Community of Encouragers by Carol Harrison

 

“And 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—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

We all need encouragement in our daily lives. I have been and am blessed with a community of encouragers. One of my greatest encouragers was my husband, Brian. He believed I could do more than I thought I could possibly accomplish. He continually encouraged me to go and write even when I didn’t feel like it. I miss his encouragement every day more that I can express.

Yet, I am not without others who have and do encourage me even as I walk with grief which seems to put a block on my writing. A number of my grandchildren have encouraged me to branch out and try other genres or have helped design book covers or format for KDP. All of these things are encouragement. I can also encourage the grandchildren in using their talents with book cover design and formatting which I enjoy doing.

For the last two years, I have faced a block with writing and crafting. I don’t know why this has to be a season of waiting for inspiration or the desire to continue on a writing journey. Yet in the midst of this time, I have others who encourage me to try like my oldest daughter, Lorilee. We often discuss writing or my lack thereof lately. She encourages me to take a step forward and then another one. What can I do to discover what is holding me back? Then work through it and try writing something or editing something I’ve written long ago.

Maybe, she suggests, it is because I haven’t begun a project my husband had challenged me to write before he passed away. It will be a difficult project to write about journeying with him through his cancer. But it might also be a healing journey. I have started an outline and a rough first chapter and then put it back away. Maybe she is right and it is time to face it once again.

I also have friends who pray for me and encourage me. These dear friends keep telling me I have the ability to write. I just need to take the time to rest and then step forward one step at a time with the writing and crafting until the excitement returns. They get excited when I write something new or publish a piece. The encouragement makes me feel like someone cares how I am doing.

I have also been encouraged by reading the Inscribe blog posts and the authors' writings. The conference encouraged me as well. There are so many avenues of encouragement opportunities within our organization and that is how it should be.

The saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” flits through my mind, and yet in this case for this prompt, I believe it takes a community of encouragers to help us as writers and believers continue on in the path God has set for us.

May you find a community of encouragers surrounding you.

 

Carol Harrison appreciates each person who has encouraged her on her life and writing journey. They are blessings from God.

Stir it Up Together by Lorrie Orr

 

Everyday I stir up something – the few seconds of tinkling the spoon of honey in my morning tea, the steady back and forth and around the pot of making jam, the vigorous slap of yeast dough to develop the gluten structure, a quick dip to the bottom and around the bowl for muffins, and a fast scraping of the pan when sautéing aromatics for soup. Different types of stirring for different purposes.

The Apostle Paul encouraged Timothy to “stir up the gift of God” that was in him. Other versions say to “fan into flame the gift of God” or “kindle afresh the gift of God.” The writer of Hebrews uses similar language when he writes “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deed.”

Community is vital to the spiritual health of a church. And I believe we can extend that same meaning to a community of writers. One of the most influential writing groups consisted of C. S. Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Charles Williams, Owen Barfield, and others. They met together regularly, informally, without rules and regulations, to discuss Christianity and their own writings. They stirred each other up, not always agreeing, but motivating one another in thinking and writing. Tolkien says of Lewis, “He was for long my only audience. Only from him did I ever get the idea that my ‘stuff’ could be more than a hobby.” Lewis encouraged Tolkien to complete The Lord of the Rings. Lewis said of the Inklings, “what I owe them is incalculable.” Along with meeting regularly, some of the members, including Lewis and Tolkien, took long walks together in the English countryside. I would love to have listened in on their conversations.

Reading about the Inklings and their closeness makes my heart ache with longing for something similar. I write quietly, in the background. Few of my real-life acquaintances know that I write. Yet I believe God has given me the ability and desire to write and I long to honour him with it. Lately, I’ve been feeling the need for more connection to other writers. It’s a scary thing to consider, making myself vulnerable.

Maybe it’s time to think about getting more involved with Inscribe. There are several opportunities in the organization just now. What about you? Shall we step forward together and commit to something outside of our own writing life? Shall we stir up the flame of writing so that it does not go out? Shall we spur each other on to love and good deeds?

