Praying over Your Dream

   

In the summer of 2012 God answered a deep dream of my heart: as a family we spent two months in Germany.

My husband had spent seven years as a youngster growing up in the Far East, and I wanted to give our kids a taste of that.

Then God did the amazing, and we got to do exactly that.

I left part of my heart in Germany.

And I began to pray almost immediately about whether we could do something like that again. It was a dream, but a back-burner dream. After all, God had already done the impossible once.

 So I started praying. Eric and I had traveled to England and Scotland a couple times, but we hadn't been able to travel as a family. I did something that might make you laugh. I put a Euro in the coin compartment of my purse.  And then every time I got change, I asked God if He would do it again.

The coin became a visual reminder to pray. After we spent our summer in Siena, I added my Italian SIM card to my billfold, and each time I spotted it, it was another reminder to ask if God would do it again.

Last summer, after spending two weeks in Florence, I put this Euro in my nightstand drawer...another reminder to pray.

Last month I spent a week in Jordan, and left another piece of my heart behind. Now a Jordanian quarter has joined the 50 cent Euro piece in my change compartment. Now I'm asking God if and when I'll go back there. Who knows? He's done crazier things in my life.

What are you asking God for? What crazy dream has He planted in your heart?

Is is writing?

What do you have to remind you to pray about it?

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.

Standing Alone

I couldn’t help but be moved by the image of the boy standing alone at the flagpole that showed up in my newsfeed this week. If you haven’t read the story, I encourage you to do so. It was quite touching and was an instant hit of sunshine in the sometimes cold, dreary landscape social media has become.

But there, in an American flag t-shirt embellished with a cross, a gangly young man stood his ground solo at his school’s See-you-at-the-pole gathering. His prayer slamming me between the eyes…  

“God, as people drive by, let them wonder, let their hearts be pricked.”

Right then I was reminded of the power of our actions. As a writer, I tend to view myself as a “words” girl. And as a Christian and a mother, I do my best to speak words that are edifying, even when my opinions or my impatience beg I unleash sentiments far more cathartic for the occasion. I pray my actions speak when my words are absent, but very seldom do I find myself standing alone. Simply standing and letting words that would fall on deaf ears be replaced by positing myself for all to see.

Here I am, Lord. Use me.

I often hide behind social acceptability. My comfort zone is seldom stretched in the real world. The words from my laptop might be bold, but how often do I shut up enough to let God speak through me in my everyday interactions?

In the article, the mother of the boy went on to say …

My son says at first, he thought he would simply pray until someone else came along. 

Eventually, he realized no one else was coming. Then, the cry of his heart changed. 

He asked that God would do something with his standing alone.

I was sharing the story with my five-year-old son, explaining how much courage that took to not only stand up for God while other’s looked on, but to do so without support.

Peer pressure affects people of all ages. My kindergartner is learning firsthand what seems cool and what draws attention he may not want. Even as an adult, it’s impossible to avoid social pressures and expectations, especially when tensions are strung so high and tempers so unexpectedly volatile.

My five-year-old admitted that standing alone would have been hard. Scary. Yet he also acknowledged that if the boy had “chickened out” we wouldn’t have heard his story. He wouldn’t have inspired so many people. He didn’t have to say anything. He stood for Jesus. 

Simply stood.

It made me realize how quickly we disqualify ourselves. Maybe we’re not well versed or particularly talented. Maybe we have virtually no platform or feel too small to make waves. Let me tell you something... No one is under-qualified to make a difference. In fact, the Bible is full of examples of seemingly inadequate individuals being called and promoted for His glory. 

I profess to be a believer but I often get slammed for peeling back the layer of politeness in my stories and exposing the gritty reality we live in. My honesty can be jarring, and I won’t apologize for integrating a view of God’s perfect grace in an imperfect world. But this young boy’s story stopped me enough to think about myself outside my identity as a words girl. Are there times when I could be better heard if I stopped speaking and instead chose to just stand in the truth?

