A Good Name - Dorothy Bentley

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1


Being a writer is a difficult calling and it is a challenge to always act and react in a way which brings glory to God.

Not very long ago, one of my columns was cut from the local newspaper. I took it harder than I thought I would, and phoned the editor for explanation. It didn't seem fair, and as far as I knew, many people enjoyed my columns. As a Christian, I knew whatever I said would not only reflect on me personally, but also on my Lord. Even though I was hurt and disappointed, I bit my tongue and didn't say anything which I regretted, but I took my hurt feelings to a few trusted Christian friends who supported me, and prayed for me.

Not long after, I found myself working on a volunteer basis with a different editor from the same newspaper. She is a wonderful, talented lady. Just recently, she offered me a few freelance assignments, with the agreement that I would mentor a young writer with one of them, which I agreed to do.

I was thankful that I hadn't said or done anything to jeopardize my professional reputation. In the field of writing, no door is forever closed, and no editor is ever a person of the past. Editors move to new publishers, and new opportunities may come because of a good reputation.

Working hard, meeting deadlines, and keeping hurt feelings in check helped me to keep a good name. And even more importantly, I hope God's name was glorified as I put His reputation first.

God's Love - Dorothy Bentley

God knew I would be strong-willed and insist on making my own way through life.

Even though He could have, He didn't stop me from making a mess of things.

He is a Gentleman, not forcing anything upon me. He gave me free will.

God is close to the brokenhearted.

When I finally turn to Him because of my emptiness and disappointment, He accepts me.

He washes away my mistakes and gives me a fresh start.

He never turns me away.

Sometimes I am too busy to think about God, but He is never too busy to think about me.

Though time travels in a straight line for me, it doesn't for God. He created time, space, physics. He can travel in time and be everywhere at once, with everyone. I can barely understand this, but He is with me.

God created me to walk with Him through life; to talk with Him about everything. He wants to give me guidance for how to live; to help me with all the issues in my life. God cares about me.

Only He can fill the emptiness and give my life a worthwhile purpose

When I focus on myself, I am discouraged.

When I focus on God, I am amazed.

He loves me.

He loves me so much, that He wants me to live with him forever in eternity. There are no strings attached, no price I need to pay.

He already took care of that.

He sent his own Son, Jesus, His human form, to come as a Man and die for me.

He paid the entry price of Heaven for me.

All I have to do is believe.

Just believe.

Do I believe?

Is Jesus real?

Is there really a Heaven and hell?

Why did God become a man?

Why would He die on a cross for me?

Yes.

Because He loves me.

Writing for Free - Dorothy Bentley

Writing without pay evokes mixed reactions within the writing community. I am the first person to agree that writers deserve to be paid. In fact, is it fair to ask writers to forgo compensation? Would clients feel the same about phoning a plumber to install bathroom fixtures as an act of charity?


Writing for free has it's benefits, but should also have guiding principles.


In my experience, writing for free began as a great way to produce large volumes of work, in a variety of forms, as well as hone my skills while putting my work before an audience.


My first volunteer writing was for my high school newspaper. Later, I wrote for a church newsletter, then a women's ministry newsletter. Next, I published a home education support group newsletter, writing much of it, for a total of about ten years. It was a great apprenticeship. I received helpful feedback along the way, and gained confidence.


Currently, my personal criteria for charity writing demands that the publication and/or organization is not-for-profit, Christian, and/or advances a cause I am passionate about.


My volunteer work at present involves managing a church magazine. It involves collaborating with other writers, as well as contributors, to produce a bi-monthly publication. I love doing it, it is non-profit, and it is to advance the cause of the Great Commission, as well as build unity in our local body.


In addition, I write a column for a newspaper which intends to make profit at some point. It is owned by a Believer, and my agreement states that I will receive payment once the publication begins to make a profit. I am compensated in other ways: my byline includes my blog information, so readers are directed to more of my work, which is overtly Christian; it is free advertising for me, which in turn may lead to more freelance work; and finally, my column is on a topic which I am passionate about, parenting and family issues, therefore I am pleased to be involved.


At the end of the day, my primary goal is to please God. I've relinquished my right to work only for monetary reward. My guiding verses are


Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV): 

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

And going hand-in-hand with that portion of Scripture is

Matthew 6:33:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

I choose to do the Lord's work, and trust Him to provide. He has never failed me.

