My First Book by Steph Beth Nickel

 

Not That First Book

When I read the prompt for this month's posts, "tell us about your first book," I, like many writers, thought of my first (and as of yet, only) published book.

But then I thought, "No, the first book that I shared with others goes back many, many, many, many years."

When I was in school... (I can't remember if it was elementary or secondary school.) Way back then, one of our assignments was to write, illustrate, and produce a board book for young children.

I can still remember how I felt when my book was chosen as one to be displayed in our school library. It still brings a smile to my face decades later.

Books & I Go W-a-y Back

My mom loved books. Although my dad didn't read as much, he, too, was a reader.

It's no wonder I can remember many of the books I read as a child and some that my mom read to me.

Each Christmas my mom would read The First Noel and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas to me. I'm sure she read many others throughout the year, but I remember those two distinctly.

P. D. Eastman books, such as Go, Dog. Go!, Sam and the Firefly, and Are You My Mother were among my favourites. They were part of the "I Can Read It All By Myself" series, published by Dr. Seuss. I also had several more books in the series.

And like many young girls, I read a plethora of Nancy Drew books. This is where I first learned about including cliffhangers at the end of a chapter. It was also where I picked up the just-one-more-chapter philosophy of reading.

As the Years Went By

Reading (and writing) remained an important part of my life until, ironically, I attended Bible College. Because our Required Reading List was so long, it was over a year and a half after I left college that I picked up a book just for the sheer pleasure of doing so.

Over the years, I've written several articles; dozens of blog posts, poems, and devotionals; a number of unpublished picture book manuscripts; and at least a couple of partially finished fiction manuscripts. Additionally, I coauthored Paralympian Deb Willows' first memoir, Living Beyond My Circumstances. We are currently working on a follow-up volume, tentatively titled Keep Looking Up.

Currently, I post to Substack one to two times per week. On Mondays, I publish a chapter of the YA (young adult) manuscript I'm working on, and on Fridays, I post devotionals based on the gospel of John that I originally wrote for HopeStreamRadio.

From Board Books to...

While some writers "stay in their lane," this isn't in my nature. And that's okay.

Do I plan to publish my YA novel and a selection of the devotionals I've written? I do.

Would I like to publish some children's books? I would.

Will I continue to write blog posts and other short pieces? I would imagine so.

Whatever I end up writing and putting out into the world, it had its foundation in a little purple board book displayed in a country school library way back when.

Steph Beth Nickel is the former Editor of FellowScript and the current InScribe Contest Coordinator. Steph is an editor and author and plans to relocate to Saskatchewan from Ontario to be close to family in 2027, Lord willing. (Headshot Photo Credit: Jaime Mellor Photography)

Shining Light in the Darkness by Steph Beth Nickel

Although the word "unprecedented" has been used over and over, these truly are unprecedented days.

COVID-19. Social distancing. Sheltering in place. Job loss. Increased tension in the home.

And then add the current volatile climate of racial tension (even here in Canada) ...

We're heartbroken, angry, overwhelmed.

As writers, we may be tempted to put down our pens, to walk away from our computers. But as social media pro (and fellow believer) Tonya Kubo says, "We can't quit social media."

We must show up for our audience. We must give leadership to those who read our words ... even if what we lead them to do is listen to more informed voices than our own.

Typically, people would use these words to describe me: perky, talkative, upbeat, positive, encouraging. (And yes, I realize they may refer to me by other less complimentary terms as well, but that's okay.)

Right now, however, I don't feel all that upbeat or positive. But I am learning how to keep pushing forward when I want nothing more than to veg in front of the TV or consume novels.

Here are a dozen the things that will help. (Maybe they'll help you as well.)

