How Do You Edit?

How do you edit, writer? 

This past round of edits, I printed out my manuscript and red-lined it over a 2 week period. This was perfect for traveling—I loved having a tangible thing to pick up and work on when I had a chance.

When I got home, I frantically put it into the computer to make a deadline.

The thing is, I didn’t account for the ADDITIONAL editing that goes into doing this. I hit the deadline, but my head was spinning, and I probably know my manuscript word for word now!

While it wasn’t completely ideal at moments, I still stand by handwritten editing at some point in the process. It truly connects you to your story in a different way than typing does—and gives you a break from screen time!

If you’d like to try handwritten edits, here are some tips:

1. Set aside extra time for the EXTRA editing that goes into transferring to digital (unless you are an expert at turning your internal editor off while you type in the edits—I am not!)

2. Break up the transfer into acts. Paper edit the first act then transfer into the computer. Then go to the next act. This might be less daunting than trying to get them all in as a deadline creeps up.

3. Enjoy the journey. I loved sitting with pen in hand and changing things up. I only got frantic when I realized how much I had changed! Ha! But, the process is life giving, and in the end, you have a thoroughly edited manuscript to send off!

So, do you prefer editing on paper or screen?

Tipful Tuesday: Emily Dickinson

The spoken word is more powerful than we might ever hope for at times, and it is a tool for change and healing in the most powerful of ways. To consider it dead as it hits the listener, is definitely something I cannot align with, just like Miss Dickinson.  Our words can destroy, lift up, empower, motivate...the list goes on. Words are the life between us and around us.

But...how might this relate to our written words? Is it so for those FIRST words of a first draft? Do we write them as if they are dead and will be slashed in the end? Or do we write them as if they are the very cells of an organism of grand potential?

Sometimes we forget that our words are the first sign of life in our characters, in our stories, in our purpose. I see authors struggle with writing that perfect first line, or that satisfying last line. But what if we looked at each word as a living thing, a breathing thing that is the root for the next one and the next one and we just keep writing until we have poured life onto the pages? What if we don't look at our words as something as dead and boring as count (sorry...I am all right-brained...numbers=boring to me), but as new life for that next growth?

Just a thought.

But. Hmmmm. I went back and read and reread my 92,000 words in my last story before sending it off. And, while I deleted bunches, as if they were just boring numbers needing to be wiped off the blackboard, the ones that stuck--ESPECIALLY the ones that I figured would die with the first draft--those that still made it on the page--can I just say...WHOA...? Those words took on life and purpose in my story like I never imagined them to do.

Consider your words bringing life about. See how much of your life you can breathe into their first day of existence. Write that first draft without too much weight on it all sticking, but write that first draft as if you are CRAFTING. There's power in that, there's art in that.

Happy Birthday, all you words!

The Gift of Presence for Writers

I've been reading several books and listening to a podcast in the past few weeks about a topic that's been changing my writing life.

Presence. No, I’m not talking about how many people follow you on Twitter or how many comments are posted on your last blog entry.

One of my favorite childhood heroines, Ramona Quimby was told something puzzling by her teacher on her first day of Kindergarten.

“Sit here for the present.” Her teacher tells her as she points to the front row seat.

Ramona is eager to do as she’s told. What five year old doesn’t enjoy receiving a gift?

When she sits through a day of school and no present is forthcoming, Ramona is crestfallen.

After class a tearful Ramona listens to her beloved instructor who explains the meaning of present. Now. The teacher may make changes in the seating plan later, but Ramona should sit where she’s told.

Yet, Ramona was right, wasn’t she?

The present is a gift. How often do we lose sight of that, both in our writing and in our day-to-day life?

Many creatives share the same ritual according to DAILY RITUALS by Mason Currey, a walk each day. Milton paced back and forth in his beautiful gardens. Perhaps he caught a glimpse of the beauty of heaven as he writes about in paradise lost within the simple flowers. Charles Dickens sauntered through London for hours on end. If you’ve read anything by this prolific author you know he had a knack for capturing the everyday lives of people and illustrating the daily ills of the time. Flaubert took an outside stroll with his family. Kafka, Freud, Tchaikovsky and others also spent time in the outdoors.

