Author: Annette Marie Griffin

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #25—Embrace the Wait

This post may seem familiar. I began my very first post for the Embrace the Wait column with the same following paragraphs. But now, through two years of waits, in life and writing, God has given me a deeper perspective which has altered the article’s ending. And isn’t that what embracing the wait is all about?

You wrote your heart out.

Wait. No. That doesn’t seem poignant enough. Let’s try this: from the depths of your soul, words—like drops of blood, trickled onto a thousand hungry pages. Eh … too cheesy, wordy, and a little weird. Not what I’m going for. Better stick with the original.

You wrote your heart out. You spent hundreds of hours polishing, correcting, improving, and editting. Wait. Editting? That doesn’t look right. Duh, there’s only one t in editing. Why in the world would I type it that way? Oh yeah, because the original Grand Poobah of English grammar adored exceptions and undoubtedly harbored a secret disdain for teachers and writers.

You wrote your heart out. You spent hundreds of hours editing your work. You then crafted a separate saga, called it a proposal, and cradled your baby inside the monstrosity. Why is there a need to wrap a novel inside a novel? Simple. The document is a weed-out device. In case you somehow survive the all-consuming process of birthing a literary masterpiece from the loins of your gut, the proposal is intended to finish you off with one swift kick to your fortitude.

But you’re a fighter. So, you rise from ashes of platform fluff, shake off the lunacy of comparison titles, and plaster your best pageant smile across your pale, screen-bathed face. As you parade-wave to the crowd of agents and editors who are shocked at your survival, your smile assures them that you’re a professional—that condensing a ninety-thousand-word manuscript into a two-paragraph synopsis is perfectly normal and thrilled you beyond words.

Then, with one tap of the magical, unforgiving send button, you hurl the fruit of your labor into a virtual abyss. You dare to hope and shed a tear in memory of your baby’s tender upbringing.

Now, good and faithful writer, after months—perhaps years of toil and type you may finally enter into a restful season and enjoy the reward of your hard work.

Yeah, right.

In fantasy land there would be no pause between the click of proposal submission and the dings of your inbox flooding with offers. But this is reality. Not only is there no guarantee any agent or publisher will find interest in your work, there’s no assurance that you’ll even receive a response to indicate they’ve considered it. So, you’re stuck in the scary limbo land that separates two parts of the traditional publishing process. You dangle there like a comma between two independent clauses—confused and unsure of your relevance.

That comma may seem a simplistic divider of time, but what if there is more to the ancient curl than meets the eye? What if we could slice open the jot and use a microscope to examine its insides? And what if we could find an entire chapter of revelation hidden within the confines of that drippy period? I believe we can … well, as far as the comma relates to the wait period between writing and traditional publishing is concerned.

Throughout scripture we see examples of God’s children, their ups and downs, and the pauses in between. Some of the most powerful lessons Christians can learn are hidden within those waits. Imagine if there had been no pause between Joseph’s adolescent dreams and the fulfillment of the promises? What if Jonah hadn’t experienced his hiatus in the belly of the fish? What if Moses and the Israelites had been teleported to the Promised Land? What if the Messiah had appeared on the scene before Adam and Eve could stitch their fig leaves together? The implications of such omissions are so far and reaching there’s no way to fully fathom the impact. But at the very least, it would have reduced our magnificent, living text into a very dull read.

The waits we experience in life carry the same significance as those we see in scripture. God is at work in us, molding us into the image of His son. And, as all writers know, it takes time, patience, and many strategic pauses to create a work of art.

He wrote his heart out—by crafting all of creation. He’s spent thousands of years refining His work—that we continue to botch. He wrapped His creation inside a proposal—to reunite us with Himself through Jesus. And now, as we all wait in this comma of time for His faithful voice to call us home, we are commanded to do the following: “… throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Maybe that’s why many of us struggle when confronted with long periods of waiting. It’s makes more sense to run a race than to wait a race. The dictionary defines the word wait as, “to stay where one is or delay action until a particular time or until something else happens.”

But the Christians’ definition of the four lettered w word is inherently different because the object of our wait is not a something—it’s always a Someone. Whatever endeavor God calls us to wait through, our confidence and focus lies in who He is.

When we realize that time is not the substance of our wait, it is easy to view time for what it really is. A tool. God uses the instrument of time to accomplish His purposes and plans much like a writer uses a pen to form the letters and words that fill a manuscript with story.

As God writes your perfect life story, may you be strengthened by the knowledge of His great love for you and be given the peace to rest in His sovereign plan—especially the waiting part.

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who has managed and directed programs for children and youth for more than twenty years. She has written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children, developed parent training seminars to benefit the community, and counseled at-risk youth. Her first children’s book What Is A Family? released in 2020. She and her husband have five children—three who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at home—plus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. 

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Embrace the Wait

Find Your Fellow Tesserae and Stick Together (Part 3): Don’t allow setbacks to keep you from chasing your writing dreams.

In this series of posts I’m interviewing writers who God has placed in my life to complete His divine mosaic. Each piece of a mosaic is called a tesserae. I’d like to introduce another tesserae in my mosaic—Patricia Tiffany Morris. I first met Patricia through an online critique group. The combination of her technical expertise and artistic talent blew me away, but it was Patricia’s willingness to take the time, apart from our regular meetings, to lovingly share her knowledge that caused me to consider her a dear friend.

Patricia had a huge publishing dream. She worked hard and invested time and money to plan for that dream. Finally, the time to realize that dream came and … a series of major technical setbacks threatened to steal the joy of seeing her dream come to fruition.

But God…

1) Briefly explain the original dream/plan for your journals

After my husband retired, and the empty nest stage of life arrived, we had little capital, but enormous dreams.

We brainstormed ideas to create a residual income for ourselves and our children after our death. Leaving a legacy, using my skills in creative writing and art, sparked my imagination. With my architectural and design background, I sketched plans and details of a perfect tiny house nestled in the mountains of North Carolina. I designed a home in college in the style of Sarah Suzanka’s Not So Big House, and continue to write and draw, filling stacks of notebooks and journals.

Two years ago, I pulled out a planner concept I’d developed over the past 20 years, still in a folder with no concrete plans.

A fresh idea germinated. One that planted itself between my desire to write and create art, and my need for organization. If wanted specific identification of my journals’ contents, I reasoned that others also did. You see, whenever I wanted to locate an entry, I would pull the assortment of journals out of two overflowing 18-gallon Rubbermaid containers.

If I wanted to find a book title, why couldn’t I design a journal with the words on the spine or color-code the cover so writing journals were one color, and creativity or spiritual journals were their distinct colors? I color-coded our family cups and towels. Why couldn’t I categorize journals the same way?

I immersed myself in this project. I could spend my entire life developing this planner or complete a portion of the project right now. For however long God plans for me on earth, I hope to share inspirational writing prompts, organizational ideas, and create places to brainstorm, sketch and create. And dream.

2. Can you tell me more about the journal series?

The series of journals separated by various category topics or by content, could help other creatives manage their creativity and planning needs and provide that financial legacy for my children.

I cracked open my new bullet journal and prayed. One idea after another poured onto the pages. Categories took shape. Digital art programs aided the workflow and Journaling Scribbles came to life.

The idea of a series of color-coded journals, organized by categories labeled with a colored band, found momentum with a small group of friends who encouraged me. Some joined my launch team and propelled me toward the goal of self-publishing.

I’m not sure I would have had strength through the many setbacks without my empathetic and courageous launch team.

3. What sorts of twists and turns did you encounter while trying to publish?

A more precise question might be, “What sort of trials didn’t I encounter?”

We don’t know how much we don’t know, unless we experiment and learn from our mistakes.