1. Dig into God's Word. He is the only one with all the answers.
2. Pray more.
3. Listen to praise and worship music and maybe, sing along. (Plus, do more chair dancing.)
4. Connect with other Christians, if not in person, then via the Internet or phone.
5. Stay connected with family and friends.
6. Get more physical activity. (I've been walking more and doing resistance training again.)
7. Eat better. (A healthy diet goes a long way to make us feel better not only physically but also emotionally and mentally.)
8. Read or listen to books and podcasts that will educate and/or entertain. I am currently listening to Latasha Morrison's Be the Bridge.
9. Take the next step, no matter how small, toward a bigger goal. (I enjoy Emily P. Freeman's podcast, "The Next Right Thing," and her book by the same name.)
10. Get the rest you need. In Saundra Dalton-Smith's Sacred Rest, she discusses the seven types of rest we all need: physical rest, mental rest, emotional rest, spiritual rest, social rest, sensory rest, and creative rest. And speaking of creativity ...
11. Get involved in other creative endeavours besides writing. I enjoy Bible journaling and taking photo walks. I haven't done either near enough.
12. Trust that God's got this. I may have more questions than ever, but I can still trust Him. Romans 8:28 is still true.  

What does my writing life look like right now?

Thankfully, I have editing clients. By helping them get their words ready for their audience, I am encouraged to keep writing as well.

I've begun a Facebook group, Nurture and Inspire, where I show up every day (thanks again to Tonya Kubo's encouragement and the positive feedback I receive from group members).

I write a book review for HopeStreamRadio most weeks. (I have to get a second review fired off this week. At least I'm not as far behind as I could be.)

I'm so thankful for my responsibilities with InScribe and my commitment to guest post on Janet Sketchley's blog each month. It keeps me writing.

I intend to indie publish the first book in my Nurture and Inspire series this year. I am currently reviewing it yet again. I've fired off the intro to a couple of individuals who will "give it to me straight." 

It also helps immensely to belong to several writing and writing-related FB communities, not to mention the courses and summits I've signed up for.

Lord willing, I will push through. More importantly, I will shine in the darkness. 

I'd love to hear how you're doing so.

Reason for Writing - Wendy L. Macdonald

     I remember the moment I realised my reason for writing: It happened when a Bible verse jumped off the page of a Beth Moore book I was studying with a group of ladies at my church. Before that moment, I suspected I was supposed to head in that direction, but I hadn’t experienced a specific word or leading until then.

     Although I already had an arsenal of favourite Scripture verses I memorised for my battle against eating disorders back in the 1980’s, I hadn’t found what many call a “Life Verse.” And although I enjoyed selecting a verse of the day and a verse of the year, I hadn’t chosen my forever one.

     But as I recently worked on a podcast draft for HopeStreamRadio, the verse I noticed during the Beth Moore Bible study came to mind and reminded me it not only applied to Jesus, but to all who believed on His name, because we’re to be filled by Christ, empowered by Christ, and imitators of Christ.

      A Christian is defined as one who follows Jesus. To follow Him is to do as He did, which is to be a fisher of men—as He called His disciples to do. Part of being a Christian fisherman is to instruct and build up the body of believers.

Are you curious—yet—as to which verse I’m alluding to?

     Here it is: Isaiah 61:1 NIV

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

 because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

 He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives

 and release from darkness for the prisoners.

     When I read this verse in the context of Christians being called and anointed to do as Christ did, it sent shivers of inspiration though my spirit. I long to live as one who binds and builds up broken people because I’ve been blessed with healing through the Word and through the words of those God used to help me overcome darkness. And as a result of my own rescue from eating disorders, depression, and infertility:

 My faith is not shallow because I’ve been rescued from the deep.

     There are a lot of people drowning in disorders. There are a lot of rescues still in need of happening. I write because I want to be part of the rescue efforts. Sure it’s humbling—even humiliating at times—to share my story. But I thank God for the brave people who didn’t just recover from the darkness and hide the Light under the pew they sit on each Sunday. We’re to share what the Lord has done for us so that others may believe and glorify God too.

I’m glad I needed a rescue because now I know the Rescuer.   

     This is the reason I write. I’m nosey-to-know what yours is?

 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted 

and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18 NIV

     Rescued from the deep blessings ~ Wendy Mac

a white down feather

 fluttering in surrender

 I kneel before God

 for He comforts broken hearts

 and lifts the low in spirit

~ wlm

***

Wendy L. Macdonald is an inspirational blogger and podcaster who loves to photograph nature on Vancouver Island. She hopes you’ll visit her “Daily Bread” style Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Her byline is: “My faith is not shallow because I’ve been rescued from the deep.” Her main website is wendylmacdonald.com where she enjoys interacting with readers.

