Finishing Strong by Steph Beth Nickel

Crossfit Sports Fitness - Free photo on Pixabay

Although it has been several decades since September meant back-to-school to me, I still see the ninth month of the year as a new beginning of sorts.

And an ending.

September marks the end of summer. The end of Q3, the third quarter of the year. And for me personally, the end my daughter's move west. (We took the remainder of her belongings to her on the long weekend.)

When I return home from Saskatchewan, Q4 will be just around the corner.

My plans to finish the year strong include goals that may be an encouragement to you as well.

Writing and Revising

One of my top priorities is to complete revisions to the book I'm coauthoring with Paralympian Deb Willows.

I also intend to choose 30 of the 40+ devotionals on the Gospel of John that I've written and prep them for indie publication.

Additionally, I want to get back to writing and posting a chapter of my YA novel to Substack each week. I have posted more than half the manuscript to the platform so far. I would like to get this draft complete by the end of the year.

Are you currently working on any writing projects? Remember to carve out time to work on them. Unless we do so, there are countless things that can distract us from our writing and writing-related endeavours. Crucial things like laundry, dishes, and vacuuming. <sigh>

Editing

I have openings in my editing schedule and will prioritize any projects I take on this quarter.

Do you have obligations to complete for others? Setting aside specific time in your schedule and making note of externally or internally imposed deadlines will likely help you stay on track. 

Researching

I have an abundance of courses and books that have been long-neglected. My goal is to work on skills development from three to five times per week. I especially need to focus on the steps of indie publishing.

Do you regularly work on skills development, or do you find the abundance of material overwhelming and confusing? Why not choose a skill that will help you right here, right now, and set aside time to read a book on the subject, take a relevant course (which you may already have in your digital library), or listen to a related podcast?

Non-Writing Goals

Like all writers, I have several seemingly unrelated tasks to accomplish. (However, we all know that pretty much anything we do can have a bearing on our writing and spark ideas for current or future projects.)

Here are three things I hope to accomplish before the end of 2026:

Assist my hubby as he finishes renoing the house in preparation for putting it on the market in the spring of 2027.

Continue developing healthy habits in preparation for my blood work in October. (My numbers aren't dangerously high, but they do need attention.)

Devote more time to Bible study and prayer and (far) less to scrolling on my phone. 

Do you have non-writing goals that are achievable by December 31? Why not choose a couple and break each one down into bite-sized chunks so you, too, can finish 2026 strong.

Steph Beth Nickel is the former Editor of FellowScript and the outgoing 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)

The Best Unedited Advice About Editing by Bob Jones

"The writer who breeds more words than he needs,

is making a chore for the reader who reads.” Dr Seuss

"The best writing is rewriting." Anne Lamott

“Embrace the shitty first draft."

That’s the unedited version of the best advice I’ve received on editing, courtesy of Anne Lamott. The sanitized version is, “Give yourself permission to write poorly in your first draft.”

And I’m glad I get to go first with this prompt because I imagine there will be a few more Inscribe writers who would say the same thing.

When I first started blogging, a friend suggested reading Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott. And ever since then, Anne has become a friend. She’s launching her next book this month and I’ve pre-ordered my copy so I could get a sneak peek. (Spoiler alert: more unsanitized words.)

Initial Drafts

Anne emphasized the importance of getting ideas down on paper without the paralyzing pressure of perfection. This initial draft, she argues, is just the beginning—a necessary step to be taken before the real work of writing begins. The first draft is just to get the story down; it does not need to be good, or even coherent.

Writing without editing is a discipline I‘ve struggled with for two decades. However, I fight the good fight with perfectionism.

My name is Bob and I'm a perfectionist.

“Perfectionism will ruin your writing, blocking inventiveness and playfulness and life force. Perfectionism means that you try desperately not to leave so much mess to clean up. But clutter and mess show us that life is being lived. Clutter is wonderfully fertile ground— you can still discover new treasures under all those piles, clean things up, edit things out, fix things, get a grip.” Bird by Bird, Anne Lamott

The genius of an unedited first draft is it will free up more time to edit.

