REJECTION!

Well it was bound to happen, but so exciting. I got my first rejection letter from a publication. I know that you might not think this is so great, but I am thrilled to death! It is the first time that something I wrote has been rejected. So far it seems that things have come to easily on this adventure. First writing for a real newspaper in high school, then the overwhelming (in my circles) response to the Advent devotional, next was the experience in writing for Hometown Journey Magazine, and finally the Daily Devotional For Writer's (I had all three devotionals I submitted selected) response. I just knew that the devotion I submitted to the good folks at the Upper Room would be snapped up and they would wonder what they ever did without me-think the scene in A Christmas Story when Ralphie turns in his composition. This is not exactly what happened. I got my postcard in the mail with my rejection on it, but my name and the title of my devotion was HANDWRITTEN. Instead of just a run of the mill rejection, I got a handwritten one. That means, to me anyway, that someone actually read it.
I never thought Stephen King with inspire me, but after reading his memoirs I have been just that. He kept every one of his rejection slips as inspiration to continue to write and to rewrite and even rewrite that better. As I look at this little postcard with "I'm sorry" written on it, I know that I can and will write a better one next time, or rewrite this and make it even better. So I may not have anything coming out in the coming months, but I can continue to write and write and write some more and submit, submit, submit until I get it right.

Happy Writing

Writing Samples

I need writing samples with links to them on the internet for editors to review for prospective assignments. I wonder if a blog counts since it is on the internet, but it isn't real writing. After going through old articles written for magazines and trying to find them in archives online, I contacted a previous editor and asked for her help. She not only came through with samples of my published work, but she also requested a reprint of one article and took a couple of pitches from me for other articles. I have a quick turnaround time on one deadline, but it can be done. I am so excited to have an actual assigment for a magazine after writing bible studies and camp curriculum for such a long stretch. I still love writing devotionals, Bible studies and curriculum, but the challenge of article writing is fresh and new and I can't wait to see the finished product.

Happy Writing

Rejection

It is bound to happen in all areas of life, but when it your precious writing is rejected it is as if you are being rejected. I don't know why I would think that everyone would love to have my work as a part of their Christmas experience. I get so much more positive feedback than negative, but it is the negative feedback that sticks.
My only solace is this is what makes my skin tougher, my heart softer and my writing cleaner. I hope that with each rejection of my work I grow as a writer and not shrink as a whiner remembering that I just love to write. This is not about accolades or praise from others, but a direct response to the call that God put on my life.
I hope this encourages another writer someday.

Happy writing!

Opportunities

It is amazing how you can being 15 minutes early can provide all kinds of opportunities. I arrived 15 minutes early to an appointment and stuck up a conversation with a woman who was working on a laptop. As it turns out she is taking a writing course online and has had much success with various online freelance websites. I had never thought about this as a viable avenue in my writing adventure. Of course I began to research and discoved there are many people who have lots to say about working for these various outlets. It is comforting that I know a real flesh and blood person who has had lots of success and speaks highly of the experience. I am still investigating, but it would be a great way to get more experience and validation as a writer. Tune in to see where this new opportunity takes me!

Happy Writing

What a Blessing

I am so excited about speaking last night at YCA. There were so many encouraging comments afterward and I can't wait to hear about what God is doing in those families.
I have decided to submit some devotionals to the Upper Room and hope they will be accepted.

Happy Writing!

Welcome YCA!

