When in Doubt by Linda Condolora

The dreaded blank page - some days it is our nemesis, some days, a symbol of endless possibilities. Too many times, instead of fueling my creative juices, the blank page has filled me with doubt. I have found myself staring at the page as questions invaded my mind, one after another. What do you have to say that anyone could possibly want to read? Who are you to call yourself a writer? Why not just give up writing – life would be easier. Did God really call you to write? I’m learning to ignore those thoughts and remind myself of the importance of what we do as writers. If you ever find yourself doubting and questioning why you write, let me share with you some facts that help me and hopefully, will help you as well.

First and foremost, words matter to God. For example, He commands the Jews, in Exodus 20:7, not to misuse His name. And in Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus warns that we will have to give an account for the words we speak and be acquitted or condemned by them. Obviously, God cares about the spoken word. But what I find more interesting is how important the written word is to Him. Back to Exodus 20:7. This verse is part of what we call the Ten Commandments and the Jews call the Law. God did not depend only on word of mouth or prophecy to communicate with His people. He also used the written word. Here, He even did the writing Himself. Exodus 31:18 tells us, “he gave him (Moses) the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God.” God used the written word to communicate His law to His people, and it was written in His own hand.

Second, God calls some from among His people to write. The entire Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit and penned by men of God, was written down and painstakingly copied – every jot and tittle – so we would have the very words of God in our hands today. God used His people then to write His word, and He is still using people to write down His message for everyone to read. At some point, you became aware of God’s call to write and you answered it. It is a difficult calling and can be lonely, but it is an important task to be undertaken.  Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, devotionals or Bible studies, God has chosen you to get His message out to the people.  

So, the next time you face the blank page and begin doubting the call, remind yourself of how highly God values the spoken and written word. Take some time to recall the moment you realized He had called you to write for Him. Remember, He chose you from among His people for this task, and God doesn’t make mistakes. Then write. Write with the passion of one who is called. Write for Him.

Linda Condolora is a writer of Christian non-fiction, a speaker and a teacher of Ladies’ Bible classes. She has had articles published in ChristianWoman Magazine, has been the keynote speaker at regional retreats and is currently working on her first book. She lives in central NY with her husband and enjoys studying the Word, scrapbooking and spending time with her family, including her new granddaughter.

To find out more about Linda, book her for your event or connect with her, please visit:

Web: http://www.lindacondolora.com

Blog: http://www.blog.lindacondolora.com

Speaking: http://www.speakergram.com/register_event/Linda_Condolora

http://www.womenspeakers.com/speakers/search.php?city=East%20Syracuse

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.condolora

Twitter: @LindaCondolora

Christmas Treats Series: Christmas at Barncastle Inn

For our final feature in our Christmas Treats series, Darlene Franklin (one of the authors of the compilation Christmas at Barncastle Inn), is here to share some behind-the-scenes info. Grab a chair next to the Christmas tree, light a cinnamon-scented candle, and enjoy!

How did this project come about?

Lynette Sowell and I roomed together at ACFW conference one year. We’re both native New Englanders (now living in the southwest) and loved the idea of a Vermont setting for a Christmas story. Lots of beautiful Christmas snow in the Green Mountains!

After Lynette and I chose the setting, we decided to make a bed and breakfast the tie-together theme for the collection. Susan Page Davis suggested the “Christmas any time” idea; guests at the Barncastle Inn chose a time period they wish re-created during their stay. (a touch of Fantasy Island).

If this book is a compilation, tell us about that process. Was there a lot of collaboration? Do the stories all overlap? Is it key to read the book from first novella through to the last, etc.? Any advice for writers who are collaborating on a project?

Four authors wrote four separate stories. There is some degree of overlap; the couple from the first book end up running the Inn, and Matt (as carpenter) and Alec (as vet) appear in some of the other stories. We also worked on the layout of the main building, and the building converted for use in staging plays.

Collaborating? Work with people whose writing you trust. Recognize that you will need to be available to answer questions (anything from what color are their eyes to how far it is to town or what is the name of the diner).

What is the theme of your novella? How did you tie Christmas into the story? How did you go about choosing a theme for this story?

The theme for my story is that God can make something beautiful, even out of our mistakes. Waverly had a child out of wedlock—an experience she shares with the Virgin Mary. And Alec, like Joseph, wonders if he can be a father to her child.

