Guiding the Next Generation of Writers ~ Valerie Ronald

 

Miss Burgoyne exuded enthusiasm as she taught our high school Creative Writing class. Her own creative spirit shone in the unique assignments she gave out. Her exuberance for writing was contagious, sparking the creative thinking of her students. Most memorable was writing, performing and filming our own short drama under the direction of a professional script writer, who happened to be serving time for fraud in a nearby minimum security prison. Somehow Miss Burgoyne was able to wangle a pass for him to show up several times a week in her classroom to give us the benefit of his expertise ˗˗ in script writing, not fraud. 

Miss Burgoyne communicated a passion for creative writing to many aspiring young authors. She expected us to learn the techniques of the craft, instructing us in how to use proper writing tools to improve our work. By reading the work of successful writers, she taught us about style and voice. What impacted me most was the writing assignments, critiqued by our peers and our supportive teacher. Because of her mentoring I realized that I had the potential to call myself a writer someday. 

Many of us have decades of writing experience under our belts, each page a hard-won step forward in our journey as a writer. We have a responsibility to pass on what we have learned from our successes and failures to the next generation of writers. Getting started on the writing path can be daunting, even discouraging when faced with the challenges of developing a unique voice, laboring over manuscripts, and navigating the publishing world. Good advice is more palatable when sweetened with encouragement and positive critique. As wise Solomon wrote, “For sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path.” (Prov. 6:23 The Message) 

More than receiving our advice, those coming after us look to our writing experience as an example. What worked for us is noted, perhaps even emulated by future writers. That is a weighty expectation, however, as writers who believe in Christ, there is more to it than just demonstrating how to write. They are observing how our writing reflects our faith. Not only are we writing mentors, we are also called upon to live out our faith in Christ through our writing. 

If a novice Christian writer were to ask you for the singular most important lesson you have learned in your writing journey, what would it be? There is no right answer, for each of us is on a unique path. After distilling the essence of my own journey, I would tell the young writer, seek God’s guidance, then write honestly from your heart.  

In the most recent edition of FellowScript, YA Editor Mary Anne Focht, shares how writing has helped her through the death of her brother.  

“I know my life without InScribe would not have been as successful without all the prayers and encouragement over the years. I am thankful for how He (God) keeps turning me back to Him through the words I write.”1 

Mentioning young author, Joshua Heath, she credits his love for InScribe in helping her be enthusiastic about joining. She includes Heath’s writing timeline, beginning with him meeting InScribe members Ruth Snyder, Bobbi Junior, and Tracy Krauss and deciding he wanted to be an author like them.  

I am proud to be a member of a writer’s fellowship that values and invests in young writers just starting on their journey. When we nurture their gift, we are entrusting them to carry the torch of faith-based writing forward after we lay down our pens.


You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (2 Cor. 3:2-3 NIV) 

1 FellowScript August 2023 p. 26

Valerie Ronald is a pastor's wife, mother and grandmother 

who enjoys reading, writing and taking photos of the

 beautiful prairies where she lives.

 

Inspired to Inscribe by Susan Barclay

Inspired to Inscribe

 

I don’t know what ‘inspired’ me to get active in Inscribe

Need or desire, whim or thought

Some inner wisdom

Crying out to be heard

Regardless, here I am

Involved

Becoming

Enjoying

 

I love writing for this blog

it Nurtures me

Supports my growth

Propels me to do my best

I love to write for FellowScript

to Read the work of my peers

Engage in their journeys

 

I am inspired to inscribe

And stay close to those who share

My aim                                     

 

It makes me feel ALIVE

___________________________

You can find out more about Susan Barclay's writing at www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com    

Resources for Review Day

It's REVIEW DAY here on the blog!

Did you even know that we had a regular day each month set aside for reviews? It's true! Unfortunately, not many of our members take advantage of this.

If you have read a good book - a book that you think would be helpful for writers, or one written by a member -  please contact me (the moderator!) and let me know. I would love to see this day FULL each month!

I am in the process of reading several good books, but did not get around to writing a review yet. One is called PRODUCTIVITY FOR AUTHORS by Joanna Penn and so far it is excellent. I plan to share my review once I'm finished.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share another resource. The Winter issue of FellowScript, was chock full of resources -  both online and books. There were several reviews, too. Despite the many fantastic suggestions, I was almost overwhelmed by all the suggestions and didn't really take the time to research them further. However, now is the time to go back and check out some of those links!

I must admit that I love getting the hardcopy of FellowScript in the mail every month, but this particular issue shows why the pdf version is also very valuable. It is easy to go into the online version and click on all those links - something you can't do with the hardcopy! And... may I remind you that ALL MEMBERS now receive the e-version of FellowScript as a bonus for being a member - even those that also subscribe to the hardcopy version.

Why not take some time during this season of 'self isolation' and dig a little deeper into the many wonderful offerings available.

Write For FellowScript and Congrats to Winners

FellowScript, InScribe's quarterly magazine, is one of the many benefits of membership in ICWF. It is a quality magazine full of tips, writing helps, stories, devotionals - and so much more. Our dedicated editorial staff are also always looking for fresh content... which is where YOU come in!

If you would like to write an article for FellowScript - and even get paid for it, send your submission to:
fellowscripteditor2@gmail.com with 'Submission' in the title.

For all guidelines, deadlines, upcoming themes and more, visit our website:
FellowScript Submission Guidelines

The deadline for the August is is on May 1. 

As well, a huge congratulations to the winners of this year's Winter Contest!