Together in God’s strength our personal writings can become deeper, more nuanced, and finished! Tolkien was a notorious non-finisher (can you imagine?) and it was through Lewis’ encouragement that he completed the magnificent literary works we enjoy today. By paying attention to each other, stirring up one another’s gift of writing, we can all benefit.

 

 Lorrie writes from Vancouver Island where she lives with her husband. She is blessed to have her children and grandchildren living in the same town. Writing, reading, gardening, sewing, hiking, camping - life is full of God's goodness. She recently returned from 10 days in The Netherlands followed by a cruise around Iceland, stopping in Scotland before returning home. 

C is For Cookie by Lorilee Guenter

 I grew up watching Sesame Street with Cookie Monster devouring any cookie he saw. As a reader, I devour good writing (and not so good writing). As a writer, I want my writing to be as enticing to the readers as those cookies.

A good cookie needs the right number of ingredients, in the right proportions, mixed according to directions. Some are baked. Some are left to cool. Likewise, all good writing follows a recipe that includes word images, grammar and spelling. Different genres need different ingredients just as different cookies do. I would not be happy with a mystery that didn't solve the crime by the end of the story. I would not be happy with a chocolate cookie that lacked cocoa.

Every writer, no matter what genre, needs community. While the act of writing is solitary, the craft of writing is not. Through workshops and classes we learn to hone our craft. Critique groups and editors help us polish the work. They help us determine if one spice, one element overpowers the others. Family, friends, or a group of other writers can help us take a break to regain perspective. They encourage us to keep going when we want to stop. In addition, they might be willing to listen as you talk through the roadblocks in front of you.

Every writer needs that spark of an idea they can build upon. We each find inspiration in different places and different ways. There is one commonality, attention. When I rush through life, or let distractions pull at my attention, I miss opportunities. I also miss details that could add interest to my words. Distraction busies my mind so I neglect to pause and consider what I am seeing, hearing or learning. It tells me "I don't have time," or "my words don't matter anyway."

I have a bad habit of trying to taste the cookies before they cool enough to touch. This results in a burnt tongue and difficulty tasting the blend of flavours. In editing, it can be useful to let the writing cool so that when you re-read it you can taste the flavour of the words. Then you will be better able to notice what blends well and what is out of place. A small group of first readers can offer feedback on the results just like taste testers do with cookies.

A good baker knows the right time to take the cookies out of the oven. Too little time and they are raw in the middle, too long and they are burnt. Neither is optimal. Too little editing and other work on a manuscript, whether short or long, can leave the reader wishing for more polish. Too much editing can take a piece that sparkles and turn it into a flat specimen, burnt around the edges. Most writers struggle with under cooked stories instead of overcooked ones. Some writers have been know to take a match to old, unappealing work so no one tastes the stale words.

As Christian writers we have one powerful ingredient in our writing: prayer. Through prayer and contemplation, the Holy Spirit takes our offerings and multiplies them. The power in our words, whether we write in the secular market or Christian market, comes from the Word. When our writing is baked with prayer, we can be confident it will find the right audience. It gives us the courage to share our words.

A dessert table with plates of cookies and sweets is enticing and full of choices. As a community of writers, our offerings should also be enticing and full of choice so there is something for everyone. 

At the end of the day, when we set aside our writing, we can reward ourselves with a good story and a cookie.

Courageously Cultivating Connection by Joylene M Bailey

 

Image by Anthony Scanlon from Pixabay 

One early morning last week, I stepped out onto our deck into the quiet country air. As I walked around the corner of the house, the quiet was eclipsed by a chorus of coyotes from across the lake. Just before I turned back to go inside, a cock began crowing, joining forces with the coyote community. Maybe he thought he was a crowd-pleasing crooner, but my imagination, which is seven years old at the best of times, concluded he might be seeking connection... aww he needs a chum.

Maybe it's lonely being a rooster.

