tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24308855722080096212024-11-01T01:57:18.547-07:00Exemplary record. Position envied. Missions accomplished. But one thing lacks in Commander Jael Kowkab’s work: sharing her Christian faith.Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-7229252951456678632014-09-29T17:43:00.002-07:002014-09-29T17:43:51.566-07:00

Book Three of the Helium-3 series takes readers back to the moon and a few years into the future. Crater has come a long way from the quiet Heel-3 miner boy on the way back of the moon. He has his own business now with his brother and a crowhopper. But his heart still lies where it always has, and his simple way of understanding things remains unchanged. He’s a worthy opponent to his

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-47682308344105944472014-03-27T18:58:00.000-07:002014-03-27T18:58:00.044-07:00

Oops, didn't get around to updating during Camp NaNoWriMo, did I? Well, I'm happy to report I at least achieved my goal of 30K, but sadly, still have not finished the manuscript. Serious writing work has had me occupied. A cool thing I'm trying now is, writing on my iPhone. I always have it with me and a nice little app called PlainText that's a joy to write on. Who knows? Maybe it will

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-9832077738803277562013-04-04T08:26:00.001-07:002013-04-04T08:29:27.207-07:00

Since my workload is lightened enough for me to breathe, and I'm itching to dive into a new manuscript, I decided to go to virtual camp. Camp NaNoWriMo. It's a little different from the regular NaNoWriMo (same awesome people run it though). The best part is I was able to set my own word count goal. I can't push it this month, so I'm going for 30,000. Day Four and I'm at 4,595 without having

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-45337700041153860882012-04-14T12:10:00.001-07:002012-04-14T12:11:08.870-07:00

A mining outpost on the moon, a protective gillie, a complaining brother-like best friend and an annoying boss’ granddaughter set things up for changes to come in the life of a mild mannered scraper kid named Crater Trueblood. The story starts with the redundant but satisfying job of mining in the way back of the moon and escalates to an adventure across the most dangerous territory the moon

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-90906370797779525372012-04-11T17:03:00.002-07:002012-04-11T17:04:59.998-07:00

The lives of three people collide in the town of Beckon, each drawn there for a different but life changing reason. The story opens with Jack, a young anthropologist who wants to find what happened to his father who disappeared when Jack was just nine. Teamed with his best friend and a Native American guide, they begin a search in the caves near Beckon, Wyoming. Elina—an ex-cop—is searching

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-28226625024238297872012-02-13T09:10:00.000-08:002012-02-13T09:11:52.940-08:00

Hmm, I thought I had written a post about why I'm not updating this blog. Along about the time I finished up that last one, I spent days in on and off prayer. The answer to my questions about what I should do next shot out: Drop the sci-fi. For a few months? Days? Forever? With no answer to those questions, I simply ceased and turned other directions. My LIGHT folder went into Archives and I

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-59551249425539284382011-12-07T15:59:00.000-08:002011-12-07T16:00:11.340-08:00

It's so amazing. Not until I finish a first draft can I comprehend what the story is truly about, and all the elements that go into it. With book 2, I already see so much I want to add to enrich and round out the story. Also, I'm growing to love the stories and characters even more, to the point where I'm considering making each book a full novel instead of novellas. And that's why I'm narrowing

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-91580847490601833852011-11-27T18:38:00.000-08:002011-11-27T18:38:09.496-08:00

It’s official. I uploaded my manuscript and got the congratulatory video and my “winner goodies:” a certificate and my badge: I actually finished Book 2 around 45,000 words (whoohoo!) and started a short story spin-off, following the characters on an adventure to an ice planet. Vophsi acted very mysteriously, and I didn’t find out what he was up to until Jael did. And now I’m not sure how she’s

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-2975259905451931012011-11-22T17:12:00.000-08:002011-11-22T17:12:11.602-08:00

I named my muse Dory. This is why and what I need her to do: Yeah, I love that scene. I always replace "swimming" with "writing." Never fails to put a smile on my face and speed in my fingers. I believe the Lord gives us encouragement in all kinds of ways. Sometimes they come from a burst of creative energy. Sometimes in a kind comment. Sometimes from a singing fish, which is most

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-46590201700698515372011-11-18T06:49:00.000-08:002011-11-19T07:13:13.368-08:00

Fiction Friday again, this time hosted by Joanne on her blog An Open Book. Read more great fiction there! I shouldn't be posting such raw material, but it is NaNoWriMo season, so here you go. This scene comes late in Chapter 6, and is the heart of each LIGHT story. Hope you can enjoy through the roughness :-) ~S.E. Sawyer Chapter 6 Wanting to seek the privacy of the sleeping quarters

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-22102872340615465602011-11-17T08:13:00.000-08:002011-11-17T08:13:55.006-08:00

I'm amazed how the relationships between the team members are developing. Before I began this series, I tried to outline, do characters sketches and imagine these characters in various situations. But now things are progressing naturally in concern to loyalty, friendship and respect. It's amazing how personalities and reactions fall in place like I planned it oh so carefully. On another note,

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-56155355252188149472011-11-11T18:50:00.000-08:002011-11-11T18:50:56.829-08:00

Thought I would join in Friday Fiction hosted by Hoomi over at his Pod Tales and Ponderings blog. I don't like posting unedited work, but I do get a little crazy during NaNo, so here goes. A rough snippet from Chapter Seven. Enjoy. Chapter Seven When the three left with a promise to return shortly, Jael turned her attention to Chesil. But before words left her lips, he was on his

