Tag: calling

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Devotions for Writers

Confidence in Your Call

devotions

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

Luke 1:26-27 NIV

I’ve often wondered at the disparity between Mary’s response to the angel, Gabriel, and Zechariah’s (husband of Mary’s relative, Elizabeth). Both were approached by Gabriel, both seemingly gave the same answer, yet they experienced vastly different results. Let’s take a closer look.

Mary was troubled. (Luke 1:26-38)

  • The angel said, “Do not be afraid. Give Him the name Jesus.”
  • Mary said, “How will this be?”
  • Gabriel confirmed it by announcing Elizabeth’s pregnancy (which was also a miracle).
  • Mary said, “I am willing.”

Zechariah was gripped with fear. (Luke 1:5-25)

  • The angel said, “Do not be afraid. Name him John. Give him no wine or fermented drink.”
  • Zechariah said, “How can I be sure of this?”
  • Gabriel said, “You didn’t believe and so will be silent.”

Same angel. Two distinct outcomes.

Have you ever noticed a lack of faith in your calling also steals your words? You stare at the blank page and doubt every positive feedback you ever received. However, when you have confidence in your call, the words flow onto the page. Maybe the discrepancy between Mary and Zechariah wasn’t in the words they used, but in their attitude:

Mary believed. Luke 1:45

Zechariah doubted. Luke 1:20

How can you take stock in your call to write?

Exercise:

  1. Remember Who is doing the calling. If it’s a whim, it will fall by the wayside. If it’s the Lord, it won’t leave you alone.
  2. Remember why you were called. Do you have a burden for a special group of people? Do you have life experiences and passion that affirm it?
  3. Remember the nudge. Did a passage of scripture, a poem or an article confirm it? Write it down. Keep it handy for reference.

Look back at the stories of Mary and Zechariah. They both are noted for prophesying, but the metamorphosis surrounds when it happened. For Mary, it was before The Babe was born, and for Zechariah, it was after. Let’s choose to step out in faith that the Lord will deliver on His promise and birth a new work in our lives. Find your confidence in the One who calls you.

Will you believe or will you doubt?

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Categories
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.

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Personal Directive

devotions

“Lord, what about him?”

John 21:21 (NIV)  (Read John 21:15-22)

Have you seen someone reach quick success? Maybe you’ve been writing for years and struggling to get your name out? But they come along and effortlessly get published.

It’s easy to be jealous of someone else’s success. I’ve wasted a lot of energy on the green eyed monster, and can tell you first-hand, you never win at that game. There will always be someone more qualified/talented/prettier/more popular than you. Peter questioned Jesus about John’s future in comparison to his own. Basically Jesus responded, “It’s none of your business, Peter. What is important is that you do what I’ve planned for you!”

The Lord has a specific design with you in mind. Each opportunity adds a stepping stone in the journey of self-awareness and understanding of what that design entails.

On a flight by the coastline of Georgia, I looked out the window and saw boats way down on the water. Actually, I couldn’t see the miniature vessels themselves, but I could see the white foam streamers left in their wake. I may feel miniscule, like the boats viewed from the airplane, but I can leave big waves and make a difference in the lives of others. You may not see me, but you may see where I’ve been and benefit from what I’ve done.

You, too, leave a wake behind you. God has a different plan for each of us. Don’t compare yourself to Peter or John. Do obey the Lord in what He has given you to do!

Exercise:

Do you wonder what you have to say, that someone else might want to read? Do you compare yourself with others? God has given you a writer’s voice that is uniquely you. Your assignment is from the Lord and needs to be said by you, because no one else could say it quite like you.

Have you found your voice, yet, that particular bent that affects your style of writing? A friend once commented, she knew my devotionals before seeing who wrote them. She knew my “voice.”

Pull out old journals. You’ll hear your voice, there. Read through them to appreciate how you’ve grown in wisdom and in humility toward God. Note answers to prayer and situations resolved. Stop to write down thoughts that trigger story ideas. How can you help someone who might be facing the same struggle? 

Learn from Peter, that each one has an important assignment from God!

