Defining Beauty by T. L. Wiens

Can you spot the fake flowers?

How many of you have seen the articles that flash on your social media screen about this actress letting herself go or that actor no longer able to turn heads. If you click onto most of these, what you find are pictures of some famous person in their prime followed with a picture taken many years later.

I greatly dislike these “articles.”

A friend of mine told me a story about her visit to Toronto. She couldn’t get a cab to stop. One of these cabs was more than happy to stop just a few short feet away for a young blonde with fake boobs hanging out of her less than ample shirt. My friend is in her seventies and has many wonderful stories to tell.

Is this worship of youth silencing our elderly and making our society lose a precious commodity? The wisdom only that can be gained by living. And living ages people.

It hurts me as a writer to know the people behind these stories are called “journalists.” And I haven’t even started into the whole world of photoshopping. Even the people on the photos are complaining they can’t live up to their image.

It makes me wonder how much Hollywood has hurt our society. As a writer, can I do something to change it.

What is a Christian Writer? by T. L. Wiens

Clouds building across Lake Diefenbaker.

I have no problem identifying myself as a writer. I completed Nanowrimo three times over in one year. I’m not claiming to be a good writer—just a prolific one and for that reason alone, I have no doubts about the writer side of the equation.

Christian is a much more daunting identification. in Acts 11:26, we are told the word Christian is first used in Antioch. For years, I’ve thought about it as simply a follower of Christ or a believer but this name says much more.

Galatians come from Galatia, Ephesians come from Ephesus. I haven’t gone back to the Greek on this one but in English, it’s hard to miss Christian follows the same form. Just as Galatia was the hometown of Galatians, the early Christians appeared to those around them as coming from Christ. What about the early followers of Christ inspired those around them to see them as having Christ as a homeland? Kind of goes against the Oliver Wendall Jones saying, “Some people are too heavenly minded to be any earthly good.”

I love Jesus—no doubt about that but do the people around me see me as a Christian? Or am I just a church attendee and in the world’s eyes that makes me a person who follows a restrictive lifestyle dictated by a God they don’t understand?

It’s a struggle that I think I’ll continue to fight, doing my best to live a life worthy of being identified as a Christian. I think my writing will reflect my heart, just like the overflow from my mouth as mentioned in Luke 6:45. I pray that overflow shows my love for Jesus in every word.

A Delighted Gasp – Ramona Heikel

I can think of two occasions when my mind was flooded with unusual inspiration, with exceptional story ideas.  Words flowed; bright, engaging words.  I wrote as much as I could as fast as I could, and those first drafts were some of the best work I’ve ever done.  One piece was accepted by the first publisher I sent it to and the second one—coincidentally—I am submitting to a publisher today (fingers crossed!).

Not long ago I found the DVD of Chariots of Fire at a thrift store and watched this great movie again.  Like Eric Liddell, I too feel God’s pleasure when I run (although I don’t run much anymore!).  The way I feel when I run fast and strong is the same way I feel when I write with unexpected inspiration, ease and excellence.  It is one reason I am sure that God is the one behind my love of writing and whatever talent I have.

It’s not just the feeling when an extraordinary idea comes to me, it’s the joy—and even laughter and tears—that come with it.  It’s the smile on my face or in my heart that remains through the whole piece.  It’s the feeling of unchallenged confidence that this work is a precious gift I am giving to the world. 

The word “inspire” in medicine means “to draw in breath”.  Perhaps I’m hearing the delighted (or amused?) gasp of a Father as he reacts to his child's writing!

I don’t think a person can try to have these moments of feeling God’s pleasure.  I'm pretty sure they are gifts, not something earned by putting in the hours and meeting the word quotas.  What makes them so moving is that they are a surprise—they come out of no where—and all we can do is pick up pen and paper to record the words we’ve been given.

Who knows?  Maybe they come as reminders that all of our best writing actually comes from God’s spirit; and we tap into that spirit by choosing more often to set aside our human inventions, techniques and advice, in favor of spending some quiet moments drawing close to God.

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com

Photo Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AEric_Liddell.jpg

There is fascinating information on Wikipedia and other websites about Eric Liddell, describing his life of Christian service, and his last days which were spent humbly doing whatever good he could, in an internment camp in China.

Income or Outcome? by Glynis M. Belec

Today I scribbled down some more notes in my big green idea ledger. I love my old fashioned scribbler - it's a warm and wonderful story place where I go to get refuelled if I run out of ideas.

I know it's kind of dopey in this day and age to use such a relic to store ideas. I should get with it technologically speaking and create an idea file for such thoughts. But there is just something wonderfully stimulating when I crack open the pages of my 'old faithful' looking for inspiration. Maybe a little nostalgic; perhaps a little comforting; definitely the place to go for this gal.

Some of the ideas in this book are from decades ago, but it's quite amazing and fascinating to me when fresh ideas from my old notes surface. And they really do. When I page through the old book I often feel articles or story lines percolate and sometimes an entire editorial bubbles to the surface and then it is all I can do to get the words typed into my trusty laptop.

Many of the entries in my ledger are lists. Some are random words or clever thoughts I had or ideas I heard from sermons, speakers, children's conversations.

