Keeping It Fresh by Steph Beth Nickel

 

Writing Writer Notes - Free photo on Pixabay

Sometimes it's hard to keep things fresh. We may lack inspiration and excitement about what we write and/or what we read. Just why is that?

When we discover a process that works for us, we may stick with it—even when it no longer serves us well.

When we settle on our favourite (genre, book format, location to write, etc.), we may become reluctant to try something new.

And as we get older, we may get set in our ways.

One way to keep things fresh and exciting is to continue to explore, no matter how old we get, no matter how set in our ways.

What does this look like practically speaking?

Location. Location. Location.

If possible, I highly encourage exploring new locations. My hubby and I spent three weeks with our eldest and his wife last year. In that time, we visited Scotland, Iceland, and Ireland. Cliché as it may sound, it was the trip of a lifetime.

While a trip across the Pond, or even across the country, may not be possible, checking out local attractions and taking day trips can create happy memories and inspire your writing.

And speaking of writing…

Taking your laptop or notebook to a new location can get your creative juices flowing when the same old-same old weighs you down.

Finding it challenging to write at the time of day you’re used to because of a change in your circumstances? Not only can a change of location benefit your writing, writing at a different time of day can do the same.

Plus, trying your hand at writing something you’ve never written before can stretch your writing muscle.

And remember…

You never have to share that poem that makes you cringe or that fanfiction that makes you shake your head and ask how you could have ever written such drivel.

On the other hand…

You just may find a new passion, one you may eventually share with others or one that you keep to yourself.

What about reading?

There are a plethora of fiction genres and subgenres available and nonfiction books on virtually any topic you can name. Why not branch out and pick up a book you wouldn’t typically be drawn to? And if it turns out you really don’t like it, it’s a-ok to set it aside. Really, it is.

Hardbacks. Paperbacks. eBooks. Audiobooks. Fiction. Nonfiction.

I have volumes in every category on the go at any given moment, but I know I’m an anomaly.

How about you? Do you read only nonfiction paperbacks? Fiction eBooks? A variety of audiobooks? One at a time or so many you have to concentrate intently to keep characters and plotlines from getting confused?

If possible, why not read in a format you aren’t typically drawn to? I find each one has its specific charms.

And maybe read one nonfiction book and one novel at the same time if you’re used to reading a book from beginning to end before going on to the next one.

How do you keep things fresh in the areas of writing and reading?

Steph Beth Nickel is the former Editor of FellowScript and the current InScribe Contest Coordinator. Steph is an editor and author and plans to relocate to Saskatchewan from Ontario to be close to family in the spring of 2026. (Headshot Photo Credit: Jaime Mellor Photography)

Write What You Love by Steph Beth Nickel

 

Write What You Know

We've all heard the advice to "write what you know." However, that is only the jumping off point. As writers, we are also researchers, whether formally or informally. Every day we're discovering and observing new things that find their way into our writing.

Should we write what we know? Yes.

Should we always be learning new things and incorporating them into our writing? Absolutely.

Write What You Love

If you're a journalist or a content creator, this may not be an option—at least not during your "working hours."

However, this is just one reason why those who write for a living often make time in the morning or evening to write what gets their mojo flowing, what's on their heart, what they love.

While there are countless factors that determine what we write, there is a sense of joy and expectation when the topic is near and dear to our heart.

When Love is the Motivator

Imagine your ideal writing life.

Writing about a topic we're passionate about and getting our work into the hands of those who are equally passionate (or become so) can fill the proverbial well. (We all know that writing, even about things we love, can be draining.)

Further, writing about a topic we love in an environment that inspires and energizes us and earning a living from that writing . . . Does it get better than that?

Practically speaking, the ideal is rarely our reality, but love can still be our motivator.

As believers, the Lord is to be our First Love. Has He laid a message on our heart and provided a way to share that message with others? When we do so, we express our love for Him.

Are we able to provide for ourselves and our family doing what we love even if what we write about isn't our #1 passion? Creating our best work is a way to express love to our family and others who benefit from our efforts. It's also a way to obey Colossians 3:23-24, "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" (ESV), thereby expressing our love for the Lord as well.

Do we entertain, encourage, and/or educate others with our words? This is a way of expressing love.

The Power of Our Words

We should never underestimate the power of our words.

When life becomes too overwhelming, our fiction can provide a temporary reprieve.

When our readers are weighed down by life's challenges and heartaches, our encouraging words can lighten their load.

