The Benefits of Falling Off the Tree - Ramona Heikel

I am in my first dry spell in my twenty-year writing practice.  I have little ideas here and there, but I miss the joy of being driven by a large concept and message significant enough to fill a book manuscript. 

On my good days I am okay with this, because I can usually trust God to manage my writing life. But other times can be a challenge, such as when I foolishly swing by the Writing Section in a library or bookstore--and I read about how I can make my (future?) characters more colorful or believable,  successfully market my (non-existent) non-fiction book, or do school visits for my (unpublished) children's picture book. 

Then I feel like a little child standing behind a six-foot high chain-link fence, watching the big kids having all the fun.

So what's a writer to do?

Believe.

Have faith. Wait patiently. Be open. Pray. Expect. Be grateful for the "rest".

Perhaps that's oversimplifying it, I don't know. But to help me believe, and draw encouragement, I study nature. I tend to look at nature and see God.  My mind translates nature's ways into how God works, and how life works.

So I ask myself, "What actually happens during the shedding of leaves? It seems like such a sad, dreary time, so why does a good God set up an annual season of bleak, bare, bony trees? Isn't God all about life, evidenced in beauty and greenery?"

Here is what my research turned up, along with my rather abstract metaphorical responses. (I hope you will humor me!)

When the cool, dry weather comes along, and the food production of the leaves slows down, the tree intentionally cuts off the leaves in order for the tree and branches to survive. So in a way, if my creative leaves fall off the tree, that can be a benefit to the branches and trees. And who are the branches and trees? I'm not sure, but "I am the vine (tree?), you are the branches" comes to mind.

The tree reabsorbs the nutrients from the leaves before they fall, and stores them in the roots. That is a positive concept: creativity is not wasted during dry times, it is stored for the future.

Shedding its leaves may help trees pollinate in the spring, and many trees flower while they are still leafless. Pollinating and flowering make me think of bearing fruit. Perhaps, because of some transformation during this dry period, my future articles and stories will spread more widely and bear more fruit.

Losing leaves may help reduce damage to the tree by insects. When I think of insects I think of pests, annoyances and antagonism. Maybe in some mysterious way my fallow writing times can give me the strength to resist pesky doubts and discouragement.

Leaves on the ground put mineral salts and nutrients back into the soil, and the acids of decaying leaves dissolve rocks into the soil (replenishing it with sulphur, phosphorus, potash, iron, silica). This is provision for future blossoms of creative thought: nourishing the soul and spirit while it is at rest, thereby creating a deep well to draw from, rather than a shallow stream.

Wildlife species live in, or rely on, the layer of fallen leaves. These leaves, then, provide a benefit for the natural community. Could our restful times somehow benefit our fellow writers, or the collective body of writing? Of course.

I am fascinated and comforted by nature and its messages. I hope these facts and conjectures will provide an encouraging perspective--and a starting place for your own ponderings--during an autumn or winter in your own writing experience.

Ramona Heikel

Happilywriting.com

Leaves photos by Unsplash, public domain, https://pixabay.com/en/leaves-tree-ground-autumn-fall-984463/ 

If you're interested, I found information about the science behind falling leaves at these links (the NPR link is quite entertaining!) :

https://www.highlightskids.com/science-questions/how-and-why-do-leaves-fall-trees

http://earthsky.org/earth/why-do-trees-shed-their-leaves

http://www.instantanswer.org/why-do-trees-lose-their-leaves_955.html

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114288700

http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/why-do-leaves-shed-in-fall/

http://www.publicbookshelf.com/public_html/A_Year_in_the_Wonderland_of_Trees_/whyarede_b.html

Help, I need Somebody! – Ramona Heikel

What do bakers, dog-trainers, doctors, cooks, crane operators and The Beetles have in common?  They need somebody to help. To come alongside, as in…an apprenticeship!  So what about us writers, how about an apprenticeship for us?

I have run across a few instances of writing apprenticeships, but they are random and rare.  Some schools consider an MFA (Master of Fine Arts) to be an apprenticeship. (Have you had experience with an MFA?)

An apprentice is one who is learning by practical experience under a master, and I haven’t had a master author walk with me through these many years, guiding my writing. However, my writing apprenticeship has consisted of a variety of helpers: mentors in writing courses I’ve taken, successful authors in writing and critique groups I attended each month, and authors who write books and blogs devoted to writing skills.

             

Last fall I signed up for an online spiritual writing retreat with author Vinita Hampton Wright. Through this group “mentorship” and one of the exercises, I made a discovery; it was good news and bad news. I realized I have a tendency to write when I'm excited, but when the excitement wears off I stop working. I love the enthusiastic part of the idea process and that initial burst of putting my original thoughts and explorations down on a page. But often, when I go back to it, the novelty has worn off and I have lost momentum and motivation.  Because of this bad habit, I have many pieces I have started and abandoned.  I am ashamed to admit this because it seems rather childish and undisciplined, but I have to hope that simply realizing this after so many years of writing is a step forward!