The title for this piece held a particular fascination for me today as I leafed through my ledger. Income or Outcome? I started to consider what the dickens I was talking about when I wrote down those two random words.

Then I got to thinking. My writing. Do I do it for the income or do I do it for the outcome? Not sure where I heard or read this saying, but really those few words hold a lot of wisdom. Yes, sure I would love to say I write and earn a great income from arranging and rearranging the 26 letters of the alphabet on a page. But sad to say t'ain't so! I do earn some income from writing and I love that because I get to contribute to the household finances. More important to me, however, is the outcome of my writing.

Nothing stirs my heart more than to hear that a child is taking one of my books to bed with him or that she couldn't put my book down because she just had to find out what happened next. Or if someone said they see Jesus in my words. Or I encouraged them to keep on keeping on in the faith.

When I wrote my column in the local newspaper, my greatest reward was not the $2 a column inch I received each week. Rather it was the words of a reader saying, "I loved your column this week. I sure can relate!" Or if someone told me they clipped one of my columns and it is now on their fridge! Sweet joy.

When the outcome of something I have written gives someone joy or comfort or peace or intrigue, or draws them to a closer walk with the Lord, then I am content.

God has given me a passion to write. I love it when he connects the dots from fresh ideas inspired by jottings in my ledger and then transfers them to words on the page.

Income is nice, but when the outcome glorifies God then I feel rich beyond measure!

Writers rejoice when they can reach their audience with the right words at the right time.

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word!

— Proverbs 15:23

Looking forward to Summer Writing Projects – Ramona Heikel

Of the many pieces I have started writing and not finished, there are only a handful that stay uppermost in my mind.  But what of the others?  I keep them in binders and enjoy revisiting them because there is a kernel of possibility in each one.  I am a packrat of drafts, it seems.  In my wildest dreams, I will one day have the time, energy and motivation to take each one and ponder it until it blossoms, or goes back to sleep.

Now, the truth is I am not currently working on any projects, except the odd blog post, because I don’t seem to have time or mental energy.  But!  The school year is winding up, and I will have time for writing soon! 

My top priority is a children’s Christmas story that I started in about 2009 at the request of some friends at church.  They decided we needed an original story for our children’s Christmas production and asked me to write it.  An idea came to me and I wrote like crazy for the two weeks before the production.  I don’t know when I’ve had more inspiration and joy in writing!  The adults loved O Holy Night, but while it was being read aloud in the rocking-chair-and-pajamas scene, I realized that it dragged in the middle.  (I got my cue when the preschoolers started yawning and sprawling themselves out on the floor!). 

A couple of years later I presented it to my writing critique group, who gave me excellent feedback and suggestions…and it’s been waiting for the editing to begin ever since!  And it might have kept waiting indefinitely if it hadn’t been for my artist friend who wants to illustrate it.  She recently sent me several sketches, and I’m wildly excited to make the words as good as her art.  Hopefully, I can make the required edits early in the summer and then look closely at the art. 

There is one part in the story that touches me deeply, and I want it to touch readers deeply too.  If it does, they will understand what being close to the Lord does to our souls.

Here is a little piece of the story:

           One night, Harold the mouse tried to work up the courage to leave the nest in the dried grass to get some berries for his growling stomach.  Manfred, his brother, joined him.  Their whiskers trembled like the dried leaves on the bush.  The two shivered together for a few minutes, but neither would make the first move.

“It’s not far to the berry bush,” Manfred said.  “But I’m still scared.”

“Me, too,” said Harold.  “I wish night time wasn’t so gloomy.”

The wind howled and the grass slapped them.  “Ouch!” Manfred said, moving away from the sharp blades of grass.  “It’s that wind!  And those strange noises it makes.”

“But what about that new guy, Ralphie?” Harold said.  “Nothing seems to bother him.”

“Sure wish I knew what makes him so brave,” Manfred sighed.  “Let’s go back inside.  I’m not so hungry after all.”  They disappeared into their hole to join their family in the warm nest.

Here’s wishing all my fellow contributors inspired ideas, writing and re-writing for their own projects!

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com

Making Good Things Happen Inside Readers – Ramona Heikel

Frederick Buechner wished that he had told his writing students to think about what they wanted their books to do inside those that read them. That makes me ponder what I want my books and articles to do, and actually, I think I did it the other way around. First, I imagined other people reading the same great books and having the same positive reactions that I did. Then I ended up becoming a writing student.

So what exactly do I want my writing to do inside my readers? Thinking about people who are discouraged about themselves, hurt, angered by others, or disillusioned about who God really is, leads me to write something that will change those disheartening feelings. I want to encourage readers by bringing them into a welcoming global “community” of humankind, showing them that they are in good company, not so different on the inside than many other people, and therefore—most importantly—not alone.

I especially want to help people understand themselves, or understand why others do and say the things that hurt or anger them, because this can be the beginning of self-acceptance and forgiveness toward their enemies. I personally have found reading books about personality types and motivations fascinating and helpful, and I try to share what I’ve learned in my writing.