When they're seeking direction, our nonfiction can point them to the truth—as can our fiction.

As Christians, we know our readers need to know the One who is the Truth more than anything else. And we can share this Truth no matter what we write.

Is there anything more powerful, anything more loving, than sharing our words with others?

Photo Credit: Heart Hearts Cord Hung - Free photo on Pixabay

Steph Beth Nickel is the former Editor of FellowScript and the current InScribe Contest Coordinator. Steph is an editor and author and plans to relocate to Saskatchewan from Ontario to be close to family sometime after her husband retires in the spring of 2025. (Headshot Photo Credit: Jaime Mellor Photography)

Winning Defined by Steph Beth Nickel

 

As writers, we want to “win,” but there are numerous definitions of exactly what that means. Each of us must determine what winning means to us and refuse to be tied to the definitions of others.

For some, winning (or success) means making a fulltime living with their writing. If you’re doing so, that’s incredible. Kudos!

This may be your ultimate goal, but even if you’re not there yet, know that it’s alright to define each “smaller,” more attainable goal as a win well worth celebrating.

If you’re not making your living with the written word (or in your preferred style / genre) and are not particularly interested in doing so, be encouraged, knowing that this isn’t the only definition of winning at writing.

Is your goal to write every day and most days you’re putting pen to paper? You’re winning.

If your goal is to hit a certain word count each day, week, or month, and most times you’re able to tick it off your Action Plan, you are winning.

If you are writing for a limited audience and even one person is entertained, encouraged, or empowered by what you’ve written, that is definitely a win.

Is your goal to process your thoughts and emotions in a journal for your eyes only, and you are often able to do so? This is one of the most important wins of all—and will have an impact on all areas of life, including your other writing.

You may be writing every day or once a week. You may be writing for a readership of thousands or a handful of people. You may be writing full-length books or social media posts.

No matter what you’re writing, know that there are different definitions of winning, and don’t neglect to celebrate the “smallest” of wins while pressing on to those “bigger” wins—or not. It’s your choice. You are free to define winning.

And while we’re learning to celebrate our writing wins, let’s encourage our fellow writers and remind them that winning doesn’t necessarily mean publishing a runaway bestseller or taking home first place in a prestigious contest. It doesn’t necessarily mean becoming a household name or being recognized when walking down the street. It doesn’t necessarily mean reporters are calling to set up interviews or social media influencers are highlighting our writing.

Sometimes winning means sitting down at your computer and adding 250 or 500 words to your WIP, taking a deep breath and hitting Publish, visiting the local coffee shop and jotting down inspiration for an idea that’s just starting to percolate in your mind (coffee shop + percolate = unintentional metaphor / pun).

So, what does winning at writing mean to you? Regardless of whether or not you’re achieving your ultimate definition of success, how are you winning today? And I assure you . . . you are!

Travelling as a Source of Writing Inspiration by Steph Beth Nickel

 

Photo Credit: https://pixabay.com/photos/airplane-sky-sunrise-sunset-6074629/

A writer's inspiration can come from any number of places: snippets of overheard conversation, a display of souvenir merchandise bearing unusual names, a random quote you can't forget.

And . . . travel!

Next month, I will be travelling to Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland with my husband. Our eldest son and his wife will serve as our tour guides. (They live in Scotland and spend a fair amount of time in Iceland, a place they especially look forward to showing us.)

Needless to say, a trip like this has the potential to provide a plethora of ideas for future writing projects, more ideas than I'll ever be able to pursue I'm sure.

While I could wait until I wing my way across the Pond to make any definite plans, I thought it best to get my creative mojo flowing by brainstorming ideas as to what I could write based on this once in a lifetime trip.

From poems to pictures books. Devotionals. Memoir. Blog posts. Newsletter content. Speculative fiction. Cozy mysteries. 

And so much more! 

To prime the pump, I asked Claude AI for ideas. While I won't be using any of the ideas "as is," they have served as inspiration.

For example, I asked, "Give me picture book ideas for books set in Scotland, Ireland, and Iceland," and Claude came up with three ideas for each location. 

Among other ideas, it suggested, "Tartan Tales: A patchwork quilt comes to life, sharing stories of Scottish history and folklore," "The Littlest Leprechaun: A tiny leprechaun tries to prove his worth by granting the biggest wish ever," and "Puffin's Big Adventure: A curious puffin explores Iceland's diverse landscapes and meets unique wildlife."

Like any other technology, generative AI can be used for unethical purposes. However, I've found that it's a great brainstorming partner.

