Recharging

Hey everyone, it's our last Net's Notations Tuesday. Annette here. Don't worry. I'll be interspersing my thoughts and articles/devotionals among other Mixing-It-Up Monday posts in the future. Today, let's talk about rest.

It’s summer! Time to think about packing for some getaways. I always take the same journal with me on vacation. It’s a guided journal for Christian creative types. Every summer, year after year, I jot down my entries. The rest of the year, I don’t even touch it. There’s something about beach lounging and creative writing that refreshes me. How about you?

What refreshes you?

And why do we wait until summer before we take much-needed breaks?

Recently, I found myself in Seattle for an entire day. No laptop. Spotty internet access on my smart phone. Few options. But I had my Kindle with me, with the Psalms from the Message Bible, and I had my homework with me. (I’m taking a class through church.) Between the two of those books, a tiny conference room, a gorgeous view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, I spent some glorious hours with the Lord… recharging.

He knows I’ve spent 10-12 hour days in my writing office lately.

He knows last weekend didn’t include the usual rest (awesome church activities kept us busy).

He knew where to lead this daughter, even when the plan surprised me.

He’s our Shepherd, our Good Shepherd, and He will lead us “beside still waters” and He will “restore our souls.” Even when we don’t realize where He's taking us.

Then, the day after that surprising Seattle trip, He gave me a fantastic idea for a future project.

Refreshing leads to new creativity. And writers need that downtime to recharge in order to keep working those brain muscles we creative types overwork. *wink*

So, how can you recharge? Doesn’t have to cost anything. Just visit the local park, take a walk someplace inspiring, go swimming. Give yourself permission to get away from the computer, the deadlines, the routine. Watch for opportunities to recharge. Don’t be frustrated when things don’t go your way. He’s got something planned, some surprise He’s working out. Go with Him. Trust Him. Let Him recharge you.

Approaching People With Care Series: Part II

 Your Community

Approaching People with Care: Part II

Net's Notations Tuesdays

People are often surprised when they find out what I do, and that’s probably because I don’t usually tell them.

My husband dropped off our youngest at a birthday party recently to hear these words, “I didn’t know your wife was an author. I went to her site and I’m thinking of getting her book.” Aww… I’ve seen this dear fellow mother three days a week for a year. Okay, you could chalk it up to my being an introvert, but it’s also easy not to mention what you do when no one asks.

Then, there are the times I’ve asked others what they do and they’ll tell me, but assume I’m a SAHM (thanks Meredith Efken for the acronym. It stands for Stay At Home Mom). And that’s partly true. So, if they do ever ask, I’ll tell them. Otherwise, let the conversation be about them. That’s cool.

When you interact with local people, what do you talk about? I’m not saying we can’t or shouldn’t mention our careers. Please do. And don’t be ashamed! For a long time, it was difficult for me to say I was a writer. And then when I published some things, it was challenging to “admit” I was an author. People give you strange reactions, am I right? You know it. But when you’re living out your calling, it’s important to do so unashamed. Shame, even when it's a lie, will only hold you back.

So, to return to my point, we’re talking about approaching people with care this month. And last week we discussed caring for editors and agents, remember they’re people too. Our interactions aren’t one-sided, and based in selfish motives. You’ll stand out if you genuinely care for others. Same’s true of conversations within your community. When we serve others, putting others first, we glorify God. So, our writing glorifies God. And our conversation and caring glorify God. That will help people find Him, want Him, seek Him, and perhaps peek at your writing too. See, a win-win-win-win. ;)

It’s all in the approach.

Let It Go!

Let it Go!

Working With Editors Series: Part Five

Net's Notations Tuesdays

We've come to the final post in our Working with Editors series. Your editor has a lot of work ahead of her after you've okayed your galleys and pressed send. But first, you've got to let it go.

Our manuscripts are our babies. We nurture them, pray over them, birth them. We become defensive if someone disses them. We cling to them, refusing to press send (see last week’s post). We cherish them—designating a shelf on our bookcase just for our own titles. Right?