Sometimes it's lonely being a writer, even for this highly introverted one. We need connection with other writers (as well as publishers, editors, and agents), not only to make our work better, but to confirm again and again that this craft that calls to us is indeed worth our time and pursuit. That our readers are out there, awaiting our content.

Connection for writers takes cultivation, and courageous cultivation at that, especially for introverts. It's hard to put oneself out there. All kinds of thoughts go through one's head - What makes me think I even deserve to be here? Can I even call myself a writer? - to name only a couple.

The first time I ever met with a writers' group, I abashedly told them, yes I've written some children's stories. My friends and family like them, but they are very kind. I expected, I suppose, to have these seasoned writers blast me with a cutting and condemning critique. Only, they didn't. And I blossomed from my cocoon.

Since then, I've been involved in writing conferences and contests. I started a writing cohort, inviting other writers into my home. Each of these acts required continuing courage on my part in order to cultivate the crucial connections to further my work. In the end, it was enjoyable and gratifying. So worth it. Like-minded individuals encourage us and spur us on.

Which brings me to a cautionary caveat: be sure to find like-minded people to encourage you on your way. I would calculate that a cock consorting with coyote choirs could be considerably calamitous for the chicken.

There's a fine line between constructive critique and condemning criticism. So, find a congenial community (like InScribe!), or at least a compatible writing buddy. The connection will make all the difference.

Image by svklimkin from Pixabay 

*****

P.S. If you concluded that I challenged myself to use as many c-words as possible, you'd be correct. Extra credit for you! (And a lot of chuckles for me.)

*****

Joy is currently carousing with kids of her kids, but normally resides in beautiful lake country with the Cowboy and Chara, and a cat named Rhubarb. Find more of her Joy-infused writing at Scraps of Joy.

Write Plan B First

Finding Community by Lorilee Guenter

 

Once upon a time, not so long ago, a writer tried to hone her craft alone in a room. Writing is a solitary activity. She read books on the craft, in addition to the numerous books she read over the years for enjoyment. She never expected to desire to write and the writing sat in piles and binders, some edited, some not. It had no where to go beyond her writing closet.

With encouragement from her family, she started a blog and wrote on it from time to time. A few people found it and read her words. Now there was a reason to continue to hone her skills. She plodded on without consistency. Those who knew her continued to encourage her and she continued to dabble with the written word. Sometimes, solitary activity is a struggle, even when you know there is a purpose, a reason, to continue.

Consider Elijah. At one point he became discouraged because he thought he was the only one who had not worshipped idols. He still trusted God, but he was tired and lonely. God showed him that there were others and not only a few other but 7000. Although God is enough, He made us to need others also. (1 Kings 19).

The writer in the above story never considered she was alone in the same way Elijah did. She knew there were and are many writers who put pen to paper or fingers on a keyboard while glorifying God. However, she did not know how to find a place among them. She desired a community.

I think this story could be descriptive of many new writers. While the act of writing is a solitary activity, we need a community in which to grow in our faith and our craft. We need a place where we can encourage and be encouraged. Inscribe is one such place. Since becoming part of this community, I have become braver in sharing my writing. I shared bits and pieces before with people I knew. Now I share with more consistency and depth. I still write lighthearted, surface pieces since we need to have fun, however I don't shy away from sharing beyond those and showing my serious side. 

I took a huge step early on in my time with Inscribe and attended a writer's retreat. What a joy to share a time of prayer and learning with other writers. Perhaps the biggest benefit, which has spurred on my writing most, is reading the encouraging words others share. The blog, the magazine, the challenges, and the prayer make this an encouraging community. It is a place to grow. 

I am thankful for those who keep this community running, who encourage us, and who challenge us. I hope others who are looking for a community of writers find a home here as I have.