In order to record the ideas that come to mind, I have purchased a blank journal which I plan to write in every day and a guided journal, should the idea for a novel begin to percolate. (I'm sure there will be many.)

I may take coloured pens, a different colour to use for each category so I can quickly scan the journal when I return home and develop the ideas that jump off the page at me.

I will also be taking a camcorder with an external mic to keep a video record of My European Adventure and a record of the magnificent scenery that is bound to grab my attention. I may also take my digital camera. We'll see. It is rather bulky but will likely be well worth it.

What corners of God's creation have inspired your writing? How did you keep track of that inspiration? What have you written based on your travels?

Never Ever Ever Give Up by Steph Beth Nickel

 

as writers, as believers, as humans

we must persevere

sometimes life (and our writing)

seem to flow smoothly, unhindered

and then...

we round a bend

and the path reaches for the sky

a steep incline

loose rocks

rickety steps

we prefer

even ground, sure footing, a moss-covered path

but the challenging sections

this is where we grow strong

we learn to press on

we learn to reach out to others

more importantly

we learn to reach out to God

is your life

an uphill climb

is your faith wavering

and your endurance at its limits

have the words stopped flowing

are you ready to put down your pen

consider the words you've read

the words that have encouraged you

spurred you on

built you up

did they come from a place of ease or

did the writer dig deep

did your fellow creative

reach inside and share their heart

the hurt, the pain, the challenge

of what it means to be human

we must follow their example

we must take the next step

we must never ever ever give up

Effective Communicators are Good Listeners by Steph Beth Nickel

 

As communicators, we're used to writing words and sending them into the world and/or preparing messages to deliver to an audience.

But how do we do so effectively?

We must learn to listen to more than simply our own thoughts.

If applicable, we must listen to our clients, our publishers, our editors... Anyone we answer to. Anyone who helps us make our work better.

We must listen to potential readers to learn their "felt needs." This is especially important when we're writing nonfiction.

We must listen to our current readers to learn what they enjoy, what they've found helpful or entertaining, and what doesn't "hit home".

To an extent, we must listen to the experts and the current prevailing thoughts so we can consider how to most effectively share our message with others.

Listening to everyday conversations can make our written dialogue believable.

Making note of what we find effective (and what we feel falls flat) in the books we read and the movies we watch can also help us when we sit down to write.

We must also learn to "listen to" all our senses.

When we include what we've heard in our writing, it will take the reader even further into the experience if we include the emotions these sounds stir up in our characters. (Doing so without actually naming the emotions is a perfect example of showing rather than telling, but that's a subject for another time.)

What do we feel, not emotionally, but with our sense of touch? Do we describe the fabric as "rough" or do we say, "It felt like coarse sandpaper against his skin" or "She slipped on the satin blouse. It was so cool and light that it felt like there was nothing on her sunburned arms"?

What do we see? The more details we notice, the more it will enhance our writing, especially when it comes to painting a mental picture for our readers.

What do we smell? Smell is the sense most directly associated with memory. If we include recognizable odours and the sensations they evoke in our characters, it will draw readers into our stories. There may be times when it's appropriate to include the sense of smell in our nonfiction as well.

What do we taste? Have you ever participated in what many refer to as "mindful eating"? There is so much more to the experience of eating than most of us think about. If we slow down and consider the sensations, the thoughts, and the emotions we experience, this added awareness might just make it into our writing.

And when we, as Christians, listen, there is nothing more important than learning to listen to the Holy Spirit and following His guidance.

Of course, the Lord communicates most directly through His Word.

But we also must pay attention to our aspirations and interests. Even our fears, struggles, and trials. God just may use them to direct and enhance our writing, to make us more effect communicators.

One last thing...

A disclaimer (of sorts): We must learn to listen to that which will make our work better, but we must also learn when to "stand our ground". Otherwise, we will forever be revising our work and never sending it out into the world to accomplish what it can.

Inspiration by Steph Beth Nickel

 

"Where do you get your inspiration?"

Pretty much every writer has been asked this question, and many of us are tempted to answer, "Everywhere."

Once I thought of a character's name, and the ideas for several stories that could feature this character developed over time. I hope to turn this into a series of short stories or middle grade books.

I've never found a place to use the following quote, but I'll never forget what one senior lady at our church said to my son when he walked past wearing oversized army boots. She said, "Hey, Boots, where are you taking that boy."

