Both my son and daughter are avid mountain bikers. When Jason told me he was going on a lighted ride, my first response was, “Are you going on the mountain in the dark!?!”
“The lights show up better that way,” he said.
As his mom, I guess I was more afraid for him than he was. I’ve been looking on his FB page for pictures, but haven’t seen any, so the pic here is one I found on the Internet. When I look at it, I think of a song I learned (and have also taught) in Sunday school.
“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine . . .”
Jesus said in John 9:5, “While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” Yet He knew He wouldn’t be here in person long, so He taught His people how to be light. In Matthew 5:14, He said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, . . .”
Although Jesus was the light of the world, those living in darkness did not like Him or His light, because they preferred to keep their lifestyles (John 3:19). As Christ’s followers, many may not like the light we shine either, but be encouraged. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life,” John 8:12. That means we can trust our loving God to light our path. How? One way is with His word. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path,” Psalm 119:105.
As Christian writers, we use all the creative tools available to us to shine above the many stories in reader land. Our mission is to tell people about God’s amazing love, and we do that by writing in different genres. It’s one of the ways we let our light shine. I feel like I’m constantly in continuing education to make my writing stand above the many manuscripts editors read so God’s message of His love will reach people around the world.
God gives each of us different talents and abilities to use as His beacons of light in this dark world. What tips can you give writers that make your work shine above the rest?
If you are a Christian mountain biker, you might be interested in this: http://www.xschristians.com/sports/mountain-biking.aspx
Author of more than eighty articles and stories in Christian publications, Sue Tornai lives in Carmichael, California with her husband John and dog Maggie. They enjoy times spent in their camping trailer at Lake Almanor, California. Sue also teaches Sunday school, leads writing workshops and an inspiring writer’s critique group in Fair Oaks, California. Visit her at www.suetornai.com.
January 27, 2012 in Uncategorized, Writer's Journey by Sue Tornai
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How long have you been a member of Inspire Christian Writers?
Since the spring of 2010
What prompted you to join Inspire?
I’ve always been a writer by heart, and it was a God given encounter with Beth Thompson, a Bible study friend, that connected me with Inspire Elk Grove Group.
Now, I have support, prayer partners and encouragement to take a passion to the next level of professionalism. I learn so much from this group and am honored to be a part.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you were a writer?
In elementary school, my essays were always longer than my classmates. English was my favorite subject and I enjoyed writing papers.
During one of our Inspire group’s critiques, I had them review a part in a manuscript where one of my characters die. It was tricky to write, and I wasn’t sure I articulated the emotion quite right. When I stopped reading, I looked up and the participants had tears. I guess I was on the right track.
Describe your writing career high point and low point.
I still consider myself to be a “freshmen” in the process of getting published. A high point was at a seminar, I was able to meet an agent and pitch an idea to her. What a great experience!
She said my story was similar to one that was already published. That was a low point.
However, she was encouraging and told me true writers don’t necessarily always get published, but they continue to tell their stories. That swung the pendulum back to the memory being a great learning experience that will help me in my craft.
Which of your stories is the closest to your heart?
My story, Scent of the Violet is semi-autobiographical. It is about a dark time in my life when God taught me about patience, forgiveness and letting go. Something very dear was stolen from me during a time when my father was dying of cancer. I re-wrote the ending to get the closure I didn’t get in real life.
What project of yours is gathering dust?
I began a Bible study of an over-view of the Bible. It is written as though we are on a journey with different towns, cultures pit-stops and vista points. I hit the Old Testament minor prophets and stagnated.
What did you do when you were first published?
It was a small little blip in a parenting magazine, but I felt a surge of satisfaction. The principal at my children’s school spied it, and put it in a school newsletter encouraging the parents to go read it.
What’s next for you?
I have always wanted to do a novel on Bathsheba and the amazing life she had. I bounce between my many projects; a series of children’s books, my Bible Study and my contemporary novels.
What have you read recently that you couldn’t put down?
Edge of Eternity by Randy Alcorn. Life is a journey propelling us all toward eternity. Whether to cross the chasm with the Woodcutter is something all of us have to decide for ourselves.
My favorite classic that I re-read often is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.
What does it mean to you to be a writer?
It would be such an honor to see my name printed on a book. To be able to motivate, inspire or evoke emotion as authors have done for me is something I have always dreamed of doing. It is a challenging task that often has me questioning my desire, but the stories keep coming. I am often compelled to get them out of my head.
Was there a book that changed your life?
The Bible.
It has it all–romance, conflict, poetry, prophecy, history . . .
Describe your writing environment. Or better yet, include a photo.
