So, a few weeks ago I started a new book. Writing one. Not reading one. I am now obsessing about my lousy spelling, poor punctuation, and bad grammar. It’s not totally paralyzing, but it’s close on occasion. Like looking back at the start of this post and wondering if I use that device of “So, …” too often in this blog. (I know, the answer is probably yes if I have to wonder. Did that yes need quotes?)
I have learned, and been told, that you need to write without self-editing the thing as you go. Easier said than done for obsessive compulsive types. But for all of you out there who obsess, and I suspect compulse, (no pictures please) here’s a video of Weird Al Yankovic singing Word Crimes. It ought to lighten your day. (Grammar Nazi types may leave the room now before they start banging their heads on the table.)
The story is a simple one, one I’ve heard too often in my life. A vet couldn’t get what he needed from the V.A. Seems that happened again with Michael Sulsona: his broken wheelchair wasn’t getting replaced through the government. He’d been waiting more than two years for a new chair, and a backup chair as well (repairs, cleaning, different pressure points, all of them require a second chair.) The chair, a vital item to a combat vet who lost both legs in Vietnam, is more important than most of us realize. On July 7th, he visited the local Lowe’s store on Staten Island.
His chair broke down again. This time, 3 employees grabbed a chair for him to sit in and told him his chair would be repaired as good as new. Their names are Marcus, Souleymane, and David. The three of them rebuilt his chair, staying past closing time to make it happen.
So, after drying my eyes (the picture at this link should probably make you weep) I shared the post on Facebook. I shared it within every Veteran’s group I could find, and within hours it had started to go viral. I knew that the inevitable backlash would be coming. Stories of horror about Lowe’s, why Home Depot is just as good, was I a gullible nitwit for believing this story, etc. I braced myself.
And I went to Lowes. I pulled out the Visa card and spent lots and lots of dollars. I’d been putting off a major purchase and one mid sized purchase for too long. I truly had considered the veteran friendly policies at the big box stores and decided it was a wash. Until I read about a disabled vet and a broken wheelchair. Lowe’s won it hands down.
Lowes – Veteran Friendly
My trip to Lowe’s was great. I got a 10% discount as a veteran, and Karen (I’m hoping I remembered that name correctly, she was the bomb and I may have spaced on the nametag) was as nice as could be in helping me out with my purchases. So was every associate I dealt with at the store. That had been my experience in the past, but today I was seeing it from the height of a wheelchair.
So, three guys fix a wheelchair, big deal. It is to me. It tells me that Lowe’s has created a corporate culture where the employees feel empowered to do the right thing. It tells me that the little American flag on the vests they wear isn’t just a decoration. It tells me where I’ll be spending my money in the future.
I spoke with Paris at the public relations branch of Lowe’s. That alone is impressive, in as much as I’m nobody. They took the time to answer my questions and get back to me on the items they weren’t sure of initially. I found out that the manager was aware that they fixed somebody’s wheelchair, she didn’t know who paid for the parts, and they (the three employees) were all being recognized by the company for their kind spirits. I think Lowe’s is about to bust their buttons over this windfall of good publicity. Best of all, they don’t seem to be agitating to make it about the company. The focus is staying on the three employees and Michael. So, how about you click on this link and go like their Facebook page? Might make them happy if you leave a note telling them why you’re there today.
I can’t wait for my new 25 cubic foot refrigerator to be delivered. And the old one hauled out for free. I can’t wait to try out the gardening tools I purchased for my church. Most of all, I can’t wait to spread the good news about Lowe’s, their employees, and a simple act of Christ-like kindness that brought tears to my eyes.
Speaking of wheels, there’s a charity called the Independence Fund who has offered Michael an all-terrain wheel chair. At the time I wrote this piece, they had not yet been able to reach him. I did a little research on them, and found that they’re an amazing group of people as well. It’s an all volunteer outfit where 99.6 percent of the donations go to the vets themselves (according to the representative I spoke to this morning.) The woman I talked to (Karen Huling) was on her personal cell phone at a diner having lunch. She does this as a volunteer, on her own nickel, no fancy office but taking calls all day where she is at the moment. They have the support of such notables as Bill O’Reilly and Gary Sinise. Bill I can’t vouch for on a personal basis, but Gary Sinise is a friend of a friend. That friend of mine would stake his life on the good intentions of Mr. Sinise. There’s a charity concert on September 20th at the North Charleston Coliseum that benefits the Independence Fund and the Lieutenant Dan Band is headlining the event. If you’re in the region, it’s a good cause. In any event, head over to their Facebook page and hit the like button – they can use the traffic. Tell them that I sent you. I’m curious as to how many of my readers will take the extra 30 seconds to help out a great organization.
Thank you Souleymane, David, Marcus, and Lowe’s for treating my brother from another mother so well. Thank you Michael Sulsona for sharing your good experience.
Oh, yeah – the negative stuff I expected on Facebook? Never happened. One skeptic, and he was mild, and one who cheered the employees not the corporation. But both still happy to see good news, good deeds, and the honor extended to a wounded vet that he deserved.
