Approaching Readers With Care

Booksigning at the Mall of America in 2008 ACFW members

If you’ve been around a while (Seriously Write celebrates two years this week! Thanks, readers!!), you may have seen my All About the Readers Series. (Click the link for the first post, then use the tags to navigate to the others.) That’s my philosophy, because it helps us keep our focus on ministry and not on ourselves. If we keep readers in the forefront of our minds while we’re writing, we’ll likely speak directly to them as they’re reading. If we’re prayerful, God will speak to them.

As a reader, it’s happened to me. How about you? A passage speaks directly to you as if the author had both read your mail and decided to broadcast it. Of course, they don’t know the words on the page are for you. Whew. You’re safe. J And blessed. God has just met you personally. Through fiction! But we already knew God could use fiction to speak to us, didn’t we?! ;)

We writers will have opportunities to meet with readers beyond when they’re holding our work in their hands. Booksignings, grocery stores, conferences, churches, these are all places to meet with our readers.

So, how do we approach them with care?

~ Listen to your reader. Remember, it’s not about us. Let them share more than you do, unless they ask you a question. Prayerfully watch for ways to bless them or minister to them. Be gracious, hospitable. Set an example.

~ Be yourself. No need to put on airs. There are plenty of unreachable people in the world. Don’t be one of those. Be accessible in that moment, relatable. Readers read to know they’re not alone. So, be friendly, Christlike, compassionate. Let God use you to express His heart to them.

 ~ Respect readers. They’re smart, savvy, gracious, critical, and they make up an army. So, handle them respectfully. We’re all peers.

~ Treat everyone the same. God is no respecter of persons. We shouldn’t be either. This is a tough one. But if we aren’t treating people the same, we’re actually devaluing someone somewhere. And that isn’t Christlike.

So, whether you’re blogging, penning a novel, or socializing, remember to always approach readers with care.           

Approaching People With Care Series: Part III

 Fellow Writers

Approaching People with Care Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Recently, I joined several other writers at a well-published author’s home, sharing stories and writing tips. What a treat to fellowship with other writers! We understand each other. But walking into the room, knowing only one other woman there, I was careful how I conducted myself. Later, your Seriously Write hostesses shared lunch to discuss our lives, our hearts, and our hopes. We laughed and related. Such a blessing. We’ve taken the time to cultivate a relationship with each other. We trust each other. We know how to relate with each other, but we still approach each other with care.

I watched an interview lately on DVD where the cast of a show sincerely praised one of their guests as being a nice guy. Everyone readily agreed. If people were to offer a one word descriptor of you in your absence, what would it be?

I can be prompt and current with all my responsibilities, but if I’m abrupt in my interactions, what good is it?

I can be known for keeping my writing deadlines, but if everyone else in my life suffers, have I really succeeded? What about trusting God with what’s on my plate and being gracious to those around me?

What is the one word you’d like people to use in referring to you? Live that word. Is it loving? Genuinely care for people. Is it relatable? Put others above yourself. Is it friendly? Be a friend. Years ago, I desired to be warm. Seeing others exuding grace and warmth baffled me. I’d always had so many guards up, I couldn’t understand how these people so freely, genuinely made others feel secure, just by being warm. Honestly, I’m unsure people would call me warm, even now, but I’m working on it. (By the way, the best way to become something is to study that facet in God’s character. You become what you see.) (2 Corinthians 3:18) To me, warmth is Christ-like, after all, it’s His kindness that leads us to repentance.

We all know the writing life, the writing calling, just as with the Christian life, is one of refining. What areas has God been highlighting in your character? He’s been at work in me in many areas, and it’s funny how they’re all related.

Publishing is a small world. We want to make a positive, Christ-like impression and maintain it. To be consistent with our family, our community and others in the writing world. That way we can approach people intentionally, “care”-fully, lovingly, genuinely. And in that God is glorified. It’s all in our approach to life, to people, to our calling, and to other writers.