So, it’s no wonder we have a hard time letting go.

From the beginning, we were like God as we created our characters, the plot, the action, tension, hardships. We controlled every aspect. (Generally speaking. Sometimes editors assign specific stories.) Now, the edits are accomplished. The title’s established. You’ve probably even seen the cover art. So, what’s next? You press send and poof. You let go. Right?

Or not.

It’s not easy. But as we let go, we let God move. He wants to put your words, those heart-felt, hard-wrought, emotion-packed, life-impacting words into the hands of just the right people at the right times.

By letting go we are trusting our editors, the path God has us on (i.e. trusting God), and relaxing into God’s promises.

So, pray over your baby, but then L E T  G O. Really, it’ll be okay. Your story has places to go you’ve never been. And it won’t let you down. Neither will God.

Plus, in letting go, you get to work on the next project that’s burning to be told.

Let go and leave the rest to your editor and to God.

Just Send It!

 Just Send It!

Working With Editors Series: Part Four

 Net's Notations Tuesdays

Oh, we writers could spend forever making little changes to our manuscripts, couldn’t we? Raise your hand if you have a hard time pressing send. Now, a little caution is good. Don’t be too quick to shoot off so much as an email to anyone without the once-over. But don’t use caution as an excuse to hold on to a manuscript you know needs to be sent.

So, you’ve gotten through your edits—after all, you’re a pro. But you’re still fretting over some issues here or there. Maybe your editor gave you a general instruction to see if you could include more conflict in a certain section, or maybe add more tension. You’ve got a little leeway, a little wiggle room. You’ve got some rewriting to do. So, how long should you labor over those rewrites?

This very situation is why we discussed taking a breather before diving in earlier this month. Same concept applies here. Rewrite. Then, take a break. Later, approach that section with a fresh perspective. Then, rework as necessary.

The key here is there comes a time when you have to just send it! You’ve done all you can do, made the requested changes (and then some, if you’re anything like me), and you have to send it off.

If you sit there thinking it has to be perfect first, you’ll never send it because it never will be.

If you wait until you know everything there is to know about writing, until you have the next writing craft lesson under your belt, you’ll never send it. We’re always growing as writers (hopefully).

If you procrastinate out of fear, dig deep. What are you afraid of? Succeeding? Failing? Both? Those sound like issues for prayer. So, pray. Then, just send it!

Some rules in submitting:

Don’t exasperate your editor.

Don’t procrastinate.

Don’t miss your deadline.

And if you’ve done all you can do, followed your editor’s suggestions, and the deadline is fast approaching: just send it!

You're a Professional!

 

 You're a Professional!

Working with Editor Series: Part Three

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Last Tuesday, we discussed the need to take some time when you get edits back, time permitting, and focus on other projects or activities. Go weed your garden, or take the grandkids for a walk, or have lunch out with a friend. (especially that last one *wink*) This week, a practical directive on tackling your edits.

After taking that much-needed breather, and the time comes to sit down and tackle the edits (or face the contest scores, or your crit partners’ comments), remember—you’re a professional. You’re a writer. An author. This is your job. Face those edits as objectively as you can. Step back and ask yourself: would these changes make the story better? Don’t let pride stand in the way of a good story. Then, dive in. Don’t fret about all the red on the screen or pencil marks on the paper (my crit group uses pencils to mark potential changes on the printed copies we bring to our meetings). Consider each change/comment’s merit, and proceed accordingly.

Did you catch that? Potential changes. Reminds me. Generally, editors are flexible. Some changes will be no-brainers, like adding an apostrophe or changing out a homonym. Other changes may affect voice or tone or areas you’d rather not change—areas that may require a discussion with your editor. Remember, that is always an option. Like I mentioned last month, you don’t want to exasperate your editor, but a few discussions about this project you’re editing together will not bother him/her. My advice: save them up until you’re ready with a list of them. Sending multiple emails a day will probably not endear him/her to you. *grin*

As I said, remember you’re a pro. You’ve got a professional contract, and these edits are part of your job. So, tackle them as you would any other job—as a professional. If discouragement attempts to rattle your calm, stop. Pray. Breathe. Tackle one tracked change at a time and pretty soon you’ll get to the last page and read those ever-endearing, two favorite words spelling out tremendous accomplishment: The End.

