Best Writerly Advice by Sandi Somers

I thought long and hard about the question of receiving advice for my writing. I knew there wasn’t one piece that stood out and transformed my thinking. Instead, there have been a number along the way. Here is a selection.


Long before I devoted significant time to writing and publishing, I journaled my experiences in Colombia. Then later when beginning to teach ESL, one teacher recommended I journal; it was the best advice I received at that time. These two cross-cultural experiences were some of the most fulfilling of my life. I have kept my journal from Colombia and have referenced it in writing articles. With my ESL journal, I now have binders full of ideas, experiences, and relationships with my students. Such writing gave me practice in fluency and in capturing many significant details which complement my current memories—or have forgotten.

In 2011, I joined InScribe. One article in the FellowScript magazine, “Running on Empty”, by Loreen Guenther, brought to my attention that our mental, physical, and emotional energies can become depleted as we write. Restoring our creativity can be as simple as going for a walk or doing the laundry. I’ve found that once my mind relaxes, ideas often spring to mind. Also, leaving a work for days, weeks, even months or longer, (when possible), gives me a fresh perspective when I return to the work, viewing it with new eyes. (Thank you, Laureen!)

In one particular writers’ workshop, the speaker recommended planning in 12-week segments. While yearly planning helps with longer range goals, so many things can come in to interrupt the process, for example illness, family emergencies, or an unexpected trip. With a shorter timeline, I notice I focus more on what I can reasonably accomplish. I can more easily plan my work and then work my plan.

Valuable advice came from Grace Fox in an InScribe Fall Conference one year. These days, a lot of emphasis is on marketing, more so as we write for independent publishers. Yet the Lord reminded her—and us—that our writing responsibility is to “Feed my sheep”, as Jesus told Peter to do. I learned that as I concentrate on writing messages the Lord gives me, He will direct me to marketing strategies as my writing expands.

In regards to praying for our writing and our readers, I’m often drawn to what Janette Oke said, that she saturates her writing with prayer. She challenged me to pray for the overall purposes of my works-in-progress, and for my daily needs, such as solving a particular issue in what I’m working on. And to pray for my readers. Just yesterday the Lord asked me to envision and pray for as-yet-unknown readers to respond to specific articles.

This brings me to the best advisor of all: The Lord Himself. He gives me specific ideas, ways to develop my writing, time to write, and even nudges when I’m procrastinating. Then there are Scriptures, such as His advice to me to “Launch out into the deep,” which is my verse for the year. He's encouraging me to be bold and expand my horizons in new ways.

Listening and following advice from significant others and the Lord will guide me in fulfilling His purposes for my life and writing. This is my best advice to you, too. Make it yours.

Sandi Somers’ writing passion is to help readers grow their faith in Jesus, including their vision of what God wants them to be and do. She writes in several genres—devotionals, personal essays, and Biblical fiction. Sandi lives in Calgary, Alberta, the delightful city between the Rocky Mountains and the Prairies.

(My apologies for no photos--after my computer returned from being off-line, many of my other features were scrambled or not available. I've been travelling and so haven't been to Best Buy to get things sorted out.)

These Are My People ~ Valerie Ronald

 

I remember little about the topics discussed the first time I attended a Christian writers group. What I do remember thinking is, these are my people! The atmosphere created by like-minded writers in lively discussion sparked my desire to learn and grow in their company. For years I wrote in isolation, having little contact with other writers. Now at each monthly meeting I found encouragement and guidance from group members, opening new vistas of opportunity on my writing horizon.

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: if either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NIV) reminds us of the power of community, emphasizing the importance of having someone to help us when we fall. Life was meant to be lived communally, not in isolation. This also applies to our calling as writers who are followers of Jesus Christ. Though the process of writing happens in isolation, we still need each other for support, feedback, and especially, encouragement.

The word encourage stems from the French word encoragier, from en, “to make or put in,” and coeur, which means “heart.” The basic premise of the word encourage is to instill confidence and hope; to build up the heart, which is the intellect, emotions and will, the wellspring of the soul. As Christians, we have a perfect example in Jesus who spent His ministry on earth encouraging His disciples with the gospel.