When we were discussing what historical periods we wanted to cover, the idea of an unmarried mother occurred to me as soon as I decided to write about the first Christmas. The other settings are medieval, World War II, and pirates!

What is your best advice for writers working on a seasonal novel or novella? Did you set a mood as you wrote in order to get into the Christmas spirit? Did you write it at Christmastime in past years, or during the hot summer months? ;)

Becky Germany contracts Christmas novellas in the early fall, and the manuscripts are due in February; so we get to write them over Christmas! I am currently working on my novella for next year’s anthology (Merry Christmas, With Love in Postmark: Christmas). It’s a great strategy!

Before I wrote my first Christmas story, I wondered how you could come up with different stories year after year. Now I have written five, and hope to write more! As with so much in writing, start with an idea that excites you. Two of my novellas have been based on the biblical Christmas story. Another focused on a Christmas blizzard and yet another on a town named Christmas. Now I’m working on another great idea for next year. You’ll have to pardon me for not sharing it . . .

What are you hoping readers take away from your story? How will your story minister to readers? How can writers help their readers glean the takeaway?

God can and will redeem the places in our lives where we stray from His will.

The takeaway should be an integral part of the story, not something added on. Frequently in writing I think of a biblical passage that reflects on what is happening in the story. I have my characters wrestle with the truth. In First Christmas, Alec and Waverly reflect on the ways their lives reflect the experiences of Joseph and Mary as they portray the well known Christmas story.

Thank you for visiting Seriously Write in December! We wish you all His best this Christmas season and always.

Thanks so much!

~~~~~~

You can experience Christmas during the time period of your choice—if you rent the entire Barncastle Inn of Vermont for the whole week of Christmas. When they first decided to do this, Jayne Barncastle is determined to prove to her parents it will work. Will she overlook her own chance for romance in the process? Will a World War II era “White Christmas” re-create a scene of forgiveness for an embittered couple? Can a pirate’s lair be the place of fun-filled reunion for old lovers? When coworkers assist in recreating the first Christmas for the inn, will they discover romance?

~~~~~~

Award-winning author and speaker Darlene Franklin lives in cowboy country—Oklahoma—near her son’s family. She recently signed the contract for her twentieth novel. She is also a prolific devotional author with over 200 devotions in print. Visit Darlene’s blog at www.darlenefranklinwrites.blogspot.com.

The Winding Way of Writing by Lisa Lickel

One of the wonderful things about writing in the Christian market is that authors are generous in sharing their knowledge and experience with other writers aspiring to be published. Today, author Lisa Lickel gives some helpful tips. If you look at her number 10 suggestion, you’ll see that she follows her own advice. Enjoy! ~ Dawn

The Winding Way of Writing

by Lisa Lickel

I am an historian. Really. I did my university studies in anthropology, geography, and world history. The closest I got to English was the history of the English language. Which I ended up quitting. When I moved into a historic home, helped start a local historical society and worked on press releases, articles and editing books, one of the members kindly told me, “You should be a writer.”

 

That comment stuck with me. I was gainfully employed at the time and took the Christian Writers Guild course and started selling my articles before I finished the two-year apprentice program. With the afore-mentioned nudge of encouragement, I began writing novels and a lot of other things in-between. The course was an excellent tool to show me what was important about writing and being professional at it. I learned a lot more about the ups and downs of writing partners, agents, contracts, public persona, and publishing connections when I joined larger writing communities, like American Christian Fiction Writers at the advice of a friend, and Wisconsin Writers Association. I diversified by learning to edit for others and picking up a couple of magazine gigs. I learned also that networking in person at conferences and making yourself available to speak and teach helps build name-recognition and a fan base, because, unlike Field of Dreams, the “if you write it, they will buy it” philosophy doesn’t work. Authors and publishers have to work hard to be heard in the great cacophony of the public market.

While writing may be a lonely business, it is a business. The bottom line is that being Published should not be a writer’s goal; being Read is your true goal. Whether hobby, career, or ministry, authors need readers, and friendship evangelism, or building relationships, is the key to making sure your gifts reach those who need them.  

Some lessons in a nutshell:

1. Professionalism starts at the very beginning. Patience is a virtue. Take neither rejection nor flattery personally.

2. Find mentors and critique partners who can work together consistently and competently.

3. If you can’t write every day, learn something new every day. Enjoy.

4. Networking is as important as coming up with a good story.

5. Support other authors in many ways, such as through reviews, interviews, press releases, attending signings.

6. Go where the readers are. You’re a reader too!

7. Learn and practice social networking.

8. Stand on a solid promotion platform and be adaptable.

9. Moderation in all things: scheduling your time, adverbs, clichés, promotion, word count, submissions, saying “yes” and saying “no.”