The other twenty some hours of the day influence our writing life just as much as the block of time spent at a keyboard.

Sleeping. Without these hours all creativity suffers. Many of the creatives took naps daily. I know when I don’t get enough sleep my clear thinking and ability to catch my own errors suffers. The amount of sleep needed may vary but over time there is a benefit to knowing your own best rhythm. I found a wonderful sleep tracking app which calculates my best wake-up time and I have felt so much more refreshed in the morning as a result. I am accomplishing more in my writing and in my life.

Time with Jesus. If we’re not filled to overflowing with the Living Water how can we pour out Spirit filled words that will bless others. First I must find the rest in repentance in my life. It is hard to find dead quiet with children at home but it’s so needed. These are the first moments I spend in writing, journaling what God is showing me and writing out heartsongs to my beloved Papa.

Through the eyes of children. Good writing shows people the wonder of a new world. Children give us new eyes. Whether at church or at home, children live life engaged and encourage us to do the same. When I watch my children I notice they take joy in tasting a warm chocolate chip cookie, in jumping on a trampoline, and so many other activities that I’ve often allowed to be mundane.

Being fully present with those in my life, appreciating the world around me. Eating warm bread with homemade butter. Crunching in the fall leaves. Smelling a woodburning stove and delighting in tales told around it. Singing to your children. Kissing your spouse. These are the moments, lived well, that make for a beautiful writing life. Spend your nonwriting hours engaged and reap the benefits. When we drink from the richness of life it will overflow into our writing life creating a rich bounty that will encourage others.

Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, for the Lord and not for men. -Colossians 3:23

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.-Colossians 3:17

Fun Friday Conference Edition

Thank heavens its the end of another week! Like many of you, I have Nashville on my mind so conference edition was a natural fit. But even if you're not planning to attend, keep reading. Its a bummer when resources or something else keeps us from ACFW, but God still has a great plan for your writing life even if it doesn't look the way you expect (or happen in your timing).

Notable News:

•  Amy Simpson's newest release is available for free right now in kindle format. From Winter's Ashes is a lyrical read that combines breathtaking suspense with those kissing scenes Amy is famous for. 
• Does your main character reflect on what they've learned throughout their journey? Why and how they should in a great post from Mary Vee this week, MC Must Raise the White Flag. 
• The old adage less is more also applies to our writing life. Krista shares how to simplify in a way that will grow our writing in her post, When Less is Really More.

ACFW Nashville Edition:

Do you have any funny conference stories?

One of our cats asked a prominent senior editor what she wrote after being introduced to her at conference. I have a feeling many have made a similar error!

 

My first conference four years ago, I was terrified! As a mega-introvert I had to take lots of time outs in the powder room! And to show how nervous I was I "lost" my driver's license (a super no-no for plane travel) in my own bag! After going through extra security measures (ick!) I found it hidden in a special pocket pouch I had somehow missed. 

I'd love to hear your amusing ACFW stories!

•  I just started reading a fantastic book, Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst. I think this is a great read for writers because who hasn't experienced rejection in some manner. Who hasn't felt "less than, left out, or lonely"? This study reinforces the heart truth that God is good in the midst of our painful circumstances and shows how these painful feelings He unroots can be a means of finding our true security in His love, rather than people pleasing. Great read to bring to conference!

"Rejection steals the best of who I am by reinforcing the worst of what's been said to me. "

"The mind feasts on what it focuses on."

"Pain is the invitation for God to move in and replace our faltering strength with His."

