A Season for Everything
My Farewell to Seriously Write
One of my favorite Bible verses expresses so perfectly the path we’ve now chosen for Seriously Write.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens... (Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV)
This is the last post I’ll write for this blog, and I’ll admit that while I strongly believe to my core that it’s time to close the doors to this ministry, there still lingers a bit of sadness in my heart.
More than eleven years ago, my close friend and critique partner, Annette Irby, came to me with a vision for creating a blog that served Christian writers. Since then, we’ve been dedicated to encouraging and equipping writers during their journey to publication and the challenging days that follow.
Annette and I started out writing all of the articles that filled Monday through Friday. Another friend and critique partner, Ocieanna Fleiss, jumped in and helped for a while. Then others joined us, including Angie Arndt, who was a huge blessing.
As time passed, along with featuring guest authors, we added “Regular Contributors” to our growing team. I’m so grateful for my own RCs who shared wonderful, challenging posts with our readers—C. Kevin Thompson, Melinda Inman, JoAnn Durgin, and Patti Whitcher Frampton. Thank you!
But as Ecclesiastes states—there is a season for everything. And once we “hostesses” began individually sharing a belief that it was time to leave Seriously Write, we discovered that others were feeling the same nudge. It felt like a sign. It’s time to move on. The Lord has other things planned for us.
So December 21 will be our last day. Seriously Write will close its doors to sharing new posts, but the wealth of information and encouragement will remain available indefinitely for writers to enjoy.
Before I go, let’s chat about four important Cs—change, challenge, courage, and confidence.
Change can be difficult, but it can also be good and healthy.
With change comes growth.
If something isn’t working, let’s challenge ourselves to try something different.
I was determined to be a women’s fiction author, but I discovered that writing romance came naturally for me.
Although I started out focusing on contemporary stories, I later dived into also creating historical romances.
After pursuing traditional publishing for years and receiving interest but no contracts, I decided to self-publish. I enjoy being an indie author. It’s been a huge challenge to learn all that goes into being in charge of “everything,” but it’s also rewarding.
There are opportunities to gain additional knowledge about the craft, marketing, and technology. I love that about writing. There are ALWAYS ways to improve. That leaves little room for boredom to develop.
Are you confident that God called you to write?
You must be. Otherwise, why spend time and energy pouring your thoughts, imagination, and emotions on paper or the computer screen? Why risk sharing your work with other people? Especially those who might think it could be written better?
Why spend funds on research, conferences, or freelance editors? Why devote hours reading books on the craft or attending critique groups? Why submit your writing to publishers, only to receive one rejection letter after another?
When we’re “called” to write, we can do nothing less than put our heart, mind, and soul into our work. Even after experiencing disappointment, we dive back in.
We may feel discouraged at times. We may wonder if we’re ever going to get it right. But look at what Hebrews 10:35-36 says. Don’t throw away your confidence. God in his timing will reward you. We don’t know what that “reward” will look like, but our heavenly Father does.
On the other hand, God doesn’t take pleasure in those who become lazy. Those who refuse to follow their calling or retreat because obstacles block the path.
He’s given each one of us a purpose. (That includes the place writing has in our lives.) Don’t give up when the way becomes challenging, demanding, or just plain more difficult than you expected.
It takes courage to be a writer. We pour our hearts and thoughts out for the world to read, dissect, and judge. Sometimes what comes back might be hurtful. Sometimes a review feels unfair.
But there are those moments—those sweet moments—when we realize that our words have made a difference in another person’s life. And the hours of rewrites, late nights, and stress are all worth it. Then we’re ready to start all over again, embracing our calling and freeing our imagination to create a world with characters who will impact lives.
And in that calling—in that work, we’re not alone …
Thank you for taking the journey with us here at Seriously Write. It’s been a great ride, a wonderful opportunity to meet many of you, and a privilege to serve the writing community.
God bless!
Before I go, let’s chat about four important Cs—change, challenge, courage, and confidence.
Change can be difficult, but it can also be good and healthy.
With change comes growth.
If something isn’t working, let’s challenge ourselves to try something different.
I was determined to be a women’s fiction author, but I discovered that writing romance came naturally for me.
Although I started out focusing on contemporary stories, I later dived into also creating historical romances.
