In the rare, calm
moments when I take an objective look at my writing goals, I sometimes get
discouraged because I wish I could write more. But then I think to myself, “Well, at least
I’m writing consistently. Thank goodness I have to write a post every
month for the Inscribe Writers blog!”
Now don’t get
me wrong. It sounds like I resent it,
but “have to” actually means
“I don’t want to let down my fellow Inscribians,
so it is mandatory
—right now, today—
that I clear off a space
in my cluttered
schedule,
desk,
and mind
to do what I love:
write!”
And not
just write, but also rewrite, edit and complete
an article. Sometimes this blog post is
the only writing I do in a month, and even if I need to squeeze it into a full
schedule, it always gives me a sense of joy and accomplishment. It’s also a way to connect with my writing
community, to learn, to be inspired and encouraged, and to give back.
As I was
looking for inspiration for this month’s post, I went to my Inspiration
Binder. I organize myself with binders: binders full of marketing information,
articles or notes that help me with aspects of writing and editing, research
I’ve done, works in progress, and yes, even a binder called “Inspiring”. You can see it here (showing my sophisticated
binder labeling system!):
Inside the
Inspiring binder I have, front and center, an Inscribe blog article by Marcia
Laycock entitled “Lessons from Pompeii”, which I re-read now and then to remind
me of what’s most important (the condition of my heart before God). I also have Christmas cards received from two
magazines that published my work, notes and articles that first encouraged me
to write, and “keepers” from various writing workshops, among many other words
that motivate and guide me.
Inside the
front pocket is a bookmark, which reminds me of my first Inscribe conference,
where I got to meet many of you lovely people in person for the first time. I signed up for the 2009 Fall Conference
mainly because I wanted to hear what the keynote speaker had to say. I’d long admired Jane Kirkpatrick, and was
very excited to see her in person. She
was an excellent teacher and encourager of writers, and when she sat at a table
to learn from other speakers, she became one of us. I was lucky enough to sit beside her at a
table, and chat (and laugh) with her one-on-one for quite a long time. I’ve never forgotten her advice: to talk back
to the gremlins that sit on my shoulder and cackle and tell me that my writing
is no good!
Since then
I have been constantly encouraged and enlightened by you, my fellow
members! Reading through Fellowscript does more of the same, and
I love the new contests, writing possibilities, and the Calgary conferences. As I pondered exactly how to compose my memories in a post
this month, I received my impetus from Sandi Somers’ post about the history of
our organization, especially her questions at the end—thanks Sandi!
One of the
ways I see God working again and again in my writing experiences is through
Inscribe. Seeing Jane’s smiling face on
my keepsake autographed bookmark reminds me of when that blessing began.
Posted by
Ramona
