Posts by joaniebruce

Building characters

Posted by joaniebruce on Feb 4, 2013 in General | Comments Off on Building characters

People ask me where I get the ideas for my characters. First of all, let me say that all my characters are fictional, however, I’ve used character traits from people I’ve met over the years to flavor my characters and give them personality.

My art career has brought me in touch with so many different kinds of clients—some quirky, some exciting, some just plain weird. But, one thing about each of them….they all have smiles on their faces, and they all have some sort of characteristic or story to tell that make them unique: A kooky neighbor who piles up beer cans in the back yard and uses the pop-tops to line their driveway. (Which, by the way, I used in my book “Alana Candler, Marked for Murder,”) or, someone with a cat who loves to plunge himself into the Christmas tree every year so he can play with the ornaments he knocks off.

The most colorful person I’ve ever met was a woman who thought the police, the sheriff’s department, even the government was spying on her—twenty-four hours a day.  She closed her windows, blinds and curtains immediately when the sun went down, and made sure her cell phone was off before she talked about anything worth hearing. She even moved twice to “throw the hounds off the track.” Now THAT is paranoia! I can’t wait to put that character trait in a book!

What fun to mold and bend one little idiosyncrasy into an intriguing character with a colored personality! And THAT’S what makes writing fiction so exciting!

How to make your day brighter…

Posted by joaniebruce on Jan 31, 2013 in General | Comments Off on How to make your day brighter…

Today I was reading in Proverbs 3, where it says … “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.” What a convicting passage. Do I praise others for their accomplishments? Not like I should. We all enjoy hearing others praise us … even if it’s only to thank us for some little service. Why can’t we do the same for others? Often, it’s because of self-centeredness. We are so consumed with our own lives that we can’t—or won’t—consider the difficulties others might be going through. Think how many lives we could brighten if we only said, “Thank you,” or “I love you,” or “I value your friendship.” I’m going to make a point to praise, thank, or encourage at least one person a day.  It will make a cloudy day much brighter—possibly for them AND for me!  🙂

Combining Art and Writing

Posted by joaniebruce on Jan 30, 2013 in General | 2 comments

This is my first blog: as an artist and as a writer. I feel so blessed to be able to glorify God with not one, but two professions.

My art career, which came first, has been extremely rewarding. Making people happy with an original oil painting of someone or something they cherish is gratifying. It is indescribable to watch a client’s face light up with genuine delight and surprise when they see the image of their loved one painted on canvas. In my opinion, making others that kind of happy is what life is all about.

My writing career came next and the journey has just started. Even though I sometimes feel as if I’m in the front car of a very tall roller-coaster, I know the ride will be out of this world—a wonderful and joyful experience. I’m hoping with all my heart that my book will be a blessing and encouragement to someone. When you’re sitting up at night, reading my book, know that I’m praying for each of my readers–that you will be encouraged, inspired, and that it will bring you a closer relationship to God.