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon. 

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Categories
Devotions for Writers

Allegiance to the Call

devotions

“I have done as you have commanded.”

Ezekiel 9:11 (NIV)

In our passage, the man with the writing kit at his side returns to the Lord with his mission accomplished. He knew his assignment and the terms to complete it.

Have you ever felt convicted to write a piece that an editor didn’t feel convicted to publish? You worked and reworked to make sure it was ready. But, what you submitted wasn’t what the editor needed.

Maybe success is not measured by reward, but by faithfulness to what God has called you to do.

How does inspiration strike you? Whether an idea niggles at you for weeks, or pops up instantaneously, it can take you by surprise when fleshed out. What an awesome opportunity to watch an idea form. It has the power to inspire, intrigue, and inspect your audience. Best of all, work done for the Lord may impact someone for eternity.

I remember reading an article about doorways that convinced me that they are welcoming agents and first impressions. Now, I notice doorways when in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Who would have thought writing about a doorway would be important? But that author found an angle to made it compelling, and it did affect me!

Let’s link arms in obedience to write for God! He put writers on earth for a purpose, and as we fulfill that design, we too will experience the satisfaction of telling the Lord, “I have done as You have commanded!”

Exercise:

You have been writing. You have been mailing in work to editors. You are learning to discipline yourself to keep office hours. You are seeing the efforts of your hard work adding up to a nice list of queries.

But, what if it’s been months with no response from your query? General response time is six to eight weeks! Your mission today, should you choose to accept it, is to follow up on that long-lost piece. It could be buried on an editor’s desk. It could have fallen through the gap when the publication changed hands. But you need to politely inquire as to the status of that piece!

Go in obedience to God, to follow up on something He inspired. You obeyed Him by writing it in the first place, now obey Him by following up on what He orchestrated. 

Refresh the memory of your editor and sell the advantage to printing your piece. You can do it!

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon. 

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net

Categories
My Writing Journey

Writing with Confidence

My first parenting book began as a work of fiction. It was a single dad story about a correctional officer who discovers a plot for his murder during an impending prison break. I planned to use the story in hopes that single fathers who read it would learn tips for parenting alone, all while being entertained.

Silly idea.

My attempt at fiction was not so much out of creativity, but fear. Fear that a self-help book would not fly unless I had a Ph.D. or other related credentials.

Of course, the novel kept hitting a brick wall because my motive was wrong. Anytime you sneak a lesson into a piece of entertainment, it’s going to show up in blinding neon lights. I knew something wasn’t right. The plot wasn’t believable—it felt forced and smacked of deceit.

At the advice of my literary friends and professionals, I abandoned my novel and dove into the first few chapters of what was then titled Help, I Think I’m Lost: How to Navigate Fatherhood After Divorce.

Once I decided to be truly authentic, I slowly gained confidence as an expert in the field of single parenting issues. Research and interviews caused the content to flow easily from my fingers.

With each new chapter completed, I’d take it to my critique group to have it polished. I talked to single dads, studied the topic, and added several interactive elements to the book. Finally, my non-fiction manuscript was organized enough to pitch to agents and publishing houses.

The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce released in February 2015 and became a work that is being utilized internationally to help dads all over the world. This humbles me and I’m so grateful for what God continues to do through the book.

Since then, I’ve expanded my audience to include traditional two-parent homes, writing dozens of articles and devotions on child-rearing from a Christian worldview. 

The lesson for me was obvious. I must move with confidence in the topic for which God calls me to write. None of us need hide behind one genre because we’re afraid of being labeled a fraud—we’re not. Let us step out and be genuine, watching God use us for his glory.

I’m not saying I’ll never try writing a novel again one day. Until then, I look forward to what God might do with my next project. Only time will tell. 

How about you? Have you struggled with insecurities in your genre?

