Writing Stubborn by Heidi Chiavaroli

Image courtesy of wokandapix/Pixabay

Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~Hebrews 12:1-3

I am a runner.

If you read that sentence and you are also a runner, we have just formed a unique bond through cyberspace. We have an understanding of one another and what it takes to run.

I am also a writer. Likewise, if you are a writer, you and I can relate to one another in a unique way. We understand this journey is not always an easy one, but it is so worth it.

Whether a runner or writer, the bond we share (besides the fact that we like to torture ourselves) is a certain character trait. Maybe trait is the wrong word, because it’s more of a decision. A decision to be stubborn. To persevere. Gina Holmes calls it Sticktoitivness. Name it what you will—grit, determination, or resolve. But I believe this is what makes success.

When I am finishing up a ten-mile run, when the muscles in my thighs are burning and my feet are on fire, when I can see that beautiful white mailbox where I will allow myself to walk (oh, how glorious is just walking!), when I push myself to finish strong because that’s who I am and who I want to be, trusting that my stubbornness will pay off, that I will be a better runner for pushing through the pain…that’s when I know victory.

And yes, when I’m writing. When I’m past that beautiful and inspiring beginning, when I’m sweating through the middle and agonizing over the climax, when my eyes glimpse that glorious moment when I can write The End, when I can just read a book without feeling guilty that I’m not pounding out the words on my own laptop…that’s when I know victory. I have chosen perseverance. Sticktoitivness. Stubborness.

And there, in the pain and suffering, is how I improve. How I find victory. How even, I can become more like my Savior as I fix my eyes on Him, the ultimate goal.

But wait, that’s just the beginning. Because now I must let go of my writing. Let my sweat and work—my baby—go. I must offer it up to God, trusting Him to do what He will with it.

I believe the same goes for everything in our lives—whether it be writing, mastering a sport, bringing up children, growing our careers, or our faith. We can only give our absolute stubborn best…and let God finish the work for us. (He’s good like that, you know.)

How do you help yourself push through those tough times in writing? How do you make yourself finish a project? How do you write stubborn?

Heidi Chiavaroli is a writer, runner, wife, mother, and grace-clinger—not necessarily in that order. Ever since taking her first trip to Plimoth Plantation with her sister, mother, and grandmother at the age of nine, she has been fascinated with history and its significance to today’s people and culture. Heidi is the winner of ACFW’s 2014 Genesis Contest, Historical Category. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, two sons, and Howie, her standard poodle.

Write Without Purpose by Melissa Finnegan

So often we focus on writing books, but there are so many more opportunities to get our work in front of others. Today, author Melissa Finnegan discusses a market that allows us to write for publication while sharing our faith experiences in a way that helps others.  -- Sandy

Melissa: While you’re waiting to hear back from an agent or publisher have you written devotions or articles? Have you considered it? Have you wondered what makes a devotion or article saleable?

I’ll tell you what has worked for me: writing without purpose.

What? You might be scratching your head, thinking I’m crazy. You might be right. J

Let me explain.

When I say write without purpose I only mean to a degree.

My best writing has come out of my quiet times with the Lord. When I am still before Him, soaking in His presence He speaks, I listen then I write.

The greatest out pouring of devotions and articles in my life came when I worked an hour away from home. 

During those drives God poured into me so much. He revealed things to my heart that I had to get down on paper.

I never thought, “This will make a great article for so-and-so publication.” I just wrote what God revealed to me. I had no purpose other than the joy of this time with the Lord and Him speaking to me.

After stockpiling many devotions the idea struck me that maybe a few of them would fit in with some magazines. I started visiting websites and reading guidelines. Don’t skip this step. Just as you would study guidelines when submitting your novel don’t neglect this step when it comes to magazines. If a magazine didn’t sound like it would be a good fit for my work I didn’t submit it but if it sounded like this could be a good match I sent it. And guess what? Before long I was getting published.

What I didn’t do was find a magazine and write for what they were looking for. Although, this might work on occasion (like I’m writing for this blog) that won’t always be the case. If we don’t write from our heart our work falls flat. I have to be true to my voice, not make my voice sound like what someone else is looking for.

I no longer have an hour drive to work. I have to be much more intentional about finding my quiet time and listening for God’s voice. I have found He speaks to me differently so I have to keep my heart and ears open.

Just the other night, as I watched my daughter’s softball game, God pointed out how the girls are always ready to cover their base whether they see someone running for it or not. If there’s chance someone could steal the base they’re covering it.

