Ever wondered if your attraction to Pinterest can save you time as a writer? You need to watch this episode of Writers Chat to learn from Melissa Stroh just how many benefits Pinterest offers writers, from platform building to brainstorming!
Join us!
Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. Participants mute their audio and video during the filming, then we open up
the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is a
fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.
Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our
Facebook Group.
The best investment is a good investment, but what is a good investment? One that has lasting personal and professional value.
As a writer, you may also edit part-time or even own your own publishing imprint and operate a small publishing press. In addition to writing, perhaps you edit professionally. No matter your place in the industry, you value the authors and publishers and clients you work with, as well as the readers you write for. And, you value your professional editing skills.
PENCON is a professional conference for editors, and it’s also for anyone who desires to strengthen their personal editing skills. This includes but is not limited to self-publishers, small presses, publishers, authors who are also editors, homeschool groups whose high school students are interested in the editing industry, and educational institutions whose departments focus on the publishing industry.
At PENCON 2018, we guarantee you lasting personal and professional value. Value in friendships. Value in a community that thinks—and speaks—just like you. Value in professional networking. Value in continuing education. Value in stretching your business—and yourself—as you meet new professionals in your field of expertise and learn from their experiences.
How much value do you want?
We’re celebrating our fifth anniversary and are meeting in the heart of Grand Rapids, Michigan, May 3–5, 2018. Collectively, our faculty comes prepared with more than 100 years of experience in the publishing industry and backgrounds in
indie publishing,
marketing,
business,
children’s and YA editing,
graphic design,
Our faculty also represents several Christian publishing houses. And our keynote speaker is Robert Hudson, the author of The Christian Writer’s Manual of Style.
You want to sign up! We know you do—and we’d love to talk with you. Early-bird registration ends January 31, 2018. Get a deal and snap up more than a handful of value by registering early for PENCON. We can’t wait to see you there!
Owner of TM Editorial, Tisha Martin specializes in historical fiction, academic editing, and creative nonfiction. An active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and The Christian PEN, she appreciates the writing and editing communities. Tisha is editor and proofreader for beginning and best-selling authors, professional editing agencies, and publishing houses. As Assistant Director of PENCON, she enjoys organizing the conference, networking with others, and creating advertising content for the Facebook and LinkedIn pages. Connect with Tisha on Facebook or follow her Pinterest board for writers and editors.
I write for young children – picture books and board books. One of my goals for 2018 is to learn how to write early readers.
One of the first things I learned about writing for children is that I have to use a leveled vocabulary that each age group is familiar with. Yes, I usually add a couple of longer or newer words for the adult who is reading the picture/board books aloud to explain to the child. After all, one of the purposes of picture books and board books is to create a shared experience between the adult and the child.
Sometimes my manuscripts are rhymed, sometimes not. But they are always filled with poetic devices such as internal rhyme, assonance, consonance and onomatopoeia.
As I choose individual words I also make sure that the meaning of those words will be clear to the young children. That is also a reason I use children’s editions of the reference books.
All of these aspects of word choices eventually weave together to make a satisfying story written in kid-friendly but evocative language.
EVERY WORD DOES COUNT.
Below you’ll find a list of reference books that will help you as you work on your writing for children. I refer to them dozens of times in the course of creating every story. Often several are spread out across my bed so I can hop back and forth between them.
Yes, you can find this information online. But I find it easier to work with all five elements simultaneously if the hard copies are spread out before me.
I hope you find these volumes useful as you write for children of any age.
Scholastic Rhyming Dictionary by Sue Young. ISBN 0-439796423.
BIO
Jean Hall lives in Louisville, Kentucky. She is represented by Cyle Young of Hartline Literary. Her premier picture book Four Seasons series was recently signed by Little Lamb Books. Jean is a member of the SCBWI, Word Weavers International, and the Kentucky Christian Writers. Visit Jean at www.jeanmatthewhall.com, on Face Book at Jean Matthew Hall, and on Twitter as @Jean_Hall.
Ephesians 4:29, one of my life verses, says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Paraphrased, will my words build up, or tear down, those who are listening? Here are a few more verses that exhort us about the words we speak:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. (Ephesians 4:25)
Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. (James 4:11)
But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. (Colossians 3:8)
In every one of these verses, we are not told to “think about it,” “pray about it,” or “get counsel about it.” We’re not told, “try to…” We’re told, “do it!” Since God never tells us to do something we are not able to do by the power of His Holy Spirit, we must have the ability to control what we speak.
Another powerful passage about words is in James:
With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:9-10)
In God’s fine-tuning of my words, He showed me cursing isn’t always overt, loud, or angry. He revealed to me a series of questions I can ask myself about all I write, speak, and even think.
Is what I’m about to write or speak going to
build up, or tear down?
encourage, or discourage?
praise, or cut down?
bring laughter, but at someone else’s expense?
sound witty, or cutting?
promote unity, or breed strife?
make peace, or incite war?
make someone laugh, or hurt their feelings/mock them?
promote honor, or show disrespect?
foster trust, or spread gossip?
God showed me that each “or” in my list is cursing—bringing death with my words instead of speaking life. I can share two hours of awesome God stories with someone and invalidate it in a quick minute with careless cursing.
Whatever words we choose to speak are just that: our choice. The Bible leaves no room for debate about that—we can exercise our free will any way we choose, including what we speak.
I believe Paul’s exhortations also apply to all we write, including what we post on social media. Once we post, we have no control over who reads or shares our words. Our potential readers check us out on social media, and that’s how they get to know us. What they see will determine whether or not they want to read our books.
Would you be interested in a book about the amazing grace of God when you see judgmental comments about others on the author’s Facebook page?
Before you hit “enter” for a post on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media, ask yourself: “will my words build up, or tear down?” To release them or not is always your choice.
Choose wisely.
[bctt tweet=”Before you hit “enter” for a post on Twitter, Facebook, or other social media, ask yourself: “will my words build up, or tear down?” To release them or not is always your choice.” username=”@marygscro”]
Bio:
Mary Graziano Scro, a graduate of Christian Communicators Conference, is an inspirational author, speaker, and blogger who intuitively weaves analogies and personal testimony with practical biblical teaching. Whether “live” or at the keyboard, Mary loves sharing what God has done in her life to encourage others about the awesome life God has planned for us, IF we are willing to choose wisely in our everyday lives (John 8:31-32). And it’s not only about us – the more we invest in our own unique relationship with Jesus, the more visible He is to a world that desperately needs Him. You can reach Mary on:
Plot and character. Two halves of any great story. Both are critical, whether you are telling a character-driven literary story or a plot-driven spy thriller.