My advice to a new writer, especially one who is juggling many other responsibilities, would be that your apprenticeship very realistically could take 10 years or even more. During this time, you shouldn’t assume you are going to write a best-seller, or even anything publishable.  Seriously consider getting a writing coach, which may be the closest thing to an apprenticeship. This is the route that I would have taken, had I realized that I would be spinning my wheels and wasting a lot of valuable time by trying to "do it myself."  (And it’s not too late. I am looking for one, so if any of you readers are coaches, or can recommend one, let me know.)

  

As I think about having help along the writing journey, it makes me think about how much help we have on our life journey.  Jesus is the Master who walked alongside his apprentices, allowed them to get to know him and watch him work, and demonstrated how to live life.  And after he finished his work on earth, he left another helper, our own one-on-one mentor, the Holy Spirit.  He knew we'd "need somebody, not just anybody."  I marvel that we are so important to him, that we “merit” his constant companionship!

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com

Photo credits:

A shoe repairman and his young apprentice, Apprenticeship, Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apprenticeship; Road to Emmaus, Bloor Lansdowne Christian Fellowship,  https://bloorlansdownechristianfellowship.files.wordpress.com/2015/05/road_to_emmaus.jpg

Advice from Downton Abbey by Glynis M Belec

A little while ago my happy hubby and I got hooked on Downton Abbey. During one of our extreme DA extravaganzas, I heard Robert Crawley, the Earl of Grantham utter some wise words. And somehow they became engrained on my cerebral hard drive. I thought it a splendid reminder for many reasons.

“If we don’t respect the past we’ll find it harder to build the future.”

I know, on Downton Abbey, this one liner had nothing to do with writing and all to do with not casting aside townsfolk for the sake of progress.

But, as I am often wont to do with many things these days, I started thinking about that remarkable quote as it might pertain to writing.

What does it mean to me, as a writer, to respect the past?  And how can I incorporate some advice for new writers and try to build a better future?

In my hooptedoodle world, I have always struggled with being organized and setting priorities. It was very odd, but when I first started writing, it was like I had to ‘set the stage before I started’.  Before I wrote I thought I had to wake up, clean up and tidy up. Maybe it was because I did not see my writing as a priority, I thought I had to put everything in order before I put my brain in gear and get words on a page. I didn’t get much done for a long time.

Then I began to learn. I attended conferences and learned from the best. I read many books on the craft of writing and found out how the writers I loved and respected managed. I took courses and joined writing groups. I entered contests and gained courage to write and speak about the passions of my heart. Best of all, I made friends. Lots and lots of writerly friends who ended up being so much more

I tried all sorts of writing approaches. I listened and learned and tried to apply all that acquired wisdom to my beloved craft.

I talked to God and I do believe [after many years] I finally understood that this gift He had given me was truly one to be respected and cherished and used for His ultimate glory.  

As I think back, the same year I accepted the Lord as my Saviour, was the same year my writing career began. (Do I hear a Hallelujah?] I had just moved to the little community where I still reside. At the time, I thought it all a coincidence, but I had spotted an advertisement for a 12 week freelance writing course. I signed up right away, not quite sure what to expect.

I fell in love with the writing process. I dared to contact the local newspaper – they gave me my start. I stayed as a regular columnist for 11 years. So many doors opened and so many opportunities were presented.

I sulked when I faced rejection. Then I learned it was part of the process.

I wanted to quit when I discovered it wasn’t all wine and roses. But then I decided that wasn’t my goal.

God said no to some things even though it looked like that was where the big bucks were. Then I understood that writing for an audience of One bestowed blessings (true riches) on me like I could never imagine.

I respect the past because God was there. I will continue to commit my work to God because he gave me a gift for which I am truly grateful.

I will still work hard because I know that just because I have passion and ability, doesn’t mean I have perfection.

I know the Earl of Grantham was on the right track as he reminded those within earshot about the importance of learning from the past and showing gratitude and respect to those who helped make the Yorkshire Dales a better place to grow. He felt responsible and remembered those who contributed to his success and growth. Impressive titles and great wealth was not the most important matter. It was the relationships formed and the teamwork involved that truly was the mark of true progress and success.

So it is with the writing life. I cannot even begin to think about the many people who have helped me along the way. But I do know that I did not stay a writer for 30 years on my own steam. God motivated me and blessed me. Teachers and writers and a thousand others help pave the way. For that I will remain truly grateful and I will endeavour to do my part to ‘pay it forward.’