As an award-winning author and international speaker, Tez Brooks writes on family issues, with his work appearing in Guideposts, The Upper Room, CBN.com, Clubhouse, and Focus on the Family. His editorials on Jesusfilm.org are read by over 20k each month. Tez’s book, The Single Dad Detour was winner for the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Awards. He and his wife have four children and live in Colorado Springs. You can learn more at TezBrooks.com

Categories
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)

You-nique

The last five years I’ve used songs in my blog to help illustrate the theme of my posts; it has become part of my brand and helps to make my post unique. My passion for music goes way back to high school and continued into college, where I used it as an escape from reality like most people do.

But recently the website I’ve used to create my audio files shut down and I found myself scrambling to find another website to fill this need. After the first few days of frivolously searching, I hit a brick wall and I threw myself a big pity party—because writing it isn’t exactly easy.

If you’ve been pursuing a writing career for any amount of time, I’m sure you’ve hit a few brick walls, or at least a few potholes, along the way. Obstacles you didn’t anticipate, such as not knowing what to write or how to say in the best way.

The act of getting ideas is the easy part, but the process of building a platform, acquiring representation and getting our stories and messages out is the gut-wrenching, throw-your-hands-up-and-walk-away devil.

It’s like running the hurdles in the Olympics, you build momentum, but you have to learn the perfect time to jump again and again. Personally, I think it would be easier to run the hurdles than to write for a living.

However, twenty-two years ago I learned a valuable lesson when I stayed in a T.L.C (transitional living center) after my accident. These are places where persons with disabilities can stay while they remember or relearn the daily tasks of life (i.e. cooking, cleaning, and personal care.)

The residents have different disabilities, but similar limitations and each one has to learn how to make do with what they have in their own way. Over the years I’ve learned to be more adaptive because of my disability. I’ve accepted that my limitations make me who I am and my journey is unique to me.

You-nique!

Webster’s defines unique as, “Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else.” As a community of writers, we have similar goals, but unique stories, skills, and paths that make each of us who we are.

Albeit if you’ve ever attended a writer’s conference you know some are little more unique than others (haha!) Fortunately, the writing tribe is more accepting than most. We are each creative and express ourselves differently.

Photo by Martin Johnson

There’s a saying amongst the brain injury community that I keep going back to in life. “We all have brain injuries, but every brain injury is different.” My brain injury affects me differently than another person’s injury and I must live with a different set of facts of life.

  1. How I cope and deal with my disability are part of my story and who I am.
  2. My limitations caused me to adapt to life in a way that works for me.
  3. My disability is not yours or anyone else’s.
  4. My physical scars are part of what makes me Martin.
  5. My road to recovery in life and my path are different from other’s recovery and paths. 

These aspects of being disabled easily apply to the life of a writer. Each of our journeys to writing success looks different. Our lives are different, but our goals are the same. However:

  • We don’t all have the same level of education or training.
  • Writing isn’t as natural for some as it is others.
  • Not everyone has the resources or time needed to attend conferences.
  • Not everyone has the resources needed to get the tools of the trade (i.e. writing programs, quality computers or even an office space.)
  • Not everyone is good at networking or using different means of communications (i.e. social media, newsletters, website, speaking engagements).

To be honest, not everyone has the patience or thick skull to be a writer. For many, the process is too time-consuming, and discouraging, so they decided to take a different path altogether and give up on their publishing dreams

Different?

But for those who choose to continue on the journey, they learn that all writers really are different, their career goals look different, and their definitions of success are different.

If there’s anything I’ve learned in life by being disabled, it is that it is okay to be different. It’s okay to not:

  1. Look like others.
  2. Believe like everyone else.
  3. Enjoy what others enjoy.
  4. Take the same path as others.
  5. Talk like others.

Because we each have our own voices and messages to share—messages only we can tell. We each must learn to use whatever we have and do whatever it takes to tell the stories that make us unique.

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Traumatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Be a Neighbor

lighter look at a writer's life

“Love is at the root of everything . . . love or the lack of it.”

This quote is one of my favorites from Mister Rogers (Yes, I know his name is Fred, but I have to call him Mister) from the acclaimed documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor, which I just watched for, I think, the fifth time. It’s so good and I have seen it so many times, I have lost track. The film “hits me in the feels” every time.