I usually write in our home office at the computer. Sometimes the desk is covered in research materials and motivational items that keep me inspired.
You can get to know Kari more by visiting her blog or her member’s page.
January 25, 2012 in Uncategorized, Writer's Journey by InspireWriters
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You might be thinking by now that the steps to developing an iPad app never end. Well… it sometimes feels like that to us too. Since none of us have ever done an iPad app before, there’s been a roller coaster learning curve and unforeseen setbacks in the schedule. Each of us on the team (Kate, Nur and myself) moved. Kate moved completely across the country last summer and I moved over Christmas.
Step Nine:
A. Beta Test
Now we’re back on track and actually in beta. For those who think I’m referring to a vitamin, a beta test is when your product moves (look at that.. even the app moved) from in-house testing to actual user testing. I have volunteers with young children using the app to see if they encounter bugs or any speed/performance issues needing to be addressed before we go to launch.
Preliminary input from our testers look good on the bug front—no crashes or obvious errors. I few tweaks have been suggested to make the user experience more satisfying.
B. Fix and Upload to App Store
Based on input from our beta testers, we’ll fix any problems that came up, adjust a few details in the presentation and tweak a few activities (I have a list). Then we upload it to the App Store for approval and launch.
C. Tell the World
Then I get to work contacting reviewers, telling everyone on Twitter, Facebook and Google+, notifying newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and alerting my writer’s network to spread the word to their contacts and on their blogs.
You can help by going to Purple Carrot Books and signing up to get an email when the launch happens.
Do you have experience at spreading the word about a good product?
What’s your best technique to get something out there for the “world” to know about?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Chris Pedersen and her husband live with a chocolate lab named Brandy in the beautiful Sierra foothills in California. Chris writes for children and loves crafting nonfiction stories from real life. The Prisoner of Carrot Castle is her first iPad app. Her other work in process is a chapter book titled How I Survived Third Grade.
Published work includes Work and Wag, about dog jobs, in Clubhouse Jr. Magazine and A Saving Transformation, in THE DOG NEXT DOOR published by Revell. In addition, since conquering cancer with diet, Chris blogs about health, her heart passion, at Healthy Journey Café where she dishes out recipes and tips to achieve optimum wellness. Her writing journey is chronicled at Paws and Ponder.
January 23, 2012 in Marketing, Publishing, Uncategorized, Writer's Journey by Chris Pedersen
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by Xochi E. Dixon
Thank You, Lord, for the privilege of writing for Your glory. As we step into 2012, help us focus on You, the Giver of our gifts.
Help us remember writing is a tool for ministry, as we worship You with each stroke of our pens and each tap on our keyboards.
Please guard our hearts from discouragement and fear. Empower us to step out of our comfort zones and follow wherever You lead.
Thank You for reminding us that You are a God of order and peace. Help us organize our ideas and write with clarity, courage, and passion founded in Your Truth.
Give us an extra measure of grace and diligence to meet deadlines with excellence of craft. Nurture a humble and teachable attitude within us as we do the hard work of learning the craft and encouraging other writers.
Please continue to bless the ministry of Inspire and each of the members You hand-selected to be a part of this incredible extension of the body of Christ.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us–yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV
January 22, 2012 in Uncategorized, Writer's Journey, Writing Tips by InspireWriters
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“You know, I began this race with a sense of calling. I felt led into the arena to fight for the future of this country. And I feel no different today than I did then, knowing a calling never guarantees a particular outcome but the journey that tests one faith and one’s character.”
If you heard this morning’s news, you heard Governor Rick Perry dropping out of the GOP race, and I’ve taken those words right from his speech. His strong sense of calling ended today. You might be tempted to wonder if Governor Perry ever was called to begin with. I mean, he quit, right? But I never gave that a second thought.
Though I wasn’t planning to vote for the sun-worn Texan, he has said some things throughout the race that resonated with me, and so I wanted to hear him this morning. I’m glad I took the time.
I’d say he nailed it with “a calling never guarantees a particular outcome.”
Which reminds me of a question I love asking my fellow writers: “If you were to die tomorrow, knowing that your book won’t get finished, would you be okay with that?” My friend, Julie Williams, didn’t like that question. That’s because she’s an amazing writer with an intriguing manuscript that’s in yet another revision.
I’m sure that Governor Perry could see himself as our next president. I’m certain that he would lie awake at night thinking there was a strong possibility that God’s plans for America would include him. I bet God will include him. Just not inside the Oval Office as President. “In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Prov. 16:9). Who knows where God plans to take this man and his passion for the bigger picture?
You know about passion, don’t you? That feeling of being called?
