Monday, December 21, 2020

Farewell to Seriously Write by Annette M. Irby

 

A little history

It’s hard to believe, after eleven and a half years, that the time has come to say adieu. But don’t worry. All the posts will remain here on the blog for the foreseeable future, with a convenient search option in the sidebar if you’d like to look up a topic or guest’s name.

Warning, gushing ahead!

I remember the day in June of 2009 when I first had the vision for what Seriously Write could be. Previously, I’d launched a couple of blogs and shared articles and book reviews. I knew I wanted to provide an avenue to encourage writers. As a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) for a few years by that time, I’d had the honor of meeting many editors, authors, publishers, and fellow dreamers. I pondered asking them to guest post about writerly topics. Would they join in? They did! They wanted to give back too, while we promoted their work. A win-win.

Also, through ACFW, I met a local writing buddy, and we became very good friends. Right after launching this site I got in touch with my critique partner Dawn Kinzer and asked her if she’d be willing to join me in writing posts, scheduling guests, promoting, etc. She jumped in immediately. Thank you, Dawn! Seriously Write would not be what it is today without your faithful involvement for over a decade!

Through the years, other hostesses joined us to write posts, network, and schedule guests. Many, many authors, fellow editors, publishers, and fellow dreamers contributed. They shared devotions, how-tos, writing craft tips, journey-to-publication stories, and above all—encouragement. The writing life is challenging, given all the sacrifices and rejection. We wanted to tip the scales in the opposite direction and provide hope and support.

If you served as one of our hostesses over the years—thank you! I’d name you but I’d hate to leave anyone out. You are appreciated! My current fellow hostesses include: Dawn Kinzer, Sandy Ardoin, Terri Weldon, and Mary Felkins. Thank you for all you’ve done to enrich the writing community. Words aren’t enough, but God knows. May He richly bless you all for blessing writers!

Each hostess oversaw a weekday, and I tackled Mondays. I’ve had several awesome folks join me as regular contributors over the years. If you’re one of them, thank you! My current team for Mondays includes: Peter Leavell, Patty Nicholas-Boyte, and Melissa Henderson. Sending gratitude to you for your contributions and faithfulness month after month, year after year.

And dear readers of SW, know that we’ve prayed for you, that you’d be encouraged and blessed. That you’d find tips you could use. It’s been a privilege to serve you, and we hope you’ve found uplifting content here. Thank you for reading and sharing. You’ve encouraged us!

Writers rock!

If you’ve contributed to the blog, whether as a hostess, regular contributor, tech support, or a guest—thank you!! Seriously Write would not have survived this long without your contributions. May God richly bless you.

Technology changes a lot in eleven years! Gratitude especially goes out to Angie Arndt and Emily Conrad for answering panicked emails and helping the rest of us negotiate social media through those changes. You’ve saved the day several times. I think I speak for all the hostesses and some regular contributors when I say a hearty “thank you!”

Encouragement

If you’re here for a last dose of encouragement, here you go: Write on! Don’t give up! Continue studying books in your genre. Keep reading writerly blogs, articles, and books. You can use the search box on the right to find articles here on multiple aspects of the writing life, from homonyms to Hallmark movie adaptations. Keep learning the craft. There is always more to learn. There are always new ways to grow in your writing. Dream new dreams. Trust that God will both inspire your dreams and fulfill them as you delight in Him.

Benediction

We began Seriously Write with a dedication. So, it’s fitting to end with a benediction.

With that, brothers and sisters, I must say goodbye.
Make sure that you improve. Accept my encouragement.
Share the same attitude and live in peace.
The God of love and peace will be with you.

2 Cor. 13:11 GW


Go, and do your creative best for His glory!

Make a careful exploration of who you are and
the work you have been given,
and then sink yourself into that.
Don’t be impressed with yourself.
Don’t compare yourself with others.
Each of you must take responsibility for doing
the creative best you can with your own life.

Gal. 6:4-5 MSG


And finally, a personal favorite:

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.

Ps. 90:17 NKJV


Thank You, Jesus, for all You’ve done through SW and for blessing the work of our hands. Please guide each reader and writer into whatever is next. The glory is Yours.

With prayers and gratitude,

Annette, along with my fellow hostesses and regular contributors here at Seriously Write. We wish you all His best.

It's the end of an era at #SeriouslyWrite blog. Join @AnnetteMIrby as the blog signs off. #amwriting #authorlife

photo credit: pixabay

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Like the Closing of a Book by Sandra Ardoin

By now you know that we’re saying goodbye to Seriously Write, so I wanted to add my own farewell—or let’s just call it a “see you later”—to those of the others you’ve read this month. 

Don’t worry, you’ll still have access to past articles, and I hope you’ll come back here on occasion, looking for answers to some of your questions, or maybe some encouragement to keep plugging away in this business.

Friday, December 18, 2020

Are You Fervent About Your Writing? by JoAnn Durgin

Meme about being Fervent in Our Writing

Are you fervent about your writing?


In my ladies’ Bible study, we’re currently working through the book, Fervent, written by Priscilla Shirer. “Fervent” is an intriguing word, isn’t it? It’s not a word we’re used to hearing in everyday conversation. Most of the ladies in our group hadn’t heard of the word at all. Here’s the basic definition of fervent: “having or displaying a passionate intensity about something.”

Thursday, December 17, 2020

Saying Goodbye Can Be A Good Thing by Terri Weldon

This is my last post on Seriously Write. The last time I’ll ever pull up Blogger and load a post that will be published on This and That Thursday. It feels bittersweet.

My journey on Seriously Write has been progressive. I guest blogged, then became a regular contributor, and eventually moved to hostess when Dora Hiers felt led to pursue other writing related goals. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

The ladies on the blog: Annette Irby, Dawn Kinzer, Sandy Ardoin, Dora Hiers, Angie Arndt, and Mary Felkins have been a joy to work with. I’d also like to give a special shout out to the regular contributors I’ve been blessed to work with: Sally Shupe, Patti Jo Moore, Susan Tuttle, and Heidi Chiavaroli.

Sounds sad so far – right? So you may be wondering where the Saying Goodbye Can Be A Good Thing title comes in. Each stage of my Seriously Write journey has been filled with anticipation of what each step would bring. That’s even true of the end of the blog.

I know God isn’t through with me or my writing yet, so I’m left to ask, “What’s next, Lord?” Seeing what God has planned and anticipating what the future holds is exciting. Knowing I’ll have more time to write or time to serve a writing group in some extra capacity is encouraging. Is the end of Seriously Write scary? Not really. When we discussed ending the blog it seemed as if God was leading us to do so. We may not know always what His plans are for us, but we know they are far greater than anything we could plan for ourselves.

Seriously Write has been good to me. I’ve made friendships I hope to never lose. A quote often attributed to Dr. Seuss says it best, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

So I leave you today with a smile. I’m feeling joyful that I was invited to be a part of Seriously Write. Blessings my friends – both now and forever.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all." —2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT 

Saying Goodbye Can Be A Good Thing



A quote often attributed to Dr. Seuss says it best, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”



Terri Weldon
feels blessed to be a full time writer. She enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in the Heartland of the United States. Terri is a member of ACFW and RWA. Readers can connect with Terri on her Website: www.TerriWeldon.com