• I also loved this webcast if rejection is something you are struggling with in your writing life. It includes Lysa's thoughts on belonging and also features Tim Tebow, who is no stranger to being uninvited and also has a release upcoming on this topic. 
• An oldie but goodie from Chuck Sambuchino of Writer's Digest on How to Prepare for a Writer's Conference.  
• Meetings with editors have you down? Carrie Fancett Pagels explores why you might want to consider hybrid publishing on Seekerville this week. 
• As a CAROL award nominee, Pepper knows a thing or two about pitching. If you missed it the first time around, this post is a great choice for conference prep. 
•  Looking for some great one sheet examples? Look no further than Angie Dicken, our fantastic local one sheet creator. Check a few out here. 
• Are you a conference newbie? Whether it's your first time or seventeenth time, check out the pre-conference blog link-up hosted by Laurie to meet some friendly faces.
• Wondering what to pack? Check out this list from Oregon Christian Writers for conference success.  
• Is your story even ready to pitch? Check out this post from Susan May Warren.
• Understand Your Dramatic question: If you are ready to pitch here is a great video with tips from My Book Therapy.    
• Just for fun: Writer's Guide to Nashville.

“I think of Nashville as a very natural place. We’re easy going, we are ourselves. There isn’t a lot of preening or trying to impress. So it’s an easy place to just be and that is a good state from which to write.” —Ann Patchett, author of State of Wonder

 




  

Building Community As a Writer

This is a repost, but I thought it was good for those going to ACFW this year...a GREAT chance to build community! --Angie

If I never get published or win a contest, I have not traveled this writing road in vain. The friendships and people I've found along the way have blessed me more than a contract could, I am sure (although it'd be super nice to have one.;) ) Honestly, and I am a pretty transparent gal, the friendships I've found as I build my career, are priceless.

That being said, I have also discovered how community makes me a better writer. Community is of utmost importance in this writing venture, and looking at what has come from the nerve to call myself a writer, and to build a business without a "boss" (except the big One above), I can see how important relationships are as I build my career. I'll try and share some things I've discovered that have me look back and realize how my interactions with others equip me, and them, for the rest of the journey:

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER DIRECTION: First, you've got to get the word out there that you are even writing. I was shy to mention the thing I blew off as a "pipe-dream" when I first started, but if you've written words and you've cast a vision, then there is no reason to hide this calling. The thing is, I can hardly think of a time when I've taken that leap and declared myself as "a writer"that some kind of direction, for me or someone else, hasn't come from it. Whether it be a comparable book suggestion to what I'm writing or a connection to the local author I had no idea about, community is an important  setting for this journey.

For instance, I sat in a Bible study the other day, with women I didn't know, and thought to myself, "I have nothing in common with these people...what am I doing?" And then, I mentioned my writing, and a gal spoke up saying her husband was hiding away his talent and didn't know where to connect. Of course, I was a fountain of words at that point--gushing about ACFW and the Genesis contest. If I hadn't been open about my calling, and if that gal didn't have the courage to speak on behalf of her husband, we wouldn't have seen the amazing serendipity of sitting together and watching plans unfold. Her husband entered the contest...and is planning on going to conference this year! And, I have a new friend who supports me in my own journey since she understands the calling to write.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER TOOLS: This extends from my last scenario. Wowsers. Relationships with writers and non-writers are huge in discovering the effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of the many tools that can be used for building your career. Yesterday, I learned the big scary (now, not-so-scary) world of website building--thanks to a casual conversation with a friend, but also the relationships I've made in networking, at conference, and my good ol' Facebook friends who are always willing to share if I ask.

When I first stepped into the world of writing, I found the best tools were critique groups through ACFW, a critique partner, and contest feedback. All the while, I was building relationships with others and discovering some best friends along the way. But if I was alone in this, and didn't have that support, I doubt I'd have a career needing tools at all.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER MOTIVATION: This past weekend. I sat with two new-ish friends who are quickly becoming near and dear to me. And while we are each on different ventures toward a certain success (one friend is a health coach, and one is a direct-sales consultant), the encouragement, knowledge, and wisdom I received from opening up about my own dreams, revived my motivation for this not-for-the-faint-of-heart journey.