Remember, too, the editor (or contest judge or crit partner) is just doing his/her job as well. They’re an objective voice attempting to help you make a strong project. Trust them. Respect them, (and know they respect you). It’s a symbiotic relationship.

So, open the file. Click on the first tracked change and BEGIN! You’ve got a job to do! 

Want to talk about it? Share with us: What are your thoughts when you get feedback on your manuscript (whether from editors/critique partners or contest judges)? Do you need a breather before diving in? What methods work best for you as you tackle the potential changes?

Working with Your Editor: Part One

Working with Editors: Part One

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Last month, we discussed why we writers need editors. This month, let’s discuss working with our editors to the best advantage.

As an editor, I’ve been so blessed to work with some great writers! And as a writer, I’ve worked with some great editors! There’s a general sense of excitement when a book gets contracted, wouldn’t you agree? And that excitement goes a long way (or should) in paving great relations between author and editor. Everyone wins.

When I say “grace,” what’s the first thing that enters your mind? Hands folded in prayer? (saying grace before a meal) Or having a gracious attitude? I’m going for that latter one. Just as in every area of our Christian writing lives, we need to remember grace.

Grace is a social lubricant. And like the oil that keeps your car running, grace keeps relationships going. When you extend grace to your fellow writers, to your mentees, to your editors or agent, you’re truly being Christlike to them.

Now, let’s get specific about how this applies to the author/editor relationship.

Your interactions with your editor (who represents the house publishing your project, or who works for you as a freelancer) will move smoothly when injected with grace. Be kind to him/her. Be professional. If he comes across as short in an email, for example, remember he’s probably swamped and probably simply trying to 1) get back to you in a timely fashion and 2) not consume much time. You’re a busy writer. He’s a busy editor. Handle with grace.

How often you connect. We all have a million questions when it’s our first publishing contract. I did. Ask my first editor and she’ll tell you I had a lot of questions about the contract, the process, the next step, the last step, all of it. Most editors are gracious. They’ll take the time to hold your hand (extending grace). But use wisdom. Don’t weary them. Save up the questions for one email and send them all at once. Then—breathe. That’s right. Everything will be fine.

Feedback. We’re going to spend an entire Net’s Notations Tuesday on this topic, but just remember to apply grace to any and all feedback from your editor. This is a tough one. That project is your baby. It’s difficult being “critiqued” and guided. Easy. Breathe. Grace. There you go.  *grin*

Patience. I believe patience and grace go together; they are virtues after all. So, be patient with your editor. Remember you’re working on one or two (maybe more) WIPs at a time, but she’s working on several authors’ projects at one time. She’ll get back to you. Relax. Take a walk. Work on another project. Grace.

Next week, we’ll discuss our reactions as authors to the editor’s edits. Ooh, should be fun. *smile* Join us! Feel free to share comments about your experiences with editors and especially of times you’ve seen grace in action (or set grace in motion).

Giving Back Series, Part Five: Writing Freebie Articles

Writing Freebie Articles
Giving Back Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Here’s a fun topic for our Giving Back series: writing articles for blogs, (like Seriously Write *wink*) for "free." Our guests have been so gracious over the past couple of years, offering their wisdom and insight, their encouragement and personal stories, all without monetary compensation. Thank you!

(If you haven’t written for us and would like to, please let Dawn or me know. We’re always scheduling new guests.)

Okay, now back from our commercial…

I remember the first time one of my articles was accepted for publication. What a day! And then came the moment I learned I’d get paid for something I wrote. Whew, we’re a professional now. *grin* But what about the markets you won’t get paid to submit to? Are they worth your time? Probably. Here’s why:

1) PROMOTION: Your name and book(s)/work are promoted. (This is a big benefit of writing for Seriously Write. Lots of our guests time their posts around new releases.)
2) PROMOTION: You get to work with varied markets. (Hey, that’s about promotion too.)
3) EXPERIENCE: You gain experience and another bullet point on your byline/resume.
4) ESTABLISH: Even if you aren’t published in book length, you establish a name for yourself while you work toward publication. Article/devotional submission is a fantastic way to get started in the industry. (Carla Williams, then president of NCWA taught me that. Still so thankful for her wisdom.)

