Saturday, March 15, 2003
[3/12/2003 10:55:06 AM | Glenn White]
My primary daily writing exercise is reading the Bible and writing my thoughts and reflections in a journal. This is commonly known in many circles as daily devotions. This morning my reading included Prov. 12:25.
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. (NASB)
Almost everyone across our nation holds their breath while waiting for the potential war against Iraq. Unemployment is rising, the economy is unstable, and security is uncertain. A subtle, and often ignored, anxiety fills the hearts and minds of many people.
This morning, I began taking my role as a writer more serious than ever. I realized that many people need a "good word" that lifts hearts. So I made a list of topics that can provide a good word for heavy hearts...
I was just writing my column for our teen newsletter & did the same... The funny thing was, I sat there wondering who it would offend. As if that's any of my business...
I can be stalled so easily. Even overwork can overwhelm and freeze me...
So many personal issues in my life right now. Watching so many of my students ship off overseas and leave their wives and babies behind to take the brunt of the homefront...
And yet, my biggest struggle is fighting the demons of my childhood as my mother struggles with illness and addiction.
And I struggle with mercy and forgiveness...
For I cannot be forgiven, healed, or help those I love - until I am healed in this raw and bloody area...
I was told that it didn't matter what the other person did, how heinous. It was my job to get well. Not because abuse doesn't matter. But because WE do... And there is no other door to walk through other than a protective (of ourselves) mercy (for others...)
This is tricky business. So I write.
Heavy stuff. Don't let it scare you. Just venting so I can go on with my "normal" day. After all, when we allow the past to trap us, all of the many that we are blessed to love today - suffer.
For me, that will not happen. Not this day.
My primary daily writing exercise is reading the Bible and writing my thoughts and reflections in a journal. This is commonly known in many circles as daily devotions. This morning my reading included Prov. 12:25.
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. (NASB)
Almost everyone across our nation holds their breath while waiting for the potential war against Iraq. Unemployment is rising, the economy is unstable, and security is uncertain. A subtle, and often ignored, anxiety fills the hearts and minds of many people.
This morning, I began taking my role as a writer more serious than ever. I realized that many people need a "good word" that lifts hearts. So I made a list of topics that can provide a good word for heavy hearts...
I was just writing my column for our teen newsletter & did the same... The funny thing was, I sat there wondering who it would offend. As if that's any of my business...
I can be stalled so easily. Even overwork can overwhelm and freeze me...
So many personal issues in my life right now. Watching so many of my students ship off overseas and leave their wives and babies behind to take the brunt of the homefront...
And yet, my biggest struggle is fighting the demons of my childhood as my mother struggles with illness and addiction.
And I struggle with mercy and forgiveness...
For I cannot be forgiven, healed, or help those I love - until I am healed in this raw and bloody area...
I was told that it didn't matter what the other person did, how heinous. It was my job to get well. Not because abuse doesn't matter. But because WE do... And there is no other door to walk through other than a protective (of ourselves) mercy (for others...)
This is tricky business. So I write.
Heavy stuff. Don't let it scare you. Just venting so I can go on with my "normal" day. After all, when we allow the past to trap us, all of the many that we are blessed to love today - suffer.
For me, that will not happen. Not this day.
Thursday, March 13, 2003
Write To Inspire!
Every so often, I get stalled when I write.
Don't look so shocked. It happens.
Now, I've communicated with writers who claim they NEVER get stalled. NEVER fall victim to writer's block, NEVER have any doubt how any particular work – be it an article, short story, or novel – is going to go.
I'm not one of those people.
When I do get stalled, though, sometimes I doubt. Is what I'm working on truly what the Lord would have me do? Is this a "sign" that I'm on the wrong path, as sincerely as I am trying?
Once, I know beyond doubt that the Lord himself was in every chapter I wrote of a certain book. I had prayed for a topic for the book, and I got one. Like...right there. It was awesome. Forgiveness. I was excited. Then, I prayed and thought and found a great scenario for this idea. I wrote the entire novel in 30 days.
God was there! It was a flurry of excitement, insomnia, and just awe. Wow.
I've shared this novel with some Christian women and most of them agree that it's a great book. The toughest parts are communicative of God's grace and forgiveness and how we should forgive our fellow man.
So why can't I sell it? Why did it have to be so controversial in spots? I don't know. I only know that it was given to me that way and that's that.
