Tag: facing diffuculties

Categories
Writer Encouragement

UNIQUE Times

I won’t state the obvious about the unique situation the world is in. It’s not every year we get to fight a pandemic. Nor is it every year that writer’s conferences—the mega booster to encourage and direct writers—are cancelled. While they are tentatively rescheduled for later in the year, in the back of our minds most of us are thinking, I wonder if they will be held this year at all. I certainly hope so but none of us can foresee the future.

I think about writers of old such as Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Nathaniel Hawthorne. As far as I know, they were not attending conferences aimed at their passion. Yet they still wrote. The fruit of their labors is still sitting on our book shelves.

As much as we love the camaraderie of our fellow writers in person, it is not an essential to our word crafting. I have to gulp when I write that because I LOVE meeting my fellow authors up close and personal. But this year has to be different. We have to rely on our connections elsewhere (thank the Lord for social media!) and especially, on the One Who called us to write in the first place.

Years ago, our family experienced a flood in Iowa where we lived at the time. The water treatment plant was contaminated and we had no fresh water for over a week. The National Guard came to filter river water for us. “Potable water” they called it. My pre-teen daughter thought the soldiers were cute. 😉 I had to prepare myself for THAT new phase in our lives!

My memories include incessant rain that felt like we needed to build an Ark. Sandbag filling in attempts to keep the flood waters at bay. Transporting water to a local nursing home in our mini-van. Sweat and dirt in my every pore, and longing for a shower in the heat. These are the memories of that time that persist so many years later. It was a time of community caring.

We are in such a time here and now. You can use this opportunity to help your community. Volunteer at a food bank. Sew masks and donate them to whoever needs them. Deliver meals to the elderly.

This is a time for new experiences that will make you become a better writer. In the life of a writer, these times of challenge stretch us from our comfort zone. That’s not a bad place to be.

Carry on. And wash your hands.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that released in 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling was recently named a Finalist in the 2020 Selah Awards. It is the second book in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and HomeLife magazine. She also penned the three-book historical series, Deer Run Saga. Her upcoming release, Scarred Vessels,” is about the black soldiers in the American Revolution. Look for it in October 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

Categories
Writers Chat

Writers Chat Recap for April, Part 2

Writers Chat, hosted by Jean Wise, Johnnie Alexander, and Bethany Jett, is the show where we talk about all things writing, by writers and for writers!

“Because talking about writing is more fun than actually doing it.”

Writing Through the Hard Times

In this open mic episode of Writers Chat we share many tips on how to keep writing through the tough time. This episode is relevant whether you’re stuck at home due to a pandemic, you’ve experienced personal hardship, a tragedy, or maybe life just isn’t going the way you planned. Times like these tend to sideline us writers because the creativity just isn’t flowing like it once did. Whether the rug has been yanked out from under you or you’re simply having a time of discouragement as a writer or you want to help a discouraged writer, this episode if for you. Tips shared in this episode range from inspirational sources, to self-care, to using a different creative outlet, to reliance on God. This is one of our most timely and pertinent episodes, which has left viewers feeling more encouraged.

Watch the April 14th replay.

To see the list of our sixteen tips and more, check out this week’s Show Notes and Live Discussion.

Fiction 101 with Johnnie Alexander, Melissa Stroh, and Norma Poore

We know, especially in the writing world, that things have a way of changing at the last possible moment. This was the case today and Johnnie was not able to join us. Melissa and Norma took to reigns and led a discussion on basic fiction elements. A gallery of Writers Chat friends joined them as they shared how-tos on story idea, setting, characters, and a plot, with an emphasis on character development. Without strong relatable characters our stories will flop. If you write fiction or nonfiction check out this week’s episode for great story ideas.

Watch the April 21st replay.

To see the list of recommended books and more, check out the Show Notes and Live Discussion.

Lessons from Camp NaNoWriMo with Leslie S. Lowe

Many writers are familiar with the NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month aka NaNo) challenge to write fifty thousand words in the month of November. But they may not be aware of the two camps NaNo puts on in April and July. The camps are great because you set the goal writing goal. Leslie is an avid supporter of NaNoWriMo and today she shares the benefits of participating in camp. This year, Writers Chat had their own cabin, organized by Leslie and she shares the purpose of being in a NaNoWriMo cabin. If you’re interested in NaNo or need writing tips on ways to get creative juices flowing when there seems to be a clog, then check out the replay of today’s episode. Happy Writing!

Watch the April 28th replay.

Bio

Leslie S. Lowe, the youngest of six children, raised with a common thread of love despite their differences. Her blog posts are geared to help others identify their spiritual gifts and talents. Leslie writes historical Christian fiction and her first novel is set in 1890 Victorian England and focuses on the orchid market as well as finding one’s identity. The sequel is set in 1910 Savannah Georgia, covering the U.S. industrial period. Currently, she is drafting a contemporary gem mining story, based on prophecy of end times that incorporates supernatural experiences she’s had in her journey of getting closer to God. You can fins Leslie on Face Book or on her website https://HisGiftsMyJourney.wordpress.com.

JOIN US!

Writers Chat is hosted live each Tuesday for an hour starting at 10 AM CT / 11 AM ET on Zoom. Here’s the permanent Zoom room link. 

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 fifteen-minutes of off-the-record sharing and conversation.

Additionally, you can grow your network and add to the conversation by joining our Writers Chat Facebook Group.

Categories
Writer Encouragement

New Year, New Hope

I anticipate some New Year’s more than others. Turning the calendar to 2020 after a difficult 2019 offers new hope and I look forward to fresh opportunities. I pray the Lord will guide my every step and decision in both my writing life as well as my walk with Him.

I told one friend that this past year felt like a year of survival. Between my husband’s stroke, my granddaughter’s cancer and foot amputation, and moving 2,000 miles to be closer to family, there were many moments that made me wonder if I could survive it all.

With the Lord’s help, I did. And God reminds me of all the blessings that occurred in 2019:

  • My husband is recovering well from his stroke
  • While the doctors were convinced my granddaughter needed chemo, all the tests came back negative for malignancy spreading elsewhere. She is cancer free! Praise the Lord!
  • My friend Shannon drove cross country with me to share the driving. Godly friends are a gift.
  • God provided for all our needs for the move despite many obstacles. Again, so many friends helped us.
  • By our second Sunday here in CA, the Lord led us to an amazing church and Christian friends who wrapped us in loving fellowship.
  • In August, on my son’s birthday, his wife gave birth to a precious baby boy. My fifth grandchild. God is so good!
  • My granddaughter runs and plays on her prosthetic foot. She has adapted to her new life so beautifully.
  • In July, a story I’d submitted to “Chicken Soup for the Soul” was published.
  • I signed a contract with Mantle Rock for the publishing of my latest novel, “Scarred Vessels.”

As you can see from my list, the blessings have far outweighed the difficulties. So my word for this year of 2020 will be “Overcome.” Do not be weighed down by the hard stuff. Pray and move forward.

It’s easy to focus on the struggles. As writers, we face the obstacles to publishing regularly.  I encourage you to press onward. Be an overcomer.

Assume there will be trials of many sorts. “In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

Notice this verse does not say, “pull yourself up by your boot straps” or “get a grip.” It says, “In me (Jesus) you may have peace.” Trust the day to day to Him. He is our peace, our source of strength. He is our Overcomer.

Carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two historical fiction books that released in 2019: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She has been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and HomeLife magazine. She also penned the three-book historical series, Deer Run Saga. Her upcoming release, Scarred Vessels,” is about the black soldiers in the American Revolution. Look for it in October 2020. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com