Linda Seger (1945–2026)

As I read through this book, I found a few snippets of information for the novel or short story writer. The cover claims it should assist all writers, but what it lists mostly follows for the screen writer. Many of its case studies and suggestions trend toward the writing of a screen play, rather than a general feel on creating characters for a written story.

Some advice the author offers does cover things of interest, like the psycology of a character, examining possible character issues, show more and how readers perceive non-standard characters. Other tidbits definitely leave a person seeking assistance to scramble for another reference to fill in additional details that the author left aside.

Interview pieces are informative to learn about older movies. Will definitely make me willing to look at referenced material with a different eye, but doesn't assist the present status of my writing. While informative for some things, I would recommend finding an additional source to boost a writer's character creation ability. show less

I picked this book up as part of a class on the future of storytelling. I'll use this advice in planning and running roleplaying games, to build better characters. I thought that it had a lot of good advice (some of which seems pretty basic too me), but it seemed very solid, was presented logically and the chapters built on each other. This book was also written in 1990, which worked fine for me given my age, but may seem dated or obscure to younger people, particularly those born in the show more late 80s or beyond. show less

I can remember when I was little all I could think about was growing up to be a teacher. I loved to learn and was always intrigued by the teachers. I thought they were so smart and I wanted to be just like them. Now that I am older I wonder if I really considered what my calling was? Did I get it right? Do I feel like I succeeded in life? I loved when the author said, " we can best find out what we're meant to do when we grow up by looking at what we loved to do when we were young." The two show more things I loved as a child were reading and wanting to teach. I was a librarian for fifteen years and loved every minute I was at the library. I wasn't the "traditional" teacher in a classroom but I have been a Children's Pastor for many years. My vision was much smaller than God's. I had the honor of teaching many children each Sunday.

In the book the author shares many testimonies from businessmen to actors of how they recognized their calling in life. I did like the example Denzil Washington shared. He says, "I understand that what I've been blessed to do is a part of God's plan." He starts and ends each day with prayer. When you know without a doubt what your calling is, you want to honor God as you walk in your destiny. We sometimes rush into something thinking this is exactly what I'm called to do. However we may not have heard correctly and it could be our flesh rushing in the wrong direction. The hardest thing to do is wait. We need to sit quietly, listen to His voice and He will direct us. To have patience is never easy.

The book really made me take a second look at other jobs that people have. They may not think they have important jobs, but what would we do if there was no one to wait on us at a fast food restaurant or the customer service person at a store eagerly willing to solve our problem. Each job is important and brings different things to help each other. I appreciate the warm smile as I'm getting checked out at the grocery store or a greeting from the teller at the bank.

Each chapter discusses a topic that is explained with examples and at the end of each chapter is questions which I really enjoyed and scriptures to look up . It helped me understand the chapter better and gave me a deeper sense of the subject. One of the chapters I really enjoyed was on the Seven Deadly Sins. They sure try to sneak in when we are successful and "although they'll be happy to play with anyone, they particularly love those with power." Which deadly sin would you have the most trouble with? I found the chapter to be powerful and inspiring.

Overall the book is very well written and is a great tool to use as you find your calling and become successful. I did think about the word successful the entire time I read the book. For me, my success is that I never gave up, I went through trials, and I'm happy with the things I achieved while working as a librarian and Children's pastor.

"We are out in this earth partly to help people and things grow. We prepare the soil, we plant our seeds , we hope we are in tune with the Holy Spirit and that the Light comes to nurture our work. "

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. show less

I have come to really enjoy books written by this author. They are always informative and written with passion. I appreciate her openness and sharing personal struggles. As I began to read this book, I felt a sense of peace as the words soothed my soul. I'm sure there are many of us that are waiting to be healed from something. In some cases it is physical healing and in others it it emotional healing. I have been guilty of asking God why has He not healed me yet? The author makes a good show more point when she said, " Our struggle with health often triggers a struggle with faith." People around us are encouraging us to have faith but it sure is hard when you see nothing changing. I can sometimes get into the why me pity party and forget all about God's promises.

Do you find yourself angry at God when you are still waiting for your healing and nothing is happening? I never thought about the people who God places in our pathway as someone who could help me. We get so focused that we forget to look around us. We hold on to every word the doctor says in hopes of being cured. What we forget though is that there are other people who may have the answer we have been seeking. An interesting thought is seeking out someone with a similar illness and asking them for directions. Who better to ask then someone going through exactly what you are going through. What if that was God's plan all along? Yes we can get sidetracked and miss what God is trying to show us.

I really enjoyed the reference that the author used about Job. He was a man who lost everything and struggled for answers. When he realized that God was real he repented for doubting him. That is a great reminder for all of us to not give up but to keep fighting. The author encourages us to surround ourselves with family and friends who will support us and pray for us. Sometimes I find myself shutting out the world and trying to deal with things by myself. Isn't that a perfect time for the enemy to isolate you from the truths of God? Before I realize it, I find myself depressed, angry and lose my focus on His Word. The author provides many scriptures that are helpful as we go through our struggles. I find that saying the scriptures aloud gives me more strength to fight and not give up. There is power in His word.

This is a powerful book that will help you and encourage you as you walk through your illness. Reach out to God and rely on Him. Be conscious of people around us who want to help . Be sure and celebrate each improvement that brings you closer to your healing and never give up.

"We never walk alone and God promises never to leave us alone."

I received a copy of this book from Bookfun.org and the author. This is my honest opinion. show less