I believe that technology became my biggest enemy. Also, my lofty expectations that I would be published before Christmas in 2020. Ironically, I’m writing a fiction series called the Virtual Strangers Series. Technology is the ultimate antagonist to my heroine and her family. It also becomes the helper to solve the mystery. Fiction imitates life.

I experienced many crashes, lost files, and consumed hours and days of extra work. The temptation to give up and the waves of depression that I might never publish, brought me to my knees more often because of my need and a realization that I wasn’t in control.

The digital learning curve throws me daily, but I’m thankful for geeky solutions and platforms that help meet my long-term goals for the Journaling Scribbles™ series of journals.

4. How did you handle the discouragement?

In addition to having a wonderfully supportive husband who prays for me and with me, I found courage to ask for help and prayer. As setbacks delayed my timeline and as each twist developed, like any true plot-twist in a novel, I could either give in, press forward, or wait.

Option 3-Wait. I reset the iPad, worked on what I could. I dove into yet another unfamiliar app, but at least I inched forward in the waiting.

I put some steps on hold and grappled with the reality that my timeline was not in God’s. I struggled with the KDP proof-copy and pulled the books from Amazon’s distribution in November 2020. The proofs were sub-standard, see-through paper, and not at all suited for journaling.

I asked for prayer and announced the delay while researching options. Integrating my artwork into the software asset library proved almost therapeutic. I also brainstormed ideas with my husband again and continued to create journal themes to keep the dream alive.

My team was immensely supportive and patient with schedule changes. I found renewed hope. Even during this set-back, I could search for solutions and make progress toward the dream of self-publishing and creating a legacy for my family.

5. What practical lessons have you learned through your set-back that might help another author, who is just starting out?

I think I may have appeared foolish to many people, but that doesn’t usually stop me. When the Lord continues to shine through the pages of the Bible and keeps me in His presence despite the trials of this life, I’m confident I can’t fall without Him catching me. Ideas may fail, but He reminds me I’m not a failure.

I also developed a practice of taking notes during worship and lettered His words while watching the sermon. Illustrations came to life through videotaping the coloring process. Sundays kept me grounded in the Word and exercised my creativity. These times swept away discouragement and allowed me to dive into the writing and publishing flow on Mondays.

6. What God lessons have you learned that you might not otherwise have gleaned on a smoother publishing journey?

Remember I mentioned “my timeline”? That was my biggest lesson. I am much afflicted by pride. And I need God’s timeline. His plans might ask me to wait, but I can keep learning. The waiting time is so important.

As authors, writers, and artists, we create and design. We make plans and press ahead sometimes without waiting for the Lord’s direction. How precious and glorious when I rest in the flow of His purpose. Like riding on a calm lake, floating sometimes propels me off course or causes the craft to drift to the shoreline or get caught in the weeds. Sometimes stepping into the boat at the top of a hill and careening through a waterfall upside-down until I emerge in yet another stream toward the goal.

I think there’s always another stream to navigate. Don’t you? Another trial. Another goal. Success resides in the journey, the process, and how we view ourselves as we travel. We can either walk on our own merits, or with God’s direction and a bit of community cheerleading to remind each one of us that we need one another to succeed in this world.

7) If you had it all to do over again, would you take a different path?

This question tumbles through my mind quite often. My dream would still be present. Or another dream stacked waiting for my time. The imagination pulses continually. That’s who I am. My creativity and inspiration to create, flow from my allegiance to Christ. But the path along each tributary is fluid. I see many tributaries in this journey. I might have taken the path of Ingram publishing instead of KDP. I may have hired a marketing director instead of the FB team. Or I might have bought into the Adobe Design software instead the Affinity products.

But the dream still keeps me awake at night.

If not this dream, another equally complex and time consuming one would surface, because the goal to create a product that meets other believer’s needs for reflection and planning and creativity would still be there, wrestling for an answer to the problems of our identity in Christ. And souls like me, who find peace and joy in processing our thoughts, words, and ideas, might still be waiting for us.

While the exact path might be different, the end goal or product faces me and reminds me to keep pressing forward.

If you are a writer. If you are a creative artistic person who wakes up to a dream, keep pressing forward. If you need to hop out of the figurative boat to reassess the current, do it. If the dream calls to you, and God doesn’t say no, or stop, keep praying. Keep researching and reevaluating your path. And brainstorm, collaborate, and network until God redirects your path.

I’ll pray for you as you write, create, and inspire others to do the same.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Peter 3:8

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
Artist, writer, and Christian creative, Patricia Tiffany Morris, weaves original hand-drawn artwork, digital illustrations, and traditional planning elements throughout the pages of the journals. For more info check out Patricia’s website: https://www.patriciatiffanymorris.com/

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who has managed and directed programs for children and youth for more than twenty years. She has written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children, developed parent training seminars to benefit the community, and counseled at-risk youth. Her first children’s book What Is A Family? released in 2020. She and her husband have five children—three who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at home—plus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. 

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Embrace the Wait

Find Your Fellow Tesserae and Stick Together (Part 2): Improve Your Health to Improve Your Clarity

In my last post I explained that our writing journey should not be a solo trip. God has placed people in our lives who help complete the mosaic He is creating with our lives. Each piece of a mosaic is called a tesserae. I’d like to introduce another tesserae in my mosaic—Susan Neal.

I met this wonder-woman at my very first writer’s conference and was so impressed with her confidence, knowledge, and genuinely kind personality, but I was absolutely blown away to later discover her age! This youthful lady has some secrets about health to share with us that will help us gain clarity, strength, and success as writers.

1) Susan, tell us a little bit about your health journey and where and when your mission to help others become more health conscious began.

I combated a health crisis at the age of forty-nine. In November of that year, I had a crown placed on a tooth. Little did I know how that would mark the beginning of losing my good health. Ultimately, this tooth abscessed and poisoned my body over the next nine months, resulting in ten medical diagnoses and two surgeries. It took years to recover. I understand the devastating effects of being ill, and I want to help others reclaim their health as I did mine.

For years I did not realize that the nonfiction, healthy living genre was perfect for me. Instead, I tried other genres which resulted in rejection. Ultimately, I figured out my writing path should be where I could use my nursing background and illness to help others regain their health and optimal weight.

I am finally pursuing a divine direction, but it took years to figure it out. I wasn’t supposed to be a fiction or devotional author; I was supposed to use my background to assist others with health issues. I encountered much rejection during the first few years of my writing journey, but I persevered. Have you determined the spiritual writing path that you should pursue?

2) As a writer yourself, you understand the amount of energy, stamina, and patience required to make it to publication. How can the foods we eat make an impact on our success and stress levels during that process?

Unhealthy eating can contribute to poor writing. After a writer consumes refined carbohydrates or high-sugar foods, it negatively affects mood and clarity of mind. The mind becomes foggy, and it hard to remember things. Blood-sugar levels rise, which gives a rush of energy, but then it plummets, and the person feels lethargic. To counteract the effects of low blood sugar, adrenaline is released and causes anxiety. Blood-sugar fluctuations cause moodiness, irritability, and depression. When this occurs we are not at our best.

To produce our best work for the Lord, we need to nourish our bodies with the foods he gave us, not the food industry. Stay away from processed foods in boxes and bags that have a long shelf life. Instead, eat God’s foods that are whole, natural, and as close to harvest as possible. For example, grab some raw nuts to eat instead of crackers or chips. God’s foods will give you energy and mental clarity.

If you lack motivation and mental clarity, evaluate what you ate the previous 24 hours. Did it include sugar or wheat? Determine if something you ate or drank caused your symptoms and record the culprit on your calendar or in the Notes app on your phone. Figure out what makes you foggy-brained and avoid it so you can write clearly and efficiently.