Biblical Learning Informs Writing - Dorothy Bentley

One of the things I love to do is learn. And one of the things I love to study is the Bible. The opportunity to do serious study and earn a Bachelor of Ministry degree presented itself last year. My church is partnering with a Bible college.


I grappled with the decision. Would studying for this degree pull me away from my passion to write for the Lord? Would I have the time needed to study, attend class, write the necessary papers, and continue pursuing a writing career? I wasn't sure, but the pull to draw closer to the Lord by studying His Word was irresistible. I jumped in with both feet.


 The pastors teach and we students submit our papers to them for feedback. Once a course is finished, we submit significant projects to an online portfolio. There is quite a lot of writing involved, and having almost weekly feedback on papers has been surprisingly valuable. Any sort of writing feedback is valuable. Feeling like a polished professional is akin to having pride, which, as we all know, leads to a fall. And since I am working on a degree to serve God, there is so much more involved than simply studying the Bible and writing papers. My character is also scrutinized (somewhat painfully at times), and I need to always be humble and correctable.


Those character qualities are so valuable for me as a writer. Whenever I submit work to an editor, I need to humbly accept correction and submit to my work being honed for the publication.


I am thankful for this great opportunity to be part of in-church Bible college. As a Christian writer, whether I am writing for the general market or a Christian audience, my heart attitude needs to be godly, and my reasons for writing need to stay in line with God's purposes. In addition, what I write is so important. I do not want to lead others astray.


One of the greatest benefits, however, is how the content of the programme informs my writing. As I read ancient writings and become immersed in Biblical culture, I am inspired to write various forms with a new richness.


With the Lord's help, we can all write to please Him and build His kingdom on earth.




Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.


Colossians 3:23

Staying on Track - Dorothy Bentley

It's one thing to have a well-thought out plan. It's quiet another to hit a road block, only to discover later that God put it there.


God gives; God takes away.


I mentioned over the last couple of months how I lost my column when a new editor wanted to mix things up and cancel the columns of conservative family-friendly writers. Though it was a painful 'taking away' time, I hadn't gone more than about a month before the opportunity to begin a church newsletter fell into my lap. At first, it seemed like I was going back twenty years to the start of my public writing career, when I used to write for church newsletters. I reluctantly went ahead.


I didn't do much besides pray and wait to see who God would bring to help me. I spoke with each person God laid on my heart. Each one contributed something-- a story, a column, a photo, many hours of editing, and many-many hours of graphic design.


What I could have produced on my own would have been something that looked like I'd produced it twenty years ago!  What we ended up with instead, is a wonderful, quite professional looking magazine.


There is no way I could have done it alone!


And the best part gradually began happening at our meetings, as we informally discussed writing in general, ideas, and encouraged each other to keep at it. I now, most surprisingly, have a writing group. And more than one editor to help me refine my writing. I feel blessed beyond measure.


The other wonderful thing that has happened, is a sense that I need prayer support, and then doing something about it.


I've read in more than one book for writers that we all need that sort of spiritual support and cover. So because I'm not Francine Rivers, I decided the best way to get prayer support was to ask friends to pray for me, and I would, in return, support them in prayer daily, too. In addition, I offered to send them a weekly update on what is happening in my writing life, as well as a few personal items for prayer.


Since then, I have not felt like I am trying to walk through quick-sand in mukluks.


What a blessing God has brought about in my life!


Losing that column, which kept me busy writing each week, allowed me to write new things, with a new focus, for a new audience. It's now all about God, for God's people. I still don't know where all this is headed, but I am simply going to obey God and allow Him to lead the way.


His work is laying out the track for me.


My work is to stay on His track.


Here's the magazine, in case you'd like to have a look. It's in printing layout, so the pages are a little confusing.


I'm amazed by God's work in this!


Body Builder

It's all about Him - Dorothy Bentley

This is going to sound strange, but I have been focusing so much on Jesus lately that I don't have time to be caught up in Christmas.




In my last post, I told you about this crazy journey God initiated in my life. He's taken away my column writing and my involvement in youth. I wasn't sure where God would lead, but some wonderful things have happened.




