The Silent Season by Susan Tuttle

It’s December and all things are glittering and glowing. It’s such a beautiful season. We sing songs about a silent night, all the while not really thinking about how that night wasn’t silent. Mary gave birth to our Savior that night, shattering the silence of 400 years.

Friends, the silent season is real and can be oh-so-difficult. As writers we experience so much silence that it can move beyond deafening to the space filled with all of our insecurities. They tell us that we’re not good enough for this writing world. We’ll never see publication. Our writing doesn’t really matter. No one wants our stories. Other writers are so much more talented and deserving. Bottom line, we begin to believe God is no longer working on our behalf. Oh, may we never mistake the silence for God’s absence. (That was a sentence my pastor spoke on Sunday, and it echoed through me because there have been times in my life where I’ve done just that!)

God is working even when we cannot see him. If he has given you a promise about your writing, then he is going to fulfill it. Often in the silence he’s positioning us and everything around us so that his promise can meet fulfillment in his perfect timing. So when it’s silent, cling to his word and his track record—God’s word is good. His timing is perfect. And he always completes what he promises.

Merry Christmas, friends! And if you’re struggling with a silent season right now, please let me know in the comments so I can pray for you.

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Love You, Truly

Blake Carlton, the camera-shy son of Hollywood’s Darling, dodges the invasive limelight and scripted relationships that so often accompany fame. But when his mother’s popularity declines and she falls into a depression, he offers himself up as the next bachelor on a reality show, hoping to reignite interest in her career while creating a way for them to finally connect.

After her fiancé dumps her for her best friend, aspiring photographer Harlow Tucker is done with romance—until her beloved, disabled sister requests her aid to start a nonprofit. Harlow agrees to do whatever is needed to raise funds, even reluctantly costarring on a dating show with a notorious womanizer who distrusts anyone behind a lens.

As Blake and Harlow navigate the superficiality of a reality show, their preconceived notions of love are challenged. Deciding to trust each other feels like the ultimate risk, but taking that chance could lead to a love truly picture-perfect, worth both of their hearts.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State where she’s a homeschooling mom of three who’s very happily married to her best friend. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire and encourage. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. Connect with Susan at www.susanltuttle.com.

Push to Grow by Susan Tuttle

This winter I joined an exercise class at my church. I’d realized that my muscles weren’t quite what they used to be, and I wanted to get them back. In speaking with the instructor, she first addressed what had happened. In a nutshell, I had stopped challenging my muscles and as a result, they’d grown weak. If I wanted them back I not only needed to begin pushing their limits, but I had to find various ways to do so. One repetitive exercise wouldn’t be enough.

That got me thinking about our writing muscle. When we only write the same thing, our writing muscles atrophy. To prevent that, we need to test ourselves regularly by attempting new, hefty writing exercises that will keep us from growing stagnate. What does that look like? Tackle a new genre.

Write a short story instead of long one, or vice
versa. Start a weekly challenge with writing friends to find creative ways to describe a similar setting or character attributes. Look at what you’re currently doing, identify your weak areas, then brainstorm how you can grow in that area.

Doing what you’ve always done doesn’t allow for growth, and as writers, we want to constantly be evolving. Each work should challenge us a little more. Have you fallen into the habit of doing the same thing, or do you have ways to challenge your craft? If so, I’d love to hear some of your ideas on what has made you a better writer!

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Write Ugly by Susan Tuttle

Some would say there’s nothing more beautiful than a blank page. That wide expanse that allows a writer to dream of unending possibilities. And that feeling typically lasts all of 2.4 seconds for me (and others, if I can believe my other writer friends). See, many of us stare at that blank page unwilling to ugly it up with our words, because let’s be honest; rough drafts can be awfully ugly.

But you cannot do anything with a blank page. Oh, it’ll remain mar free and pristine, but no book reached The End in a pristine condition. For a writer to make progress, you have to…get this…WRITE. In all its messy, dreadful, ghastly, glory, you need to get words on that blank page.

My problem is with each new project I forget this. I’ve been staring at a blank page too long. But recently while editing a work by my crit partner I was reminded that ugly writing is made beautifully stunning in the editing stages. I’d watched her struggle with a story, unsure even at times of where it would go, but she put words on paper nonetheless. Then she began to shape them into a striking, witty, charming novel through individual word changes, sewing up plot holes, and reworking paragraphs. None of that could occur until after she had the story on paper though.

