministry and write to several inmates, including a handful from Angola. Great men with big hearts and a genuine devoted love for God. Look at how crowed our prison systems are! What the statistics show the reentry rate is. Isn't it obvious we're doing something wrong! I truly believe in my heart, that if all prison systems would adopt what Burl Cain is doing, along with places like, Koinonia House, in Illinois, and other great ministries, we would find a big dent in the cost of our prison system, for we would be truly reforming criminals, instead of slapping a number on them and writing them off. That's just not working...hello.
Hebrew 13:3 "Don't forget about those in prison. Suffer with them as though you were there yourself. Share the sorrow of those being mistreated, as though you feel their pain in your own bodies."

Monday, April 27, 2009

Book Recommendations For Writers

To all aspiring writers, I'd like to share a couple of wonderful books with you.


#1 The Romance Writers' Phrase Book, by Jean Kent and Candace Shelton - I happened upon this book while searching for writing books on Amazon. This little book ended up being a life saver. Though it felt like cheating at first, it got me through my novel, helping me when I got stuck. Of course, the more I wrote, and read, the less I needed it. A life saver in the beginning, just the same. I highly recommend it.






#2 Kate Walker's 12-Point Guide to Writing Romance, by Kate Walker - I knew my writing was missing something, but wasn't sure what. I then realized my characters were lacking substance. While reading this book, I had a light bulb moment. Though I got much from it, the highlight for me was the Characterization Worksheet. There are two pages of questions to answer about your character. Once you fill it out, you will know your characters in dept. This will allow you to write with confidence in knowing who they are.


Hope they will be of some help to you.


Blessings,


Kym

Sunday, April 26, 2009

April 26th, 2009



Hi Everyone,





Thought I would share a wonderful book I just read, Lessons from San Quentin, by Bill Dallas.

Here's my review on Amazon:


A GREAT READ FOR ALL THOSE IN THE PRISON MINISTRY OR HAVE OR ARE IN PRISON., April 22, 2009
By
Kym McNabney (Illinois) - Wow, what an amazing book. I was quickly drawn into Bill's story of transformation from a selfish, godless human, to one devoted to his faith and living for God. This is a must read for all that are in the prison ministry, know of someone in the prison ministry, or are or have been in prison. I only wish it were currently available in paperback so I could order several copies for the inmates that I write to.

What a wonderful message of how God can transform our lives if only we allow Him to. Everything in this book is what I believe in, yet Bill has brought it to life in the pages in a way that will penetrate your soul, and having you saying, "yes, only God".

I hope that after reading this book and others like it, you will gain some insight to those that find their way into the prison system. That they too are people loved by God and created for a purpose, and deserve respect. There's not one of us who hasn't sinned or made mistakes.

If this story has tugged at your heart and made you think about those locked behind bars in a new way, check out the prison ministries available through your local church. I'm the coordinator for the adult prison pen pal program though my church. We go through, Christian Pen Pal. Check out their website at, christian-penpals.com. Their a great organization that matched up inmates with Christian volunteers. It's a wonderful ministry, one that will bless you beyond the blessing you will bring to others.






April 26th, 2009

Hi Everyone,

Make sure to check out some of my favorite websites that are near and dear to me.

Blessings,

Kym

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Getting started, April 25th, 2009.

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for visiting my blog. Let me tell you a little more about myself then my profile allowed.

I’m an aspiring romance writer. I’m currently writing contemporary romance, working on my third novel. I live in a suburb of Chicago, IL. with my husband and three daughters, two dogs, rabbit, hamster and two rats. Yes, our rats. They make wonderful pets.

I’m a Christian and have been attending Willow Creek Community Church since 1990. I felt a calling from God to write. I started out writing children’s short stories, and had a non-fiction article about owning a pet rat, “Star of the Pet Shop”, published in, Crusader Magazine, March of 2001. I then decided to try writing my first adult novel, and haven’t quit since.

Besides my passion for writing, I’m involved in the Prison Ministry. I’m the adult coordinator for the Adult Prison Ministry through my church. God has blessed me over and over though this amazing ministry.

Another of my passions is animals. I foster for Collie Rescue of Greater Illinois. They are a wonderful organization that rescues collies and helps them find a loving home.

I belong to ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), which is an organization for Christian fiction writers. At our monthly chapter meetings, I’ve had the privilege to meet many wonderful people that are helping me grow as a writer.

Blessings,

Kym