If you were at YCA tonight welcome to my blog. It is a place to write about what is on my heart and my journey as a Christian writer. I imagine you came looking for some of the information I discussed tonight and as promised here are some of the tips I gave.
Life Savers: John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son so that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Remind your children that Jesus came to save them. Not their physical bodies, but their forever part. He wanted us to be in Heaven with him forever.
Hot Chocolate: John 4:13-14 "Whoever drinks from this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life." As you drink hot chocolate this season remind them that after they finish drinking this they will want more. With Jesus we can have something that will be enough. We won't have to continue striving to please God, we will have all of him forever.
Christmas Lights: John 9:5 "While I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 12:46 "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness." As you drive around looking at Christmas lights or put lights on your tree remind your little one that Jesus brought light to the world to show us the way to God. It is only by believing in him. Explain that when they believe that Jesus is God's son and he died for their sins they have that light and they can show it to the world when they tell others how much God loves them and what Jesus did for their sins.
Baking Goodies: John 2:8-10 "Then he told them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquest.' They did so, and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wiine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servents who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside and said, 'Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.'" As you are baking this Christmas explain that just flour, raw eggs and even sugar and not very appealing by themselves. It is when you know what to do with it you can create something really yummy. When Jesus made this wine, he made it from water that people had washed their feet in. YUCK Jesus knew what to do with that and he knows what to do with our sins so that we can be exactly what God created us to be.
Pajamas: Luke 2:7 "and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, as there was no room for them in the inn." Christmas Eve is a time for anticipation of what the next morning may hold. As you get you little ones ready for bed in their pajamas talk to them about Jesus as a baby with the hope of the world resting on him. There was great expectation about what he was here to do and you and your children can hold great expectation about what God is going to do in and with you.
I hope this is helpful. I would love to hear from you as you take this journey with your family. Please be sure to comment on my blog and let me know what God is doing through this study. It is always such an encouragement to me to know that God is able to use regular people.

Happy Writing!

Speaking, What to say?

The countdown has begun and I have requested prayers from all my friends and family. On Thursday night, less than one week from right now, I will be giving a talk to over 100 parents about how to make Christmas more meaningful for their families. I am so excited. I know that God has given me a mission in this area and the advent devotional is a part of that vision. I also know that God will give me the words to say as he has for every children's sermon or lesson I've given. Then why do I have those pesky butterflies in my stomach. It isn't that I am nervous about speaking in front of people or that I am worried about what they will think of me. Instead I think it has more to do with the logistics. Should I have a powerpoint, handout, sample book, film or music clips. This is after all a multi media generation. Will I cover what the audience needs to hear in a format that they can get it in. The problem is even this blog was a stretch for my computer skills. I am getting more and more practice and God is leading me to some wonderful people, but I was not gifted in this administrative way. Then I think about the eunich and Phillip. All he needed was Phillip to explain-no mention of a powerpoint. The woman at the well just needed a straight answer-no film clips required. And when the disciples were going out on their mission to preach Jesus did not give them a format for handouts. I want only to bless God through this presentation. I know that doing that his Holy Spirit will do the rest and these ideas will flow as families learn to make memories together. If that means they pick up a copy of my latest advent devotional, great. If not I have done what God desires of me, obedience to his call to tell others what I know to be true about him. That he loves me so much he sent his son to die for my sins so that I would not have to pay the penalty for my sins. This is what makes me pure and holy and able to spend eternity with God in Heaven.
WOW! I feel so much better. I think I am going to use the gift God gave me to connect with people, and just be myself as I tell them what has worked in my family.

Check back soon. Happy Writing!

Exciting Opportunity!

Yesterday I met with the Principal of a local christian school. I have been asked to come to a parent meeting next week and present ways that parents can make Christmas more meaningful for their children. For anyone who knows me I am picturing a long children's sermon for grown ups. I want to make sure that I get the point across, and of course it wouldn't be complete with out a little something to take home. Just ask the kids at Old River Baptist Church. Watch for more details about this exciting opportunity. I pray that my message will be directly from God and will touch just the right person.

Happy Writing!

Advent 2009 Final Copy

Here it is very late and I am of course down to the wire getting the Advent devo ready for publication. I am so excited about this year and I just can't wait to hear and see what the Lord will do with it this year. I am already getting bites from new churches and I am praying that this my obedience in this area will bless others. I am exhausted, but it is a happy tired and full of anticipation! I'll let you know what happens next.

Happy Writing

Advent 2009

The Advent Devotional for 2009 is already being written. I am thrilled to announce that four have been written, I am in talks with a real editor and if things go well, I'll be sure to post their informaation on this blog for anyone else that is in need of line by line editing. I am also debating the use of a website and whether or not to become a not for profit ministry since I mostly write specific curriculum's for churches.

Things are beginning to move fast and furiously, and my goal is to have the 2009 Advent Devotional Guide completed sometime in March and ready to market to churches in the Spring as they make plans for the Advent season. Since I now have four years completed, I'd like to be able to offer churches that are new to this project some different options to choose from.

Failures are finger posts on the road to achievements. C.S. Lewis I hope that as I embark on this journey this year I remember this and move on after any mistake or failure that is made.

Happy Writing!