Disagree? Consider this quote:
Plot and character are integral to one another. Remove either one from the equation (or even just try to approach them as if they were independent of one another), and you risk creating a story that may have awesome parts, but which will not be an awesome whole. K. M. Weiland in Creating Character Arcs.
Or, to put it differently, consider this statement from Lisa Cron in Wired for Story:
Myth: The plot is what the story is about.
Reality: A story is about how the plot affects the protagonist.
So then, a good story is one where the plot affects the main character. Does that mean plot comes first?
Not necessarily.
I don’t think it matters where a writer begins, so long as you remember that the two are intertwined. The character must have goals and issues that are challenged by the plot. The plot is nothing but a series of unconnected events unless there is a character whose struggles give them meaning. A writer cannot get too far along in one before he needs to consider the other.
The big mistake is to forget they are two sides of the same whole. The great discovery is when you allow your developing character to spark plot ideas, or vice versa.
Where do you start?
Character first
If you are a character-first writer, you begin by crafting an intriguing character. But at some point the character will need a goal, and obstacles that stand in his way. Remember, it is a reader’s anticipation of what the character will do next that sucks them into the story. A protagonist without a clear goal gives a reader no reason to care—and thus no reason to keep reading.
Therefore a character-first writer will need to consider the complex, flawed character you have created and ask what climax moment will force the hero to face the strongest of his inner demons. Come up with a climax that forces the character to dig deep, to strive against the enemy with every fiber of his moral and physical being, and then work the plot backwards from that moment.
Plot first
If you are a plot-first writer, you start with an intriguing what-if or an awesome idea for an amazing climax scene. But at some point you will need to create a character worthy of your plot. One whose inner demons threaten to keep her from defeating the opposition.
The most powerful stories are built on a character whose exterior plot goal is in direct conflict with her inner story goal. This is true whether the story has a classic character arc or not. Even in stories where the character does not change (a flat arc) she still needs to overcome something beyond the antagonist’s evil plans. That something might be as simple as convincing everyone around her that the evil villain is truly an evil villain, but the plot must force her to dig deep inside herself to find the strength to keep fighting when no one else believes.
Therefore, plot-first writers need to stop and consider what conflict of inner need and outer goal will might work with the plot. Create a believable character that embodies those two things, (giving the character enough backstory to explain the why of it) and you are well on your way to a great story.
[bctt tweet=”The character drives the plot, and the plot molds the character’s arc. They cannot work independently. K. M. Weiland #quote #writer” username=””]
Lisa E. Betz is a Bible study leader, drama director, and aspiring novelist. She lives with her husband and a neurotic cat in a scenic corner of Pennsylvania. When not teaching or sorting books at the library, Lisa blogs about intentional living at www.lisaebetz.com.
In this Writer’s Chat, Cherrilynn Bisbano and Victoria Duerstock share behind-the-scenes tips and tricks to help you maximize your time at a writers conference. This is one you’ll want to revisit, and not just the night before. Don’t forget your business cards!
Join us!
Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET
on Zoom. Participants mute their audio and video during the filming, then we open up
the room for anyone who wishes to participate with our guests. The “After Party” is a
fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.
Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our
Facebook Group.
It’s titled Army of God and it’s set against the backdrop of the account of Noah’s Ark as told in the book of Genesis. It tells the story of how the animals of the ark rose up to defend it against the army of a revenge-seeking enemy. The story is told through the eyes of two people, Noah (good) and a man named Shechem (condemned), whose lives are inexorably entwined. It attempts to bring to life the characters of the period in a suspense-filled, action-packed adventure. And yet it is more than just an action thriller. Army of God is a character study of the eight people chosen by God for salvation aboard the ark, and the ruthless leaders of those condemned to destruction. And the animals . . . they are more than just cargo.
Why do you write what you do?
I was strongly influenced by the writing of Jerry B. Jenkins, whom I consider to be a mentor. His Left Behind series of end times novels got me hooked on the idea of writing Christian fiction. In my case, however, I chose to concentrate on one of the most beloved stories of the Old Testament, Noah’s Ark. I had wanted to tell a story about how the animals defended the ark for over ten years before ever writing my first scene.
What are you currently working on?
It’s an apocalyptic thriller that asks the question: What if you woke up one day and found that all the many blessings we take for granted (blue skies, birds, flowers, fresh air, mobility, unlimited food, etc.) suddenly began to disappear one by one over the course of a year?
How does your work differ from other work in its genre?
Having written just the one novel, that’s hard to pinpoint. I would say that of all the stories that have been written with Noah’s Ark as the backdrop, mine is the first to treat the animals as more than just passengers called to salvation aboard the great ship. They are, in fact, protagonists.
How does your writing process work?
As a first time novelist, I found it helpful to work with an outline. This is especially true since my story had multiple subplots. When I’m writing, I usually put in a full day (8 or more hours), locking myself in my office, or, if I’m on the road, in the quiet room of a public library. I’ve even gone out and written in the car if I have trouble finding solitude. Many times, especially if I’m on a roll, I’ll return to the office and continue writing until eight or nine o’clock at night. Because I have back issues, I alternate between sitting and standing with the use of an adjustable desk.
Dennis Bailey is a retired police detective, sex crimes investigator, and devoted researcher of the Word of God. His experience in the criminal justice system gives him a unique insight into the workings of the perverse criminal mind. Combined with his investigative and analytical skills, he uses this knowledge to search the Scriptures for personalities from which to create unforgettable characters and storylines.
Matt Brough is a lot of things. He’s a father, a husband, a pastor, and a sports fan. He’s also a podcaster and the author of the middle grade fantasy series featuring one of my favorite heroines, Del Ryder.
I met Matt a couple of years ago at a writing conference and thought the week before Christmas would be a perfect time to interview a pastor about his views on writing for middle grade readers. Because he wasn’t doing anything else, right?
I’m always fascinated with authors’ publishing stories––the journey that they took from spark to shelf. In my own career, I’ve written everything from news releases and presentations to picture books and how-to articles. So I was particularly curious about what inspired Matt––a pastor and author of sermons––to write a fantasy aimed at middle grade readers (ages 8-12).
“I knew I loved writing,” Matt said. “I’d tried my hand at several things before––historical fiction, science fiction, and I’d usually get three or four pages in before I abandoned it.
So how does a writer move from dabbling to dedication? “My daughter was five years old at the time, and I wanted to write something that she would like to read. I had the idea for this story, and I was really empowered by the idea that I could publish it myself. “
“I was empowered, and I was very motivated by my daughter. Plus, I was inspired by a podcast to try something that I would highly recommend any writer do. I set small daily goals and I wrote every day. Really small goals, like 250 words per day. When you do that you feel like you can achieve something every day. And when you write every day, even just a couple hundred words, you’ll have a book in three or four months.
“When I started, even though I set a small goal, most days I ended up with 700 words. And what happened then was that I really started to enjoy the story.”