I don’t have superior thoughts or extraordinary talent. I have a great commitment to rewriting. Perhaps you don’t rewrite enough in part, because you don’t have enough time. But if you can cut your writing time in half and reallocate it to editing, you’ll be making a good start.

 

As always, thank you for reading. Looking forward to reading what you write about editing.

 

Variety is the Spice of (the Writing) Life by Steph Beth Nickel

 

I am eclectically interested and eclectically involved. This variety adds spice to my life . . . and to my writing. I have plans to write several things: picture books, YA spec fiction, devotionals, memoir, and more.

Although some writers are focused primarily on one genre, variety adds spice to their life as well.

How?

There is so much more to writing than putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.

For example . . .

Researching

The word "research" may bring to mind hours of Googling, seeking the information we want to include in our writing, and that may very well be part of your writing process. However, if we keep our eyes and ears open to the inspiration that is all around us every day, that can be considered research as well. From snippets of conversation to a building or ruins that spark our imagination to the beauty of a sunset . . . So much of our day-to-day life can find its way into our writing.

Outlining

We all outline to differing degrees, but creating a plan (whether extremely detailed or bare bones) for our blog post or full-length manuscript is part of the writing process. 

Writing

And now we get to what the majority of writers likely enjoys most, what we want to get back to when we're doing something else, actually getting words on the page.

Revising

We rarely share the first draft of our writing with anyone. In fact we may revise, revise, and revise again before allowing anyone else to see our work. We are often told not to revise while we're still in the process of writing our first draft. However, depending on how we work best, we may want to tweak as we go. Each of us must discover the most effective way of getting our projects completed. But whether we revise as we go or complete the first draft without looking back, further revision will be needed. 

Seeking Input

Beta readers can do for us what we can't do for ourselves. We know what we mean by our words and can't tell how those words will come across to others without seeking their input. Tiffany Yates Martin states that editing our own writing is like performing brain surgery on oneself, and no one is going to attempt that, not even the world's most skilled brain surgeon. Finding those who will read our work and give us honest feedback is priceless. 

Revising Again

While we need not incorporate every suggestion our beta readers (and even our editors) suggest, if we hear the same thing from multiple sources, it bears considering. After we receive input, it's time for another round of revisions. (I, for one, wish I could write a brilliant first draft, hit Publish, and get onto the next project, but that's not how the Writing Recipe works.)

Hiring an Editor

If we plan to hire a developmental editor, obviously this step will be happen earlier in the process. However, now is the time to consider content and line editing, as well as proofreading. In fact, we may want to book with our editor as soon as we have a "completion" date in mind. Depending on how busy our editor is, we'll want to get on their schedule as soon as is realistic. (And, yes, even editors need to have their writing edited.)

Finding an Agent or Publisher

When we have a polished manuscript in hand (or the required portion of a manuscript), it's time to look for an agent or publisher if we're seeking to be traditionally published. We must be sure to carefully follow their guidelines. More people than ever are seeking to get a publishing deal, and we don't want to be disregarded immediately because of an avoidable mistake, such as addressing our inquiry to "Whom It May Concern."

Self-Publishing

If we intend to self-publish your work, there is a plethora of things to learn. One great resource for doing so is Orna Ross's book Creative Self-Publishing: ALLi’s Guide to Independent Publishing for Authors and Poets.

Marketing / Promotion

And whether we go the trad or indie route to publishing our work, much of the responsibility will fall squarely on our shoulders to market and promote our writing. 

The following three "spices" may not seem to apply to the writing life, but their benefits will affect every area of our lives . . . including our writing.

Eating Well

When we nourish our bodies with healthy food, there are many benefits, including the ability to think more clearly. 

Drinking Water

Many writers live on coffee. While I enjoy my lattes and cappuccinos, I know it's important to consume enough water during the day. (This is something I have to work on.)

Getting Exercise

I can almost hear the collective groan. The best way to stick with an exercise routine is to find something we enjoy. Walking. Hiking. Biking. Joining a recreational sports team. Getting (and using) a gym membership. One of the many benefits of getting regular exercise is that our subconscious continues to work on those writing "blocks" when we're focused on something else. Bonus!

