Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone by Nina Faye Morey

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

~ Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

For many years, I wrote mainly for my own personal pleasure. I’d had a few poems and other pieces published in the Western Producer’s “Young Co-operator’s Club” as a teenager. But, as I grew older, other things in life took precedence over my dream of becoming a published writer.

Then in 2004, God nudged me out of my comfort zone. I felt a sudden urge to see if I could actually get my writing published in newspapers and magazines. With time swiftly passing, I decided I had to try now if I was ever going to see that dream fulfilled. So I stepped out in faith and submitted my first article to a farm publication.

First Article I Wrote, Submitted to and Published by Grainews

What God wants, God enables. Shortly after, the editor called to talk with me about revising and resubmitting my article. She assured me she was interested and stated the deadline to resubmit it. I did as she requested, and it was accepted! Thus, my first article, “Is Santa Claus Real?” was published in Grainews in December 2004. That was followed by several other articles, short stories, and poems published in Grainews, The Manitoba Co-operator, The Prairie Messenger, The Canadian Messenger, The Prairie Journal, FellowScript, and Write On!

Some of My Stories Published in The Canadian Messenger

Soon the finger of God pointed me in another direction. I submitted a couple of pieces that were accepted by a Christian anthology. When Sheila Webster dropped by to deliver my copies of InScribe’s 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers in the summer of 2015, she offered me the position of columns editor for FellowScript magazine. I’d become comfortable as a writer—but an editor? Could I do that? I had no previous editing experience! I asked why she’d chosen me. She explained she’d been impressed by the grammar and writing skills I’d displayed in articles I’d submitted and published through some FellowScript Writing Contests and assignments I’d submitted for the FellowScript Free Writing Course she’d offered in 2015.

First Devotional and First Anthology

It wasn’t long before the hand of God nudged me out of my comfort zone once more. Sheila asked me to consider taking over as FellowScript’s editor-in-chief, expressing again her faith in my ability. At first, I accepted. Then I got cold feet and declined. She persisted; I vacillated some more. Sheila was determined and patient, reassuring me that I had the skills required. Finally, I succumbed to her persuasive powers when she promised to be available to help me if needed for the first couple of issues. But she was confident I’d be fine on my own. I’m not really sure how she knew, although I believe God had placed that assurance in her heart.

However, fear still gripped my heart. Was I really ready to step into Sheila’s shoes? What if I wasn’t up to the task? I had to remind myself of the lesson I’d previously learned—sometimes you just have to step out in faith and tackle opportunities, despite your fears. I’d already done that several times. So once again I stepped up to the plate, taking on the challenge of becoming FellowScript’s editor-in-chief. 

First Magazine as Editor

God was right! Sheila was right! “You took to it like a duck to water,” she remarked later. So I’ve discovered I’m capable of editing a magazine, and I’m feeling comfortable in that role now. I thoroughly enjoy being FellowScript’s editor-in-chief and trust God will continue to give me the ability and strength needed to carry out this special assignment He’s given me.

I can’t wait to cross the next stepping stone He places on my writing path!

Photo Credits: © 2017 Nina Faye Morey

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" by Connie Inglis

My connecting points with other writers have been few. Yes, I am taking a writing course but that is all done online so there is limited interaction with other writing students. For me the most significant interaction I've had and continue to have is through you, fellow InScribe members. And even then, most of my involvement has been in one of the many InScribe writers' groups. What a beautiful gift from God. If that writing group should end tomorrow, I think that what this group has instilled in me would be more than enough to energize my writing for the rest of my life.

Sound a little dramatic? Maybe. But after meeting together with these fellow-writers for 2 1/2 years, I also believe it to be true. Out of gratitude I wrote a sonnet for the Inscribe Anthology, 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers and I dedicated it to my writers' group.

              As Iron Sharpens Iron

The writer’s road “less travelled by” is fraught
With curves and climbs and questions unaware,
E’en those whose lives in God are soldier-taught
Can find the solo march too much to bear.
So writers too have need of comradeship
To trudge beside when wearisome the way,
For mutual bonds can strengthen and equip
In prayer, united force can fight the fray.
And with each step a surge of hope is found
That bond of perfect Love, it casts off fear,
Then each word written springs from common ground
To own the voice, to fight, to persevere.
As iron sharpens iron dull to bright,
Writers sharpen writers, reflecting Light.
(Dedicated to Writers Café: Edmonton Writing Group)

But why a sonnet you may ask? Well, now is my chance to compare my writers' group to a sonnet. Let me count the ways:
(And here is my disclaimer: Every writing group is different. Since this is the only writing group I know, I am sharing from my heart what I've learned and how I've grown from it.)