So, what’s the moral of this story? Be courageous and do the right thing. It often won’t be recognized, but it’s still the right thing. Lead your company and employees in such a way that they want to, and feel empowered to, do the right thing every time. Buy from companies that respect veterans every day of the year (Lowe’s has a 10% discount for us all the time. Not a small chunk of change on big orders.) Support charities that have low overhead and take good care of our guys and gals. Put the flame on high under the V.A. for ignoring our disabled vets. This should never have happened.
Most of all, be true to yourself and God in your actions. You might not get the press, but you’ll know that good feeling in your soul.
Michael: Semper Fi, brother. Be well, enjoy that new set of chairs and know that we thank you for your service and sacrifice.
I wanted to post something else here today, but I’m still waiting for a response from a corporation. I thought it only fair to give them a chance to throw their two cents in before I post my story.
My church, Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, is having a fun fest on July 26th. It has two things I like most: music and food trucks. For the kids there are climbing walls, bouncy houses. For the adults and kids we have fire trucks and classic cars. Every hour, on the hour, there will be a musical performance or a drill team. Best of all, Taco Bell is sponsoring a Zumba class and it’s followed up with breakfast sandwiches. That one starts at 0930.
So, now that I’ve got your attention with the waffle tacos, the music is going to be great. There are some classic gospel choirs coming. Not the 15 elderly women in your choir, but a vibrant bunch of great voices lifted in praise. I can’t wait – kind of giddy just thinking about it!
All the fun starts at 10 (unless you’re a Zumba type) and runs until 4 pm. We’ll be at 501 Lawson in Saint Paul. Lots of different stuff to eat, activities for the kids (did I mention a petting zoo?) and fire trucks. Great paint jobs on Saint Paul trucks, so it’s a must see. Drop on by (no admission fee) and join the fun. We hope to have a great turnout and you’re a part of that plan. 501 W. Lawson, Saint Paul, MN from 10-4.
Next item: The Good Neighbor Meal. We’re doing it again on August 9th. I know a lot of you have asked how to participate in the comments (I don’t publish those, it’ kind of off topic…) Here’s the scoop: We’d love to have your help, but even better yet how about you come and see what we do and then bring a report back to your church, community service organization, scout troop, bowling team, youth league, etc. We’d love to show you what we do and then guide you in setting up your own turn at the Good Neighbor Meal. Just leave a comment for me and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Leave your phone number and I’ll call you (I won’t publish your number.)
The basic cost ranges from around $450 to whatever you want to spend. I suspect New York Strips would be a bit over the top, and hard to cook for 150 on a timely basis, but there are a lot of great meals we can turn out in the kitchen we use. I’d be more than happy to sit down with you and talk over menu planning and how to make it all happen. We still have a few gaps in the schedule and would love some new talent.
You can do it if I can. I surely had no super powers in doing this event. I listened to the advice of others, got my friends to help, and learned the ropes. The biggest part of it is simply making the decision to move forward.
Do it today. I’d love to help you serve the poor among us.
My friend Charles Short hosts a weekly flash fiction contest on his blog. A few weeks ago the contest was to write a short fiction piece using Hebrews 13:2 NIV as your base: Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
This video, and what I did on Saturday, both put me in mind of that caution on a regular basis.
This past year has been a tough one in many regards. We’ve dealt with illness in our household and some of the effects of aging much sooner than I would have liked. My life is upside down with the 800,000 projects and plans I’m engaged in, including starting some new novels. As a result we haven’t made a missions trip this year. Instead, we’re carrying out our mission here locally.
We participate in The Good Neighbor Meal program. This year we will sponsor four different meals. Each time we sponsor we pick up the tab for the food, organize (more-or-less) the kitchen brigade, and do the cooking. Saturday we had 100 guests, which is way down from our usual 150. And, we were a bit light on volunteers, but with such a short summer in Minnesota even the volunteers blow town.
The cast and crew were the usual stalwarts, and some friends from KTIS, mission trips, my church, friends from the navy, and friends of friends. I’m so honored that they all showed up to make it happen. I even had an indentured minion – Al. Al was there doing community service for the Boy Scouts and brought a friend with him. Nothing finer than having two that can’t run away. They helped me crank out the burgers, do pots and pans, dishes, haul trash, etc. Hard workers and nice to kid about the work. They may not have realized it at the time, but I was trying to show them the value of these skills. While it’s nice to be a computer geek and author, I’ve paid more than a few bills mowing lawns, digging graves, cleaning warehouses, shoveling snow, and doing dishes. Those base skills allowed me to move up the ladder to where I am today – two rungs from the bottom!
That’s the history/background of how we do it all. Why is another question. The quote from Hebrews is part of it, the other part is Jesus made it pretty clear that we would be judged on how we handled our brothers and sisters in need. There’s another piece of the puzzle: it’s a blessing to serve. I don’t do it because God might stick me in a fiery pit. I do it because I can sit at the table, drenched in sweat from manning that grill for 4 hours, and have the nice woman next to me talk about the meal in glowing terms, not knowing I was the cook. The thing that touched me the most was that she delighted in the fact that we all talked to her.