Just as we prefer one spice over another, as writers, we prefer some of the above "spices" more than others. Still, the variety of responsibilities adds interest and dimension to our lives.

H is for Hurrying Never Helps by Marcia Lee Laycock

Photo by Max Fleischmann on Unsplash

I saw the flashing lights behind me and wondered why the police cruiser didn’t just go around me. When it stayed behind me as I pulled through the stop lights on the edge of town, I realized maybe it was because he wanted me to pull over. Gasp!

The constable asked for my driver’s license and registration, then asked the question I expected. “Do you know how fast you were going ma’am?”

I had to admit that I didn’t, though I did realize I was probably driving faster that the speed limit allowed. The women’s Bible study I’d just attended had gone overtime and my husband had a meeting to get to, so I was in a bit of a hurray.

“100 in an 80 zone,” the constable said. “That’s a $250. ticket.”

I groaned out loud and prayed for mercy as he walked back to his vehicle. When he returned his demeanor was a bit softer. “I see you’ve never had a ticket and I don’t want to ruin that record, so I’ll just give you a warning. But slow down, Ma’am. Hurrying never helps.”

I sheepishly said I would and slowly pulled back onto the road.

“Hurrying never helps.” I’ve heard that caution given at writers’ conferences on more than one occasion. It is usually given in regard to sending a manuscript off to an agent or publisher before it is ready. The strongest caution is usually in regard to skipping the editing steps that everyone should insist on or forwarding the wrong version of the manuscript.

Been there, done that and I can tell you the embarrassment is very humbling.

But even after the book has left our hands it is wise to be sure all the usual procedures are followed. I can testify from experience that it’s something we writers need to pay attention to.

When my first novel, One Smooth Stone won the Best New Canadian Author Award, I was, of course, thrilled and was anxious to see the book on bookstore shelves. My publisher was too, since the busy Christmas season was approaching. He kept me abreast of the how the process was going and as the Yuletide season approached sent me an email. “Usually we send out a proof for you to approve, but we’re kind of crunched for time so if it’s okay with you, we’ll skip that step and go right to print.”

I gave the okay. It wasn’t until I received another email from a writer friend that I realized we’d made a big mistake. “Does your main character have a stutter?” my friend asked. She alerted me to the fact that there were a number of strange mistakes in the first sixty pages of the book.

I groaned out loud when I examined the copies I’d been sent. It did indeed appear that my main character had a stutter and there were several other mistakes that were not in my original manuscript. My writer friend advised me to mention it to the publisher. “This should not have happened,” she said.

When I contacted the publisher, I’m sure he groaned out loud too. The mistakes occurred when my manuscript format was changed from a Word document to Quark, used in the publishing industry. He apologized and said they would do another print run of the book. He also replaced the books I had purchased at no further cost to me.

Lesson learned by us both: hurrying never helps.

So before you hit that send button, slow down, double-check that all the steps have been ticked off (it’s helpful to make yourself a physical checklist), and, Lord willing, you won’t have any embarrassing surprises.

****

 Marcia is a prolific author and speaker. Find out more on her website

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.

A Season of Preparation by Nina Faye Morey

Forget the former things;

do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

~Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

In the dead of winter, snow blankets the landscape from horizon to horizon. There is no evidence of any flora budding, growing, or maturing in this vast winter wasteland. The prairie appears to lie silent and dormant. However, don’t be fooled. Winter is actually a season of preparation, when trees, grass, and various plants get ready to spring up anew once the strong sunshine, warm weather, and bubbling streams return. Plant life needs to hibernate beneath its warm winter blanket in order to gather strength to withstand the storms that will inevitably arrive with the new seasons of growth and harvest.

The coming of the New Year, which in our part of the world comes in the dead of winter, is also typically a time of preparation and renewal when people set new goals for the upcoming year. Hopefully, this time of preparation will help us grow stronger so we can withstand any upcoming storms and handle whatever future God has in store for us.