This is also how I feel after spending time with my AlleyCats who lift me up out of the deepest pits. And, it's also what I find after the end of another ACFW conference where I've surrounded myself with growing relationships and amazing people.

Please don't misunderstand me, I don't start relationships with the intent of finding what's in it for me. But because of the initial step toward community and friendship, I see the surprising fruit and harvest that comes from linking arms with like-minded people, both for me, and hopefully for them!

Do you have an example of a time when you "clicked" with someone and discovered help along the way of this writing journey?

*************************************************************************************************************

Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/agdicken/

Celebrating The End: What's a Writer to Do?

On Friday night, I typed words that are magic to every author: The End.

They are glorious words, because they mean that an author has reached the end of a journey.

Characters that I first began to imagine two, almost three years ago have been fully developed and have lived their lives on the screen of my mind. I have taken faithful dictation and tried to capture their adventures on the page. I have emailed the crazy long document to my editor, and now I wait, I pause before I receive the macro edits from her next month.

And here's where I, the neurotic writer, have a problem.

My type A personality leaps to the forefront because literally ten minutes after hitting send, characters began screaming at me that it was time for their story to come to light.

You see, I am TERRIBLE at celebrating the end. This book was, I believe, manuscript 23 that I've turned into a publisher. And I'm still an abysmal failure and novice at taking a moment to breath and celebrate. Instead, I'm ready to launch into the very next adventure with barely a pause.

I spent Friday writing anywhere, so I could meet this deadline.
It worked.

I'm pretty sure that's not healthy. I'm sure there is someone out there thinking "this girl needs help."

The ironic thing is I am a big believer in the need to look back and celebrate what God has done in our lives. I fully believe our faith needs those pauses and moments of celebration. That moment where I pause and thank God for carrying me through another book.

About book 8 and 9, I thought I'd take the kids out to a movie every time I finish a book. I'm more of a Redbox girl myself. So this time I bought the new Star Wars movie and watched it with my husband and older kids. Does that count?

This time I purposely scheduled a spa day for Saturday morning. Now before you think that's awesome (which it was), I used a gift card I received last Mother's Day. It's almost this Mother's Day, folks! But I knew I really needed a pause this time. Something to look forward to because this book really kicked my behind. And that facial was sooo relaxing. And I'm still admiring my painted nails and toes. I just don't take the time for me, so it was awesome.

I also went to dinner with friends. The invitation was perfectly timed because one of the things I had to cut this go-around was making time to spend with friends. I was just stretched too thin. So an evening with friends and good food was ideal.

If you're a writer, how do you celebrate the end? And for the readers, how would you tell a writer to celebrate?

-----------------------

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

The Importance of Community when Building A Career

If I never get published or win a contest, I have not traveled this writing road in vain. The friendships and people I've found along the way have blessed me more than a contract could, I am sure (although it'd be super nice to have one.;) ) Honestly, and I am a pretty transparent gal, the friendships I've found as I build my career, are priceless.

That being said, I have also discovered how community makes me a better writer. Community is of utmost importance in this writing venture, and looking at what has come from the nerve to call myself a writer, and to build a business without a "boss" (except the big One above), I can see how important relationships are as I build my career. I'll try and share some things I've discovered that have me look back and realize how my interactions with others equip me, and them, for the rest of the journey:

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER DIRECTION: First, you've got to get the word out there that you are even writing. I was shy to mention the thing I blew off as a "pipe-dream" when I first started, but if you've written words and you've cast a vision, then there is no reason to hide this calling. The thing is, I can hardly think of a time when I've taken that leap and declared myself as "a writer"that some kind of direction, for me or someone else, hasn't come from it. Whether it be a comparable book suggestion to what I'm writing or a connection to the local author I had no idea about, community is an important  setting for this journey.

