Write Along the Way

Janice Thompson's Fiction-Writing Master Course

2010-06-20T18:50:00.007-04:00

If you read my last post, you already know what a great teacher and mentor Janice has been to me. That's why I'm so excited to share her newest writing course with you. Read below to find out more then log in and sign up. You won't regret it.

Janice Thompson: booksbyjanice@aol.com

Janice, I understand you’re about to debut a new fiction course online. Why fiction? What is your background, as it relates to fiction writing?

Every writer hopes to one day write “The Great American Novel.” I started writing novels as a child, so the desire to craft “story” has always been inside of me. In the mid ‘90s I started writing with the desire to be published. After years of trial and error, my first novel hit the shelves in 2000. Since then, I’ve published over forty novels—everything from inspirational romance to cozy mysteries to Y.A. (young adult) to romantic comedies. It’s been a great run! I’ve noticed a trend in recent years. “Young” writers approach me, one after the other, asking the same questions and struggling with the same problems. I’ve worn myself out giving the same answers! (There are only so many times and ways you can say, “You’re head-hopping, honey!”) Because of that, I decided it would be easier to compile the information into a fiction course, will debut mid-June at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. I can’t wait to see what novelists think of this exciting new course!

You’ve started with a lesson on understanding the genres. Why is that?

As mentioned above, I’ve been published in multiple genres. My first book was a suspense-thriller. I’ve since written historicals, contemporaries, children’s, young adult, romances, mysteries and much, much more. Because I’ve been able to successfully cross genre lines, I feel qualified to teach on the subject. Before writers can establish themselves as novelists, they must develop an understanding of the fiction genres/categories. Choosing the best genre (or genres) is critical to your success. But with so many categories to choose from, how do you know which is your best fit? This lesson will give writers a thorough introduction to genre writing and will provide them with the necessary information to choose the one(s) best suited to their literary style and voice.　

I see you’ve included a lesson on plotting. Is this based on your “Plot Shots” teaching, which you’ve offered at conferences?

Yes! I’m so tickled to finally be able to offer this teaching in a course format. I’ve become known as “that Plot Shots lady.” That’s okay. I can live with that! I’m a firm believer in laying out a great plotline. Why? Because every story needs a beginning, middle and end. Careful plotting will lead the reader on a satisfactory, realistic journey through each of those stages, creatively weaving in and out, up and down.　 The "Plot Shots" method gives writers the tools they need to plot their novel in twelve easy snapshots.　It’s a fun and easy approach to plotting that won’t confuse or complicate the story.

Characterization is such an important component of fiction writing. Can you tell us more about your characterization lesson?

Years ago I developed a teaching that I call “Pandora’s Box.” It’s a layered approach to characterization, which uses the illustration of multiple boxes, one inside the other. In this lesson, I lay out the need for great characterization, then present the Pandora’s Box method. After presenting the method, I take the student through the process four times, using four fictional characters as a foundation. (Each character has a different personality, so the student learns how to apply the technique to the various personalities.)

So many writers struggle with P.O.V. (point of view). Is that why you included a lesson on that very tough subject?

Point of View (P.O.V.)　is a critical fiction component. Employing to your best advantage is tough! Most of the young writers I know struggle in this area. The head-hop. Oh, they don’t mean to. . .but they do! My detailed lesson on Point of View offers students a thorough teaching on the various P.O.V.s (omniscient, third person, second person, first person), and gives specific examples and tips so that writers can become P.O.V. purists.　

What is passive writing? Why have you included a lesson about it?

Many of the manuscripts I edit are written in passive voice. They’re loaded with passive verbs and include huge sections of “telling.” The author “information dumps,” which stops the flow of the story. Knowing the difference between active voice and passive voice is key to writing a great novel. Conquering the art of "showing" instead of "telling" will give writers an added advantage. This detailed lesson--filled with nuggets of wisdom from published authors--will give writers the tools they need to strengthen their stories and pull them into active voice.　