Since kids are often the toughest readers (as in, if something about a story doesn’t make sense or ring true to them, they’ll put the book down), enjoying the story is a critical element. If the writer isn’t enjoying the story, it’s likely the reader isn’t going to be thrilled either.
Kell McKinney earned a B.A. in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and an M.S. in documentary studies from the University of North Texas. She’s a part-time copywriter, double-time mom and wife, and spends every free minute writing and/or hunting for her car keys. Connect with her on Twitter @Kell_McK or kellmckinney.com.
What if you could write a magazine article which could be published year after year in different publications? These types of articles are called evergreen because they can be used over and over. To write such an article takes a bit of planning on the front end of the process.
Enjoy this inaugural episode of the 2018 Writers Chats, where we start the year off right – with prayer! Cherrilynn Bisbano shares her W.R.I.T.E. prayer to remind each of us how we can enjoy the blessings God offers those who simply ask.
Today I’m feeling like the cowardly lion from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz—I need courage. Courage to face a new year and find my path in this world of writing in 2018.
I can so relate to this character of the Cowardly Lion who appears so capable on the outside, yet battles insecurities within. When we first read about him in the book published in 1900, the lion is threatening Dorothy’s dog, Toto. Dorothy slaps him and the lion bursts into tears. He admits that, although he is supposed to be The King of the Beasts, he is really a bundle of fear. When he discovers Dorothy and her companions are heading to the Emerald City to see the Wizard of Oz, the lion has renewed hope that the Wizard will grant him courage. He gives him a potion that supposedly cures the lion of his fears.
While we might giggle at this powerful beast succumbing to distress, how often do we shrivel from the challenges that being a writer presents? Learning new skills or attending a conference—with so many talented writers—might send the most gifted wordsmith into the restroom looking for toilet tissue to wipe their eyes. Put together a proposal to submit? It would be safer to stay hidden in our home office rather than present our work to a publisher or agent!
It might be safer. But you’ll never know if you were following the path God called you on if you huddle in fear, wishing for courage.
While the cowardly lion sought help from the sham wizard, we have an all-too-real encourager in the One Who called us to the craft of writing. The Lord Jesus can bring courage to us when we realize that, on our own, we are a puddle of insecurities. But with Him as our guide, we can do all things that he asks of us. (Philippians 4:13)
You might think that because I have six published books in my writer’s resume that courage to move forward should be easy. Not so. Somehow 2017 has left me with many insecurities that have chiseled away at my sense of capability. I’m feeling more and more like that lion in Oz who is often more fearful than brave. That’s when I realize I am trusting on my own abilities, and not on God.
I read a very profound line in Wikipedia, no less: “While the Cowardly Lion believes that his fear makes him inadequate, he does not understand that courage means acting in the face of fear.”
Pray for courage. And may the Lord strengthen and bless your writing in 2018!
Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. She freely admits to being a history geek. You can visit her blog/website at:
It’s a new year. For some writers it is an opportunity to pick up a previous work that had been lost in the daily grind of life and to finally finish your novel. For others it might be stepping into the role of serious writer for the very first time and beginning a brand new story. Wherever you might be in your writing journey, it always helps to have a list of resources to help you tackle that next fantasy or sci-fi story you hope to write! Here are a few websites that might help get your story written.
A great resource for Christian speculative writers is Realm Makers. Although this is an annual conference, they do offer recordings of past conferences for purchase and even offer a consortium for speculative writers to join on Facebook. This is a great place to connect with other Christian writers and to ask questions.
Lorehaven, along with its companion site, Speculative Faith, is a website dedicated to exploring fantasy and sci-fi writing and books with a Christian worldview. Head on over to their sister site, Splickety Publishing, to try your hand at writing flash fiction.
Other sites that are geared toward fantasy and sci-fi but do not specifically have a Christian worldview:
Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) is one of the oldest organizations dedicated to helping published authors within the fantasy and sci-fi genres. Membership to this organization takes some work to achieve but having this on your resume will set you apart if you’re looking to get traditionally published.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Chronicles is a community of fantasy and sci-fi writers that includes specifics on writing and publishing. Connect with other writers on the forums and check out the listing of writer blogs so you can take your research further.
Worldbuilding Stack Exchange is a place where writers can voice their questions about science and geography to aid in creating realistic fictional world building. This is a great resource to get quick answers if you want your world to be believable with specifics about science and technology.
Critters Workshop is a family of workshops and critique groups for speculative writers. This is a free website that offers discussion forums and book suggestions on the writing craft.
No matter where you are in your writing journey, utilize these resources to make this the year that you tackle those stories God has given you to tell.
Laura L. Zimmerman is a homeschooling mama to three daughters and a doting wife to one husband. Besides writing, she is passionate about loving Jesus, singing, drinking coffee and anything Star Wars. You can connect with her through Facebook and Twitter @lauralzimm and at her website Caffeinated Fiction at www.lauralzimmerman.com
As an English major in the 90s, I was excited to learn my craft and be creative. However, I was clueless about what to create. Then one day, I bought a book that changed how I viewed my passion for writing.
The late Bob Briner’s classic The Roaring Lambs challenged Christians to use their talents to create positive and redemptive art across the spectrum of entertainment: sports, music, art, television, and film. Briner called Hollywood a “Mission field!”[i]
Recently, I sat down with 30 year Hollywood veteran Brian Bird (The Case for Christ, When Calls The Heart) to talk about how the lambs (the church) can roar in this mission field.
Martin Johnson: I know you are a fan of the Roaring Lambs, how has the film industry changed since it came out in the 90s?
Brian Bird: Oh yes, love the book! Prior to the book, For much of the 20th century, I think Christians working in the arts were few and far between, with the exception of music. There were a handful of believers working in the film industry, but a lot of that activity was specifically on church films, small-time evangelistic church films. But there was not a real attempt to break into the mainstream audience with Christian films; for the most part, evangelicals were M.I.A.
Martin Johnson: You used an interesting word there, evangelicals. As a filmmaker, what does it mean to be an evangelical filmmaker?
Brian Bird: There are filmmakers who are Christians who make sermons on film. There are Christian filmmakers who don’t make specifically evangelistic films, and there are filmmakers who are evangelicals who don’t make Christian films. You can even be a non-believer and make a terrific evangelical film. It’s all about telling great stories.
Martin Johnson: Briner expressed how the church needs writers. What do you hope to accomplish at the end of the day?