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established   

Proverbs 16:3

Breathe by Glynis M. Belec

I never counted them but I am thinking that there are hundreds of verses in the Good Book on [not] being fearful. Some of my favourites include:

·         

     Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

·      Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

·         Psalm 56:3 When I am afraid, I will trust in you.

·         2 Timothy 1:7 For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

·         1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

·         1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with    punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

·         Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

·         Isaiah 35:4 Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

·         John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

·         Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in a man's heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.

     So how’s that for a God Pep talk? I always feel better after reading some of these verses. I might have been a published writer for over 28 years, but I will admit that there are still times when I doubt myself, question my abilities as a writer, or just plain fear sending ‘stuff’ out to the great editorial world fearful that I might be rejected.

     My love language is Words of Affirmation so is it any wonder that when I get rejected with words I am devastated? [Writer, have you ever taken this test? http://www.5lovelanguages.com/profile/ I often wonder if most writers have Words of Affirmation as their love language.]

     I digress. . .

Probably one of the biggest encouragements I received as a fledgling writer was being reminded about and then realizing that when I got a rejection it wasn’t me, personally, who was being rejected – it was the manuscript.  Sweet relief when I discovered that. Editors have different tastes so just because they might not like what I have written doesn’t mean that another one will feel the same. 

That felt good to hear that a few times over and over in my early writing career. Before that revelation, after receiving a rejection slip, I would fall into despair declaring to myself that I really should get out of the business of writing and who did I think I was thinking that someone might be interested in reading something I wrote? The rejection slip meant that I must be writing drivel; and the audacity of me thinking that someone would pay me for writing such twaddle was laughable. Hah! 

But somehow I got through it. And here I am many moons later still clicking the keyboard. Having over a thousand  columns and articles later and plenty of books under my belt indicates that it was good I am a tad on the stubborn side. After a few writerly tantrums and moments of quiet where I let God whisper louder than those other nasty inner voices, I realized that if I succumbed to that negativity then my dreams and aspirations would be compromised and my passion to write extinguished. Like I said, I am far too stubborn to let that happen!

You would think that I have developed broad shoulders and now, so many years later, a rejection doesn’t really fizz on me. I can just brush it off. I hate to admit it – but it t’aint necessarily so! If [when] I get a rejection letter now, I still hear those crazy voices. They whisper that same old reminder of what a terrible writer I am and how I am so unworthy and ridiculous for even sending my article off. Blah, blah, blah. Then God reminds me.

 Last month I had the privilege of sharing some insights about being a writer. I spoke a fair bit about rejection and how many famous manuscripts were rejected. And if it makes you feel any better, I will share some.

•            Harry Potter – JK Rowlings rejected  7  times
•            Beatrix Potter – Peter Rabbit – rejected 7 times - sold 150 million copies
•            The Help – Kathrynn Stockett – rejected 60 times
•            Chicken Soup – first title - Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen: rejected by 123 publishers and were told that their book had a stupid title, had no sex or violence, and no one would read it.
•            The Shack by William P. Young: Publishers either found this book too Christian or not Christian  enough. So 15 photocopied editions led to a self-publishing company and eventually 15 million copies sold.
•           Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell: 40 rejections - grossed more than $1 million and won a Pulitzer in its first year
•       Ann Frank, Moby Dick, Life of Pi, To Kill; a Mockingbird – they were all rejected many times.

So the lesson here is that when the rejection slips come in, don’t forget to inhale, breathe deeply, check out one of the above scriptures, reread your piece and if you are still in love with it, then send it out one more time. I heard a long time ago that as writers we should be more joyful and grateful when we get a rejection slip. At least it means we are trying!

Confessions of a Wimpy Marketer by Glynis M. Belec

  These past few days have caused me to reflect much on my writing career. I recently wrote a post on my own personal blog called Sick of Me [ http://glynis-myjourney.blogspot.ca/ ] on the emotional aspects of marketing. I've had some great responses to it; some private chastisements and plenty of food for thought.

      The whole gist of my post was basically one of marketing despair from a Christian perspective. I have been writing professionally for a long time so over the years I have definitely discovered that marketing is not for wimps.

     I don't really consider myself a wimp, though (there isn't much that this old gray mare won't tackle) but since my new book was recently (self) published, I've realized that in order to get my books out there, I need to build up some marketing muscle.

I'm by no means - chicken. I have no problem talking to people and giving them my package and a free book, but I have to admit that I have been struggling with the idea that humility and marketing don't jive for the Christian writer.

     Maybe I am out in left field here. Maybe I am just making excuses because marketing is hard work. Maybe I would just as soon have people magically beating down my door begging to buy my book so I can get on with pouring my voice and spirit onto paper.

     I think of the definition of marketing: a critical business function involving the process of communicating the value of products or services,to customers for the purpose of selling the product or service. 