Ack! Backstory! It’s so tough to add to our novels. Is that why you included a lesson on the subject?

Backstory. We all struggle with it, don’t we? In so many ways, it's critical to our story. After all, the reader needs to know where our primary character has come from--what she's been through--why she acts like she does. So, do you add the backstory or not? If so, can you do so without resorting to author intrusion? And where will you place it? At the beginning of the story? Elsewhere? Will it come out in lumps or snippets? This lesson offers students an intense look at backstory and includes tips for interjecting it without stopping the action.　

Many writers struggle with finding their “voice.” Can you tell us more about that?

A writer’s “voice” is her/her “stamp.” It’s the author’s “personality on the page.” And many young writers haven’t “found their voice” yet. This lesson delves into the topic, in detail, giving perspective on this very personal issue. The lesson (titled “Themes, Style and Voice”) also covers the various themes found in popular books, as well as style components.

Can you tell us some of the top fiction mistakes?

Sure! After editing hundreds of manuscripts, I can point out some of the “top” fiction mistakes: Lack of a good hook. P.O.V. issues. Passive writing. Weak characterization. Poor plotting (no “belly of the whale” scene). Overuse of adverbs. On and on the list goes. Many writers simply don’t realize they’re making these mistakes until someone points them out. They wonder why the book keeps getting rejected. This lesson offers writers a thorough list, detailing the top twenty mistakes novelists make.

Why did you decide to add a lesson on humor writing?

I’ve been writing comedies for years and have learned so much along the way. Humor writing is tough stuff! Some writers are born with an overactive funny bone. Others have to work hard to be funny. (Ironic, isn't it?!) If you're interested in adding a little har-de-har-har-har to your novel, then you've come to the right place. In this light-hearted lesson on humor writing, I share my top ten tips for adding humor to your writing. The bonus feature contains another twenty tummy-tickling techniques, so hang on for the ride!

Putting together a book proposal is tough! What have you learned over the years?

Book deals are won or lost based on the proposal. If you've got a completed manuscript and you're ready to pitch it to an agent or editor, then this exciting lesson on query letters and book proposals will point you in the right direction, giving you all the confidence you need to submit, submit, submit! Students who use the information provided in this lesson can compose polished query letters and dazzling book proposals, sure to impress both editors and agents, alike.

Thanks so much for joining us, Janice. Where can people learn more about your courses? And where else can they find you on the web?

They can learn more at www.freelancewritingcourses.com. On that site, they will also find my “Becoming a Successful Freelance Writer” course, which many students have already taken. Folks can learn more about that one by clicking on this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-5IZSNaZFU. I offered a free webinar on the subject about six weeks ago, and it can be found here: http://www.freelancewritingcourses.com/?s=webinar. We’ll be adding to the course list every couple of months, so stay tuned for more announcements!

Other places to find me on the web:

My website: www.janiceathompson.com

My blog: http://janiceathompson.com/blog/?cat=1

My facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/jhannathompson

Taking the Next Step

2010-06-16T14:41:00.008-04:00

“Further in and higher up!” The call that echoes across the pages of C.S. Lewis’s book The Last Battle is the same call I hear resonating in my own spirit. The characters in this iconic story referred to their entrance into a new world, more beautiful and fulfilling than anything they’d ever known, and while I too long for the time I can be “away from the body and at home with the Lord,” the calling I sense is one that leads me further into God’s plan for my life here on earth.

I started writing fiction nearly a decade ago, convinced that my musings were merely a quaint hobby to pass the time. Little did I know then that God would give me a desire to write for a living. Ten years into this journey, I’m still learning ways to make that dream a reality, and one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that I can’t succeed on my own.

Don’t misunderstand. I am the one who has to have the idea for my book; I’m the one who has to research pertinent information about the storyline; I have to work at learning the craft, and I have to be the one with my butt in the chair every day, pounding out the words. That said, I know that I can go only so far in my writing life without the help and support of others.