So, even in our efforts to give back to writers by sharing our hard-earned wisdom or experience, we receive benefits. It’s a win-win.

You won’t always be able to see the results, but whenever you give back, God marks His tally sheet. You’re planting a seed; you’re helping other writers; you’re making a difference. Hear this: no investment in your writing life is wasted.

So, share your expertise and trust God with the dividends. He’s watching your account as you give back.

Giving Back Series, Part Three: Mentoring

Mentoring
Giving Back Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Over the years, I’ve witnessed a lot of selfless giving within the Christian writing community. Authors like Dee Henderson, Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck, Brandilyn Collins, Colleen Reece and so many others who mentor writers with sincere hopes of their pupil’s success. Then, when one of these “students” signs a contract or publishes an article, the mentor cheers from the sidelines, genuinely pleased with the breakthrough.

It takes a servant’s heart to mentor someone and a lot of grace to wish someone well in their writing, as you strive for success as well. Hmm… a servant’s heart, and grace. Reminds me of God and His character.

Mentoring was His idea. In the Bible, He directs people who are farther along in their journey as Christians or life to mentor those who are less far along.

It’s natural (and wise) for writers to be recipients for a long time—years, in fact. We sit as students, learning, growing, receiving, taking lessons in.

But then the time comes when we recognize we have something to give. There are writers coming up behind us who haven’t learned about deep POV, in-depth character sketches, subtexts, marketing, or platform. We have something to offer, and not just in teaching. Encouragement too. You can reassure someone else as they learn to wait for responses from editors or agents. You can nudge them to begin new projects, help them brainstorm plots, critique their work. I've been very grateful for the mentors God has brought into my life.

Mentoring relationships often just happen. Circumstance and timing align and viola! You have yourself a mentor or a mentee. You don’t have to force it. Just be willing, should God nudge you in that direction.

I saw a great quote on Facebook recently from worshiper Darrell Evans, who graciously permitted me to share it with you: “Ministry is always about serving someone else’s destiny.” Mentoring is a form of ministry, another great way to give back.

Do you have a mentor? How has he/she blessed your writing life?

Giving Back Series, Part One: Volunteering

Volunteering
Giving Back Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Last month we spoke of gathering tools and being dedicated students of writing craft. We’ve been recipients, and of course, to some extent, that will continue. This month, let’s discuss giving back.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever volunteered—in any capacity: church nursery, food pantry, feeding the homeless, ministries at church. Doesn’t it feel good to help others? Absolutely! One way we stay refreshed as Christians is through serving.

Now, raise your hand if you belong to a writer’s group. Perhaps you could volunteer to serve on the board, or begin a new local group, as an extension of that national group. What if your time is limited? Perhaps you could go early to the meeting and help set up, or stay a tad later and help with tear down. Perhaps you could volunteer to write a newsletter or edit the group’s brochure.

Ask yourself: where can I volunteer to share my writing skills, or even do manual labor as needed for meetings? One group I belonged to needed someone to head up the refreshments table. That's another option.

In late February, ACFW board met in preparation for their annual conference. These committed volunteers are giving their time as well as their expertise, to help other writers.

How can you give your time or your expertise? As we plant seeds in our writing lives, we're investing in our future. God promises we will reap in due season if we don't give up. Where are you planting seeds?

God both asks us to be servants, and rewards those who serve. How will you practice giving back this year?

New Year New Groove Series: New Outlook

Hey everyone, Annette here. Let's dig into another Net's Notations Tuesday with a focus on what we're focusing on.