I want to truthfully portray God in his power, love and majesty, to counteract the many weak and negative ways that He, and Christ-followers, are perceived in society. The enemy, of course, is always at work deceiving people about these things, so it is no surprise how many people don’t bother to know God for themselves. But I join all of you and believers everywhere to tell the truth. No, I am not entering a religious jousting match to prove who’s right and who’s wrong, but trying to offer my perspective and experiences of finding joy, hope, better relationships, and peace of mind as I have grown closer to the Lord.

I have presented another way of looking at my hopes for my writing, by imagining an article that I’d want to be written about me in the future. You can read it in my wishful-thinking Inscribe post called “January 7, 2022” posted on January 7, 2012. Although it seems even farther in the future than it did when I wrote it, it is still my dream!

“The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.”

Frederick Buechner, Wishful Thinking: A Seeker's ABC

By the way, I looked up the pronunciation of Buechner and found out that it is pronounced “Beekner”, and if you’re interested, you can mine more of the riches of Frederick Buechner’s writings here, http://www.frederickbuechner.com/. I was also surprised to find him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube!

Posted by Ramona
www.happilywriting.com

Controversy - Good or Bad for Christian Writers? by Glynis M. Belec

Truth be told, I don't like writing to stir up controversy. I am a bit of a rebel at heart and love enthusiastic and sincere conversations that challenge. But I am not one to put my words out there to raise the hackles of readers. I would sooner soothe and encourage and make people laugh. I sometimes think I am a bit of a wimp because of that. And every so often there are times I wish I would be bolder with my words.

But doggone, I have this tendency - which might be misconstrued sometimes as a fence sitter, but I can often see two sides of the story. I can see what might provoke a person into feeling a certain way. I understand how a person can blow their top. I realize that sometimes hurt people hurt people. I don't necessarily make excuses for people but I understand motivation. I was told by a man, a very long time ago who was testing me for a career path that the results of my testing indicated I should have his job or that of a counsellor or arbitrator - because I was able to see both sides of the story and have compassion. I've never forgotten that. Then I wonder did I never forget that because it justifies my wimpiness or is it because that is just how God made me.

As a Christian writer I think my job is to build up the kingdom of Christ and if I go off on a tangent arguing this that and the other I don't see how I am accomplishing that task. That said, I am not being critical of writers who choose to engage controversy. I think we need it. After all there is much to be controversial about in this world.

But I do not feel any God prod for me to be that writer. Hopefully I am honest in my dealings, and don't gush or offer words for the sake of making a sound on the page. Blessing others with my words is what I want to accomplish.

There are many writers who articulate well, their feelings and attitude about certain topics. I will if someone asks me, but I don't particularly like tossing out controversy.

I've tried to psychoanalyse myself and then wonder if I am not doing God's will by not being bolder. Then I stifle that thought and remember that just because I am a writer doesn't mean I have to tackle every subject.

Then again, if I stirred up a little controversy in my writing, I would get more traffic to my blogposts or more readers buying my books or reading my articles. Let's face it, everyone responds to debate, negativity and hullabaloo.

As long as I have peace with what I write, surely that has to be a good thing. God has given me that peace, so I'll keep going for now. My witness to those who happen to be watching me (many non-believing family and friends) has to be one of Christ, I figure. So I write my heart and I feel because Christ has me right/write where he wants me, then I will pay attention to Him instead of my own wavering thoughts. I can't go wrong there.

          “So then, we must pursue what promotes peace and what builds one another” (Romans 14:19)


   

Seeking Silence by Ruth L. Snyder

We live in a hectic, sometimes frenetic, and usually noisy, world. I don't know about you, but I find it a challenge to slice out quiet, thoughtful times in my day. It's easy to allow phone calls, e-mail, Facebook, and other people to drive our agenda. None of these things are wrong. In fact, most of them are necessary. The problem comes when we go rushing through life so fast that we don't even have time to think about what's truly important to us. The urgent claims our attention and priorities fall by the wayside.

"These things will destroy the human race: politics without principle, progress without compassion, wealth without work, learning without silence, religion without fearlessness and worship without awareness." - Anthony de Mello

As a Christian, I find it necessary to guard my silent or quiet times. I'm a morning person, so getting up at 5:30 works best for me. In those quiet, pre-dawn hours I have the opportunity to sit in silence. Notice I said "opportunity." Even then, I have to consciously choose silence. It's very easy to start answering e-mails or reading updates on Facebook and get distracted from spending quiet time with my Creator and Saviour. I have to commit to reading Scripture, to presenting myself and my day to Jesus and asking for His guidance, strength, and wisdom. I have to force myself to be quiet, to be still, to listen. I've found it helps to have my planner and a notebook beside me. Often thoughts flit from one thing to another - I need to phone this person, I have to buy some yogurt for lunches, etc. If I write those thoughts down, it clears my mind and allows me to focus.

"Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves together." -Thomas Carlyle

As a writer, I also need to cultivate silence. I have five young children and a husband and the responsibilities they bring. My writing time used to be late at night when everyone was in bed. Now it is early in the morning or when my husband's at work and my children are at school. Writing is work that is best done in solitude and silence. Writers need time to think, time to organize their thoughts, time to consider whether something is best said or left unsaid.