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

(Psalm 90:17 NKJV)

Approaching People With Care Series: Part I

Welcome to a new series on Net’s Notations Tuesdays.

Nod at me if your life is somewhat reclusive. That’s what I thought. Lots of nods. It’s so easy to do—pal around with your computer and never leave home except for the necessary errand days. Am I right?

I wonder if anyone has conducted research to discover whether writers/authors are more often introverts. Most writers I know are.

Then, when we do venture out of our caves—ahem, writing offices—we’re squinting and somewhat unaccustomed to the light. ;) Where do you find social opportunities? Church? Your child’s school? Your day job? Take advantage of those times, and not in ways you might think.

Several years ago, a fellow writer and I knew of an editor we both wanted to pitch to. So we each met with her at a conference and gave it our best shot. She was interested in both of our manuscripts. Shortly after that (if I’m remembering correctly), she was in an accident. The next time we saw her (after about a year) we discovered the news of her accident and that changed our focus. Only my friend got to speak with her in the hubbub of the busy weekend, and she chose wisely—to check in on the woman’s health. The editor was touched. My friend's compassionate approach made a difference. Our projects weren't mentioned, but really, who cares? The editor's health mattered so much more.

So often, we can get in the mode of looking at people like they’re commodities. We might ask ourselves, what can they do for me? Instead, I believe we’re called to care about them as people. Remember, editors, agents, fellow writers, experienced people in the biz (i.e. those who have connections or are gatekeepers) are people first. They have families (generally) and responsibilities and lives and hurts just like we do. Rather than asking what can s/he do for us, we should serve. Believe me, that kind of manner will stand out.

People know if you genuinely care for them. That should be our goal, our heart, our method. God will bring the connections when it’s time. He’ll open the doors for networking. Caring about people will set you apart. As you attend conferences this year, or interact with other writing professionals, consider approaching them with care.

Grammar Gurus

Hello readers, Annette here. Today’s post in our Why We Need Editors series is more about the mechanics of writing.

Grammar Gurus
Why We Need Editors Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

What is that word I’m thinking of? Ever notice how some words just sound alike: like anecdote and antidote? or unanimous and anonymous? or ancillary and auxiliary? Or spelled similarly, but do not sound alike: prophecy and prophesy. When a writer sits down to write, they may mistakenly choose the wrong word, based more on having heard it than seeing it. Homonyms only add to the possible confusion: days/daze/dais, faze/phase, conceited/conceded, teem/team, etc. Editors make it their business to know these, or find a resource to track them down.

CLICHES AND COLLOQUIALISMS

What about clichés? First off, we writers should avoid them (except in dialog and even then, tread carefully). What if the phrase you’re thinking of doesn’t look how you think? Like when you’re talking about getting control of an unruly group of toddlers, you’d say “reign them in,” right? As in, take charge like a king. Nope. The right word is rein. (as in a horse’s reins) Or when you’re adding up a group of numbers to demonstrate a point, you’d say “all tolled, they added up to a real need.” Nope. All told is correct for that phrase. What about saying something is "teaming with life?" Teeming is the correct word.

FUN WITH WORDS

Editors love words and believe it or not, grammar too. Well, to some extent. *wink* We analyze words and phrases, tracking back colloquialisms until we know how they’re really meant to be written. Please look these up for yourself, but if you’re in doubt, the editor’s got your back.

PUNCTUATION

It’s one thing to know what you want to say, it’s another to know how to present it. Phrases within phrases—which is part of our discussion on grammar—can be difficult to know how to punctuate. See that? I just demonstrated what I meant. Editors develop a sort of filter. We know how punctuation should appear in dialog, for example, and our gaze snags on a section that is incorrect. I know one person who can catch an extra space at the beginning of a paragraph. Did you catch it here?

IMPERFECT

No one is perfect. No human. No editor. Any editor who tells you they’re perfect is in denial. *grin* We’ll give you our best and hope for grace. Maybe just like you do when you give editors your work.