Brian Bird: My personal mission is to tell stories that stir up cravings in people’s souls, make them want to know God—to be effective as I can be at communicating my Christian worldview through good story-telling, to tell stories that don’t beat people over the head, but, stir up soul cravings. To me those are the best kind of faith films. Sometimes evangelistic films can be neither good evangelism nor good filmmaking; because their intent from the beginning is propaganda. There are good uses for propaganda. Propaganda in the most generous sense of the world can be put to good use as evangelism. The Jesus films have been effective at that. A good example of that is The Jesus Film—very effective. Those kinds of films are good and effective, but that is not what I’ve been called to do. I’ve been called to just tell great, true, redemptive stories that are not there just to entertain, but to provoke hearts to greater self-reflection and get people talking about the water cooler. In my view, the story of Jesus and his work on the cross needs to be shared between two flesh and blood people having a conversation. Not by a picture on a wall.
Martin Johnson: What is the main roadblock keeping Christian film from being successful at the box office?
Brian Bird: Ourselves. . .the church! If evangelicals are going to make a difference in the giant media conversation going on across the world, we, have to pursue excellence in our crafts of communicating. The church must support the gifts of creative evangelicals when it does the message and the art can soar! During the Renaissance, the church supported all the great artists of that time and people like Michelangelo were able to strive for excellence because of that support. Art in humans is always a reflection of the creativity behind the creation of the universe. The Renaissance artists were trying to bring heaven to earth with their creations, as CS Lewis said… all art from men is an attempt to copy heaven. We are made in the image of our creator; it is in our DNA to create. This was evident in the Renaissance, the Reformation; the church stopped supporting the arts. The theology of the church began to view all art as worldly and considered it sinful. But that is so counterintuitive to the truth in the Bible. The view of art became worldly, it was considered sinful. God was the first writer … in the beginning was the Word (John 1:1–4). The Bible is full of references to the beauty and art in creation, and yet for several hundred years the church left art behind in favor of the “good enough principal.” We need to get back to pursuing excellence in Hollywood and that to me is the biggest obstacle facing us, the good enough principle. That’s where art has been relegated in the church and it has to stop—this attitude that art doesn’t have to be excellent, all it has to be is useful. We need to strive for excellence, not for our own glory—but for the glory of our creator, God. We can trust Him with our talents.
Brian Bird on the set of, “When Calls the Heart”
Martin Johnson: I’m glad you mentioned trusting God, Briner says that the lambs can trust their Shepherd.
Brian Bird: Throughout history, all art has been passed down from one generation to the next through a process called “Copy the Master.” In an art class, for example, the Master, or the teacher, is at the front of the room painting or sculpting, and the students are at their canvass. They copy the Master but bring themselves to the canvass in order to learn our art. Well, we are all in the class with the author of the universe—that’s quite a source to copy from. And we can trust our Master with every creative bone in our bodies.
Martin Johnson: Briner says art is a full-time ministry. What do you think?
Brian Bird: He was absolutely right; it is how we answer our God-given calling. Every person who finds Jesus needs to strive to become a minister out of the skills and talents God has gifted them with, both inside and outside the church.
Martin Johnson: Briner points out that part of our ministry is being the salt of the earth. Thus, for Christians to be roaring lambs in Hollywood we can’t just be just entertaining, we need to be ministers of the gospel.
Brian Bird We should be telling great stories, but they have to stir up soul cravings in people. We need to tell stories that help people realize there is more to life than what this world offers. Great stories have great messages. If they’re not entertaining though, they are not good stories. We have to do both. We have to tell stories that transfix our audiences; you have to keep your audience entertained so they can organically receive the meta-narrative or message, that is at the heart of your story.
Martin Johnson: In closing, what do you see the church doing to become the roaring lambs Briner described in his book?
Brian Bird: I think that is starting to happen. I think there’s a new renaissance beginning. I am witnessing it around me, in younger people that I mentor in filmmaking. I have this film coming out September 14th I executive produced called The Heart of Man and I shepherded a group of incredibly young talented filmmakers. I am so proud of them and proud of what we are making. I think it’s about all of us who are in this business encouraging one another to push for excellence, not to settle for just good enough, to practice the 10,000 -hour rule and to be bold. Some people who are born with a spark of genius need to put in their 10,000 hours in order to get really good at what they do. That’s how genius become experts. All of us are born with that spark because we are made in the image of the author of all things. But if we sit on our hands and don’t put in the time to become experts, we will never be the roaring lambs Bob Briner was hoping for.
[i] Briner, P (1993). The Roaring Lambs. Grand Rapids: Zondervan
Brian Bird “When Calls the Heart Devotion” with Michelle Cox
Martin is a forty-three-year-old award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book after three years of researching, editing and remembering.
While majoring in English, he walked away from the Christian faith to experience the grandeur and luster of college life. While dating, he delved into different spiritual beliefs—from Hinduism to Catholicism and Judaism.Martin’s journey took him on a journey for answers.
In March of 1997, Martin received his answer. Albeit, not the answer he wanted. Nearly dying in a severe car accident, he survived with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side.
After enduring eleven months of humiliating rehabilitation and therapy, Martin found himself at the foot of the cross with a choice to make. It was then Martin realized to truly live, he had to die. Not physically but in every other area of his life. There could be no compromise.
Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries Martin shares his testimony. Martin explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives.
As a submissions reader, I now understand why my past book proposal was not accepted.
Each day I read proposals with bad grammar, misspelled names, or the submission guidelines ignored. I’ve had authors claim their manuscript is the next bestseller, better than J.K. Rowling, a must for every school in America, and sent by God to bless the world.
I shake my head and send them a “pass” email or delete the submission. Why would I pass on the next best seller?
Avoidable mistakes, like I made in my first book proposal.
So, how can we get our proposal noticed?
DO
Follow submission guidelines- Most agents will delete the submission if guidelines aren’t followed. When an author does not follow submission guidelines the agent believes the writer cannot follow any instructions.
Take time to research agents- Spell the name correctly. Research what genre the agent represents. The agent I work with represents family friendly content as stated on the website. I’ve had three erotica submission in one month. (The delete button is my friend.)
Send an edited manuscript- An unedited manuscript denotes unprofessionalism. Agents want to represent authors who are ready to publish.
Have a Social Media Platform– Let’s face it, writing is a business. The more people you know, the more speaking engagements you book, and followers you have, the more books you sell. If you don’t have social media accounts, choose two platforms and build your followers. Build a website before you send your proposal.
DON’T
Say your book is anointed by God and we must represent you– Confidence is great, an agent loves to work with a confident writer. However, there is a fine line between confidence and exaggeration.
Address your proposal to many agents in one email- Your Manuscript will be rejected by most agents if they see other email address in the “CC” or “To” sections of the email. In the body of the proposal state “simultaneous submissions,” this alerts the agent that other agencies are receiving your work.
Harass the agent with multiple emails- Agents are busy. Most submission guidelines give a response time. Three months seems to be the average. If you have not heard from the agent within the time frame stated on their site, chances are they passed on your manuscript.