Always an Adventure by Steph Beth Nickel

I am in agreement with Bryan Norford, that we, as Christians, ought to pray before putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. In fact, we ought to pray before undertaking any task—especially one as important as communicating with our readers.

A crucial part of our prayer life is following where God leads. Sometimes, He responds to a specific prayer and His direction is clear. Sometimes, we pray more generic prayers and only see His leading as we look back over the course of our life. The Lord has directed my path and answered my prayers in ways I never expected.

Can You Hear Me Now? by Steph Beth Nickel

Can you imagine if God made a telephone commercial?

While He, of course, knows the answer to the question, sometimes we need to be asked, "Can you hear me now?"

Where do I hear from God? How do I connect with him?

Highlight Scripture Verses
I recently purchased a package of multicoloured highlighters to use when reading my Bible. (They're retractable and I love them.) I use use the yellow marker to highlight familiar verses, the green to highlight those that stand out either for the first time or for the first time in a while, orange to highlight passages about prayer, etc.

Listen to Worship Music
Whether hymns that were written hundreds of years ago or contemporary Christian songs that only hit the market within the last few years, truth set to music can sink deep into our hearts and minds. I prefer the latter and enjoy listening to music by contemporary artists such as Lauren Daigle, Matthew West, and Toby Mac. I even enjoy some songs by Skillet. Sometimes I need a musical shot in the arm.

Subscribe to Christian Podcasts
I listen to a number of podcasts, most are on the topics of writing and marketing. However, I also enjoy listening to faith-based recordings. As most of you know, I write for HopeStreamRadio. There you will find a wide variety of podcasts, from academic to personal testimony. I also enjoy listening to Matt McCarrick's One Verse Devotional and others.

Join Online Christian Communities
I was once asked, "Who needs them?" when I was discussing the connections, the friends, I'd made on social media. I can answer categorically, "I do." While connecting with brothers and sisters online in lieu of doing so in person is not a healthy option, I'm a both / and kind of person. I have been blessed tremendously through my online interactions, and I have had the opportunity to bless others as well. I love that.

Take Notes
When I asked my husband if anything in particular stood out when our guest speaker gave the message at church today, he said he hadn't really learned anything new. Although the same was true of me, Pastor Don did present his points in a way I had never heard before, and I made note of some phrases that stood out to me.

My plan to to review these notes periodically, but I rarely do. Even so, I like to take notes. It ensures that I'm listening more closely.

And speaking of things I intend to do but often forget ...

Commit Each Task to the Lord
There are many benefits of doing so.
1. It reminds me that I should do all as if doing them for him. (See 1 Corinthians 10:31.)
2. It keeps my focus where it out to be—on him.
3. It serves as an invitation to him to redirect my path. (If I can't commit a task to him, I ought not to be doing it.)

How do you hear from the Lord?

It's All About Connections by Steph Beth Nickel

It all began well over a decade ago …

Actually, it began long before that, but I won’t go back that far.

Connecting with Other Writers

Ruth Waring spoke to the ladies’ group at my church. Because authenticity marks her writing and speaking, I felt a connection and sought her out after the meeting.

She asked me where one could connect with a writers’ group in Southwestern Ontario. And the rest, as they say, is history.

We didn’t form Women Writing for Christ (WWC) until several years later. From time to time, I would  email Ruth and see if she’d found a group to join. Eventually, four of us began to gather at 

Ruth’s home once a month to learn the craft of writing.

Connecting with Industry Pros

That first year, we took the plunge and went to Write Canada … wearing matching t-shirts no less. Hey, we were green—very, very green.

It would be years before I went to the conference a second time, but when I did, it was like going home. Same venue. Familiar faces. And that incredible feeling that envelopes me when I hang out with other writers and industry pros.

And it was my connection to Write Canada that led to some amazing and unexpected opportunities, opportunities God had planned for me all along.