I am like Lisa Loopner, Gilda Radner’s nerdy character from the classic heyday of Saturday Night Live. She described her favorite movie, The Way We Were, and said she had seen it five times but cried six times, because she the knew the story so well that she cried on the way to the movie one of the last times. I tear up just thinking about Won’t You Be My Neighbor.

Mister Rogers was my friend who “visited” my house every afternoon as I was growing up. He always had a smile, a kind word, and a make-believe adventure for me. I was an only child and, for a brief time, a latchkey kid. It was also the time of riding in a car without seat belts, cruising without a helmet on a bicycle, and talking on a phone that was attached to the wall, but I digress . . .

Mister Rogers was a great babysitter/companion.

During my last viewing of the film, I was struck by Mister Rogers’ passion for his mission in life. He was ordained for the purpose of ministering through the media. He never once preached a televised sermon, his puppets never told the story of the five loaves and two fishes, and he never sang Amazing Grace on camera. Yet he ministered through his gentle spirit, his kindness, and, yes, his occasional goofiness. You could feel the love through the camera.

THESE THINGS are what I want to accomplish with my writing. I want to be kind and gentle and goofy in a world of chaos. When I think of throwing in the towel—or throwing my laptop across the room when I can’t get a sentence to come out right—I think of this mission. Mister Rogers was called to be a bright light in a dark world, to love unconditionally, and so are we as writers.

When I sit at my keyboard, I want to be as whimsical as King Friday, as mischievous as Lady Elaine, and as sensitive as Daniel Tiger. Is that hard to do in today’s world? Yes. Is that type of thing needed in today’s world? Absolutely. Will people feel the love through the things I write? I hope so.

In the words of Henrietta Pussycat, “Meow meow, go write something kind, meow.”

Carlton Hughes wears many hats—some serious, some goofy.

During weekdays, he sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher (wah-wah wah-wah-wah) as a community college professor of communication and journalism. On Sundays and Wednesdays, you’ll find him playing games and performing songs with motions in his role as a children’s pastor.

In his “spare” time, Carlton attempts to type kind words as a freelance writer and has been published in numerous books, including several releases from Worthy Publishing: The Wonders of Nature, So God Made a Dog, Just Breathe, Let the Earth Rejoice, and Everyday Grace for Men. He has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul and other publications and is represented by Cyle Young of the Hartline Agency. He specializes in humorous observations of everyday life, connecting those experiences with spiritual application.

Carlton loves watching classic sitcoms like I Love Lucy, eating way too much chocolate, and rooting for his favorite college and high school basketball teams. He is on the planning committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference and a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child. He and his wife have two college-age sons.

Categories
A Lighter Look at the Writer's Life

Whatever!

lighter look at a writer's life

“What do you write?”

Sit down with a group at a writers conference or anywhere else writers gather, and that will be the first question asked. The answers usually vary widely.

“Speculative.”

“Amish.”

“Romantic suspense.”

“Women’s Bible studies.”

“Amish speculative with a touch of romantic suspense, and a secret baby included for good measure.”

(Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating about that last one . . . but it could happen.)

My answer is a bit different: “Whatever God gives me to write.”

That may seem like a super-spiritual reply, but it is truly the way things have happened since God called me to write. Time after time, God has opened unlikely opportunities for me, and all I had to do was to say, “Yes, whatever.”

So, in the last ten years, I have written:

–devotionals

–children’s Christmas plays

–test questions and chapter summaries for a textbook

–standardized test questions for an educational company

–sports stories for an online track and field/cross country website

–blog posts

–news articles

–general nonfiction

–fiction

I’m sure there’s more, but you get the idea.  I don’t share this list to brag on myself, but to brag on God. He’s the One Who has opened (and closed) the doors, and it was up to me to be obedient and to walk through (or to accept the slammed-shut ones). Each assignment has sharpened my skills, taught me about deadlines, and generally stretched me as a writer.

My advice then is not to pigeonhole yourself into one genre or specific type of writing. Sure, it’s okay to specialize and to hone your skills in one area (maybe God has called you to that), but it’s also important to be obedient to God’s leading when He makes a way for you to stretch your wings.