1. What is most obvious with sonnets is the structure. They are 14 lines long. My poem is an English sonnet which is comprised of three quatrains and a final rhyming couplet. This is a structure you can rely on in a sonnet. So too in my writers' group--there is a reliable structure. Our monthly meetings are led by an organized leader. I can rely on that. I also know that as I share my heart goals and struggles, my writing goals and struggles, I can rely on the help and encouragement of each member of this group. I have experienced this support multiple times in the last few years and it is good.

2. Within the structure of the sonnet, there is a consistent flow, an iambic pentameter rhythm that is maintained throughout the poem. So too with my writers' group. Yes, there is a rhythm of hearts and dreams but more importantly, there is a God-centered rhythm that begins and ends all our meetings. We seek to write dangerously for God individually and corporately and it is good.

3. A sonnet also has a consistent rhyme scheme within the quatrains and final couplet: abab, cdcd,efef,gg. Just as end words "play" off each other, so too we in our writers' group "play" off each other: bouncing ideas around, giving each other feedback, direction, technology advice. Our monthly prompts have started some exciting ongoing writing. And it is good.

 4. Sonnets explore universal elements of human life with themes such as love, war, mortality, change and hardship. I can honestly say that as writers we have discussed every one of those themes in one way or another within each others' lives. We have shared our weaknesses and strengths. We have battled in spiritual warfare through prayer for each other. We have laughed together and we have cried together. And I know for me I have come out the other end stronger in my faith, with a fresh understanding of God's goodness.

5. Imagery is a vital part of a sonnet, whether it is through word choice or other figurative language. In my sonnet I chose to use the extended metaphor of a soldier's long march. As believers we are all soldiers marching through this life. And when writing is added to the journey, persevering alone is painful drudgery, sometimes impossible. That's why we need each other. That's why I've needed and leaned on my writers' group. They have upheld me with hope and God's love. It is so good.

www.teamxyofyakima.org

 6. The English sonnet ends with a resolution or volta (Italian word for "turn") found in the rhyming couplet. These two lines make a powerful ending statement. That is why I chose the reference to Proverbs 27:17 to end my poem. Being part of a writers' group has sharpened me--not just in my writing but even more importantly, in my faith, in my relationships and in my understanding of the world.

So is that enough to propel my writing life? I think so. And I think too that God looks at it all and says: "It is good."

What Is Your New Writing Challenge for 2016? by Sandi Somers

Happy New Year to everyone!

Prompt: As you look ahead to your writing/publishing goals for the year, what is a new challenge or risk you want to take in your faith and career? How do you hope to hone your craft, expand your sphere of influence, s.t.r.e.t.c.h.?

New Challenges

The year is fresh, like a newly paved road before us. As I write this blog, my Christmas and New Year’s season is still filled with family and friends. I haven’t thought through all my writing goals for 2016 yet—I plan to take a few days in early January for a writing retreat—to pray and ask God for insight and wisdom.

However, at this point I know I want to tackle these major challenges.

·        A new action plan is the first challenge. My writing has developed a lot over the last year, and I need a new plan.  I’ll look over what I accomplished in 2015, what didn’t get finished (and why). From there I’ll continue with developing an action plan.

·         

·        Write Nonfiction in November is another challenge I’ll pursue. I tried it for the first time this last year and it challenged me to focus on just the one project.

·        Using social media more. In the last few years I’ve focused mostly on developing my writing skills. I’ll look at my long range goals for publishing, and what I can do now. Elaine Ingalls Hogg’s article, “A Timeline for a Successful Book Launch” in our 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers is a valuable resource.

How Gideon’s story can challenge us

This morning I was preparing a Bible study on the life of Gideon (Judges 6-8). I was surprised at how well his story dovetailed with taking on new challenges, and so I share some of my notes with you.

God took Gideon from being a fearful man to one filled with the Holy Spirit. In the beginning, he didn’t know God very well, and fighting against the Midianites seemed impossible. But by the time he faced his enemies, God had given him encouragement, miracles to develop his faith, and strategies to win.

 “(God) calls us to step beyond our capabilities and attempt the impossible, trusting in His all-surpassing strength. If He has called us, He will enable us.” ~ Lloyd John Ogilvie 

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. ~ Albert Einstein

“There are two great words—claim God’s fullness…Dare to act in faith, stepping out in the assurance that you have just what you have claimed. ~ FB Meyer

 Our adequacy “is gained solely as the Spirit fills us and uses our resources for His plan and will.” ~ Bryan Norford

 Scripture provides us with confidence and encouragement. Read and ponder God’s promises as we step into new challenges this year.

 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

Judges 6:14: “Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you?”

Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”

2 Corinthians 3:5: “Our qualification comes from God.”

2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wastelands.”

Questions For reflection:

·        Meditate over the question Jesus asked: “What do you want Me to do for you?”

·        In what ways do you want God to empower you? Often these are the points at which the Holy Spirit is pressing you to go beyond your capabilities.

·        What would you attempt if you were sure the Holy Spirit would fill you and enable you?

·        What new steps of faith will you take? What will you risk?

·        Be alert to any unique strategies and life lessons God will give you as you proceed.

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“Lest We Forget” – by Sandi Somers

During this Remembrance month, we remember those who have died so that we can live in peace. We also think of the memorial stones that Joshua set up after crossing the Jordan River to remind the people of what God had done for them.

 Prompt:  Choose a memory…. why you write, the books you read as a child, a memory or situation connected to your writing journey. How is this memory a memorial for you?

InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship—Then and Now

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;

yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.

I will consider all your works

and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”

-         Psalm 77:11-12

This month I want to pay tribute to the great things God has done in InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship.

Our current mission is “to stimulate, encourage and support Christians across Canada who write, to advance effective Christian writing, and to promote the availability and influence of all Christians who write.”

Origins: InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship began as a result of the Billy Graham Decision School of Christian Writing in Calgary in 1979. Twelve writers decided to have an organization “to provide a vehicle for mutual support, stimulation and growth for Christian writers in Alberta.” The main feature was an annual conference—still important today. 

In 1982, there were twenty-two paid members, with an annual fee of $15.00. Today we have nearly 200 members, with memberships paid on a one-year, two-year and three-year basis.

Executive meetings were originally face-to-face, with members needing to drive some distance to meet. Now we have the convenience of online resources and can enjoy meetings from the comfort of our own homes.

Writing Contests began in 1983, and now include winter and fall contests, FellowScript contests and monthly writing challenges.

The Newsletter began as a single page in 1983, mailed to fifteen people. We now have a thirty-two page FellowScript magazine, available in print and on PDF.

The first writing group was formed on September 15, 1986. We currently have fourteen groups, and have had up to more than twenty.

Spring Workshops were added in April 1990, later named Spring WorDshops.

Cross-Canada expansion came in 1996; to reflect this expansion, we later adopted the current name, InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship. Right now we have the capacity to expand even further, to become an international organization.

Technology changed the face of ICWF. With the rise of internet, we registered our organization online and created a website with the domain name InScribe.org. We later added a members’ discussion group—the Listserve--and two blogs: InScribe Writers Online, and the Professional Blog.

InScribe has published three anthologies: Companion, in honour of the 20^th anniversary in 2000; InScribed: 30 Years of Inspiring Writers, and 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers, published in 2015.

As we grow, we mentor and minister to writers wherever they are their writing journey. We continue to develop our vision and leadership capacities of all. And as God has led us these thirty-five years, we trust Him to lead us in the future.

For reflection:

·        When and how did you come into contact with ICWF?

·        What has God done for you through ICWF? Take time to thank Him for the part ICWF has played in your writing career and in your spiritual life.

·        Who in ICWF has been influential in your spiritual and writing development? Why not email or phone these people to thank them. (Hmm…Now I have a bit of homework to do on this one.)

PS If you wish to read a devotional on Joshua’s memorial stones, click here. 

A Call to Prayer - Ruth L. Snyder

Have you ever wondered how your actions would be different if you could see activity in spiritual realms? The Bible gives us glimpses, like Satan's discussion with God about Job, Isaiah's vision of a seraphim who cleansed his unclean lips with a live coal, and Daniel's vision where the prince of the kingdom of Persia delayed the answer to his prayer by twenty-one days.

Sometimes it's easy to forget we are in a spiritual battle. However, the battle is real, whether we acknowledge it or not. Each time we as Christians write for the glory of God, we are engaging in battle. When we meet for fall conference so that we are better prepared and armed to write, we will face opposition.

Whether you are attending conference this year or not, I invite you to join the executive in prayer. Pray daily if possible. If God leads you to do so, set aside a day to fast and pray. Here are some ideas (based on ideas which Janet Sketchley "borrowed" from ACFW):