"And they write innumerable books; being too vain and distracted for silence: seeking everyone after his own elevation, and dodging his emptiness" - T.S. Elliot

What about you? How do you seek silence and maintain godly priorities in your life?

Ruth L. Snyder lives in northeastern Alberta with her husband and five young children. She enjoys writing about her walk with God, adoption, and special needs. Her novella, Cecile's Christmas Miracle, is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

www.ruthlsnyder.com

Christian or Secular? by Susan Barclay

Rebecca Miller's blog post, 'Christian Fiction - For What Purpose?', expresses dismay that "Christian writers would have no higher purpose" than to give readers another thrilling story. She argues that "stories can be about Christ, about faith in Christ, even about Christians and Christianity, and still be interesting and universal and timeless" and that Christian readers "would have no hesitation giving [these] books to their non-Christian friends."

I understand her argument, but I also wrestle with it. In reading over some of the other Inscribe posts from this month, I find myself nodding when Bonnie Way says, "So I believe that fiction's first (mandatory) purpose is to entertain; it's second (optional) purpose is to educate." I concur with Bruce Atchison's insight that the best Christian fiction doesn't tell the reader what to think, but encourages her to do her own thinking through a well-developed plot with realistic characters.I applaud Ruth Snyder's statement that "God is just as delighted with me expressing His image through a creative, fun story (fiction) as He is with a thought-provoking devotional (non-fiction)." I'm only sorry I don't have enough space in my own blog post to provide a quote from each of this month's thoughtful writers.

I've recently pulled out my unfinished novel and begun to write the pivotal, climactic scene. The book began as a secular read, with themes pertaining to family and forgiveness. At some point I considered whether to rework it for Christian readers, bringing in God and Christ and prayer. There wasn't enough conflict in the husband-wife relationship, so perhaps that could be increased by making one of the spouses a Christian and this could be a source of tension between them.

But then I wondered if making that change would seem forced. Isn't it okay to be a Christian writer whose story might gain a wider readership if not restricted by the "Christian" label and content? As Miller points out, even Christian publishing houses have moved away from producing books that are - pardon the phrase - overly Christian. While books can have strong Christian content and still be excellent (think Francine Rivers, for example), perhaps the important thing isn't so much to create an overtly Christian plot line, as to write a story that encourages a discussion of faith issues and leaves the reader thinking long after s/he has turned the last page.

Isn't it okay to deal with situations that can face anyone, Christian or not, and to discuss forgiveness in a broader context? After all, even non-Christians benefit from forgiving one another. And isn't it okay for non-believing characters to think about prayer, or to pray, even though they're not sure that anyone is listening?

As I push toward completion of my novel's first draft, I've decided to leave it as it is for now. I've found another conflict that can work for my married couple and, to be honest, at this point I just want to finish the thing.

Anyway, perhaps the real question to be asked concerns our motivation for writing. This, I think, is a little different from the "purpose" discussed in Miller's article, which strikes me more as "entertainment" vs. "lesson" or "moral". Is your motivation fame and fortune? Are you writing for yourself or for others?  Do you wish to display personal skill or honour God? Are you giving away any of your writing?

The writer who is Christian should want to please God in all that s/he does. This means involving Him. Maybe He has given you an idea or a fully developed piece. Maybe He is your first reader. Whatever the case, ask Him to guide you and to guide your writing. If God is at the centre of your work, you can trust Him to prepare those who will read it, and to ensure the maximum impact on their lives whether your story is branded as Christian or not.

Let's face it, once the story has been published, in whatever format, it's out of your hands anyway.
___________________

For more of Susan Barclay's writing, please visit her website at www.susan-barclay.ca

Writing for God's Glory - Ruth L. Snyder

This month InScribers have been asked to consider our message and our mission as Christian writers. As I thought about my writing - the "what" and the "why", Psalm 107 verses 2 and 43 seem to fit:

"Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story," and "Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the LORD."

What do I, as a Christian writer, share? What is my message? In its simplest form, my message is the story of God at work. When I write a memoir piece, this message is quite obvious. However, the story can be just as clear in a piece of fiction as my main character experiences different events which cause him to grow as a person. How-to articles may have no real "story", but I can work at putting my words together in a format that is easy to read and understand.

Psalm 107 gives many examples we can write about:

Verses 4-9 - How God satisfies us
Verses 10-16 - How God rescues us
Verses 17-22 - How God heals us
Verses 23-32 - How God guides us
Verses 33-42 - How God blesses us

Why do I write? My mission is to encourage others in their spiritual journey and urge them on to a closer walk with Jesus Christ. I consider my writing successful if it causes someone to:

1. Stop and think about where they are in their spiritual journey.
2. Desire to know God.
3. Be encouraged.
4. Become a better person.

What about you? What motivates you as a Christian writer? What and why do you write?

Ruth L. Snyder is a Christian, wife, mother, and writer. She currently serves as the Publicity Coordinator for InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship.

Of Muse Jars and Other Essential Things - M. Laycock

I was chatting with a friend this morning and sharing about how nervous I was when I had to go about asking people for endorsements for my work. I confided that I was afraid that those I asked would respond in a negative way. (What if they hate my writing?)

