Inspiration
Is It Time to Quit?
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January is the time for planning for the new year, isn’t it? This year, I just can’t get motivated to plan anything. After all, many of the things I planned for 2011 did not pan out. I’m having a conversation with myself that I’ve had before. It goes something like this.
I’m done. Giving up, dropping out, moving on. Really—I quit. On one hand, I have a pile of rejections staring me in the face. On the other hand, I am not paid much for writing that is accepted. This writing gig is too much work for too little reward.
If I do not call myself a writer, I will not have stacks and stacks of books and magazines all over my home. I will not need to spend money on style manuals, memberships, subscriptions, or writers conferences. I will not have to spend time monitoring online writers’ groups or reading blogs about writers and writing. I will not feel obligated to attend writers’ group meetings or share my experiences with other writers. I can use my “office” space for another activity, something less frustrating and requiring less stuff. I will not carry around this load of guilt about not writing when I’m too tired or too busy to concentrate.
Whatever made me think I wanted to be writer anyway? Others told me I was good at it. People asked me to write things for them, telling me I had a gift. Through a series of “coincidences,” I attended a writers’ conference and caught the writing bug. I learned the ropes and began submitting my work. A surprising percentage of my first submissions were accepted. I found that I enjoy interviewing people and giving them a chance to tell their stories. People tell me that they are blessed by my work. Other writers say that I have been a source of encouragement for them.
If I stop calling myself a writer, I will lose contact with some very good people, and I will miss the opportunity to meet new writing friends. Who will help my interview subjects tell their stories and have their moment of fame? And—what about all the time and effort I have expended learning the writing ropes? I cannot just write it off as time wasted. And, most important—if I give up writing, I will no longer have the privilege of being a blessing and a source of encouragement to others.
On second thought, I became a writer by design and not by coincidence. I was called and equipped to write, not to measure the cost. No—I’m not done yet.
What about you? Do you find yourself wanting to give up? How do you get yourself going again?
Book Review: Unleash the Writer Within
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What better way to start the new year than with a new book about writing! I know, you might think you have more writing books than you need. But there’s always room for one more, especially if it’s offered by someone like master writer Cecil Murphey.
Unleash the Writer Within: The Essential Writers Companion is not a textbook, not a collection of how-to articles, nor is it a marketing guide. It’s a tutorial on discovering who you are as a writer so that you can better tell your unique story. You can be a master of writing techniques and marketing, but, unless your writing is authentic, it will fall flat with readers.
As stated in the promotional material, Unleash the Writer Within helps you:
- Develop your voice and writing style.
- Learn to write with heart.
- Become authentic to your readers.
- Grapple with the dreaded “Writer’s Block.”
- Harness the inner critic (and a few outer ones too).
- Expand your comfort zone.
Each of the 27 chapters is based on an aphorism about writing. For example, the first chapter explores “I write to find out who I am.” Murphey shares his experience helping others answer the question: “Why do you write?” By the time I reached the end of the book, I think Murphey answered every question I’ve ever asked myself about writing. From writer’s block to finding and expanding your comfort zone, Murphey covers it all.
Unleash the Writer Within is brand-new. In fact, there are no online reviews yet. You can sample the first couple of chapters at this link. I recommend that you get your copy right away. I predict that you will get a lot out of the first reading, but I also think you will want to revisit parts of it often. So, start your new year by inviting Cecil Murphey to walk with you your writing journey this year.
Buy it on Amazon.com by clicking on this link: Unleash the Writer Within
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from author Cecil Murphey without any strings attached. I was not required to publish any review at all. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
A New Year’s Prayer
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January 1, 1886
O God of Creation, Providence, and Grace, I thank Thee for the endowments of my creation, and for the Providence that has preserved my life and provided me with food and raiment, and for the Grace which has redeemed my soul from sin and death. I thank Thee for all the blessings, mercies, and privileges I have enjoyed during the past year.
I repent before Thee for all my sins and foibles, failings and shortcomings, for Jesus’ sake. Forgive me for all that I have done wrong.
I pray for grace this year, that it my abound in me much more than sin has abounded, that I may have more zeal and knowledge, and usefulness this year, than I have in the past, and that this may be the best year of my life, that if my health fail this year, may I be resigned to Thy will; and if I should fall by death this year, that Thou will take me to thyself in peace for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
— Rev. Thomas Leachman Boswell, Journal Entry, (age 70)
Writers, never doubt the value of your journal. Rev. Boswell, a circuit-riding Methodist preacher, was my great-great grandfather. He was self-educated, having spend only three months in school, yet he became a respected theologian and pastor. He was first person to preach on the street corner in Paducah, KY, where Broadway United Methodist Church stands today. This prayer is transcribed from his handwritten journal. His sermon notes and journals are a wonderful heritage for my family. Consider leaving such a legacy for yours.