My Personal & Faith Life: Preparations & Prayers

As the New Year begins, I find myself living in a state of uncertainty and apprehension. There are ominous signs on the horizon of an impending storm that could wash away familiar roads, leaving me to tread a solitary path through the wilderness. I pray this storm passes me by, leaving my familiar landscape unscathed. Despite my fears, I am comforted by the knowledge that God holds my future in His hands. Therefore, I will prepare for whatever may come my way by continuing to pray and to place my trust in Him. I will take reassurance from His promise to be with me, strengthen me, and take me by the hand and bear me up in times of trouble.

So do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not be dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you and help you;

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

~ Isaiah 41:10

My Writing & Editing Life: Preparations & Plans

I’ve planned a few changes and set some new goals for my writing and editing life this year. As some of you already know, I will be stepping down as editor-in-chief of FellowScript following the publication of the May issue. However, I am preparing to take on a new challenge, serving as the managing editor for InScribe’s 2021 anthology, Easter: Stories & More. I am excited to be taking on this new role, and I look forward to working with our InScribe family of talented writers and editors and to helping the InScribe Press Committee put together another inspiring anthology.

I am also preparing to devote more time to my own writing. I hope to finish revising the draft of my romance novel and to publish a collection of my published work (along with a few unpublished pieces). While I’ve loved serving as FellowScript’s editor-in-chief and feel fortunate to have done so, my work on these books has dwindled to a mere trickle. Hopefully, I’ll be more successful at juggling my new editorial commitments with my own writing goals this year.

Also, in addition to posting monthly on this blog, my plan for the upcoming year is to publish a weekly post on my own blog, Writer Ink Well. However, I confess I’ve already missed that target. I especially enjoy interviewing fellow writers for my blog, and I plan to also offer opportunities to guest post. If you’re willing to be interviewed or you’d like to write a guest post for my blog, please feel free to contact me.

Those are the preparations and plans I’ve made for this year. What preparations have you made and what have you planned for 2020?

Nina Faye Morey is a Canadian writer, editor, blogger, and speaker. She’s had fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and art published in a variety of journals. She’s also contributed to two InScribe anthologies: 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers (2015) and Christmas: Stories and More (2017). Nina’s served as columns editor for InScribe’s FellowScript magazine and is currently the editor-in-chief. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, walking, travelling, and spending time with family.

I’ve Been on Both Sides Now by Nina Faye Morey

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,

And whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

~ Proverbs 17:27 (NIV)

There have always been writers and artists who have channeled their pain and suffering into great works of art. But I don’t think that many creative people would go so far as to identify themselves with the romantic myth of the “tortured artist” that’s followed such famous writers as Sylvia Plath, Virginia Woolf, or Ernest Hemingway, who tragically took their own lives.

Nevertheless, I can certainly understand how criticism that seems undeserved or unduly harsh could make any creative person feel hurt or even depressed. Fortunately, I haven’t been on the receiving end of that brand of criticism, but it’s not hard to imagine how it could be soul destroying and might at least momentarily affect one’s sanity.

As a writer, I have found that it’s absolutely essential to develop a thick skin if one is to accept and benefit from the negative feedback and numerous rejections that are our inevitable and undesirable lot in life. While unnecessarily negative criticism may destroy our motivation, constructive criticism can be good—it helps us grow. On the other hand, too much praise can also be destructive, leaving us prideful, complacent, and unmotivated to improve.

As a writer and an editor, I’ve been on both sides now. As a writer, it leaves a less bitter taste in my mouth when the remedy for any ailment is delivered with a spoonful of sugar. I try to remember that as an editor, but I confess that sometimes I fail to properly follow this prescription, especially when a deadline is looming.

I have learned that editing someone else’s work requires a lot of time and effort, and so does providing thoughtful and tactful feedback. We editors do care about your writing, and we want you to succeed. While my goal as an editor is to provide constructive feedback that will help you improve your writing and publish the best piece possible, it’s important to remember that you don’t need to accept every change that’s suggested. In the end, the writer makes the final decision about what they will say and how they will say it; the editor makes the final decision about whether or not they will publish it.

