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!

A Great Conference

First of all…I noticed I have some new subscribers. Thank you and welcome! I’m not sure how you found my blog, but I’m glad you did. Also, thank you to my friends who faithfully read my blog, but never comment. It blesses me to know you're there.

What a whirlwind few days. I attended the Philadelphia Christian Writer’s Conference and thoroughly enjoyed the classes and camaraderie. I had a great time seeing some friends from last year and making new ones. It fed my soul being in the presence of fellow writers who love Jesus and want to share His story.

I branched out during the conference and took a workshop on how to write a novel—taught by Susan May Warren. I never even considered writing fiction before, but after taking Susan’s class I might try! She demystified the process of storytelling and gave practical tools that will make my current writing much better (if I apply what I learned!). Plus, it was worth taking the class just to meet Susan—I just love her! She’s incredibly talented, enthusiastic and just adorable. Even though she’s written 26 books, she’s so down-to-earth and accessible.

Everything I learned in her workshop is detailed in her just-released, hands-on book From the Inside Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You. Check it out!

Stay tuned, I may take a stab at fiction in the near future.

I got to spend time with my writing group friends Denise, Connie and Cathy. I joined the group as a result of befriending the group's leader, Fran, at last year’s Phila. conference and have loved gathering together for face-to-face critique. Our meetings are always so focused that it was nice to spend more leisurely time over meals at the conference.

Another conference highlight was meeting e-friends in the flesh and seeing that they actually exist! What fun I had hanging out with my new blogging friends Kelly (Chatty Kelly), Sonya (Truth 4 the journey) and Laurie (Supernatural Living). On Friday evening I met Susan (Eternity Café) and Shelley. The six of us got to talking after dinner about writing and blogging and balancing life as a writer/mom/wife. We talked so long the cafeteria staff kicked us out so they could lock up!

Laurie, Kelly, Sonya and me (I feel like a giant!)

And so last week I took one more step in this crazy, frustrating, scary, emotional, thrilling, challenging, exhilarating journey I call writing. If nothing else, the conference confirmed that as a writer I need to keep on keeping on.

Well Done Good and Faithful Servant

I had the most incredible day today. I’m attending the Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference. It’s three full days of workshops, fellowship, worship and critique with writers, by writers.

I’ve been so busy in the weeks leading up to this conference I’ve had barely a moment to give it much thought. Although I planned to bring a newly penned magazine article to offer for critique, I just didn’t have time to write it. Last night at 10:00pm, I dusted off two previously written articles and stuffed them in my bag.

It’s funny how much time and energy I spent preparing for the She Speaks conference I attended in June. My expectations going into that conference were impossibly huge . However, for the Phila. conference, I was just too busy beforehand to fret or fuss. I went into it this morning, going with the flow, not knowing what to expect. What a wonderful surprise the day turned out to be.

Within 15 minutes of the keynote speaker’s talk this morning, I knew I was just where I should be—and where God wanted me to be. The Spirit’s presence was undeniable. In the workshops I attended, I hung on every word of every presenter, soaking in their wisdom.

I cannot express how cool it was to be with a group of people who share the same passion for the Lord and who want to use their gifts to convey that passion. Everyone I met was so friendly and enthusiastic, even the editors and publishers weren’t at all standoffish or intimidating. It was all so low key and welcoming.

I met with two published authors and had the opportunity to share some of my writing with them. I had heard such horror stories of brutal critique in these meetings. Needless to say, I was a bit nervous. Well, both authors were delightful. And both thought I have talent and should definitely pursue my goal of writing for publications. Yippee!

But, my four-star moment was meeting author Mary DeMuth. She’s an amazing, disciplined, Jesus-loving writer who’s published several books. I “met” her through her blog where she helps new writers on their path to publication. I follow her site faithfully and even though she doesn’t know me, I have learned so much from her. She's as close to a mentor as I have. During the conference I'm attending a class she's teaching and I was thrilled today to sit at her feet and soak in her godly teaching. After class I rushed up front to introduce myself to her. I'm sure in my excitement I babbled like a dork!

Tomorrow is a new day. I can’t wait to go to sleep so I can wakeup and go back. I don’t know where this journey will end up, but I do know God has given me a gift I MUST faithfully use. That’s what I admire most about Mary. She is passionate about Jesus and that passion fuels her writing. She’s really going places as an author, but there’s no doubt Jesus is driving the bus that’s taking her there. That’s how I want to get there too.

God gives each of us gifts to use to glorify His kingdom. Some are big; some are smaller; some reach many; others reach just a few. It's not what you have, but how you use it. What gift has God given you? How can you use it to help make His name famous?

“The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!’” Matthew 25:20-21

As a side note: I just finished reading Mary DeMuth’s book, "Watching the Tree Limbs" and loved it. It’s a fiction story of loss, longing, love and hope. She asked me to pass the good word on to all of you. Put it on the top of your summer reading list!