So, editors and writers are meant to be a great team. Editors are there to help you make the best possible impression with your words and themes. They’re there to give your work the polish it needs to be professional and impactful. They’re there to be your grammar guru.

An Objective Perspective

Hey everyone, Annette here. This week we're beginning a series on why writers need editors. Join me as we talk about perspective.

Objective Perspective
Net's Notations Tuesdays
Why We Need Editors Series

Editors, who needs them?

Ever read your own work and not seen there’s a word missing until someone else points it out? I have. I hear the dialog clearly in my head. And my mind fills in the word that’s missing, which means I miss that it’s missing, even on a reread. *wink* That’s easy to do with our own work. We need an objective perspective.

As the writer, you know what you’re trying to say and how you mean your scene to play out in people’s minds, but an objective reader may not see the visuals at all how you intended. In our critique group, one of our members is especially animated about trying actions out. She’ll stand up, pose, attempt to enact what she’s reading on the page. This behavior has led to some great laughter and some great catches. “Well, I knew what I meant!” *grin*

Editors catch those places where our work is unclear. They’ll most likely be able to discern what you meant and help you get there. Sometimes it’s just an issue of nuance. “This word implies something you probably didn’t intend; try this word.”

Critique groups will help prepare you for an editor, but there’s no replacement for editors. Whether they work for a house or work freelance, writers need them, even if we self-publish. Editors see what we don’t or can’t, and they have the skills to help us rewrite or rework until we have the product we intended all along. (ideally *smile*)

Even multi-published authors need editors. Raise your hand if when you learned to type, the teacher said to put two spaces after each period, as well as a after a colon… Yup, just what I thought. Most of us were taught that. I’ve read many blog posts, articles, and newsletters written by authors who left two spaces in. An editor will catch and delete those. The new standard is one space and readers expect one space. You’re used to it now, right? It’s pretty jarring when there are two spaces.

What about formatting? Raise your hand if you’ve ever used tabs to place the beginning of paragraphs… Me too, years ago. Then someone taught me the trick of the trade for automatically formatting paragraphs as you go. Wow, what a difference. Or how about page breaks at chapter breaks? Once again, an editor can help with this, especially if we forget. Later this month, we’ll discuss the way editors help with grammar and content. Next month, we'll tackle working with your editors.

So, to answer the question of who needs editors? We do.

Giving Back Series, Part Four: Critiquing

Critiquing

Giving Back Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

We sit around in a circle, the smell of French fries and burgers swirling in the air, chatter and shared fellowship between us. Welcome to McCrit. Four of us make up the group, three of whom are your hostesses here on Seriously Write. We pass each other chapters, then get to work, reading, pencils at the ready. We try not to peek at each other’s comments or smiley faces. It’s best to wait until we’re through with the reading portion, when we begin to share our impressions. Let the fun begin!

We’re there to share our lives, our writing, and our opinions with each other.

We’re there to give back.

The greatest thing about a crit group you get to share your opinion as a mostly objective reader. You bring a new (and informed) perspective. And your opinion matters. A lot. It’s likely you’re in a group with others who are near your experience level, but either way, your input counts.

If it hasn’t happened already, someday a writer may come to you for your opinion on his/her work. Say this person hasn’t been writing as long as you have been, or this is someone you’re mentoring, or this is a friend whose usual group isn’t meeting this week. So there you are. Limited time, with a choice to make.

We’ve been talking about giving back this month. Critiquing is another way we can give back (and usually get something immediately in return). When you take the time to read someone else’s work, with a mind for improving it and helping that person, you’re offering a service. You have a chance to encourage him/her, to minister to them, to point out areas which need work. It’s a privilege. Think about all the times someone has done that for you. :D

Now, that’s not to say we should spread ourselves thin, but God will honor our sacrifices, the time we spend. He’s put others in our path to bless us and guide us, to cheer us on. Helping other writers is a great way to give back.