I had an idea for a speculative fiction novel that I wanted to begin during National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) a few years back, but it wasn't until October 31 that I decided to make it a YA novel told in the present tense from the female protagonist's point of view. Rule and Reign is currently awaiting my attention. I like the story, but it needs significant reworking even though I haven't completed the first draft.

Inspiration truly can come from anywhere, but what can we do when it seems to evade us?

Here are nine tips to light the spark:

Get enough rest. It's hard to come up with ideas and recognize inspiration if we're overtired.

Go for a walk. This will get the endorphins flowing and will allow our subconscious to work on problems areas in our work in progress (WIP).

Freewrite. Just put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and write whatever comes to mind.

Skip to the end. More than once I've written the end of the story when I got stuck in the "messy middle."

Show up. Stephen King said something to the effect that the Muse will show up every morning at 9:00 if you sit down to write every morning at 9:00.

Schedule writing time. Even if we can't show up every morning at 9:00, it's important to schedule writing appointments that we make a priority, just as we would any other appointment.

Develop a writing routine. For example... Grab a coffee. Light a candle. Turn on some instrumental music. Open your laptop. And write. We can train our brain to write if we develop our own routine.

Ask, "What if?" When you're stuck, come up with several What If? scenarios and explore with pen and paper the answer to the question. You may just come up with the perfect direction for your WIP.

Call a friend. As a writer, you likely have several friends who write. Why not reach out to one of them and brainstorm ideas to get you past your slump.

Bonus Tip

As Christians, we can rest assured that the Lord cares about every area of our life, including our writing. Praying before each writing session is a good habit to get into, one I'm still working on.

How about you? What helps you get the inspiration flowing?

DREAMS TO SPARE - Sheila Webster

 When I think of dreamers I think of a young boy who wanted to make a difference in the world. To any that knew his limitations they would have thought his dreams were similar to trying to fly to the moon without a spaceship.

He had a tough upbringing, not any advantages, little in the way of education, friendships, or stepping stones.

Often Joshua would tell me what he would do if he was chief of his reserve. He would then edit his dream and say, "At least talk to people about how to be kind to one another and how hard it is for kids like me." A big dream for a young man of no consequence. People would look at all the obstacles he would have to overcome to be anything let alone a person of influence and shake their heads saying it would be a miracle.

Joshua struggled with learning, he struggled with abstract concepts, poetry seemed abstract and he didn't want to do that portion of his English assignments in grade nine or ten. One day however he was on a road trip to and from a funeral. During this road trip he felt the rhythm of the road and begin to put the facts of his life on the page in short sentences. He was surprised to find that what he had written was a form of poetry, raw, gritty and real.

In need of some money to pay some of his expenses his mom helped him put some chapbooks of his writing together to sell at a First Nations Gathering, the rest has become part of his own personal history.

Joshua as a young person has been published in different forms, a shortlisted documentary about a segment of his life, a couple poetry books, and a couple first person essays. He opened at the University of Regina for Library Week last October, has gone on a library tour of south east Saskatchewan last February, spoken at schools and a seniors lodge. He has also achieved his dream of speaking to some foster parents and group home workers. Joshua has been interviewed by CBC twice,

There was no course or seven steps to realizing his dream just a simple prayer and a lot of courage to step out in his fledgling faith to achieve the impossible.

Joshua in Saskatoon receiving a star blanket commissioned by his publisher Siretona Creative's owner Colleen McCubbin - June 2019. (StarBlanket made by Starla Bruneau)

Joshua: A Documentary by Sheila Webster and Emily Duffield can be found on YouTube

Shopping Cart Boy (2018) is currently out of print

Soul Rape/Soul Rage published by Stark Words Press

can still be purchased on Amazon (this is a very poetry graphic book about sexual abuse)

Two of his stories were also published in First Nations Christian Writers by Goldrock Press and one was reprinted by Indian Life.

Competition in Perspective by Ramona Heikel

Thinking about Olympic competitions naturally leads me to thinking about my school days when I enjoyed competing in track and field. I'm not really competitive against other people, but I do like to compete against myself to increase my personal best.

Every year in grade school I received a first or second place ribbon in the fifty-yard dash. And I remember years later returning to my elementary school to play in a summer softball league there, and noticing in the gym that my 7.6 seconds still stood as the record for girls 50-yard dash. That was a thrill.

However, I am embarrassed at how quickly I gave up when I was challenged. 

