I finally did it. I got a Twitter account.
I resisted for a long time. I thought Twitter was for chasing (oh, I mean following) celebrities around and getting updates on their latest gossip. And though I admire many newsworthy people, I had no desire to hear them tell us how they were now at Baskin Robins buying Rocky Road ice cream for their child (I don't particularly care to read that on Facebook by people I actually know and care about).
It wasn't until recently, after being encouraged by a good friend, did I discover just how wrong I was. Within minutes of setting up my account, I developed a community of incredible writers and organizations designed for writers.
The first person to follow me was my best friend, Jenn - no surprise there, she is a Twitter junkie! My second follower was the famous author and speaker, Angela Hunt, who I briefly met last year at the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conferernce. Wow, how fun!
Every time I check my Twitter feed, I am amazed and inspired by the talented people out there! All of you who are spreading your wisdom, passion for the written word and your heart for God through blogging and tweeting continue to challenge me on a daily basis. Thank you. I hope to earn a place amongst you!
So, if you need me, I'll be there, tweeting and retweeting!
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Inspiring the Writing Hand
Like many writers, I glean inspiration from a variety of different places, sights and sounds. However, I have found my greatest source of inspiration while I worship the Lord.
A few weeks after I had started writing my first novel (consistently, that is), I experienced this God-breathed inspiration for the first time. There I was, standing with my arms stretched out in praise, thanking the Lord for who He is and what He was doing in my life, and then bam! I got a flash of the ending of my book - the epilogue. Not just a fleeting thought, like "oops, I forgot to put the clothes in the dryer," but a mental image of an entire scene. It played out like a movie in my mind, along with the emotions of the moment stirring in my soul. I was so taken aback that I literally stopped mid song and put my hands down for a moment. That scene became the driving force for my entire novel. Look, I still get goosebumps every time I talk about it!
The second time I was a little more prepared. Again, I was worshipping on a Sunday morning, and I saw a glimpse of a character. I had barely given this kid a name yet and now, instantly, he had a personality, a history and a destiny.
It shouldn't have surprised me (or continue to), after all, we are closest to our Heavenly Father when we spend time worshipping Him. And, as we draw near to Him, He directs our steps, our will and, yes, our stories.
I wish it happened every time I worship or pray - I'd have no need of those intense character sketches and plot point outlines. But I have learned, the more I commit to Him, the more He inspires my writing hand.
A few weeks after I had started writing my first novel (consistently, that is), I experienced this God-breathed inspiration for the first time. There I was, standing with my arms stretched out in praise, thanking the Lord for who He is and what He was doing in my life, and then bam! I got a flash of the ending of my book - the epilogue. Not just a fleeting thought, like "oops, I forgot to put the clothes in the dryer," but a mental image of an entire scene. It played out like a movie in my mind, along with the emotions of the moment stirring in my soul. I was so taken aback that I literally stopped mid song and put my hands down for a moment. That scene became the driving force for my entire novel. Look, I still get goosebumps every time I talk about it!
The second time I was a little more prepared. Again, I was worshipping on a Sunday morning, and I saw a glimpse of a character. I had barely given this kid a name yet and now, instantly, he had a personality, a history and a destiny.
It shouldn't have surprised me (or continue to), after all, we are closest to our Heavenly Father when we spend time worshipping Him. And, as we draw near to Him, He directs our steps, our will and, yes, our stories.
I wish it happened every time I worship or pray - I'd have no need of those intense character sketches and plot point outlines. But I have learned, the more I commit to Him, the more He inspires my writing hand.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
The Foulest Four Letter Word
FEAR. It is the nastest word, not in our vocabulary, but in our minds.
Fear is truly crippling. Whether it be fear of the known (spiders?) or the unknown (monsters in the dark?). Whether it be fear of failure, rejection, or getting hurt. All of these keep us from trying new things, meeting new people, experiencing life to the fullest. I know - I am an expert on fear.
Fear is what kept me from taking that first step on my writing journey. Of course, I didn't realize that at the time. My life was busy, I didn't have time to write. Every evening there would be some excuse (sometimes even valid) as to why tonight I just couldn't muster up energy to work on my novel. The weeks quickly turned into months - with no more than a few paragraphs roughly thrown together.
Then God gave me a wake up call. I remembering hearing/reading "Not doing what God has called you to do is disobedience!" It pierced my heart, because I realized it wasn't homeschooling my two kids or my husband's crazy work schedule or the eight piles of laundry that needed folding that kept me from my calling, it was fear.
The "what if's" that subconsciously played in my mind were endless. What if the words didn't come? Or worse, what if they did come and they weren't any good? What if no one wanted it to read it? Or the ultimate rejection, what if they read it and hated it...What if I am wasting my time. (If I don't try, I can't fail).
Fear is not trusting God. God had called me to this, He would enable and equip me as long as I was faithful in doing my part.
The next few weeks, I committed to write everynight. No matter how tired I was or how many dishes were stacked in the sink, I sat down and worked. Within a couple of weeks, I had the first draft of my first manuscript typed out (over 50,000 words and 118 pages). It was amazing how God had honored my faithfulness!