An aspect of the writer’s group I appreciated was the variety of writing styles, genres, interests, and voices represented, all unique yet focused on a similar goal. Working together to make Christ known through our written words created unity and connection in a diverse group of people. More experienced writers patiently mentored those just getting started. Some had strengths in editing, some knew about self-publishing, others shared advice in their chosen genres. Everyone had something to contribute that each of us could learn from.

Over time I witnessed the atmosphere of encouragement at our meetings encompass more than the process of writing. Meaningful bonds developed as we prayed for one another, helped one another outside the group, and ministered to each other during times of loss and difficulty. I made friends in the group who are especially dear to me, though I no longer attend due to driving distance. They are not just writing acquaintances; they are lifetime friends.

The Apostle Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is one of encouragement and hope. In chapter 4, verses 13 to 18, he assured them of being reunited with their loved ones who died in faith, when Jesus returns for His church. Paul concludes with this instruction, therefore encourage one another with these words.(vs.18)

Our InScribe Christian Writers Fellowship members shine at encouraging one another with their words. I am a recipient of those words, as are most of you. Our members live all across Canada, yet our common bonds of faith in Christ and passion for writing brings us close together.  

We cannot thrive in a vacuum. We need each other to stay focused, to know we are not alone. Like the church in Thessalonica, we need to encourage one another with these words, words of truth from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NASB) 

 Valerie Ronald writes from an old roll top desk in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, with her tortoiseshell cat for a muse. A graduate of Langara College School of Journalism, she writes devotionals, fiction and inspirational prose. Her purpose in writing is to encourage others to grow in their spiritual walk.

 

 

 

 

How Is InScribe Inspiring You? By Sandi Somers

We begin this year reflecting on InScribe purpose and our place in the organization.

Our purpose is to minister to Canadian Christian writers by stimulating, supporting, and encouraging them in the advancement of their writing so they can effectively minister to others, promote Christianity, and contribute to the public’s appreciation of the arts.

 (Note: I’m dedicating this post to our InScribe members who have recently finished their life journeys, and who contributed much to our organization: Bryan Norford, Elaine Hogg, Patricia Elford, and Bobbi Junior) 

My early connections with InScribe were stop-and-go. I joined in the early 2000’s, but for some reason which I can’t recall, I let my membership lapse. When I rejoined in 2011, I knew only one InScribe member—Janet Seever—and had few other connections with writers. 

In that year’s Fall Conference, I sensed the Spirit’s powerful presence like the fragrance of fresh flowers after rain. Our main speaker, Grace Fox, shared her writing journey and how God assured her: "I will accomplish what concerns you." That conference, along with the small-group workshops, became the standard of excellence for me.

The idea of entering writing contests challenged me. So the next year I wrote a devotional and major essay to the theme. (My topic was, “Co-creators with God”.) What a surprise to win first place in the major essay!

Jack Popjes, our president at that time, invited members to volunteer in a number of ways. I was interested in becoming the secretary, and was asked to assume this position in 2012. My three years gave me insight into the visions for InScribe of our president, Ruth Snyder, and other leaders. For me it was the best way to give back to the community.

A key turning point in my InScribe involvement came in early 2014. At executive meetings, we took turns opening our meetings with a devotional. Brenda Leyland, who moderated our InScribe Writers Online (or IWO, as I call it privately), must have enjoyed my devotionals, because she asked me to be the lead writer, introducing the theme on the first of the month. This, more than anything, has called on me to develop my skills, to pray God’s guidance to present viable and spirit-expanding introductions on a particular theme. I’ve met and value you, our writers, as you share your depth of faith and writing skills. I’m grateful to Brenda and Tracy Krauss for moderating and encouraging us. Thank you, everyone!!

