Blog Purpose: To give InScribe members an opportunity to post their writings and connect with writers and members across the country... and beyond our borders.
We're looking for postings that are in keeping with the spirit of the InScribe focus and mission. As a contributor, you are a Canadian author writing from a Christian perspective; you are a current or past member of the InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship.
Whether you are published or not, whether you have been writing forever, or you are just starting out, we invite you to join the conversation and connect to other Canadian writers across our vast country.
Our two main themes are WRITING and FAITH. We alternate the themes each month: one month we focus on the craft and business of writing; the next month, on faith/spiritual matters. We provide topic suggestions for each month, but you may choose your own topic if you prefer.... as long as it still fits in the month’s overall theme.
Blog Guidelines 2013
InScribe Membership: You need to be a member of InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship. If you are not, but would like to join, click here for subscription information. For your convenience, you can now subscribe online.
Google Account: You'll need to have a Google account to post on Blogger.
What to post: You are welcome to post new or reprinted/reposted pieces in just about any genre and on just about any topic, as long as it is connected to the overall theme for the month. *See the current monthly theme/topic list at the bottom of the page.
Main Audience: Our InScribe members. Writers. Remember we are a mixed group of well-seasoned, developing, and wanna-be writers. What do you want to say that will encourage, stimulate and support our members.
Posting Length: 600 words maximum UPDATED!
Posting Format/Type face: Georgia, Font 18 (large), left justify. If you type your posting directly into Blogger, the default is automatic, so you don't need to do anything else. But if you import your text from elsewhere into Blogger then you may need to change the font and size manually.
Schedule: You’ll be scheduled to post once a month. It will be the same date each month.
Pre-Schedule Your Postings: Try to keep your turn when it comes up. If you do find yourself especially busy, you can write your postings ahead of time. Key in your posting date (go into Post Options at the bottom of the text box), hit Publish, and your posting will be 'scheduled' to go up on your date.
The Title Line: Please include your title and your author name in the Title Line, not inside the posting itself. Upper/lowercase, not block. eg. The Title of Your Post – Your Author Name.
Your Title: Ensure your title is catchy with a clear idea of what the reader can expect. Also, remember, search engines need 'key' words and phrases in title lines, so they can categorize your posting correctly (you want your readers to find you, right?).
In the Label Box: Do remember to include your author name in the LABEL (tag) line at the bottom of your posting. This ensures your posting is automatically added to your archive list. (This is so interested readers can easily find your previous postings.) Note: Make sure your name is written the same way each time, otherwise it won't pick it up as the 'same' author.
Graphics and Photos. Adding a picture or graphic, as well as a thumbnail photo of yourself, is a good feature as it adds visual interest to your posting. If you aren’t uploading your own photos or graphics, do keep copyright in mind. (There are places online you can access free or low cost stuff.)
Linking: You are welcome to share your own website or blog links at the bottom of the posting.
Bio: You are welcome to include a short bio, along with your website or blog, if you wish. This can also include a blurb about your newest publications.
Missed your posting day? Still want to publish something? Write your posting, then go into Post Options and key in the date you were scheduled to post. The posting will go up as if it was posted on that date. (Note: don't post on someone else's date.)
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2013 Theme Schedule
and Topic Suggestions
and Topic Suggestions
Our Two Main Themes:
WRITING and FAITH
Please stick to the theme focus given for each month.
You can use the suggested topics for a particular month
or choose a topic of your own, as long as it fits the theme.
May: Joint Theme - Writing and Faith
Suggested Topics: What's Your Message to the World?
Are you a “Christian writer” or a Christian who writes? (For a starting point, click here to read what Francine Rivers shares on the subject.)
What keeps you focused on your message -- how do you cull out what is not?
What is your goal or mission as a Christian writer? (Francine Rivers says she wants to 'whet the appetite for the real thing: the Bible and a personal relationship with Jesus.')
June: On the Craft & Business of Writing
Suggested Topic: Blogging
If a certain Bible personality turned out to be a blogger, whose would you read? | Write a posting from that individual's point of view.
The pros and cons of bloggingWhy do you blog?
The best writers or faith-related blogs
July: On Spiritual/Faith Matters
Suggested Topics: Searching out our nation's faith heritage
What do you believe is God's destiny for our nation?
Who in our nation do you want to reach through your writings?
What's your prayer concern for Canada? Are you writing about that?
August: On the Craft & Business of Writing
Topic: Organizing Your Time...and Work Space
Creating Space in Your Week for Writing | Planning Your Quarterly Goals | Juggling Writing Life with Family Life | Practical Tips to Organize your Time | Tips on How To Organize Your Work Space
September: On the Craft & Business of Writing
Topic: School's Never Out for the Pro
What are you reading, researching, learning these days?
Pass along key pointers you learned at a recent (or not so recent) writers' conference, workshop or webinar.
October: On Spiritual/Faith Matters
Suggested Topics: What are You Grappling With in Your Faith Walk These Days?
Does He Really Mean to Give Thanks in/for ALL Things? How do You Live That Out?
November: On the Craft & Business of Writing
Suggested Topic: Christian Fiction - For What Purpose?
I recently read an article by Rebecca Miller on this topic in which she shares some interesting thoughts.
Read the article and share your own thoughts on this topic.
December: On Spiritual/Faith Matters
Topic: Isaiah 60:1. Are You Shining in the Dark?
The world is dark out there. Write about your Tidings of Joy | Peace In the Midst of It All | Hope in the Darkness | Is there a Christmas Carol or passage of Scripture that is especially speaking to you this season?
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Summer 2013
Want To Post Monthly?
We have a couple of openings at present. If you are a current or past member of InScribe and you are interested in posting monthly, please contact our Blog Moderator for further information.
Be A Guest Blogger?
Not ready to commit to submitting every month? We do welcome Guest Posts. Please contact our Blog Moderator for details.