Freebies

Freebies
Students of the Craft Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Hey everyone, Annette here. Raise your hand if you’re watching your budget pretty closely these days. Yeah, me too. In our quest to be diligent students of the writing craft, we could use lack of funds as an excuse, couldn’t we? “Well, I’d love to own such-and-such a book on craft, but I can’t afford it.” Budgeting is no excuse not to take advantage of the freebies all around us. Here are some suggestions for finding freebies these days to help offset costs:

~ Free Kindle downloads. Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download the free Kindle application to your computer and begin download (free) books, and reading them on the screen. Sometimes great writing books come up as freebies. I’ve ordered three specific writing books free this way.

~ Libraries. These are a great resource for studying more books in your genre, finding craft books, even finding books for research (setting, character careers, etc.).

~ Websites and blogs. This blog—Seriously Write—is a free resource for writers. For almost two years, Manuscript Mondays have been dedicated to writing craft. Go into the archives and find topics covered by some of your favorite authors. Oftentimes, too, we’ve offered series on certain topics. (Like the Ten Beats of a Romance series by Susan May Warren this month for romance writers.) There are a number of other websites and blogs specifically targeting writers and offering helpful nuggets, advice, even contest information. Google to learn more, or talk to your writing buds.

~ National writers’ groups. The American Christian Fiction Writers is a fantastic group. Now, granted, it’s not free to join; there’s a small annual fee. But, once you’ve joined there are plenty of “freebies,” like month-long courses in a wide range of topics. E-mail loops specific by genre where your question are welcomed and answered by seasoned pros. Free access to course and email archives. Mentors as you connect with authors ahead of you on the road.

~ Critique groups. This is a valuable, free resource where members exchange his/her opinion for yours. Don’t miss out on this growth opportunity as well. Our local group used to meet in a library, so we didn’t have to buy a meal. Now we meet at a fast food restaurant and have the option of grabbing a meal if we’ve been rushed or just choose to. But the critique itself is free. *smile*

~ Borrow books from friends. At our crit group, oftentimes we’ll mention lending books to each other. This is a great resource.

~ Volunteer to review books. If you’ve got a blog and are willing, publishing houses would love to have you read their books for review. Sign up at their websites. For example, Thomas Nelson’s blog review group is called BookSneeze. Everyone’s welcome to sign up, abide by their policies and viola!, start receiving free books. This gives you an opportunity to achieve two purposes in one read. You’re a student, but you’re also supporting and promoting Christian novels (which we Christian writers should definitely be doing). You’ll also become more familiar with the writers. If you happen to be friends with the author on FB, you make their day when you mention you’re enjoying reading their book.

I hope this gives you some ideas and helps you find ways to take advantage of free opportunities. Thanks for joining me this month with our topic of being students of the craft. Write on!

Believe

Believe
Net's Notations Tuesdays
New Commitment Series

If I could find one, I’d put a scroll-work decoration above our fireplace which would read: Believe. And I may just leave it up all year. Believing is a theme in my life as a Christian.

I’ve been challenged in my writing life where believing is concerned. If I didn’t believe I’d make it as a writer, I’d have ditched the whole thing by now. If I didn’t believe in my God-given dreams, I’d have bailed out of this boat by now. Writers don’t tend to make a good hourly wage, ya know? *grin*

But I can’t help it. I love writing! From that first spark in junior high ‘til now, I’m committed.

‘Tis the season for believing. Here’s how we can apply the word believe to our writing:

Believe you’re going somewhere. God has you on your own individualized writing and publishing path. Don’t compare yourself to others, just trust His work as you move forward. And if there are days when all you can do is face forward in hope—do it!

Believe He’ll use you. God has a plan for you and your writing. If He’s called you to this, He means to use you. Follow Him. Wait on Him. Believe in His goodness through all the rejections and trials. There’s no greater joy than being used by God.

Believe He’ll reward you in time. Hours and hours and years and years at the computer keyboard. Loads of words. Pages of manuscripts. Piles of empty ink cartridges. He sees your sacrifices and calls you to persevere. He will reward you. Laboring for the Lord is never in vain.