Come to the Well - Carol Harrison

Come to the Well

I arrived at the fall conference filled with a combination of excitement and skepticism about the new format of Open Concept for the workshops. I also came in expectancy of how God would refresh my weary body and soul as I came to the well. The theme reminded me of the opportunity for gathering as a community of writers, who are Christian, to be encouraged, challenged and refreshed through sharing of ideas. But I really looked forward to the time of worship which would begin our days. 


Praise songs started each day of the conference. It did not matter where we came from, what backgrounds we represented or even what or how much we wrote. We worshiped God, the creator of all, the giver of skills and abilities and accepted his invitation to come and be present with him.

Charity Mongrain's object lesson on Friday morning has remained a vivid picture in my mind. Dipping the glass pen into the ink well only allows a short burst of writing - a few words really before it needs to be dipped again. O Lord how you long for me to come to the well over and over again throughout each day to receive from you all I need to meet the needs of the day. How often do I try and fill up a supply of ink in my well and nourishment for my soul in one quick dip, hoping it will last for the day or even more.

Saturday morning Ron Hughes challenged us to remember whose we are and to take up the name of the Lord our God as we act like Jesus followers in this dark and broken world. Others will see our Saviour reflected in us and want to come to the well like the Samaratin woman did - to meet with Jesus. He waits for us to come and longs for the relationship we have with him to deepen.

We lifted our voices in song. We were lifted up in prayer and challenged to be with Jesus daily, hourly, even minute by minute at the well of His Word where he offers to fill us up. The decorations also gave us the visual clue of the theme. We were invited to come to the big well filled with verses. Each one had been  written  after being prayed over by the prayer team. A mailbox stood waiting to accept our prayer requests.

My verse was Psalm 46:10, "He says, "Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

I came needing a time of refreshing. God reminded me through worship, devotions, a verse from the well to rest in Him, to worship him no matter what circumstances I find myself in,  and to join together in community, encouraging and lifting each other up.

Before any sessions began, I felt God had met my needs. The sessions gave me opportunity to share with others as we discussed together how to write tight for great impact, how to use writing as healing and what that might mean as well as how to find time in our busy lives to write. The open concept allowed all to contribute to each workshop or to listen and absorb what others said. It also provided me with the opportunity to give myself permission to simply be in a place to visit or colour or use a writing prompt.

I came to the well of refreshing through praising God. I came to the well of community and left with ideas, books, new contacts and knowing once again I am not alone in this writing journey. God is so good. He provides all that we need. His mercies are new every morning.

As a speaker, published author and storyteller, Carol Harrison is passionate about mentoring people of all ages and abilities to help them find their voice and reach their fullest potential. She shares from her heart, telling stories from real life experiences and God’s Word to encourage people and help them find a glimmer of hope no matter what the circumstances. She believes we need to continuously grow in our walk with God and lives out her storytelling passion by speaking at women’s events and retreats, Bible Camps as well as school assemblies and church events. Carol is a wife, mother of four adult children and grandmother to twelve. She makes her home is Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

First in All Things by Steph Beth Nickel

First of all ... kudos to all of you who have made prayer and Bible study a high priority! It has been my goal to do so, but it hasn't always worked out as planned.

I am so thankful for the Christian community, many of whom I have never met in person. Both those I rub shoulders with and those I only connect with online have a tremendous impact on my life.

Recently, for instance ...

Memory Work

I have connected with a well-known Christian humorist and author and we have become friends. So much so that we've become one another's accountability partner as we seek to memorize the book of Philippians. (Feel free to check in with me to see how I'm doing from time to time.)

Bible Reading

Our pastoral intern challenged us to (re)read the gospel of John during the month of December. While I confess I didn't read through it last month, I have committed to doing so in January. I used to wake up and head to my computer first thing each morning. However, I now grab my phone and read a chapter in John and another in the Psalms. 

Prayer

This is still something I need to focus on more consistently. Perhaps it's time to take the one-minute challenge again. It begins with praying for 60 seconds a day and gradually increasing until one is praying for an hour each day. I don't know if the Facebook group is still active, but I think I'm going to check into it.