When I entered junior high, our school system in Denver started an integration program, in which students of various races were bused to schools outside their neighborhood to ensure a mix at each school.  Most of my white friends did not have any interest in gym class. So out of about forty girls in my seventh grade gym class, there were only two white girls: me, and my friend Sue; all the others were African-American. And were those girls ever talented athletically!

Almost every one of them, whatever shape or size, could run the fifty-yard dash faster than I could. When I tried to run hurdles, I lost my balance, crashed and burned, and went inside the school to clean up my bloody nose and knee. Those amazingly talented African-American girls could sail right over the hurdles, as though each was born to be an Olympic athlete.

I had been a big fish in a small pond at Montclair Elementary School. Now here I was, a small fish in a big pond at Hill Junior High. Looking back, I wish I had connected with these talented athletes and asked for their help or tips. But not only were our newly mingling races uncomfortable outside our own group of friends, I was also quite shy. 

My main obstacle, however, was that I was so intimidated by the competition, I didn't even try out for the track team.  I have never forgotten that. 

Now, when I start to feel challenged and overwhelmed by competition, I remember the mistake that I made when I was young. Instead of quitting, I work harder and try to connect with my competitors.

Writing is one of my most challenging endeavors, and I still become intimidated by authors whose works are chosen over mine for publication. Also, when I see that someone has published a book with a very similar topic or plot to what I've written, I become discouraged and consider bowing out of the competition.

But more and more, I am able to remember that just because someone else has already published a project similar to mine, that doesn't mean that my creation isn't also valuable in its unique way.

Recently a writing friend of mine was trying to convince me to self-publish my book of children's math adventure stories.  I explained to her that I had put that project on a back burner because I found several on the internet that were similar. In fact, one particular book was almost identical to mine, but done much better. She said to me, "You know how you find a favorite author and you read everything they've written? Aren't you glad when you discover that there is another author that has written similar books?"  Yes, I am!  That made sense to me, and inspires me to keep at it.

So my great admiration goes out to those Olympic track and field competitors, who didn't let super-talented athletes intimidate them and keep them from reaching for their dream.

  

In the same way I have great admiration and respect for all the writers--including myself!--who don't become discouraged by all the incredibly gifted authors that surround us. May we all continue to support each other, write what's in our hearts, and get it "out there" where it can make a positive difference in someone's life.

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.      1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com  

Photo credits:

Flickr "100 Meter dash - Jaqueline Rose" by SD Dirk 

YouTube "Girls 100M Dash Finals (2A), WIAA State Championship 2012" by Henry Fan

Learn from Great Writers by taking this Quiz! — Ramona Heikel

Many, many authors in blogs, books, magazines, writers’ groups and conferences have taken me up one step after another on my writing journey. For example, in the book No one Cares what you had for Lunch, the author includes 100 ideas for blog posts, and one suggestion was a quiz.

I am motivated by fun, so here's a quiz for you, based on information I’ve collected in my binders of writing tips, tools and inspiration. (Don't worry, answers are at the bottom.) 

Have fun!

1. The literary organization Calgary READS handed out a bookmark at their fundraiser, entitled “50 books to read before you are 8”. Could you name 10 of these children's books?

2. What is the name of the recently published Inscribe anthology (including such topics as Time with God, Healthy Living and Marketing)?

3. Who wrote Writing the Breakout Novel? Who wrote Writing the Blockbuster Novel?

4. Which of the following authors would NOT be considered a Christian writer?

Francine Rivers

Penelope Stokes

Margaret Mitchell

Kristin Billerbeck

5. Which artist is the Bible referring to in Exodus 31 when it tells that he was “given the spirit of God to devise artistic designs... for work on every skilled craft”?

6. Name the author of one of the most successful children's novels ever written, who gave this advice: “Write... and improve as you go on. Read the best books and they will improve your style. Work for twenty years and you may someday find that you have a style and place of your own…I give you for a motto Michelangelo’s wise words: ‘Genius is infinite patience.’”

7. Fill in the letters with two authors’ names:
_ _ _ _   _ _ _ _ ‘s novel Jewel came out in 1991... But then people pretty much forgot about it...until 1999 when Oprah selected it for her book club… [He] says “ _ . _ .  _ _ _ _ _ once said that we don't need more books about Christians. We need more books with Christian values built into them.”

8. Fill in the blanks with the missing words in these titles from Chuck Colson's favorite books for summer reading:


The Brothers _______ , by F.D.
Out of the Silent _______ , by C.S.L.
Lost in the _______ , by W. P.
The Father _______ Mysteries , by G. K. C.
 _______ Progress , by J.B.