For instance, I sat in a Bible study the other day, with women I didn't know, and thought to myself, "I have nothing in common with these people...what am I doing?" And then, I mentioned my writing, and a gal spoke up saying her husband was hiding away his talent and didn't know where to connect. Of course, I was a fountain of words at that point--gushing about ACFW and the Genesis contest. If I hadn't been open about my calling, and if that gal didn't have the courage to speak on behalf of her husband, we wouldn't have seen the amazing serendipity of sitting together and watching plans unfold. Her husband entered the contest...and is planning on going to conference this year! And, I have a new friend who supports me in my own journey since she understands the calling to write.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER TOOLS: This extends from my last scenario. Wowsers. Relationships with writers and non-writers are huge in discovering the effectiveness, or ineffectiveness, of the many tools that can be used for building your career. Yesterday, I learned the big scary (now, not-so-scary) world of website building--thanks to a casual conversation with a friend, but also the relationships I've made in networking, at conference, and my good ol' Facebook friends who are always willing to share if I ask.

When I first stepped into the world of writing, I found the best tools were critique groups through ACFW, a critique partner, and contest feedback. All the while, I was building relationships with others and discovering some best friends along the way. But if I was alone in this, and didn't have that support, I doubt I'd have a career needing tools at all.

RELATIONSHIPS OFFER MOTIVATION: This past weekend. I sat with two new-ish friends who are quickly becoming near and dear to me. And while we are each on different ventures toward a certain success (one friend is a health coach, and one is a direct-sales consultant), the encouragement, knowledge, and wisdom I received from opening up about my own dreams, revived my motivation for this not-for-the-faint-of-heart journey.

This is also how I feel after spending time with my AlleyCats who lift me up out of the deepest pits. And, it's also what I find after the end of another ACFW conference where I've surrounded myself with growing relationships and amazing people.

Please don't misunderstand me, I don't start relationships with the intent of finding what's in it for me. But because of the initial step toward community and friendship, I see the surprising fruit and harvest that comes from linking arms with like-minded people, both for me, and hopefully for them!

Do you have an example of a time when you "clicked" with someone and discovered help along the way of this writing journey?

*************************************************************************************************************

Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written six historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/agdicken/

What Fuels Your Writing?

If you've been writing for any length of time, you know that it can be a hugely draining endeavor. You will spend hours plugging away at your keyboard praying that what you are writing will sometime be read and appreciated by others. And if you're realistic, you know there are no guarantees that will happen.

Writing is a tireless dictator. It requires infinite words, unlimited time, and buckets of inspiration. 

So where do you find the fuel -- the photo is a bit tongue in cheek, because if you talk to most writers they will swear by copious amounts of coffee and chocolate. Mixed together you may just have the gold that powers them through the long hours and nights. 

But each writer has her own process. Here's what I think fuels most committed writers. What would you add to this list?

1) A committed writer has passions. They believe they were created at least in part to capture stories on paper or monitor. They have embarked on this journey fraught with danger and uncertainty because they have a passion for words, for characters, for creating. It is an innate part of who they are. Without writing, they don't feel complete.

2) A committed writer has goals. Passion alone isn't enough. If you Google "how many people want to write a book?", you'll quickly find articles that claim 81% of Americans* (or roughly 200 million people in the United States alone) want to write a book. That statistic lines up pretty well with the number of people who tell me they've thought or dreamed about writing a book. The passion might be there, but a committed writer takes the next step and moves to goals -- concrete, this-is-how-I-will-get-there goals. 

3) A committed writer makes sacrifices in pursuit of the goal. For me -- TV, I don't see many movies in the theater, don't have many coffee dates with friends. Probably don't get enough sleep. But for each of us the sacrifice will be different. And those sacrifices will change as our lives enter different seasons. But there will be sacrifices. Something has to exit to make room for the dream. 

4) A committed writer fuels the dream with BICT (butt in chair time). Without it, there is no writing -- though I do have friends who write entire books on iPhones. I don't know how, but they do -- you know who you are, Kristy Cambron and Dawn Crandall. Crazy women! But all in pursuit of the dream. 