Give up– Agents desire to see you succeed. Agents also look for specific genres. If one agent passes on your proposal, keep submitting to other agents. Meanwhile, make sure your manuscript is edited by a professional editor, have Beta Readers review your book, build your social media platform, and sharpen your writing skills.
If you follow these do’s and don’ts, you will have a much better chance of success.
Cherrilynn Bisbano is a speaker, editor, coach, and writer. Her passion for helping people is evident. She is Managing Editor at Almost an Author. As host of “Genre Chat” she interviews established authors in a specific genre.
She considers it an honor to encourage ladies with the Word of God, as she travels to speak.
Cherrilynn is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, Amramp, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Refresh, Broken but Priceless, and other online magazines. Contributor to Breaking The Chains–Strategies for Overcoming Spiritual Bondage.
She earned her Leadership Certification through Christian Leaders Institute and continues toward a Chaplaincy certification. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard; earning the John Levitow Military leadership award. She lives with her fifteen-year-old autistic son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 18 years, Michael, Sr.
It’s a new year, and we all know what that means: resolutions! Love them or hate them, we all make them.
I have resolved to lose weight for the last 45 or so New Years. I’ve had success here and there, but I am reminded of my favorite quote from Erma Bombeck:
“In two decades I’ve lost a total of 789 pounds. I should be hanging from a charm bracelet.”
Pretty much sums it up, doesn’t it?
I have been thinking about resolutions as a writer and have decided to call them “goals” instead. That might give me more of an incentive to complete them:
GOAL ONE: Establish a better writing routine. I tend to be one of those “pantsers,” who writes by the seat of my pants without a plan. I’m still that way, but I hope to be more consistent with daily/weekly writing.
GOAL TWO: Finish what I started. I have a few projects that have been stuck in limbo, and I need to finish those. My agent and collaborators will applaud this one.
GOAL THREE: Pray over my projects. Sometimes I try to push through, forgetting the spiritual side. Without God, my writing will go nowhere. What’s the point if He’s not in the center?
GOAL FOUR: Eat less, exercise more. WHOOPS—wrong set of goals! However, the healthier I am, the better everything goes.
There they are, my goals in black and white. Maybe having them in print, in public, will motivate me. Now watch me as I write while avoiding Hershey Bars.
Carlton Hughes is a professor of communication at Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College, children’s pastor at Lynch Church of God, freelance writer, husband to Kathy, and father to Noah and Ethan. He enjoys long walks on the beach (He really does!), photography, and classic sitcoms like I Love Lucy. Hughes has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Simple Little Words, and several devotional books from Worthy Publishing–The Wonders of Nature, Just Breathe, So God Made a Dog, Let the Earth Rejoice, and the forthcoming Everyday Grace for Men. He is on the planning committee and serves as a faculty member for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. Hughes is a true blue fan of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball and loves to cook and bake, especially anything involving chocolate.
When Benjamin Stillingfleet rejected the norms of 18th century polite society, for the graver pursuits of learning and literature—and the company of like minds for enlightened conversation—his fortunes dramatically altered. No more would he be invited to grand affairs requiring the fashionable formality of black stockings. His daily-wear blue stockings must suffice.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall. DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
DiAnn, your books have sold over two and a half million copies, but you are extremely approachable and still you strive to assist aspiring writers. What drives you to stay so connected to the writing community?
Three reasons! I was once an aspiring writer (still am), and I haven’t forgotten the efforts published writers put into my career. The second reason is my faith means reaching out to others in love. I want writers to succeed. The third reason is rather selfish because I receive a lot of self-satisfaction in giving my best to writers.
Can you share a little about your recent book – High Treason
High Treason will be released February 2018 and is available for preorder.
When Saudi Prince Omar bin Talal visits Houston to seek cancer treatment for his mother, an attempt on his life puts all agencies on high alert. FBI Special Agent Kord Davidson is the lead on the prince’s protective detail because of their long-standing friendship, but he’s surprised―and none too happy―when the CIA brings one of their operatives, Monica Alden, in on the task force after the assassination attempt.
Kord and Monica must quickly put aside interagency squabbles, however, when they learn the prince has additional motives for his visit―plans to promote stronger ties with the US and encourage economic growth and westernization in his own country. Plans that could easily incite a number of suspects both in the US and in countries hostile to Saudi Arabia. Worse yet, the would-be assassin always seems to be one step ahead of them, implicating someone close to the prince―or the investigation. But who would be willing to commit high treason, and can Kord and Monica stop them in time?
Why do you write? Do you have a theme, message, or goal for your books?
I cannot not write. I have a passion for story that will not let me go. My writing is a ministry, a calling. Yes, my primary focus is to entertain readers, but with that goal is also a need to inspire readers to become better people and encourage them in their life’s journey. When readers can identify with a character who struggles with a problem but does not give up, they are entertained, inspired, and encouraged.
I create suspense novels with a thread of romance. We live in a dangerous world where too often evil dominates over good. My themes are to always show that God will overcome the bad – and triumph.
How long have you been writing?
And how long did it take you to get your first major book contract? Since 1996 when my husband challenged me to write a book. My first book was released in 1998, and it took about six months for the publishing house to purchase it.
How long does it take you to write a book?
3 – 4 months
What’s your writing work schedule like?
Crazy! I’m up early! First I have my marching orders with God. Then I check and post social media. Exercise. Breakfast. Shower. Now to write on my project until noon. After lunch, I continue with my own writing, pen blogs, and read/edit my mentoring students.
Do you have an interesting writing quirk? If so, what is it?
Good question . . . Most of what I do is quirky . . . eccentric . . . at times bizarre. I want boots on the ground regarding my setting – which has been challenging.
What has been your greatest joy(s) in your writing career?
Two: Receiving the author copies of my first book, and winning my first Christy Award in 2010.
What has been your darkest moment(s)?
When I chose to write suspense instead of romance and waited three months for a contract.
Which of your books is your favorite?
That’s like asking which member of my family is my favorite. It’s always the one I’ve just written or the current story.
Who is your favorite author to read?
David Baldacci.
What advice can you give aspiring writers that you wished you had gotten, or that you wished you would have listened too?
A novelist’s job is not easy, neither does a writer want it to be. Be prepared to grow and change each time you write, and never stop learning.
What is the single greatest tool you believe a writer should have in his or her toolbox?
Passion for story.
I’d like to conclude this question with two quotes.
Ray Bradbury – Love. Fall in love and stay in love. Write only what you love, and love what you write. The key word is love. You have to get up in the morning and write something you love, something to live for.
Winston Churchill – Never, never, never give up.
How many times in your career have you experienced rejection?
A lot!
How did they shape you?