I wrote in an earlier post how important it is to be active in a community of writers. In this post I’d like to share some resources that will take you beyond what may become the comfortable environs and supportive embrace of your group and challenge you to take that next step in your writing journey. Of course, numerous options are available; the opportunities I mention here are the ones I’ve found most helpful so far. Best of all, each option is affordable if not completely free. I encourage you to check them out.

Writer’s GPS – Author Janice Thompson offers a variety of services for writers looking to break into publishing. From mentoring and brainstorming to content editing and creating a great proposal, Janice will help you navigate through the process. Hers was the first professional critique I received, and I thank God to this day that she specializes in speaking the truth in love. I had a long way to go, and she graciously served up her suggestions with a side of understanding and a huge helping of encouragement. Janice has added to the list of services she offers, including free webinars and online freelance and fiction writing courses. I’ll be posting an interview with Janice on that very subject next week, so be sure to check back in.

My Book Therapy – Sharing their experience and talent, authors Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck offer a variety of venues to help writers learn the craft. This site contains a weekly discussion forum, regular blogs and a list of groups you can join to help you take your work-in-progress to the next level. Accompanying all this are contest and retreat opportunities, as well as one-on-one therapy sessions to help you with your story, synopsis and proposal. Honestly, I have yet to fully plumb the depths of this site, but I can’t wait to dive right in.

The Character Therapist – Jeannie Campbell is a licensed therapist and Christian counselor in California who currently offers her services to authors looking to add depth to their characters. Jeannie’s blog covers everything from basic psychological development to personality styles. She also provides an in-depth analysis for writers whose heroes and heroines must deal with life-altering issues in an authentic way. From dealing with alcoholism to abuse to self-mutilation, Jeannie shares the realities of the disease or dysfunction and reveals avenues to healing and wholeness. Her knowledge and insight have helped me immeasurably with my own works-in-progress, and her archives are full of articles I’ve mentally bookmarked for further follow up. This site is an invaluable resource for writers and is currently free of charge.

Chip MacGregor Literary – Listed among the 101 Best Websites for Writers by Writer’s Digest Magazine, Chip MacGregor’s blog is the best source I’ve seen for bottom-line, common sense advice about the publishing world. His matter-of-fact style and dry wit make his blogs easy to understand and entertaining to read, yet his knowledge and honesty about the industry offer a firm foundation for understanding and navigating through its rough waters. If you’re not currently following his blog, I’d encourage you to subscribe today. Free advice from a top-of-the-line agent: who can turn down an opportunity like that?

As I seek to move forward with my own writing career, I’m constantly looking for ways to learn and grow. While I encourage you to check out the resources I’ve listed above, I’d love to hear from you about the helpful resources you’ve found. Feel free to post a reply and fill me in. I look forward to hearing from you.

Yesterday's Promise

2010-05-24T13:51:00.019-04:00

I had the privilege of reading my first e-Book this month and am so excited to have the opportunity to share some information about the story and its author, Delia Latham. Here’s a blurb about the book from Delia’s website:

Yesterday’s Promise

A whirlwind romance amidst the natural splendor of Yosemite National Park. A spur-of-the-moment wedding. A young bride who awakens the morning after to find her new husband gone with the mountain wind.

Songbird Hannah Johns supports the child born of that ill-fated union by singing in a dinner lounge. Her dream of someday owning the elite establishment and turning it into a venue more suited to her Christian values is shattered when an unexpected transaction places it in the hands of Brock Ellis, the handsome biker who abandoned her in their honeymoon suite.

Ensuing sparks fly high, revealing buried secrets and forgotten pasts. Seeking to find peace with her painful past, Hannah returns to Yosemite, only to have Brock show up hard on her heels. Back where it all began, she finds herself in danger of losing her heart yet again to the man who shattered it the first time around.