But today...I'm struggling with a chapter. Will the book be communicative? Yes. Will it deal with a struggle in the life of Christian people? Yes. Do I believe it will minister to my readers? Of course, or I wouldn't be doing it.
So why can't I write more smoothly? Is the Lord here in this book too?
I sigh. I sigh again. And I keep plugging away, one word at a time. Maybe this is exactly what I'm supposed to do. And to learn to trust in times of a dry imagination.
Or maybe I should be looking at other story-starts in my file?
:-)
~~SLF~~
Every so often, I get stalled when I write.
Don't look so shocked. It happens.
Now, I've communicated with writers who claim they NEVER get stalled. NEVER fall victim to writer's block, NEVER have any doubt how any particular work – be it an article, short story, or novel – is going to go.
I'm not one of those people.
When I do get stalled, though, sometimes I doubt. Is what I'm working on truly what the Lord would have me do? Is this a "sign" that I'm on the wrong path, as sincerely as I am trying?
Once, I know beyond doubt that the Lord himself was in every chapter I wrote of a certain book. I had prayed for a topic for the book, and I got one. Like...right there. It was awesome. Forgiveness. I was excited. Then, I prayed and thought and found a great scenario for this idea. I wrote the entire novel in 30 days.
God was there! It was a flurry of excitement, insomnia, and just awe. Wow.
I've shared this novel with some Christian women and most of them agree that it's a great book. The toughest parts are communicative of God's grace and forgiveness and how we should forgive our fellow man.
So why can't I sell it? Why did it have to be so controversial in spots?
But today...I'm struggling with a chapter. Will the book be communicative? Yes. Will it deal with a struggle in the life of Christian people? Yes. Do I believe it will minister to my readers? Of course, or I wouldn't be doing it.
So why can't I write more smoothly? Is the Lord here in this book too?
I sigh. I sigh again. And I keep plugging away, one word at a time. Maybe this is exactly what I'm supposed to do. And to learn to trust in times of a dry imagination.
Or maybe I should be looking at other story-starts in my file?
:-)
~~SLF~~
As a writer, sometimes I feel like I fail, despite all my noble efforts to write and persuade that the Good News is good news. This morning, in my daily devotions, I read Acts 28.
Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.
Acts 28:24 (NASB)
Paul, from his rented condo in Rome, tried convincing some Jewish leaders about Jesus. Some believed and some didn't. The lesson? You win some, you lose some.
Now, that's a hard lesson for me. I want everyone to believe the truth about Jesus through my articles, stories, and whatever I write. You see, I believe good writing is persuasive writing.
But I must come to grips with the fact that I could be the greatest writer in Western literature and some people would refuse to believe. Of course, when I think about it, some people don't believe The Greatest Story Ever Told. That encourages me.
I'm encouraged that some people don't believe The Greatest Book Ever Written. I'm encouraged because that means I can write my best and some people will refuse to believe. It's not that they don't get it, it's that they don't want to get it. These people are not unbelievers, they are disbelievers. And that is sad but true.
What's a writer to do? Paul realized that some people just won't get it but he kept persuading with all openness, unhindered (Acts 28:31b). Paul openly and freely persuaded anyone willing to listen. I think that's the kind of writers God looks for---writers who write persuasively, openly, and unhindered to anyone willing to read.
Some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not believe.
Acts 28:24 (NASB)
Paul, from his rented condo in Rome, tried convincing some Jewish leaders about Jesus. Some believed and some didn't. The lesson? You win some, you lose some.
Now, that's a hard lesson for me. I want everyone to believe the truth about Jesus through my articles, stories, and whatever I write. You see, I believe good writing is persuasive writing.
But I must come to grips with the fact that I could be the greatest writer in Western literature and some people would refuse to believe. Of course, when I think about it, some people don't believe The Greatest Story Ever Told. That encourages me.
I'm encouraged that some people don't believe The Greatest Book Ever Written. I'm encouraged because that means I can write my best and some people will refuse to believe. It's not that they don't get it, it's that they don't want to get it. These people are not unbelievers, they are disbelievers. And that is sad but true.
What's a writer to do? Paul realized that some people just won't get it but he kept persuading with all openness, unhindered (Acts 28:31b). Paul openly and freely persuaded anyone willing to listen. I think that's the kind of writers God looks for---writers who write persuasively, openly, and unhindered to anyone willing to read.
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
My primary daily writing exercise is reading the Bible and writing my thoughts and reflections in a journal. This is commonly known in many circles as daily devotions. This morning my reading included Prov. 12:25.