I was interested in leading a local writing group. After beginning one and then dropping it, I felt God asking me to begin again. Here I needed God’s strength to lead and encourage other writers towards excellence. During this last year of Covid, we’ve connected via Zoom. While it helps us connect more easily, we miss the in-person connections and comradeship during our coffee breaks.

InScribe has ministered to me through others’ prayers. In addition, one of the most important ways I can encourage our writers is to pray for them.

This year God is ready to greatly enlarge InScribe’s ministry, stretching our vision and potential. He’s inviting us to embrace opportunities of encouraging others, reaching others with the Gospel of Christ, and glorifying God. In doing so, God will accomplish more than we ask or think.

Rejoice and be glad, because the LORD will do great things.

~Joel 2:21~

Let your eyes look straight ahead…

Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established.

~Proverbs 4:25-26~

Image by Medium.com

 ~ ~ ~

Now over to you.

In what ways is InScribe an inspiration to you?

Think also in terms of the future. How is God prompting you to be an inspiration to others?

How can you glorify God in your involvement with InScribe?

~ ~ ~

LINKS: This post was partially inspired by the following writers:

 Tracy Krauss invited us to be a greater part of InScribe's ministry teams.   

Read how Marnie Pohlmann met different InScribe members and the influence they’ve had on her.  

Some of Sheila Webster's most cherished friends have come from the Inscribe family, sharing similar trials and questions.  

8 Strategies for Writing in the Cracks of Time by Sandi Somers

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how light gets in.”

Leonard Cohen

When I initially planned this blog theme last fall, I was thinking of how, along with our other responsibilities, we can discover cracks of time in which to hone our craft.

However, Covid-19 has shed a different light on our lifestyle and writing. With this in mind, I’ve given strategies from authors (including our own InScribe writers)-- strategies to inspire us and illumine God’s intentions for us during this time.

~ ~ ~

Cracks of time for writing may have narrowed as parents simultaneously homeschool children, keep toddlers busy, work from home, and live with more congestion in the house.

Jane Austin wrote at a table in the midst of a busy household and hid her manuscript papers when visitors arrived.  Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin with children on her knee.

Sometimes creativity involves adaptation. When important ideas come, “grab the moment”, and write in the thick of your congestion.

~ ~ ~

For other writers who are living alone, a restriction in normal activities may provide extended time and opportunities to write. Think of John Bunyan who wrote his famous Pilgrim’s Progress in prison. It was a gift to the world which at one time sold more copies than any other book except the Bible.  

In challenges we can discover opportunities. As Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

~ ~ ~

Whatever our situation, small cracks of time may appear. A nineteenth-century doctor in Britain began writing short stories while waiting for patients. He later won success with his first novel, A Study in Scarlet in 1887. The author was Arthur Conan Doyle of the now-famous Sherlock Holmes novels.

Closer to home, Carol Shields wrote while her children were at school. She reflected: "The first novel I wrote entirely between 11:00 and 12:00 every day just before the kids came home for lunch…I set myself a little task which was to write two pages a day. Now it takes me all day to write two pages. Then I could squeeze it into one hour."

Success depends on quality, not quantity, of time to write. Your writing in small cracks of time may lead to your dream novel, memoir, or a collection on a theme.

~ ~ ~

Covid-19 has brought loss of privacy and routine. Greater losses include a loved one, a job, or even health. During this time, some can only journal, or maybe not even write at all. In my writing group, several members are journalling “pandemic diaries”, adding photos and drawings. They plan to resume regular writing later.    

Your journals contain valuable treasures. Processing your experiences and emotions will bring catharsis, clarity, and healing. You'll also have great notes for later articles. 

~ ~ ~

In a crisis, many people volunteer to help. Neighbours ask how others are doing—and volunteer to get groceries or run errands. The Calgary Fire Department is conducting a “Birthday Brigade,” driving a fire truck to a person’s home to celebrate a birthday.

One of my projects has been to write letters and cards to great-nephews and nieces who are now being homeschooled. In their letters, they tell me what life and homeschooling are like. This exchange also gives them practice in letter writing skills and written communication.  