You see, our first draft allows us to get to know our characters and their story. It doesn’t matter if you’re a planner or pantser, there are elements of a story that don’t come out until you’re writing it. And once you reach the first The End you can go back with new insight on those threads and characters so that you’re able to enhance the story with what you’ve discovered.

But first you must write ugly. Give yourself the freedom to do that. It’s a challenge I’m issuing to myself and to you today. Now let’s go after those words!

 

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

The Big Picture by Susan Tuttle

Susan wrote this great post last year, but it is so good I wanted to run it again this February. I hope you'll gain as much from it as I have. - Terri

As writers we strive to weave a picture together for others to see. Our readers cannot see on page one the scope of what we are creating or the depth of the story they’re embarking on. But when they reach that last page? They’re able to see the purpose in every valley we had our characters walk through, the beauty in each moment of laughter, and the entire range of growth that occurred throughout each page turned.

Our lives are much the same. In the middle of working on our craft, we only see what’s right in front of us. Often times we don’t understand how that flash fiction piece we write may stretch us. We miss how the rejection letter makes us stronger…or perhaps softer. We don’t realize the impact a passing conversation or new connection at that conference will make on our writing lives. Sometimes we’re so focused on becoming that we miss the work God is actively doing. It reminds me of the disciples. They knew they walked beside Jesus Christ. They called him Lord. They had a hand in fulfilling the prophecies of old. And in the moment, they missed it. It was only after the fact that they could look at the entire picture and see how waving the palm branches or sitting him on that donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem was what they’d read about for years.

At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and that they had done these things to him. John 12:16

Hindsight allows us the ability to see how the tiny moments we walk through assemble into the beautiful picture of our lives that God planned all along. In the moment we only see one stroke, but God sees it all and one day we will too.

Don’t miss the picture God is painting in your life today. Understand that each moment in this journey is shaping you and becoming a part of the story only you can tell.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Susan contributes on the first Thursday of each month.

Goal Setting by Susan Tuttle

Happy 2018! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. As always, it went by way too fast, and now the decorations, holiday music, and wonderful treats are all packed away. It’s time to stare down this new year and set some goals.

You can plan out a month-at-a-glance or a year-at-a-glance. Write out your must-do’s and fill in around them with dedicated writing time. Let your goal be a certain number of minutes, a specific word count, or a manuscript you want to finish. Whatever it is, you need to set a concrete goal so you have something to shoot for. Think about any sport there is, the athletes have a specific end goal that they are focused on. This shapes everything they do and keeps them on track for success.

And make sure your goal stretches you without being unattainable. If you know that your writing time is limited, don’t decide you’re going to write three full-length novels before summer. However, if you know that you are a fast writer with extra time this year, maybe add one additional novella or short story into the mix. Also, set at least one of your goals in an area that is brand new to you. Research into a genre you’ve always thought of trying. A new marketing strategy that you’ve wanted to employ. Reading a craft book to strengthen one of your weaknesses. Or attending a conference.

Whatever it is, take a few minutes to set up your path for the year. If your ultimate goal is to publish a book some day, you’ll need to set little ones to meet along the way. What better time than the beginning of a new year full of new possibilities?

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

 

Mary DID Know by Susan Tuttle

I love, love, love Christmas! As crazy as I am about fall, these next few weeks of the year are my absolute favorite. In fact, I’ve actually been listening to Christmas carols since November 1^st. Love. Them. And one of my favorite is “Mary Did You Know?” But as much as I love the song, I always think, “Um…yes. She knew. Because the angel told her.”

Now did she know all the amazing things Jesus was going to do? No. That part of the song has got it right. Even knowing who God was and this amazing miracle he was performing through her, there was no way Mary could have imagined the miracles Jesus would perform on this Earth. Blind to see? Lame to walk? The dead to live again? Who would ever have even begun to form those thoughts in their minds when they’d never encountered living, breathing Jesus before? His story hadn’t fully been told.

And neither has yours.

Oh friends! God daily performs miracles in us when he partners with us in story telling. He crafts something from nothing every day using our very hands. And yet we cannot even begin to understand the amazing things he’s going to do with what we give birth to! The places our stories will travel to. The lives it will touch. The miracles that will happen through them.