3) Have you found a direct correlation to health and mental clarity in your own writing?

Absolutely, with the holidays I ate more desserts. This caused my mind and body to feel sluggish. I try to avoid desserts that are high in sugar but during the holidays we all splurge. Recently I created four healthy living cookbooks to help others navigate a healthy lifestyle. Currently, the cookbook bundle is half-price here. These healthy, delicious recipes are low-sugar, gluten-free, and provide alternatives for dairy.

3) What advice would you give someone who is just starting out and ready to take the leap to pursue a healthier lifestyle?

I can answer this question best by reviewing some of the steps from my number one Amazon bestseller, 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates.

Step 1. Decide to improve your health through proper nutrition.

The decision to improve your health is very personal. No one can make this decision for you. Deciding is the hardest step, but once you decide to change your eating habits you can achieve your healthy living goals.

Step 2. Acquire knowledge and a support system to help make a lifestyle change.

Learning which foods are harmful versus beneficial is crucial in sorting out what you should eat. For example, most oat, soy, corn, and wheat crops in the United States are genetically modified organisms (GMO) Roundup Ready crops where the carcinogen glyphosate (active ingredient in Roundup) is used on the crops because the herbicide does not harm them. Therefore, you could

Step 3: Clean out the pantry and refrigerator by removing unhealthy foods, and clean out your emotions.

Remove unhealthy foods from your kitchen so you are not tempted to eat them. Some unhealthy foods include wheat, sugar, corn syrup, white rice, artificial sweeteners, processed meats, processed foods, margarine, milk products, and soft drinks.

God gave us food to nourish our bodies. Yet food can be used for the wrong reasons. We may eat because we are sad, bored, stressed, depressed, or happy. As we engage in emotional eating, we turn to food instead of God. Cleaning out your emotions involves determining your relationship with food. Is it a healthy relationship or dysfunctional?

You can review the rest of the steps and gain the knowledge you need to make positive lifestyle changes in my megabook, Healthy Living Series: 3 Books in 1 and my course 7 Steps to Reclaim Your Optimal Weight. Both are on sale for half-price through January 7, 2021. God gave us glorious bodies that heal from many ailments if we eat His foods. When you are healthy you can produce the best quality work for the Lord. Start the new year by choosing to take care of the glorious body God gave you. May God bless you in 2021.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Peter 3:8

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
As a Certified AWSA Writer Coach, Susan Neal RN, MBA, MHS, desires to help others publish and sell their God-given message. She is the author of seven healthy living books. Her self-published number one Amazon best-seller 7 Steps to Get Off Sugar and Carbohydrates, won the Selah award and sold over 15,000 copies in three years.

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who has managed and directed programs for children and youth for more than twenty years. She has written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children, developed parent training seminars to benefit the community, and counseled at-risk youth. Her first children’s book What Is A Family? released in 2020. She and her husband have five children—three who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at home—plus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. 

Susan Neal won the 2020 Christian Author Network Crown Award for Outstanding Broadcast Media for her book marketing campaign. She is a trusted advisor for authors and helps many sell more books. Would you like to sell more books? Susan can teach you how. Take her Serious Writer Academy Course How to Sell 1000 Books in 3 Months. Susan is new director of Christian Indie Publishing Association.

You can follow Susan on:

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #22 – Find Your Fellow Tesserae and Stick Together (Part 1)

I am convinced that my writing journey is not just about me. God has a master plan to use the trials and the triumphs, the work and the wait, the refinement and the rejections—all for His glory. Part of that elaborate plan has involved connecting me with other writers. Like tesserae—the pieces of stone, tile, or glass used to construct a mosaic—God has strategically linked these writers’ journeys together with my own to form beautiful work of art.

It’s my pleasure to share my fellow tesserae with you in the next few posts in hopes that while you wait for publication they’ll become a part of your mosaic too. These writer friends all have a particular gift, skill-set, or unique insight that has brought balance to my writing journey.

My first guest tesserae is Becky Antkowiak. I met Becky at the BRMCWC in 2019 and was drawn to her radiating joy. She’s one of those people you just can’t help but like. We found an instant connection through our adoption stories and have been friends ever since. Unlike me, Becky is an extrovert extraordinaire. She has found a way to get the most out of connecting virtually during these trying times, and I asked her to share some of those valuable tips with us in the following interview:

1) What motivated you to dive in, do the research, and learn how to get the most out of virtual gatherings?

My time at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (2019) was the most fun I’d had in years—learning, meeting new friends, and finding my niche. When Covid forced the #BRMCWC2020 postponement, I was disappointed. When leadership announced the half-capacity-plus-virtual conference option for November 2020, I sobbed.

My husband was stymied. “Shouldn’t you be smiling? A virtual option is good news, right?”

“Yeah, but three hundred friends will be having fun without me!”

I knew I needed to take advantage of the virtual option (I have Lupus) but mourned the lost opportunity to connect. I prayed that God would “fix it” and make Covid go away, so I could attend in person.

God didn’t “fix it.” Instead, He nudged me to contact BRMCWC leadership. They graciously connected me with my co-host, Jaime Snell, and approved us to run Zoom sessions. Prior to November, I hadn’t run anything more than basic meetings. I watched Zoom tutorials and chatted with Zoom tech support to learn as much as I could, then prayed God would handle the rest. And He did. God provided everything we needed to help virtual attendees feel connected.

Direct access to faculty—during sessions, at meals, and in casual conversation—is one of BRMCWC’s unique advantages. As we scrambled to overcome the challenges Covid presented, we realized the virtual attendees wouldn’t be able to interact with faculty. Connecting people with resources (and with other people) is my passion; I wanted to ensure our virtual attendees didn’t miss out.

I reached out to some BRMCWC contacts and asked if they’d be willing to speak to our group. God prompted every person to say YES. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to connect friends with what they needed.

2) What are your top tips for getting the most out of a virtual conference and/or meeting?

Focus is the key to success during a virtual conference. Unlike an in-person conference, virtual conferences allow us to attend in our pajamas, run a load of laundry, grab a snack from the fridge, and manage fifteen other household issues while still attending. However, if we don’t plan and prepare, those perks can become drawbacks. A quick trip to the kitchen for coffee might morph into a thirty-minute “clean up after breakfast” detour. Even if we bring the laptop, we’re still not focused. “I’ll listen while I fold these towels,” results in missed information.

Preparing our minds, our environments, and (if applicable) our housemates ahead of time allows us to focus fully and take advantage of every minute. I wrote a series of posts at beckyantkowiak.com detailing ways to get the most from a virtual conference.

3) What advice do you have for authors who are camera shy and reluctant to participate on camera?

If you’re not thrilled by the idea of public speaking (online or in person), you’re in good company. According to a number of studies, fear of public speaking ranks ABOVE fear of death. (Seriously.)

Ideas for anyone reluctant to speak:

  • Prepare, prepare, prepare. If possible, ask for Q&A questions ahead of time.
  • Change the speaker view to reduce the number of attendees on your screen.
  • If you’re in charge of the meeting, ask someone to co-host.
  • Learn to navigate the meeting platform well ahead of time.