Yesterday’s Promise was an engaging read, a sweet love story revolving around a young man who can’t remember the simple bliss of first love and a young woman who’s trying with all her might to forget it. Though confusion builds and emotions flare when Hannah and Brock meet again, it’s God’s grace that leads them back to the fullness of the promise they made years before.

I enjoyed reading this story and was delighted to get to interview Delia and learn more about her and her craft.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I won an essay contest in third grade and took home the much-coveted girl’s prize (the boys had their own) of a gorgeous, quilted pink satin bed doll. Since that time, I’ve been one of those people who is happiest with pen in hand. When my young friends were shopping for the trendiest clothes and coolest handbags, I was most content in an office supply or book store. Becoming a writer was just a natural progression of those bookwormish tendencies.

How did you get started in the writing industry?

I always loved to write, and had been writing something pretty much since I could hold a pencil properly. I wrote little stories and articles for our school newsletter; lots of poetry and greeting card verse; songs…whatever I could think of. But I think my first real step in the write direction was when I landed a job as a newspaper staff writer for a large daily newspaper. That’s where I learned to write tight. It also led to freelancing for an upper-echelon regional magazine—another valuable experience. During that time, I took a couple of correspondence courses in creative writing, because I knew that’s what I ultimately wanted to be doing.

When did you decide to write fiction?

As a teenager, I promised someone dear to me that I would someday write a novel. Rita Dawson was one of the biggest influences on my life, and her example helped mold me into the person I am. She was my pastor’s wife (which made her my aunt by marriage), Bible teacher, and speech coach. (I attended a private Christian school from 5^th grade through high school.) Those are the most prominent roles she played in my life, but there were many more. Yesterday’s Promise is dedicated to the memory of this phenomenal woman.

What went into your decision to choose the e-Book format?

This book is a reprint of my first novel, which was released under the title Almost Like a Song. Finding a publishing home for a book the second time around is every bit as difficult—actually, maybe harder—than the first time. Many publishers refuse to even consider a book that’s already been published. I am so blessed and fortunate that White Rose Publishing liked the story and was willing to give it a shot under the new title. The only down side was that they print anything under 60,000 words in electronic format only. That’s a hard-and-fast rule. My book is just under 50,000 words. So it wasn’t so much a choice on my part as a decision to accept the circumstances. I did a lot of research, and I truly feel that e-books will be a huge factor in the future of publishing. I hope we never see an end to books in tangible form, because I love holding a new book in my hand just as much as the next avid reader. I love the smell of new pages. That said, I think it pays to gracefully accept change that is inevitable.

How is getting an eBook published different from getting a paperback published?

Not that much, actually. It goes through the same stringent editing process. The book is given wonderful cover art. There’s still that excruciating waiting period between acceptance and publication, because the publishing staff needs to be able to give adequate attention to marketing and promoting each individual release. The only real difference is the lack of a tangible product you hold in your hand.

Can you give us a hint on what you’re working on next?

A couple of things. I have Pru’s and Lori’s (from Yesterday’s Promise) individual stories dancing around in my head. And I’m well into the second in a 3-book series based around a Christian dating agency called Solomon’s Gate. I’m actively seeking a home for that series, so you can all help me pray about that. J

What is the toughest challenge you've faced as a writer?

While I was writing Goldeneyes, I hit a seemingly insurmountable wall of writer’s block. I simply could not finish the book. Through National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo), God opened the door for me to lay that project aside long enough to write Almost Like a Song—which is now Yesterday’s Promise. When I returned to Goldeneyes, He provided the necessary inspiration to finish it. I like to say—because it’s so true—that I climbed that particular wall on my knees. Without God, Goldeneyes would never have been completed. But then, He was definitely behind Yesterday’s Promise, as well. I pray He’ll be the inspiration and direction behind every book with my name on the cover.

What one piece of advice would you offer for those just starting out?