Helped me to see my self-worth is not tied up in performance but in how much my God loves me.
Do you have a favorite character or scene in one of your books?
Another tough one to answer. I like the scene in Double Cross where Laurel learns about Abby’s game room. It’s not what the average person thinks . . .
Where do you get your ideas?
Everywhere – from media headlines to conversations to dreams.
What are common mistakes you see aspiring writer’s make?
Giving up. Telling instead of showing. Incomplete edits.
Where/How do you recommend writers try to break into the market?
Read the how-to books and attend writer conferences. Re-read those how-to books and attend more writer conferences. Re-write. Learn the value of social media and get involved with the community. Commit time to read the bestsellers and figure out why and how it’s a bestseller. Discover the habits of published writers and incorporate them into your world.
I didn’t speak until I was three years old. To everyone’s relief, I finally talked and did so in full sentences but only to my mother.
Months passed before I spoke to my grandmother for the first time. I said … well, I see no need to repeat the conversation word-for-word. Let’s just say it ended with my grandmother saying, “Any little boy that can talk like that can talk. Now, you talk to me!”
Other than a short bout with laryngitis when I was 11, I haven’t lost my voice since.
Having a distinctive voice is a good thing for a writer, though, right?
Not always. In some of the most lucrative forms of writing, your own well-developed voice will trip you up. During a 2014 interview, Michelle Medlock Adams said, “I worked hard at finding my voice, and then once I found it, I was hired as a ghostwriter and had to lose my voice and find someone else’s.”
If you want to be a copywriter, you’ll lose your voice, too.
Voice, in the writing sense, refers to an author’s individualized style. It includes a writer’s unique use of punctuation, syntax, diction, and word choice to create a piece that sounds like no one else. For fiction writers, voice is a critical component of authorship. It’s how you can tell the difference between a work by Leo Tolstoy and one by Dame Barbara Cartland. Voice distinguishes an author.
As copywriters, however, we don’t showcase our own voices. Instead, we imitate the voice of the brand we write for.
In practice, that means copywriters use the vocabulary, idioms, and sentence structure that best reflect that brand’s image in the public’s mind. Does the brand want to seem top-shelf or approachable, edgy or family-friendly, chatty or formal? Your style needs to match that.
Vocabulary
A company may give you a list of vocabulary words in their style guide and ask you to use them or avoid them. I wrote for one hotel that didn’t allow the word “cozy” because it sounded too rural. A higher education marketing agency didn’t permit me to say “wages” because “salary” was more elegant. And a pet retailer banned the word “owner” because it perpetuates the stereotype of cats as property.
With small companies, you may have to make your own lists. When starting a project for an online home fashions retailer, I spent two hours creating a word bank by combing competitors’ websites for word-choice ideas.
I suggested the phrase, “inspiring good looks” for a brochure on cedar shingles. The marketing folks asked me change it to “inspiring breathtaking beauty.” It matched their audience’s expectations more exactly.
That’s what we’re talking about.
Idioms
What about idioms? One current client, a major international brand, insists I avoid all idiomatic phrases. The rest of my clients are mid-size companies, and they like me to slide some conversational bits into my prose.
A few words of caution on idioms:
First, be sure you’re using an idiom not a cliche. “Buy our brand-new product or be left by the side of the road” may be clever if you’re selling auto parts. For most written pieces, however, “left by the side of the road” or “left by the wayside” is more cliche than idiom. That’s one example. You can determine when you’ve crossed the line yourself.
Second, don’t get overly folksy. Unless you’re writing for a brand modeled on the old TV show Hee-Haw, being too down-home can sound offensive. I’m a Southerner, and I can tell when you’re a Yankee trying to imitate us. Half my family is black. I can tell when a writer isn’t black but is trying to sound like it. Just don’t do that.
Finally, idioms are like jalapeños. A few will add spice. Too many will send your readers sprinting to the bathroom.
Sentence Structure
As with any kind of writing, the best copywriting includes sentences that are long and ones that are short. Punchy sentences. Explanatory sentences. Informational sentences. Questions. Directives. And interjections. Your writing should still ebb and flow with varied sentence lengths. That said, make sure your sentence style reflects your brand.
Here is sample feedback I’ve received from brand content managers about sentences:
Don’t use rhetorical questions. That’s not the image we’re going for.
Try to stick to a tone that’s more informational while still establishing a relationship with the reader.
Watch your use of the passive voice.
Change the structure of your sentences so you aren’t opening two in the same paragraph with a dependent clause.
Finding your voice is an important part of becoming an author. Losing it is equally vital if you intend to write content for corporate or non-profit clients. Try writing a piece and then rewriting it in the same voice as your favorite author or company. See how it compares to your original.
A bout with writer’s laryngitis might be just thing you need to polish your work. And soon, you’ll have editors and marketing directors saying, “Any writer that can write like that can write. Now you write for me!”
Holland Webb is a full-time freelance copywriter and digital marketing strategist living near Greenville, SC. His clients are leaders in the online retail, higher education, and faith-based sectors. Holland has written for brands such as U.S. News & World Report, iLendX, Radisson, Country Inn & Suites, MediaFusion, Modkat, Great Bay Home, IMPACT Water, and BioNetwork. He is a featured writer on Compose.ly, and his monthly copywriting column appears on Almost An Author. You can reach him at www.hollandwebb.com or at hollandlylewebb@gmail.com.
Meghan’s Choice, is Donna L.H. Smith’s debut novel. Donna serves A3 as a regular columnist since the beginning, first for Writer’s PenCase, now in Romancing Your Story. She has extensive writing experiences in broadcast and print journalism of all types.
Blurb
An unusual ultimatum. A Young Woman’s Bold Journey. Two handsome Men. An Amazing God. That’s Meghan’s Choice
Meghan Gallagher’s father gives her an unusual ultimatum to work for one year before marriage to help her learn fiscal responsibility. She complies to his demand by choosing to tutor eight children in a wild Kansas railroad town. She immediately experiences culture shock, as she is rescued by Rosalie O’Roarke, a local dance hall girl.
Duncan Wilcox is the cowboy into whose arms Meghan faints when she’s shot by a stray bullet. He’s tall and ruggedly handsome. They enjoy a lively banter and get along well. but Duncan is sensitive, and there’s more to him than meets the eye.
Dr. Scott Allison has hair the color of wheat with classic good looks. He patches Meghan up. He and Meghan find a lot of things in common, including the church they belong to.
The school children are challenging, but delightful, even though their beginning school term is only one month long.
A June tornado and a divisive August election deciding the town’s fate aren’t the only things Meghan has to deal with.
Her biggest choice: which man? Both are after her heart. Is she scandalous to allow two men to court her at the same time?
And––how close a relationship with God does Meghan want? Will she draw near?