Ideas for anyone leading a meeting of people reluctant to speak:

  • Prepare your participants. Communicate expectations, responsibilities, and information at the beginning/prior to the meeting.
  • Invite participants to communicate via chat (either in a private message or “to all”). Then, verbally draw them out. “Karyn, you made a great point in the chat, and I want to make sure I don’t miscommunicate what you said. Do you mind sharing with the group? I think what you said is so important.” Often, knowing they won’t speak at the same time as someone else gives attendees the courage to turn off that mute button.
  • If you’re running a Q&A, tell participants, “If you have a question, type, ‘I have a question,’ in the chat, either publicly or directly to me. I’ll send you a direct message via chat when your turn approaches, so you can turn off your mute.” Then, follow through. First, private-message the person next in line to ask a question: “James, you’re after Kelly. As soon as she’s done, I’ll call on you, so please un-mute yourself.” Then, after the speaker has finished answering Kelly, alert the speaker (and provide a verbal prompt to your participant): “James has a question. Go ahead, James.”
  • When soliciting questions, remind participants of the limited time. “Please ask only one question until others have had a chance. If we have time, I’ll open the discussion for people to ask a second question.” This gently reminds extroverts not to railroad the meeting.

4) What benefits have you experienced from the virtual gatherings you have attended?

I’m a serial extrovert. If we make direct eye contact, I’ll consider us lifelong friends (you’ve been warned). More than once, when gatherings included multiple gals named Becky, I was labeled “the hugging Becky.”

I mention this to help you understand the absolute gift virtual connection has been for me in a world where I can’t hug my friends (or strangers). Because of my health, we’ve been extra careful. I’ve had in-person contact with only a handful of people since March.

After a while in semi-quarantine, I lost all motivation to write. (If you’re an extrovert, you likely understand how deep my depression and overwhelm began to helix. If you’re an introvert, imagine how you’d feel after spending the last six months in a small apartment with thirty strangers.) Then, a friend posted about the She Speaks for Him conference. I showed it to my husband and he encouraged me to sign up. Connecting with others online during the conference filled a void in my soul and pulled me out of an emotional pit.

Because of that experience, I knew the commitment, and the time, and the fight with technology terror (is this is an official disorder?) to provide Zoom for BRMCWC would be worth the work. Participants in the BRMCWC Zoom often thanked us for hosting, but truly, our group would have been nothing without the amazing attendees. (I’m only sad I can’t hug them. For now.)

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:26, Hebrews 10:24, 1 Peter 3:8

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
I asked Becky to share a little about herself. Be sure to connect with her. I know you’ll love her as much as I do! https://beckyantkowiak.com

From Becky: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I’m an editor, an adoptive homeschooling mom, and an advocate for those who can’t speak up for themselves.

I’m the founder of the 540 Club, a community of writers who commit to write, to learn, and—above all—to encourage other writers. In addition to our Facebook group, we gather via Zoom for Write-ins and weekly meetings. The 540 Club* is FREE, and always will be.

I’d love to have you join us. Sign up at https://www.facebook.com/groups/540Club/. You can also join via the 540 Club page on my website https://beckyantkowiak.com/club-540/ if you’re not on Facebook.

Need prayer? Send me a message via the contact page at beckyantkowiak.com. I love to pray for my friends!

Thanks so much, Annette, for the chance to share. XO

*Future plans for the 540 Club include creating a non-profit arm, with opportunities for members to participate in virtual writing workshops for underserved kiddos. If you have related experience (non-profit formation, virtual teaching, etc.), I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who has managed and directed programs for children and youth for more than twenty years. She has written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children, developed parent training seminars to benefit the community, and counseled at-risk youth. Her first children’s book What Is A Family? released in 2020. She and her husband have five children—three who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at home—plus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. 

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #21 – In All Things Give Thanks

When my kids were young we used to play a mandatory game. Whenever one of them was grumpy or having a bad attitude, I would ask them to list five things for which they were thankful. This was not a suggestion. It was the required payment for complaining. They, of course, hated it—because who likes to leave a pity-party to bask in a Thanksgiving parade? But something magical always happened after their lists were begrudgingly recited. The edge of discontentedness was eased when their thoughts shifted to gratefulness.

Writers have their share of challenges, disappointments, and burdens to carry. On top of dealing with frequent rejections and long wait times, we battle things like writer’s block, imposter syndrome, and platform anxiety on a regular basis. It’s enough to make the bravest hearted writing hero want to throw in his/her cape. But writing, unlike some lesser super-powers, is not so easily ignored. So we continue to write. Continue to press forward. Continue to hope, pray and … yes, WAIT.

Here are a few ways to cultivate gratefulness in your writing life so that the wait and challenges don’t overshadow the precious gift and calling God has given to each writer.

Take your thoughts captive.

Don’t let negative self-talk undermine what God has called you to do. The great Elizabeth Elliot once said, “Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted by faith.” I love that. Next time you’re tempted to give up or beat yourself up because of a writing set-back … don’t. Just don’t. Think back to your origin story. Remember the things God did to propel your calling. Rehearse the God moments I know you’ve experienced as a writer. We all have them. Remember those things and press forward by faith.

Choose to view every disappointment as a divinely planned opportunity.

We may not be able to see the purpose behind another rejection letter or a particularly frustrating meeting with critique partners, but God does. We can trust that His plan, which includes valleys, will ultimately lead us to the place He’s called us to be in our writing journey. We can trust Him to open the doors that need to be opened—which means others will need to remain shut—and lead us into our calling in His perfect time.

Make a list and say it out loud.

Try our family’s little game. I know it sounds crazy, but there is something so powerful about thankfulness. We all have many things to be thankful for. Next time you’re feeling discouraged try verbally listing five you’re thankful for. It won’t change the circumstances, but it will definitely redirect your focus to work around them.

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
Back in 2015, my dear friend, Elaine Cooper, created a list of people for whom writers can be thankful. All too often it’s easy to forget about these valuable relationships. The link is below. Happy Thanksgiving! I am so grateful for each of you and for A3 for giving me the opportunity to share some tidbits of my writing journey each month.

Annette Marie Griffin is an award-winning author who has managed and directed programs for children and youth for more than twenty years. She has written curriculum for character growth and development of elementary-age children, developed parent training seminars to benefit the community, and counseled at-risk youth. Her first children’s book What Is A Family? released in 2020. She and her husband have five children—three who have already flown the coop and two adopted teens still roosting at home—plus two adorable grands who add immeasurable joy and laughter to the whole flock. 

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #20 – Remember Who is in Control

During this season of uncertainty, life can often feel as if it is spiraling out of control. We can’t control the virus, we can’t control the fact that life as we once knew it may never return, we can’t control the stark division this political climate is causing, we can’t control the weird weather—seriously, fire tornados and land hurricanes?

As writers and authors—we can’t control the increasing closure of brick and mortar bookstores, we can’t control lost face-to-face opportunities to speak and promote, we can’t control the slow response time of publishers and agents, and we can’t control the ever changing landscape of the publishing industry.

But don’t lose heart. The truth is, we never really were in control. Our current global circumstances haven’t increased the things beyond our control; they’ve just made our utter lack of control more apparent. We serve a God who is not surprised by these events. He was, is, and will always be … in control.

Here are a few things we CAN do to move forward while we wait and trust in Him.

We CAN take advantage of every virtual opportunity available to further our craft and platform. Online conferences, Zoom meetings, social media events, and digital training opportunities are becoming the wave of the future. We don’t have to leave our home to take advantage of these opportunities, and who doesn’t enjoy the freedom of wearing lounge pants while participating?

We CAN use our time wisely. Many of us find ourselves with extra time on our hands these days. But it can seem like that time is wasted if we don’t treat it purposefully. Priority lists are always helpful, but long lists can seem too overwhelming. Start with three goals per day. I know if I can check off at least three boxes by bedtime, it motivates me to do more the following day. And beware of the great time parasite—too much social media.