Then I think of the many scriptures on humility:

Psalms 25:9 

He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way.

1 Peter 5:5b 

“…God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Mark 10:45 

For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

1 Kings 21:29 

“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days

Luke 1:43 

And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

2 Chronicles 12:12 

And when he humbled himself the wrath of the LORD turned from him, so as not to make a complete destruction.

Job 22:29 

For when they are humbled you say, ‘It is because of pride’; but he saves the lowly.

Psalms 18:27 

For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.

Psalms 149: 4 

For the LORD takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.

Proverbs 11:2 

When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.

     Then I wonder if it is possible to be doing God's work with humility if I have to get out there and promote myself, my book, my ability to speak, my this...my that. 

     Of course I know the importance of contacting people and finding creative ways to tell how great my work is. That's where I struggle, though. I know I can write. I know I can sink my teeth into something, have a plan, write something and it can turn out half decent. It's never perfect but I am not afraid to try. I love speaking to audiences and telling them my story in hopes that they can be helped or encouraged or find something to laugh about. 

     So maybe what I should do is seek out scripture to balance my marketing emotions. Let's give it a try:

God wants me to write my story: 

*Oh that my words were written with an iron pen on a granite tablet so my story could be read forever. — Job 19:23–24

I write honestly from my heart, seeking to make the truth known. — Job 33:3

Let my concepts and writings be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. — Psalm 19:14

While waiting for the Lord, write. Be strong and take heart, and keep writing for the Lord. — Psalm 27:14

My heart overflows with a captivating theme, for my voice is the pen of a skillful writer. — Psalm 45:1

God’s word is a lamp that lights my writing journey. — Psalm 119:105

If God is our helper when we write, the stories we build cannot be in vain. — Psalm 127:1

Writers rejoice when they can reach their audience with the right words at the right time. — Proverbs 15:23

Writing sprinkled with humor is wonderful medicine, for pleasant words are like honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. — Proverbs 16:24

Commit your writing to the Lord, and your message will touch people’s hearts. — Proverbs 16:3

Writers would like to chart their entire journey to success, but God wants them to take the next right step. — Proverbs 16:9

Without guidance, writers will fail, so blessed are those who carefully follow publishing guidelines. — Proverbs 30:18

Write your message in an article or a book so it may be an everlasting witness. — Isaiah 30:8

The Lord says, “I know the great things I have in mind for your writing—plans for you to succeed, not fail—so anticipate the future with eager expectation. — Jeremiah 29:11

Publish the pieces you have written, so people can read them. — Ezekiel 37:20

Write for your children so they can tell their children, so your stories may live from generation to generation. — Joel 1:3

The Lord is good, a wonderful retreat when we suffer from writer’s block. He recognizes those who seek him for guidance. — Nahum 1:7

Use plainly spoken words so people can easily read my message and run to tell others. — Habakkuk 2:2

Like city lights on a hill that cannot be hidden, let your writing shine so people may read your words and glorify God in Heaven. — Matthew 5:14, 16

Writers in the Kingdom of Heaven bring forth treasured stories that are familiar yet refreshingly new. — Matthew 13:52

Those who have sacrificed possessions, relationships, and pleasures so they can write stories about Christ working in their lives will receive a much greater benefit, as well as eternal life. — Matthew 19:29

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so writers who believe in him and share their stories will not die but will lead others to eternal life. — John 3:16

Like a mighty river, words will flow from the mouth of those who believe in Christ. — John 7:38

Rejections, unreturned calls, and ignored book proposals will all work for good for writers who love God and seek to communicate a message that pleases him. — Romans 8:28

Don’t let the world around you dictate how you write, but let God change the way you think. Then your stories will be what he wants—good, well pleasing, and complete. — Romans 12:2

If I write with human excellence and angelic might without truly caring about my audience, my message is little more than a noisy gong or clanging cymbal. — 1 Corinthians 13:1

I can write anything if Christ will give me the ability and stamina. — Philippians 4:13

Don’t let people despise you as a novice, but be a faith example by seeking excellence in your writing. — 1 Timothy 4:12

      As I read through these and check out each scripture, it really does become wonderfully, alarmingly reassuring that God has a mighty plan for His children to write stories and get the word out. Maybe having a marketing plan isn't about puffing up self; it's all about focussing on the story that God wants me to tell. Hmmm...I like that.

     As far as the emotional part of marketing, I will probably never get my head fully around the

'selling myself' talk, but if I can put it into perspective and focus on whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy because it is done for God's glory, then maybe marketing my story is a really good thing and wimping out is not an option. 

*(Special thanks to the North Texas Christian Writers for letting me share some of these scripture ideas. 

http://www.ntchristianwriters.com/sharpen-the-sword/scripture-for-writers/ )