Put God first. Let Him guide your career, and if it is writing He wants you to do, then do it to the best of your ability. Write every day, even if the writing is seriously bad on some days. Experience is still the best teacher—though not always the fastest. J I also recommend finding a place to call your own for writing. If having an actual office is impossible right now, then claim one end of your kitchen table, part of a bedroom, a closet…the garage, if necessary. You need to be able to carve out a space that is yours, someplace you can go every day—preferable at the same time every day—and do what writer’s do…write.

Delia is giving away two (2) $10 gift certificates to White Rose Publishing at the end of her blog tour. To enter, simply leave a comment with your email address on my blog. To learn more about Delia and her books and to find out more ways to win, go to www.delialatham.net.

If you get to read Delia’s book and like it, she’d appreciate it if you’d take the time to write out your thoughts and submit them to the Yesterday's Promise Amazon page.

Happy reading!

Getting Connected

2010-05-13T21:31:00.002-04:00

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

It is no mistake that this piece of advice is found in what scholars call the Wisdom Books of the Bible, for it states as fact information that can be applied positively in every aspect of our lives. The buddy system has been proven successful in everything from studying for a test, to losing weight, to raising a child, to growing in our relationship with Christ. Support, encouragement, and accountability make a difference. Like it or not, we need each other. God did not design us to be alone. He designed us for relationship.

Writers are no exception. We spend hours a day alone in front of a computer, creating, plotting, and revising. We live out someone else’s life on the page as our minds think their thoughts, our ears hear their words, and our hearts experience their emotions. It stands to reason that when we return to reality, we need someone around who understands both the energy and angst that accompany the process.

What a comfort it is to know there is someone available to provide constructive criticism for our work, to offer advice for the part of the publishing journey we have yet to experience, and to console us when we face rejection. Though family and friends may be considerate and caring, no one can truly understand the ups and downs of a writer’s life except another writer. That’s why finding a way to connect is so important.

St. David’s Christian Writer’s Conference, held every June in Grove City, PA, is an excellent place to make those connections. The friendly faces and the contagious laughter always brighten my summer, and the knowledge I receive about the craft always challenges me to take the next step in my writing journey. My writing would not be what it is today if not for the wonderful writers who shared their advice and encouragement along the way.

Wherever you are in your writing life, I encourage you to stay connected. Check out the various writer’s conferences in your area and get plugged in, and if you happen to be in Pennsylvania in June, I invite you to join me at St. David’s. You’ll find a link to the official website under my Helpful Sites for Writers. The deadline for registration is June 8^th. I hope to see you there!

A New Creation

2010-04-06T22:47:00.006-04:00

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” 2Corinthians 5:17

This verse came to mind as I considered all the changes happening in my life right now. The most obvious change is the new blog format. I’ve taken the last few months to research other blog sites and revamp my own. I will not promise this is the final product, though. Just like my current novel, this is a work in progress.

I also plan to add variety to the content by including guest bloggers, book reviews, author interviews, book giveaways and lessons I’ve learned that may help other writers with their understanding of the craft. I’ll also keep you informed about where I am in my journey to publication and share the emotional ups and downs of the process.

Those ups and downs are often the aspect of writing I struggle with the most. Not that life doesn’t have swells and troughs of its own. Twists and turns abound, and that can be invigorating and exciting like a theme park thrill ride. But sometimes I find that instead of experiencing the exhilaration of the ride, I just end up with motion sickness. I want to yell at the Operator to stop the ride and let me off.

I believe God hears those prayers, but he doesn’t always answer them the way I’d like. He doesn’t necessarily stop the steep drops or warn me of the sharp turns. Where does that leave me? More often than not, it lands me smack in the middle of a bad mood. My energy evaporates, my creativity dries up, and I simply shut down. It’s my default setting, and though I know it’s not the best choice, it seems the most obvious one.