Others are writing more on social media. In her blog, It’s a Beautiful Life, Brenda Leyland has been sharing excerpts from her book collection as “a contribution to create community in isolation.” 

Cracks let in beautiful light. Your life and spirits are lifted as you use your gifts to support and sustain others. 

~ ~ ~

Our spiritual welfare may suffer when life throws us out of balance. “The enemy has tried to rob us of time with God,” wrote Tracy Krauss in an earlier blog.

Tracy shared her advice: “Take back your right to time with God and you will be surprised at how 'balanced' the rest of your life will become…Honour God with the BEST of your time and He will honour you by multiplying what's left.”

~ ~ ~

We may also be renewed spiritually. As we spend time with God, He will give us directions for writing. Ruth Snyder dreamed of all she could accomplish if she could write full-time. But then she reflected, “What a luxury it would be to have no limitation on time spent reading my Bible, praying, worshiping, and just being quiet in God's presence. I think my writing would be more focused.”

Make writing and other life priorities an ongoing conversation between you and God, and let God guide you daily and weekly.

~ ~ ~

In our time when our focus shifts, can we surrender our writing to God? Sharon Heagy blogged, “Shall I surrender each project and each turn of phrase? What about the balls of wadded paper sitting in the trash basket and the bricks from the wall of writer’s block? Shall I surrender them too, hoping to glorify His name but also to allow Him to mould me into a vessel for His purposes?

As Sharon suggested: Surrender this moment in time, ourselves and our writing to God, and let His purposes “pour over (us) like a healing, restorative balm.”

~ ~ ~

Image by induced.info

As we surrender our lives and writing to God, we can trust His promise to, guide us, satisfy our needs and strengthen us (Isaiah 58:11). For this and for everything, let us praise Him. 

And as Brenda Leyland once wrote, “may spaces for writing open in those unexpected moments so that your writerly heart may flourish.”

For reflection:

What is your normal (non-Covid) system for writing in the cracks?

How is God challenging you to lean into writing opportunities during this pandemic?

What encouragement can you give our/your readers, both for this time and for the longer span of their writing lives? 

Giving Thanks for Faith, Family, Friends by Sharon Espeseth

In our front entry, over the door, we have a wooden sign that says, "Faith, Family and Friend." I liked this when I got it at a gift exchange, because it is emblematic of what is important in life and in our household. And I display it with appreciation.

Faith

"The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." (Psalm 126:3 NIV) From creation to salvation to watching over us to his unfailing love and patience . . . the realm of what God has done and is doing for us is endless. I cannot contain my faith in the brevity of a blog, but "I will sing of the Lord's great love forever; with my mouth (and my writing and my living), I will make your faithfulness known through all generations." (Psalm 89:1 NIV)

I am thankful for the faith I learned from my elders and accepted as my own. I am thankful for God's Word that teaches how to serve the living God and how to live as Christ taught us. God's Word-- written by prophets, teachers, kings, and  apostles called from ordinary walks of life--informs my day-to-day life and my writing. "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to the dividing of soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12 NIV)

Many good books have been written and many excellent resources are available, but today I am giving thanks for the Holy Bible, the foundation of our faith.

Family

Like most of you, our family got together this past weekend and celebrated our thankfulness for each other and for the many other blessings in our lives. To me, our family is an earthly symbol of God's caring for us. How would shy Hank and quiet Sharon have managed to find each other in this noisy world, had it not been for the the Good Lord's leading, guidance, and wisdom? Yes, I was wise to marry Hank--not that I am perfect nor that he is perfect, but we are perfect for each other. And 42 years later, here we still are looking after and loving one another.

We wanted a family and God saw that we would have a family. Our first child, a baby boy, arrived 5 1/2 months after we submitted our adoption application. The second child, a baby girl, arrived 13 months later. The third child, another girl arrived on Valentine's Day the following year. Within 37 months, we had three children and life was in full gear.


God is great.
God is good.
But let us not thank him
just for the food.