Don’tcha love how a new year brings with it a built-in hope? At the beginning of the year, we set new goals and even have some success sticking with our resolutions. Right? (Just a little accountability there. *grin*)

All these changes for the better make for a new outlook. From this new vantage point, you could dare to dream that this is your year! That the things you’ve been waiting to see happen will begin to happen. It’s a faith boost, isn’t it?

I’ve got some projects simmering, and I’m trying to apply this new outlook philosophy to them. Great atmosphere for hope and expectation. Of course, that doesn’t take me off the hook from learning all I can. Taking advantage of the resources I already have.

Are you focusing on the tough stuff of last year? Well, with the rollover of calendar comes built-in permission to focus on the blessings ahead. God rewards us as we serve Him.

Are you focused on the latest bad news? That doesn't motivate me, how about you? *wink*

So, what are you focused on? Clear the path, blow the clouds of doubt and rejection away, and see what God wants you to see this year.

Here's a little advice this year as we dive in together:

Dream big!

Pray often!

Learn always!

Trust God!

Let’s let our new outlook influence our energy levels and our tenacity this new year. Ready. Set. Write!

New Year New Groove Series: New Projects

Hey, readers, it's Net's Notations Tuesdays here on Seriously Write. Annette here. I have a question for you: How long have you been working on your current project?

I saw a note from a writer today expressing what so many have expressed before—sometimes you just have to start a new project. Leave the one you’ve been working on for years, which has been a great tool for learning and growing as a writer, and put all the things you know into practice on a whole new manuscript. Has that ever happened to you?

I tend to write before it’s time. Over the last several years (decade?), I’ve heard, there isn’t a market for this right now. Thing is, there hasn’t been market before now, so the market (if it swings around) is in the future… Now what? I have to keep writing what’s in my heart and keep growing as a writer. And oftentimes that’s meant launching into a new project.

New projects are fun! New story world, new characters, new plots and twists.

If you’re not contracted for your current project, and you’re wondering if you should move on, ask yourself these questions:

1) Is this project marketable?
2) Are there editors/agents interested in this project?
3) What are my crit partners saying (am I growing as a writer)? What are contest judges saying? Am I close? Or are there a million things wrong?
4) Am I still interested in this project?
5) Have I learned enough as a writer that if I began a new manuscript today I’d be in a much better place to write from scratch?

Remember this, we grow through any writing we do! So, no manuscript is ever a waste of time or energy. Even if you have to set your “baby” aside, you’ve still benefited from nurturing it.

Maybe it’s time to work on a new project with this new year, giving yourself permission to move on. Who knows? You may come back to that earlier manuscript and with fresh sight and more training be able to whip that WIP into shape. *grin* Or, maybe it’ll sit in the file cabinet.

New projects bring fresh vigor to your writing. If it’s time to move on, move on and enjoy the adventure of a new story or non-fiction project.

This new year, is it time for you to being a new project?

Committed to the Craft

Committed to the Craft
Net's Notations Tuesdays
New Commitment Series

Hey readers, Annette here. My daughters and I recently visited a craft store in preparation for Christmas. Fun place! Paints, stencils, thread, yarn, beads, and bolts and bolts of fabric. My heart actually ached to get back to some kind of crafting. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed embroidery and painting, mostly. But it’s been a long time since I’ve given myself permission to work on any of it.

I’ve been a little preoccupied with a different craft—writing. I have shelves full of writing craft books and not enough hours to read them all. I have highlighted, dog-eared how-to plot books and grammar books, and market guides coming out my ears. *chuckle*

If you’ve been a writer for long, you know the kind of commitment required when it comes to craft. That first critique at a conference or that first personalized rejection letter will tell you where your weaknesses are. And though it stings, pay attention. We could all use more understanding of craft.

Many of our author friends who’ve been multi-published will tell you they’re committed to never stop focusing on craft. They make time in their writing lives to study and grow and learn. And these are some well-renowned peeps I’m talking about. *grin* So, if it’s one of their commitments, learning the craft should be one of ours, too.

If you get a chance this Christmas season, grab a writing craft book and a highlighter and tuck yourself away for even a half hour. The great virtue of studying how to write is you can use the nuggets you learn the next time you sit down to pound out some words on your WIP.

