The Effect of Location by Carol Harrison

As I thought about this blog post prompt, my mind went blank. The empty page mocked me. I reread the verse and prompt multiple times trying to garner a glimmer of an idea. I chatted with my daughter, waiting for inspiration to strike.

In the end I kept thinking about the various places I have lived, experiences I’ve had, and family stories I listened to over the years. I realized that each of these have influenced my life and therefore, also my writing. God led me from growing up mostly in Saskatoon during the 50s and 60s to life in the north of Saskatchewan and back south again in different communities before bouncing back to the north and down south once again. God delighted to give me experiences I never dreamed of having and finally got through to me to start writing some of the stories down.

Growing up in Saskatoon in the 50s and 60s was a time where neighbours knew one another and as kids we gathered to play for most of the day. I learned the bus system and rode it across the city to my grandmother’s house by myself starting at the age of five. This location, along with the people that populated it, helped me become who I am.

Two of my granddaughters grew up in Saskatoon and attended the same elementary and high school I did. But their experience would affect their writing in different ways due to it being a different time in history. Life wasn’t as sheltered and safe as we’d felt in the 50s or so it felt to me.

But this city girl also experienced life in Northern Saskatchewan in the early 70s. My first glimpse of life in small isolated communities offered culture shock. My location and landscape changed and even though time had advanced in the south, these communities had no phone, television, or even a road to access them. They only houses with running water were the teacherages and the school along with the store and manager’s home. These experiences, living in a different culture within Saskatchewan, added to my writing and yet people seem to have a hard time believing my stories from the north could be true.

I saw no trees in the community of Wollaston Lake with my first glimpse of it from the air. As we glided into the bay on our float plane, people lined up to check who might be coming into their community. Tourists to go to fly in fish camps for a week? The new teachers? A shipment of goods for the store?

Power poles were taller than the few trees close to the community set on the point beside the bay of the big lake. Every home seemed to have multiple dogs tied up out back, all yipping to be heard. They were working dogs as most people didn’t trust the new-fangled machines called snowmobiles. You couldn’t go on as thin of ice or huddle close to it to stay warm in the short bush. It was a different location and would affect me for the rest of my life.

Moving south became another culture shock where the clock ruled most people’s lives in a rigid way unlike our years in the north. Trees and prairie land joined together to form the landscape and getting in and out of the community could be done without thought or great cost.

Even stranger to people was when we moved to the Whitkow Hills and lived in a house with no running water or sewer system for the first six months and no hot running water the entire time we lived there. Party line phones kept us in touch with the rest of our family and friends. For us it felt like a step up in some ways, at least for communication, but others looked at it as going backward in time to another era.

Location has made a big impact in these various times in my life and helped shape me into the person I am today. Each experience becomes part of our story, our history. Our story comes out in our writing in various ways. I have written and submitted stories of life in the north from a first-hand account. Some are accepted.

When I wrote my Prairie Hope series of books, the seed of the idea began way back in my childhood. I spent lots of time with my Mennonite grandparents and heard family stories through the years. They intrigued me and I longed to know more. Writing these books, which follow a Mennonite family, began as that seed of an idea planted long ago. It just needed time to grow and bloom. My childhood location and the people in it find their way into stories, poems, and articles I’ve written including a whole series of books.

Location or setting and time become key elements in planting seeds of ideas that come out in the setting and characters of our writing. We draw on our history and stories we’ve heard, people we’ve connected closely with, and experiences we’ve had. It’s just a matter of pulling from that wealth of knowledge, that is such a part of who we are, to grab a reader’s attention to the finer details of the place and time. We all have stories and settings surround us.

 

Carol Harrison has lived in a variety of locations around Saskatchewan before returning to Saskatoon. Each place affected her life and later her writing. One of her favourite places to be is near a lake or body of water. She finds that relaxing and inspiring.

T is for Time, by Susan Barclay

 

There's a certain amount of irony in choosing time as my theme for this month's post. Time got away from me and I am writing this on the day of deadline. There are two reasons, I think, that time's passage escaped me: 1) I had rescheduled my July post to the 25th because I missed that deadline; 2) my husband and I were at a cottage last week and found that time passed much more slowly there. Can it really already be August the 6th today?!

As I think about time, a number of quotes come to mind. Are you familiar with any of these?