• Promotion: that the message gets out to those who God wants to hear it
• Enough volunteers to share the load
• More than enough registrations to cover costs
• Clear communication with speakers and workshop leaders
• Registration process online to work properly
• Fall Contest judges as they select winners
• Sponsorships to cover some costs
• God's Spirit to cover the Sawridge Inn and protect attendees from spiritual attacks
• Keynote speakers: Jeff Goins, Caleb J. Seeling
• Workshop instructors - preparation, clarity of thought, ability to explain well
• Ruth L. Snyder (our fearless leader)
• Conference Registrar: Gwen Mathieu
• Bookstore preparation
• Health and allergy protection, safety onsite
• Divine appointments, making contacts and friends
• Travel to/from safely and uninterrupted, belongings not to get misplaced
• Good rest, adjustment to time zones, peace about (and protection for) families at home
• Prayer times and worship sessions
• Spiritual blessings and tangible presence of the Spirit
• First-time attendees
• Flow of creative ideas
• Encouragement for each participant
• For people who don't win awards or who get disappointing results from critiques or appointments
• Banquet and celebration of Fall Contest participants
• Launch of paperback edition of 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers
• Blue pencil critiques
• Sound equipment, projectors, laptops, recordings etc to work well
• Practical learning for each participant
• God's anointing on whole event
• God to surprise us
• Participants to go home equipped and encouraged 
• Re-entry into the “real world”
• Protection on each one’s spirit
• Processing of what was learned
• Following up on opportunities and contacts
• Enthusiasm to apply what’s learned, even with winter coming on
• Career plans, God's leading
• Participants to feel "courageous in becoming word warriors - that they would have a greater sense of the contribution they can make in proclaiming truth through the written word

"Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." I Corinthians 10:31

The Birth of a Book - Ruth L. Snyder

This anthology sprang to life in the spring of 2014 at an executive meeting where someone voiced the thought, “What if . . .?” A motion transformed the dream into a plan. A small band of volunteers (Kimberley Payne, Stephanie Nickel, Sandi Somers and I) agreed to work together on the project, with the goal of having the book ready to launch at Fall Conference 2015. Our team grew to include Ellen Hooge, Beverley Nippard, and Carolyn Wilker. During conference 2014, the official call for submissions went out. One by one submissions trickled in until the deadline.

We decided to use 99designs for the cover to get better exposure for our organization. This resulted in an amazing selection of covers, which we narrowed down to one.

            

Making selections for the anthology was a challenge. A team of four prayerfully read and marked the submissions, then had a candid discussion. Pieces were chosen based on content, quality, and how well they fit the applicable theme. Some pieces, which were well written, did not fit with the rest of the submissions, so were rejected. Editing, layout, obtaining ISBNs, writing front and back matter, asking for endorsements, formatting, and more editing followed. Hundreds of volunteer hours were donated for the glory of God. 

The anthology features 28 Canadian authors who come from all walks of life and write in various genres for a range of audiences. Through fiction, poetry, and non-fiction such as devotionals, essays, and articles, they generously share their own discoveries, success stories, and hard-won lessons to encourage and support other Christian writers.

The e-book version of 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers is now available on Kindle. The paperback version will be released during our InScribe Fall Conference in September. Share the news with your family and friends and come celebrate with us in Edmonton by registering for conference today!

Endorsements

“I love seven things about this book: It is practical. It is affordable. It is encouraging. It is worth highlighting, underlining and dog-earing. Plus it made me forget about my toothache. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran writer, you’ll discover 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers to be jammed with instantly actionable advice that will make you a better writer. Dig in.”
—Phil Callaway (www.philcallaway.com) is the best-selling author of more than 25 books, a popular speaker, the host of Laugh Again Radio, and a grandpa.

“7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers is an absolute gem! I love that it covers all the basics a writer needs to know, making them simple and practical. I also love that the book has many authors, giving us ideas and suggestions from their own writing journey. I highly recommend this book to anyone seriously considering writing as a vocation or even an avocation, particularly those writers who see their work as a ministry—which it certainly is!”
—Kathi Macias (www.kathimacias.com) is an award-winning author of more than 50 books. A wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Kathi lives in Southern California with her husband, Al.

“7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers is loaded with actionable advice that will make you a better writer. Whether you are a multi-published author or a beginning writer, this book will benefit you.”
—Shelley Hitz, author coach and best-selling author
www.ShelleyHitz.com 

“This book is a beautiful blend of faithfulness and craft. It will help you answer the practical questions of what it means to be a writer while honoring what you believe. I wish I’d read this when I got started.”
—Jeff Goins, Best-selling author, The Art of Work

“There are hundreds of how-to-write books on the market, but none that I know of touches BOTH of the vital aspects of writing as a Christian better than this anthology from InScribe. The practical AND the spiritual are woven into a whole by a remarkably creative group of writers who are in the trenches as we speak. I intend to snack on this fare again and again.”
—Nancy Rue, best-selling Christian author and creator of Shadow to Shelf, a mentoring program for writers.

For more details, check out the media page at http://inscribe.org/media-page-7-essential-habits-of-christian-writers/