I haven’t met one writer who doesn’t know it. If you’ve ever sat at a major Christian writers conference and hung on the words of keynote speakers, had those goose bumps lift the hairs on your arms, your neck, and across your face…Our calling couldn’t be more confirming.
We feel anointed, don’t we?
Afterward, we determine to plow ahead and do whatever it takes to establish our personal platforms. Learn and refine our craft. Discover our voice. Read up and practice, practice, practice. We put ourselves through the grueling hot seat of critique—especially grueling in my critique group.
Then we carry our wounded selves back home, wipe off the blood, plant our bruised bottoms back into the computer chair, and begin again the tortuous circuit of more revisions than we wish were necessary. All for this unrelenting certainty of being called. But if you were to die tomorrow?
Some of you have known since you were listening to stories from inside those maternal uterine walls you’d be a writer. Others of you didn’t hear that call until later in life. And for too many of us, it was much later, and we wonder if we’ve got enough time left to write these blasted books.
Is that Dana Sudboro I hear laughing? But this calling, it doesn’t guarantee a particular outcome, now does it? And if our desired outcome never comes to fruition? Why are we putting ourselves through all this? Were we ever really called to write?
Well, before you go get the razor blade, consider Governor Perry’s last sentence: “It’s the journey, that tests one faith and one’s character.”
As a writer, I’m not convinced this “faith” even promises me publication, in order to prove my calling from God as a writer. Rather I’m convinced that it’s a faith that, throughout this writing journey, God “will keep [me] strong to the end, so that [I] will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Because “God, who has called [me] into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (I Cor. 1:8, 9; italics mine).
And all these professional hoopholders we’ve been accommodating? They’re just tools in God’s hands. But it is what it is. And God has chosen writing for our journey, writers. But it’s a journey toward Christ-likeness. Maybe, just maybe, publication too.
But publication isn’t, and can’t be, the end-all for Christian writers. Oh, I know it feels that way. Has all the earmarks too. But if we could get our hands on a pair of spiritually-dimensional glasses, to see what human eyes cannot…there’s a battle raging around us, determined to re-direct our focus away from the bigger picture.
That’s another thing Governor Perry said, and I’m only closely paraphrasing: “This race for the presidency isn’t about the candidates. Never has been. It’s about a much greater purpose, something much bigger than any one person.”
Our calling as writers is not to be separated from our position as God’s called out ones. And we’ve been called out for the purpose of pointing people to Jesus the Christ.
I think about the sea of writers who may never find their title on a bookstore shelf, though their words will still be read and felt each day. In critique groups. In submissions to editors who need encouragement, though their publication can’t use your piece right now. On blogs. In hand-written letters and cards. In emails. But it takes a heavenly perspective to see our journey as inspiring as the outcome. “There’s joy in the journey,” someone wrote. Time I started focusing more on the journey.
Just in case I die tomorrow and find myself standing before Jesus.
Jennifer Hamilton is a writer/editor who cheers the Auburn/Grass Valley Inspire group toward excellence; ever acknowledging that it is God who equips and trains, who opens and closes doors for opportunity. Her writing affirmations: Daring Faith, a 42-day devotional; two Bible Studies; DaySpring Cards; and freelancing for Cook Communications. Jennifer is also a blossoming grandmother of eight, a reflective mother of six, and the unexpected joy of her very own Solomon of nearly thirty years—all of which, has culminated into a masterpiece stroked in oils of complete surrender.
Find out more at www.jrhediting.com. And while you’re there, leave a comment at http://jrhediting.com/blog
January 19, 2012 in Uncategorized, Writer's Journey by InspireWriters
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How long have you been a member of Inspire?
I came to Inspire in September 2009, but due to neck surgeries in Oct 2009 and again in Dec 2010 I was unable to return until recently at the 2011 Write to Inspire Conference when I finally became a member.
What prompted you to join Inspire?
I wanted to be with like-minded people to build genuine friendships that have the support and encouragement of one another in their work for what the Lord leads.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you were a writer?
Twenty-five years ago while living in West Germany I used to make-up stories to tell my three toddler sons, and realized I really enjoyed telling stories.
Describe your writing career high point and low point.
I began writing poetry in 1982 and I won the “Golden Poets Award” in 1989 and was to be presented with my award on National Television by the renowned comedian Bob Hope! Unfortunately, I was stuck in West Germany with three toddlers and that trip did not work itself out, so I got a plaque instead. Needless to say, that in itself was both a high and a low!
Then, I began writing fiction in 1990, but had some setbacks in 1998 due to some family tragedies which included my mother’s illness and death in 1999, so I shelved all of my work and didn’t begin writing again until after I moved here to California in 2006.