Believe good things will happen. You will have your breakthrough. You will see your dreams come true if you don’t give up. Hang in there. God-given dreams buried in a heart sold out to God are powerful.

This Christmas season . . . Believe.

Commit Your Writing to God

Commit Your Writing to God
New Commitments Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Hey readers, Annette here. My husband and I attended a wedding in mid-November. Ahh… commitment. Here at Seriously Write, we’re winding down our series on new commitments. This week let’s discuss committing (or recommitting) our writing to God.

When you started out (how long ago was that now? *grin*), you probably responded joyfully to the call to write and easily, heartily committed your writing life to God. Then, as you waited to meet with your dream agent at a conference you recommitted. (Stress’ll do that do you.) Then, as you waited to hear back from that submission you sent in, you fasted, prayed, and re-recommitted. (I know I’m not the only one.) Well, whether you’re now working on your dream project with your dream team or not, it may be time to recommit your writing to God.

Here are some areas where this applies:

Recommitting our writing lives – the call to write affects every part of our lives. Can I hear an amen? For better or worse, we’re like Jane Austen was depicted in the movie Jane. She’s meeting her potential mother-in-law and is suddenly inspired. She steps away from the others, plunks down and commences to scribble. The mother-in-law wannabe is appalled. “What is she doing?”

“Writing.”

“Can anything be done about it?!”

Indeed. Nope. Sorry. Had to chuckle at that line because that’s exactly how it is. You know it, too, don’t you? So, as we’re pursuing God and His calling for our lives, we’ll need His help to balance everything. If things have shifted or slipped, perhaps it’s time to recommit your writing life to Him.

Recommitting the written words – I recall a few instances where I was writing along and certain scenarios popped into my mind which didn’t pass through my filter. We should definitely include trouble in our stories (for you fiction writers), but I don’t believe we should include troublesome material—like scenarios that do not glorify God (or will not, eventually); words which do not honor Him; or a spirit which doesn’t glorify Him. Of course, this is subjective. So here’s how you know: seek God in humility and let Him guide you. Commit your written words to Him.

Recommitting our writing goals – we can set all the goals we want, but if God’s not in them, we’ll run up against a wall again and again. Commit your writing goals to God. Pray over them. Partner with God to set them and then trust Him to help you make them. He wants you to succeed!

This list challenges me. How about you? But the holidays are a great time to take stock and recommit, don’t you think? That way, come the new year, you’re ready to dive right in with all the courage and joy that comes in knowing God is in the middle of your writing life.

Giving Thanks and Giving Back

Giving Thanks and Giving Back
Net's Notations Tuesdays
New Commitments Series

Hey readers, Annette here. It's almost Thanksgiving! I've been thinking lately about how thankful I am for the many, many writers who have influenced my writing, encouraged me, critiqued my work, taught a workshop I attended, etc.

Long before I ever started plotting stories in my head, or seeing scenarios consisting of characters of my own invention depicting scenes of my own invention, I read books by talented authors. And without even knowing me, they inspired me, influenced me.

Later, the day came when I chose to write and gave it a try, thinking, vainly, I could jump right in and make a success of it. Ha! Twelve years later I’m still learning (which won’t stop). I have a pile of unpublished manuscripts hoping for homes while I try new projects. I’m a reader, writer and editor, and I know this is where I’m called to be.

There are authors with tons more experience than me. And there are writers with less experience than me. I land on the line somewhere, just like you. If you’re of the mind to help writers/authors, here are some ideas:

~ You could offer advice, encouragement, lessons in your strengths.
~ You could serve as an influencer and encourage readers to buy your favorite books.
~ You could post book reviews online.
~ You could blog on writing.
~ You could critique someone else’s work and offer your opinion.

There are many ways you could give back to the writing community. Giving back may require a new commitment. If so, I encourage you to make it. There is so much joy in giving.

This season as we give thanks and look forward to Christmas, consider the various ways you could give back to those who’ve helped you along your writing path. You might be surprised how God blesses you in the blessing.

Persevere

Hey everyone, Annette here for another installment in our New Commitments series.