We KNOW who God is, but we cannot begin to know what he’s going to do with the gift he’s growing in us. Wow. To serve our God…to be used by him…it’s an amazing thing. Isn’t it?

Merry Christmas, friends.

 

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Give Thanks by Susan Tuttle

Hey all! It’s November! I can almost smell the turkey and pecan pie. My mouth is wateringJ What’s your favorite food to have on Thanksgiving day?

I absolutely adore Fall. It’s my favorite season and part of that reason is because of the holidays. Thanksgiving is right up there with my favorites, and it’s not simply because of the food—though that’s a huge part. But it’s because this entire month reminds me to pause, look around, and rediscover things I’m thankful about.

This writing world is hard, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons to be thankful. So I wanted to take a moment today and give thanks for all the ways God has blessed me on this journey. And I hope you’ll chime in!

• A family who supports me even when I’m unpublished. Who cheer me on and believe in me even when I don’t always believe in myself.
• Friends both inside and outside the writing community who understand my heart and desire to share God’s Word through crafting words, and they champion me to do just that.
• An amazing agent who keeps persevering even when it’s a tough climate out there.
• My own little corner in my house to write.
• My first time published in a book was this year! I had the privilege of retelling the story of my mom’s healing in a compilation of stories from Bethany House called Gifts From Heaven.
• God’s continual provision of story and devotional ideas. None of it comes from me!

So what about you? What are your thankful for as a writer this year?

 

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

A Divided Heart by Susan Tuttle

I was reading 2 Kings 17 recently, and it reminded me of how many times Israel tried to serve God with a divided heart, and it never worked. They refused to tear down the high places and wondered why they remained ensnared in sin. That phrased “divided heart” kept resonating in me in regards to writing.

See, I don’t care if your books are CBA or ABA because I fully believe God gives us the borders of our territory and the people within that he desires us to reach. But what does matter is what you’ve built within those borders. Israel constantly lost their witness because they repeatedly fell into sin. Why? They refused to tear down the high places. They tried to serve multiple gods at once.

Friends, we can’t have anything within our territory but God. We can’t be seeking to please men with our words or content. We can’t change what we know God asked us to write to suit an agent, editor, or publishing house. And we can’t be solely seeking accolades and sales numbers. We must constantly seek him and honor him. Our focus must remain on what he’s called us to, and the message he’s given us to tell. If we try to write with a divided heart, we will lose our witness.

This is so hard in this day and age. Some of us have been called to subtly share while others can be more overt in what they write. God uses it all. It’s not the style I’m questioning, it’s the heart behind it. And the only one who knows if your heart is divided is God.

Remain close to him. Present everything you do to his all-consuming fire and see what withstands it. Make sure you are honoring him above all else. Everything else is his to manage.

 

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

A Time for New by Susan Tuttle

Most people think of the New Year as the beginning of things, but for me that’s always been fall. September ushers in the start of a new school year and the return of scheduled time. As my children have grown, those schedules have become more hectic and my time gets squeezed tighter and tighter. So as we are coming out of the carefree days of summer and staring down the scheduled days of fall, what’s a writer to do?

For me I start with looking at my calendar and match it with my kiddos’ needs. As a homeschooling mom and also leader of our women’s ministry at church, I know my writing time is limited. Summer gave me the freedom to write whenever I wanted. Fall blows in and I know I won’t write unless I schedule the time. So I sit down and find pockets where I can research or write.

I have to return to meal planning and a large reliance on our crock pot. I don’t enjoy grocery shopping, so I have been known to shop online and pick up my groceries—a service I love and that saves a lot of time. (Side note: our store just began delivery too! I may try that out this year.) My kids are old enough to pitch in with laundry, so that is a saver as well. Once I find pockets, I do my best to protect them but also maintain a fluidity that understands our family needs can change on a dime.  If I do make it to my writing room, however, I tell the kids that they cannot disturb me unless it’s life or death. While their idea of life or death isn’t always the same as mine, it works most of the timeJ

What about you? How do you handle the switch from summer to fall?

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Bad Scores = Good Lessons by Susan Tuttle

How many of you have entered contests over the years? And how many of you have received less than stellar scores? Yep. Me too😃

I used to cringe when I would see my scores return. I even reached a point where I didn’t want to open the email. Sometimes it would have been less painful to shove bamboo shoots under my fingernails.