Is it time you renewed your commitment to the craft of writing? Maybe you could add a how-to book to your Christmas wish list.

Happy studying and happy writing!

New Projects

New Projects

Turning the Pages Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Another way God turns the pages in our writing lives is by giving us new projects. What if you’re a published writer who found your niche writing chick lit a few years ago? Now, the market has dried up, and you’ve had to find a new project—a new genre.

Recently the trend has been toward historicals—they’re what publishers want. But what if you don’t write historicals? Dawn’s wise position on this is sooner or later it has to come back around—editors will want contemporaries. All those of you who write contemporary fiction, can I hear an amen?! :D

Sometimes, timing clicks and writers get to begin a new project. Maybe God’s been leading us in a certain direction, and we’re finally at a point we can move there—try something new. Like screenwriting or YA. Maybe what we’ve always wanted to write is now possible—like spec fiction.

The opening of new doors can make things possible which weren’t before. Sometimes the open door coincides with a project we’ve always wanted to do.

Or sometimes working on a new project will help us practice our writing craft as well as give us time and space from the last project. That way we’ll be more effective when we return to that first project for editing, rewriting or just plain old evaluating.

And sometimes a new contract determines a new project with its own set of deadlines.

What page are you on? Where does God have you? The key is to write what God gives you and trust Him with the timing, both for that project and the next. The Author of our faith is simply keeping things interesting as He turns the pages of our writing lives.

Turning the Pages Series: New Lessons

How New Lessons Affect our Writing
Turning the Pages Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

I couldn’t write a whole lot about being a mom until I became one. Now I can describe the sweetness, the all-encompassing love, the occasional heartaches. New lessons help me write at a deeper level about this relatable aspect of women’s lives.

I couldn’t write about marriage without first experiencing it. Well, I could, but can you agree there wouldn’t be much depth? Wisdom would be keenly absent from the pages.

Whenever we experience a new season in our lives, we’re presented with new opportunities to grow and change and learn. Then, because we’re authors and nothing’s ever wasted on us (*grin*), we can include our newly-gained wisdom in our writing.

New lessons can also affect the themes we include in our writing. There are times when God brings certain aspects to the forefront, have you noticed? So, maybe a year ago, I’d have written about one theme, but right now, another is burning inside me, waiting for expression.

The great thing is, God is leading us through our seasons and lessons. Then, we can use those nuggets we dig up, incorporating them into richer works of literary art. Well, that’s the hope anyway.

Take a moment to consider some lessons God’s recently taught you and how you could include them in your writing.

Ready? Set … Write!

Turning the Pages Series: Seasons

How Seasons Affect Our Writing
Turning the Pages Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Sure feels like fall here—cooler temps, darker skies, more rain and lots of color on our deciduous trees. Ahhh … autumn.

Time to put away the patio furniture, grab the rake and prepare for winter.

In summer, we can step outside without a coat or shoes to let our dog out. In fall, we’ll have to keep slip-ons by the back door.

In summer, I can grab a book, a lawn chair, and my sunglasses and read in the sunshine, soaking up some Vitamin D. In fall, all the reading happens indoors.

In summer, the kids are home from school, with an open schedule. Near the beginning of fall, they start back to school, have to stick to a schedule and more is expected of them by outside sources.

New seasons call for new actions, new approaches to familiar territory, and visiting of new territory. New seasons call us to answer to different authority figures, meet different deadlines, change our schedules.

Isn’t that true in our writing seasons, too? Some writing seasons are for “penning” that first draft. Others are for editing. And then others are for submitting. Then, *hopefully* there comes a season of answering to an editor for your book. What used to be yours is now shared.

Are you aware of the season you’re in? Maybe you’re a parent of small children, and the focus is on them. Maybe you’ve started a new job and are still adjusting to fitting everything into your schedule.

The key is to know the season you’re in, make the appropriate changes for that season and follow through. A student can be all prepared for the school year, but if she never attends classes, never sits under the teaching, never studies, she’s not truly engaged in her season, and she won’t reap the benefits of all her preparation.