10. Give something back.

Lisa Lickel is a Wisconsin writer who lives with her husband in a hundred and sixty-year-old house built by a Great Lakes ship captain. Surrounded by books and dragons, she writes inspiring fiction. Her novels include mystery and romance, all with a twist of grace. She has penned dozens of feature newspaper stories, short stories, magazine articles and radio theater. She is the editor in chief of Creative Wisconsin Magazine and of OtherSheep, a Christian spec fiction/nonfiction magazine. She loves to encourage new authors. Find her at LisaLickel.com.

Now available: Meander Scar, A Summer in Oakville (with Shellie Neumeier), Lavender Dreams 

Coming in April 2012, The Map Quilt

To find out more about Lisa and her books, please visit:

Web: http://www.lisalickel.com

Blogs: http://www.livingourfaithoutloud.blogspot.com

http://www.thebarndoor.net

http://reflectionsinhindsite.wordpress.com

Five Ways to Make It Happen by Lisa Harris

It’s hard to believe that 2012 is right around the corner. I always look forward to the New Year, as it’s a fresh start with new dreams, ideas, and goals. One thing that I’ve been thinking about lately is what I want to accomplish in the coming year and how I can get there. What are my dreams in ministry, mothering, and writing?

Here are my five ways to make it happen. They might sound elementary, but for me it’s been a good reminder of how I can keep myself on track in following these dreams.

Start today, not tomorrow: I’ll let you in on a secret. You don’t have to wait until New Years Day to start working on your goal. Okay, I know you know that, but if you’re like me, it’s easy to tell yourself that you’ll try again next January 1st. After months of too much Mexican food and all the other yummy things I love to eat while in the US on furlough last year, we returned to Africa, but weeks went by, and I kept putting off getting back into my normal exercise routine. Trust me, I had a lot of excuses and I was busy, but one day I decided it was time to stop making those excuses and lose those extra unwanted pounds. And to stop putting it off. It would have been easy to just wait until January, but now, I’m so glad I didn’t keep waiting until tomorrow.

Take a leap of faith: Last year, Scott told me he wanted me to start a non-profit that would help fund many of the projects needed to help people’s physical needs. To be honest, I didn’t see myself running a non-profit. At all. But the need was great, and despite the fact that I felt ignorant on the subject I knew I needed to at least try. In looking back over the past first year, I’ve been amazed at how God has been so faithful, because it certainly wasn’t my brilliant marketing skills. To date, over $10,000 has been raised to build houses for the homeless, pay for medical care, fund micro-loans, distribute vitamins, pay for school supplies for those in need and much more. So even if something is outside your comfort zone or normal box, don't let that stop you. Take a leap of faith and watch God work!

Set small, daily goals: This is something I’ve learned to be essential in my writing. An entire 85,000-word novel is daunting…unless you tackle in small pieces. Set a goal for a week, a goal for each day. Give yourself some wiggle room, and then go for it…One day at a time.

If you get off track, don’t beat yourself up: Let’s be honest, how many of us start full speed on our goals in January, but by March we’re completely off track. So what do we do? We quit. (I know, I’ve been there!) But think about it, it doesn’t matter if it’s April or October, reset your goals, start moving toward them, and you’ll see progress. That progress is a huge motivation!

Find an accountability partner: It always helps to have someone cheering for you, and it’s even better if they are reaching toward the same goal. Blog about your journey, join a group or a ministry to get you started, find a prayer partner, tell a friend and in turn you will see your motivation grow.

The bottom line is that it’s never too late to follow that dream. I don’t care if you’re eighteen or eighty, God can use our talents, gifts and dreams. Just be willing to step out on faith and trust Him. 

"If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ."  I Peter 4:11

So what about you? What’s your dream? How can you start making it a reality today? I love to hear your thoughts as well as ways that have helped you make it happen!

Be blessed,

Lisa

Lisa Harris is a wife, mom, teacher, author, dreamer, photographer, but most importantly a follower of Christ Jesus.

She currently live with her husband, Scott, and two of their children near the Indian Ocean in Mozambique as church-planting missionaries, while their oldest is loving his first year at a missionary boarding school.