The three R's by Lorilee Guenter

Write, revise, release. Most of the time, I have little trouble with the first R: write. If the idea is present, I can pick up my pen and spill ink across the page as I meet characters. I play with connections and clarify thoughts for essay or meditations. Sometimes the writing is only worthy of my journal page. Other times the stories and essays are worth another look.

Revise, revise, revise, there are days this feels like a bad word. It is the punishment for rambling. Other days I embrace it. Revision becomes a chance to consider the lessons held on the page. I learn more about the characters as I look at the gaps in the story. I see the teaching God is doing as He brings seemingly disparate ideas together in an essay. Revision in a way becomes an opportunity to relearn as I refine.

The time I spend refining a piece of writing varies. My longer stories have been through many revisions. They have had a few readers but mainly reside on my computer. Only one novel length story has been handed off to trusted early readers. I know the comments and critique from these readers is valuable for improving my writing. They ask good questions. They point out awkward passages and gaps in the story. I return to revision and in spite of the most recent feedback, refrain from releasing it.

I scrutinise and revise my shorter pieces as well. Nothing is released without revision. I find that the short pieces cycle through the revision stage fewer times. It is easier to hold the whole in mind as I consider the chosen word over a possible substitute. I also find it easier to catch gaps and repetition when the piece can be read in a single sitting. Even so, these are usually examined many times.

The hardest of the three steps is release. I want to release well written, well edited writing. I strive to improve my skills and thereby improve the readability of each story and essay. Since there is always room for improvement, there is always a reason to scrutinise each piece one more time before I release it. I have learned to overcome this hurdle and release some of my small articles, poems and stories. I have yet to release a longer story into the wild. I am once again revising the novel that is closest to its release. I don't know how many times I have looked at it. Some of the chapters are at the point where I add a word I removed on the previous read through or vice versa. Still I subject the story to another read.

As I stumble with releasing my story, the product of my imagination, I am reminded that God didn't give me a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Holding on to writing that needs outside eyes for improvement is not an act of courage but of fear. Likewise hoarding stories that are ready to send to an editor and then following through to publishing them, is steeped in some amount of fear. There are many "what ifs" that can stand in the way of taking the next steps. However, at some point the next step is not further revision. Instead, it is trusting that God will take the words where He wants them to go. Sitting on my shelf unread, they are a weight. Released, they may encourage, entertain or challenge others.

I think it is time for me to move from revision to release on at least one project. There are more stories waiting for the refining process and still more to be written. Hopefully you'll join me by taking the next step with your writing, whatever that step might be. 

I'm looking forward to a fourth stage: respond. I know if I take a step of courage the next step will become closer and closer.

Lorilee Guenter has moved from only writing in her journal to sharing small pieces of writing with the world. Now she is preparing to move from "just one more revision" to receiving a professional edit of her story. It's the next step.

Finding Passion and Purpose By Vickie Stam

 What is it about finding our purpose in life that is so important? A friend of mine once said, "I don't understand why people say they need to find themselves. Find their purpose. Were they lost?"  

Somewhere along the way I think most people feel lost or simply lose sight of their goals, not knowing which way to turn or even how to get there.

If you have ever been hurt before you might even feel as if your passion and purpose are driven by your pain and sorrow - the very things that carved their way into your life are now the conversations you have with God and the stories that fill the pages of your journal. 

Like many people, I write to heal from the broken road that got to me to where I am today. Yes, it's been hard! There are days when I sit with my pen in hand while the words only echo inside my head. The wounded part of me can't move. My pen is still. The memories are piercing. Every part of me hurts. I stare at the blank page in front of me and will myself to write. Just let it out. The last thing I want is to allow the memories to overtake me - turn a good day into a dreadful one.

I need to write about my past, the things that should be over and done with really are a part of who I am. Each word in my head represents a broken piece of me - pain that continues to heal. 