God may be turning the pages of your writing season right now. Are you on the same page as He is? Be glad for new seasons, they mean you’re growing, moving ahead.

Now, go ahead, peek at that new page the Author of your faith is penning. Together, start at the top and work your way down. It's going to be good.

Refocusing

Refocusing

Net's Notation Tuesdays
Refreshed by God Series

“Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.” (Matt. 6:6, MSG)

Just last week, I spent a few hours studying great Scriptures having to do with God’s love. I ended up making two lists. One contained verses of God’s love for people. And the second contained verses of our love toward God. What a difference it made in my day, in my week, to focus on the love of God. So much joy, and peace over my circumstances. Everything about the day became visible through the lens of His love. Sunshine, family time, commitments, work, everything was brighter because of that reassurance.

When we spend time with God as a part our daily devotionals, we get refocused on what matters. We can see more clearly what God has called us to do. We can verify we’re on the right track as writers and as children of God called according to His purpose.

If you’re feeling scattered, I recommend taking time to be with God and hear from Him. Pursue Him until He speaks.

If you’re stressed, go to Him. Hear Him whisper (or shout?) “Peace, be still” over your anxieties and give you the rest you desperately need.

If you’re uncertain, focus on Him.

Sometimes, we don’t need more focus on our writing craft, though, if you’ve been a reader at Seriously Write long you know we take the craft of writing seriously. Sometimes (oftentimes) what is needed is to refocus on the Lord.

If writing has moved into first place, refocus on the Lord. Put Him first and everything else will fall into place.

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (Matt. 6:33)

By refocusing, we position ourselves for God to refresh us as His writers. I need more of that. How about you?

Annette

Rejuvenating

Rejuvenating
Net's Notations Tuesdays
Refreshed by God Series

Spiders. In August, the spiders come out with a vengeance, weaving their webs everywhere. I’m guessing it’s because they’ve grown over the summer months and now, with flies jetting about, they’d like to find some dinner. Their silken webs stretch from lawn furniture to bird feeder, discouraging a harmless stroll through the yard. Walking along, I’ve nearly inadvertently stepped right into a web, which would mean wearing that eight-legged creature. Not a good idea.

So, last Saturday when I had the opportunity to water my container plants, I didn’t. The weatherman had promised rain. I was hoping we’d get that shower and I could avoid the arachnid threats.

Then, yesterday—due to lack of water—they were looking rather wilted. So, I watered them like crazy.

And today, it’s pouring! *grin*

That’s how I get if I don’t get enough time with God—wilted. Thing is, unlike my potted flowers, which are dependent upon someone coming along with water, I have access to God’s Word and prayer at any time. Even if a Bible isn’t nearby, I can recall Scripture, and I can certainly pray. I don’t have to get to that point.

Why do I let myself get to the point of wilting? Busy-ness. Pursuit of other things. Excuses.

I just need to go encounter Him, to raise my wilted branches toward the sky and ask Him to rain down on me, refresh me, rejuvenate me.

Are you feeling dry and needy? Here’s God’s invitation:

"Hey there! All who are thirsty, come to the water! Are you penniless? Come anyway—buy and eat! Come, buy your drinks, buy wine and milk. Buy without money—everything's free! Why do you spend your money on junk food, your hard-earned cash on cotton candy? Listen to me, listen well: Eat only the best, fill yourself with only the finest. Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. I'm making a lasting covenant commitment with you, the same that I made with David: sure, solid, enduring love.” (from Isaiah 55)

Refining

that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
(1 Peter 1:7)

Heat and pressure. Sounds comfy, huh?

Have you noticed that as you pursue your calling to write, God pursues his work of refining your character?

Have issues dealing with people? Just start marketing and social networking—those issues rise to the surface and bam! You have to deal with them.

Bitter about something that happened in your past? Guess what theme your next book will include?

Offended at a fellow believer? Guess whom God will bring across your path?

Trouble practicing patience? Well, you get the idea.

