InScribe - So Much More than Words by Tracy Krauss

What has InScribe meant to me? I can hardly put it into words!

In my decade or so as a member, I've gained so much I don't know where to start. I could mention the learning and growth as a writer. I've gained so much practical knowledge from Fall Conference, WorDshops, FellowScript magazine and blog posts. I've been inspired and encouraged in my writing journey. My circle of contacts and influence has increased exponentially. I could go on and on about the many ways InScribe has elevated and influenced my life as a writer. 

BUT... by far the most important things I've gained are the deep relationships I've developed with other members. For me, it's all about the people. I count many of you as dear friends. Truly, you are precious comrades - and that was not something I was expecting when I joined!

I came across InScribe totally by accident back in 2010. My first book had been published in 2009 but I was as green as a newbie author could be. I had zero notion about platforms and marketing and quite frankly, felt very alone. I had never been to a writers' conference, hadn't read any books about marketing and basically knew nothing. I didn't even have any social media accounts until my publisher told me I needed to get online and promote myself. 

What? Who knew? Not me! So gradually... painfully... I started to blog, signed up for several Social Media accounts, and started surfing the web for forums and sites where I could start making my presence known. 

I came across a collective blog of international writers and found a Canadian writer there. Marcia Laycock wrote beautifully and I felt a connection to her words, not only because she was a Christian, but because she mentioned living in the Yukon, where I had lived for eight years. In her bio it mentioned InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship and... the rest is history, I guess.

I can't express the excitement I felt when I found out there was actually an organization for Canadian Christian writers! I joined almost immediately and went to my first conference in Edmonton that fall. Marcia was the president at the time and Sigmund Brower was the guest speaker. Rudy Wiebe spoke at the banquet. I was awestruck, I admit! Yet, everyone seemed so normal... so friendly... so willing to accept me into the fold.

I ended up volunteering a couple of years later, first as the Writing Groups Coordinator and then as this blog's moderator. It went from there to Fall Conference committees to a regular seat on the executive as VP to the president. I think it is through this involvement in the 'inner circle' that my relationships have really grown and solidified into the dear friendships I feel today. The women (and a few men!) I've had the privilege to work and laugh and cry with over this decade are what make InScribe so dear to me. I am so grateful for all that each one has poured into my life. I just hope I've been able to give back, even just a little.

What's the moral of this story? 

First, when we say InScribe is first and foremost a ministry, I believe it with all my heart. That's our mandate. Beyond education and other practical opportunities, we are here to connect, encourage, and inspire our members. That's ministry. 

Second, the best way to deepen those connections is to get involved. I have found that serving others often has as much or more benefit to me, as the giver. It's where I met and got to love so many of you. So, why not get involved? Not only do we need you, you just might need us, too!

Tracy Krauss writes from her home in Tumbler Ridge, BC. She is finishing out her term as InScribe's President and looks forward to seeing who else God will call into the inner working of the organization. Visit her website: tracykrauss.com  -fiction on the edge without crossing the line-