Now, I’m not saying God can’t or isn’t using our words. He is and He does. Mightily. But I am up to taking a new challenge, of standing, even when it’s hard. Even when it’s unpopular. Even if I’m the only one bowing my head to pray. And I’m empowered and excited to find more opportunities to make my stand.

Something to chew on: Words are powerful. Undeniably so. But they say actions speak louder. Is there an instance in your life where this proved true? And have you ever had to take a stand for your faith?

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

Amy Leigh Simpson writes romantic mysteries with honesty and humor, sweetness and spice, and gritty reality covered by grace. When she’s not stealing moments at naptime to squeeze out a few more adventures in storyland, she’s chasing around two tow-headed miscreants (Ahem)—boys, playing dress up with one sweet princess baby, and being the very blessed wife to the coolest, most swoon-worthy man alive. Amy is a Midwestern-girl, a singer, blogger, runner, coffee-addict, and foodie. Her Sports Medicine degree is wasted patching up daily boo boo’s, but whatever is left usually finds its way onto the page with fluttering hearts, blood and guts, and scars that lead to happily ever after.

Check out her NEW romantic mystery novel FROM WINTER'S ASHES! Available NOW!

Praying the Scriptures for Your Writing Life

Are you going through a struggle in your writing life? Maybe you just received that rejection for  the twelfth or fortieth time. Perhaps you didn't do as well as you wished in a contest. Or those doors just aren't opening for a new freelance opportunity.

When our emotions are high, reading and praying the scriptures can bring our mind in line with God's will for our lives, helping us to see things from his perspective.

Here are some verses you could pray for your writing life:

When facing rejection: Lord, help me to forget what is behind and keep straining toward what is ahead. You have a good plan for my life. You use even these rejections for your purpose to draw me closer to you. Help me to focus on what is ahead, the heavenly prize. Help me to keep pressing on, for I know you desire me to be diligent. Thank you for the prize laid up for me in heaven as a believer that is so much greater than any accolade of the world. Help me to look to hear well done good and faithful servant instead of looking for other's praise. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Checking our motives: Lord, let nothing in my life be done because of my own ambition. When it comes to my writing, I have dreams. You give dreams, but I must make sure my dream is in your will and not just my own desire. Lord, take away the selfishness and the arrogance. Lord, where you have given me those to give me correction help me to accept it gracefully and to allow you to use it to change both my writing and me. Lord, when others succeed in their writing, help me to be truly and genuinely joyful for them without one hint of envy. Help me to look to others and helping them succeed in their writing wherever they are on their journey (Philippians 2:3)

God's view of ourselves: Lord, train me in humility. Where I think more highly of myself than I should, humble me. Teach me to humble myself in your sight. Lord, help me to not be lax in taking correction from others you have placed in my life. Use correction from other individuals of my writing to help me to grow as someone who is willing to be taught, not only in my writing but spiritually. (Romans 12:3)

Looking for God's approval vs. man's: Lord, show me whether I am truly looking for only your approval, or for other people's. Where I'm looking for other's approval, convict me and change my heart. I desire to serve you alone (Galatians 1:10)

Persistence/diligence: Lord, in my writing life, help me to work hard. Help me not to get discouraged but to be consistent in working on this calling you've placed in my life. Help me to write for you and not for others. Give me the strength to work hard and persist (Colossians 3:23)

Do you have favorite scriptures that have encouraged you in your writing life?

Julia enjoys writing women's fiction whenever she can find a chair free of smushed peanut butter sandwiches and lego blocks. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of two littles. She also enjoys reviewing and writing for Library Journal and the blog Wonderfully Woven.

Whispers of Hope and A Giveaway!

             I write
                               and write 
                                                     and write.