Nonfiction - Sharon Espeseth - “Publishing God’s Glorious Deeds”Poetry -  Kathleen Friesen - “Creativity”Devotional - Pat Gerbrandt - “Looming Mountains” 

There’s No Expiration Date on My First Book by Nina Faye Morey

While my novel’s first draft flowed nimbly onto the paper from the nib of my pen, my second is stumbling unsteadily across my keyboard. But I’m not going to let myself get bent out of shape on account of this snail’s pace. The way I look at it, there’s no expiration date on my first book.

The slow progress of my novel is mainly due to getting sidetracked by an offer that seemed just too good to refuse. I honestly did try to decline it a couple of times to stay focused on my novel. But when the offer reappeared for possibly the third and final time, I decided God must have had a hand in it.

For the Lord of hosts has planned, and who will annul it?

His hand is stretched out and who will turn it back?

~ Isaiah 14:27 NRSV

You see, I’d always dreamed of writing for and editing a magazine. The writing side had already become a reality, but I’d begun to think the editing side was destined to remain in the dream category. Unless I founded a magazine of my own. Believe me, that thought—temptation—has occurred to me more than once in my lifetime. So, long story short, I accepted the offer to be the editor of InScribe’s FellowScript magazine.

Even though it’s a quarterly publication, working as FellowScript’s editor eats up a substantial portion of my time. So that means I’m often forced to let my novel rest undisturbed in my desk drawer for extended periods. But I view this editing opportunity as another one of those life experiences that will only serve to enrich my writing in the long run.

Frequently, I see those lists of bright, young, up-and-coming authors, who are celebrated as “the ones to watch.” But just because I’m getting a few grey hairs doesn’t mean I’m past my “best before” date. I like to think I’m still in the “prime of life,” and it’s not too late for me to achieve success as an author. Besides, just think of all the life experiences I’m accumulating along the way to write about. Despite having already passed me on the path to publication, those bright, young prodigies are still far behind me on the road of life.

I would hardly be alone in writing and publishing my first book rather late in life. Several successful authors have proven it’s still possible to find the path to publication in later years. These “late bloomers” have had their first book published after age 40, 50, or even 60. After all, “late” is a comparative term. Late as opposed to . . . ? Besides, I don’t believe creativity has an expiry date either.

I can think of several “mature” authors who’ve inspired me over the years. When I was a youngster, one of my favourite books was Black Beauty by Anna Sewell. She wrote this beloved children’s classic in her last decade of life, and it wasn’t published until she was 57. Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote and published her first book, Little House in the Big Woods, when she was 65. Like me, she’d written for some periodicals in her fifties, but her novel writing didn’t really get off the ground until her retirement years. One author who certainly proved it’s never too late is Millard Kaufman, who published his first novel, Bowel of Cherries at age 90.

As you can see, there’s no time limit on achieving your writerly dreams. So write, write, write; edit, revise, and repeat; and stop worrying about still not having made your way through the door of that publishing house. Just relax, take your time, enjoy the ride, and never give up on your dream.

Photo Credits: Best Before Date - Nina Faye Morey; All Other Photos - Pixabay

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

The Beginning of Something Great – Ramona Heikel

In the rare, calm moments when I take an objective look at my writing goals, I sometimes get discouraged because I wish I could write more.  But then I think to myself, “Well, at least I’m writing consistently.  Thank goodness I have to write a post every month for the Inscribe Writers blog!” 

Now don’t get me wrong.  It sounds like I resent it, but “have to” actually means

“I don’t want to let down my fellow Inscribians,

so it is mandatory

—right now, today—

that I clear off a space  in my cluttered

schedule,

desk,

and mind

to do what I love:

write!”

And not just write, but also rewrite, edit and complete an article.  Sometimes this blog post is the only writing I do in a month, and even if I need to squeeze it into a full schedule, it always gives me a sense of joy and accomplishment.  It’s also a way to connect with my writing community, to learn, to be inspired and encouraged, and to give back.

As I was looking for inspiration for this month’s post, I went to my Inspiration Binder.  I organize myself with binders: binders full of marketing information, articles or notes that help me with aspects of writing and editing, research I’ve done, works in progress, and yes, even a binder called “Inspiring”.  You can see it here (showing my sophisticated binder labeling system!):

Inside the Inspiring binder I have, front and center, an Inscribe blog article by Marcia Laycock entitled “Lessons from Pompeii”, which I re-read now and then to remind me of what’s most important (the condition of my heart before God).  I also have Christmas cards received from two magazines that published my work, notes and articles that first encouraged me to write, and “keepers” from various writing workshops, among many other words that motivate and guide me.

Inside the front pocket is a bookmark, which reminds me of my first Inscribe conference, where I got to meet many of you lovely people in person for the first time.  I signed up for the 2009 Fall Conference mainly because I wanted to hear what the keynote speaker had to say.  I’d long admired Jane Kirkpatrick, and was very excited to see her in person.  She was an excellent teacher and encourager of writers, and when she sat at a table to learn from other speakers, she became one of us.  I was lucky enough to sit beside her at a table, and chat (and laugh) with her one-on-one for quite a long time.  I’ve never forgotten her advice: to talk back to the gremlins that sit on my shoulder and cackle and tell me that my writing is no good!

Since then I have been constantly encouraged and enlightened by you, my fellow members!  Reading through Fellowscript does more of the same, and I love the new contests, writing possibilities, and the Calgary conferences.  As I pondered exactly how to compose my memories in a post this month, I received my impetus from Sandi Somers’ post about the history of our organization, especially her questions at the end—thanks Sandi!

One of the ways I see God working again and again in my writing experiences is through Inscribe.  Seeing Jane’s smiling face on my keepsake autographed bookmark reminds me of when that blessing began.

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com