Here I am now years later still putting the fragments of my fractured self back together, paving a new road that doesn't need to bury the old wounds or store them away like they never happened. 

In the moments when I feel the old hurts trying to crush me, I know if I can write about it, the pain will have a purpose and so will I.  

12 Benefits of Belonging to a Writers' Group by Steph Beth Nickel

As a founding member of WWC (Women Writing for Christ), the last 10+ years have been an adventure; one I've been able to share with incredible friends and fellow writers.

Here are a dozen reasons you may want to join (or form) a writers' group:

1. Spend time with people who "get you."

Have you ever been excited about something you've read or something you've written only to share it with those whose eyes glaze over? It's nice when that doesn't happen.

2. Benefit from encouragement.

I'm not talking about flattery, but genuine, authentic encouragement. It's wonderful to spend time with fellow writers who will spur you on to develop your skills and who will point out what you do well and kindly let you know what you can improve.

3. Be challenged to learn new skills.

Whether it's in the form of recommended reading, critiques, or freewriting sessions, there are many ways you can learn as a member of a writers' group. You may even want to take turns teaching lessons. There's nothing like hunting up info to share to increase your knowledge.

4. Grow more courageous. 

Even experienced authors often find it unnerving to share their writing with others. You're in good company.

5. Learn how to take constructive criticism.

It isn't easy to hear what others say about your work, especially if they tell you what you could improve as well as what you did well. But it is a great way to develop as a writer. I've often said writers must be able to pour out their hearts on the page but have hides as thick as an alligator's.

6. Learn to critique others' writing.

It's surprising how much you can learn from critiquing another's work. It will help you improve your writing as well as theirs. Just a note ... It's best to find out what the other person wants you to focus on. A critique is not an edit.

7. Stretch your writing muscles with freewriting sessions.

While other members of WWC find this a real challenge, I love freewriting sessions ... maybe because I see journaling as "rambling until I stumble across truth." Plus, I think it's amazing how we all create completely different pieces from the same writing prompt. (There is no critiquing allowed at this stage. Otherwise, we'd be too timid to write whatever comes to mind and we definitely wouldn't want to share it.)

8. Get your creative juices flowing.

Being around other writers can inspire you to make the time to write no matter how crazy busy life gets. It also helps if you are expected to take something you've written to the next meeting.

9. Be challenged to write something you never considered before.

As I mentioned, each of us will start with the same prompt and produce entirely different pieces, from poems to short stories to nonfiction works. What fun!

10. Make connections with writers beyond your group.

The four founding members of WWC attended Write Canada over a decade ago ... in matching t-shirts no less. Talk about energizing! Even if you find the idea of attending a workshop or conference overwhelming, it's the perfect place to learn new skills and network with others in the writing world.

11. Publish.

It was through the founder of our group, Ruth Waring, that I met Deb Willows. Deb and I went on to coauthor her award-winning memoir, Living Beyond My Circumstances. And who did I want at the launch? Members of WWC, of course.

12. Discover the thrill of "rejoicing with those who rejoice."

It isn't only about your writing successes; it's about celebrating those of other group members as well. The best writers' groups, in my opinion, are those made up of true friends who will challenge you to become all you can be and who will throw a party when you reach a milestone along the way.

To the ladies of WWC ... You are treasured gifts from God Himself. I'm thankful for each of you. 

Please note that I'm also thankful for each InScribe member I've had the privilege of interacting with. Our connection is a result of my membership in WWC. (I love how the Lord weaves our lives together.) 

And by extension, I'm thankful for each of you who is reading this. Without readers, where would writers be anyway?

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.

How Did I Become a Christian Writer? - Janis Cox

I've been asked a question:

Are you a Christian writer or a writer who is Christian?

I would say I am a Christian writer. After giving my life to Christ I wanted to learn more and more about Him. I took Bible studies; read my Bible; memorized Scripture; discussed difficult passages; asked the Holy Spirit to help me understand more and more.