I know memory work, Bible reading, and prayer (among other spiritual disciplines) are crucial. However, sometimes I need a nudge in the right direction. Yet another reason the Christian community is so vital.

What does this have to do with writing? Lots actually.

The Lord is to be first in all we do. He is to be the focus. If we give Him His rightful place in our life, it will affect our writing in the following ways:

We will be better able to cope with the challenges that come our way, which makes it easier to develop a positive and authentic "voice."

We will begin to recognize recurring themes and, perhaps, gain inspiration for our writing.

We will learn to discern His leading in all areas, including our writing.

We will come to realize He really deserves first place in our life, increasing our desire to honour Him, whether we're writing for the Christian or secular market ... whatever we're doing.

And as we develop our relationship with Him, it's likely ...

We will begin to make connections with other believers who will affect our perspective, our writing, our lives.

As we seek to give Him first place in every area, twenty-eighteen is bound to overflow with insights and opportunities we may never have imagined possible.  

My Most Valuable Resources as a Christian Writer - Ruth L. Snyder

People often talk about how isolating it can be to be a writer. This can definitely be an issue because authors do spend hours alone, writing. As I thought about my most valuable resources as a Christian writer, the word community came to me. This past year has been one of the darkest and most difficult for me personally. However, through the struggles and pain, God has shown me the treasures I have.

Without a doubt, my most valuable resource is God's Word. During conference I described it as my life-blood. In a recent time of family Bible reading using The Family Project Devotional we discussed whether God's words taste "sweeter than honey" to us. God provides instruction, correction, encouragement, and relationship through His Word. I don't always spend the time I should reading, studying, and memorizing Scripture. However, the time I do spend in it is precious and powerful. Included in this post are a few verses which have spoken to me lately.

As a Christian writer I deeply appreciate the faithful prayer supporters God has brought into my life. I have seen many answers to prayer in my marriage, family, and writing because brothers and sisters intercede for me. Shelley Hitz challenged members of her Author Audience Academy to put together a writing prayer team. When she shared, I couldn't believe I had never thought of asking people to specifically pray for my writing projects. A few months ago I put out a call in my local church and on Facebook, and I now have a prayer team. I give them specific things to pray about and now also have an email list so that I can report to them on a regular basis. (Shelley also shared this information at our recent InScribe Writers' Christian Fellowship Fall Conference. Recordings are available!)

Beta readers are another valuable resource for me as an author. (Shelley Hitz also spoke about this at conference.) I'm currently writing 31 devotionals on the topic of spiritual warfare. In the past couple weeks I have been putting together my group of beta readers for this project. (For some reason, I have many women offering help, but only 1 man so far. If you would like to round out my beta reader team, please let me know.) These are people who are willing to commit to reading my manuscript and giving me honest feedback. These comments are like gold to me as an author. Someone asked me if I really wanted honest feedback. Apparently some people don't want to know if their writing needs improvement. I know that my writing can always be better. Yes, comments sting sometimes. But I'd rather hear those opinions now, before my book is published, than hear them as reviews after my book is published!

 Social media can be a huge time waster, but for me it is also a source of community. One thing I often do is share what I'm learning from my devotional Bible reading. All the pictures in this post were created with the WordSwag app and shared on Instagram, Twitter, and/or Facebook. Other photo editors I use often are the Preview app on my iMac, and Canva.

Speaking of resources, I'm delighted to have a children's story, Hope for Jimmy, in the newest InScribe anthology, Christmas: Stories & More. This book is a wonderful collection of stories, poems, dramas, recipes and more with contributions from 40 different Canadian authors. Purchase your own copy or buy them for presents!


I've enjoyed reading about other valuable resources shared by Christian writers this month. What is your favourite resource? Or which new resource are you going to try? I'd enjoy hearing about it in the comments.

Ruth L. Snyder

Creativity is my passion. My mission is helping other creative people achieve their goals. How can I help you? Follower of Jesus. Coach. President of ICWF.