Never allow yourself to feel so hurt and insulted by what you perceive as negative criticism that you fail to place any value on it or learn from it. There is always room to improve your writing, so accept with a positive spirit whatever value you can glean from the critiques you’re offered. In the end, remember that all criticism is just someone else’s opinion of your work, and you’ll need to decide for yourself whether or not it is valid.

Take heart in the knowledge that many writers have gone on to become successful and famous authors after receiving negative feedback about their writing from editors or having their books rejected by prestigious publishers. Ernest Hemingway received this rejection from his publisher, Boni & Liveright, for his first long work, The Torrents of Spring, a satirical novella about pretentious writers: “It would be in extremely rotten taste, to say nothing of being horribly cruel, should we want to publish it.” Zane Grey, famous for his westerns and one of the first millionaire authors, suffered this stinging rejection of his first novel, The Last of the Plainsmen: “I do not see anything in this to convince me you can write either narrative or fiction.” Rudyard Kipling was on the receiving end of this painful pronouncement from an unidentified editor: “I’m sorry, Mr. Kipling, but you just don’t know how to use the English language.”¹

So, the key takeaway is don’t let criticism of your writing get you down and never give up!

¹Flip Wiltgren, 12 Rejections Letters of Massively Popular Authors. https://www.wiltgren.com/everything-else/12-rejection-letters-of-massively-popular-authors/

10 Sources for Writing to God’s Glory by Nina Faye Morey

“I am a little pencil in the

hand of a writing God

who is sending a love letter

to the world.” 

~Mother Teresa 

I have many writing resource books on my bookshelves and several more on my Kobo eReader. I also have some well-liked writer’s websites and blogs. I can’t possibly cover all of them in a single blog post, so I’ll focus on a few favourites that I’ve found useful in helping me to write to God’s glory.

#1 - The Holy Bible, Bible Commentaries, & Bible Concordances: I want to ensure my words faithfully reflect God’s loving message, so I regularly pray and read His Word. I search for relevant Bible verses that will help me to make my points and impact reader’s lives. I have several Bible versions on my bookshelves, the NIV, KJV, NKJV, NRSV, NLT, to name just a few. I quote verses from whichever version expresses my thoughts the best. I also consult such Bible study guides as The Bethany Parallel Commentary and The New Strong’s Concordance. I regularly visit Bible websites to quickly locate passages, like Biblehub and Biblegateway.

#2 - Elements of Fiction Writing Series by Writer’s Digest Books: This is a terrific how-to-write series that includes Nancy Kress’s Dynamic Characters and Beginnings, Middles, & Ends; Orson Scott Card’s Characters & Viewpoint; and James Scott Bell’s Conflict & Suspense and Plot & Structure, and several others.

#3 - Busy Writer’s Guides by Marcy Kennedy: Showing and Telling in Fiction, Strong Female Characters, Dialogue, How to Write Faster, and more. This series of short guides is great when you’re in the middle of writing and want a quick reference.

#4 - Grammar/Editing Blogs: Mignon Fogarty’s Grammar Girl blog is my first go-to for answers to questions about correct grammar or punctuation. I also like the following: Grammarly Blog, Writer’s Relief, The Editor’s Blog, Jane Friedman’s blog, and C.S. (Susanne) Lakin’s Live Write Thrive. Other favourite grammar resources are The Elements of Style by William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White, Coles Notes Handbook of English Grammar and Composition, Canadian Secretary’s Handbook by Collier Macmillan (A treasured 80’s holdover from my secretarial days.), and a quick little reference book, Write! Better by Ray Wiseman.

#5 - Joanna Penn’s Blog, Books, & Podcasts: Joanna Penn is a bestselling author, international speaker, and award-winning entrepreneur. She’s written several self-help books for writers, including How to Make a Living with Your Writing, How to Market Your Book, and Successful Self-Publishing. Her blog The Creative Penn is a favourite among creative writers. She also has a popular podcast, The Creative Penn.

#6 - Writer’s Magazines/Newsletters: My favourite writer’s magazines are InScribe’s FellowScript (I may be just a bit biased!), the Saskatchewan Writers’ Guild’s, Freelance, and The Writer’s Digest (along with their website).