To begin with, I was allowed to start a church newsletter which quickly developed into a magazine with the help of young, talented contributors. At first I was a little scornful of going back to newsletter production, since that's where I began as a fledgling writer. However, I discovered that the exercise isn't for me, but for all the other writers and creative people at my church to have an outlet.




As well, perhaps even more importantly, the magazine will serve (at least partly) as catalyst for communication among members and unity of purpose. It's exciting to see it take shape. Our first issue is due out at the beginning of January.




Besides the magazine, God has been speaking to me more, in a way I can understand. I have prayed for years to hear His leading more clearly. The main method I've discovered, through my study of leaders in the Bible, is fasting along with prayer.




Through denying self and seeking God, I was able to ask Him a specific question and actually get a response.

Our God is a Living God!

He is interactive through His Holy Spirit!

This Christmas season, as I focus intently on worshipping the King of kings, I won't let the things of this world absorb my attention. Rather, the tree, the food, the gifts are mere adornments and reminders of the Holy and Alive Person of Christ who is vitally interested in us, the objects of His affection.


Merry Christmas!

New Journey - Dorothy Bentley

I've had the craziest adventure since the end of September. That is when I attended a Willow Creek Leadership Summit (by recorded simulcast). After the first day, I lost my column (I'd been writing for over seven years in a general market newspaper). On the second day, we were given a pottery shard to write something on while we dedicated ourselves to God's service.


Shortly after, I became extremely uncomfortable serving in Youth and had to quit.


God had taken me up on my offer.


I've had to lay my novel writing on an altar, just like an Isaac. And I am mainly blogging about my walk with Him.


He's been purifying my heart. I haven't got a clue where He's taking me or the next step on this crazy journey, but I am trusting Him to lead.


He is teaching me to hear His voice.


I somehow found an incredibly useful book to help in this process:


Finding Divine Inspiration - Working with the Holy Spirit in Your Creativity, by J. Scott McElroy.


He teaches how the process works, hindrances, the importance of operating within Christian community, and he includes some helpful insights from creative people, such as Jars of Clay and News Boys lead singers, a writer, a painter, and others.


Well worth it.


Anyone can write.


It takes a calling and purification to write for the King of Kings. It's difficult, and frightening, and painful, but nothing else matters.








http://potscrubbersjournal.blogspot.com

an end and a beginning - Dorothy Bentley

One of the most difficult things happened to me recently

My Saturday Today column was cut



I phoned and politely pressed the editor for reasons

I wrote for the newspaper for seven-and-a-half years

They wanted more political

More opinionated

I have opinions

But they don't want mine




Turns out they cut another Christian writer, too

Turns out they don't want Christian opinions

Maybe we're too political




But

I have to say

I think it was really the hand of God

Chopping down some of the trees in my woodlot

I couldn't see the important trees

With so many standing



Now it's becoming more clear

God doesn't want me to be so busy writing

That I leave Him out of it



I am loving having more time

To pray

To worship

To write the outpouring of my Holy Spirit filled heart




I began a new blog

And it's more real

More raw

More full of Jesus

And I'm lovin' it





I hope He loves it, too

A Writer's Ecclesiastes - Dorothy Bentley

A time of turmoil,

(struggling to write);

A time of dedication,

(determination).

A time to laugh,

(when the story is finished);

A time to cry,

(when it's rejected).

A time to watch,

(life happening around me).

A time to remember,

(those special times worth writing about).

A time to pray,

(for the Lord to guide);

A time to write,

(His words).

A time to sing,

(when something is published);

A time to mourn,

(when I realize something I wrote is rubbish).

A time to live,

(so I have something to write about);

A time dance,

(when someone is moved by my work).

A time to learn,

(always more to learn);

A time to teach,

(others how).

A time of peace.

Review of Craftsman (novel) course with the J.B.J. Christian Writers Guild - Dorothy Bentley

I took the CWG's first offering of the Craftsman course beginning in May 2008.

When I first found out about the CWG's novel writing course, I practically jumped out of my chair with excitement. It seemed like a fantastic opportunity. I applied and was accepted, based on my writing resume, and a book proposal (including three chapters), without having taken previous CWG courses. It seemed to me that God had opened the door. But where was He leading?