Connecting with New Friends

There I met Ron Hughes. (We were in the same continuing class.) Because of his “radio voice,” I told him if I ever turned a children’s book into an audiobook, I would hire him to narrate it. And thus began a friendship that led to my involvement in the podcast HopeStreamRadio.

I don’t imagine Ron expected me to jump into the ministry with both feet when he called to see if I knew anyone who might like to get involved. Since he approached me in 2014, I have written hundreds of devotionals and also some book reviews that have “aired” on the daily program.

It blows me away to think that words I write are being heard around the globe and that the Lord just may be using them for His eternal purposes. Mind-boggling!

Did I gather around Ruth Waring’s table thinking that one day I would be writing for an international podcast? Definitely not. After all, the podcasting patent was first issued in 2009. (Thank you, Wikipedia.)

Did I chat with Ruth after our initial meeting with the thought that she would introduce me to Deb Willows, the Paralympian whose award-winning memoir I co-wrote? It never even entered my mind—and still leaves me shaking my head.

And then there is the connection I made at Write Canada with members of InScribe. This connection led to working on the 7 Habits anthology as well as moderating the professional blog and writing regularly for it and this blog … not to mention making some amazing friends.

And on and on it goes.

How about you? Have you taken baby steps into the world of writing only to discover surprising opportunities? Are you an experienced writer who is set on a specific course? While focus is important, I encourage you to keep your eyes and ears open. Your path, like mine, may take you somewhere you never imagined you’d go.

Happy Connecting, my friends!  

Write from the Heart by Steph Beth Nickel

Years ago, a visiting missionary explained how he decided what to speak about when he was called upon to give a message. He said he simply looked to what God was teaching him in his own life and shared it with his audience. He figured if he needed to learn a particular lesson, others likely did as well.

I have never forgotten those words. When I’m looking for inspiration as to what I should write, I examine my own life and what God has been teaching me. This is reflected in my prayer journal, my blog posts, and my devotionals for HopeStreamRadio.

I ask myself, “What’s going on in my life? My mind? My heart?”

And most importantly, I ask, “What is God teaching me in the midst of it all?”

The Scriptures are the Living Word. I’m always amazed when I read a familiar passage and either something jumps off the page that I’ve never noticed before or the Lord drives home a truth I haven’t thought about in ages. The Bible always has something to say to our situation all these years after it was originally penned.

When I’m reveling in my discoveries and soaring high, the words spill out onto the paper—or the computer screen. My heart truly overflows and I can’t wait to share new discoveries with my readers.

But, like everyone else, there are times I plummet to the Earth. The world news is devastating. And sometimes, the news much closer to home knocks me for a loop. Just how can I write when I feel like curling up in a ball and pulling the covers over my head?

And then . . . I sit down at my computer and let the word comes. Just the other day, I was not in a good head space, but I decided to write a different kind of entry in my prayer journal than I’d ever written before. And the more I wrote, the more the ideas tumbled out, one after the other.

Here’s just a snippet of that entry:

So today . . .

I will love the Lord with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength.

I will love others as I do myself and tend to their needs.

I will be anxious for nothing.

By prayer and petition with thanksgiving, I will make my requests to God.

I will trust Him with my whole heart.

I will not lean on my own understanding.

I will acknowledge Him in all my ways, trusting that He will make my path straight.

I will cast my care on Him, knowing He cares for me.

I will look more to the needs of others than my own needs.

I will repent of sin, turn and go in the opposite direction.

I will not serve money; the Lord God will be my Master.

I will do what I do as unto Him.

I will keep my eyes on the Author and Finisher of my faith.

I will make Him known.

Second Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” Because this is true, I knew I could make the above declarations and rest in His power to follow through.

No matter how old we get, as Christians, there is always so much more to learn. And over the years I’ve learned that God’s ways are truly not my ways. He sees the Big Picture and I only catch the tiniest glimpse. The deeper truth sinks into my very being, the more I realize God is 100 percent trustworthy. Although I don’t know what good can come from certain situations, I have faith that nothing is too hard for Him.

I believe 1 John 4:8, which says, “God is love” (ESV).

I also believe Romans 8:28, which says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV).

So, no matter how I’m feeling, I can pour out my heart, examine what God is saying to me, and discover what He would have me share with others.