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. (NASB)
Almost everyone across our nation holds their breath while waiting for the potential war against Iraq. Unemployment is rising, the economy is unstable, and security is uncertain. A subtle, and often ignored, anxiety fills the hearts and minds of many people.
This morning, I began taking my role as a writer more serious than ever. I realized that many people need a "good word" that lifts hearts. So I made a list of topics that can provide a good word for heavy hearts.
This list is a nice template for all my articles, stories, and books. Oh, I may not write specifically about each topic but these topics provide underlying themes for everything I write.
A friend of mine says, "Keep the Good News, good news." That's good advice because good news lifts heavy hearts in troubled times.
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. (NASB)
Almost everyone across our nation holds their breath while waiting for the potential war against Iraq. Unemployment is rising, the economy is unstable, and security is uncertain. A subtle, and often ignored, anxiety fills the hearts and minds of many people.
This morning, I began taking my role as a writer more serious than ever. I realized that many people need a "good word" that lifts hearts. So I made a list of topics that can provide a good word for heavy hearts.
- God has a future and a hope for everyone.
- God loves people.
- Every person is valuable to God.
- God is good...all the time.
- Every person has a gift.
- God hears and answers prayer.
This list is a nice template for all my articles, stories, and books. Oh, I may not write specifically about each topic but these topics provide underlying themes for everything I write.
A friend of mine says, "Keep the Good News, good news." That's good advice because good news lifts heavy hearts in troubled times.
wti writersWow!
We had a *real meeting* of the Dynamic Christian Writers last night. It's exciting, for me, to be involved with other Christians who are wanting to please the Lord with their work.
What is really cool is that we are all writing something different...no clones. :-) R. is wanting to start a book she believes is completely inspired and we agree. B. has a fabulous family history that she wishes to chronicle in a novelization. How exciting! V. is published in an anthology and is seeking publication in another one with simple domestic blessings...how cool! C. is being VERY brave and journaling...wow. I don't think I could do that.
Me? For the DCW, I'm working on a romance...of course... lol When I look at what they're doing, sometimes, I wonder about me and my romances... lol But, I know that the Lord has given me light stories to tell...that's my gift, sometimes, when I accept it as it is given to me.
The future is fast approaching and I am excited to be meeting it in the company of such wonderful folks!
~~SLF~~
We had a *real meeting* of the Dynamic Christian Writers last night. It's exciting, for me, to be involved with other Christians who are wanting to please the Lord with their work.
What is really cool is that we are all writing something different...no clones. :-) R. is wanting to start a book she believes is completely inspired and we agree. B. has a fabulous family history that she wishes to chronicle in a novelization. How exciting! V. is published in an anthology and is seeking publication in another one with simple domestic blessings...how cool! C. is being VERY brave and journaling...wow. I don't think I could do that.
Me? For the DCW, I'm working on a romance...of course... lol When I look at what they're doing, sometimes, I wonder about me and my romances... lol But, I know that the Lord has given me light stories to tell...that's my gift, sometimes, when I accept it as it is given to me.
The future is fast approaching and I am excited to be meeting it in the company of such wonderful folks!
~~SLF~~
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
Tuesday Morning Musings: From This Writer's Desk
Note: Typically, readers can expect to see Monday Morning Musings. I'm starting a day off because I didn't know about this blog before today.
I've been having a heck of a week already and it's only Tuesday! Staying organized has always been a huge priority, as it should be with any business. However, human nature does tend to take over and cause things to get out of hand before you know what's happening. This has been the case for me this week. What have I done to solve this problem before it nips me in the bud? Here's some examples of what I've done this morning to clear the clutter and organize myself:
1: I made a chronological list of all my weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly deadlines.
2: I got out my handy-dandy calendar and organizer and wrote in each deadline. This is typically a common practice as I pick up new assignments and clients, but you'd be amazed how quickly such a simple task can be forgotten.
3: I created folders for every item on the list. This is another thing I typically do when I pick up new assignments and clients, but again, this has slipped out of control. The piles of "I'll sift through those later" papers were ever growing on my desk.
4: You guessed it, I filed the folders! No more piles to sift through -- everything is where it belongs!
Something so simple has already made what started out to be a bad week look better. I find when I'm not organized, it shows in my daily activities and in my writing. I've heard so many times that if you follow the clutter, you'll find a creative person (or something like that), but I personally can't get things done if I don't have a system in place. This week is a prime example of that!