Our family continues to grow by sons-in-law and grandchildren. We now are a family of 13 and we have much to be thankful for. When Hank and I were young, strong and full of energy, we didn't see the road ahead. As we have aged, health problems and waning energy can hold us captive. When we need help, however, the kids come. The kids are a source of help and support: a resource of sorts, but much more!

Our Original Family of Five

I always have been, and still am, close to the members of my birth family. Although some of our family have left this earthly realm, I am thankful for their loving influence on my life. I am thankful for my sisters and their families, who are also an important part of our lives.

None of us is perfect, but God has a way of working with broken vessels. He takes us where and as we are and leads us, if we are willing, to the place he knows is best for us.


Friends

We who have good friends are blessed. We can get busy in our lives and forget to show our appreciation for their friendships. A friend is a resource who can bring a well-spring of joy and blessing to our lives, and hopefully we can bring blessing to their lives as well.

Writing this blog seems an appropriate time to say thanks to the friends I have gained through my writing years. I think of the Women Word Weavers in our hometown. Some of our founding members, including me, are still around for the meetings, for keeping in touch, exchanging ideas, and encouraging one another. How thankful I am for their faithfulness and loyalty.

InScribe Christian Writer's Fellowship has been another boon to my continued growth and confidence in myself as a writer. I am thankful for the group as a whole, for our dedicated executive and volunteer workers, for Connie Inglis and Jack Popjes as spiritual advisors, and for the members of the prayer group, who offer prayer support for our members when it is needed.

As Paul said to the Philippians,

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel . . ." (Philippians 1:3-5a NIV)

Get Involved!

"We are never really invested in our church if we only show up. Taking on a responsibility is how we truly join in and belong... There is a place for serving others, and we usually find that in serving we are also growing... We support our own writing by supporting other writers. Inscribe Christian Writers Fellowship helps us do this. We can help with a local writing group. We can encourage others, perhaps through the Inscribe list-serve or the Inscribe blogs. We can become familiar with the workings of Inscribe and offer to help in some small (or large) way. Writing is probably not our only gift. Purposeful gathering begets personal growth because iron sharpens iron."

                                                       - Marnie Pohlmann

This is a direct quote from yesterday's post by Marnie Pohlmann. If you haven't read it yet, don't miss out! (You won't be sorry.) However, the above part was exactly what I wanted to say in today's post. The 27th of each month is set aside for promotional purposes, and today I wanted to encourage you to get involved!

There are so many ways to get 'plugged in' but I am often surprised when people don't seem to know about all the opportunities.

Writing Opportunities:
 -  Contributing to this blog is just one way you can connect with the Inscribe family and hone your skills as a writer at the same time. While we have a list of regular contributors, there are still spots available, and there are also guest posting opportunities. Email me or make a comment below.
-  Word challenges are great ways to write to a topic and get your words selected for publication. Glynis Belec does a fantastic job of moderating this vibrant and exciting opportunity. It's kind of like a free contest every month and is very interactive. Why not get involved?
- Speaking of contests, there are literally dozens of contest categories to choose from over the course of the year. The annual Winter Contest will be coming up in January. Check the website for details.
- Fellowscript magazine takes unsolicited articles and poetry. Check the writers' guidelines online or in the front of the magazine. You even get paid for your words!

Learning and Connecting Opportunities:
- Do you have a question? Post it on the listserv! This is a wonderful forum for asking questions (and getting answers) as well as making announcements and celebrating successes. Prefer facebook? No problem! We have a public Inscribe group as well as a page called 'Canadian Writers'. Join the conversation!
-  Inscribe helps various writers' groups across this great country. For a listing of groups near you check out the page on the website. Don't have a group near you? Start one! We'll help you get started.

Volunteer Opportunities:
As marnie so eloquently said in yesterday's post, taking on a volunteer position actually benefits you in ways you would never have imagined. We currently have several executive positions available including WEBMASTER, FELLOWSCRIPT LAYOUT, CONTEST COORDINATOR, and CONFERENCE COORDINATOR. Besides this there are many other ways you can help out: proofing the website, being a provincial rep, helping at conference, offering editing services for various projects... if you have a skill or would like to be involved, ask one of the executive. We are looking for people just like YOU!