Then I started reading Max Lucado’s book Just Like Jesus. In chapter ten, he talks about what to do with the garbage in our lives—those events that leave us feeling abandoned, dumped on, cast aside, and he offers Jesus’ last hours on earth as an example. On the night before his death, Jesus faced one betrayal after another. Lucado calls it “a veritable landfill of woes,” but instead of sinking in despair, Jesus saw beyond the immediate crisis.

According to Lucado, Jesus "found the good in the bad…the purpose in the pain…and his father’s presence in the problem.” Jesus found hope in the most dire circumstances. If I want to be like him, I should follow his example.

My first response would be to claim that's not possible, but the Bible is very clear on this point: nothing is impossible with God. That’s what Lucado shares in his chapter. God can change how we see life.

The past few months I’ve felt like I was walking through a mirrored maze, bumping into immovable obstacles and chasing false trails, all of which made me feel vulnerable, uncertain and alone. But Lucado’s words, and more importantly Jesus’ example, reminds me that I am not alone. If I simply choose to look to him instead of turn in on myself, Jesus will meet me there and show me his good, his purpose, his presence. There, safe in his arms, is the only place I can experience the peace that passes understanding and enjoy the thrill of the ride.

2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds me of my hope. Making us a new creation is the Lord’s specialty. It’s what he was born to do, what he died to accomplish, what he lives to complete. Lord Jesus, come and make me new!

Christmas Wish

2009-12-11T08:22:00.001-05:00

“Words - so innocent and powerless as they are, as standing in a dictionary, how potent for good and evil they become in the hands of one who knows how to combine them.” In this quote, Nathaniel Hawthorne speaks an eternal truth: words matter. They can bring healing or hurt, joy or sadness, relief or dread. The simple combination of letters and syllables can literally change the world. No time of year reminds me more of this reality than Christmas.

The holiday season surrounds us with words that comfort us like a warm fire. Scripture shows us their power: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.” Carols reveal their sweet melody: “Joy to the world; the Lord is come. Let earth receive her king.” Childhood stories display their delight: “’Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” And famous poets remind us of their timeless sentiments: “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days o’ auld lang syne?”

More than any other time of year, we seem to give ourselves permission to enjoy the unparalleled contentment that comes from this wonderful parade of celebratory words: the holy, the lighthearted, and the nostalgic. Even though I enjoy all of these, the words I find most profound during this season are in the first chapter of the gospel of John: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” God’s Word came to life in the form of Jesus. The incarnation—God coming down to us, seeking us out, repairing the rift, taking our punishment, giving us hope. This Word marked time, shaped history, and changed the world. This Word changes me.

While I may never truly understand this indescribable gift, as an author, I always seek to pass it along. No one can ever replicate or improve upon God incarnate, but in my writing I strive to bring words to life in a way that reveals his truth to others. Beyond character, setting, and plot is a simple wish that, at the end of the day, I can say that I’ve helped make Christ known.

During this Christmas season, my prayer is that the Word made flesh will reside in you, changing your world and giving you hope.

Merry Christmas!

Enjoy the Gift

2009-11-19T07:03:00.005-05:00

My son is learning to drive. Though an exciting rite of passage, the process is still one that makes most parents cringe and fret, while the prospective drivers seem completely intoxicated with their new-found freedom and sense of power. I always assumed that the minute my son turned sixteen, he’d be ready to hit the road, but Joshua, now seventeen, feels no need to rush the process. While I appreciate his patience in the matter, I couldn’t help but wonder why he had little desire to get behind the wheel.

The other day, as he was driving home from school, his younger sister asked him if he liked it. Joshua answered in the negative. Why? I immediately followed up. “Because it’s stressful and it takes all my focus,” was his reply. I realized then that what he was feeling was a natural response to learning a new skill.

I also realized that I sometimes feel the same way about writing. After I finish reading a book by an author whose talent I admire, I usually turn back to my own work with frustration and disappointment. Comparing my talent with someone else’s is always a losing proposition. I begin to grow restless and impatient with my progress and become so focused on the mechanics of writing that I lose the sense of joy in writing.