Since then, I wish I could say that I have learned my lesson, but I find that I have to be reminded (daily), of the promise of Psalm 118:6, "the Lord is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Fear is truly crippling. Whether it be fear of the known (spiders?) or the unknown (monsters in the dark?). Whether it be fear of failure, rejection, or getting hurt. All of these keep us from trying new things, meeting new people, experiencing life to the fullest. I know - I am an expert on fear.
Fear is what kept me from taking that first step on my writing journey. Of course, I didn't realize that at the time. My life was busy, I didn't have time to write. Every evening there would be some excuse (sometimes even valid) as to why tonight I just couldn't muster up energy to work on my novel. The weeks quickly turned into months - with no more than a few paragraphs roughly thrown together.
Then God gave me a wake up call. I remembering hearing/reading "Not doing what God has called you to do is disobedience!" It pierced my heart, because I realized it wasn't homeschooling my two kids or my husband's crazy work schedule or the eight piles of laundry that needed folding that kept me from my calling, it was fear.
The "what if's" that subconsciously played in my mind were endless. What if the words didn't come? Or worse, what if they did come and they weren't any good? What if no one wanted it to read it? Or the ultimate rejection, what if they read it and hated it...What if I am wasting my time. (If I don't try, I can't fail).
Fear is not trusting God. God had called me to this, He would enable and equip me as long as I was faithful in doing my part.
The next few weeks, I committed to write everynight. No matter how tired I was or how many dishes were stacked in the sink, I sat down and worked. Within a couple of weeks, I had the first draft of my first manuscript typed out (over 50,000 words and 118 pages). It was amazing how God had honored my faithfulness!
Since then, I wish I could say that I have learned my lesson, but I find that I have to be reminded (daily), of the promise of Psalm 118:6, "the Lord is on my side, I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
Monday, March 5, 2012
And so it began...my writer's journey
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away...
Well, I guess it's not THAT long ago, but to me it does feel like another lifetime - the day when God first called me to write.
Previously, I had fun writing stories in high school and college, making up little skits and picture books for my kids when they were small. But, I never dreamed of becoming a writer. A travel agent, a teacher, a film editor, a wife and mother, but never a writer.
It was as I sat in a church pew five years ago, listening to our associate pastor speak on "using your talents for God", that I felt the Holy Spirit stirring my soul. As I silently surrendered my life, my will and my talents, I knew that I was SUPPOSED to write. Write a novel for teens that would glorify God. The feeling was so intense, tears streamed my face as I promised the Lord that with His help, guidance and direction I would.
I wish I could tell you that since that time I have written that novel (along with three others), however, that's not the case. Doubt crept in. Distractions overtook me. Fear derailed me. Each time, God was patient and lovingly brought me back to Him and His purpose for me.
I realize that though it started five years ago, its not too late to start scribing my writing journey. All my success and my failures along the way. The times God gently steered me in one direction or powerfully convicted me to go another direction. My path will be nothing like someone else's, yet as writers all struggle with the same things.
I hope you stay tuned...
Well, I guess it's not THAT long ago, but to me it does feel like another lifetime - the day when God first called me to write.
Previously, I had fun writing stories in high school and college, making up little skits and picture books for my kids when they were small. But, I never dreamed of becoming a writer. A travel agent, a teacher, a film editor, a wife and mother, but never a writer.
It was as I sat in a church pew five years ago, listening to our associate pastor speak on "using your talents for God", that I felt the Holy Spirit stirring my soul. As I silently surrendered my life, my will and my talents, I knew that I was SUPPOSED to write. Write a novel for teens that would glorify God. The feeling was so intense, tears streamed my face as I promised the Lord that with His help, guidance and direction I would.
I wish I could tell you that since that time I have written that novel (along with three others), however, that's not the case. Doubt crept in. Distractions overtook me. Fear derailed me. Each time, God was patient and lovingly brought me back to Him and His purpose for me.
I realize that though it started five years ago, its not too late to start scribing my writing journey. All my success and my failures along the way. The times God gently steered me in one direction or powerfully convicted me to go another direction. My path will be nothing like someone else's, yet as writers all struggle with the same things.
I hope you stay tuned...
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Its Time To Visit The Beach
Christmas is less than three weeks away and here in Wisconsin the winter temperatures are now upon us! It's just for these reasons that I challenge you to think about getting back the beach. Not a literal beach, but the simplicity of beach-living.
These ideas aren't mine. I am quoting (at times paraphrasing) "Gifts From the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (the wife of Charles Lindberg and fiction and poetry writer), and the message from this book is very timely and appropriate.
Drawing from inspiration from the shells on the shore during a brief vacation by the sea, Anne writes...
1")Physical shedding is first, obviously you'll need less clothes rather than more. One does not need a closet-full only a small suitcase full. And what a relief it is. Taking up and down hems, less mending and best of all, less worry about what to wear. One finds one is shedding not only clothes - but vanity.