My friend was amazed. "How could you think that?" she said.

"Self-doubt is a plague a lot of writers struggle with," I responded. It's one with which I am very familiar.

I was feeling quite discouraged not long ago and sat at my computer desk with all kinds of negative thoughts running rampant. Then I glanced up. I have a hodge-podge of photos and memorabilia on a ledge above my monitor. Just as I scanned them that day, my eyes rested on my muse jar. If you have been attending InScribe's Fall conference for a while you might have one too. I made one for each table one year. Someone at each table got to take the muse jar home. I saved a special one for myself, it's an old antique sealer jar that has a few pebbles in the bottom anchoring a picture of Lucy Maude Montgomery, author of the Anne and Emily books. I chose Lucy because it was after reading Emily of New Moon at the age of eleven that I decided to become a writer. Looking up at my muse jar encouraged me again and I turned back to my work.

Discouragement is a common problem for writers so it's advisable to keep things around you that will inspire you. Photos are good, especially those of friends and loved ones smiling back at you - I have a couple of myself with friends from writers' conferences that always make me smile. Things like my muse jar help too, and award certificates are physical reminders that my work has meant something to someone. A photo with Rudy Wiebe taken at his mentoring workshop reminds me of his words, "this is good writing," spoken as he critiqued my manuscript. A tiny crystal mouse, given to me by my brother when I was quite young reminds me that even small and seemingly insignificant things have purpose. A card my daughter gave me often helps - it's a picture of a woman doing a headstand on a mountaintop and bears the words, "unsteady at first, it was perseverance that saw her through." A photo of me teaching a workshop reminds me that I have skills to offer, things I can give others.

So fill your workspace with encouraging things. You never know when you might need them. You never know when the Lord will use them to lift your heart and remember you are doing what he created you to do.

****

Learn more about Marcia's writing and speaking ministry on her website .

I Corinthians 13 for Writers - Ruth L. Snyder

Though I write in the style of Phil Callaway or Janette Oke, but have not love, I am merely scrawling empty words or filling meaningless pages.

And though I have the ability to show, not tell, and understand the intricacies of grammar and know how to submit a properly formatted manuscript; and though I find an agent who is able to get my book published, and have not love, I may as well write nothing.

And though I use my writing to help a non-profit group, and though I give all the proceeds from my writing away, and have not love, I have accomplished nothing.

Love causes me to work diligently on writing projects, and to be gentle in my critiques of others' writing. Love means I'm not upset when another writer receives first place in the writing contest, but when I do win I humbly thank God for the ability He's given me, recognizing that without Him I wouldn't be writing at all.

Love doesn't put down other writers to make my writing look better, doesn't gloat over other writers' failures, isn't upset when someone suggests more editing is needed, and accepts a rejection letter as an opportunity to explore other opportunities.

Love does not change content merely to please a publisher or make more money. Love insists on sharing a difficult message with gentleness, in obedience to God.

Love keeps me writing in spite of writer's block, encourages me to hone my writing skills so that I can express myself more clearly, and directs me to continue submitting despite numerous rejections.

Love never fails. Fiction will fail. Non-fiction will not always be published. Books may someday vanish...

So let us do all our writing in the context of God's love and for His glory.

www.trusteesnyder.blogspot.com
(Education information)
www.ruthlsnyder.com
(Ruth's writing and family life) 
www.earlyyearssuccess.com
(Information for caregivers of children ages 0-5)
Follow Ruth on Twitter:www.twitter.com/@wwjdr

Said - T. L. Wiens

Recently, there’s been a movement to strike all other words that describe a spoken word in written form and only use “said.” The reasoning I’ve heard for this movement are:

1. People don’t notice “said.”
2. Other words are “telling” words.

I don’t know who decided that “said” is an invisible word but they are wrong! It’s also a telling word.

I had the pleasure, and I say this tongue in cheek, of revising a manuscript in which the author only used “said.” It was horrible! The piece read like a Dick and Jane story without pictures. I’ll admit there are other issues with this author’s writing skills but every dialogue was “he said,” “she said,” covering pages of writing. It was boring and unimaginative. Readers need to see the picture and that takes more than using “said” as a dialogue tag.

I see parallels with my Christian walk and my writing ministry. I can say I’m a Christian and quote scripture but at some point there has to be a picture—my life has to show the meaning of the words. I have to live my faith.

So whether it’s in a manuscript or in living, “said” may not always do the job and is definitely not invisible.

InScribers Review- An Introduction to Christian Writing by Ethel Herr-Sulo Moorthy

When I started the Writers' group in San Diego two years ago, I took the suggestion of one of the women in my group and chose a book on writing as a guiding tool to use at our meetings. Because the gals in the group were mostly novice writers, and I hadn't led a writers' group before, I thought it was a great idea to follow a book.

 Luckily I didn't need to shop around to find a suitable book, for within my reach and at my eye level stood on my bookshelf a tall and glossy covered one with a perfect title- An Introduction to Christian Writing-An In -Depth Companion to the Complete Writing Experience. Little did I guess at that time that the book, which I purchased on amazon.com some years back and had remained untouched until then would become a valuable teaching tool for my writers' group.

