Confident in the Write Way by Emily Wickham

 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God” (2 Corinthians 3:5, NASB)

Sitting at the traffic light, I was frustrated when the green signal repeatedly skipped my lane. I thought I knew how to solve the problem although I questioned my instinct. I also was blocked in by other vehicles. Finally, however, an opening emerged that enabled me to move forward. Now at the head of the line, I pulled up far enough to trip the light. Sure enough, our signal turned green in the next cycle. 

I was elated, feeling great about my success even though I hadn’t been entirely confident at the outset. 

Writers also encounter problems and question their sense of how to respond. 

Thoughts on Writer's Voice by Emily Wickham

“For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, And my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:13-14, NASB 

Years ago a friend told me I was very relational. I’d never thought of that—nor have I ever forgotten. Her observation granted me insight about my God-given personality and how that shapes my approach toward others. This desire to relate well even impacts my writing. I desire to engage every reader’s mind and touch each one’s heart because the Lord fashioned me to do so. 

Writing enables me to express myself. As one who processes information slowly, I think more clearly when I write. My husband, on the other hand, can think quickly in the midst of speaking, an ability I admire. We communicate differently, but that’s okay because God uniquely designed each of us. 

While it’s appropriate to respect another person’s strengths, it’s detrimental to overlook our own. We might be tempted to imitate another writer’s style, thinking, “If I could just write like so-and-so, readers would multiply.” For instance, my sister possesses tremendous writing skills—her words stimulate the imagination and cause me to feel as though I’m within reach of the sights and sounds she describes. Her use of imagery exceeds my own. 

She’s a much better writer than I am… 

Yes, that thought has bruised me from time to time. But God has taught me the value of being me. Using my voice. Expressing my feelings and thoughts in accordance with His design of me. 

The Lord has entrusted certain strengths to each of us, which we should recognize with gratitude. I might not excel at thinking quickly in certain circumstances, and I often struggle to create images with words, but God enables me to listen well, observe beyond the surface, and offer biblical perspective. These skills translate into my writing, prompting me to pen compassionate, thoughtful pieces that implement God’s Word. 

Let’s thank the Lord for the way He made us. He knew what He was doing when He formed each of us in our mother’s womb. As Psalm 139:14 says, we’re “fearfully and wonderfully made.” God’s works are wonderful. Do we understand His works include us? 

Be. You. 

Allow your personality and your heart to shine through the words you write. Be confident in using your God-given voice. And know that the Lord will continue to shape you along with your skills as you progress on your writing journey. 

A Writing Exercise: 

• List five aspects of your personality and explain how each one complements your writing. 

• In a few sentences, describe how your writing is unique (like you!). 

• Journal a prayer. Ask God to increase your ability to use your voice for His glory. 

I’d love to hear what you come up with! Please feel free to share below.

Allow your personality and your heart to shine through the words you write. via @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #WritersLife #Writing #SeriouslyWrite

Note: Thoughts on Writer's Voice" first appeared on April 2, 2019, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com.

Emily Wickham seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for LifeWay, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016. Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 30+ years. They are the blessed parents of four adult children and two daughters-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words. 

Connect with Emily: 

www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com 

Facebook 

Twitter 

YouTube 

Instagram 

LinkedIn 

Alcanzando la Justicia Do you know any missionaries to Spanish-speaking women? Or, is your church involved in outreach to the Hispanic community? Emily would love to put her Bible study on Esther into their hands, and she’s willing to fundraise for this purpose. Please see her website for more information. You also can purchase Alcanzando la Justicia on Amazon.

Let's Refocus by Emily Wickham

“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart”
(Psalm 37:4, NASB).

Aspirations Tuesdays are designed “to deal with whatever issues are hindering you” as a writer. And in my mind, 2020 has presented each of us with unprecedented challenges plus concerns about our literary ambitions. Perhaps the conference we planned to attend was rescheduled or canceled. Maybe the publisher we hoped to contract with is reducing their number of new publications, or our plans to self-publish have been interrupted by a reduced income.

The world is filled more than ever with uncertainty, and we might wonder what the future holds for the writing industry.

Let’s stop, take a breath, and refocus. Our God, who never changes, remains in control. Nothing ever surprises or confuses Him. He foreknew every event of 2020 before time began. So you and I, Christian writer friend, can rest assured in His perfect plan for our writing.

The answer to our multiple questions rests in our Lord, who’s always willing to hear our cries and petitions. Yet we must discipline ourselves to sit quietly before Him in prayer, delighting in Him and uttering the desires of our heart.

On that note, please pray with me:

Father in Heaven,

You are worthy.

Your glory and strength, righteousness and wisdom, holiness and sovereignty surpass all else. We exalt You, Almighty God, for who You are. Your hand holds the past, present, and future. Your power awes us, inspiring us to bow before You in worship.