-o- Until next week -- happy writing! -o-
Note: Typically, readers can expect to see Monday Morning Musings. I'm starting a day off because I didn't know about this blog before today.
I've been having a heck of a week already and it's only Tuesday! Staying organized has always been a huge priority, as it should be with any business. However, human nature does tend to take over and cause things to get out of hand before you know what's happening. This has been the case for me this week. What have I done to solve this problem before it nips me in the bud? Here's some examples of what I've done this morning to clear the clutter and organize myself:
1: I made a chronological list of all my weekly, bi-weekly, monthly and quarterly deadlines.
2: I got out my handy-dandy calendar and organizer and wrote in each deadline. This is typically a common practice as I pick up new assignments and clients, but you'd be amazed how quickly such a simple task can be forgotten.
3: I created folders for every item on the list. This is another thing I typically do when I pick up new assignments and clients, but again, this has slipped out of control. The piles of "I'll sift through those later" papers were ever growing on my desk.
4: You guessed it, I filed the folders! No more piles to sift through -- everything is where it belongs!
Something so simple has already made what started out to be a bad week look better. I find when I'm not organized, it shows in my daily activities and in my writing. I've heard so many times that if you follow the clutter, you'll find a creative person (or something like that), but I personally can't get things done if I don't have a system in place. This week is a prime example of that!
-o- Until next week -- happy writing! -o-
Writing as a Christian but not writing Christian literature.
This is a dilemma I'm facing. Well...not a dilemma, exactly. More like a circumstance that I am laboring under.
"No mass conversions!" I hear in my mind, echoes from the Roundtable. I laughed, then; I chuckle now. No, I don't plan on having a big revival in my historical fiction novel. But that doesn't mean that Christians aren't going to be trying to share the Good News! :-)
Am I limited to writing Christian fic when I'm writing for the Lord? I don't think so. The historical novel has more freedom, actually, to be a bit more descriptive since I'm not thinking "CBA" when I write. lol I have a lot of respect for the Christian Booksellers Association, don't get me wrong, but a violent, gory battle scene might not go over well with them. Yet, an adequate description of a Viking raid should have such a depiction...at least once...to be effectively communicative.
So do I make apologies for my characters? Do they all have to 'see the light' by tale's end? I don't think so... but I do want them all to hear about Christ. Even if, in the book, they scorn the "Man-God" of one of the protagonists.
~~SLF~~
This is a dilemma I'm facing. Well...not a dilemma, exactly. More like a circumstance that I am laboring under.
"No mass conversions!" I hear in my mind, echoes from the Roundtable. I laughed, then; I chuckle now. No, I don't plan on having a big revival in my historical fiction novel. But that doesn't mean that Christians aren't going to be trying to share the Good News! :-)
Am I limited to writing Christian fic when I'm writing for the Lord? I don't think so. The historical novel has more freedom, actually, to be a bit more descriptive since I'm not thinking "CBA" when I write. lol I have a lot of respect for the Christian Booksellers Association, don't get me wrong, but a violent, gory battle scene might not go over well with them. Yet, an adequate description of a Viking raid should have such a depiction...at least once...to be effectively communicative.
So do I make apologies for my characters? Do they all have to 'see the light' by tale's end? I don't think so... but I do want them all to hear about Christ. Even if, in the book, they scorn the "Man-God" of one of the protagonists.
~~SLF~~
Monday, March 10, 2003
You go girl! Hooray for Sandi!
It is a scary thing just to write. The more I think about it, writing is like believing God.
Let's face it, believing in God can be scary especially if you're a writer. We don't hear much about the scary side of faith but most of us know it's true. Like when you believe God wants you to write a story. You begin your story full of faith but when you write your faith level unexpectedly drops. By chapter three, you're wondering if you're a writer. In chapter four, your faith plunges to new depths and you wonder if you really heard God. Chapter five...wow...the plot comes together nicely with an idea you know wasn't your own...your faith rises.
And so it goes on the roller coaster ride of faith and writing. Scary? You bet! However, when the book or article is finished and your ride is over, you feel like a kid. And like a kid, you can hardly wait to ride again and feel your faith rise like never before.
It is a scary thing just to write. The more I think about it, writing is like believing God.