Words spill forth, inspired by my God. Words pour out from the depths of my soul. But somewhere along the way, I squeeze words out from human expectation--from a desire to create without regard for the One who created me. Sometimes, I smudge that line between 'inspired by His word' and 'inspiring words that sound good'. I stumble and crash into a barricade of selfish desire to create words that manipulate hearts the way I want to.
When we're in the business of inspiring and creating as writers, sometimes, we should step back and make sure our hearts are in line with the Only One who can truly inspire. It is during my own season of stepping back to remember Truth in God alone, that I received Beth Moore's devotional, Whispers of Hope, 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer.

Whispers of Hope has three major areas that offer hope to any woman of God, and definitely any writer longing for intimacy with the most Perfect Author of our stories:

1.  Scripture Focus:

For thirteen years, I have delighted in Beth Moore's studies because of the mere fact that I walk away from each amazed by the intricacy of exploring original meaning and divine connections among Scripture from Old to New Testaments. In typical Beth Moore fashion, her newest devotional does not disappoint with Scripture-laden application that doesn't skim the surface, but digs deep and often explores the original language to give greater understanding. 

2.  Deep Prayer Formula:
Since the book's main focus is on prayer, it has space for guided prayer journaling. This excites me. Before I ever sat down at a computer to write my first story, I wrote by hand...and I journaled. Using Beth's acronym has probably been the most eye-opening aspect of this devotional book. I have found that in using this acronym, my prayers organically flow and guide me in a thorough outpouring of my heart to the Lord, especially because Beth suggests thanksgiving should flow throughout each of the sections. This is where my selfishness flees and humility is given room to grow!

Beth uses P.R.A.I.S.E, to form the prayer.

First, P is for Praise. The best way to take the focus off of my stuff, is to reflect on Him and Who He is.

Next, R is for Repent. This is something I so easily forget to do, but it's vital to stepping forward in intimacy with Him. When I can ask for forgiveness, I feel like I can be used by God in more extraordinary ways since I don't have sin weighing me down.

A is for Acknowledge. Acknowledge his Authority in our lives. Beth says, "We can praise God all day long with our lips yet never deliberately surrender to His lordship with our hearts." This is something that made me take that step back in the first place. I was trying to claim authority over my life and my writing when it really is not mine at all.

I is for Intercede. To pray for those the Lord brings to mind. Another great way to get the focus off of me!

S is for Supplication, which is in perfect order in this acronym. My family always says, "I am third"--God, Others, then Myself. Once we've focused on God and others, praying for our needs and desires brings us to a deeper dependency and intimacy with God.

Beth Moore, Living Proof Ministries

And finally, E is for Equipping. Asking God to equip us the rest of the day is a great way to close in prayer, and for us writers, look forward to God answering this specific part of our prayer!

3.  Christ-Centered Life Application: 

I picked up Whispers of Hope during a season of spiritual wrestling. My heart was heavy with lies uncovered, and truths yet to be found out. I was in a place where I had focused on myself, assuming my will could measure up to God's--especially when it came to my dream to seek publication. And when I discovered my self-centered way of thinking, I found refuge in sloughing away my fluffy self-talk and focusing back on the One who deserves all attention. Just a glimpse of how the devotional met me first off, see what Beth says after exploring the story of the tower of Babel on page 11 of her book:

"God's response? "If they're this foolish and self-centered, they'll try anything.' Brick after brick, we humans sought to determine our own fate. Despite all the efforts, we never imposed our will on God, but God imposed His on us." In every daily devotion, you can be sure to find poignant life application that will meet you where you are at. It is through Beth's examples and deciphering of Scripture, that the Word becomes alive and applicable to your own life in a unique way.

My season of stepping back from all that influence me, and the fleshy desires of my heart, is certainly not one of a backward journey from God. With this God-focused, Scripture-centered devotional from Beth Moore, my heart is filled with whispers of Hope from the One and Only Author of my story. And with a heart in line with His,
           I write
                               and write 
                                                     and write.