I talked about my love of writing with my new husband and took it up again after a fall down a flight of stairs landed me at home on temporary disability with not much else to do in 2009. Ed’s been a huge encourager and a great support.
My second setback came after I underwent two separate neck fusions in 2009 and 2010. Because I’ve experienced varied complications from my injuries (not the surgeries) I haven’t been able to write much. I spent most of 2010 with severe vertigo.
The “High Points”… I remember the first time a story idea popped into my head and I fell in love with the idea of writing it. I told my father, and he mailed me some writing technique books he had in his own library. I remember the thrill I felt when I first opened that small box of books from my dad. I remember pulling each book out and looking at it, and then realizing that “I am going to be a writer.”
It was pretty amazing… thanks Dad.
That was 22 years ago. I tell people I’m taking the scenic route to publication.
I’m in a great critique group and am looking forward to celebrating another High Point of publication some day with my friends at Inspire!
Which of your stories is the closest to your heart?
The story I’m currently working on, because it has entwined my love for sharing my Jewish faith and revived my love for writing.
What project of yours is gathering dust?
That would be my First Love… the first novel I began to write after I decided I really wanted to be a writer is called Freedom’s Call. It’s an espionage book that takes place in East and West Germany just prior to and at the time the gates were opened into Czechoslovakia allowing East Germans to escape to the free world.
I lived in West Germany during that amazing time and was fortunate to meet many of the East Germans who wanted to tell their stories. My novel was birthed from that experience.
What’s next for you?
I’m focusing primarily on writing, and then polishing my current Biblical-fiction novel, and when that’s near completion I’ll begin my search for an agent.
I’m also trying to get tech savvy enough to run my blog, “Blue Jeans and Chocolate.” Eventually I’d like to begin a Messianic Believers blog as well. But for now I remain computer-challenged and am inching my way through learning to blog.
What have you read recently that you couldn’t put down?
Winter Haven by Athol Dickson
Athol’s books have won several awards, and if you read his writing you will soon see why. He is a brilliant, captivating author. This book is Gothic style, which I don’t normally read, but I just can’t get enough of Athol Dickson!
What does it mean to you to be a writer?
Being a writer for me, is a way to share a part of who I am as a person; to leave behind a legacy of who I have been. It’s a way for me to share my Jewishness with my Christian family, a way to share where God is leading me as He walks with me through this thing we call life.
Was there a book that changed your life?
My goodness, there are so many… twenty years ago I read Hinds feet on High Places, by Hannah Hurnard. It was pretty enthralling.
More recently, I’d have to say perhaps Our Father Abraham, by Marvin R. Wilson.
Describe your writing environment.
Well, I do have a laptop which I use while out in our living area if I’m bored with being in my office space or if my husband needs the desktop for some reason. But usually I write during the day while he’s at work, so I’m in the office, and since I can’t type for long periods of time in one setting I use my Dragon Naturally Speaking system and simply talk into my microphone and my computer types what I say as I dictate. (Don’t get too excited, it does make a lot of mistakes so I have to go slowly and fix them as we go along.)
You can get to know Dina better by visiting her blog or her member page.
January 18, 2012 in Uncategorized, Writer's Journey by InspireWriters
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If you’re interested in writing personal experience stories, here’s a great opportunity for you:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive! 101 Inspirational Stories about Changing Your Life through Positive Thinking
After the success of our book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive, we are ready to make another book full of stories about how you changed your life, solved a problem, or overcame a challenge through a positive attitude, counting your blessings, or an epiphany of some kind. Tell us your success story about using the power of positive!
Topics could include:
- Attitude! It does make a difference
- The unexpected benefits of challenges
- Putting things in perspective
- Turning negative into positive
- How you spread the message of gratitude to others
- Lighten up and laugh!
- What made you realize that your life is good and that you are grateful
- Silver linings that you have discovered
- Appreciating the simple pleasures
- … Anything else that you think that is interesting and inspirational
Your stories or poems need to be nonfiction and about your personal experiences or those of someone close to you. No “creative writing” please. We prefer stories written in the first person and no more than 1,200 words. If you ghost-write a story for someone else, that person, not you, will be listed as the author of the story. We are no longer running “as told to” stories. Stories should not have been previously published by Chicken Soup for the Soul or other major print publications.
If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for US $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it.
SUBMISSIONS GO TO http://chickensoup.com
Select the Submit Your Story link on the left tool bar and follow the directions.
DEADLINE FOR STORY SUBMISSIONS IS APRIL 30, 2012.