"I wasted time and now doth time waste me." ~William Shakespeare

"Where your attention goes, your time goes." Idowu Koyenikan

"Take care of the minutes and the hours will take care of themselves." ~Lord Chesterfield

"Time is the single most important resource we have. Every single minute we lose is never coming back." ~Taran Sharma

 Now, how about this one?

"...teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12)

As I watch my mom struggle in her final years (months? days?), I'm reminded of the importance of using well the time God has graciously given each one of us. While most of us will leave this planet with unfinished work, projects, and plans; unrealized hopes and dreams, while we are here, we ought to make the most of the time we have. Though there is a place for downtime, rest, and relaxation, and I'm not suggesting we burn ourselves out with activity (even meaningful, worthwhile activity), how many of us are skilled at managing ourselves well? How many of us fritter away our time on pointless things?

"There is no such thing as time-management; there is only self-management." ~Rory Vaden

"...each of us will give a personal account to God" (Romans 14:12). I don't know about you, but I want to hear those words referenced in Matthew 25:21, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

God has given us gifts, including the gift of writing, and not to use them is a waste of the gift of time - don't you agree? 

Therefore, let's put legs to this quote from author Stephen King:

Amateurs wait for inspiration while the rest of us just get up and go to work.

And "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving" (Colossians 3:23-24).

Write on, my friends!

________________________

For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com. 

 

Redeem the Time by Lynn Dove

It has been nearly ten weeks since Alberta, and the rest of Canada, went into imposed lock down due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.  My husband and I have been sequestered away in our home, following all the health and safety protocols, and taking even extra precautions due to my compromised immunity after my cancer treatments last year.  The first week of quarantine, I actually luxuriated in the isolation.  I enjoyed the no-guilt feeling of not needing to do anything.  Nothing was expected of me, there were no schedules to follow, no activities to attend, and my time was my own.  I did what I suspect a lot of people did during the first couple of weeks of isolation; I thoroughly cleaned every nook and cranny of my home!  I had to reacquaint myself with my vacuum cleaner, but was thankful the lady who had faithfully cleaned my house while I underwent chemo and radiation, had stockpiled enough cleaning supplies so I could clean my home again at my own pace.  I was grateful that I had my energy back to do the cleaning tasks once again.  I did a little bit each day, going room to room, cleaning out closets and drawers, and re-organizing everywhere.  When I got tired, I stopped, knowing I had the luxury of time to complete whatever I had started the day before.  There was no need to hurry because no one was expected to visit, so the house could be in a state of uproar, and I felt no panic to set it all aright for company.  In those first two weeks, I enjoyed the freedom of time.  There was no pressure, nothing on the calendar, and I enjoyed the slow-down.  I had planned to spend a little time each day to write, but I got so involved in the daily cleaning tasks, I procrastinated with writing.  There would be time for writing after the cleaning was done, I told myself.

The third and fourth weeks of self-isolating, I discovered there was not one thing in my entire house that needed dusting.  The kitchen was immaculate, and I lamented that no one could see it.  How proud my children would have been of me!  I have never been a Martha Stewart type, ask anyone!  I have literally had cobwebs on my vacuum-cleaner!  I don't enjoy dusting and vacuuming, and I have basically the same repertoire of tried and true meals I cycle through each month.  I don’t really have a great talent for cooking or baking, but during this season of Covid, I’ve tried some new recipes, and my husband has been greatly pleased. While I attempted new culinary fare, I continued to procrastinate with writing.  There would be time for writing after the cooking and baking was done, I told myself.

I fully intended to walk every day, weather permitting, during these weeks of quarantine.  I wasn’t going to let self-isolating get in the way of pursuing some fitness goals.  After all, I had all the time in the world now to walk and do some exercising from the comfort of my own home.  Here in Alberta, we have been in the deep freeze far longer than the rest of Canada, so initially it was easy to blame the weather to avoid exercising.  Then, I was caught up in the cleaning mode, followed by the cooking and baking mode.  The weather improved, but I still put off walking.  My best friend sent me a text on May 1^st that read: “I need to social distance myself from my refrigerator so I can flatten my curves!”  I laughed, but had to admit, my husband and I have accumulated some isolation ponch over these many weeks.  We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time watching T.V., binge-watching Star Trek mostly.  I dream of places now where no one has gone before, so I can go outside one day and not worry about physical distancing!  I still procrastinate with writing.  There will be time for writing after the binge-watching is done, I tell myself.