The Bible is my focus.

Now I feel confident to spread the Word of God - to feed His lambs. That is not to say that I have learned it all - I am the first to admit that there is an endless ocean to knowing God.

As for the writing part - I have gone to Write!Canada (a conference for writers and editors who are Christian) for the past 8 years. I read books about writing. I read many other books. I journal every day. I pray (both talking and listening).

And I believe my writing is improving, because I am writing more. I am encouraged by comments on my blogs. I blog on my own blog He Cares for Us, 5 times a week. I co-ordinate a group blog called Under the Cover of Prayer. At Family and Faith Matters I write once a week. And for Inscribe Writers Online I post once a month.

This forces me to write.

In the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell,  he states that to become really good at something you need 10 000 hours. "

"Outliers are those who have been given opportunities — and who have had the strength and presence of mind to seize them."

So I am beginning on that journey. I will get better with more study, more prayer, and more writing.

Can I improve? For sure. Learning never ends. Even with a passage of Scripture it speaks to me in a different way at a different time. The more I become aware of the Holy Spirit and the more I ask to be a part of His service - the more He shows me.

Then there is the other side of my life - painting. God has led me to paint in watercolour. I love it. I am working at merging my two loves - as I illustrated and wrote a children's book called Tadeo Turtle. Once again the more I paint - the better I get.

But as long as God wants me to write - I will write. And if He wants me to paint, I'll paint.  If He takes me in a different direction, then I will follow that path.

Being ready, being aware and being surprised by Him each day.
Blessings,
Janis

Are You A Writer? YES -- Janis Cox

I am reading a book on my Kindle called "You are a Writer - so Start Acting Like One" by Jeff Goins.

There is no hard copy but I would love to be able to flip back through the pages; put notes in the margins; highlight in yellow or pink and generally use it as a reference book.

Instead I did use the highlight function on my Kindle (my Kindle is first generation - so highlighting is not easily done). Some passages spoke to me and I want to share those with you today.

1. "Believe you already are what you want to be. And then start acting like it." (110-117)
2.  He compared writing to running a marathon. He asked himself where did the discipline to train come from. The answer, "It happened from doing the work, creating habits and building momentum... If you do anything long enough, it becomes habitual." (208-216)
3. "Multitasking is a myth. You can either create or react. But you can't do both. Choose wisely." (252-260)
4. "Here is the truth: There is no wrong thing. Just begin. Once you learn how to finish, you'll be able to start again. (267-274)
5. Jeff gave three important things we need to have as writers:

1. A PLATFORM - "Be a resource to others. Do favors. Be selfless."
2. A BRAND
3. CHANNELS (345-348) (You need to read the book to expand on these)

Then Jeff continued with concrete examples:

1. RESOURCES: You need resources to start your own self-hosted blog:
1. outstandingsetup.com
2. yourdigitalbook.com
3. problogger.net
2. Three Important Relationships:

1. FANS - those who admire your work
2. FRIENDS - peers to help you get better
3. PATRONS - people of influence - mentors (594-601)

And the pattern in all of this is "serving people" without an agenda. Relationships are important.

I finished Jeff's book this morning. I highly recommend it. The last couple of chapters really inspired me but you will have to read for yourself.

My friend, Janet Sketchley, wrote today about being a writer called Writer, Who are you Really?

To all my writer friends - I have stepped out and have taken the challenge.

Tadeo (TAD-ay-OH) Turtle

Tadeo Turtle should be published sometime in September by Word Alive. Tadeo Turtle is a story for children about a little turtle who longs to be someone different. In this adventure he learns to accept how God has created him. 

Janis Cox

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement.

She has published a couple of devotionals and a number of articles. Her Bible study is available in PDF.

As owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and A Better Way, she writes often.

Her children's book, Tadeo Turtle, is scheduled for release in September. Email her at Janis or visit her at www. janiscox.com.