9. James Scott Bell wrote an article entitled “10 Disciplines for Fiction Writers.” Can you guess what the first two disciplines are ? Mo _______ and Mo _______.

10. At my first Inscribe fall conference in 2008, the keynote speaker joked that she heard the harpies on my shoulder saying negative, discouraging words about my writing (in a voice that sounded like Woody Allen), and I should just knock them off and keep on writing. What is the name of this keynote speaker, an author of award-winning historical Christian fiction set in the American West?

11. Poet John Milton composed a sonnet expressing his grief that he could no longer serve God with his creative writing. The poem ended “... God does not need either man's work or his own gifts. Who best bear his mild yoke, they serve him best... They also serve who only stand and wait.”  Why did Milton think he could no longer write? (Was he correct in thinking this?)

Congratulations! You finished!

How did you do?

I hope you got some inspiration and info from these quiz questions, and had some fun!

* * * * * * * * * *

Answers:

1.[See the image below of the 50 books] ; 2.7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers; 3. Donald Maass, Albert Zuckerman; 4.Margaret Mitchell, author of Gone with the Wind; 5. Bezalel; 6.Louisa May Alcott; 7.Bret Lott, C.S.Lewis; 8.Karamozov, Planet, Cosmos, Brown, Pilgrim’s; 9. Motivation, Momentum; 10. Jane Kirkpatrick; 11. He was blind; No, he was wrong, he actually created the masterpieces he is most famous for after he went blind.

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com  

Photo credit

“Jo Seated on the Old Sofa” courtesy of Cliff at Flickr 5223922465_ca5947bbb2_o

With Gratitude to Henryk Sienkiewicz - Ramona Heikel

My mom and dad inspired me to write when I was young, but I really had to think about which author inspired me to write novels of the Christian faith.  Francine Rivers had a huge impact on me, because she wove elements of faith into her original secular historical novels.  But as I thought back as far as I could about all the novels I've read, I made a beautiful, and somewhat timely, discovery.

I became a follower of Christ when I was fifteen years old, while attending a high school Campus Life meeting.  A year later my Latin teacher, Mr. Albery, gave me a parting gift of the classic novel, Quo Vadis.  It was written in 1896 by Henryk Sienkiewicz, and on the front page my teacher signed his name with the message, "Ad multos annos (to many years)."

Quo Vadis is a novel set in the time of the Christian persecutions in Rome during the reign of Nero, and tells the story of Lygia, a young woman who is pursued romantically by an unbelieving and volatile Roman noble.  This new believer is already being challenged to make life and death decisions based on her Christian principals.  The title of the book is Latin for "Where are you going?"

After I read this extraordinary book, I wondered if it might also have been my teacher's way of preparing me for my own important decisions in life, where I, too, would have to take risks and make sacrifices in order to stand firm in my faith.  I've always felt that Mr. Albery knew I was a new believer, like Lygia, and the only Christian in my family.  Perhaps this was his way of telling me that we were in the same family of faith, and it was his way to encourage me in my walk with the Lord. I feel certain that it was God who wanted me to read it because some aspects of Lygia's life and personality paralleled my own.

Although my creative pursuits at that time were more focused on drawing than writing, I believe that this book planted the first seeds of inspiration to write my own novels of faith by showing me first-hand how fiction can guide a person's view of life, and evoke courage and conviction.

As I write this, I am on a plane to my high school reunion.  In a few hours I will be at my school, and I would be overjoyed to see Mr. Alberry there!

By Ramona Heikel
Happilywriting.com

Inspired to Wait Tables – Ramona Heikel

I have been working away on a few children’s stories this summer, editing some and finding homes for others.  As I try to find suitable book or magazine markets online, I often come across writer’s communities and helpful tips, and last week I spent some time reading the great advice of a very successful and prolific writer of children’s educational books.  But I felt myself getting more and more tense, as I read of this established writer’s struggles to get her latest work published.

Then it hit me: if this woman—who has published forty-some books in addition to daily blog posts and several lengthy non-fiction books teaching other writers how to write—has trouble with rejections, what chance do I have?  She is a full-time, professional writer, with accolades abounding; and yet she still gets frustrated at today’s tough publishing market.  And I, who eke out a few blocks of time here and there, and am certainly not focusing my life on writing…I am trying to get published?

What on earth am I thinking?