But I learned something. Those bad scores came with great feedback. Concrete ways that I could grow and change my writing. They also thickened my sensitive skin—something that must happen if you want to be a writer. This is a world of rejection; it doesn’t matter if you’re published or not. There will always be people who don’t like what you write…and that’s okay! You begin to develop an ear for what criticisms to listen to, and what ones you release.

So I encourage you to keep entering contests. Keep growing. Keep thickening your skin. It’s all part of becoming the writer you’re meant to be! And there is (almost) always good to be found tucked into the bad.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Title: The Diet of a Writer: What Feeds Us – Part IV by Susan Tuttle

The past several months we’ve been talking about what feeds a writer. From actual snacks to technical growth to the friendships we have. Today I want to talk about the staple of our diet. The part that feeds our very spirit and should breath life into every word we write: God.

We can forgo every other part of the diet we’ve spent time talking about, and our writing may suffer in quality, but it could survive. If we miss out on this piece though? We might as well put away our typewriters and not write down another word on paper.

See, writing is a God-given gift. It is the one thing all of us share in common. It spans genres and publishing varieties. No matter why, what, or how you write, you write because when God created you, he placed this gift inside of you. It was the purpose he created you for. And not acknowledging the gift-giver leaves a hole right in the center of anything you write.

Last month we talked about how friends can fill us up. They can, and they are an important part of our lives. But we also need to spend daily time with God for him to renew our vision, bestow direction, and breath life into us—and the words we write. We don’t simply write for entertainment. We write for Him. For his message to be heard.

Some of us do that overtly. Some do it subtly. But we all should be doing that. I encourage you to protect your daily time with God. Begin each writing session by praying over your keyboard. Seek him for direction and invite him into the process with you. He longs to partner with you in the very gift that he gave you. The stories you write with him will far surpass anything you could ever write on your own.

What fills us as writers? Many things. But the only thing we truly need is God.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Susan contributes on the first Thursday of each month.

The Diet of a Writer: What Feeds Us – Part I by Susan Tuttle

It’s springtime. Which means summer is coming. Which means the winter me needs to let go of a few pounds, and that had me thinking of diets. Can I just say it’s a hard time of year to think about dieting when chocolate bunnies and Cadbury eggs stare me down on each trip to…well, anywhere right now! Not. Easy.

Add to it that I’m also working on a new WIP. So my writing brain is needing to be fed. And as I was sitting with my bowl of chocolate eggs I began to think that as writers, we have our own diets that go beyond food even. So for my next few posts (1^st Thursday of each month) I’m going to be talking about The Diet of a Writer: What Feeds Us.

Seeing as my brain was on chocolate, I thought I’d start there. When I write I struggle to not only maintain healthy meals for my family but healthy snacking habits. For me, my go-to snacks are chocolate, coffee, and cookies. Copious amounts of cookies. All types of cookies. I am an equal-opportunity cookie eater. I have recently tried to become healthier, however, as I do believe my body and brain work better when I attempt some modicum of health. So apples, sugar-snap peas, and hummus have made their appearance as well. I’m smiling. Really I amJ

What about you? What do you like to snack on when writing? Do you lean toward healthier treats or the sweet ones?  I’d love to hear your favorite choice!

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

How (not) to Build Your Social Media Platform by Susan Tuttle

Susan and I switched Thursdays this month. She normally posts on the first Thursday of each month, but in March she is graciously visiting with us on the fourth Thursday.

 

I’m in a couple different groups that are giving some great advice about social media platforms. The need for consistency and clarity across all devices is imperative. Your numbers and constant growth is even a larger concern. And as writers, we are brainstorming ways to reach the broadest audience in the most effective way. As I’ve listened to everyone chime in, I’ve learned a lot about what to do. More importantly, I’ve learned what not to do. Today I want to chat about that.

See, publishers want to see big numbers. We’ve heard that repeatedly. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s been rubber stamped across my forehead. But when you are unpublished, it feels like you’re peddling air and asking for gold. How do you market a product that is as-of-yet invisible? But it’s a necessary in this world, and so the work for numbers begins.
We:

• Push “friend request” on Facebook a hundred times and when someone accepts, our first message to them is, please like my author page.
• We blindly follow on Twitter and when we receive a “follow” back, we send an automated reply to their inbox saying, if you follow me here, like my author page too!
• We stalk hashtags on Instagram and blanket the popular users with requests so that they will follow us back.
• We pay a source to increase our numbers for us.