#7 - Writer’s Organizations/Websites: InScribe Christian Writers’ Fellowship and The Saskatchewan Writer’s Guild. Besides their quarterly magazines, both of these writers’ groups have lots of valuable information on their websites and provide great conferences, workshops, and courses for writers.

#8 - Dictionary, Thesaurus, & Quotations Dictionary: I love my well-used hardcover copies of the Oxford Thesaurus, Canadian Oxford Dictionary, and Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.

#9 - Poetry Resources: Creating Poetry by John Drury, The Poet’s Dictionary by William Packard, Writing the Sacred by Ray McGinnis, and Merriam-Webster’s Rhyming Dictionary.

#10 - Writers’ Market Guides: The Canadian Writer’s Market, The Christian Writer’s Market Guide, Poet’s Market, and The Best of the Magazine Market for Writers.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the work of truth.

~2 Timothy 2:15

Photo Credits: © Nina Faye Morey

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

Shoot For The Moon - A Lesson Learned from Apprenticeship - Gloria Guest

Super Moon - Photo taken by Reg Guest

I’ve never really thought of my life long pursuit of writing in terms of an apprenticeship but upon looking up the definition I realized that is what it has been. I particularly related to one definition which basically defined it as someone who works under an employer to learn a skill while agreeing to low wages. That pretty much sums up my entire time working in the trenches as a reporter; one of the more gruelling ways you can attempt to make a living with your words, but one well worth it if you are looking for excitement, love to work with deadlines or just have newspaper ink in your veins. Regardless, the lessons you will learn will be immeasurable and invaluable to your writing career and your life.

 According to another definition, an apprenticeship is a way of training in a trade or profession, often while employed but also including studying.  As writers we are always in some form of on the job training even if the job is simply our own task at hand; to submit an article, to publish a book or more. Life as a whole becomes our classroom as does the internet, writing groups, and/or writing classes.

This past fall I entered into an apprenticeship that has proven of immense value to me through partaking in two on-line writing classes from the University of Toronto; Intro To Creative Writing/Fiction and Writing Through Reading. Both classes are a part of a larger Creative Writing Certificate I hope to attain. In the first class, although I expected to know most of the material since it was an introductory class, I was surprised to find that there were many things I hadn’t learned previously. I am still more of a beginner than I realized! Writing is a craft after all and we never fully come to the end of developing that craft.

In the Introductory class I was challenged to go deeper with my character and plot development and gained a lot of insight into my own writing style through the comments of my instructor and other classmates. A strength that was pointed out was my realistic dialogue, with the suggestion that I could possibly do well writing script for plays, something I have thought of once or twice but hadn’t seriously considered. A weakness I discovered was Point Of View; learning how to use it best for each piece of writing I did and to not shift out of it. I so appreciated all of the constructive feedback that brought me along in POV.

Writing Through Reading was an immensely interesting class whereby we read various authors works and discussed them thoroughly within the group, thereby gleaning much knowledge as to story structure, plot, character and many other aspects of the piece. We then completed our own assignment based on what we had learned and often had the chance to re-work a piece for another assignment. In this class I developed my critique reading skills and editing skills. I was also strongly encouraged by my instructor and others to keep on writing my memoir; parts of which I had shared with them.

I have been bogged down in my writing life for quite a few years with aimlessness and no particular goals in sight. As Zig Ziglar said, “If you aim for nothing, you will hit it every time.” From taking these two classes I have now set a personal goal to finish my memoir within a year. I also plan on continuing with the classes to attain my Creative Writing Certificate and to start the Editing Certificate through Simon Fraser University in B.C.

These goals are setting the bar pretty high for me and I don’t expect them to be easy. I may even fail at some of them or at all. But as Norman Vincent Peale so famously said, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”

Two of these things belong together by T.L. Wiens

Before I get into my sheep experience, I want to send a shout out to Connie Inglis for her midweek moments. I’m not one to comment much but I do appreciate these uplifting tidbits. After reading about the humming, I realized I’d lost my hum. Working at getting that back. Thank-you Connie and to anyone who hasn’t checked them out, you’re missing a treasure.