John Perrodin was my mentor. He was professional, helpful with comments, and very encouraging.

Until the Residency, the course was like any distance course. I was only in touch with John via course materials. The materials were very good. I had been reading about novel writing on my own for several years, but learned new things through the course.

I had just about a complete novel in my head when I applied for the course, as well as three complete chapters. After the idea finding lesson, I had a new novel begun. The novel idea and first few chapters went through many revisions with each new lesson.

I pitched an incomplete novel at the Writing for the Soul Conference in February 2009, was invited to submit it to two editors, and one agent was interested. (All were also interested in my initial novel.)

It was rejected, but I did receive a personal letter, which I’m told, is an achievement in itself. I also submitted my original novel, and with that rejection, I received reviewer's notes. So helpful! Now I know where my weakness is, and what to work on.

The Residency part was great, and I think it sets Craftsman apart from other correspondence courses. Meeting Jerry B. Jenkins, having one-on-one sessions with him editing my work, getting feedback and encouragement, were all great experiences, though I couldn't help but feel a little awkward with such a well known writer.

Also at the residency, meeting with my mentor, John, was great. He was an excellent mentor and led sessions on several aspects of the craft.

James Scott Bell was another instructor for Craftsman I. Lots of experience, willing to share his knowledge… and funny.

Chris Fabry, radio personality gave feedback through a mock interview. Super nice guy.

McNair Wilson was an entertaining, thought-provoking pitch and speech coach.

And of course my fellow students were all really good writers, and we got along well and became friends at the residency, and at the conference we spend time together as a group. As Craftsmen, we had some special events. Breakfast with Jerry, Q&A session with Karen Kingsbury, and more… loved it.

Dorothy Bentley with Karen Kingsbury.

Was it worth the time and money spent? Yes, for me it was. I think it did help that I had done a lot of reading about novel writing beforehand, and had tried my hand at it, so I knew exactly where my weaknesses were-- holes about the process that needed further fleshing out. I have a much better understanding about things like P.O.V., characterization through the story, and more.

I was really sad when the course ended. I liked getting regular feedback, and thought it would be great to have someone to work with through to a complete novel.

Time invested in the course? I cannot say for sure. I know I spent hours and hours at it, but it wasn’t work to me… just doing what I love. I did find that I had to drop back from several other commitments to make more time to write, a good discipline for wanting to be a professional novelist.

I cannot tell you if you should invest your hard-earned cash. I suggest praying about it. I personally have no regrets, even though it meant taking on a part-time Instructor position at my local college to cover my costs. I later resigned, to allow more time to spend with my family, and to write.

Past Craftsman Mentor, John Perrodin with me.

Now, a couple years later, it all seemed like a whirlwind. A time between Dorothy and a Wizard of Oz, but ultimately, I am supposed to find my own way home. Clicking my heels together just doesn't seem to be doing anything!

I thought completing the course would open doors into the publishing world for me. It did, but I wasn't ready. There is no magic. No secret insider society in which to be accepted. The Craftsman course did set me up with that false illusion. My own making, no doubt.

Ultimately, there is only the quality of the writing.

Oh from what heights we fall, to the lowest depths. I am my own worst critic and have even questioned whether or not I should be trying to write novels after just two recent rejections from agents. Obviously, my quality of novel writing still needs to improve.

No-one said this would be easy.

The Craftsman course wasn't an arrival, but rather one training experience, now a part of my writer's scrapbook. I am trusting God to use me as He wishes. I am responsible to work diligently; He is responsible for the results.

Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people. 

Proverbs 22:29 (NLT)

stop... and read - Dorothy Bentley

I have been so tired from doing many worthwhile things, that I have lost the creative fire that fuels my writing. I knew I needed to put on the brakes and take a time out.








So here I am, not working, not doing chores, not writing.







Not writing.







Yeah, but it's my blogging day, so here I am, explaining why I'm not writing!







I am on a road trip with my husband and young son. I promised myself I wouldn't write, but instead, I brought along a novel to read. The funny thing, is that it's a novel I already read, except the first time, I read it so fast I couldn't savour it.