I know there are far more ways people gain a skyrocketing number across their social media platforms, but do you know what is missing when it’s done this way? Authenticity. Without it, you’ve gained numbers but no relationship.

If we are not interacting with people, it doesn’t matter our numbers because they aren’t going to care what we have to say when we finally have a stage to say it on. Readers want to trust the voice that spins the story they are reading. They want to connect not only to our characters but to us. And as Christian writers, isn’t connecting what it’s all about? Because to share our message of faith, we first need their ear.

If you’re trying to build your social media numbers, I challenge you today to start by interacting with the people who are already there. Begin to build your content and connections. Let God worry about how big your reach is while you worry about authentically following that which he’s called you to do.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Year End Review by Susan Tuttle

Christmas has passed, and the New Year has started! I love this time of year. For as fast as it seems to blow by, there’s also a sense of slowing down and surrounding yourself with family and friends. Great memories are made as we enjoy one another’s presence, look to our past year, and contemplate our future.

 

And that’s exactly my challenge for todayJ Writer friends, take a moment to look at the goals you set for 2016. How many did you meet? How many did you miss? And if you did miss some, were they realistic to begin with or did procrastination get the best of you? Be honest! Then readjust for this year as needed. 2017 is a brand new slate, so take what you learned from 2016 and apply it.

 

Most of all, don’t forget to celebrate your successes—big or small! And have a very happy New Year friendsJ

 

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

 

Your Perfect Gift by Susan Tuttle

It’s December 1^st. How many of you are already finished with your Christmas shopping? Not me! I have started, but I’ve a long ways to go. But I LOVE buying and giving gifts, so I tend to string out this season as long as I can. Anyone else?

As I started to write this post, that one word immediately pushed to my mind: gift. What is a gift? It’s something the giver choses to give with no strings attached. It’s meant to suit the person who receives it and impact their life in a positive way. It’s meant to bring joy. To be helpful. To bless. Gifts are an amazing thing. And each one of you here has gift you’ve received, but it’s also one you’re meant to give.

God has given you the gift of writing. It comes in all shapes and sizes because WE come in different shapes and sizes, but make no mistake; God has given you this gift to share. I think of 1 Peter 4:10. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve others.

Our writing can be a solitary thing at times, but it’s not meant to be kept in solitude. Oh sure, there’s always going to be those pieces that should live eternally in our desk drawer, but as we grow as writers those pieces should become fewer and farther between. We need to trust the gift God gave us and put our work out there, because it’s meant to serve others. This gift he’s given should impact people for him—and you don’t need to be on the New York Times Bestseller list to do that or have a million blog followers.

Whether you write a short story, an article, a Facebook post, or even a Christmas card…whatever God lays on your heart, in any shape or size, share it. Words are your gift, and gifts are meant to be given. So this season I encourage you to hand out as much of your gift as you can and serve (and bless) others with the love of Christ.

Merry Christmas, friends!

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Do You Use Voxer? by Susan Tuttle

As a writer I’m always looking for useful apps that will help me in my writing career, so when a friend of mine told me about Voxer I decided to try it out. And I LOVE it. So I’m sharing it with you today.

 

Voxer is basically a mash-up of a walkie-talkie and voicemail. You press a button and start talking. If the person you’re speaking to is there, you move back and forth in your conversation as if you were holding a walkie-talkie. If they’re not there, the message will save for them to play when they have a moment. You don’t need to walk around holding the phone to your ear. No dialing and waiting for voicemail to pick up. And much easier than tiring your thumbs writing a lengthy text. Just simple convenience.

 

How does that help a writer, you ask? Simple.

1. Brainstorming: I’ve had many brainstorming sessions with writer friends using this app. Either we chat back and forth as we work through their plot, or they send an idea for their storyline and I get back to them when I can. That’s part of the beauty of this app…they can quickly shoot me the question the moment it hits them, and I can answer when I’m able.