Now, back to Levi and Martha, who are waiting to get out of the time warp . . .  

Carlton Hughes wears many hats—some serious, some goofy.

During weekdays, he sounds like Charlie Brown’s teacher (wah-wah wah-wah-wah) as a community college professor of communication and journalism. On Sundays and Wednesdays, you’ll find him playing games, performing songs with motions, and doing object lessons in his role as a children’s pastor. He and his wife also attempt to keep up with their two college-age boys.

In his “spare” time, Carlton is a freelance writer who has been published in numerous books, including several recent releases from Worthy Publishing: The Wonders of Nature, So God Made a Dog, Just Breathe, Let the Earth Rejoice, and Everyday Grace for Men. He has been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul and other publications and is represented by Cyle Young of the Hartline Agency. He contributes regularly to two writing blogs, almostanauthor.com and inspiredprompt.com. He specializes in humorous observations of everyday life, connecting those experiences with spiritual application.

Carlton loves watching classic sitcoms like I Love Lucy, eating way too much chocolate, and rooting for his favorite college and high school basketball teams. He is on the planning committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference and a year-round volunteer for Operation Christmas Child.

Categories
The Ministry of Writing

When It’s Not Working Out

If you’ve been writing and working towards getting published, even more so, if you are writing because you know without a shadow of doubt God has called you to do so, then I imagine (actually I’m certain) you’ve hit a dead end or will hit one soon. You’ve come to a roadblock or are headed for one. You’ve ended up at an impassable wall or at least see one in the distance.

So…what do you do?

If God has lead you to write or to share a particular message and He’s continually telling you that the mission is still a go, but it’s evident the endeavor is crashing and burning, what do you do?

Well, that’s where I am.

Actually, it’s where I’ve been the past month…err…three months…err…year. Stuck. Blocked. Crashing and burning. The odds of survival in the writing world and the mission in which I have been sent are looking bleak. So, I broke down and sought counseling.

Creative Commons License from www.pexels.com

Gathered around the table for supper, I asked my seven-year-old daughter the question I had been asking myself. I asked, “If God has told you to do something, but its hard, should you quit?” She looked at me like I was absolutely stupid and said, “You have to do what God tells you to do. If He told you to do something you have to obey, no matter how hard it is. Even if you have to die doing it.” My four-year-old added, “Daddy, you have to do what God says.”

That’s the truth I knew somewhere in my heart. Actually, I had recently written a book about that. But on my little water-walking endeavor I had let my judgment become clouded by the waves and the wind.

Although, my daughter was convincing and again I had written on the subject, I was still uncertain. So, I posed another question to my budding theologian. I asked, “What if God told you to go cross a river, but when you get there the bridge was broken and had fallen down? What should you do? Are you off the hook? Can you say, well, the bridge is gone so God must not really want me to cross the river.”

“You can’t turn around and go home if God told you to do something. You have to find a way to cross the river. Daddy, you would be like Jonah if you didn’t try to cross the river.”

Yikes. My little girl is hardcore.

My four-year-old said, “You could just swim across!” Therefore, we then changed the scenario to a river of lava.” But regardless of what substance is in the river, if God said cross the river—you cross the river or die trying.

Then a lightbulb dinged in my head—how many different ways has God got His people across water? I posed the question to my Suppertime Ecumenical Council and we went to town listing different ways.

  • He got Noah and his family across with the ark.
  • He got Moses and the Israelites across by parting the Red Sea, after Moses lifted his staff.
  • He got Joshua and the Israelites across the Jordan by stopping its flow, after the priests with the Ark of the Covenant stepped in the water.
  • He got Elijah and Elisha across the Jordan by parting it, after Elijah rolled up his cloak and stuck it in the water.
  • He got Elisha across the Jordan by parting it, after Elisha touched it with Elijah’s cloak.
  • He got the ax head out of the Jordan by making it float.
  • He got Jonah across the water by spitting him out of a big fish.
  • Jesus got the disciples and himself across the Sea of Galilee by commanding the winds and waves to stop.
  • Jesus went across the Sea of Galilee by walking on water.
  • Jesus took the disciples across the Sea of Galilee by instantly making the boat appear on the other side.