This second time, I read Taling to the Dead, by Bonnie Grove much more slowly. I liked the book the first time. During this second time, while driving for hours and hours, through the Rockies with tumbling craggles of snowy spring flying by my window, my expert driver-husband calmly manouvering around hairpin bends, the book was fantastic! Bonnie is an excellent writer, and I thought back to hearing her at InScribe's conference a while back, and her comments about hearing God, but that she'd not tell people that or they'd think she was looney! So funny now, having enjoyed her book again, having gotten to know her character Kate on a deeper level.







Oh, how I've missed reading slowly, and tasting every morsel of prose. I can't wait to start the new novel I bought in Kamloops as we drive to Whistler in the moring. I wonder how long this new read will last?







In time, my own words will return. After I've rested, renewed, reveled in the words of other crafters.



Tumbling, slowly again into a make-believe world...







No more rushing.



I must keep the brakes of life on.

If only... Dorothy Bentley

I used to think, 'If only I could get one story published, I will quit everything else, and focus on writing.'


I thought having one story published would officially announce to the world that I am a writer and I could be steadily employed thereafter.


I have learned some very important lessons since my first article was published.


1. Writers must work very hard. This saying is true: writing is 10% inspiration, 90% perspiration.


2. A few writers have editors and publishers approach them, but most, even published novelists, have to submit queries and book proposals and jump through all the same hoops as first time novelists.


3. No matter how wonderful writing is, there is still the nasty business part of the job. Why can't literary agents write book proposals, queries, and do record keeping? (I suppose successful writers employ assistants for a reason!)


4. The most important virtue for a writer is patience. Waiting to hear back from agents and editors may be the worse type of waiting, unless I keep busy writing something new.


5. No matter how little I earn as a writer, I will still write. I'm afraid my writing habits are sort of like a strange addiction, for which there is no cure.


(Sigh)


Thankfully, as a Christian writer, regardless of how much I earn, I am working for the Lord.


Leo Tolstoy said:


"It is within my power either to serve God or not to serve him. Serving him, I add to my own good and the good of the whole world. Not serving him, I forfeit my own good and deprive the world of that good, which was in my power to create."


Now, I think...



If only the Lord will allow me to write something to touch someone's heart and life, I will be pleased.

A Rosy Valentines - Dorothy Bentley

I woke up early the day before Valentines Day, and the house was empty, which almost never happens.

Odd.

I wandered around, looking in all the rooms, inspecting the coat closet to see which boots were gone.

Strange.

Did they all ditch me and go to church without me?

I texted my older son, who has a habit of going to the early service at church on Sundays, with his friends, to leave time for doing other things during the afternoons. He had no idea where his dad and younger brother were.

I decided to relax and have a cup of herbal tea while I had some peace and quiet.

Without know where they were, though, my imagination went wild.

What if they went to the store and got into an accident and that is why they are gone so long.

Or maybe they did ditch me and go to church and were sitting at the back and my older son didn't know there were even there. Why wouldn't they have woken me? I love going to church!

On and on went my imagination.

A little while later, my husband and young son came home with gifts.

My son had bought several different types of chocolates, including a bag of Hershey's Kisses, given to me with his hugs and real kisses.

And
my husband brought me a dozen velvety red roses.

I felt so spoiled and blessed!

Why had I panicked? Why had I doubted their love?

When I look at the roses, a little wilted but still alive after more than week, the thought crosses my mind that each rose stands for one month that my husband loved me and was faithful to me, just in the last year. (There were plenty of years before that one!).

I am so thankful for his love,
yet it is just a shadow, a mirror of the love my Heavenly Father has for me.

He is faithful always,

Loving always.

Help me not to panic, Lord, when I am going through a time of uncertainty.
Rather, help me to remember my dozen roses, the twelve months of my husband's love and faithfulness, which in turn will remind me of You.

A Generosity of Words - Dorothy Bentley

A new year stretches out ahead of me, beckoning me to come and give of myself.

As a Christian writer, my words need to build up the body and draw people to the Lord.

I can give little snippets here and there, shallow stories, pretty poems, but will they touch a heart and change a life? That is what my writing needs to do. But how?