We CAN choose to have a positive attitude. Our world is full of frustrated, scared, angry, divisive people. But we don’t have to be lumped into that group. In fact, we are called to be a light in this dark world. By using our writerly superpower—words—and combining them with love and truth we can be a force of encouragement and joy in a world that desperately needs it.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:16, Matthew 5:14, Proverbs 16:9

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
A great resource for online, affordable training is Serious Writer Academy. Their courses are categorized by genre and you can go at your own pace.

ANNETTE GRIFFIN BIO

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #19 – Remain teachable

My dear Mother-In-Law is ninety years old, but she’s not like any senior citizen you’ve ever met. Power suits, three-inch heels, bright red fingernails, and crimson lipstick are her trademarks. She’s a celebrity in her neck of the woods, not only because of her dynamic style and outgoing personality, but because she’s spent her whole life caring for others. Just a few years ago she retired from running a non-profit organization and is still active today as a representative of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature. Yes, at age ninety!

I’ve often pondered the secret to my MIL’s success. The answer hit me one day as I witnessed her interaction with my fifteen-year-old daughter. My daughter was trying to teach her the clapping game Miss Mary Mack. Time after time again my MIL would get half way through the rhyme and accidentally clap left when she was supposed to clap right. But did she quit? Never. She laughed at herself while my daughter giggled with her, then they would begin the game again. She was teachable. Yes, at age ninety!

Teachability is one of the most valuable tools in any successful writer’s tool chest. Most of us begin the writing journey with tons of it, but as legendary basketball coach John Wooden states it: “It’s what you learn after you know it all that counts.”

Here are five probing questions to keep us on the path toward teachability:

  • Am I willing to ask a question even if I’m afraid they will expose my ignorance?
  • When my writing is critiqued do I listen openly for truth or do I become defensive?
  • Am I willing to learn from a writer with less experience or fewer credentials than me?
  • Do I remain open-minded about doing things differently than I’ve done them before?
  • How do I handle failure? Do I consider it an opportunity to learn?

Scripture: Proverbs 9:9, Proverbs 15:32, Proverbs 1:5, Proverbs 19:20

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
If you’d like to catch a glimpse of my amazing Mom-In-Law in action here’s the link to a news story from a few years back.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #18 – Keep your social media posts social

As a writer, Christian, and citizen I have made a purposeful choice to keep my social media posts social. What does that mean? Now more than ever social media has become a hotbed for debate. Debate can be good when there is mutual sharing of ideas and opinions for the purpose of learning from each other or understanding one another better. But for that goal to be accomplished, the people involved in the discussion must be willing to listen and treat others with respect. Here are some reasons why social media may not be a great forum for that.

1) If there’s an issue we are passionate about or feel the need to stand up for–social media is the least effective place to make a difference. If we’re simply trying to vent to likeminded people and get them to hop aboard our rant train, posting a passive-aggressive meme or a long-winded post will accomplish that easily. But in the process, what do we forfeit? No one has ever changed anyone’s mind about an issue by simply posting about it. The best place to have these important discussions is face-to-face. For more information about how science backs up this theory, see the links below.

2) We don’t want to alienate the very audience we hope to impact. We all have beliefs and issues that touch our very core. Our calling, as Christian writers, compels us to express those beliefs and issues with words. But we must remain mindful of the platform we choose as a vehicle for those words. One indiscriminate post, that feeds a divisive issue, may ruin our ability to reach a lost and hurting world that needs the hope the lies within us.

3) Our brand and our calling should draw people in, not divide and conquer. We find ourselves at a time in history where we are divided in every way—physically divided because of the quarantine, politically divided, spiritually divided, divided on issues of health, education etc. Although social media has become a tool for further division, we have the potential to use it as place to bring people together. With every post, meme, video, or thought, we have the ability to strengthen the weary, shine light on truth, and provide a haven for those who need rest. May God help us do this, as we seek Him for direction and purpose during these unprecedented days.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 13:3, Proverbs 25:11,

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
Resources for why it’s better to leave weighty and debatable issues to face-to-face conversation:

Why You Should Never Argue with Anyone on Facebook

https://carrierclinic.org/2019/08/08/the-good-bad-and-in-between-of-social-media/

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #17 – Prepare a successful launch

I think writers must contemplate individual words much more than the average person. If that weren’t true, I’m convinced we would see hordes of people staring into space much more often. The word launch conjures up everything from ships sailing to teens leaving for college. But for a writer, the word launch encompasses those same concepts and so much more. The day a book launches is the day a dream becomes reality. But to give that dream the best chance to reach its full potential, just like an adept captain or a diligent parent, we must prepare in advance for the big event. Here are a few tips to get your book ready for launch.

1) Rally your tribe. Enlist as many launch team volunteers as you can. As the clock ticks closer to your release date, keep your team engaged through emails and/or by forming a private group, through social media, just for them. Use group posts to generate excitement and to remind your team about important tasks. You can do this in fun ways, like offering weekly giveaways or posting teaser excerpts or illustrations from your upcoming book.

2) Get the word out. It’s likely that you have potential readers out there who have never heard of you or your book. One way to find them is to use your launch team and other connections to introduce yourself. Social media is a great tool for this kind of word of mouth exposure. When a reader first sees a friend’s post about your book, they take casual notice. Then they hear about your amazing book from another source—and it cues their mental radar. But when the potential reader hears about the book a third time, it puts them into action mode.

3) Consider a virtual launch party. Covid has made face-to-face book signings and launch parties almost impossible. But no fear, there are multiple resources available to help you engage with your anxiously awaiting public—via the internet. Online social gatherings and conferences are becoming the norm, and fortunately, we can glean from the experiences of others who have gone before us. Facebook Live, Zoom, and StreamYard are great forums for a launch party. The first place to start is by doing a Google search for online launch parties, specific to your genera. Notice the platforms used, check for what worked and what did not with other parties, then steal your favorite ideas and create the party of your dreams to celebrate the birth of your book baby.

Technology has become the bridge between writers and their audience during this social distancing season. If you find yourself lacking in the tech skill to prepare your book for launch, know that you are not alone. But don’t let that intimidate you. Network with other authors for information and take full advantage of YouTube tutorials to educate yourself. Together, we can do it! Check out the link in the resources below for more information.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:
How Do Writers Create Book Launch Content?

How to Throw a Virtual Book Launch Using Facebook Live:

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-throw-a-virtual-book-launch-using-facebook-live/

My FB Author Page and My Launch Party Invite:

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #16 – Be Ready For Setbacks

As I write this post, my publishing dream has yet again been delayed. Three weeks before my first children’s book was supposed to release, I received word that shipping issues would keep us from hitting the original release date. Hateful Covid. For the past month I’ve gathered an amazing group of people who have agreed to be on my launch team, I’ve alerted friends and family—basically everyone who has been walking this journey with me since I signed the contract two years ago—and I’ve even planned a huge launch party for the day of my book’s presumed launch. Now, the book is not expected to hit the market until a month later … maybe.

When you’re running a marathon, and the finish line finally comes into view, the last thing you want is for some unknown force to pick you up and place you a mile or two back on the track. When that happens, and at some point in your writing career a setback will happen, here are some things to keep in mind.

1) Remember and trust that your writing journey, all of it, is in God’s capable hands. Before I ever began writing, and every day since, I’ve asked God to take the words He has given me and use them for His plans and purposes. Shipping delays, Covid, and a host of other complications may be able to stop little ole me in my tracks, but nothing can or will ever stop the plans of our great God. If this work is His—and it is because I surrendered it to Him—then this delay is part of His sovereign plan. And I can trust that He will see to completion the plan for it.