During the last few weeks of forced confinement, I have noticed that my house needs to be dusted and vacuumed again.  I find myself not motivated to take on the task.  My house is tidy and clean.  I can live with it.  There’s ample time to deep clean in this extended lockdown.  No hurry, I tell myself. 

What I wouldn’t give to go out to a restaurant again?  I complain.  Home-cooking is losing its appeal.   We order take-out for the third time in a week.  I scroll through the Netflix offerings again, and turn the T.V. off.  I’ve lost interest, or maybe I’ve seen it all now.  I pick up a book, but even that favoured pastime does not hold my interest long.  I try to write, but it is a tedious and frustrating exercise.  I blame writer’s block, but that would be false.  I am easily distracted, and I stare at a blank screen on my computer trying to find the words to express my thoughts and end up watching videos on YouTube, or playing mindless computer games, or immerse myself again in the daily news reports about the global pandemic.  The tedium of being confined to my house is wearing on me.  I miss my kids, I long for hugs from my grandchildren.  The weather may be improving, but I am still not taking advantage of it like I should so when my husband suggests going for a long drive, I am only too happy to go!  There will be time for writing after the drive, I tell myself.  

This morning (May 15th), I looked at my blank calendar, and suddenly I remembered I have a writing deadline!  I’m supposed to write a post for the InScribe Writer’s Online blog.  I cannot procrastinate.  I am running out of time to get it posted on time!  I don’t panic, I just start writing.  The words flow freely, and I am caught up in the joyous exercise of writing.  As I write, I think I have found the motivation I need during these remaining weeks of isolation.  I need deadlines, I need schedules, I need time-lines!  It is an epiphany for me, something I never thought I would be grateful for: the lack of time!

I must redeem the time!

Time is a gift from God, and none of us know how much of it we are allotted.  I realize I have wasted many long days doing things at home during this pandemic that have no lasting eternal value.  It is not a bad thing to want to cook and clean, or go for long walks or drives, but I confess none of those activities give me great, long-lasting joy.  Psalm 51 comes to mind: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me…” (vs. 10-12)  I realize I have lost my ministry focus over these past weeks.  I have allowed time-wasting distractions to determine how I spend my days, rather than embrace this time to draw even closer to God.  I realize, and I hope not too late, that I must be more purposeful to seek His direction with my writing, so I might encourage others, and share the Gospel during this time of Covid-19.  I may have pressed a “pause” button on my writing, the last several weeks, but I’m ready to resume now.

All I need now is more time!

“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  (Ephesians 5:14-17)

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com   

Life and Writing: Striking the Right Balance by Nina Faye Morey

Finding time in our busy lives to fit in our writing is a challenge. However, I’ve discovered that “finding” is the wrong word. “Making” time is actually more “fitting.” How can I “balance life on and off the page?” This puzzle led me to read about time management and building good work habits. Knowing this conundrum faces most writers, my life and writing became predictably intertwined. The result was my “Mastering Good Writing Habits” workshop to share the knowledge and strategies I’d gained with other writers at the 2016 InScribe Fall Conference.

Time to Write

Our dream of becoming a writer is often suppressed by other demands on our time. Those close to us might not understand our need to write. They may discourage, or even disparage, the devotion we display towards our “gift.” But if we see our writing as a gift from God, we feel a responsibility to use it to His glory. Regardless of whether we’re writing in obedience to God’s call or simply dedicating our writing to Him, we must trust the Lord to give us everything we need to fulfill our writing ministry:

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you,

that you, always having all sufficiency in all things,

may have an abundance for every good work.

—2 Corinthians 9:8 (NKJV)

But in the end, the only one who can make you a successful writer is you! It’s up to you to make that happen. You can continue to just dream about it and talk about it, or you can act on it. In order to do that, you’ll need to develop good work habits and learn how to be well organized and manage your time effectively and efficiently. In her bestseller, The Creative Habit, Twyla Tharp said, “Creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is the result of good work habits. That’s it in a nutshell.”

Mastering good work habits helps free up your mind to think more creatively because you’ll have established a regular writing routine. The words will flow onto the page with less effort because you’ll feel more energized, engaged, and focused on the writing process. There’s no longer any need to waste time and energy on psyching yourself up, making decisions, or struggling with self-control. There’s nothing to distract you from the task at hand, and you’ll finish your day with a real sense of accomplishment.