***Want the chance to win a copy of this amazing devotional?? Please let me know in the comment section!***

Please share of a time when you needed to just step back and return your focus on God, whether in writing or just in life!

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Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous, mothering days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across historical cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

A conference prayer

It’s almost here! ACFW 2013! I posted this prayer prior to conference last year, and want to share it again today in the hope that it will speak to someone as they prepare for the biggest event of the Christian novelist's year. 

So many hopes and expectations converge over these next few days. Let’s pray that God will be at the center of it all.

For those who are travelling… Lord, keep them safe. We ask for itineraries to run smoothly, for timely flight connections, for safety on the road, for time to reflect and relax and mentally prepare.

For those who are anxious… Lord, give them peace. In all the hurry and busyness, let them turn their minds to you and find a place of calm. Take away all anxiety and worry, pressure and expectation, and fear of the unknown. Replace these things with your perfect peace. May they rest in you.

For those attending conference for the first time… Lord, may they have the time of their lives. We pray for new friendships to be formed, for eyes and ears wide open to soak everything in, for hearts willing to learn and the confidence to go after their dreams.

For those who’ve been before… We thank you for friends old and new, for fun and laughter, for morning coffee-runs and conversations that last late into the night. We ask for eyes to see those who are lonely or in need of encouragement, and the generosity of spirit to reach out beyond themselves and help someone else along the way.

For writers who are feeling burnt out… Lord, give them fresh inspiration. Fresh ideas. Fresh joy in the craft and a renewed passion for their calling. You know those who need a little extra something this year. Those who’ve pursued their dreams for so long they’ve grown tired and discouraged along the way. Please bless them with a song in Praise and Worship, a light-bulb moment in a workshop, a word of encouragement from a respected mentor, the divine connection they so desperately need, the open door they’ve been longing for.

For writers who are pitching… Lord, please gift them with peace and clarity. Help them articulate the essence of their story with passion and heart. Give them the confidence to believe in their ideas and the grace to understand that not every editor or agent will be a perfect fit for them. We pray for a spirit of calm over the appointment tables, for great conversations between writers and industry professionals, for writers to leave their appointments feeling satisfied that they represented themselves well.

For the editors and agents… This is such a busy time for them. Amid the clamor of voices, pitches and ideas, please give them the discernment to recognize the people and projects that would be a great fit for them. Keep them sharp and alert to what your Spirit is saying. Give them the ability to filter through distraction – a noisy lunch table, an imperfect pitch from a nervous writer – and catch the heart of each idea that is offered. May they consider each project with open-mindedness, honesty and grace. When they are tired, please refresh their spirits. We pray for blessed times with colleagues, valuable professional connections, and exciting new projects to acquire.

For those who can’t go to conference… Lord, help us to trust in your good plans for our writing journey. Renew our spirits. As we hear good news and exciting stories filtering back from our writer friends at conference, may we rejoice with them whole-heartedly. We thank you for how far you’ve brought us and give you praise that the best is yet to come.

Amen.

How can we pray for you this week? Please share your prayer requests in the comments section so we can lift each other up in faith!

Images courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Karen Schravemade lives in Australia. When she's not chasing after her three preschool-age kids, she spends her spare minutes daydreaming about the intricate lives of characters who don't actually exist. Find her on her website and Twitter.

The Tarnished Gift

NEGLECT

On Flickr by EllYouKayEee

The silver tray peeked out from under a pile of unused house decorations. When I cleared it all away, I frowned as the once shiny gift did not hold my reflection, but a rusty dull tarnish. Was it ruined? Had I neglected it too long and now it was no longer the treasure I received for my wedding long ago?

Panic fluttered in my chest as I wondered if the silver tray would ever match up to the shining beauty in my memory—(and I also feared what my mother would think if she'd seen how much I neglected the gift!)