Photo (by Salvatore Vuono) acknowledgment: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=659
Year-End Inspiration from Writers
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2011 is almost gone! That means it’s time to review our accomplishments and the major events of the year. This year, I find myself wondering why I am so driven to write. I’ve had little time and many interruptions in 2011.
When I get discouraged about writing, I often search the Web for quotes by other writers. Sometimes these quotes make me laugh, reminding me not to take myself so seriously. But, mostly, they make me realize that everyone has their doubts and that it’s not supposed to be easy. The following quotes have been meaningful to me over the past few months.
- I am a writer because writing is the thing I do best. —Flannery O’Connor
- Writing is hard work and bad for the health. —E. B. White
- When I was writing pretty poor poetry, this girl with midnight black hair told me to go on. —Carl Sandburg
- In my writing, as much as I could, I tried to find the good, and praise it. —Alex Haley
- Fiction has a unique role in conveying Truth. In fact, only fiction that is Truth with a capital T is worthwhile. —Jerry B. Jenkins
- Writing is no trouble: you just jot down ideas as they occur to you. The jotting is simplicity itself – it is the occurring which is difficult. —Stephen Leacock
Have you found amusement or encouragement in the words of other writers? Share them by commenting on this post. Be sure to give a link to your source.
Happy New Year!
A Christmas Gift for Everyone
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This devotional appears in Hometown Magazine, December/January, 2011-12.
Read Luke 2:8-15
Key Verse: But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Luke 2:10 (NIV)
My 93-year-old friend shared a Christmas memory with me recently. She told me she grew up on a farm with a large family. When Christmas rolled around each year, they celebrated, but they didn’t have many gifts. One year, relatives spent Christmas with them. “Christmas Eve, I peeked and saw a doll under the tree. But, I knew it wasn’t for me, ” she said. To this day, she doesn’t know why that made her so sad, but her disappointment was real and lasting.
I wonder how many children, or adults for that matter, will be disappointed in their Christmas experience this year. Some people will get too many gifts while others will get none. If we will just remember why we observe Christmas in the first place, we’ll realize that the birth of Jesus was a gift for all the people (Luke 2:10). The gift of love and forgiveness is for every person who claims Christ as his or her savior. No one is left out. No one need be disappointed.
Prayer: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests” Luke 2:14 (NIV). May we recognize and accept the gift of Jesus Christ this season. Amen.
Subscribers, share any Christmas devotionals that you may have online by commenting on this post and providing a link. Best wishes to all of you for a wonderful Christmas.
Writing through Chaos
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“Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!” And I thought my life was already complicated. How can we keep our writing schedule through the chaos that’s coming our way this holiday season?
First, we need to understand the meaning of the word “chaos.” On Dictionary.com, I found the following three meanings:
- A state of utter confusion or disorder; a total lack of organization or order.
- Any confused, disorderly mass.
- The infinity of space or formless matter supposed to have preceded the existence of the ordered universe.
Next, we need to figure out how to deal with it. Our options are:
- Function in spite of the chaos, which I think I’ve been doing fairly well. I compose articles in my head while driving, and I’ve been on the road a lot lately. Once I get a chance to sit down and key it in, the words just flow. When I can, I make a few notes in the small journal I carry with me.
- Establish order in place of the chaos. My boss once introduced me as “Ms. Organization.” For things to get disorganized on my watch, the situation must be pretty bad. That’s why the very thought of chaos is negative to me. Looking at the second meaning of “chaos,” I realize that chaos is not all bad. It creates opportunity. Consider the chaos (void) before creation. God saw that His world was “formless and empty.” From that emptiness (chaos), God created all life, the entire natural order, as we know it today. We are made in God’s image; therefore, we have the ability to bring order out of chaos, to create something from nothing.
From now until it is time to “cook the goose,” let’s not let the chaos overpower us. Let’s be open to new ideas and opportunities that the chaos might bring.
Readers, how to you keep writing through the chaos in your life? Share your ideas by commenting on this post.
More Information:
Chaos Theory in Writing by Meredith Allen Conner
What If You Don’t Want to Write a Book?
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Todd Burpo did not want to write a book. He just wanted to get on with his life as a family man, pastor, business owner, and volunteer firefighter. It’s not like he needed anything else to do.