Although the author's name was not familiar to me then,  Ethel Herr had authored several books including Chosen Women of the Bible, Bible Study for Busy Women and the historical trilogy-The Seekers and had been a well known speaker at writers' conferences. It's said that when Herr's friends asked her to help them how to write, she tried to ask herself the question- What do I wish someone had taught me in the beginning? and wrote them down in a eleven-lesson course which later got published in 1983 with this title. " Destined to become a classic text for beginning writers," read a blurb on its back cover, and as it predicted the book had become an effective teaching guide not only for beginning writers, but also an excellent reference book for writers at  any level in the last 30 years.

What I like best about the book is the fact that before it gets into the technicality of the writing business, the author prepares the writer to see her/his work as an art of worship and ministry. In her own words, "We are God's manuscripts-eternal, unique, precious to our Creator. Each piece we write comprises, on our part, an act of worship offered to the God of the universe. From God's point of view, it functions as one more step in the process of producing His works of art in us-perfect, flawless reflectors of His image."

What an awesome perspective to have as Christian writers, when we set foot on this arena of writing and play with words, paint pictures and splash colorful reflection of His love and craft stories to relate and minister to our readers!

Out in the Writers' Market, you could find books on writing written by secular as well as Christian authors telling us how to write well and sell well. But this book,along with the funtion of schooling in the craft of writing, it help the writer to keep the focus straight and unhindered by market trends, it also stresses the importance of writing faithfully what we are called to write even if it's for the audience of One. Isn't that what's Christian writing is about? Probably that may be the reason the book has been sold successfully  for the last quarter century and had remained a favorite at writers' conferences.

The book is divided into two sections-The Textbook and the Appendices. The textbook consists of 11 two-part lessons.  In Part One of each lessons, the author addresses questions like- What is a Christian Writer? What are Christian Writers Opportunities? Am I Qualified to be a Writer? Can I Stick with it ? What are my responsibilities? How do I plan my work area and Equipment? How do I get ready to write?

In Part Two, Herr gets into the nuts and bolts of actual writing process and takes the writer by the hand and guide through steps to write effective sentences, strong paragraphs, do a market study, and to find ideas and craft personal experience stories. At the end of each lesson, she provides examples and assignments to motivate and keep the writing going. By working through these eleven lessons and assignments, the writer is well trained  to write, rewrite,  polish and submit a manuscript for publication

In The Appendices, the author includes  a glossary of Writer's Terms, Sample Articles,  Valuable Resources for Writers, Information about How to Organize a Writer's Group, Checklists for Critiquing , Turning Teaching/Speaking into Manuscripts, Writer's files and additional assignments. She ends the book by addressing the question,-Should I Write A Book?

Because the book was first published in 1983 and I hold its 2nd edition published in 1999, I need to admit that the book lacks the current social media networking information. If you are looking for help on blogging, twittering, Webinars, or launching your book online, this book may not be resourceful. But it's a great resource to both the beginning and the experience writer to keep it as reference book and as a teaching tool.

In Susan Titus Osborn's words-" An Introduction to Christian Writing is an excellent resource for the beginning or experienced writer. It thoroughly covers the different aspects of writing, and I have used it as an effective tool in both college courses and adult education classes."

" If you can afford only one writing book, this is the one to get." Les Stobbe, Writer, Editor and an Agent.

When mothers arise - Violet Nesdoly

"Deborah" by Gustave Dore

TODAY'S SPECIAL: Judges 5:1-18

TO CHEW ON: "In the days of Shamgar, son of Anath,

In the days of Jael,

The highways were deserted,

And the travelers walked along the byways,

Village life ceased, it ceased in Israel

Until I Deborah arose,

Arose a mother in Israel." Judges 5:6-7

A mother arising—I love that picture. I can identify with it, especially as it relates to mothers arising in defense of their children.

• Sarah was such a mother when she asked Abraham to expel Hagar and Ishmael from their home to guarantee that Isaac would be Abraham's sole heir (Genesis 21:9-13).

• Jochebed, Moses' mother, arose, albeit ever so secretly, to protect her infant son from Pharaoh's butchers (Exodus 2:1-3).

• Hannah's arising in the form of pleading prayers caused God to open her womb and she became the mother of prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:9-17).

• Bathsheba's arising took the form of a meeting with elderly King David to remind him of his promise to anoint Solomon as his successor, even as Solomon's brother Adonijah was organizing his own coronation (1 Kings 1:15-17).

But Deborahs's arising was on another level altogether. Her mother-heart embraced all the citizens of the nation as her children. The forsaken villages and deserted highways—emptied as people hid in fortifications for fear of Jabin and Sisera—outraged her. She, together with Barak and their army of 10,000 eventually routed Sisera and his iron chariots. He alone fled on foot to Jael's tent where she dealt the final blow (Judges 4:21).