Have you tucked your writing gift away, and allowed time to eat its way through your confidence, your dream? And when you dare to face that gift again, does the panic rise, the fear that, perhaps you've lost it, you've allowed time to suffocate the beauty in your ability?

I have.

In the name of taking a break, I tucked my gift away. And now, as I venture to blow the dust off my writing skills, that same panic I felt when I saw my neglected tray, niggled in my heart. Had I abandoned the gift God gave me—forever? Sure, I'd enjoyed the progress of six years of writing, the baby steps I'd taken toward publishing, and now, with a new year upon us, has my gift deteriorated to rust?

What if I can't write well anymore?

What if the break wasn't a time of rest but a destructive neglect of my ability?

But as I remember God's whispers to me long ago, I have you right where I want you, and that This path IS where I wants you, I can trust in the God who gave me the gift in the first place.

POLISH

On Flickr by MyLifeThroughPhotography

A little silver polish and some elbow grease was needed to make my tray shine again. This writer just needed to refocus, using Scripture and prayer to work off the rust. God's word tells us:

"For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to devote ourselves to the good deeds for which God has designed us." Ephesians 2:10 NEB

I am currently taking the study, Everything Is Possible with God by Rick Warren,  which is perfect to get me back on track with polishing my gift. Warren talks about God's hand in fulfilling our dreams. Warren makes four points using Scripture that also spurred on questions of my own:

1. DON'T FEAR: “I will never leave you. I will never abandon you.” Hebrews 13:5 TEV

If I am certain that my writing really is God's gift to me,

 than why would I think He would take it away and abandon me?

2. DON'T FRET: “Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act...Don't fret and worry—it only leads to harm.” Psalm 37:7-8

If I rush into writing again, without God equipping me, 

then what good will come out of it?

3. DON'T FAINT: “Always pray and never lose heart.” Luke 18:1 PH
   
   
   “They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31KJV

Have I prayed about God's direction to polish my gift? 

To write the stories He wants me to write? To use His words, not my own?

 

     4.  DON'T FORGET:  “I will bless the LORD and not forget the glorious things he does for   

            me.”  Psalm 103:2 LB

          “The LORD is not being slow in carrying out his promises...rather, he is being patient with 

           you.”  2Peter 3:9 NJB

How many things has the LORD done for me on this writing journey?

Why would he forsake me now?

With care and quiet diligence, I rub the polishing cream over the soiled surface of the tray, and as I smear away the neglect, the gift returns a glimmer of hope, and then a bright shine of promise that it is still a piece to be treasured.

On Flickr by Kotomicreations

Do you know that your God has given you your gift for keeps? That no matter how much you lay it aside, or tuck it away, if you seek His will, He will bless you anew with the treasure He crafted only for you?

What will you do now? Walk away without hope in the shine, or begin to polish for a bright treasure ahead? 

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

Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across historical cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

Post Conference Perspective

8 Alley Cats in this picture, 10 in spirit.

Where do I even begin to post about the American Christian Fiction Writers conference (ACFW) in Dallas I returned from about a week ago?

To be honest, I don't think I've even begun to process all that I've learned.

The session about dialogue with Rene Gutteridge where I madly took notes as God showed me areas I needed to apply to strengthen my own writing skills.

A late Friday night chatting with my beloved Alley Cat friends, this was definitely a HUGE highlight of the conference for me.

An amazing critique session with Deb Raney. Getting tips on upping my conflict from one of my favorite suspense writers, Ronie Kendig. Meeting favorite authors. Giving a hug to those who have made a difference in my life.

But if there is ONE truth I took home and will carry with me from the conference it is the power of prayer in action.

It may sound cliche but the best thing you can do to help other writers is to keep them in prayer. There is a writer I know who sets aside one day per week for prayer and fasting about writing related things. I love that idea!

Michelle Lim...what an encourager!

The most transformational experiences I had at conference were times in prayer. Time alone in my room before an appointment that went differently than I had anticipated. Time praying with others about writing concerns and so much more. These were times I will always remember because it is so powerful when believers can connect over a shared love of writing. But even more than that because we shared a love for Jesus. That was what held us together.