There are so many places I could take this and turn it into a devotion. If I wasn’t listening I could miss the lesson. I must be able to discern His voice and in order to do that I have to spend time with Him.

I believe that’s our greatest asset to our writing: spending time with Jesus, listening for His voice and writing down the things He reveals.

Have you ever written for the devotional market? Can you share some publications that accept devotions?

~~~~~

Melissa Finnegan has had articles published with Proverbs 31 Women, Creation magazine and several other publications. She has contributed short stories and devotions to two books: Sweet Freedom ala mode and Sweet Freedom with a Slice of Peach Cobbler. You can find her at www.5020genesis.wordpress.com where she shares reviews, giveaways and stories of hope, what she calls Genesis 5020 stories. She’s currently working on novel set in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. She lives in southeast Michigan with her personal hero, Patrick, and her two amazing children. 

Are You an Orphan like Johnny on the Hot Seat? by Zoe M. McCarthy

Zoe M. McCarthy

I’ve listened to CDs from Allen Arnold’s four-day class, God's Disruptive Invitation into Creative Intimacy. Writing the following story helped me understand concepts from Allen’s first session.

Johnny on the Hot Seat

Elder: Hello, Johnny. What brings you here?

Johnny: Nothing’s going right in my writing.

Elder: Sit and tell me about it.

Johnny: I prayed God would help me, but the middle of my story sags. I’m way behind in word count. I’ve had no time to connect on my social media networks. And now my editor wants me to rewrite the first chapter.

Elder: Wow. Overwhelming.

Johnny: If God called me to write for Him, why is all this happening?

Elder: Did God call you to write for Him or to be in relationship with Him?

Johnny: I thought, both. But I guess God is more interested in a relationship with me.

Elder: True. But the Creator has given you a gift and desire to create.

Johnny: But when nothing goes right, I wonder why.

Elder: Do you think you’re an orphan?

Johnny: Orphan? What do you mean?

Elder: You agree that God desires a relationship with you and that He’s given you the gift and passion to create.

Johnny: Right.

Elder: Then why do you throw up a prayer and then proceed to create on your own? Why do you act like making everything happen is up to you? The creating, the writing, the marketing? Why do you choose to be an orphan?

Johnny: Because God calls us to bear fruit.

Elder: So, the Lord is into production more than relationship?

Johnny: Now I’m confused.

Elder: May I suggest you create with God, instead of trying to create for God. Wouldn’t you rather create with the God who made oceans, mountains, and peacocks? Or do you prefer to do it all on your own like an orphan?

Johnny: I never thought of it that way.

Elder: Yes, it’s a rare activity. And it’s disruptive. There’s no 5 steps. God’s more interested in who you are first, and what you do second. Being intimate with the Creator, your Dad in heaven, can make your work fun.

Johnny: I’d like having fun with God as I work.

Elder: Then follow Him. When He turns left, you turn left with Him. When He says let’s go for a walk, you don’t freak about word count. Your creativity will be an adventure with God.

Johnny: So, I don’t need to learn the writing craft or marketing?

Elder: Oh, they have their necessary places, but the number one thing is creating with God. “The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.” (Ps. 34:10) The apostle Paul, said, “I would like you to be free from concern.” (1 Cor. 7:32)

Johnny: I want to be free from concern. Thank you, Elder. I’m off to create with my Creator.

Elder: And I, off to counsel a doctor to heal with the Healer.

<<>>

Try creating WITH the Creator of hippos, instead of trying to create FOR Him. Click to Tweet.

What do you think about working intimately with God?

About the Author

Zoe M. McCarthy believes the little known fact that opposites distract. Thus, she spins Christian contemporary romances entangling extreme opposites. Her tagline is: Distraction to Attraction, Magnetic Romances Between Opposites. Now retired actuaries, Zoe and her husband evaluated the financial risks for insurance companies. Nick, in Zoe’s debut novel, Calculated Risk, is an actuary. Christian Fiction Online Magazine published two of her short stories. Zoe self-published two books of contemporary Christian short stories. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys leading workshops at JoyWriters on the craft of writing; speaking about her faith; planning fun events for her 5 grandchildren; and exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains, where she lives with her husband, John.
Learn more about Zoe M. McCarthy at her website: http://zoemmccarthy.com

Calculated Risk

Calculated Risk
by Zoe M. McCarthy

What happens when an analytical numbers man meets a mercurial marketing Rep? Romance is a calculated risk…

Jilted by the latest of her father’s choices of “real men,” Cisney Baldwin rashly accepts an invitation to spend Thanksgiving weekend with a sympathetic colleague and his family. Nick LeCrone is a man too much her opposite to interest her and too mild-mannered to make her overbearing father’s “list.” Now, Cisney fears Nick wants to take advantage of her vulnerable state over the holiday. Boy, is she wrong.

Nick wants little to do with Cisney. She drives him crazy with all her sticky notes and quirks. He extended an invitation because he felt sorry for her. Now he’s stuck, and to make matters worse, his family thinks she’s his perfect match. He’ll do what he can to keep his distance, but there’s just one problem—he’s starting to believe Cisney’s magnetism is stronger than he can resist.

Purchase links for Calculated Risk: http://zoemmccarthy.com/books

What is True Royalty? by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

What’s the message? God, what do You intend as You author the pages of the book I’m writing?

Those are important questions to ask, and usually I feel a solid Spirit push once I create a story. In general terms I know the conflict, the theme, character arcs and resolution. That’s not meant to imply the message God puts on my heart is easily expressed, or drifts from my brain to the printed page in a perfect free-flow…no way, and don’t I wish!

But then came The Fairytale. I recently clicked ‘send’ on this manuscript and delivered it to my editor. The Fairytale centers on a princess and the commoner with whom she falls in love. Crafting this story was quite different for me. The words and scenes flew from my fingertips, and that was a joyful surprise. Usually there are points where I struggle to finesse the plot, or properly align conflict with a realistic resolution.

Here’s what startled me as one scene built and flowed into the next: I had no idea what was coming to be until the book was finished and I began to read it through with a stronger editorial eye. It was then that I realized there was no physical villain. No bad man or woman bent on causing chaos within the lives of my protagonists. Rather, the villain of The Fairytale is modern culture. The crux of its conflict comes from invasiveness, from societal perception, pressures and expectations that are often in direct opposition to my hero and heroine’s Christian perspectives.

That’s a heavy conflict to overcome, and here’s what else struck home. You don’t have to be in the public eye to feel the weight of those burdens, which makes the story relatable. After all, I’m nobody’s royal—although I readily confess to a love affair with sparkly tiaras—however, I feel increasing and hazardous pressure from the world around me to conform, ‘play nice’ and ‘go with the flow.’ Many times as a Christian I’m expected to deny my beliefs and follow culture’s secular lead. If I don’t, I run the painful risk of being marginalized as judgmental, bigoted or self-righteous. If I don’t support ‘this’ agenda or ‘that’ idea, I’m wrong, intolerant and way out of step.

The only way I know to change that tide is to live my life honestly, but in a manner that demonstrates the power of God’s loving redemption and grace.

So those realizations I stumbled upon as the result of writing The Fairytale aren’t just for future readers. They’re for me, too. After all, Jesus was royal to the highest power—yet he was common. He served. He had no armies, no official governance, yet he became a leader who turned a handful of followers into billions. He gave himself away out of unconditional, perfect love.

Therein resides my most powerful and enduring barometer of true royalty.