Ugh! I can’t get past this block. That ever happened to you? My crit partners helped me rework my storyline last week at McCrit, but I can’t get rolling. It’s probably an SOTP thing. And I know once I’m on the right track, it’ll flow. But for now, I stare at the screen. Getting out two hundred words feels like laboring over two thousand.

But I long to write. I long to dive in and revisit these characters. So, what to do?

How do you get past writer’s block?

One thing I know I can’t do—give up. That phrase isn’t allowed here at Seriously Write. *grin*

Maybe part of the problem is I haven’t adopted the new ideas as my own, or they seem to not quite fit the story. They need tweaking. See, I’m beginning to understand, and knowledge leads to breakthroughs.

Prayer helps. I’ve been praying this week about my WIP, but I haven’t gotten back to the computer (at least not with time blocked out to write). I need both.

What about you? Do you need a fresh inspiration or plan for your writing? Maybe you’ve received a rejection lately, and it’s difficult to get back into your writing or even start a new project given all the heartache or frustration you’re feeling. Sometimes I just need a break from a specific project in order to get fired up again. Or tackle whatever is holding things up from a different angle.

Maybe your writing buds can help encourage you. We’re here to help. And I don’t know about you, but God timed this focus on perseverance just perfectly for me. *smile*

So, pray, commit anew to not giving up, position yourself at the computer, and write on!

New Arenas

New Arenas

Turning the Pages Series
Net's Notations Tuesdays

Last month, a few friends, my husband, and I attended a booksigning with James Rubart (Jim to his friends), author of Rooms and William Paul Young (Paul to his friends), the author of The Shack. Jim’s a friendly guy, whom I believe never meets a stranger. And Paul? He’s a down-to-earth, humble hugger. After he signs your book, he hugs you. *grin*

Got me thinking. A couple years ago, I don’t suppose Jim imagined he’d be spending a day with Paul Young, signing books at the same table, after occupying the same stage. Because his book Rooms has been so successful, he’s had access to more public arenas in 2010 than perhaps he’s had all along as a writer. (Thanks, Jim, for letting me use you as an example. *smile*) New arenas have affected his writing life, opening up his sphere of influence. And his writing opened up these new arenas in his life.

I attended my first Mt. Hermon conference in 2005, I didn’t know many people. In fact, it’s probably safe to say, I only knew a handful of fellow conferees. I didn't yet belong to ACFW. Never attended a large writer’s conference. Okay. I knew Steve Laube. He’d been at a small-scale conference in Seattle as an editor (then).

But now, through ACFW, Facebook, blogging and book reviewing, I’ve met many, many Christian writers. Just ask Dawn, recruiting for Seriously Write keeps us connected, networked.

I found my first book publishing opportunity through ACFW. See that? New arenas opened up new writing opportunities. After that book was published, I was able to participate in a huge booksigning at the Mall of America a couple of years ago. Writing leads to new arenas.

Same’s true in your life. You meet up with your critique partners and suddenly your writing isn’t just yours anymore. I joke with my McCritters (Dawn and Ocieanna are two of them) that all our names should grace the covers of my books one day. *chuckle*

Another arena may be speaking engagements. Perhaps you started as a writer, but now you also have a speaking ministry.

New arenas affect our writing and our writing brings us into new arenas. It’s another way God turns the pages of our writing lives, keeping things interesting, connecting His kids, giving us fellowship with other writers, as well as readers.

And now, taking center stage of the arena: you!

Refilling

Refilling
Refreshed by God Series

Net's Notations Tuesdays

Last week we talked about following our Good Shepherd to the places of refreshing. Today we’ll talk about what can happen when we follow that nudge, let ourselves be drawn to a place of refreshing: refilling!

Like parents or pastors, we writers give and give, which means we’ll need refilling.

We need fresh insights and words from Him so we can pour out.

That’s why I like this waterfall image. The water from above refills the pool below. Moving water. Refreshing. Cool. Life-giving water.

You don’t have to “get away from it all” to be refilled. Just spend some time with God. Find a quiet place, grab your Bible. Pray. Listen.

But again it’s a question of willingness and choosing to be refilled.

By design, Christians are like those fountains where the sculpture character holds a spilling pitcher. Water is pumped up to pour from a pitcher into the pool below. We weren’t meant to hold onto the water, but to let it flow from us to the pool waiting below.

Collected water goes stale—lets mosquitoes breed. So, we want to pour out on others. Moving water is living water. And God is the source inside us.

Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, "but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." (John 14:13-14)

But we’re finite, so we need continued refilling. The great part is, God is willing and able to refill us as often as we need. Make the secret place a priority, get refilled daily.

Refreshed by God Series: One

Refreshing
Refreshed by God Series One

Net's Notations Tuesdays

It’s vacation season, or you could call it summer. *grin* Where is your favorite place to go? Kids are out of school, weather turns nice. You get away.

Well, now that summer is winding down, are you planning any last minute trips to get away?

One summer, we took our usual trip to a favorite spot. Whole family piled into the van and off we went with gear galore. (the only way to travel)

As often happens, I anticipated great inspiration and some downtime to write while away. So, my laptop was tucked into the van as we headed out.

We arrived at our location, unpacked and settled in. Kids trucked down to the beach. Husband grabbed a good book or some other project and it was time to write! Unpack the laptop, search for the cord. No cord. Uh-oh. Really? No electric cord? No way to recharge my elderly battery which cannot hold a charge no matter what I do? Drains in about 2.5 minutes. Ugh! I forgot my cord.

Then I hear God tell me He wants me to truly relax. To set the computer aside. (I don’t write without it—i.e. paper and pen—too frustratingly slow.) To rest. To relax. To let Him refresh me.

What a concept—take a break!

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23:1-2)

Thing about that beautiful passage as it relates with our being refreshed—we have to follow the Good Shepherd as He leads us to destinations meant to help us relax. Can I hear an Amen?

Suppose I had grabbed a pen and notebook and hid in the back bedroom and defied the gentle command to rest? Welcome, resentment. Welcome, bitterness. Welcome, frustrating vacation. But I didn’t. I recognized the loving care of my Shepherd and actually took a much-needed break from writing and its stressors. Sat in the sunshine. Communed with family and the Lord. Journaled. Rejuvenated.

A true vacation.

Is God gentling drawing you away for some R&R? Follow. You’ll be glad you did.

God's Promises to Writers Series

The Right Words at the Right Time
God's Promises to Writers Series, I
Net's Notes Tuesdays

Welcome to Net’s Notes Tuesday here at Seriously Write. Annette here. Today I’m starting a new series on God’s promises to writers. Isn’t it great to know God, who has called you, will supply all your need according to His riches in Christ Jesus? When God calls us to do something, He equips us as we cooperate with Him. When He sent out the 70 to heal the sick and cleanse the lepers and cast out demons, He gave them specific directions. Don’t take extra provision (read: trust God to provide for your needs). The same is true for writers who are seeking to glorify God.

Stop and take a moment and consider the single most important thing you need right now as a writer. For each of us, the answer may be different. Some might mention a better technique or a higher level of vocabulary. Some might say they need a new laptop or an office to work from. Some might request fellowship with other writers in order to feel supported and gain valuable feedback. Personally, I’m asking for God’s anointing. His words flowing through my hands so they’ll have the most impact possible.

As Christian writers, we aren’t guaranteed God’s words, but if we stay dependent upon Him and stay connected to Him through His Word and through prayer and worship, we can ask for His words and His will and receive them by faith.

Here’s what His Word has to stay about that:

The Lord Jehovah has given Me the tongue of the learned, to know to help the weary with a word. He wakens morning by morning, He wakens the ear to hear as the learned. (Isaiah 50:4)

And don't worry about what you'll say or how you'll say it. The right words will be there; the Spirit of your Father will supply the words. (Matthew 10:19)

Isn’t that comforting?

