Tuesday, June 30, 2009

All About our Readers Series, One

Hi everyone. Annette here to begin our Tuesday "Net's Notations" posts.
Please join me for a new series for writers which focuses on . . . readers. Read on:

Dear Christian writer, why do you write?

“God has called me.”

“I love to write!”

“I can’t do anything else. I’ve tried stopping and I can’t.” (grin)

“I have a message I want to get out there.”

“I love words and stories.”

“Jesus told stories.”

We have to ask ourselves, for whom we write—like when starting this blog, Dawn and I had to consider whom we’re doing this for.

Answer: YOU.

If you asked Jesus who He lived for, He’d answer YOU. If you asked Him who He died for, He’d answer YOU.

Dear Christian, when you write, whether fiction or non, you’re writing for the YOUs out there—your audience.

How often do we think that way? “I’m writing for my reader. Not myself, not my name’s sake."

“I’m writing because I believe in being a vessel for God—someone He can pour into and I can overflow onto others.” We need to have a shepherd’s heart to be effective writers. We’re helping point the way. We’re illustrating biblical truths, like Jesus, the ultimate Good Shepherd.

So, let’s ask ourselves to whom we’re writing and make sure that as we put the letters on the page (or screen) that we're keeping our audience in mind, in heart. Praying for them. Praying we can touch them and bless them, changing lives.

I read this reader testimony once in a popular author's novel: “Your book helped me find God.”

Wow.

That’s what I want. To point to God. To reach up toward God’s hand, grab on tight, then reach out to the reader’s hand and link the two. I want that to be my motive while I'm putting words on the page.

How about you?

Write on!

Annette M. Irby’s
first book, Love Letters released in 2007. You can learn more by visiting her website. “Chicken Soup Celebrates Mothers and Daughters” featured one of her stories, also in 2007. She and her husband serve on their church’s worship team as well as in leadership. Visit her other blogs at: Net’s Notes and Net’s Book Notes.

Monday, June 29, 2009

About Us

The written word is powerful. It can comfort, challenge, and inspire. It can make us laugh and bring us to tears.

But, how can we effectively communicate our message and touch lives?

Our mission is to help you succeed in spreading the message God has given you through your writing. On this blog, you’ll find information on craft, encouragement, resources, and success stories.

Here’s what you can expect:

Manuscript Mondays * – On Mondays, we’ll focus on the craft of writing.

Net’s Notations – On Tuesdays, Annette will offer her thoughts on writing.

Writer’s Journey * – On Wednesdays, we’ll provide resources, information on writers’ organizations, conferences, and advice, as well as featuring writing books.

Dawn’s Devotional – On Thursdays, Dawn will share inspirational thoughts for the writer.

Fortifying Fridays * – On Fridays, visit for encouraging words to launch your weekend, including success stories.

* Guest writers

Are you a writer with articles or encouragement to share? Do you have a favorite writing book you'd like to advise others to use by writing a short review for us? Leave a comment with your email address and Dawn or Annette will get with you. We're actively scheduling through the summer and fall. Thanks!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Dedication

Before we launch with articles on writing and features of organizations and blogs for writers, let's dedicate this blog. 

 

To the Author of life, the Creator
The One who inspired the Word of God
To the Author and Finisher of our faith
The King for whom we write
The Author we praise
Our tongues are as the pens of ready writers
To the ultimate Author:
Jesus, Jehovah, the Holy Spirit
The One true God
For His glory we write. For His name's sake. And to spread the good news.
 
"May the beauty of the Lord our God
be upon us
and establish the works of our hands.
Yes, the work of our hands,
establish it."
 
(Psalm 90:17 MKJV)

Friday, June 26, 2009

Welcome!

Welcome to a new blog for Christian writers. Watch this spot for articles on writing, from characterization to publication, from networking to creating an online presence, and much more.

We want to encourage and support Christian writers. Join us here for encouragement from writers like yourself!