But, now he’s known as the author of Heaven Is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back. It’s the story of what happened to his son, Colton, who, at age four, suffered a ruptured appendix, infection, and surgery. He survived, but he says he went to heaven while he was in the hospital. The book has been on the New York Times best-seller list (paperback non-fiction) for 53 weeks as of November 30, 2011, and in the Number One spot for some time. On the hardcover non-fiction list (11-30-11), it ranks #24.
As Burpo said in an interview at Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference, sometimes your message is so powerful that you have no choice. Don Cady of Wesleyan Publishing House interviewed Burpo at one of the evening general sessions.
Burpo said that world’s need for his family’s message overruled all of the objections:
- I don’t have time to write a book.
- I don’t know how to get it published.
- I don’t want to subject the family, especially young Colton, to the public scrutiny.
But, people kept telling him he should write a book. After months of prayer, Burpo gave God a suggestion. If he was supposed to publish Colton’s story, God would need to send the right people to help him.
It wasn’t long before he got a call from an agent wanting to represent him and help get a book written. If you know anything at all about the publishing industry, you know that this never happens. Not only did God send help, He sent the best. Lynn Vincent, accomplished ghostwriter helped get it written, and the one and only Thomas Nelson Publishers agreed to publish it. Talk about answer to prayer!
The family never expected their story to resonate the way it has. A children’s version of the book has recently been published. They’ve been interviewed on all the major TV shows. Theirs is indeed a powerful message, one the world is hungry for.
What about you? Do you want to write a book? Do you have a story you want to tell? Whatever your situation, be encouraged by the Burpo story. You may have a message the world needs, too.
Learn more:
- Visit the Heaven Is For Real website. It is time well-spent:
- Read this story in USA Today.
- Don’t miss this post on Ruthie Dean’s blog.
Guest Post: A Parable for Writers
2This article was offered by Gwen Plauche through Faithwriters.com’s free article service.
A man was preparing to go on an extended trip. He sent a text to three of his employees to come to his office.
To the first employee arriving in his office he handed an agreement from a publisher to write a series of books. To the next employee, he gave a contract to supply a monthly column and to the third employee arriving in his office he assigned the duty to keep his blog updated.
The first employee excitedly worked daily on the project. Unfortunately the book contract fell through. However, his energy for the project was contagious and after many submissions, a new deal was inked. The new publisher also asked for an additional series with a generous advance attached.
The second employee also went right to work writing the column with attention to detail. Ahead of schedule, he decided to carefully review the contract and found that he was able to sell reprinted articles to other publications. He invested many hours researching possibilities and found that many of the newer publications did not pay for published submissions. Not one to get discouraged, he continued to submit appropriately chosen articles with full passion for the project and carefully followed up on all the submissions. One of the new publishers was so pleased with the reader response to the monthly column that they proposed an anthology that would be published by year end.
The third employee looked at the blog with disdain. I really should be writing a book! Why am I wasting my time blogging for my absentee boss? He reviewed the previously posts on the blog and matched the word count and frequency as he blogged. He was surprised how easy of a task it turned out to be and used the rest of his time on his personal business. Well, I have completed my assignment!
At the end of his extended absence, the boss returned and called the three employees to his office to recap the events of the past year.
True to form, the first employee to his office was the one who had the book assignment. As he entered the office, the boss embraced him and said, “I do not even need to ask how you did. I have been following your tweets and Facebook posts. Sit down and tell me all about it! I am so proud of you; you have represented me well!”
About then, the second employee joined them in the office. “Welcome,” the boss said as he warmly greeted his entrance. “Look what I picked up at the airport during my last layover as he showcased the newly published anthology of the articles published in his absence. You are a genius; great work! Just think where we can take this in the next year!”
The third employee slipped in the room and took a seat across the office, hoping to be unnoticed, but all eyes were on him. The employee squirmed. Silence in return. The boss opened his laptop and logged in. Typing his blog address he began to speak. “Well, I have been watching the blog.” No response from the employee. The boss continued, “And I have to say, it was pretty boring.”
The employee sat up a bit straighter and answered, “But sir, I know you are a perfectionist and well known in the publishing world. I just did not want to do anything that was not up to your standards,” he said as he slumped back down in the chair.
“So you basically did nothing?”
“Not exactly, sir. I continued your blog as instructed. I even matched your previous word count and tried to keep the topics very similar.”