2) Don’t allow yourself to crumble beneath the weight of disappointment. Yes, it stings. Yes, it doesn’t seem fair. Yes, you are allowed a small meltdown. But after you’ve had your pity party, and cried if you wanted to, pick yourself back up and get back to work. Don’t give yourself permission to throw in the towel. Continue to write through the frustration. Adulting is hard, especially when you choose to call yourself a professional. But professionals are able to press on, even when their emotions try to take control. I’m learning to take the setbacks and spin them into positive energy—while I wait for God to make them into something beautiful.

3) View the setback in the right perspective. In the whole scheme of things, my irritation over my book’s delay, and your disappointing writing obstacles, are not the end of the world. No matter how important and painful these experiences may be to us, they are first world problems. All over the planet people are suffering through dire hardships that threaten to take not only their dreams but their livelihoods and even their lives. I’ve found that one surefire way to avoid becoming too consumed with my own disappointments is to focus on the things I have to be thankful for, and to choose to care for and pray for those who have it much worse. When we take our focus off our problems, it gives God a free hand to work things out for good.

Scripture: Proverbs 16:9, Psalm 121:4-5, Philippians 2:3-4, 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource: I realize that my setback is so miniscule to what some of you may be experiencing. And if I’m honest, it’s miniscule compared to other disappointments I’ve experienced in the past. But this song has gotten me through some very rough patches. The lyrics express perfectly my hope for what trials may produce in my life … and yours.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing: Tip #15 – Avoid the Tap Out, and Help Others Avoid it Too

One of my family’s favorite series to binge watch is the survival show Alone. From the comfort of our cushioned sofa spots, we love to watch as ten skillful individuals compete to survive—all alone—in the wilderness. Each participant is dropped into their own little corner of a remote island and equipped with nothing but basic survival gear. There they must battle the terrain, weather, wildlife, and hunger to create a habitat for themselves that can sustain them longer than any of their competitors. The contestant who remains the longest wins $500,000.

All the contestants have been carefully chosen from thousands of applicants. Each possesses the skill, health, and mental stability needed to succeed. But in every season, there are always a few of the ten who “tap out” within the first week. The others usually dwindle gradually until you’re left with the final few.

It’s easy to see, from about the fourth episode, which contestants don’t have the know-how to make it until the end. But the most surprising element of the show is that very rarely does the contestant with the highest level of skill win. In fact, the most skillful often tap out early. Why? Because while the other contestants are still struggling, the greatest survivalists have already built a masterful shelter, secured a food source, and solved the wildlife problem. Then, with all other distractions gone, they must deal with the real challenge—isolation.

While munching popcorn in our PJs, I admit my family and I have been known to roll our eyes and make fun of those muscle-bound pansies who tap out and throw away a half-a-mil just because they couldn’t bear to go to bed another night without kissing their wife. Why must they get into their own heads that way? My husband and I think that it’s because when all the work is done, and they are left without a purpose, the boredom drives them to loneliness. Yes, I know it’s easy to throw stones when you don’t have to sleep on one. But to have the prize in the bag and quit just because you’re lonely seems crazy!

Well, it did seem crazy until … quarantine.

We were created for fellowship. Just like our bodies need food for nourishment, our souls require the support and encouragement of others to keep us going. Last month I talked about ways to stay connected even while apart. That’s important. But it is just as important for us to use this opportunity to build up, encourage, affirm, and support people around us.

As writers we have the unique ability and responsibility to make our words count for something good. Instead of wielding our well-crafted words to cause further division, we can choose to give people a reason to hope. This applies to fellow writers and people in general. Let’s be the reason people choose to keep on reaching for the goal. Armed with that driving purpose, we will be less likely to tap out of our own writing journey and continue toward the prize set before us.

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24, 2 Timothy 1:7, Proverbs 18:4, Proverbs 12:18

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource: For several years I have enjoyed the inspirational devotionals emailed to me through the Joni and Friends ministry. If anyone has the experience and credentials to speak to challenges involved with isolation it would be Joni. If you need a pick-me-up geared to encourage you to push past your obstacles toward the finish line check out her daily devotional.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #14 – Stay on Mission

I’m writing this post at a time when our world is in shut-down mode. Stores are closing their doors, travel has been restricted, and the term self-quarantine has suddenly risen from the shadows of the past and roosted in our everyday vernacular. Life right now seems like a sci-fi WIP—being written by a pantser. And yet again there’s the … waiting. Waiting for answers, waiting for a cure, waiting for some assurance that this virus won’t be the tiny straw that breaks the world’s hope.

Ah, but we know the true author of the story, and we know that He is where our hope lies. None of this has taken God by surprise. He’s still on His throne and still in control. So, what do we do during our time of waiting?

Here are a few tips to help us stay on mission.

  1. – Social distancing does not have to keep us apart. Can you imagine how much more difficult the separation would be if we did not have the benefit of technology? I shudder at the thought. Now is the time to take full advantage of every online networking opportunity available. Our connections with each other are vital to God’s plan. He created each of us to fit together like puzzle pieces for His purposes. Wouldn’t it be just like the enemy, that schemer, to use this time to divide and conquer us? We can’t let him. We must choose to band together in every safe and possible way. I’ve added some links below to help with this.
  2. It has been said that the instruction to fear not occurs exactly 365 times in the Bible. I’ve not counted these occurrences for myself, but I believe it. It’s as if God doesn’t want us to live one single day in fear, so he gives us a verse for each day.  One important thing I’m learning about fear is that it has zero power in my life when it is brought into the presence of God’s perfect love. His perfect love casts out all fear. But wrangling that fear from the confines of my worry and anxiety and casting it into the truth of God’s love—requires trust. In this time of uncertainty, when it’s hard to discern truth from fiction, one thing is sure. We have a God who can be trusted. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. May we all move into that trust and away from fear.
  3. Many of us have extra time on our hands now that the demands of our overly-busy lives have been temporarily suspended. With fear out of the way, let’s use the spare time to move forward into our callings. Let’s draw near to God, deepen the relationships we have with our families, write something every day. Remember, this period of waiting is not a bump in the road—It’s a springboard. As C.S. Lewis once said, “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.”

Scripture: 1 John 4:18, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource:

Here are some great ways to connect with others online:

  1. Join a critique group where you can share your work with other writers and receive valuable feedback. There are many out there. But Word Weavers Intl. is my fave.
  2. There are private writers’ groups and clubs you can join online. Serious Writer has a club that I love. They not only provide networking opportunities, they offer training and other amazing perks.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #13 – Be Conference Ready

Writer’s conference season is upon us. If you’re like me, this time of year gets your creative juices flowing and turns you into a bundle of excitement and nerves. This will be my fourth season to enjoy the bounty these wonderful gatherings bestow. Nope, the thrill still has not faded.  If you have never attended a writer’s conference, I would highly recommend you go to at least one. After you’ve shared several days with people who get your writerly heart, I promise you’ll be hooked.

Writer’s conferences provide some of the best opportunities for encouragement and motivation a writer can ever know—especially if that writer is in the middle of a long waiting season. These events offer networking opportunities with fellow writers, classes to help improve your craft, and face-to-face time with agents and editors who are usually difficult to access.