My family raises sheep. It was never my plan to get into this but I am so glad we did. Recently, my husband and I attended a sheep conference. I’m not sure if it helped more for raising sheep or for writing. One of the first things that struck me as similar was the concept of culling the herd.

Last year, we had issues with our lamb crop. It was a big job to keep the lambs alive those first few days. We discovered it had to do with the grain we were feeding. We ended up with a few bottle fed lambs. It’s always a temptation to get attached and keep the ewe lambs of this bunch. But at the conference, we were warned not to do it. These sheep started weak and would most likely have weak offspring. They needed to be sold.

It reminded me of a writer friend of mine. He loves little tidbits of knowledge thrown into his manuscripts that he thinks are gems. Often they have nothing to do with the plot. Like the bottle fed lambs, he keeps them because of his own attachment. The strength of the manuscript suffers.

As a writer, it’s important to recognize the things that need to be culled no matter how near and dear to your heart they may be. This can be something as small as a repetitive word or phrase or as big as chapters or characters.

I’m not quite as ready to apply this knowledge to my sheep as my writing. It’s hard to let go of things that mean so much to you. However, I’ve come to understand sometimes to build a strong manuscript, you have to be able to hit the delete button.

My Miracle Lamb

My Editing Journey by T.L. Wiens

When I started writing, I didn’t like editing at all. I didn’t know how to receive criticism. It felt like a personal attack. But times have changed.

During my last meeting with my local writer’s group, I got praise. In fact, for twenty minutes or so, I listened to compliments on my writing. I’ve never been more uncomfortable. A part of me doesn’t want to hear praise. Praise is like reaching the top of Mount Everest—there’s no higher peak to attain to.

I’ve learned not to take criticism personally and have come to realize most editors really want you to improve. And some praise is good although for me I still prefer not to get it.

Writing seems like a solitary journey between author and page but in reality, we writers need the help of editors and critiques to reach our mountaintop. When’s the last time you heard of a solitary mountain climber reaching the top of Mount Everest?

Seeing the Potential by Lynn Dove

I've just spent a full week marking Junior High essays.  Over the past couple of months my students have been immersed in studying for their Language Arts Provincial Exam (PAT's).  I had the task once the fifty students wrote their narrative essays and business letters, of marking their work. 

I am convinced marking papers, especially four to five page essays, is the greatest test of endurance and patience for any teacher.  I AM NOT an editor but I sure know how an editor must feel once the red pen comes out and the red ink starts to "bleed" all over a student's paper.  Spelling...non-existent, sentence structure...huh?  Punctuation?...not a chance.  I shake my head and circle another contraction without an apostrophe.  I know I taught contraction usage and spelling over the past few months...was he even listening to me? 

I pick up the next paper.  I do not look at the name.  I want to be surprised.  There have been too many disappointments today.  The first line grabs me.  My red pen is perched above the paper but I'm too caught up with the story to make a mark.  It is like a roller-coaster of emotional ups and downs, a plot-line worthy of print.  Characterization that is meticulous and imagery that transports me into another universe. 

She is a brilliant writer.  She is only fourteen years old and probably a far better writer than I was at that age, and one who has the potential to be even more outstanding as she matures.  I almost wish I did not have to circle the one spelling error.  To put a red mark on the page seems almost obscene, desecrating a near perfect work of art. 

Interestingly enough, I remember her work from the previous year.  Hadn't I marked an essay and riddled it with red ink then?  What happened? 

I smile.  Teaching has its rewards.  I look at the paper I marked before reading hers, my numerous red circles splayed all over it.  At the top of the page I leave a few comments about spelling errors and then I add a check-mark smiley face with words meant to encourage: "Keep trying!  This is a good effort!" 

Yes, this paper is rough-looking but I look forward to reading this boy's work in a year's time.  He'll make a fine writer.  I just have to look beyond the spelling, punctuation and convention errors long enough to just read the potential.  After all, it's in every student!