After a couple days of throwing up my hands, shutting off my laptop and sighing into my journal, I remembered what my brother’s pastor had said.  A few weeks ago while visiting my family in Colorado, I was listening to a sermon about talents and heard the term “low self-esteem”, something I’d never connected with talents.

In the story of the servants entrusted with one talent each, there was one who buried his talent because, this pastor believed, he was afraid to try, for fear of failing.  But as appointed servants of the Lord, we are entrusted with a fortune of gifts and abilities, self-esteem problems or not.  If we devalue the talents God has given us, it is a serious problem.

 

Another point:  Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, recommended that Moses select capable men to be officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.  These officials would be valuable advisers and judges to share the load Moses had been carrying.  Notice that they did not all have the same responsibility.  Were those who were given only ten cases to judge covetous of the privilege and honor of those who were given a thousand cases to judge?  Maybe.  Maybe there were super-talented advisers and not-as-talented advisers, but clearly they were all necessary.

Again, the New Testament deacons also had differing responsibilities.  Some waited tables, others were writers of the gospel.  I know I would have wanted to be a writer of the gospel, but perhaps I would have been assigned tables to wait...?  These were divisions based not on hierarchy, but on appropriate service opportunities.  The “pay” would be the same for each service.

This reminds me of a book I read and reviewed on my blog called Looking Backward, 2000-1887.  It was written in 1887, imagining what the nation would be like in the year 2000, in terms of labor and economics.  The author believed that every human being would be given the same pay, no matter what their task or abilities; the disabled doing the work they could do, and receiving the same pay as the highest leaders of business, education, science or literature.

This is what got me back on my feet, when I faced the fact that my writing talents do not match those of the most successful writers.  I believe God has called me to write, and I will write, and keep on writing, to be faithful to do my appropriate service to the King.

Photo credits: Painting of the parable, by Jacob Willemszoon de Wet, mid 17th century.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parable_of_the_Workers_in_the_Vineyard

(If you’re interested, my 3-part review of Looking Backward starts here.)

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com

A Delighted Gasp – Ramona Heikel

I can think of two occasions when my mind was flooded with unusual inspiration, with exceptional story ideas.  Words flowed; bright, engaging words.  I wrote as much as I could as fast as I could, and those first drafts were some of the best work I’ve ever done.  One piece was accepted by the first publisher I sent it to and the second one—coincidentally—I am submitting to a publisher today (fingers crossed!).

Not long ago I found the DVD of Chariots of Fire at a thrift store and watched this great movie again.  Like Eric Liddell, I too feel God’s pleasure when I run (although I don’t run much anymore!).  The way I feel when I run fast and strong is the same way I feel when I write with unexpected inspiration, ease and excellence.  It is one reason I am sure that God is the one behind my love of writing and whatever talent I have.

It’s not just the feeling when an extraordinary idea comes to me, it’s the joy—and even laughter and tears—that come with it.  It’s the smile on my face or in my heart that remains through the whole piece.  It’s the feeling of unchallenged confidence that this work is a precious gift I am giving to the world. 

The word “inspire” in medicine means “to draw in breath”.  Perhaps I’m hearing the delighted (or amused?) gasp of a Father as he reacts to his child's writing!

I don’t think a person can try to have these moments of feeling God’s pleasure.  I'm pretty sure they are gifts, not something earned by putting in the hours and meeting the word quotas.  What makes them so moving is that they are a surprise—they come out of no where—and all we can do is pick up pen and paper to record the words we’ve been given.

Who knows?  Maybe they come as reminders that all of our best writing actually comes from God’s spirit; and we tap into that spirit by choosing more often to set aside our human inventions, techniques and advice, in favor of spending some quiet moments drawing close to God.

Posted by Ramona

www.happilywriting.com

Photo Credit: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AEric_Liddell.jpg

There is fascinating information on Wikipedia and other websites about Eric Liddell, describing his life of Christian service, and his last days which were spent humbly doing whatever good he could, in an internment camp in China.

Florence by Glynis Belec

his weekend I get to stand before almost a hundred men and women at a church. They want me to speak about hope. They want me to inspire them into action or reflection and they want me to make them laugh and feel good about life. Then they want me to read my story about Florence.

I always worry when people expect me to be funny because I have to be the world's lousiest joke teller. Don't get me wrong - I love a good, clean joke but for the life of me I never remember punch lines or I end up paraphrasing or messing everything up and then it all sounds daft in the end.