The bestselling Japanese writer, Haruki Murakami, has won numerous awards for his novels and short stories. He said this about the importance of developing a daily writing routine in a Summer 2004 interview with John Wray in the Paris Review:

When I’m in writing mode for a novel, I get up at four a.m. and work for five to six hours…. I keep to this routine every day without variation. The repetition itself becomes the important thing; it’s a form of mesmerism. I mesmerize myself to reach a deeper state of mind.

Schedule Time to Write

One of the best ways to fire up your time management skills is to identify your goals. You’re dreaming about writing that 100,000 word Christian suspense novel? If you aim for just 275 words a day, you’ll finish it in one year. You have 168 hours every week. Allowing forty hours for work and fifty-six for sleep leaves you seventy-two hours—plenty of time―right? Right! (Was that you being cynical?) In order to manage those left-over hours better, you’ll need to analyze how you’re spending them now. Then make your writing a top priority—schedule time for it and avoid distractions. Learn to say “no” without giving a reason or feeling guilty. Only have a few minutes today? Keep a notebook handy, and jot down a couple of ideas or observations. Taking just these few simple steps will start you on the right path to fulfilling your dream!

Photos: Nina Faye Morey

Quote Credits:

http://www.azquotes.com/author/8629-Fran_Lebowitz

https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/james-baldwin

https://www.theparisreview.org/interviews/2/haruki-murakami-the-art-of-fiction-no-182-haruki-murakami

Twyla Tharp: The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life, Simon and Schuster, 2006.

Where is God in My Writing? - Janis Cox

I used to have time to write, before I published Tadeo Turtle. Somehow time has become shorter. Why is that?

Marketing? Blogging? Platform building? Social Media?

This month God showed me something very important. I don't need to do all that all the time. He showed me that I can spend 40 hours taking an art course, have fun and also have time to blog, eat, and time with my hubby.

How?

This past week the same thing happened. Three days were taken away from social media as a family member needed my help. And except for almost forgetting this post, most things were accomplished.

How?

I think I have found the answer. I asked myself what is really important? And I remembered that each day God has His agenda - and I am supposed to let go of my agenda.

I have this quote above my computer. I can't find it online so have no idea where it came from.

"We have no control over what life delivers to our door. But we have complete control over our response. Let the record show your response brought glory and honour to God."

God had been taking time to talk to me and I didn't want to listen. He showed me that I am a special work of His but I am in progress. Remember: God isn't finished with me yet.

If I remember to let go and leave my day to God, He does give me the time, the nudging, the connections and the energy to do it His way. So I can do art; I can write; I can visit family.

God shows me what is really important to Him. (tweet this)

"We have no conception of what God is aiming at, and as we go on it gets more and more vague" (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest, August 3).

My only goal is to please Him. 

Are you writing for God? Are you listening to His nudges?

What has God been saying to you lately? Are you doing what you love? Are you excited to do it? Why do you write? Ask yourself these questions. Then ask God to show you where He wants you to focus your attention and time. 

I have learned to continue to follow His Footsteps and He will show me the way He wants me to go.

Janis Cox

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. A writer since 2003, Janis co-ordinates a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. She is also a contributor to a group blog calledFamily and Faith Matters. Janis is the author of the award winning children’s book, Tadeo Turtle, published by Word Alive Press. She is the author and watercolour illustrator. For more information visit Janis on her website He Cares for You. She is a member of The Word Guild and Inscribe Writers Fellowship.

It's About Time by Brenda Leyland

Someone was discussing how quickly the year is flying by (at about speed up x 3).

I know the feeling, and yet sometimes I wonder why we express such surprise about it. Why do we lament and think it's a bad thing? Is it? Would we prefer our days to crawl by at turtle pace? Would that be more acceptable?

Perhaps we focus on it flying by because something on the inside reminds us that our days are indeed numbered and we'd like to slow that journey a little. Perhaps we fret that our days are spilled out on things that don't matter in the end. Perhaps we hope for the time we'll be better organized and ready to meet each day with the confidence we're finally doing it right.

In my own search for living life more beautifully, I've been thinking I'd like to hold my days more lightly and to quit fretting about how fast they seem to be passing. If they are, indeed, flying by at warp speed, it seems a pity to waste even a moment of it being anxious in any way, wouldn't you think?