An Adventure in Writing

I’m on an adventure of a different kind this week—I’m at the Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference. I wasn’t even sure if I’d attend this year’s conference and waited until the last moment to register, but I’m so glad I did. These past couple days I’ve connected with old friends and made new ones. I’ve soaked in the teachings of authors, agents, editors and publishers. And I’ve lived, eaten and breathed the world of writers and writing. It’s a little corner of heaven.

Since I didn’t go to the conference with specific goals or plans, I’ve been free to survey the workshop offerings on the landscape. I’ve explored persuasive writing, justice and advocacy, building platforms, crafting book proposals and writing for teenagers. Each path has revealed new ways I might use my words. New ways I might minister. New ways I might grow…and help others too as well.

Two years ago this conference jumpstarted my writing journey. It’s gratifying to see how my writing’s developed, my knowledge has increased and my writing relationships have expanded since then (especially including my membership in a wonderful writing critique group, nine of whom are at the conference, Hey, Hawk Point ladies!)

Many of my colleagues came to the conference laden with book proposals and manuscripts, hoping to find a home for the words they’d so gruelingly birthed. Labors of love neatly bound for presentation. The hallways are abuzz with reports from appointments with editors and publishers. Some see doors opening, “He asked for my entire manuscript.” Others fear they’re closing, “If I talk about it I’m going to start to cry again.”

We writers pour our hearts, our spirits, our whole selves into our writing. Our words are a part of us. It’s hard to separate rejection of our words from rejection of ourselves. (Or vice verse.) But the publishing business is Darwinian. Only the fittest…best-written…and most marketable will survive. Not because publishers and agents are cruel people (they’re actually quite nice), but because writing for publication is a business.

This journey is not for the faint-hearted or thin-skinned. My heart aches for my fellow writers who are on the emotional, rollercoaster of a ride toward publication. Some are going to bed tonight affirmed and excited about the future. Others want to quit and go home. I pray that regardless of the feedback each of us receives this week, we maintain teachable hearts, we learn and grow, and we see God in this experience.

I especially pray that each of us writers recognizes that whether our words reach tens of readers, thousands or millions—we are writers nonetheless who have been given a holy gift. And more than that we’re children of God. And no negative (or positive) critique can change our true identity.

Nicki, I’m praying for you especially!

Thankfulness Knows No Time Limit

I'm a "rules-are-made-to-be-broken" (or at least creatively-interpreted) kind of person. Generally, I hate to be boxed in. Plus, I have a long history of being time-impaired and am often late. *sigh*

However, since this is my blog and I make up the rules, I don't care that it's Saturday—today I'm doing Thankful Thursday.

So, here are five things I'm thankful for this week:

1. My church. After years of planning, fundraising and building, my dedicated its new expansion on Sunday. The entire church family gathered for a day of praise, celebration and lots of great food. I was so proud to be a part of this amazing testimony to our King. In a time when many denominational churches are losing members, our church is growing, making this occasion all the more praiseworthy. I pray the Almighty starts a revival in our community.
   
   
2. Getting recognized. My lovely blog friend Carmen awarded me the Superior Scribbler Award a couple of weeks ago. It warms my heart to be singled out for anything, especially when it comes to my writing. Thank you, Carmen!
   My guilty predicament, however, is that being a time-challenged, non-conformist (see above), I seldom follow through on the various stipulations and requirements of these awards. *sigh* (again)
   
   
3. The prison ministry. This week I went to the prison after quite a long absence and I'm so thankful I did. God definitely had his hand on our gathering. The men sang with such joy—and so loudly that my ears hurt. It was like a big pep rally for Jesus. Usually one person on our ministry team takes the lead, but this week the four of us that were present shared the service and really worked as a team. I saw how far God has brought us as a group! Also, thanks Dave for sharing (for the first time).
   
   
4. My writers' group. I haven't been to my writers' group since July and I was happy to be back among the support and camaraderie of fellow writers. Plus, this group is batting 100 as every article they've critiqued (that I've submitted) has been accepted. I pray the trend continues with my latest story they critiqued. Thank you HPCWG! You ladies are the best!
   
   
5. Answers to a long-standing dilemma. The end is (almost) in sight for a home improvement problem that has been lingering like a henchman, taunting us all summer. There nothing particularly spiritual about this, except it has at times pushed me to the brink of losing my religion! I will write more about this in the future. After I stop crying.
   
   
6. I also have one more bit of good news, but I'll save it for a post of its own. (No, I'm not pregnant!)
   

So you see, it doesn't matter what the day. Any day is good to count one's blessings!

What are you thankful for today?

To read more displays of thankfulness—from people who actually follow directions and do things on time— check out this week's Thankful Thursday on Sonya's blog.