January 16, 2015

Reflecting back / Looking ahead by Loretta Bouillon

In the spring of 2014, I joined Inscribe Christian Writer’s Fellowship. This group opened up a whole new level of writing for me as well as many exciting opportunities. I have tried my hand at contests, devotions, magazine articles, query letters, guest blogging as well as being asked to be a regular contributor to this blog.  I have also learned so much being a part of the chat group with Inscribe. I do not always participate in all the conversations but I read them and glean. The group has been wonderful answering any questions that I have had so far. I have met new writer friends (although not face to face…but I am hoping to next fall conference!) If you are a writer, published or not, I would highly recommend joining this group.

I attended Surrey International Writer’s Conference with my daughter (article featured on my own blog as well as in the February issue of Fellowscript magazine).  The networking experience as well as the information that we took away from the conference was invaluable.

2014 was a year of input overload and a very fast learning curve. Now that I have a little more understanding of the writing and publishing industry, I feel God slowing me down and realigning my focus. I don’t have to enter every contest that comes my way! Write that novel. Work on one project at a time. Develop my writing skills. Read that book and apply it to my daily life. Polish my skills. Practice, practice, practice. So this is what I will do.

Two resources that have come my way are ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron and  ‘The Writer’s Book of Days’ by Judy Reeves. I have begun reading both of them and this is what I am applying so far:

Morning Pages – You write three pages about anything you like. It is not to be edited (unless you want to later). Basically, you write to unclutter your mind so you clear the brain drain, to unblock and recover the artist in you. The pages are to be written longhand and not to be an artisitic attempt or written about anything in particular. Get all your worries and mind clutter onto the page. I realize that what I do with my journaling is much like this, only now I write without a “censor”; the critical part in me that is afraid someone might read it someday. I am quite enjoying the freedom of this process.

Artist’s Date – This is a two hour date with myself per week for twelve weeks to do something artistic/creative to develop my creative side. I have to say that I am not as successful with this task quite yet. I am working on it, though, and will save this experience for a future blogpost.

As I move forward into the New Year, I am doing so with a commitment to grow in my writing technically as well as really trying to hear God’s direction as to where it will take me. One day at a time. Like anything in my life, it is about trusting God. My “wake up prayer” every morning is this: “God, I give you my day. Please guide me and help me to be the best I can be at all You are asking me to do. Amen.”

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)
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6 comments:

  1. Loretta,

    I so enjoyed reading your post and getting to know you a little bit through it.

    I like the two books you are currently reading and have found them helpful in certain seasons of my writing life too. Both morning pages and artist dates have been beneficial for my own life.

    Here's wishing you a beautiful year ahead as you focus on your writing goals for 2015.

    Blessings....
    Brenda Leyland




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  2. Loretta, I too remember the day I realized I didn't have to do EVERYTHING that came my way. It took me a couple of years, though. Good for you for figuring it out and getting focused so quickly.

    You have an easy, readable style of writing that keeps me interested. Can't wait to see more!

    Bobbi

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  3. Hi Loretta
    Great to read your post. I have Julia Cameron's 'The Right to Write' and have found that valuable. The morning pages are something I have worked with, a little inconsistently, but find them very helpful.
    I recently picked up the Judy Reeves book and plan to work on that for this year.
    I had not heard of the Artist Date ... sounds like one I would like to make.
    All the best as you keep writing!

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  4. I have read THE ARTIST'S WAY also and gleaned some very valuable things from it. (Morning pages which in a nutshell is journalling - which I already did - and Artist Dates.) the last one is one that I think we need to do more often. We need to feed our 'muse' if we hope to stay inspired.

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  5. Your morning prayer is also a great example for all of us!
    Pamela Mytroen

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  6. Thanks for this lovely blog. I do have both of the books you mention, but I have fallen off on morning pages, so I appreciate your reminder of that. Years ago I discovered a book called "Writing on Both Sides of the Brain" by Henriette Klauser, which also recommends this free writing by deferring to your creative or the right side of your brain.. Then you edit a piece you want to send out by using the more analytical left side of the brain.

    May you continue to grow in writing what the Lord lays on you heart.

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