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-82404541066242710432011-11-09T16:31:00.000-08:002011-11-11T13:41:32.038-08:00

Total word count is 16411. Much faster than book 1! I love NaNoWriMo. I'm also loving the twists and turns of book 2. The things characters say and do often surprise me. I'm not always the one directing their every move. I learn things about them that fits the story so well I get this feeling the story has already been written by someone else. Maybe it has. My prayer is it's the Lord guiding

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-3984221964669136192011-11-01T18:37:00.000-07:002011-11-01T18:37:45.123-07:00

Yes, I made the 5,000 word mark. In addition, I wrote a blog post, scheduled five posts with pictures on two blogs, uploaded my first eBook to Barnes and Noble, sent out review copies, oh and cooked breakfast and lunch. Updated my Facebook pages and NaNoWriMo word count, uploaded an excerpt, and posted on the forum. And now I'm here. But not for long, because I'm off to watch a movie. Jael and

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-18081214716798999662011-10-31T10:46:00.000-07:002011-10-31T10:46:12.899-07:00

The countdown begins. A mere night sleep away I'll begin my attempt at a 5,000 word kickoff to National Novel Writing Month. I worked hard last week and through the weekend, trying to tie up loose ends. Now I'm ready. I think. Outline is waiting, including names for new characters. For Never and Always wants to be written. But what does November really hold for my life.

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-26811411997608973662011-10-17T18:54:00.000-07:002011-10-21T18:44:46.000-07:00

Wrote my outline for Book 2. It's slightly longer than Book 1, and I'm hoping the draft will be also. I need 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo. But if it comes up short, I'll simply start on another novella. I have one outlined and ready to go (non LIGHT). Or I may fill in with some short stories revolving around the LIGHT team. Either way, I plan to win NaNo this year, Lord willing and the crops don't

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-40387369937310395332011-10-10T14:58:00.000-07:002011-10-10T14:58:58.559-07:00

Three bits of news to share. 1. My best friend's grandmother passed away this morning. I grieve, but thank the Lord she is with Him and no longer in the pains of this world. She lived with rheumatoid arthritis for over sixty years, yet I can't recall a time when she complained. We love you, Mrs. Cuddy. See you soon! 2. I am preparing for NaNoWriMo with book 2, For Never and Always. Having some

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-80615000931138997352011-10-05T13:01:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:25:37.555-07:00

Am I really finished? That was my first thought when I typed the last sentence, because I wasn't sure what the last sentence should be. But it feels really good to finish a project of this length. I haven't done that in...well, quite a while. Up until now, I've been focused on short stories and flash fiction. The last scene was difficult as I didn't want it to be cliche' or preachy. I think it

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-45420289427798294062011-09-26T12:32:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:25:54.527-07:00

Crossed the 30,000 word mark. That should have been the end. Instead, it was one of the most intense fight scenes in the book. Words went onto the screen effortlessly. I'd been looking forward to writing this scene for a long while. And now the critical race against time begins. One character may die, but I really want them to survive. We'll see what happens in this first draft. I estimate

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-58902043164627338872011-09-20T18:11:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:26:19.740-07:00

At this point, I love my story. That's a good thing, right? Yes and no. If I love it too much and can't chop it up in the editing process, will it become good enough for anyone else to love? Honestly, even if no one ever reads Almost Right, I would still write it. Why? Because it's something I would love to read. It encourages my spirit. In fact, I can't wait to read the

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-90860747786351228212011-09-09T11:41:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:26:36.880-07:00

Yesterday, I only wrote about two hundred words. But I felt they were some of the best two hundred so far. The characters are coming forward to claim their true traits, finding footing that is fast becoming their own, not mine. I feel as if I've simply been given an opportunity to hear their story before anyone else. I pray this story and all that follow it will reach in and touch hearts,

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-83551782706863160522011-08-31T07:47:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:26:51.285-07:00

Wrote seven hundred and eleven words this morning. Not much, but at this pace I've crept up to nearly 20,000 the last two months. I reread my outline last night and it excited me. I can't wait to get to the end, let it rest and tear it apart in the editing process. Writers are funny, aren't they? We create something we know we'll rip back apart. But it's all part of the art process.

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-36030797927943505232011-08-19T07:03:00.001-07:002011-10-06T16:27:08.315-07:00

Just past the 15,000 word mark. According to my outline, I'm roughly halfway through the story. Whether that's accurate or not, only the story can tell. Some parts I thought would last over a thousand words and ended up only briefly mentioned. Then there are those action scenes that come from nowhere and don't want to end. All things taken into account, I believe the story really is half finished

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-69376135260804097662011-08-04T10:53:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:27:24.815-07:00

Dramatic scenes are exciting to write. Especially when I didn’t know they were coming or exactly how they will end. However, in the back of my mind, I always wonder if the scene can stay. Does it fit in with the plot or is it just filler action? Had that happen this morning. But with it came a new plot twist. Something I hadn’t considered before, but right now it seems perfect. A direction that

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2430885572208009621.post-56273319811497878012011-07-20T18:38:00.000-07:002011-10-06T16:27:39.016-07:00

I love when random bits of dialogue and scenes pop into my mind. They are usually unrelated to my current draft or any of the books I have outlined thus far. That's a little scary as it potential adds a book to the series. But really, I love that, too. Perhaps I'll eventually grow tired of living space adventures through my characters, but not in the near future. For now, I'm

Sarah Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15082824447557623929noreply@blogger.com0