But before you venture out into conference land it’s important to be adequately prepared for the journey. Here are a few tips to jumpstart your conference success:

  1. Pray and ask God for guidance about which conference(s) to attend. He will place you right where He wants you. Plus, He’ll often prepare divine appointments where and when you’d least expect them.
  2. Once you’re registered, immediately research the conference website and take full advantage of signups for mentoring, intensives, VIP lunches, practicums etc. Many conferences offer special perks that have limited space and require advance registration. If you don’t scour the website, way in advance, you might miss out on some of these valuable opportunities.
  3. Enter the conference contest if they offer one. You’d be amazed at how a dose of competition can take your writing to the next level. It’s exhilarating to hear your name called from stage if you place, but even if you don’t the experience is guaranteed to kick your writing game up a notch.
  4. Research the faculty ahead of time. If you have writing that is ready to pitch, make sure to do your homework before you attend the conference. Find out which agents and editors will be attending. Spend a good amount of time online getting to know who they are and what they’re looking for. If you find a good fit for your work, be prepared to jump at every chance to meet with that faculty member at the conference. A little planning can go a long way.
  5. Pack your professional essentials. Be sure to take business cards, one sheets, paper and pen, clothing that shows you’re serious about the profession, and the confidence you need to sell your yourself and your work.
  6. Polish your work, practice your pitch, and prepare your heart. Prior to the conference dedicate some time to make sure that you’ll be taking your very best with you. Best work. Best pitch. Best you.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:12

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource: If you’d like more details about preparing a one sheet and pitching, here are some excellent resources:

One Page Sell Sheet
How to Prepare For Pitch Sessions at a Writing Conference

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #12 – Be On Guard Against Pride

I once did a brief stint as a nanny. I absolutely loved the baby I took care of, but the mom and I had little in common. She was a young mom with her first child. I had been a stay-at-home mom for over twenty years and was looking to re-enter the workforce.

Each weekday at 7 am I would arrive at their house for work. I would take their precious six-month-old from her crib, change her, love on her, feed her breakfast, wash the dishes left scattered from the previous evening, then carry out a variety of household chores along with my nannying duties. This all took place while the baby’s mama worked-out, watched television, and spent time on the internet in her upstairs loft area.

Once per week I would purchase groceries for the family. How I loved those shopping trips. It was a time to escape the house, with my little sidekick, and be free from the weird, intermittent, scrutinizing gaze of the mom.  While on one of these excursions I learned a valuable lesson. That fateful day a note was scrawled at the bottom of the usual, lengthy, handwritten grocery list. It read, “Some of these items may not be familiar to you. If you need help, feel free to call.”

That note rattled my cage. Who did this woman think she was? Did she presume I was a total ignoramus? Did she not realize that I had been purchasing groceries since before she was born? Yes, their family may have had a higher economic status than I. And admittedly, the dinners I prepared for them every night seemed foreign to my traditional taste buds. But if I could successfully follow the fancy recipes to cook their trendy, health-nut cuisine then surely … surely, they could trust me to read and execute a basic shopping list. The nerve.

I was indignant from the time I entered the grocery store’s sliding doors until I reached the last item on the list. It was then that I realized I was in big trouble. The final line simply read, “frozen concows”.  Mind you, this was before the Smartphone era—no instant information available at my fingertips. I broke into a sweat and began scanning the frozen food shelves, like a pirate hunting for lost treasure. Concows, really? What kind of hipster, voodoo, culinary nonsense was I hunting for?

Thirty minutes later I had thoroughly examined every item in the massive frozen food section. No luck. My angel baby still sat contently in her toy laden grocery basket sling. I opened some organic fruit puffs, placed a few in her lap, then frantically called my husband. “What in the world is a concow?” I said, the moment he answered the phone. After several humorous quips, because that’s how my hubby rolls, he finally admitted he had no idea.

He and I spent twenty minutes brainstorming the dilemma. I tried to pick the word apart. I knew the root word con meant with. So, it would stand to reason that a con-cow must be a product that contained cow–or beef. But my husband quickly reminded me that con could also be an abbreviation for contra, which means false or against. Considering the family I worked for ate mostly vegan, that made more sense to me. We concluded the item in question must be a faux beef product. Feeling more equipped for the battle, I hung up with my husband and headed for the fru-fru frozen foods section to continue the search.

When I could find no meat substitute branded with that name, I finally broke down and asked a store associate for help. He took a moment to look over the same frozen section I had surveyed all afternoon then confidently declared that their store must not carry frozen concows.

Somehow, that didn’t seem right. And I could not—would not—return to my employer and admit to her that I had no idea what a concow was.

“Just call the lady you’re working for and ask,” my friend advised when I phoned her to vent. But I couldn’t. I didn’t want to admit to this mom, who didn’t even take care of her own kid or house, that she was more knowledgeable than a seasoned homemaker like me. Also, I didn’t want to give her the ammo to treat me like an underling when I was already feeling like one. After I made this shocking and shameful confession to my friend—while having a total meltdown, a still small voice from within pinpointed the problem. Pride.

Pride had been lurking in the shadows of my thoughts since I had first taken the nanny position and had finally reared its ugly head in the middle of aisle 15. I had never considered myself a stubborn or prideful person. But God has a way of using everyday frustrations to expose the hidden places of our hearts. I decided to humble myself and call my employer for help. She didn’t answer. “What now, Lord,” I asked.  I looked down at the crumpled list in my hand—and viewed the last entry with fresh eyes. The scripty handwritten letters I had deciphered earlier as an “n” and “w” were actually “u”s. The item she wanted me to purchase was couscous. It was misspelled.

Pride can be as difficult to spot in our own hearts as concows in a grocery store. Why? Because often our eyes are so fixed on what we perceive as truth that we neglect to acknowledge the source of truth.  As writers—detection become even more complicated. There’s a fine line between professional confidence, which we are always encouraged to project, and pride—the counterfeit. That means, if we are writing for Him we must remain ultra-vigilant against the corrosive nature of this sly vice.

Pride can undermine our teachability, ruin our professional relationships, and even poison the very words we have chosen to write for God. The funny thing about pride is—those who are plagued by it are usually the last to recognize the infection.

Have you ever dismissed a writing craft teaching because the instructor was much younger than you? Have you ever quit an agent or turned down an offer to submit to an editor because you felt you were not given your due respect? Have you ever secretly felt animosity toward someone who won a contract or contest because you knew you were more talented than them?  Are your social media posts preachy in nature and directed toward a group of individuals you hope to reach? Are you easily offended when someone critiques your writing? Do you feel the need to work your list of writing achievements into a conversation to gain other’s esteem? If so, you may be dealing with pride. May God open our eyes, examine our hearts, correct our path, and conform our writing to glorify Him.

Scripture: Philippians 2:3, James 4:10,  Proverbs 11:1

Fun Fact or Helpful Resource: One of the best, and most painful, resources I’ve ever found to help diagnose pride is Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s Evidences Of Pride test. It can be found here.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #11 – Make a Fresh Start and Renewed Commitment to Writing

One of my favorite quotes from a fictional character is Anne Shirley’s profound declaration that, “Tomorrow is always fresh, with no mistakes in it.” That’s how I feel about a new year too. The more years that fly by the more I’m reminded that time is precious and not to be wasted on loitering in the past. With each new year comes God’s reminder to, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?”

When you’ve been writing for a while with little to no traction in the publishing world, it can be difficult to perceive that your writing has any purpose. But take heart. As Christian writers we know that our purpose is to write for Him. If we are doing that faithfully, then we can be assured that He is the one taking care of the details and timing of publication.