5) A committed writer bathes the dream in prayer. The dream is empty without the Dreamer participating in the dream with you. Let me say that again. The dream is empty without the Dreamer participating in the dream. Eric Liddell is said to have said he felt God's pleasure when he ran. I feel God's pleasure when I write. It's part of what I was created to do. Don't get me wrong...it's still work, but it is a partnership with the greatest Creator. 

6) A committed writer is always learning. They are reading craft books and blogs. They are reading books and analyzing them for what works and doesn't. They are constantly pushing themselves to be better. 

I didn't start drinking coffee until I started writing. But I can't drink it black like the cup in the photo. It has to have the right mix of creamer. And I'm not nearly as big on chocolate as most people. But if you wanted to buy my a bag of Lindt white chocolate peppermint truffles, I would say "Yes, please!"

What fuel would you add to this list?

* The closest I could track the statistic to is a New York Times OpEd written by Joseph Epstein. You can read the piece here.

-----------------------

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

Inspiring Places: Paris

Last week and this week the Writer's Alley group has chosen the theme: Inspiring Places for our posts. We hope you've been enjoying them. Scroll back to see the others. Be sure to come back Thursday and Friday for the last two in this series.

When the topic came up, I thought of at least five million incredible places in the whole world guaranteed to inspire phenomenal stories ranging from my backyard to Moscow. Which to choose for today's discussion. Which to choose???


After a lot of thinking, I chose to share how Paris inspires. 

Sigh. Paris is a beautiful place. 

Who wouldn't be inspired there? (You'll want to put Paris on your bucket list.)

Allow me to divert your day, for just a moment, with this little mind exercise. 




First, imagine yourself walking the city streets of Paris. Pause after each line to answer this question: what emotional juices spark inside you with each phrase?

*Connecting with Prince Charming 
*Dreamy cruises down the Seine with the Eiffel Tower twinkling in      
      the night sky (see the top photo) 
*Shopping couture
*Walking hand in hand with your lover on the Seine
*Standing on top of the Arc of Triomphe, where so many soldiers
       returned in victory
*Majestic Notre Dame

*Touring the glamor and decadence in Versailles, the royal home of kings 
*The breathtaking art in the Louvre
*Viewing the words of street vendors and musicians 
*Adventures riding a subway where signs are in a language you don't understand (and 
       getting lost)
*Gospel storytelling floor to ceiling stained glassed windows of Sainte Chappelle
*The Opera House, where the auditorium chandelier and water under the facility inspired 
      the Phantom of the Opera

Each one had such an emotional explosion inside me. 

Today, I am going to choose only one to discuss. The winner is: Notre Dame--a special place for inspiration.

I only had to walk through the mammoth doors to experience inspiration in so many ways. 
If I could convey to you only a small portion of this experience, I will have expressed volumes. Of all the places to visit in Paris, make time to sit in this cathedral. You will come away inspired, too. Here is how:



1. Vast ceilings remind me to never limit my stories or think lowly of the gift God has given.

2.Candlelight illuminates the darkness. This reminds me to always start with prayer then God will show me the way. 

3. Silence, even while thousands tour, remind me to be still, ever listening to inspiration.

4. Intricate carvings in every inch of the building both inside and out remind me of the absolute need to consider the tiny details of story writing.














5. Crystal and bombastic pipe organ melodies swirling in the air remind me to write memorable scenes that touch the heart both in sadness and utter bliss.

6.. Dark wood and somber colors remind me of the seriousness required for quality stories.

7. While Nortre Dame towers over me, I can climb to the roof and see the whole. This reminds me that although there are times my story seems more than I can write, if I endure I can see the whole.






~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What place have you visited that remain an inspiration for you? Take us there in your comment, please.

I can't wait to read your comment(s)

 All photos taken by Mary Vee in beautiful Paris :)
 *******************************************************************************************************

If you found any typos in today's post...sorry about that. 

