Charlene Lamy Edge Speaks about Writing

Greetings, readers. When someone asks me how long it took to write my memoir, Undertow , I say about ten years. That refers to the time between 2007 and 2017, after I retired early from my technical writing job in the software industry to write the book. But really, the journey from initial idea to publication took much longer. A timeline of the book's journey is included in my second book, From the Porch to the Page: A Guidebook for the Writing Life. It is in Appendix 1. Below, I've posted it here for those interested. Thanks for reading, Charlene Edge Note: I do not use AI products to write my blogs or books. Appendix 1 – Timeline for Writing & Self-Publishing Undertow The following shows what turned out to be the timeline for writing and self-publishing my memoir Undertow: My Escape from the Fundamentalism and Cult Control of The Way International. New Wings Press, LLC. 2017. I did not plan this schedule ahead of time. It developed. In this chart, you’ll see mention of ...

Fragile: Handle with Care A clear and simple message is tacked to the bulletin board hanging on the wall in my writing room. My desk faces this wall, so I can’t help but see what’s on it. Among notes and quotes and tiny photos is a warning sticker for mailing boxes that contain breakable items. The warning is in black and bright orange ink, “Fragile, handle with care.” Why is it there? Handle people with care I tacked that sticker in plain sight to remind me that despite any bluffing, or puffing, or blustering about, or any posing, boasting, or talking too much, inside each person is a fragile heart. Which is not to say a fragile heart can’t be courageous, strong, and true. Such a heart would be open and openness is vulnerability, and vulnerability is human and fragile. “Handle with care” is simply a caution not to be reckless. Handle words with care What helps me improve carefulness? Practices such as swimming and journaling (writing by hand) help me to go more slowly in my body and m...

Charlene Edge's books are available for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at independent bookstores. Also, libraries can get them for you.  Here are links to help you get your copies: Amazon.com : charlene L. edge's books Bookshop.  Search: charlene edge's books Search results for "charlene edge" | Barnes & Noble®

Greetings, writers. Here's something that's helped me. I hope you find it valuable. S.U.D.S. is simple, yet powerful. It's a helpful motto for many aspects of my own life, including writing projects. What is S.U.D.S.? The S.U.D. part of the acronym is from Arthur Ashe (famed tennis player). Click → here . The final “S” in S.U.D.S. is from me (famed blogger). Click → here . S  =  Start where you are. Acknowledge how you feel and what the problem or challenge actually is that you face. U  =  Use what you have. Consider also how to reuse, repair, recycle relevant resources. D  =  Do what you can. Take action regarding what you discovered with “S” and “U” to move toward your goal. S  = Stay in your lane.  I added this. It comes from staying in my lane when I swim laps at the gym. I try to focus on my own tasks and mind my own business. When I remind myself of S.U.D.S. while doing anything I do, I feel more grounded, focused, an...

We can all do with an extra dose of kindness these days, right? I happen to know a writer who dispenses just that in her book, Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts: Rootbeer and Edward . O’Bark Press, 2019. It’s a tender story accompanied by lovely illustrations. The author, Rene Townsend, is one of my dear friends. She wrote the story primarily for ages 7 – 12, but you’ll find that it’s appropriate for any age. Think about making it a holiday or birthday gift for the kids and grandkids in your life. Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts “Mini Horses, Mighty Hearts is entertaining and heartwarming, celebrating the positive connection between animals and humans. In an engaging way, the miniature horses’ adventures will bring you into their story and help you realize you are not alone. Working in animal welfare for over 50 years, I was touched by the animal-human bonds portrayed.” ~ Michael Arms, President/CEO, Helen Woodward Animal Center. “The days Rootbeer and Edward, two miniature horses, visited our sc...