Recently, I watched a discussion online about logging daily words on our manuscripts. What say you? Do you try to reach a certain word count goal every day? Do you ever worry the words won’t be there? Or face writer’s block? You can prepare your outline (if you use one) and consider your characters and their motives ahead of time. But what if the words still won't come? You’ve got everything lined up: tension, conflict, characters, dialogue and still the words aren’t there. It’s time to lean on God’s promise for His provision of words.

The same is true for non-fiction writers. You can have everything in order. Chapter title, theme, experience, illustrations, etc., but that's no guarantee of the right words. Time to press in. Ask God for His anointing, for His words to flow through your fingers.

Aren’t you glad we can count on God to provide us with the words we need to finish our books (first draft and rewrites)? His promises are for you, His writer.

Virtues of March: Peace

Virtues of March: Peace
Author's Character Series

Net's Notation Tuesdays

Our family just got a new dog. He’s two years old, a mini-dachshund mix who is timid about strange noises and other dogs. I’ve got a new command for him since his arrival with our family: Peace. I want him to know he’s safe in my arms. I calm my own heart rate, (dogs pick up on people anxiety) and I stroke his back and say, “Peace.” And when he settles, I say, “Good peace.”

Okay, so it’s a little unconventional, but it’s something I want him to learn—he can have peace. He can relax and know he’s safe.

How about you? When God whispers peace into your life, do you receive it? You’re waiting to hear back from an editor. You’ve done the hard work and pushed past the procrastination (fear of failure, doubts, fear of success) and handed in your manuscript (or query or proposal). Now you wait. Do you wait peacefully?

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

Hear Jesus speak peace to us. He commands peace toward our circumstances (like when He calmed the storm and sent fear scrambling for the sake of His disciples). But He speaks it over us. When Jesus speaks peace, He imparts it to us in a powerful exchange, anxiety for rest. He is the Prince of Peace. But, as with salvation, we have a choice whether or not to receive it.

In this verse Jesus shows we have a choice even as to whether we “let” our hearts be troubled.

That challenges me. How about you?

Funny how timely this is. I’ve just sent in a requested full. Now I wait. Lord, help me choose peace. Grace me to hear the Prince of Peace whispering peace into my life. And speak peace to the storm of doubts which may come. I receive Your gift of peace.

Being at rest in His care (like our family’s new pet) is a sign that we have chosen peace. And that’s one thing He looks for in His authors. It’s a sign of a character like His.

The Author's Character Series - No Easier Roads

Net's Notation Tuesdays
The Author's Character

No Easier Roads

I don’t write historicals (yet—never say never in fiction writing). Why? I’d rather avoid the extra research involved. You can’t even write about people having a normal conversation without painting the setting (research), using the correct wording (research), and considering the clothing (research). What should be simple becomes so much more complicated because of the extra legwork involved.

Oftentimes I’m tempted to take the easy way out. Like while writing a recent Author’s Character post, I used a word I wasn’t 100% sure of the meaning on. Then the temptation—just choose another word or use it anyway, who’s gonna notice? Am I the only one to take the easy way out in the past? ;-) Not anymore!

I recently launched an editing business. How many of you know if you’re serious about editing you can’t avoid the tough stuff?! So, welcome to the world of intentional and in-depth use of the CMS (Chicago Manual of Style). As a writer, I think (and sometimes rightly so) “The editor will apply what fits her house. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Write a good story!” But as an editor myself, the tables have turned! Like with acquiring all your awesome pieces for this site. Dawn and I get to be the editors—read it through one more time. Make sure it reads smoothly. The other side of the desk, but necessary to grow as a writer and, as God would have it, as a person.

So, are there areas where you’re just getting by? Areas you’d rather not go through the extra steps to ensure you’ve got the right info, the right words, etc.? I’m feeling the challenge of God lately to stay on the difficult road. That’s what makes a mature writer, a mature person. Going through the tough stuff, the stuff we’d rather avoid. After all, He's working on the author's character.