Then there was the moment one dear lady caught me in the hall and recognized I needed prayer before I even recognized it myself. The Holy Spirit was at work as she prayed not only for my writing life, but the Spirit had showed her the struggle with guilt I had in being a writer and a mom. It was something she had no way of knowing, but she prayed powerfully for me and shared her experience. Something she had prayed only came to light for me later in the conference, at the time I was puzzled but I thank the Lord for the God who knows all and how he leads others to intercede for us.

God met me in my need, in my brokeness and that's where He wants to meet us daily.

I notice as my prayer life goes, so my writing goes. I think sometimes conferences can be mountain top experiences and I know for me I was spending a lot of time praying while away because I was so anxious about the conference. Since coming home, I've needed God to work on my heart in the area of prayer.

With Cheryl Wyatt, beautiful servant hearted lady I was so blessed to meet.

Today I was listening to a Focus on the Family broadcast with Ferni Nichols. She founded an organization called Moms in Prayer International dedicated to interceding for our children and for their schools. I am learning more about them as I am helping to lead a Moms in Prayer group for homeschool moms in my area.

It struck me today how we talk about books as being "our babies." I thought about how the mission of Moms in Prayer and its step approach to prayer might benefit writers.

We start out each meeting with praise focused on a specific attribute of God. Now, I have spiritual themes to my stories, but today I began thinking about specific attributes of God. I really want my stories to show who God is.

Examples would be:

God is merciful.
God is holy.
God is righteous.

How did this apply to my writing?

I believe God is Truth is the central attribute of my story. My main character from my first novel is escaping from a world of lies and looking for the truth that can only be found in Christ.

How about your main character? What does your novel show about who God is?

If you have a prayer request, writing-related or not, please feel free to post it here today or send it through email. My passion is to pray for others and I pray that God would increase my passion and yours for prayer.








Julia enjoys writing women's fiction whenever she can find a chair free of smushed peanut butter sandwiches and lego blocks. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of two littles. She also is a reviewer for Library Journal, Title Trakk and Christian Library Journal.

Finding Your A-Team

One thing the Lord has showed me along this journey is that there isn't one way, one journey. Each of our journeys is so distinctive and unique.

Ultimately what we need is found in being a part of community. That's why My Book Therapy, ACFW, Christian Writer's Guild, etc are great.

I've been thinking about this and here are some of the people that have helped me along the way aside from critique groups and partners, who have helped me considerably. But I know I've already covered that here.

1) A supportive spouse or local friend. 

This person doesn't have to write. They just need to allow you to reach for your dream. If it weren't for my husband I can guarantee, my book would still be sitting on my computer's hard drive as the months turned into years.

Now in the case of my husband he has also become the local writer friend. He is now working on his own novel and attending writer's support groups with me. Super exciting!

And don't forget dear Mom. Parents are some of the best support systems ever. When you've had a bad writing day you can send your writing on to Mom who will convince you that you're still writing the next "great American novel." You'll roll your eyes, but you're secretly grateful.

2) Local accountability.

Again this person doesn't have to be a writer, just someone that will bother you with phone calls reminding you to stop reading your email and finish writing your thousand words for the day. My husband is that person again for me. It helps that he's in the same house because he can help me make it happen by watching the kids for an hour.

I would also consider my face-to-face writing group accountability. I know I have to produce something new for each meeting so that keeps my momentum up.

3) Prayer buddies.

I am so blessed to have an older mom from church who prays for my writing. Her son also loves to write, so she understands the journey. Prayer support from your local church can be such a blessing. And I have other friends who willingly pray for my writing prayer requests.

I'm also blessed to have a wonderful online network of prayer support. You guessed it...my fellow Alleycats. We pray for each other's writing and personal lives. I'm so blessed to have such support in my life.