Let's face it, believing in God can be scary especially if you're a writer. We don't hear much about the scary side of faith but most of us know it's true. Like when you believe God wants you to write a story. You begin your story full of faith but when you write your faith level unexpectedly drops. By chapter three, you're wondering if you're a writer. In chapter four, your faith plunges to new depths and you wonder if you really heard God. Chapter five...wow...the plot comes together nicely with an idea you know wasn't your own...your faith rises.
And so it goes on the roller coaster ride of faith and writing. Scary? You bet! However, when the book or article is finished and your ride is over, you feel like a kid. And like a kid, you can hardly wait to ride again and feel your faith rise like never before.
I've never done this before.
Writing just to write, you know? Just to let words flow without...gasp...a plot! I always have a plot. Or a character. Or a story. What does it mean to just...write?
Glenn said no boundaries. Doesn't he know that's dangerous? In Psalm 119, the Lord speaks of boundaries, I LIKE boundaries. They make me feel safe.
Perhaps that's why I always did well in school on papers and assignments. Perhaps that's why I did well on a Masters paper with minimal prep time. The placing of boundaries is, to me, very important.
So, what do I write...here where I am to write freely? I have no idea!!
But! I do know a couple of things. I know in whom I believe, and whom I wish to glorify when all is said and done. And really...that's gotta be right up there with the most important stuff, right?
Gee...I hope he thinks so... :-)
~~SLF~~
Writing just to write, you know? Just to let words flow without...gasp...a plot!
Glenn said no boundaries. Doesn't he know that's dangerous? In Psalm 119, the Lord speaks of boundaries, I LIKE boundaries. They make me feel safe.
Perhaps that's why I always did well in school on papers and assignments. Perhaps that's why I did well on a Masters paper with
So, what do I write...here where I am to write freely? I have no idea!!
But! I do know a couple of things. I know in whom I believe, and whom I wish to glorify when all is said and done. And really...that's gotta be right up there with the most important stuff, right?
Gee...I hope he thinks so... :-)
~~SLF~~
Aloha!
This is the first entry of a new web log (blogger) for WriteToInspire.com. We hope you will find something here for your heart and your writing. After all, good writing comes from the heart and not the head. The more I write the more I discover that my head is good for rewriting and editing but the best first drafts always come from my heart.
What does this mean? For me it means I must write and not think. When I stop and think, like I did before I wrote this sentence, then my heart runs and hides. My heart always seems to play hide-and-go-seek with my head. My heart is compassionate and sensitive while my head is cold and calculating.
Today, when you write, try writing from your heart. Just sit down and write and let your heart bleed ink for awhile. Don't bother with grammar, punctuation, spelling and all the writing rules just empty your heart out on paper for a few minutes. Don't worry, your head either knows the rules or can learn the rules. And your head will help you when you rewrite and edit. Today, just write from heart and cry, laugh, play, or whatever your heart wants.
The trouble with most writers is that they do not trust their hearts. It's odd but after some writers give their hearts to Jesus they seem to trust their hearts less and less and their heads more and more. Trust God and your heart then write your heart out.
Go ahead and let your heart lead the way. You may be surprised at what God can do with a heart willing to risk.
Have a wonder-filled day,
Glenn
Glenn White, Editor
www.WriteToInspire.com
This is the first entry of a new web log (blogger) for WriteToInspire.com. We hope you will find something here for your heart and your writing. After all, good writing comes from the heart and not the head. The more I write the more I discover that my head is good for rewriting and editing but the best first drafts always come from my heart.
What does this mean? For me it means I must write and not think. When I stop and think, like I did before I wrote this sentence, then my heart runs and hides. My heart always seems to play hide-and-go-seek with my head. My heart is compassionate and sensitive while my head is cold and calculating.
Today, when you write, try writing from your heart. Just sit down and write and let your heart bleed ink for awhile. Don't bother with grammar, punctuation, spelling and all the writing rules just empty your heart out on paper for a few minutes. Don't worry, your head either knows the rules or can learn the rules. And your head will help you when you rewrite and edit. Today, just write from heart and cry, laugh, play, or whatever your heart wants.
The trouble with most writers is that they do not trust their hearts. It's odd but after some writers give their hearts to Jesus they seem to trust their hearts less and less and their heads more and more. Trust God and your heart then write your heart out.
Go ahead and let your heart lead the way. You may be surprised at what God can do with a heart willing to risk.
Have a wonder-filled day,
Glenn
Glenn White, Editor
www.WriteToInspire.com