I don't have all the answers, but here is what I am trying: to dig deep into my heart, and pull out things that may be difficult or painful, examine them, and include them in my writing along with how the Lord has helped me through. Or, I think of other peoples' difficult lives and try to relate. It's challenging. That sort of writing is costly. Afterward, I am tired, spent. But even then I'm not finished. Praying more over the work and sleeping on it, I'll wake with another insight to add. Or I'll be washing dishes and mulling over the story and I'll ask the Lord where to include more of His Light.

"Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."  (Philippians 3:12-14)

I want to be generous with my words, and generous with the Light.

Do you have specific writing challenges to conquer this year?

Jesus Brings Joy - Dorothy Bentley

Right before Christmas, the whole city is abuzz with shoppers, dashing to and fro, preparing for the Big Day. It seems like the air is super-charged with frenzied energy.

For my family, our point of arrival is Christmas Eve, when we go to a candle-light service and bask in the soothing glow of the wonderful story of Jesus arriving as a babe, and sing songs of adoration to the King. Finally, a calm settles over our hearts, the lights along the streets are all a twinkle, and our preparations are all ready -- our shopping and our hearts.

What a holy night. My heart sings with reverence. We return home and allow the children to open one small gift before bed, and we enjoy a special treat. Once they are tucked into their covers, we bring out the remaining gifts and place them around the tree. We load the stockings with little treats, and sometimes string additional streamers and decorations from my husband's childhood, to make the house festive enough for a birthday party. We leave the tree lit, and we fall into our bed around midnight.

There is no other night that feels the same. The presence of the Lord, His holy host, angles in a choir, must all descend upon the earth en mass. The peacefulness and stillness permeates my mind and heart, and even if there are troubles, they all disappear in the face of such glory-- Christ was born.

Christ is born.

Hallelujah!

He is come.

O Holy Night...

God of Heaven and Earth,

Cover our minds with your peace,

And our lives with your joy.



Merry Christmas.

Teaching children to write ~ Dorothy Bentley

This week I began teaching a creative writing class to a group of home educating children. What fun!

As I was preparing, I had to really think hard about where to begin. Should I teach the various aspects of writing, and then have them write a story? No, I decided. I would instead teach them about whole stories, then tackle each part later.

I was surprised how difficult it was to boil down story to its simplest form. Here is what I came up with. At its bare minimum, a story needs a likable character and by the end, a change. I may be wrong, but all the children’s picture books and literature would fall into this definition, from Goodnight Moon, to Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

I discussed this bare bones plot with the kids, and showed them a clip art picture of a slide. At the foot of the ladder was the character in his starting situation. Each step built tension, or simply moved the story along. Next, I told the children that the highest point of the story would be the most tense, or exciting, at the top of slide. And finally, the slide down was the satisfying ending. Something had changed, and the story was done.

They really seemed to grab onto this concept, and as I read aloud a couple of stories, they had no trouble deciding where each plot point should go.

Afterward, we used toys to come-up with characters, and invented a story plot. I was amazed with their creativity and energy. I have a feeling I will gain more than I give at these writing lessons!

Creative Words - Dorothy Bentley

As Christian writers, we need to keep returning to the Source for inspiration. Our Source is the Lord.

Who is God? There are all kinds of analogies about the Triune God. He is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How can we understand Him?

God is revealed in His creation. Here are a couple of examples of how God’s triune nature is revealed:

He is like an egg. Three parts in one: shell, white, and yolk.

He is like water in three forms: solid ice, liquid, and vapour.

These may sound trite, yet their simplicity is deceiving. It’s almost impossible to make something as complex as an egg, so delicate and strong at the same time, with two separate compartments inside. The Cadbury people use moulds and machinery. God does it within a bird.

It says in the book of John that Jesus is the WORD, meaning God’s Word:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

He was in the beginning with God.

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

Genesis demonstrates the creative power of His WORD:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day.”

This is just one small portion of the Genesis account. Reading the whole account slowly while reflecting on God’s creative words brings humility.

As a writers, it is important to be rooted in our responsibility to allow the Lord to reside within our words. May they be words that bring hope, thoughts that bring peace, stories that bring healing.

Description that Wows! - Dorothy Bentley

Getting out of bed this morning was like climbing out of a marshmallow swamp; my delicious duvet had me trapped. But getting up was necessary... it was time to write my InScribe Blog entry.