Impressive list. Also, my daughter may have had a little help compiling it.

And I don’t know about you, but looks like God can handle getting across the river if the bridge is gone. He probably could if it is lava, too.

After that counseling session I returned to my desk, and kept plugging away. God has called me to do this, therefore I got to do it or die trying.

So, what do you when its not working out?

You keep on writing.

 

[bctt tweet=”God has called me to do this, therefore I got to do it or die trying.” username=”@soldoutjake”]

[bctt tweet=”So, what do you when its not working out? You keep on writing.” username=”@soldoutjake”]

Jake McCandless is an award-winning author, winner of the 2018 Selah Award for his non-fiction book Spiritual Prepepr. He is the Executive director for Stand Firm Ministries and Prophecy Simplified.. A long-time pastor who is now co-pastor of the innovative “above-ground underground,” online church, Endtime.Church., Jake has a B.A. in Bible and Pastoral Studies from Central Baptist College, and an Advanced Masters of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.  He also is a regular contributor to WND News with voices such as Joseph Farrah, Pat Buchanan, Ann Coulter, Ben Carson, Chuck Norris, Joel Richardson, Carl Gallups. He also writes for the The Baptist Press along with other publications. He is also a regular guest on national radio and streaming web shows, along with hosting his daily radio program Prophecy Simplified Radio and weekly podcast Hold On.   You can follow all Jake’s work at www.jakemccandless.com or subscribe to his newsletter here.
 
Categories
Mastering Middle Grade

Preachy or Peachy

My critique group says my MG fiction is preachy. Now what?

First let me say that I love my critique group. I’m not writing about y’all. We’re solid.

Getting productive feedback on your work is a lifeline. It’s critical to have fresh eyes to review your words and point out where things are working, where they can be improved, and what should be thrown out.

Now, unless you’re a pastor, you probably don’t want people to react with “that chapter/section/story is a bit preachy.”

If your first response to this kind of criticism is like mine (i.e., hackles raised and shields up), may I share with you something I’ve learned that might ease the sting?

Many people feel a calling to write for kids because they want to share their love of Christ. As one of my sisters would say, “ain’t no shame in that.” It’s only natural for that love and enthusiasm with sharing the message seep into our writing (okay, maybe for some of us it’s less of a seep and more of a flood).

At the Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference Children’s workshop, one of the faculty reminded us that our primary target audience is between eight and twelve years old. Our audience is soaked in a learning environment six to eight hours a day, five days a week.

This means they can smell a lesson from 500 yards away. If you come at them with teaching wrapped in a cute main character, they will put your book down.

Like us, kids read fiction to be entertained, escape their troubles, and explore the world. Who can blame them?

Do you have a lesson or a story?

Ask yourself – and honestly answer – if you are trying to impart a lesson or tell a story. Knowing your objective is half the battle. If your heart is telling you to teach children about Christ’s love, as important as that is – it’s not a story.  If your heart has named a character who has a unique adventure, you have a story.

If you have a story, go back through your manuscript and find ways to let the story shine. Bring it to life with realistic characters, imperfect allies, obstacles to overcome and plenty of excitement.  Doubt that it will be “Christian” enough? Don’t. Because you’re you and you love Christ, your world view will show up in the telling of it, I promise. And you never know how God is going to use your words.

Maybe you feel like you have less of a story and more of a lesson.  That’s a great thing to know. If this is the case, writing a nonfiction book may bring you more success. In nonfiction, you still have freedom to use more direct language, cite more Scripture, conduct interviews and collect data that will bring your lesson home in a very real and accessible way for kids. Instead of trying to force a tale around a message, just bring the message.

Most importantly, when you receive feedback that shakes your gut a little bit, know that you’re not alone. We’ve all been there (multiple times, probably) and lived to tell the tale. Use it for good and know your Father sees you and is working for your benefit.