So, I am not sure what will happen this weekend on the laughter Richter scale. It seems, sometimes, that the more I am myself, the more funny people find me. I will just listen to where God wants me to go with his words and see what happens. I love speaking about hope these days, though, and I am very glad that I get to take Florence with me to finish off my presentation.

Glynis M. Belec, Student Nurse by John D.G. Latham

Florence was the reason I started to write. I loved to dabble with words when I was younger and my English marks were always good, particularly in composition. My sisters and I would write songs and in private, I would write in my journals and diaries and would carefully create rhyming poems - the funnier, the better. I also loved to pen letters and make up plays. But never in my young life did I ever think of writing as a career option. Then I became a nurse. People told me that I should be a nurse. So I did.  Even though I became a nurse the wrong reasons, I realize now that it ultimately helped me get writing.

Geriatrics was my specialty at the time. It was during my job stint at a local nursing home that I met Florence. Florence had had a stroke. At the time, I remember thinking she was older but I do believe she was only in her 60s. (Age is all relative, right?) She had nasty psoriasis as well as all the typical symptoms of a stroke patient.

My heart would go out to her because she became so frustrated when she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words. She had obviously been a happily married woman because she would show me her photo album and try to communicate her heart as she pointed to pages. Her husband had died unexpectedly of a massive heart attack and she had 'ended up' in a nursing home as a result. She had a good family, but she seemed lost without her husband. Yet, she still had a twinkle in her eye. I wasn't a Christian at the time, but I remember her Bible on her bedside stand. I remember how she would quietly read it and how it calmed her. I saw that twinkle in her eye as a shimmer of hope. I didn't really understand her 'hope' at the time but years, after I came to 'walk in the Way', I wondered and then often thought about Florence.

God soon spelled it out. He laid it on my heart to follow up on that notice at the Bruce County Library - a Writing Contest. So I did.I knew what I was to write about.  My little blue typewriter became my best friend and all of a sudden I had written 6 pages of Florence's story. I ended up winning the county wide contest and I was spurred into action. I took courses. I read books. I kept my ears open for conferences and before I knew it I worked my way into writing a weekly column in our local newspaper.


It's been a journey, but thanks to Florence for giving me cause to write. And thanks be to the Holy Spirit for nudging me in the direction of my heart. It was my beginning.

This weekend, I will share Florence's story, but I won't do it out of vainglory. I will do it because I remember how God opened wide a door. A whole lot has happened in between Florence and the now that I have had the privilege to write about. I can't tell it all but I will share my heart. I will put on my Life Jacket [it's a prop - maybe they will laugh then] and I will talk about hope and joy and laughter and Florence. And my prayer is that God will be glorified through all my noise.

   
 

What Was Your Writing Eureka Moment? By Sandi Somers

The Greek scholar Archimedes stepped into his bath and suddenly realized that he displaced water exactly equal to his body’s volume. He was so excited that he ran through the streets, shouting “Eureka! Eureka!—I have found it!”

Prompt: Did you have a Eureka moment when you knew you wanted to be a writer? Or maybe you sensed God’s calling as a gradual process. Or maybe you always knew you wanted to be a writer. Tell us your story.

 Writing Retreat - June 2011

My writing life has been a series of turning points rather than Eureka moments.

One turning point came for me the summer of 2011. I was newly retired and had more time to develop my writing.

I also had determined to begin writing more intentionally.

Before plunging into my writing projects, I went on a private writing retreat. My goddaughter Clara was graduating from high school, and I drove from Calgary to Victoria to attend her graduation.

 The drive took two days, and I used that time to think, read, and plan.  I asked God to reveal His vision for my writing,

My guidebooks were my Bible, a devotional book, my journal, and Janice Elsheimer’s The Creative Call, a book that focused on freeing and developing the artist within us. “We will find the artist God intends us to be when we...become open to his plan and to the inspiration of His Holy Spirit. Only then will we experience personal artistic revival,” she wrote.

My mind filled with ideas. Like the jangling key ring of caretakers where I had worked, these ideas called out to be noticed. Yet my goals were not too clear.

I asked God for keys. Keys to unlock God’s  purposes for my writing. Keys to develop my writing skills. Keys to bring God’s love and healing to my readers. And the key to depend on the Holy Spirit for our source of inspiration.

Since then God has been faithful. I look back on that private writer’s retreat and see the beginning of my art becoming empowered by the Spirit, sometimes giving meaning to others that I could never have thought of on my own.

Now over to you. Tell us about any of your Eureka moments, turning points, or gradual opening of the way into your writing