Meghan’s Choice was named a semi-finalist in the last Operation First Novel by Jerry B. Jenkins, late 2014. In late 2015, it was awarded 3rd Place for Best Opening Paragraph and 2nd Place for Best First Page at the Blue Ridge Advanced Novelist Retreat. It was also awarded one of six Honorable Mentions for the Golden Leaf Award.
Bio
Donna L.H. Smith is a Kansas prairie girl transplanted to Lancaster County, PA. She is a graduate of Christian Writer’s Guild Craftsman program and holds a B.S. in Telecommunications (broadcasting) from Oral Roberts University and a M.A. in Mass Communication from Wichita State University. She’s been married to a wonderful man named Kirby for thirty years. No children, but a dog and her Mom over an eleven-year period. She’s been a freelance journalist, and a radio reporter. She blogs, reviews books, speaks at workshops and retreats and although she is at an age where many begin slowing down, she wouldn’t think of it. Recently, she took on the role of Assistant Managing Editor of Almost an Author.com, and serves as American Christian Fiction Writers Mid-Atlantic Zone Director. She is also a member of the Protégé program of Advanced Writers & Speaker’s Association.
Why is it that closets have become a place where we store our junk? About this time every year, I have this annual tradition of cleaning out my closets. It may have started as a result of attempting to make room for the abundance received on Christmas Day, but I’d like to think my tradition stems from the fact that there’s something promising, something hopeful about starting the year fresh and uncluttered.
But the process to get there is painful. It’s hard to let go of things. This year was no exception. In addition to cleaning out our master bedroom closet, my family and I attempted to clean out our basement too. Little did we know, the endeavor would ignite an emotional landmine! We quickly became grumpy and tired. My husband and I got into a huge disagreement over expectations. Yet as painful as the process was, the end result was worth it. Nothing beats the feeling of clean closets (and a clean basement) once it’s finished. There’s space. There’s room to breathe. There’s freedom.
Our relationship with the Lord is much the same way. We clutter our hearts and store a ton of junk there. But God desires more for us than that. He doesn’t want us to live burdened down by the weight of our mess. In Matthew 11:30, God invites us to keep company with Him so that we can learn to live freely and lightly (MSG). Who doesn’t want to live life with margin to breathe and room to live freely and lightly? Yet most of us refuse this invitation. Why? Because we must first go through some pain before we can achieve “clean closets.” Fortunately, God promises that we don’t have to go through the fire alone.
I was recently reminded of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the book of Daniel. It’s the story of three friends who were thrown into a blazing furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for refusing to worship a false god. Despite their circumstances, the friends remained steadfast in their faith. As a result, God not only stood with them in the fire, but He also rescued them. The story explains that when one of the King’s servants went to check on the friends, he reported “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25 (NIV). All those who witnessed the event “saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them.” Daniel 3:27 (NIV).
Friends, we do not have to fear. We serve a mighty and tender God who only allows us to experience the fire for our good and for His glory. God is unchanging. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. The same God who stood with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the fire two thousand years ago is the same God who willingly stands with us today in whatever painful circumstance we face – whether it’s cleaning out the clutter in our hearts, battling cancer, going through a divorce, or experiencing financial devastation. His Word promises that He will walk with us through the pain, and when we reach the other side we will not be scorched or smell like fire. Instead, others will look at us and see Jesus, the One who saves. Why? Because when we’re willing to accept the invitation to walk through the fire, we can’t help but reflect the One who rescues us.
There’s nothing like starting the New Year fresh. So let’s seek our tender Savior together and ask Him to declutter the closet of our hearts so that we can abide in Him unhindered and free!
Rachel Hofstetter: I am a daughter of the King, a wife and a mother who recently left the workforce to homeschool my two boys. I am passionate about the importance of parents rising to the call to shepherd their children towards a relationship with Christ. God’s standard for those who have been given a trust is that they must prove faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NIV). It is for this reason that my husband and I lead a life group at our church for families with young children. I also enjoy writing, working in the yard, home decorating, and running.
I am not a music critic – that would be a dream job for me, to listen to music and write about it. If I could do that while walking thru a city or charming small town or while hiking, that would be Heaven on Earth for me. I have spent much time lately listening to David Gray. He’s been around for a long time, but I’ve only casually listened to him until recently. If I were to take my best shot at summarizing his music, I would say that it has a quality of melancholy, wishful whimsy. Tonight, I keep hitting replay on the song “Snow in Vegas.” Why this song on this night? Maybe because it’s currently snowing here in greater Cincinnati. Or maybe because it is on my iTunes right now…that’s easy enough isn’t it?
When we think of creative writing, we often think of novels, short stories, poetry, or even screenplays. But perhaps one of the most memorable forms of creative writing is often forgotten: songwriting.
The art of songwriting is not just a style of writing in itself, but is an eclectic mix of lyrical forms or ideas. From the sad, descriptive country songs of the balladeer, to the urban hip hop crooning comprised of rhythmic angry poetry, to the raw, unprocessed, rebellious rioting of the rock and roller, to the religious melodic praise and prose of the psalmist, all great, memorable songs revolve around one thing: a remarkable lyricist.
I mean, sure, a great song is not a song at all until there is a melody put to it. Perhaps that’s what makes songwriting one of the most incredible, elevated forms of creative writing. An unforgettable song that connects with people and survives the decades is either a collaborative effort by brilliant people, each gifted on his or her own instrument (including the pen), or it’s the genius brainchild of someone who speaks both the languages of music and lyrics, such as Lenny Kravitz and Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters—talented multi-instrumentalists who also write with passionate lyricism.
Like a great novel, a carefully crafted song is not only memorable, but will speak to multiple generations for years to come. Bands like Aerosmith, that were popular during my father’s generation, impressively maintained their popularity with chart-topping hits during my generation, followed by my children’s generation as well. They’re one of the few bands who have a fifty-year span of incredible music. Their well-written songs are catchy melodic stories with deeply flawed characters who are hard to forget.
But, what gives a song lasting appeal? There have been a number of prevalent songs over the decades that have topped the charts with little longevity—songs that I would call trivial and trendy. Trendy songs often fit the sounds of the current culture, but lack lyrical substance. So why are they so popular? Is it because of a catchy hook? A mesmerizing melody? While these traits may help songs hit the charts, powerful, creative, lyrical imagery is what makes a song truly unforgettable.
Some of the songs I most cherish were written in the 1990’s, because the nineties were all about raw emotion—writing words with zealous fervor and honest passion. One of the most underrated lyrical storytellers of the nineties has to be Adam Duritz from the band, Counting Crows. I remember listening to their first album, August and Everything After, and being blown away by the mystical allure of Duritz’ lyrics. The way he fused his feelings to the music made them an instant treasured classic.