2. Encouragement: Writing can be a lonely affair. And as a writer, I often have fellow writers on my heart. This app has allowed me to shoot them a quick message and pray over them, encourage them, or share something funny. Sure. Texts do the same thing. But sometimes it’s nice to hear someone’s voice as you go through your day—and I don’t even have to make their phone ring. It’s simply recorded for them to play when they have a moment.

3. SOS Calls:  We all have those moments. We’re in the midst of writing a story. The flow is good. Words are flying. But something in your story needs addressing. Not enough to stop you, but enough to tie up precious brain space. Voxing comes in handy in these moments. You can toss the question or problem to a friend without disrupting either one of you. Then pick it apart later when you both have the time.

 

It might seem like a short list, but Voxer has dramatically changed how I interact with my writer friends. Emailing never seemed fast enough, and many times what I wanted to pass on was far too long to text. However, it was often not pressing enough to warrant a phone call. This has found a happy middle ground for communication, and it’s one I have every intention of continuing to use. 

 

If you’re not on Voxer yet, it’s a free app and I highly recommend it to you and your writing communityJ

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter. 

Day Job Versus Dream Job by Susan Tuttle

This writing life can be a juggle sometime, can’t it? Especially when you’re balancing your writing with your day job. When all you want to do is quit the 9-5 and dig into what God has called you to write! Except you’re not making any money at this writing gig, so quitting isn’t exactly an option.

It’s hard when the passion over your purpose wants to eclipse the responsibilities of your day. Which is why I love three little verses in Acts. If you get a chance, crack your Bible open to Acts 18:3-5. It talks about Paul and how he was a tentmaker. Not just that, but how he worked as a tentmaker and preached on the weekends. Paul, who had a huge calling on his life. Paul, who burned to preach the Gospel. Paul, who wouldn’t even marry because he was so focused on spreading God’s Word. He worked a day job.

Friends, just because God calls us to something does not mean we are ready for that calling. There’s preparation for us and there’s preparation for the fields God is sending us to cultivate or harvest. While it may seem like our day job is competing with our dream, more likely it’s supporting the early stages of it. We need to stop pitting the two against one another and begin to be thankful for God’s provision of work while he trains and positions us for what lies ahead.

Hard. I know. But it’s doable. Just look at Paul J

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

How Do You Do It? by Susan Tuttle

Life has been crazy busy around my house lately. August raced past in a blur, and September has slammed me in the face. With our new schedule starting, I’m forced to find a new way to organize my time. See, I just returned from ACFW where I was rejuvenated and energized in my writing. In fact, I had the time there to brainstorm a new series I’m starting. But…it’s September and homeschool along with extracurricular fun is also starting. Whether you work full time, have kids starting school, or are watching your grandchildren, the writing life can be hard to squeeze in around the demands of our day-to-day life. So how do you do it?

Plan:
During one of the lunches at ACFW, I had the chance to sit with two women who use planners. I loved this idea! They purchase a planner with a layout that works for them and then build in time for everything from grocery shopping to exercise to plotting. These blocks of time are what they follow as closely as they can, readjusting on a weekly basis to accommodate any changes. With their days scheduled at a glance, they don’t waste time wondering what task to tackle next. It keeps them focused and moving forward.

Guard:
However you choose to block out your time, guarding it is important. As writers we often don’t have offices to commute to, and that means we are writing in the same space our family is living. Laundry piles can call to us. Kids can knock on our bedroom doors. A favorite television show can blare from the other room. While distractions come in all shapes and sizes, it’s up to you to guard your writing time. That may mean giving up on something else you love to do so that you can reach your word count for that day or week. Your book won’t magically transform from your mind onto the page—I know, I’ve tried many times. It takes time at your computer, pounding on those keys.

Attack:
Once you’ve planned your writing slot and guarded that time, attack your manuscript. Sit down and write. Even if it feels like a boulder instead of a block stunting your creativity, put words on the page. You can always, always, always change the words later. And without a doubt, even when they are unsalvageable, you’ve learned more about your story by simply writing them. A nugget you didn’t know about your character. A sentence that suddenly steers your plot in a new direction. Or a big neon sign that says NO, this isn’t the way your story should travel. Whatever the wisdom gleaned, words on a page are never wasted.

So there you have it! And since I’m at the plotting stage of something new, I’d love any advice you’ve found works for you. Happy writing, friendsJ

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

Seek Before You Sign by Susan Tuttle

Writers write with a goal in mind—to be published. For some that may take the form of self-publication. For others, it’ll come in the form of a contract. Whatever it might look like, you believe there is an audience for your writing be it one or one million. And part of your writing life is in seeking that audience.