After pursuing traditional publishing for years and receiving interest but no contracts, I decided to self-publish. I enjoy being an indie author. It’s been a huge challenge to learn all that goes into being in charge of “everything,” but it’s also rewarding.
There are opportunities to gain additional knowledge about the craft, marketing, and technology. I love that about writing. There are ALWAYS ways to improve. That leaves little room for boredom to develop.
So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised … I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back. (Hebrews 10:35-36, 39 NIV)
Are you confident that God called you to write?
You must be. Otherwise, why spend time and energy pouring your thoughts, imagination, and emotions on paper or the computer screen? Why risk sharing your work with other people? Especially those who might think it could be written better?
Why spend funds on research, conferences, or freelance editors? Why devote hours reading books on the craft or attending critique groups? Why submit your writing to publishers, only to receive one rejection letter after another?
When we’re “called” to write, we can do nothing less than put our heart, mind, and soul into our work. Even after experiencing disappointment, we dive back in.
We may feel discouraged at times. We may wonder if we’re ever going to get it right. But look at what Hebrews 10:35-36 says. Don’t throw away your confidence. God in his timing will reward you. We don’t know what that “reward” will look like, but our heavenly Father does.
On the other hand, God doesn’t take pleasure in those who become lazy. Those who refuse to follow their calling or retreat because obstacles block the path.
He’s given each one of us a purpose. (That includes the place writing has in our lives.) Don’t give up when the way becomes challenging, demanding, or just plain more difficult than you expected.
It takes courage to be a writer. We pour our hearts and thoughts out for the world to read, dissect, and judge. Sometimes what comes back might be hurtful. Sometimes a review feels unfair.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 NIV)
But there are those moments—those sweet moments—when we realize that our words have made a difference in another person’s life. And the hours of rewrites, late nights, and stress are all worth it. Then we’re ready to start all over again, embracing our calling and freeing our imagination to create a world with characters who will impact lives.
And in that calling—in that work, we’re not alone …
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)
Thank you for taking the journey with us here at Seriously Write. It’s been a great ride, a wonderful opportunity to meet many of you, and a privilege to serve the writing community.
God bless!
Dawn
Available exclusively in the
Dawn Kinzer is a freelance editor, and her own work has been published in various devotionals and magazines. She co-hosts and writes for the Seriously Write blog. Sarah’s Smile is the first book in her historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton. Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. Her first contemporary romance, By All Appearances, is set in the Seattle area. The sequel to that story, A Night Divine, has initially released in the boxed set of contemporary romances, Melodies of Christmas Love.
A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, good wine, strong coffee, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
Connect and learn more about Dawn by visiting these online sites: Author Website, Faithfully Write Editing, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon Author Page, BookBub, and Goodreads.
Change can be difficult, but it can also be good and healthy. With change comes growth #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters
There are those moments—those sweet moments—when we realize that our words have made a difference in another person’s life. And the hours of rewrites, late nights, and stress are all worth it. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters
Available exclusively in the
Melodies of Christmas Love set.
One chilly December night, a tragedy connects successful model Camryn Tate and outreach minister Trace Gardner. As they share a common mission serving the homeless on the streets of Seattle, they provide more than food—they offer hope. But as Christmas Eve approaches, secrets have the potential to break Camryn’s heart.
One chilly December night, a tragedy connects successful model Camryn Tate and outreach minister Trace Gardner. As they share a common mission serving the homeless on the streets of Seattle, they provide more than food—they offer hope. But as Christmas Eve approaches, secrets have the potential to break Camryn’s heart.
by 7 Authors
Each story, inspired by a different Christmas carol, is sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
Dawn Kinzer is a freelance editor, and her own work has been published in various devotionals and magazines. She co-hosts and writes for the Seriously Write blog. Sarah’s Smile is the first book in her historical romance series, The Daughters of Riverton. Hope’s Design is the second, and Rebecca’s Song completes the trilogy. Her first contemporary romance, By All Appearances, is set in the Seattle area. The sequel to that story, A Night Divine, has initially released in the boxed set of contemporary romances, Melodies of Christmas Love. A mother and grandmother, Dawn lives with her husband in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Favorite things include dark chocolate, good wine, strong coffee, the mountains, family time, and Masterpiece Theatre.
Connect and learn more about Dawn by visiting these online sites: Author Website, Faithfully Write Editing, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, Amazon Author Page, BookBub, and Goodreads.