As mothers we have tremendous influence. The proverb "The hand that rocks the cradle rules the world" is no idle saying. And that influence isn't only through the impact of our kids. It comes in other ways too. Have you noticed, for example, how many women have arisen, often out of personal tragedy, to form organizations that bring good things out of bad:

Candace (Candy) Lightner started Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) after a drunk hit-and-run driver killed her 13-year-old daughter.

Betty Fox formed the Terry Fox Foundation (an organization that raises money for cancer research) after cancer took the life of her son Terry.

Wilma Derksen was instrumental in bringing Child Find to Manitoba and started Victim's Voice, an organization that supports victims of crime, after her 13-year-old daughter Candace was abducted and murdered. (She tells her story in Have You Seen Candace?)

As mothers let's harness the powerful nurturing force within us by rising up first within our families, and then by following God's leading into other ventures in our communities and nations.


PRAYER: Dear God, thank You for the example of Deborah's mother-heart for her nation. Help me to take my place with all the godly mothers who have arisen to make an impact in their homes, their communities, their nations, and the world. Amen.

MORE: Wilma's story

In the 100 Huntley Street video "Wilma Derksen—A Victim's Voice," Wilma and Cliff Derksen talk with Magdalene John about the impact of Candace's death, how God helped her through this time of unthinkable tragedy, and the good things that have come out of it.

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This article was first published on my devo blog, Other Food Devos, November 29, 2011. With Mother's Day just around the corner, I couldn't resist republishing it here today. But our blogging theme this month is the business and craft of writing. How does it relate you may be asking? In several ways:

1. Writing and posting devotions every day at Other-Food devos has been wonderful writing practice in helping me grow as a writer.

2. I entered this post (and another one on Deborah) into The Word Guild 2012 Writing awards, and they are shortlisted for an award!

3. As mothers, one way we bring our stories and concerns to the world is through writing. Wilma Derksen gave vent to the pain of losing her daughter by writing a book. Many of us have articles and books in us that relate to some facet of mothering.

And so on this day before Mother's Day I'd like to say to all the mother-writers reading this:

MOTHERS ARISE, AND WRITE YOUR PASSION! 

- by Violet Nesdoly

Thoughts From A New Writer - Hazel Johnson

Okay – the intrepid assignment is to write a 'few' words to encourage other writers. “Holy Mary, Mother of God”, as I said out loud when I first saw the Grand Canyon!

This is a mammoth for me. This past year was my first as a writer, and as Grace Fox said at the ICWF conference, “Do it afraid”.

Very valuable advice! In my case, it’s more like terrified, and this month’s post had me running with my proverbial tail between my legs!

But always deserving the title of  'bucket lady', here goes some drops in the pail.  My writing comes in spurts and squirts, usually late at night, or all night! It helps to be an insomniac, a mixed blessing.

I believe writing has to come directly from your heart, and Christian writing has to come from God’s heart!

Humility keeps you on track, and prayer about your writing is essential. We don’t build our houses on sand, we build them on the solid rock of Jesus, and his wisdom, and his timing in our lives. I think he gives us his words in his time, if we trust him and add elbow grease and hard work. I think patience with ourselves is another ingredient.

I have joined many Christian blogs, which have been blessings to teach me more about the craft of writing. I want to be 'teachable' and to learn from my mistakes.

I am muddling and fuddling creating my own blog now, which will be called “Joy in the Morning”.

I encourage people to attend conferences, writing courses, to be alert to ideas all around you everyday and everywhere, and to carry a journal with you at all times to jot down ideas. I have index cards all over the house sometimes.

So….Miss Bucket Lady…that was painless! God bless everyone!

Writers on Writing - Sulo Moorthy

Since I’m no expert to give advice on writing, I thought of taking up the Writers’ Creed which says, “When you are learning, seek help. When you are published, pass it on,” and sharing some valuable quotes from other writers.

“Every writer, by the way he uses the language, reveals something of his spirit, his habits, his capacities his bias. This is inevitable as well as enjoyable…Creative writing is communication through revelation-it is the Self escaping into the open. No writer long remains incognito."-E.B.White

“ If we had to say what writing is, we would define it essentially as an act of courage.”—Cynthia Ozick

“To be a good writer, you not only have to write a great deal, but you have to care.”—Anne Lamott

“Anyone can become a writer. The trick is staying a writer.”—Harlan Ellison

“Beginning writers must appreciate the prerequisites if they hope to become writers. You pay your dues—which take years.”—Alex Haley

“Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thought uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience.”—Henry David Thoreau

“Writing is the hardest way of earning a living, with the possible exception of wrestling alligators.”—Olin Miller

Every writer has desert times. Those times however, are not to be feared……Writing interludes give you room to hear the voice of God. His spirit has space, at last, to write from your innermost being and with joy.”---Linda Anderson.

“While the false self feasts on praise, your identity as a Christian writer is not found in the opinion of others. ….Criticism should inform us, but never defeat us.” –Norman G Wilson

“The fact that some publisher doesn’t want to publish my words doesn’t mean they lack value. I don’t expect the act of publishing to validate my life. My words are meaningful. They are my ministry, even if they are only meant as a ministry to myself, or my wife or the authors I represent.”-Chip MacGregor.