Get involved in INSCRIBE. You'll be glad you did.

Spurred and Spurring by Sharon Espeseth

" . . . Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another . . ." (Hebrews 10:24 NIV)

Spurring and being spurred on, that is the connection I have with Women Word Weavers, which is our Barrhead writing group, and InScribe Christian Writer's Fellowship, which I have been a member of for several years. Both of these groups inspire me, teach me, encourage me, and try to keep me honest and accountable about my writing. Thankful for my writing colleagues, I try to give back in kind to my fellow writers in each of these groups.

I have previously written about my InScribe and WWW mentors/friends in my September 10, 2015
blog on Inscribe, "There's No Ship Like Mentorship" and also in my November blog, "Growing with InScribe Then and Now". I will try not to repeat myself.

In both groups, I find our friendships deepen with time, but often on meeting a new writing colleague there is an instant connection. We are a diverse, but like-minded group. We trust one another with our writing and with our personal struggles. We pray for one another and encourage one another in our writing and in our lives.

Since Women Word Weavers was formed before we became a Satellite group of InScribe, we do not require members to adhere to our faith, but we are free and open to write, share, and discuss Christian matters. Most of my writing, for example is faith-oriented or at least expresses my Christian worldview.

For either group, I get excited when our next meeting, workshop, or conference approaches. We regulars, in either group, don't like missing meetings or conferences. "Kindred spirits", we enjoy each other's company and savour the inspiration freely shared. Glynis Belec in her blog on the theme of writing partnerships mentions that her group sometimes becomes a therapy session when one of the members is experiencing struggles. " . . . (We've) got each other's writerly backs," Glynis says. Can anyone identify with that?

At our WWW's meeting on Feb. 8th, I asked the group to share their comments on what our Barrhead group does. Susan said, "The last meeting made me go home and get this long-time idea down on paper." She then shared this writing, a ready-for-critique and soon-to-be-submitted article on the topic that had been on her mind for ages. Susan plans to submit this piece to a denominational publication. Yahoo!

Other members talked about great writing prompts, stretching our writing, extending our boundaries, trying new genres, and getting used to reading our writings to others. We take turns chairing meetings with each chair doing her best effort to spur us on to fresh, open writing.

Women Word Weavers

We  also take turns bringing snacks, not to outdo one another, but to buoy ourselves to higher levels of writing. True! Our discussion momentarily turned to olives, bologna as a gift from Dorene who couldn't be at the meeting, chocolate, home-made bread, and apple crisp with whipped cream. Tears, hugs, and laughter also came to mind. As members, we help one another believe in our writing and aid one another to see writing dreams come to fruition.

We talked about our much-loved member, Mabel, who is presently in hospital dealing with cancer. We are missing this gentle, soft-spoken woman for her wisdom and serenity.

On our way to visit Mabel recently, Glenice and I had grabbed a grocery-store bunch of tulips and a card. When we removed the tulips from the cellophane sleeve and put them in a short vase the nurse provided, we were aghast to see the tulips flop horizontally. We laughed at the sight, but we brought them to our friend as something for her to care for. Mabel shared our laughter and said the tulips inspired her to write a poem.

I passed on Steph Beth Nickel's "12 Benefits of Belonging to a Writers' Group" to our satellite group members. After Marianne, a Word Weaver who spends much of the year in Switzerland, read Stephanie's blog, she replied, "A good writing group matters, because it sucks to write alone!!!"

Marianne has tried unsuccessfully to start a writing group over there, but it seemed writers there aren't as open about their writing. On her trips back to Alberta, she tries to fit a WWW meeting into her schedule.

We are blessed to have our writing group(s). May we continue to spur one another on to love, good works, and good writing. "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us." (2 Corinthians 5:20a ESV)