I can’t imagine having 150 guests come by and not talking to them. We are acting as the hands and feet of Jesus when we make those meals. That blessing rains down on our heads each time. Would Jesus just slap down plates and not share some time with the people? I rather doubt it – nope, no way. So we try very hard to be good hosts. We prepare a top shelf meal and do it right. Saturday we made Bacon Cheeseburgers, baked beans with bacon, potato chips, cake, and an assortment of beverages. I’m proud to say we used more bacon for that one meal than most diners go through in a weekend.
Bacon is wonderful
We loaded up our cooking with seasoning, prayed over the results (not needed – I hope, but because it was the right thing to do…) and served it on china.
As always, people marveled about how we did all of this and had it all go so well with unpaid volunteers. It really is easy. All you need is helping hands and some basic guidance. For those of you in the Twin Cities, I’d be delighted to help your group sponsor a meal and learn the ropes. I will provide you with all sorts of help including a menu, timing plan, and my smiling (but beard-guarded) face hovering over the stove. Yes, I will cook if you do all the rest. (Assuming I’m available that weekend!) Use the comments to contact me, and I’ll gladly discuss the possibilities with you on the phone. You cannot imagine how wonderfully blessed you will be until you spend a Saturday feeding your brothers and sisters in need.
I know some really cool people. One of the best is Michelle Lim. Today Michelle has engaged me in a blog-hopping exercise between writers. We all have different ways of approaching the craft, and we want to share that with other writers and our readers. I liked the questions, and I’m going to hit them with full disclosure. Or, perhaps, such clever lies that you’ll never know the difference.
My writing process leans heavily on the abuse of my sleeping time and consumption of vast quantities of pretzel rods, licorice, and Nerds. If I don’t have junk-food, the keys don’t click very much. I can budget time all I want, but that just means I find excuses not to sit here and write. When the muse sings out, I have been known to lock down for days, pausing just long enough to hose off in the yard while watering the rhubarb.
As to critique partners, I abuse my friends and family. Coworkers are especially handy for reading my work and letting me know what is working and what is failing. I truly appreciate their input.
What am I currently working on?
In the last two weeks I’ve put aside my sequel (Jessica, I’m just kidding. I’m still working on the sequel like you told me to do, and I promise you, my beloved agent, that it will be done very soon) and have started a new book. My first book was really one of those “God told me to do this” kinds of book that writers dream about – wrote itself. (And, reads that way sometimes – needs editing.) The new book is similar in that it poured into my head over the space of a few hours. It’s fun to write and it will be very different from Assault On Saint Agnes, my second book. (Nope, none yet published, but Jessica is working hard on changing that in the near future.)
How does my work differ from others in its genre?
I’ve done most of the things in my books up to this point. Granted, I’ve never done the specifics, but I’ve had the life experiences of the characters and that makes it easier to write the scenes. There is a dimension of reality to the work that a lot of authors lack. It’s not that they aren’t good writers, but that nifty noise that the bullet smacking into the back of your car makes is not something you can research and know about at a gut level.
Why do I write what I do?
The first book I wrote was an inspired work. Yeah, that makes me nuts to some secular writers, but when God gives you a great story to write you write it all down and pray for guidance. The other books I’ve written/am working on are all subjects that fascinate me, or have great potential for excitement based on my experience. I know that the market for male writers of Christian fiction is smaller, but that can change. I look at guys like James L. Rubart, James Scott Bell, and Frank Peretti and know that the market is just on the edge of exploding for men. I want to be there when it happens.
There is another aspect that doesn’t always get touched upon: I want to bring the word to people. I know that I can tell stories that touch hearts and open them to God. I love that aspect of the mission.
How does my writing process work?
1. Have brilliant idea just as I’m falling asleep.
2. Forget brilliant idea for 3 weeks.
3. Go insane writing down all the details I can remember along with a story arc and some plot devices (usually takes two weeks.)
4. Write the rough draft, revise approximately 20 times, give to wife and wince when she hands back the bloody tatters of my soul.
5. Revise several more times, hand out to friends and coworkers to suffer through the mess, collect copies and read all comments. If only one person complains about something, I think about it a bit. If two people complain, I revise it for sure. If three or more lambaste that item, it’s out.
6. Have professional editor work it over.
7. Take those revisions, and revise approximately five more times.
Thanks Michelle Lim, for inviting me to the blog hop. Next week, on Monday, my esteemed colleague Brandy Vallance will be the subject.
“A completely incurable romantic, Brandy Vallance adores history and frequently has to be told at museums that it’s closing time. She loves to travel, plays the cello, and thinks all teacups should be bottomless. In 2011, she fulfilled a lifelong dream and went to England, Scotland, and Wales. Being a complete Anglophile, it was difficult to bring her home. Bribes may have been involved.”