“I want to write not what the market says I should write, but what I believe God is leading me to write.”----Vicki Caruana

“ It’s helpful to remind yourself that media attention is not coming because you’re anything special, but rather because your book somehow became noteworthy. You have to continue doing what you were doing and not start thinking the world has finally discovered you.”—Jerry Jenkins

“ I firmly believe that, as the cliché goes, laughter is the shortest distance between two people. You disarm people when you write in a funny way, so people begin to listen to what you have to say.”-Lorilee Craker

The task of a writer is to soak up dibs and dabs of this and that, swish them around in mind, and slowly release words or marks in a thin stream across a page.”—Carol J. Rottman

“ A writer is not a confectioner, not a dealer in cosmetics, not an entertainer; he is a man bound under compulsion, by the realization of his duty and by his conscience. “- Anton Chekhov

" A house without books is like a room without windows."-Horace Mann

“ God doesn’t measure success by the size of a royality check or the popularity of the writer. Nor is He impressed with prolific output or a long list of publishing credits…..You are His manuscript, and His goal is to refine you until you reflect His image in every corner of the world where He has placed both you and your manuscripts.”—Ethel Herr

"May you like John, depict the heavens. May you, like Paul, love the churches. May you like Luke, connect with a Theophilus in your world. May you pick up the pen and write for the soul." Max Lucado.

Generating Ideas - Bonnie Way

Recently, I started editing and rewriting the fantasy novel I wrote over a decade ago.  I've talked for years about doing this, but the project has always seemed daunting.  Novels are big projects that take a lot of time.  Yet I realized I would never have lots of time to focus on the novel; I would simply have to make time.

The first day I sat down at my computer and opened the file (is there an electronic equivalent for "dusty"?), I made it only a few pages in before becoming overwhelmed.  There was so much to do, yet I didn't know where to start.  I thought the space of a few years would give me fresh perspective on the characters and events; instead, it discouraged me.

I persisted a few days later, getting a few pages further.  And then, after I turned off the computer, something wonderful happened.  The characters and their problems continued to churn through my head.  Snippets of dialogue formed.  Character insights occurred.  Ideas popped up, swirled around, formed into new scenes and new chapters.  The next time I sat down at the computer, I typed.

I remembered then the joy of writing—a joy I had forgotten.  In that time of leisure I knew as junior high and high school, I could sit at my computer and write when ideas came to me and then return to my math problems or science assignments when I ran out of ideas.  Lately, as work and motherhood and other duties have demanded my time, I had forgotten about how ideas generate.  Yes, I need time to sit at a computer to actually work on the novel.  But I can keep working on it mentally as I'm doing laundry, washing dishes, or pushing my daughters on their tricycles.

As I thought about this, the theme for this year's Fall Conference popped into my head: "words descending like dew" (Deut. 32:2).  In this verse, the prophet or poet asks for words to proclaim God's greatness. He uses images of dew or showers of rain to describe all the things he has to say on this topic.  It reminds me that God is the giver of our inspiration; as I take time to nourish my creativity and to use the gifts He has given me, He will reward that.  As I work on this novel, I pray that He will give me words like dew and that my novel may somehow bring glory to Him.

Why Do I Write? - Janis Cox

Why Do I write?

A blank computer screen – and no thoughts – that is the pang of a writer. I find praying is the best way to get inspiration. God knows what He wants me to say. So as I pray I ask Him to reveal to me His thoughts.

I know He says, ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD “ (Isaiah 55:8 NIV) So this expectation that He will give me something notable to write, I guess might seem preposterous.

But I believe He is here at all times, in my writing, my painting, my conversations; actually in the whole of my life. When I accepted Jesus into my heart, I told Him I would always follow Him. Then a Scripture made an impact – it was “feed my lambs”.

I had attended a Holy Spirit weekend in Ancaster, Ontario. At one point in the weekend when we entered the conference room, each chair had a piece of paper on the seat. We were told not to look at it yet. Then after the message and prayer we asked God where He wanted us to focus our lives and then we were allowed to look at the paper. Mine came from John 21:15 NIV … “Feed my lambs.” Simply stated.

How to accomplish such a task? What did it mean?

I think it means to make disciples of Jesus so that they can hear His voice. And I believe to hear His voice we need to talk to Him and to listen to Him. And that means prayer.

The Holy Spirit weekend happened four years ago. Last year at Write!Canada – a conference for writers and editors who are Christian – I had a strong nudge that I should start a blog on prayer. At the end of June I started Under the Cover of Prayer. I put the word out that I would like guest bloggers for this site. Many responded. I had fun putting up all their words.

Then I heard again from God – I told you to feed my lambs. So I started to write each Friday. It has been an enriching experience, a discipline that God wanted for me.

Something else happened while I wrote – I fed myself. As I read my Bible, and devotionals - I learned more about Him. In the past year I learned a little more patience; I learned not to be entirely task-focused; I learned to seek Him FIRST.

And I learned that a blank sheet of paper is not as scary as I thought. I do have something to say and He will lead me to say it.

Do you have something that God wants you to speak about? Is something holding you back? Ask God to reveal His plan for you.

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Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has written a children’s book in which she is also the watercolour illustrator. She hopes to publish it this year.