2)Next, shelter. Here I live in a bare sea-shell of a cottage. No heat, no telephone, no gadgets to go wrong. I find I don't bustle about with unnecessary sweeping and cleaning here. I am no longer aware of the dust. I have shed my "Martha-like" anxiety about many things. Washable slipcovers, faded and old - I hardly see them, I don't worry about the impression I make on other people. I am shedding pride.
3)I need very little furniture. I shall ask into my shell only those friends with whom I can be completely honest. I find I am shedding hypocrisy in human relationships. The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere. That is why so much of social life is exhausting, one is wearing a mask. I have shed my mask.
I remember that today more of us in America have the luxury of choice between simplicity and complication of life. And for the most part, we choose complication...
...I love my sea-shell house. I wish I could transport it home. It will not hold husbad, children and the necessities and trappings of daily life. I can only carry back my shell. It will sit on my desk, to remind me of the ideal of a simplified life, to encourage me in the game I played on the beach - to ask how little, not how much, can I get along with. To ask - is it necessary? - when I am tempted to add one more accumulation to my life, when I am pulled toward one more centrifugal activity."
I encourage all of you to read the reast of Anne's wisdom and thoughts in her book, "Gifts from the Sea" and ask yourselves daily "is it necessary?" "Is this new outfit really necessary?" "Is this obligation necessary?" etc., then listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting.
These ideas aren't mine. I am quoting (at times paraphrasing) "Gifts From the Sea" by Anne Morrow Lindbergh (the wife of Charles Lindberg and fiction and poetry writer), and the message from this book is very timely and appropriate.
Drawing from inspiration from the shells on the shore during a brief vacation by the sea, Anne writes...
1")Physical shedding is first, obviously you'll need less clothes rather than more. One does not need a closet-full only a small suitcase full. And what a relief it is. Taking up and down hems, less mending and best of all, less worry about what to wear. One finds one is shedding not only clothes - but vanity.
2)Next, shelter. Here I live in a bare sea-shell of a cottage. No heat, no telephone, no gadgets to go wrong. I find I don't bustle about with unnecessary sweeping and cleaning here. I am no longer aware of the dust. I have shed my "Martha-like" anxiety about many things. Washable slipcovers, faded and old - I hardly see them, I don't worry about the impression I make on other people. I am shedding pride.
3)I need very little furniture. I shall ask into my shell only those friends with whom I can be completely honest. I find I am shedding hypocrisy in human relationships. The most exhausting thing in life is being insincere. That is why so much of social life is exhausting, one is wearing a mask. I have shed my mask.
I remember that today more of us in America have the luxury of choice between simplicity and complication of life. And for the most part, we choose complication...
...I love my sea-shell house. I wish I could transport it home. It will not hold husbad, children and the necessities and trappings of daily life. I can only carry back my shell. It will sit on my desk, to remind me of the ideal of a simplified life, to encourage me in the game I played on the beach - to ask how little, not how much, can I get along with. To ask - is it necessary? - when I am tempted to add one more accumulation to my life, when I am pulled toward one more centrifugal activity."
I encourage all of you to read the reast of Anne's wisdom and thoughts in her book, "Gifts from the Sea" and ask yourselves daily "is it necessary?" "Is this new outfit really necessary?" "Is this obligation necessary?" etc., then listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Who's Dreams Are Your Dreams?
I recently attended the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference. This wasn't my first conference, so I was prepared to digest a lot of meaty knowledge. Previously, I had choked on the vast amount of information presented, and I vowed to take small bites, chew thoroughly, and swallow appropriately. I wasn't prepared for what was put on the table this time.
The keynote speakers were Todd Burpo (a pastor and author of "Heaven Is For Real") and Angela Hunt (novelist and speaker). Angela Hunt said of her extensive career in writing, "I never dreamed of being a writer. I just walked obediently through every door that God opened for me." She went on to challenge us, "how dare WE have a dream." We should be pursing God's will on a daily basis - only that will lead us to His ultimate plan for our lives."
(Casey Butler, Angela Hunt & myself)
We all have dreams and aspirations. Some of them God-given, some of our own choosing. I challenge you today to give those back to God. Be faithful TODAY to do His will and be amazed at where God takes you - beyond anything that YOU could ever dream!
The keynote speakers were Todd Burpo (a pastor and author of "Heaven Is For Real") and Angela Hunt (novelist and speaker). Angela Hunt said of her extensive career in writing, "I never dreamed of being a writer. I just walked obediently through every door that God opened for me." She went on to challenge us, "how dare WE have a dream." We should be pursing God's will on a daily basis - only that will lead us to His ultimate plan for our lives."
(Casey Butler, Angela Hunt & myself)Todd Burpo was just the opposite. He was a preacher, not a writer and had no intentions of writing a book about his son's experiences (for those of you who haven't read the book - after recovering after a ruptured appendix Colton Burpo, then age 4, begins to share specific details about his time spent in heaven with Jesus). Todd didn't want to write the book. But after much encouragement, he prayed that if God wanted this book to be made, that He would bring the publisher. Within days, a publisher called the Burpo house to ask about doing a book. Todd is working on a screenplay for the movie version - another fleece he put before the Lord and the Lord answered.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
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