Oh- and if this post comes off a little preachy, know that I hear you and I’m working on it.

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.

Categories
Child's Craft Uncategorized

10 suggestions to overcoming writing obstacles

We discussed the first three suggestion to overcoming writing obstacles in an earlier blog.

  1. Run, walk, exercise – stir up the endorphins
  2. Get outside. Breathe in God’s fresh air
  3. Write in a different place – change up the scenery
  1. Get involved with your target age group

If you write for children, lead Sunday school, girl scouts, brownies, boy scouts, little league. Volunteer at an elementary school, special Olympics, a buddy walk. Hang out with your neighbor’s little kids. Go to a park and observe children’s interactions with each other. Listen to their words, their expressions, their tone of voice. What makes them laugh? Notice children at Fast food restaurants, how they respond to their parents, how they eat, what they eat. Consider how they dress. Does it look like they picked out their own clothes? Imagine why they may have chosen to dress that way. Linger in a bookstore near the children’s books and observe the books kids choose, what they are drawn to.

5. Journal

This is my favorite. All writers can journal. Write a prayer to God, write what’s on your heart, what is bothering you, what makes you sad. Start a Thankful journal and document everything you are thankful for each day. You aren’t writing for publication in your journal but you are writing, doing what you feel called to do. Enjoy that time with God. Reflect, meditate, praise.

  1. Color

Color in a beautiful creative adult coloring book. Borrow a page of your child’s coloring book. Blend the colors. Use colors you don’t normally use together. Use pens, colored pencils, crayons, markers, anything you have on hand or that you feel like using. Color in the lines, outside of the lines. Color abstractly. It’s a mindless, beautiful, expression of you and of your mood. Finish it or don’t. You decide. Any form of art is creating and God delights in creating. It may take the focus off your writing block and free you to create.

7. Sew or paint.

Pull out your sewing machine if you have one and make a table runner, a bright colorful table runner. Sew a new window valance. Cross stitch, needle point, fix a hem, hand stitch a square and use it as a napkin. Anything you feel like sewing together, stitch and create. Again, another form of creativity.

Paint a picture. Fully engage the artistic side of your brain. Let loose and have fun! Be a child again and quit judging your results. Just enjoy the process of creating. Or repaint a room. Choose a new color. Focus. Enjoy the big strokes of the brush and what ensues.

8. Go to a Writers’ Conference.

You’ve probably heard this a hundred times, but it is so important. I won’t linger on this point but find a conference and try to get there. You’ll be glad you did! At Christian Conferences we’re all there for the same reason and that is to further God’s kingdom through the gifts He has given to each of us. Conferences help shape writers. To be surrounded with so many other writers with this same desire of serving the Lord, of becoming better writers for His glory, of seeking to grow to become the best we can be is mind blowing and spiritually renewing.

9. Don’t forget about others.

Always take time to encourage others in their writing. If the lady in my earlier post, hadn’t slowed down her running long enough to talk to me and encourage me, I may still be struggling with every hill I face if I hadn’t already quit running all together. Sometimes helping others gives you the clarity to move beyond your own obstacle. Who might you encourage today?

10.Don’t quit!

Know that you will get around this obstacle. Sometimes obstacles cause us to notice more of God’s world, to smell the roses along the way, appreciate His gifts, depend on Him more. Know there are different seasons. Some seasons may be plentiful with writing. Inspirations and ideas may flow like a waterfall over you as you struggle to write fast enough to keep afloat. Other times may be seasons of reflection, of drawing near to God, of focusing on other areas. Don’t beat yourself up in these times and don’t make writing a chore. There may be deadlines to meet whether from a publisher, editor, writer’s group, or yourself. But have grace. Allow yourself to linger in God’s presence without demanding that you be productive every moment. Enjoy the writing and the obstacles. Allow God to grow you in the quiet times as well as in  your writing times.

What obstacles have you faced in your writing? And how did you overcome them? We’d love to hear from you!

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Just A Writer

Do you ever feel like “just a writer?” “Just” a wannabe author? “Just” a wordsmith who spends hours inventing characters and hoping someone will read your work?