James 1:17 tells us that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Writing is a gift. My creativity is on loan from the Master Creator, and my joy originates from my relationship with a Father who takes pleasure in simply seeing me use the gifts he gives. Too often I miss out on that joy because my focus rests more on the outcome than the process, and I forget that God is at work in the midst of that process.

I won’t deny that sometimes writing is “stressful and takes all my focus,” but neither can I deny the rush of pure pleasure I derive from watching my ideas come alive on paper. Is the struggle with the one worth the end result from the other? Absolutely! Yet another example of God’s good and perfect gifts. Therefore, I hereby resolve, forever and hereafter, to remember to thank the Giver and to enjoy the gift.

Stay the Course

2009-10-06T21:55:00.003-04:00

The English Channel is a slender twenty-one mile ribbon of ocean that connects England and France. History is full of people who’ve attempted to cross it using everything from pedal-powered blimps to jetpacks, but the ones who inspire me the most are the swimmers. These athletes battle cold temperatures, strong currents, and stinging jellyfish as they push, usually in the dark, to get to the opposite shore. Over one thousand people have attempted to cross this body of water, but only ten percent of them actually made it to the other side.

I’ve found that writing for publication is similar to swimming the English Channel. Even though thousands of writers submit their articles and manuscripts regularly, only a small percentage ever makes it to print. What’s the difference between the ones who make it and the ones who don’t? Perseverance.

Writers, like swimmers, have to endure intensive training. We struggle against the swirling current of our busy schedules and strive to maintain our focus through countless rewrites. We push past the sting of rejection and fight through the fog of doubt. Our endurance level must rival anything a channel swimmer can mete out because our work doesn’t end once we reach the shore. Writers, whether we’re beginners or veterans, must wake the next morning and start the process all over again.

The strength necessary to accomplish this task is beyond my ability, and I often find myself wondering how I’ll be able to stay the course. I found my answer in I Corinthians 15:58: “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” What we give, in Christ, is never wasted. So don’t despair.

Just keep writing.

Proclamation

2009-09-22T23:01:00.005-04:00

I am a writer.
Four words.
A simple sentence.
A declarative statement.
I can spell every word in that opening sentence. I know the proper punctuation and can diagram it correctly, but it took me years to speak those words out loud and even longer to say them without the inflection of a question mark behind them.

Before I begin this journey, there are some things I need to confess. Writing was never a natural outlet for me. I was not one of those kids who spent all my time with my nose in a book, nor did I ever keep a diary or journal. I struggled through grammar class with a glazed look in my eyes and a keen impatience. I read only when my teachers forced me to do so and wrote only when required, so when the desire to write first flared, I gave it little credence.

Who am I? What do I know? Those were the questions that bombarded my brain in quick succession. Ironic, I think, that those are the same questions I continue to ask myself almost on a daily basis. Though my love for reading has multiplied exponentially and my ability to craft a story has evolved significantly, I still find myself wondering how I inherited this undeniable need to write.

Some writers write because they were born to it; others do so because they love it; a few have admitted that the impulse is so strong, it would be useless to try to fight it. Me? My passion to write took root in silence and bloomed by degree, awakening within me both a sense of surprised delight and residual doubt: a grueling dichotomy of heart and mind.

Though I have no illusions about becoming the next Francine Rivers or Jerry B. Jenkins, I still believe that God is the one who planted this seed in my heart. As such, it is he who will reap the harvest. I simply endeavor to complete the task he’s given me. Where this journey will take me or what God plans for me along the way has yet to be revealed, and, though I am glad for the journey, I will admit that I’m scared, both of what may come and what may not. My hope throughout the process is this: “that he who began a good work in [me] will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

Meanwhile, the road lies before me, and I invite you to join me on the journey.
Welcome to my world.
I am a writer.