Here are a few little tidbits I've picked up about writing description.

For comedic effect, exaggerate. Calling my bed a marshmallow swamp is not accurate. It's actually a typical queen-sized bed, with a comfy duvet, but saying that in writing would sound boring and not very funny. Doing this is not lying... it's merely stretching the truth. Someone once said, "Why ruin a good story with facts?" In other words, it is fine to take literary license, provided it is done in a harmless way.

For poetic effect, use imagery.

I recently wrote about Kootenay Lake in a newspaper article, calling the lake an aqua-bride. Wow... it made it through the editor's cut. The most fun a writer can have, is making up words and phrases. I once read in one of James Scott Bell's novels that a character was having cul-de-sac thoughts. In the next sentence, he explained what he meant by saying her thoughts continued to circle back around to the problem. That is the one and only time I have read that phrase, but it worked.

Dazzling description combines non-living characteristics with a person or animal, or conversely, personification: the lake calls to me; the trees wave; the person was like an acorn squash, rounded all over.

Have fun writing fresh, lively description. Your readers will be impressed!

~ © Dorothy Bentley

keeping right priorities

Dorothy Bentley


My baby girl is heading off to college soon. Okay... she's no longer a baby, but a woman.

Over the years, there were many hours that I spent tucking her in and praying with her through her girlhood, talking into the wee hours during her teen years, and dinners and discussions with her and her friends around the table as a young adult. There were many times when I wanted to work on a writing project, but I put things off to spend time with her.

Perhaps as a result, my writing career isn't as far along as it could be. Do I have any regrets? Absolutely not. It is with hesitancy that I say I am pleased with how she's turned out. I know it hasn't been because of me, but because of God working in her heart. And I know she isn't finished yet-- none of us are until we meet the Lord. Yet a mentoring relationship is so important; a parent pouring out one's life into the heart of a child.

I never want to sacrifice relationship with my children, or husband for personal gain. Living a life with priorities in the right place, I trust God will grant me wonderful productivity and success with the work He desires.


May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer. (Psalm 19:14, NIV)

A Tale of Two Replies

Dorothy Bentley

Last fall, I volunteered to be on a committee for a general market magazine. I did not pray about the decision, but when I was asked, I was instantly thrilled to be included in what I perceived to be an elite writing community of college professors and the like. I also thought if I was one of the team, my writing would be easily accepted for publication. I said yes.

The commitment began easily enough: a monthly meeting, a few opinions on artwork and layout, themes, and possible venues to sell, but it didn’t take long before the group’s expectations of my volunteer work grew exponentially. And to make matters worse, my submission was rejected.

Suddenly, I faced the truth. I hadn’t asked the Lord His opinion about this new involvement. Instead, I had rushed ahead, excited about a new opportunity for publication. What I had seen as an easy way to step up one more rung of my writing career ladder became a heavy burden, leaving no spare time to write.

Jesus says His burden is light. There was something wrong.

Gently the Lord prompted me to withdraw myself from the group, and once again pursue His direction for my writing.

It frightens me how easily I was drawn in. How could I have let my desire to achieve worldly success lead me away from God’s timing?

I continue to receive emails from this group. Each one is a reminder from the Lord; a reminder to pray before I accept any assignment, and to pray before I write anything. “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…”

So the first submission reply had been negative, but not the second.

Amid a computer crash and needing to borrow my daughter’s laptop for daily survival, I submitted to a Christian publication. This was right, of the Lord. I prayed about it, and sensed His leading.

Yesterday I was overjoyed to receive a positive response. What a thrill! With this, there were hurdles, but not a negative gnawing inside like before.

It’s not about writing what I want and asking God to bless it, but asking, “What would you have me write, Lord?” and “Where should I submit, Lord?”

I think this has been a good learning experience for me. As a writer, I need to stay focused.

Father God,

Please forgive me for giving in to temptation. Please wash me clean and restore a right spirit within me. Remind me often to pray and stay in fellowship with You. Thank you for the privilege of being one of Your writers. May I bring glory to You and accomplish the work You have already chosen for me. Please remove any confusion about what I need to focus on, and help me to be balanced and organized in all areas of my life.

In Jesus’ precious Name I ask,

Amen.