“I never imagined you to be so lazy! The very least you could do is use your own creativity and stretch a little bit. I gave you a vehicle that would get your writing out there, but you did not even use it to grow. You could have networked with other writers and at least entered a writing contest or two. I hate to tell you this, but I will not be able to trust you with this again. In fact, I will gladly assign this to my first employee who ran circles around you during this same time, yet accomplished ten times as much. I will accept from you your immediate resignation.”
“To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away” Matthew 25:29 (NLT).
Copyright information:
Written by Gwen Plauche. Blog: http://www.GwenPlauche.com. Copyright 2011, Gwen Plauche. You have permission to reprint in its entirety only provided the copyright notice remains part of the reprint and transmission. All other rights reserved.
Golden Rule Blogging
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Did you know that there are literally millions of blogs these days? So, how do you make your blog stand out in the crowd?
First, consider what you like in a blog. You want information of value to you in a format and frequency that you like. Then, give your readers what you would like. In other words, be a Golden Rule blogger using the following guidelines.
- Provide good content, a mix of what readers need and what they want. They don’t always want what they really need. And keep your posts short and to the point. Example: I want to understand about the technical aspects of blogging, but I am overwhelmed if you give me too much information in one dose.
- Establish categories to make it easy for new visitors and regular readers to find posts of interest to them. On Blog4Writers, some categories are accessible from the menu at the top of the page, and all of them are listed in the drop-down menu in the sidebar. See the home page here.
- Provide a Search box. Blogger features a search box at the top of all blogs. However, in WordPress, you must add the search feature as a widget in the sidebar.
- Subscribe to other blogs. You can always unsubscribe if you decide the content is not for you. Most people have an e-mail subscription option. If they don’t, you can subscribe with Google Reader or other feed reader.
- Comment on other blogs. It takes a little time, but you will establish a connection with the blog author. On most blogs, the Comment link is either at the top near the title or at the very bottom of the post. My new design features a balloon to the right of the title with a number showing how many posts are there already. Click on it, and you will arrive at the comment box where you enter your message.
- Exchange links with other bloggers. Put their links in your blogroll, and ask them to include your URL in theirs. I’ve put my blogroll on a separate page rather than in the sidebar where most blogs show them.
- Invite other bloggers to guest post on your blog. You can use previously posted material if your subscriber base is different. However, do not use another blogger’s material without permission. See the guest posts on Blog4Writers.
Working together with other bloggers, you can build your subscriber base and make great friends in the process. Who knew that the Golden Rule would be so useful to bloggers?
Guest Post: Writers’ Block Buster
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Today’s guest post is by Rebecca Livermore, and the full title is “Writers’ Block Buster: Idea Jars.” Be sure to visit her website Professional Content Creation.
Does writer’s block ever get you down? Try putting together idea jars so that next time writer’s block strikes, you’ll be able to shake it. Here’s how to do it:
1. Get two jars, or containers of some sort. (Don’t obsess over this step! They don’t need to be anything special, unless you want them to be!) Label one jar “ideas” and the other one “words.”
2. Grab a newspaper or magazine, or head for your favorite news source online. Skim through the articles, looking for interesting stories, or a mediocre story with an interesting element. For instance, I just saw a story on MSN about two people being stung by scorpions on an airplane. In my view, that’s an interesting story!
3. Jot tidbits of information and words on strips of paper. For the above story, I would jot, “man on plane bit by scorpion” and perhaps, “leg swells due to scorpion bite.” I would also write some of the primary words on strips of paper such as, airplane, scorpion, bite, swell, venom, etc.
4. Put the words in the word jar, and the ideas in the idea jar.
5. Get into the habit of doing this regularly, as you read the newspaper, or even as you watch the news on T.V. Over time you’ll collect a lot of words and ideas.
Next time writer’s block strikes, grab the two jars and do the following:
1. Pull an idea from the idea jar, and pull three words from the word jar.
2. Set a timer for 30 minutes, and write like mad, using the idea and the three words you’ve drawn in your writing.
The fact that the words you’ve drawn may have nothing to do with the idea you drew is part of the challenge and part of the fun. The sheer silliness of it takes away from trying to “be serious” in your writing.
Don’t worry about writing a masterpiece. You may not. But I’ll bet this exercise will get you writing, make you smile, and perhaps got you out of your slump.
Used by permission. Copyright by Rebecca Livermore, a Christian speaker and writer from Denver, Colorado. Her passion is helping people grow spiritually. To read more of her articles, visit her Associated Content page at http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/60801/rebecca_livermore.html.
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS
Rebecca on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rebecca.livermore