We yield to You.

Realizing our fallible tendencies, we confess any impure motives or selfish desires. We reject every temptation to seek others’ approval above Yours, dedicating our writing anew for Your purposes and glory. We submit to Your will for the words with which You anoint us.

Your grace is sufficient.

Thank You for supplying daily grace, for we are weak in ourselves (2 Corinthians 12:9). You are the strength and surety we need, empowering us to communicate truth. We’re grateful You desire to use us—along with the words we write—in “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

You go before us.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, You maintain a purpose for the skills You entrusted to us. We delight in knowing You pave the way toward each opportunity. Because nothing can stop You, we joyfully anticipate the unfolding of Your unique plan for our writing.

We trust You.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). We move forward in faith echoing the psalmist’s desire. Whether fiction or nonfiction, may the words we pen reach into deep places, offering hope and peace in Christ.

We belong to You.

We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we long to follow You. Please continue to encourage us along the way and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Speak to us and through us, “those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved” (Colossians 3:12).

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, God maintains a purpose for our writing skills. @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #WritersLife #Purpose #SeriouslyWrite

Emily Wickham seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for LifeWay, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016.

Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 30+ years. They are the blessed parents of four adult children and two daughters-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.

Connect with Emily:
www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Instagram
LinkedIn

Alcanzando la Justicia
Do you know any missionaries to Spanish-speaking women? Or, is your church involved in outreach to the Hispanic community? Emily would love to put her Bible study on Esther into their hands, and she’s willing to fundraise for this purpose. Please see her website for more information. You also can purchase Alcanzando la Justicia on Amazon.

Mistakes Learned & Lessons Learned by Emily Wickham

When I embarked on my writing journey 13+ years ago, I didn’t realize where God would guide my steps. I’ve attempted to walk this road with excellence, yet I’ve made mistakes along the way. However, God has grown me through those experiences, and I pray He uses the lessons I’ve learned to help you.

MISTAKE #1: Seeing the Publication Path as a Sprint Rather than a Marathon

Writing is hard work. Building a platform can be even harder work. Then there’s the art of marketing before and after your book is published—a requirement if you desire to sell books. Did I mention that God’s call to write involves hard work? It often requires years, too.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9, KJV).

LESSON #1: Success as a writer includes patience and diligence.

MISTAKE #2: Being Unprepared

I once followed some well-meaning but incorrect advice when I met with a conference faculty member. Instead of taking a book proposal with me, I simply presented a one sheet. It looked fabulous. It got the agent’s attention. But then he wanted to read a writing sample, which I didn’t have. The agent peered at me over the top of his reading glasses while I fumbled for words, quickly concluding our time was complete since I couldn’t produce anything for him to read. And that was that. I’ve never forgotten.

“Go to the ant ... Observe her ways and be wise, which... prepares her food in the summer and gathers her provision in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8, NASB).

LESSON #2: Always be prepared.

MISTAKE #3: Lagging Behind on Conference Requests

About two years ago, a VP and associate publisher expressed interest in two of my manuscripts. She requested proposals for both, and I was thrilled.

I returned home from the conference fully intending to submit my proposals. However, I didn’t sense any urgency because professionals prefer quality submissions over hastily sent material. After revising one proposal, I e-mailed it almost five months later.

Perhaps it would have turned out great except the industry professional I’d met no longer worked for the publisher. I contacted the company directly and explained the situation, but they never replied once they discovered I lack agent representation.

I’ll never know what might have been.

“Be careful how you walk ... making the most of your time” (Ephesians 5:15-16).

LESSON #3: Submit requested materials in a timely manner.

God always helps us when we ask because He cares about our needs. Let’s learn from the past and move forward with the Lord. His timing is perfect, He equips those He calls, and He entrusts us with writing opportunities.

Learn from one writer’s mistakes and the lessons she’s learned. #WritersLife #WritingCommunity via @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins

Note: This article is adapted from a longer version first posted at www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com

EMILY WICKHAM seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for Journey Magazine, a LifeWay publication, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016. Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 29+ years. They are the blessed parents of four children and one daughter-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.

Connect with Emily:
Website: www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emilywickham.author
Twitter: www.twitter.com/emilywickhamPH
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/estherstudy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilywickham.author

Book Blurb:
Whether you’re a Spanish-speaking sister who longs to grow closer to Christ, or you’re looking for a Spanish Bible study to use for outreach in your community, please consider using Alcanzando la Justicia. It guides women through the book of Esther, challenging them to grow in righteous behavior—to make God-honoring choices each day. Daily prayers, Scripture readings, observation sections, author reflections, and application questions are included. This workbook is designed for individual or group use and contains instructions for following a one month, ten week, or thirty-one week schedule.

See Emily’s website for special offers or purchase her book on Amazon.