Step out the front door like a ghost into the fog where no one notices the contrast of white on white / In between the moon and you, angels get a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right / I walk in the air between the rain through myself and back again / Where? I don’t know / Maria says she’s dying / Through the door I hear her crying / Why? I don’t know…
The words alone to his song, Round Here, are so poetic, the music isn’t even necessary to appreciate the imagery involved. Add the warm, escalating sounds of the strings and the off-plucking rhythm of the electric guitar and the song becomes a well-rounded gem loved by people for almost thirty years.
So what are you waiting for, my creative writing friend? Are you ready to pen your first song? Perhaps you are reading this and saying, ‘But I don’t know how to play an instrument.’ But the truth is, there are people who are musically gifted but can’t write lyrics. And there are lyricists who are gifted at writing words but can’t play music. Your pen is an invaluable instrument in the songwriting circle, as much as the guitar, the piano, or the drums. Most drummers can’t play guitar or piano, and vise versa. I often think of the movie, Music & Lyrics, starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore, where Grant plays a gifted has-been musician who can’t write lyrics. Barrymore, a poet, is drafted by Grant to help him write a song and they become a best-selling songwriting duo.
Find a friend gifted on the guitar and suggest a songwriting session. If you can’t sing, you can bring in a vocalist to join you as well. What a treat it is to hear someone else singing your words crafted on paper. So what are you waiting for, writer? Who knows, you may just have a gift for songwriting!
What aspect of songwriting would you like me to discuss?
Matthew Hawk Eldridge is a sleepless, coffee addicted, Renaissance man currently working in the film industry. His latest novel, The Pan: Experiencing Neverland, can be found on Amazon or at Barnes and Noble. Catch him playing guitar in the new film, Pitch Perfect 3.
Can you imagine what life would be like if you had 4 eyes but no nose or mouth? Or two hearts but no lungs?
Right, you’d not be able to survive.
That describes my writer’s journey. My passion is to write and speak – to share what God shows me. But hey, I can figure out all this other stuff, and “do it myself” so that it’s exactly what I want.
…make the most of every opportunity. (Colossians 4:5b, NLT)
Most of my best ideas come when I’m in the shower. And most of them are gone by the time I dry off, moisturize, get dressed (change my mind and get dressed again), dry my hair, and finally make my way to my computer.
So my best ideas come in the shower and go right down the drain. No matter what I tried to remember the golden nugget, sure to unfold into a great article or life-changing devotion, it floated away on a cloud of soap bubbles.
Until today.
Today I got the idea for this post. Today I realized I could call out to my personal assistant Siri, and tell her to take a note. Not a part of the Apple Nation? Let me introduce you to Cortana, the Droid version. Still have room for one more gift on your Christmas gift list? I hear they’re running great deals on the Google personal assistant and Alexa from Amazon.
Don’t like all the technology? Put a pen and tablet on the back of the commode. In most bathrooms, the toilet is within a couple steps of the shower. Don’t step off the bathmat until you write down the amazing idea God just gave you.
Truth be told: To do any less is to squander, or waste, the opportunity God gave you.
What if that nugget or devotional thought is just what someone needs to read in your blog, or in the Upper Room? What if God gave the idea that you needed to hang on and keep going to someone, but they didn’t think it was important enough to jot down or dictate. Technology can be so overwhelming, you know…
My phone is always in the bathroom with me. Why not make it work for me instead of being a distraction?
Use it…or lose it…the idea, that is.
Hey, Siri. Thanks for taking this note.
Tina Hunt writes to inspire. She loves the challenge of a devotion’s brevity, a Bible study’s clarity, and an article’s ability to change lives. Communicating truth, whether written or spoken, defines Tina’s passion and purpose. Tina’s thoughts can also be found at PotOfManna. Tina is an active member of Word Weavers, serving as a chapter co-president, online president, and mentor
Dad was the creative genius in our family. His fingers drew cartoons on paper napkins and released lullabies from the strings of his guitar. As an aspiring author, I was almost embarrassed for him to read the opening scenes of my first serious writing project. Halfway through, he told me that he had gotten so lost in the story he forgot his son had written it. That day, a thirteen-year-old amateur felt like Steven King. For a week I was convinced that I had sprouted ten feet taller and needed to duck under doorways. From then on, writing was an addiction!
Even the smell of books enticed me. As we walked through the local bookstore, the smell of the crisp, new volumes was more alluring than homemade cookies… well almost. As I plundered through the shelves, Dad looked at the hundreds of hardbacks and paperbacks, and he noted that each of their authors had set out to write the great American novel. Hundreds of writers, hundreds of books, and some of them might never be picked up off the shelf. Then he pointed to a bookshelf and said, “See all those authors? You’ve got them all beat!”
I didn’t have them all beat! I wasn’t anywhere near publication, much less reaching the bestseller list. But Dad knew that, and I’m sure he wasn’t comparing my twenty-page working manuscript to a John Grisham novel. He was doing what a great father does – giving me empowerment to aim for greatness.
He had put a picture in my head of sitting in the middle of the bookstore, holding a book signing for my first novel. I still haven’t gotten there, but that picture gets a little clearer every day.
A chronic brain disease called PSP took dad from us in 2016. His disease attacked his ability to communicate, to articulate the thoughts and words in his head. Dad was the artist, the poet, and here he was, unable to even say “I love you,” without tracing the letters on my hand.
It’s so painful to think that my kids will have to wait until heaven to meet him, that I won’t be able to seek his wisdom as I chase the dreams of my life. But he’s instilled in me a supply of his wisdom, and the gift of looking at the world and seeing it as beautifully as he did.
The vision of a successful writing career was something we shared. For me, this has become far more than a simple dream. It’s become a promise; a promise I am working to fulfill. Part of that vision is to walk into that same bookstore and see my novel on the shelf.
For a writer, putting words on paper is as vital to our existence as the oxygen we breathe. Writing is the purest and most beautiful form of communication. It’s how God chose to communicate with us.
Words are powerful. Words start wars, summon peace and change lives. No matter how new we are to the craft, our heavenly Father has given each of us the same thing my Dad gave to me – empowerment to aim for greatness.
Reading is a more intimate form of communication than anything else. It is almost a telepathic connection between writer and reader. It influences your emotions, brings you in to share in the experience of the characters, and can affect who you become. Reading opens your mind, convicts your heart and exposes hidden truths.
As writers, God has given us empowerment to aim for greatness. We are artists, called to wield the power of words; to tell our stories and in doing so, share with others the legacies of those who have inspired us.
Who has inspired you? Join the conversation.
Caleb Walton lives in the small town of Patrick, South Carolina with his family. Caleb is an aspiring suspense and non-fiction writer, who approaches life and writing with passion and faith.