No matter the path, there comes a moment in a writer’s life when some form of choice needs to be made. Sign with that agent? Move ahead with that editor? Pen your name on the contract? I’m sure you can add a few more. Bottom line, there’s a decision in front of you, and while it might look like everything you’ve ever dreamed, you need to stop a moment and breathe. Then pray. Because no matter how perfect something seems to our eyes, God is the only One who truly knows the path we should take.

I was reminded of this while reading Joshua 9 recently. The Israelites were tricked by the Gibeonites—and that decision followed them for years. The moment where it all unraveled can be seen in Joshua 9:14, “The Israelites sampled their [the Gibeonites]  provisions but did not inquire of the Lord.” (emphasis mine) See, the Gibeonites presented themselves as friends of the Israelites when they weren’t. They tricked the Israelites into covenant with them, and once Israel in essence signed their name to that contract, they were bound to uphold it—even when they discovered the deception. If only they’d inquired of God before signing their name.

Friends, we need to learn from their mistake. If you continue writing, there will be plenty of moments in your career where you’ll need to sign your name to a contract. Big or small, it doesn’t matter. What does matter is that you spend time on your knees with God first. Just ask him if this is what he wants from you. Because it doesn’t matter how “right” everything looks—only God truly possesses the wisdom and foresight to give you the green light. And if it’s bright red, have the courage to step away. His “no” is always for your protection.

So seek Him before you sign.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.

The Dance by Susan Tuttle

Anybody remember high school dances? The dimly lit gymnasium. Soft ballads playing. Kids slowly spinning each other in a never-ending circle and calling it dancing. And that chip bowl where some of us spent many of our hours at. Ahhh…I remember it fondly.

 

Recently that memory melded with a moment in my writing world. You see, I received another rejection letter. We all know this is part of the game, and yet for a moment it sent me back to standing right next to that chip bowl. You see, I’ve helped many of my friends ready themselves for the dance of this writing world. Together we’ve primped and styled each others manuscripts, one sheets, and proposals. We’ve arrived at the dance giddy and breathless with the hope that someone will hold out their hand and asks us to twirl across the floor. We’ve stood together by that chip bowl waiting for it to happen. And I’ve watched as each of them had their moment. Their publishing partner appears and whisks them onto that floor while I’m still taping my toe to the music, waiting for mine to show up. Oh, they’ve circled. They’ve looked me in the eye even. But then the music changes, and they turn around or ask someone else.

 

I’ll admit. At first I smiled with my friends without a pang to be felt in my body. But as each one disappeared into the throng of dancers on the floor, I started to despair. Oh, my happiness for them remained, but I began to lament to God as I stuffed my mouth with more chips. Would my partner ever arrive? Why was everyone else found desirable while I held up the wall behind me?

 

Friends, isn’t God wonderful to open our eyes when we aren’t clearly seeing what is right in front of us? When we are too focused on what we are missing to see what we already possess? He has a way of speaking right to our tender hearts…because he holds them in his hands. See, I had a partner who’d been standing right in front of me the entire time. One who desperately wanted to pull me into his arms and onto that floor for a dance I’d never forget. And it wouldn’t be turning in a small circle. It would be spins and dips to a song written just for me in the arms of Someone who’d never let me trip or fall and had always found me desirable: Jesus.

 

Sometimes we become so focused on “making it” in this publishing world that we forget why it is we write. Friends, when our attention remains fixed on the fact that we’re still standing by the chip bowl, we miss out on the hand God is holding out to us. The fun to be had in dancing with him. Do I still pray to find that publishing house one day? Of course! I fully believe God created me as a writer and plan to use this gift for his glory. But even if they never come, God has a plan, and he’s filled my dance card with his name.

 

And I intend on dancing each step with him in the lead.

Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan where she’s happily married to her best friend and is a homeschooling mom of three. She’s firmly convinced that letters were meant for words, not math, and loves stringing them together into stories that inspire, encourage, and grow women into who God created them to be. Romance, laughter, and cookies are three of her favorite things, though not always in that order. You can connect with Susan at her blog, Steps, Facebook, or Twitter.