~~~~~

Click to Tweet!

Whatis true royalty?

There's a battle looming between Christianity and modern culture.

~~~~~

Aiden Balfour has always craved stability, independence and security. He’s led a rocky life but always treasured his summers in Northern Michigan with his best summertime friend, Olivia Masters.

Olivia is dedicated to preserving the life she’s known and always treasured at her grandparent’s home high on a bluff overlooking the pristine waters of Avalon. With their blessing, she’s turned the expansive piece of property into a quaint, restful bed and breakfast.

But developers are circling—and they’re led by none other than Aiden Balfour.

Now an ambitious businessman, he’s determined to turn the lake into a tourist mecca. A successful business owner, Olivia is equally determined to stop him...no matter what his hold on her heart.

Can the innocent joy and love of their youth be reclaimed? Can Then…and now…ever be reconciled to a future overflowing with love, and hope?

~~~~~

Then & Now is part of the Pure Amore imprint at Pelican Book Group. Pure Amore is a ‘book of the month’ subscription service featuring Christian romances centered on the concept of pre-marital purity and abstinence that doesn’t surrender one moment of the thrill to be found when two people fall in love. Check out Then & Now and the other wonderful Pure Amore titles at Pelican Book Group.

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is a multi-award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction with over twenty titles to her credit. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Happily married and the mother of two, Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan who is active in a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

Connect with Marianne:

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest