Write His Answer

Spring is coming!

Actually, it arrived a week ago, but you can’t tell it from the cold the past few days.

I am so ready for spring – so ready to work in my garden. Even when it does warm up (really, it will;I KNOW it will), until the ground dries out from the winter snows, I’ll sink in above my sneakers.

Truth is, I don’t like waiting. And so Father called me to be a writer, a profession where waiting is a given!

Many of you know that my first book was rejected (returned sounds better!) by 42 publishers over a six-year period.

“I want you to learn to wait patiently, productively, and expectantly,” the Lord told me one day when I was griping and feeling sorry for myself.

I pondered those words the rest of the day. The productive and expectant part sounded okay. But patience? Surely the Lord knew I had a problem being patient. Yet I knew if I failed to learn the lesson of patience, I wouldn’t be prepared to persist during other dry spells. The challenge Lee Roddy once gave me, “write so heaven will be different,” would never happen if my lack of patience caused me to quit.

If I chose to use waiting times to indulge in self-pity and gripe to other writers about “those editors,” time that could be used productively would be lost. And the bottom line . . . failing to learn to wait patiently and expectantly would be the denial of a Scripture I promised years ago to heed. “I will keep on expecting you to help me. I [will] praise you more and more. I [will] walk in the strength of the Lord God” (Ps. 71:14, 16)—through the times when my writing is bearing fruit, as well as through the times when I must wait for it to mature and ripen.

Are you stuck in a time of waiting? Does your writing ministry seem to be on hold? Ask the Lord, “What lessons are You trying to teach me?” I’d love for you to share what He shows you.

Scriptures to encourage you: Psalm 27:14; 32:8; 42:11; 130:3-6; Isaiah 40:29-31; Hebrews 11:1.

Updates

Colorado Christian Writers Conference, May 13-16

Our four hands-on clinics are a great way to get the help you need and to connect with a small group of writers that may become forever friends.  Applications (click here) are due April 1 for:

Fiction Intensive with Tracie & Jim Peterson – limit 8 participants
What makes a good story? How do you give life to paper characters? Why is setting so critical? What’s research got to do with fiction? How can you avoid mistakes like telling not showing, too much backstory, flashbacks within flashbacks, lack of motivation in your characters, and more. In addition to the application, you need to submit 15 pages.

Nonfiction Book Proposals with Cindy Lambert – limit 6 participants
Cindy will lead a group of six authors in critiquing one another’s proposals, then spend the conference improving and fine-tuning them. She will also have a one-on-one 30-minute appointment with each participant.

Get Them Coming to Your Blog/Website with Megan Breedlove – limit 10 participants
How do you bring the maximum number of people to your site so they can hear your message or receive your ministry?  Learn what kind of web presence you need and where to go to get it, determine exactly who your target audience is and what they need, receive individual instruction to ensure your site does the best possible job of meeting your audience’s needs, discover how to promote your site and increase your Google ranking, expand your author platform so you can get your message out to the nations and develop a presence that will be attractive to publishers, and more.

Speakers’ Clinic with Roy Hanschke
limit 8 participants
Every writer needs to be a speaker, too. If you’ve been avoiding the challenge to begin the speaking part of your ministry or need to improve what you’re already doing, this is the clinic for you. Roy will help you 1) discover your ministry focus and how to talk about it (power statements), 2) organize one of your talks to maximize time and effectiveness (message development), 3) present your talk with power and pizzazz (voice personality), and 4) market your message through radio (media mania). You’ll have an opportunity to test what you learn and receive helpful evaluation from Roy and your peers.

It’s often said that writing and speaking go hand in hand.
That’s why I’m grateful that CCWC  offered Roy’s Speakers’ Clinic.
Roy is a dynamic example of “show don’t tell”
as he actually demonstrates different methods of effective communication.
Each participant had the opportunity to try out Roy’s suggestions
in a safe and encouraging atmosphere.
We learned from each other
and went home with a notebook full of useful instructions
on how to become a more skillful communicator. 
Sue Cameron

Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference – July 29 – August 1

Yes, I know it’s been a long wait, but finally the faculty and continuing sessions are in place. I’m really excited at how I see Father at work. Now I need to work at getting the rest of the website updated and  the brochure to the printer. Online registration opens April 1. No fooling!