Mary writes young adult mystery/suspense Christian fiction, is honing marketing and writing skills, and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids. She has finaled in several writing contests.

Visit Mary at her website, blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

All subscribers to Mary's newsletter will receive a Christmas gift - her new short story 14 Mornings ’Till Christmas, an intriguing Christmas suspense/mystery. Based on real events in Denmark, Brice recognizes he has a memory issue and has to work around this problem while solving the mystery: who broke into his home and stole Christmas. Sign up at Mary's website.  Come enjoy a good story.

Inspirational Places: Writing Nooks

We've been talking about inspirational places all week.

At my Bible study, yesterday we were talking about staying in the Word throughout the day. A lady in the group shared that she keeps open Bibles in various places in her house, when she sees them she is inspired to read for a few more minutes.

She also shared about her study nook, a special spot she has decorated to make inviting. She says it "calls to her."

The same idea makes sense in the writing life. For the love of writing, do you have a special place that invites you to write? Have you set up your house and life in such a way to lead you to inspiration, even when you feel stuck?

I'm not a decorator like Alley Cat Karen Schravemade, but I adore looking at pictures of beautiful writing nooks. I really relate to the Beauty and the Beast meme that talks about coveting Belle's library. Yep, I'm a library gal for sure, no shocker since I worked in a library before my children were born and now spend my spare time writing for Library Journal.

Here are some neat writing spot facts:

-Charles Dickens was so attached to writing at a particular desk that when he went on vacation he had its contents shipped to his hotel. No small feat considering the price of freight in the Victorian era.

-Edith Wharton and James Joyce wrote in bed, piled under covers. I must admit I've definitely done this a time or two especially on super cold winter days...but if I'm writing from the bed caffeine can be a necessity.

-James Joyce wrote some of his poetry on horseback. I can imagine the cadence of a horse would lend itself well to configurating rhythm but I wonder how legible his writing would have been.

-John LeCare wrote his books on the subway.

How can you make your writing spot more inviting, a place where you want to put words on paper. Think about:

1) What's on the walls: A whiteboard with ideas for your current story can call to you. A picture of a favorite poet can inspire you. I have a signed Longfellow portrait on my wall that's been in my family for a long time. Even paint color can be inspiring or paintings of your favorite places.

2) Think of your writing rituals: How about placing a favorite cup nearby for coffee or cocoa?

3) Writing everywhere: Tiny notebooks to fit in your purse. Open an idea notebook. Even leave books around the house as they can be our inspiration. Keep things that remind you of how much you love writing.

4) Don't wait for it to be perfect, just write.

Influence is to be Stewarded

Influence and impact. Two words that should be on our radar.

As Christian writers, we long to influence others for Christ.

The Bible speaks to the power others have in our lives and we have in theirs.

Our writing is one way we can allow God to use us to bring hope to a hurting world, to spur others on in their walk of faith, and witness to the power of the transformation of the Gospel.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.-Proverbs 27:17

I find that God uses my own writing process and progress as a vital part of my own walk...to teach me, humble me, and show what's in my heart.

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning. -Proverbs 9:9

I believe God desires us to grow in all facets of our lives. Since we want God to be able to use us, knowing he CHOOSES to even though we have nothing of merit to give Him.

He wants us to make an impact in a world that is full. Stuffed with self. Overflowing with pleasures that don't satisfy. Because he is living water and because we have dipped our tin cup into the well

So I was intrigued by the premise of Michael Hyatt's online webinar series, The Influence and Impact Summit. If you head here you can get a free teaching on Five Stages of Platform Growth.

If you don't know about Michael Hyatt, you certainly should. The former CEO of Thomas Nelson, he is a sought after speaker and writes a highly trafficked blog about growing your platform and using it for good. Platform is a fantastic read!

I didn't have time to listen to all the sessions from Michael Hyatt's Summit but LOVED the advice I found from so much of it. Here are a few highlights for me.