Because God loves us, He will motivate us to change. And a lot of His refining work takes place in the day to day. So, as writers called to write, we can expect His refining to be at work in us directly in the midst of our pursuit of publication, or while we’re trying to meet deadlines, etc.

The good news is, we’ll change! Good changes are headed our way.

The bad news is, there’s change involved and that can be intimidating.

The best strategy? Thankfully, God spells it out for us in His Word:

He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly,
To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Words to live by in the process of refining.

Revived

Revived
Net's Notations Tuesdays
Refreshed by God Series: Three

Do you ever feel weighed down? Weak, weary? Worn out? Sometimes we just need to take a break and breathe, and let God revive us.

I think that’s why we hold church services at least once a week. You might get drained during the week, but go to church over the weekend, participate in worship, hear the Word preached, and get revived.

Sometimes doubts can cloud our dreams. How difficult is the whole submitting and waiting to hear back process for you? What about receiving rejection letters? Look at this:

I'm homesick—longing for your salvation; I'm waiting for your word of hope. My eyes grow heavy watching for some sign of your promise; how long must I wait for your comfort? There's smoke in my eyes—they burn and water, but I keep a steady gaze on the instructions you post. How long do I have to put up with all this? How long till you haul my tormentors into court? The arrogant godless try to throw me off track, ignorant as they are of God and his ways. Everything you command is a sure thing, but they harass me with lies. Help! They've pushed and pushed—they never let up— but I haven't relaxed my grip on your counsel. In your great love revive me so I can alertly obey your every word. (Psalm 119:81)

God wants to revive us so we that we can serve Him well. Sometimes our problems and disappointments distract us from the path God wants us on. We need to fix our eyes again on Him and let Him revive us.

Sometimes we just grow weary. Has the warfare been fierce where you are lately? Here’s a promise from the Lord for all of us as writers as we build His kingdom:

God-of-the-Angel-Armies will step in and take care of his flock, the people of Judah. He'll revive their spirits, make them proud to be on God's side. God will use them in his work of rebuilding, use them as foundations and pillars, Use them as tools and instruments, use them to oversee his work. They'll be a workforce to be proud of, working as one, their heads held high, striding through swamps and mud, Courageous and vigorous because God is with them, undeterred by the world's thugs. (Zech. 10:3)

If you can relate with this, give the Lord an opportunity to revive you this week. He wants to. Then, you’ll have the strength and will to carry on.

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. (Psalm 23:5)

God's Promises to Writers Series: To Sustain Us

He Will Sustain Us
God's Promises to Writers Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

A few weeks ago I talked about how God keeps us. My focus was His keeping us in the face of risks, as well as keeping us on the path He has for us.

What about sustaining us?

Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

Do you ever grow weary with waiting? Weariness can bring discouragement and even defeat. Over the years, I’ve read of writers giving up writing and pursuing publication because they’re weary from rejection and would rather not try anymore.

But if you know God has called you, and if you remember His promise to sustain you, you can find rest while you wait. His promise to sustain us gives us hope, confidence, strength in the midst of rejections or the push toward a deadline.

Sometimes all I really need is a good nap.

Ever felt that way? I’ve been pushing myself with the fantastic new program offered through ACFW—Novel Track: Writing. So, it’s up early and focused on meeting my goals. Throw a little family vacation into that and all the work involved, add one small pup, plus hosting a party for our worship team and you’ve got a busy couple of weeks.

So, where in the midst of our large family and our summer plans and my writing career is there any time to rest?

Hmm . . . beats me. *grin* I have to make time. I have to take time.

And I have to remember God will sustain me. I have to rely on Him for that.

So, if He calls me to rest, I need to heed that call. As my Good Shepherd, He knows what I need.

We can cast our cares on Him because He cares for us (see 1 Peter 5:7). He can bear our burdens so we can get some rest.

Sometimes we push ourselves harder than we need to. Sometimes we aren’t disciplined as much as we should be. There’s a balance somewhere in between where God sets the pace and we follow it. And when we do, we will be sustained. It’s His promise to His writers.