4) A writing buddy.

During the school year, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday you can usually find me sitting with a cup of tea and checking in with Alleycat Casey at six in the evening (late afternoon for her). The encouragement and support have helped me finish my novel and helped me start a more faithful routine. It is great for accountability. And if you type in #1k/1hr on twitter, you can often find an instant accountability buddy.

5)  The older, wiser advisor.

ACFW is a wonderful community for making these type of connections. I have met several. Some I have only connected with briefly, others I have been in regular contact with.

I can't tell you the number of times another author from ACFW has reached out and offered support, advice, and encouragement. As I write this, I can think of several Spirit-filled advisors whose words have changed my life.

6) The larger community.

ACFW, My Book Therapy, Christian Writers Guild are all Christian organizations that offer support and scores of encouragement to writers. The forums, course loops and noveltrack features of ACFW have offered answers to scores of questions I didn't even think to ask (but did want to know). My Book Therapy provides free Monday chats that not only teach valuable skills, but also help the writer connect to a larger community of writers.

What about you? Did you have someone unexpected that helped you along in your writing journey?

 



 
  Julia enjoys writing women's fiction whenever she can find a chair free of smushed peanut butter sandwiches and lego blocks. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of two littles. She also currently reviews for The Title Trakk and Christian Library Journal.

Are You a Writer? Then You Have to Be a Superhero!

I know most of you who visit this blog are writers. So of course YOU know what I'm talking about when I say people are always telling us writers what to do. Not in a mean way, of course, but they're saying being an author has changed. They're saying it's not just about writing anymore, it's about marketing and social networking, and pretty much being awesome! And YOU have to do it!

What do they tell us we need to do?
(oh, and keep in mind, this is all before even being published - more responsibilities are added after you get to that point)

Have a blog or a website or both


Join Twitter and use it!


Make a million friends on Facebook (okay, slight exaggeration on this one)


Follow agent/editor blogs


Follow trends in publishing


Read books on craft, books in your genre, books in other genres. Read, read, read!


Attend conferences

photo by HystericalMark

Enter contests

Try out other forms of social media or ways to connect with people in a professional way. Pinterest, Goodreads, Linkedin, and more!

Am I forgetting something? Oh, right. You actually have to write a book, too, in your spare time. Does this sound like a full-time job? It kind of is--and for most of us, this isn't even our full time job.

Basically, it boils down to the fact that you have to be a superhero. Or you have to have a superhero power, like not needing any sleep so you can have time for all of this.

But guess what? I'm here to encourage you! For real! If you're reading this, you're already doing something. If you write every once in awhile, you're doing something. Heading to Dallas for conference? Yay! Another check!

The reality is, we can't do everything! Or at least not for long. No matter how much time we think we have. When people tell us that writers are supposed to be doing it all, they're not trying to be mean. They're trying to prepare us. And that's a great thing. But I also think it's a great thing to encourage ourselves every once in awhile. To reward ourselves for what we're already doing, and remind ourselves we don't have to be doing everything on that list every minute of every day.

Pick of a few things each year or each month, and make them your goal. Focus on one or two forms of social media instead of seventeen. Reassess every few months to be sure you're making the best use of your time. Ultimately, though, make sure it's mostly about the writing. Don't stop writing!

And pray!

Truly, we can wear ourselves out doing everything WE think we should do. So if we're not certain, pray about it, and listen, and be prepared to hear that maybe we need to be doing more, or maybe, just maybe, doing less will result in more in the long run.

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by having to do it all? What's your least favorite thing about being a writer? Oh, and to stay encouraging, what's your favorite thing?

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Cindy is a Colorado native, living near the mountains with her husband and three beautiful daughters. She writes contemporary Christian romance, seeking to enrich lives with her stories of faith, love, and a touch of humor.

To learn more about Cindy, visit her at her personal blog, www.cindyrwilson.blogspot.com