The start of a new year is a perfect time to take stock, realign ourselves with our calling, and press on with a renewed commitment to writing. And it just so happens that the start of a new year provides plenty of built in opportunities to motivate a renewal. Here are a few:

  1. Take full advantage of writer’s conference season. Whether it be a local conference or one in another state, it is well worth the time and investment to attend. Writer’s conferences not only help you gain important connections with agents and editors, they also provide training to improve your craft and connect you with other writers who are on the same tedious journey. I’ve never attended a conference that didn’t result in my returning home with new passion, writing vigor, and drive. Map out a plan to attend one now, the anticipation will help motivate too. Here’s a great resource to find a conference that is the right fit for you:
  2. Join a critique group if you are not already involved in one. It’s amazing how inspiring it can be to hear feedback about your writing—the good and the bad. There are plenty of great groups out there for the finding, but Word Weaver’s Intl. has been my go-to group for years. I look forward to the first Thursday of each month, and it serves as a deadline to submit something fresh or freshly improved. I also love the structure of the meetings and the friendships I’ve made through them.
  3. Create monthly writing goals for yourself and share the plan with someone who can ask you about it each month. Challenge yourself to stretch your norms or simply to remain consistent. It’s a fact that people who have accountability partners are more likely to stay motivated to succeed. Here’s a great article about how to set achievable writing goals.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Isaiah 43:19, Philippians 3:12

Fun Fact: I read this quote from Hope Bolinger when she posted it for Serious Writers Club on Facebook. It inspired me. I hope it will do the same for you.

“It takes years to find an agent. And when the agent picks you up, years to find a publisher. And when the publisher picks you up, years to get the book published. And when the book gets published, years to start making money from royalties. And when that book sells, years to get the next one sold. It’s all a process. Don’t worry if it’s taking you a while to get your book with an agent or book sold. It’s just a slow industry. You’re not behind. You’re right on time.”

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing Tip #10 – Keep your creative juices flowing

During this busy season it can be difficult to find time for creativity. The left side of our brains are on overdrive—making lists and checking them twice, decking the halls, roasting chestnuts, and ensuring a holly jolly Christmas for every boy and girl, way into the silent night. Here are some fun ideas to keep the right side of your brain jingling all the way, during the most wonderful time of the year.

  1. If you’re scheduled to attend a particularly boring or stressful holiday event, party, or gathering (come on, admit it, no one is immune) spice up the drudgery by mentally hijacking the event and making it your own creative playground. Designate yourself the secret narrator of the meeting. First, choose a genre. If you want to really exercise your storytelling muscles, choose one that is outside your comfort zone. Then, from the time you enter the venue, mentally compose a literary masterpiece based on your observations. (Note: don’t verbally act as narrator. People will think you’re nuts!) As you meet new people, plot them into your story. As narrator you have the power to transform the mundane into mystery, chaos into comedic, and an obligatory gathering into an opportunity for creative genius.
  2. This is the season of giving, so we might as well give creatively. Some of the best gifts I’ve ever received are ones that didn’t cost much monetarily but were worth their weight in gold when measured in thoughtfulness. For those most important people in your life, why not give them the best of your God given talents. Use your way with words to create a personalized scavenger hunt with clever clues that lead to a gift. Write a poem and use a program like Canva to set it attractively, then frame the treasured keepsake for your loved-one to enjoy. Compose a song, hire someone to set it to music, and record it for family or friends. The gifts that are cherished the most are ones that are given from the deepest part of us.
  3. Use your literary skills to spin a yarn about the origin of an obscure holiday tradition. My first writing award was presented to me in the seventh grade. The challenge was to write a creative story, 500 words or less, that explained how zebras got their stripes. A zany tale that featured the Keebler Elves won me second place, and I’ve been hooked on writing ever since. This is a great time to prepare publishable pieces for next Christmas, so don’t hold back. Let your creative juices flow.
  4. I’ve saved the best for last. During this holiday season press in to the One who gave you your creative gifts. From a very young age I’ve felt the gentle and gracious pull of the Father calling me to worship. I was eight years old, sitting on the shag carpet in front of our console television watching a Christmas special. A carol I’d heard many times before came to life for me during that program. As the choir sang, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” I dropped my face to the floor and began to weep. My mother was alarmed and tried to comfort me. But I had no words to explain to her what was happening. God was drawing me to Him—to adore him. And I had to. He deserved my adoration, my worship, my whole heart. When I consider how often I’ve failed Him and others since that sacred moment, and that He, already knowing every future fault, still called me to that privilege and honor of His presence, I’m humbled and long for the heart of that eight-year-old worshiper again. When we abide in Him and He in us—there’s no stopping Him from creating in and through us the fruit that will last.  

Scripture: John 15:4

Fun Fact: One of the easiest ways to get back into the creative flow is by using writing prompts. According to Writer’s Digest writing prompts, “force us to take a premise and find creative avenues to turn it into a story. They allow you to break out of funk you’ve been trapped in and enter an entirely different arena—likely one that you hadn’t considered before.” I’ve used them before, and it works! Here’s a link to some that might help:

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.

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Embrace the Wait

Survival Tips for the Waiting Part of Writing, Tip #9 – Avoid Comparison

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly ripened pear. Each creamy, sweet, citrusy bite contains the perfect texture and flavor to tantalize my taste buds. Pears are such a treat to me that I’ll sometimes splurge and order the gold wrapped, ridiculously priced ones from a trendy fruit supplier. When they arrive I horde them and refuse to share one bite. I can always justify this selfish behavior because my hubby is not a fan of pears and my kids don’t appreciate the quality.

One day I had just bitten into the most delectable pear ever when I received a phone call from a friend. I set the fruit aside to focus on the conversation. During the call my daughter tapped me on the shoulder and mouthed, “try these.” I absentmindedly took a handful of tropical flavored gummy bears from her bag and nibbled on them as I listened to my friend vent about a family situation. After our conversation ended, I retrieved my pear to enjoy the last few bites. But it wasn’t the same. The pear didn’t taste sweet, and the creamy citrus flavor I had always adored seemed lacking. Not wanting to waste the fruit, I managed to gulp the last few bites, but there was little pleasure in it. The sticky, artificial sweetness of the gummy bears had coated my tongue and robbed my senses of the true, natural sweetness of the pear.

I have found the same phenomena to be true when we compare ourselves with others. The sweet and unique gifts God gives to us never seem as pleasurable when we allow ourselves to fall into the trap of comparison. In our social media inundated world it’s easier than ever to venture down that slippery slope. Every day we scroll past dozens of posts depicting the peak experiences, precious moments, and noteworthy achievements of our closest and not-so-closest friends. Yes, most of us are aware that these highlight reels represent a tiny glimpse of a sometimes purposefully skewed reality. But it’s oh so easy to be sucked into the trap of using those distorted picture-perfect clips as a measuring stick to determine our own worth.  

God recognizes our old nature propensity to play the comparison game. Scripture offers plenty of warnings against it, but even Christian writers aren’t exempt from the temptation to compare. In fact, we may be more susceptible. While waiting for our own victories in the publishing world social media allows us to celebrate with fellow writers who may get their big break first. Every day awards are won, contracts signed, and agents are landed. Even though we are truly happy for our friends’ success and show it by littering their wall with gifs, and emojis there’s still that temptation to subtly compare. Only when we keep our eyes on the Author and Finisher of our faith can we find true fulfillment in the gifts and journey He has created especially for us.         

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:12, Galatians 6:4-5

Fun Fact: Michelle Medlock Adams and Bethany Jett have a new book out that has an excellent chapter on this topic. The book is titled Platinum Faith. And it is amazing! Check it out on Amazon.

Annette Marie Griffin is a award-winning writer who speaks at local women’s group meetings and women’s retreats on the topic of biblical womanhood and finding our identity in Christ. She is the Operations and Events Coordinator at a private school for special needs students and is the editor of their quarterly newsletter. She has written custom curriculum for women’s retreats and children’s church curriculum for Gateway Church in San Antonio, Texas where she served as Children’s Ministry Director and Family Program Director for over twenty years. She and her husband John have five amazing children and two adorable grands. She’s a member of Word Weavers International, ACFW, SCBWI, and serves on the Board of Directors for The Creative Writing Institute.