I encourage you to throw out the word “just” from your thinking. Treat it like yesterday’s trash that’s contaminating your mind. You are not “just” a writer. You are “A WRITER!”

So why are writers—especially Christian writers—important? Because when you feel that niggling urge to create words that are meaningful, then being a writer is “A CALLING.”

There are billions of folks in this world with numerous callings on their life. Some are called to heal, some to organize, some to preach God’s Word, some to be leaders, some to be helpers. The list can go on. But to be called to write is unique in that you can reach people around the world without so much as a passport.

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I know many writers with debilitating illnesses. Many who have difficulty traveling for one reason or another. Some with responsibilities that anchor them to their homes. Yet the message in their words can reach hundreds, thousands, even millions, without so much as using a gallon of gasoline.

“But all I write is fiction. How is that a calling?”

There are thousands of folks around the world who would never think of picking up a Christian non-fiction book. You could find them running away from a Max Lucado book as though rabid dogs were on their heels. Fiction is less threatening, more entertaining, and, if a writer is good, they can slip in the gospel message without scaring off the reader. Christian fiction might be the only Gospel message they’ve ever heard. Who knows where those seeds might sprout?

Another blessing about writing is that you can create a variety of messages, and not just in your usual genre. Most writers have blogs. These allow writers to create words that can fulfill promptings that the Holy Spirit places on your mind and heart. While some in the writing field encourage writers to always stay within the expected theme (such as historical fiction), I choose to believe that God wants to use our words to minister and enlighten the audience He has created for our writing.

These last few weeks have revealed horrifying videos about abortion taking place in our country. Although I write historicals, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to create words that will hopefully open people’s eyes in a new way to the atrocities taking place in contemporary America. If you wish to read that blog, you can click here.

So the next time you think you are “just” a writer, praise God for the calling He has placed in your heart. And get writing!

 

Vintage Typewriter courtesy of: Just2shutter through freedigitalphotos.net

Photo of man writing courtesy of: tiramisustudio through freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

Categories
WARFARE!

Our Calling as Writers

I’ve often pondered why I write, and what does it mean to be a writer. Sometimes I labor over my writing when I have an assignment due or a deadline; editing and re-writes are plentiful. Sometimes I have moments of inspiration when the words pour effortlessly onto the page.

You know what I’ve discovered? The best messages are those I write as me, not as what I think others expect of me or what I think might be the “perfect” message. I have my own style, my own way of phrasing things, and my own personality. If I don’t share as me, God’s message loses something in my forced translation.

I also discovered that when I put my hands on the keyboard and give my God time, He provides the words.

Writing is about growing our relationship with Jesus (spending time with Him), and obedience to write what He tells us to write. There’s no formula. There’s no perfect time to write. There’s no perfect message.

There’s only one perfect Jesus who uses imperfect vessels to make Himself known.

No matter what or how we write, our calling as writers is to use our God-given gifts and talents to:

  • advance the Kingdom of God on this earth. Some of us share truth through stories, some of us share through Bible studies and real-life experiences, and some of us are gifted to do both.
  • write truth as the Lord reveals it, and be ready for anything that comes our way as a result. We live in a culture where Biblical truth is increasingly hated and mocked. We need to pray over our writing and share courageously. We need to pray strength and protection for each other.
  • use today’s technology to the best of our ability. Twenty years ago, who could have predicted that “going viral” would be a good thing! Our collective goal is to reach everywhere to make Him known.

We are all part of God’s army and He is our Commander in Chief. God has strategically placed us right where we are for His purposes. We all have messages to share. Some share testimony, some teach, some exhort, some inspire. We all have times of flowing words and times of laborious re-writes. We all have points of view, life experiences, and passions.

We all have a responsibility to share our words whether we reach one person or a million people; whether our message is hated or loved by one person or a thousand; whether we get no comments or hundreds.

We write as He leads.

That’s our calling as writers.

[bctt tweet=”The best messages are those I write as me… #calling #writer” via=”no”]

The image is from bing, “permission to share and use”, illuminatedlvg.com.