JEN HATMAKER is the author of For the Love and several other Christian nonfiction bestsellers. She will be taking over the Women of Faith organization in 2016 and her family stars on a reality TV show on the Home Garden network.

Hatmaker says, "Influence is not even simply to be enjoyed. Its to be stewarded.”

Love it. We should be making His name famous. Let us not get haughty about numbers, but remember to take seriously our calling.

“You have to care about the audience you’re trying to reach.”

Who is your audience? God has uniquely positioned you to serve a specific group of people. Ask Him to give you a heart for them. I love writing for moms because our struggles and needs are common. Who has God given you a special love for?

Jen wrote her first book in 2004. Why? Because she had something to say. Sometimes, that's enough. She always loved writing but her vision wasn't big enough to think she could make a career of it.

It took Jen one month to figure out what a book proposal was...I'll bet some of us can relate. Then she left her first conference with offers for her book. It was a tiny foothold, but a slip of a door opening nonetheless.

Jen said she wrote a lot of books that no one read. Yet, she claims, it helped her find her voice and practice in a low-stakes environment.

Are we forgetting the power of small? Just as God often grows us in small steps as we walk forth in obedience, a small publishing company or indie publishing could be the way God intends for our writing growth.

Some of my favorite words were: "Humility is the bedrock of the inflection points. Years of humility built through hard work develop a capacity for rejection and instruction."

Hard work. Not the glory moments built her career but the thousands of hours of practice built up over time to write books few people read. To grow her craft word by word, page by page.

Sometimes I think we put in the hard work and then we are shocked when a critique partner might find our pages less than stellar. I love her words about letting humility through the years of hard work helping us to be more receptive.

Receptive to rejection, knowing it is a tool for God's glory to produce growth in us that often doesn't come through the praise of man. Listening to instruction, believing we don't know it all. Ready to learn at the feet of others.

Learning to listen to criticism developed Jen's character.

"Don’t forget readers are real people with real problems, thoughts, passions, etc. Lead with honesty and integrity, humor and goodness."

What do you struggle with? Most likely your readers do, too. If we lead out in a way that is real, we don't have to worry about appealing to readers. We are simply being who God created us as.

Jen also shares that we need to get help. We all have weaknesses. Find those who can help with what you aren't good at. For you that might be writing a synopsis, or managing your social media. You can find help in all of these areas. Perhaps it is worth investing money in an area that is particularly troublesome to you.

She discusses putting a lower priority on our self-preservation. I think we often spend too much time worrying about our reputation, whether its writing our opinion on a controversial subject on social media or giving a less-than-stellar review to another author's book.

I'm not saying there isn't a place for tact, kindness, and love. Some things are best left unsaid, especially in the online world, but we can also err in the other direction. We spend more time on what our mythical audience might think, losing our own authenticity in the process.

Part of leadership Jen shares is letting our skin grow thicker. Being almost embarrassingly transparent. I know in my own life the more open I am with those I love the closer I grow to the Lord and to those he's placed in my path.

We're not in control of the outcome, we can't control what people will say about us. I have seen in my own writing life, even with something as simple as a blog post, the more transparent I am the greater my ability to minister. It takes being honest about the mess my own soul can get in. Knowing that we are not alone and pointing others to the only One who can transform us.

Lastly, for those who feel discouraged by the writing environment you find yourselves in: "There is always room for another one at the table. If you have something to say and excel in your niche, there is room for you. Others will cheer you! Don’t let scarcity rule your mindset."

Don't be afraid. There's room for you and me at the table. Say the words God has put into your heart. Work hard at your craft and grow. Don't worry about others or what the market might think. Write your words as only you can say them.

Julia Reffner lives in central Virginia where she enjoys freelance writing and reviewing. As a reviewer and writer for LIBRARY JOURNAL she enjoys chronicling the trends in Christian fiction. She also blogs for Wonderfully Woven.