January 13, 2012 in Announcements, Opportunities, Publishing, Uncategorized by InspireWriters
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March 9-10 Bethel Church in Redding will host the Act One Screenwriting Workshop led by industry professionals from Los Angeles who follow Jesus, write for TV and screen and teach others how to craft stories with authenticity and impact.
Some of the topics covered:
- Creating unforgettable characters
- Developing dialogue
- Finding your structure
- Writing spectacular scenes
- Visual images
- Paradox
- Haunting moments
January 12, 2012 in Announcements, Training Workshops by Dana Sudboro
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How long have you been a member of Inspire?
Since September, 2011.
What prompted you to join Inspire?
I was invited to a critique group in Auburn, and saw firsthand the value of being with like-minded people. The more I learned about Inspire, the more eager I was to get involved. It’s a win-win.
Was there a particular moment when you knew you were a writer?
I wrote my first story for a children’s magazine contest when I was seven years old, and ever since then I’ve written for pleasure, my profession as a journalist, and now free-lance publication.
Describe your writing career high point and low point.
The high point was attending Jerry Jenken’s writer’s conference where I pitched a nonfiction book proposal called Lunch with Loretta: Feeding a Soul Hungry for God. Two editors expressed an interest in the book which raised my hopes that I’d see it published.
The low point has been waiting for their response and hearing people say the odds are slim of getting published in today’s economy unless you’re famous or infamous.
Describe your most memorable interview.
A few years ago, I interviewed a retired songwriter, Stan Zabka, who lives in Grass Valley. He worked in the entertainment industry since World War II and composed the song, “Christmas Eve in my Hometown” and the original theme music to “The Tonight Show.”
Which of your stories is the closest to your heart?
I wrote a children’s book (haven’t pursued publication) based on my childhood years when I’d visit my grandmother in a poor, rural town in Mississippi during the 1960s.
What did you do when you received your first acceptance or publication?
I might as well have won the Pulitzer. I remember raising the letter up in the air, grinning from ear to ear and saying aloud, “Yes! Thank you Jesus!”
Describe receiving your first book contract. Or agent contract.
I’ll let you know when it happens.
What project of yours is gathering dust?
Dust? I’d say there are cobwebs too. I wrote a romance novella called Deferred Hope and sent it off to Barbour books. When it was rejected, I never bothered to send it to another publisher because by then I’d moved on to my next book idea.
What’s next for you?
I continue to polish my book manuscript Lunch with Loretta in hopes of going to the Mount Herman writer’s conference with the proposal. Meanwhile I continue to write devotions that get published, and created a website and Facebook blog in order to build up my platform which now includes speaking to women’s groups.
What have you read recently that you couldn’t put down?
I love reading Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and David Copperfield aloud just to hear the words roll off my tongue.
What does it mean to you to be a writer?
Lately, being a writer is lonely, hard work that requires a great deal of self discipline. However, when I try to walk away, my thoughts gather inside of me until I feel like I’m going to implode. So being a writer means “I must write” even if it’s for an audience of ONE.
Was there a book that changed your life?
Francine River’s book, Redeeming Love showed me Christian literature could be well written and thought-provoking. It was also an answer to prayer when I needed confirmation of God’s unconditional love towards me. It’s one of the few books that I’ve bought as gifts for believers and nonbelievers alike.
Describe your writing environment.
I predominantly work in a cubby hole with a built in desk next to the laundry room at the rear of the house. It’s a cramped space, but I’m surrounded by photos of my family, manuscripts, writing books, and my Bibles. There’s a window over my desk that looks out on my back yard, and the back door is glass so there’s plenty of natural light. However, I prefer writing outdoors when the weather is nice because I can sit next to our man-made waterfall.
And check out her new blog,
January 11, 2012 in Uncategorized, Writer's Journey by InspireWriters
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Parents are known for their one-liners, and mine were no exception. “Do it once, do it right, then forget about it.” Wise words imprinted on my heart as my military father explained how to mop the kitchen floor.
Now, with four children of my own, I’ve discovered there are a few one-liners I’ve batted around long enough to stick with my four kids as well. My personal favorite?
Throw your spaghetti!
I use this saying to encourage family and friends to knock on every door in their path, and walk through and follow-thru when that door opens.
This saying originates from the traditional Italian way of testing pasta. The cook throws a handful of spaghetti noodles against the wall and if a few strands stick the pasta’s ready. If the noodles fall to the ground—the pasta remains in the boiling water.
Here are a few life examples of what “Throw Your Spaghetti” looks like:
While attending a writer’s conference, I was surrounded by hundreds of wannabee-authors like myself who dreamed of a coveted publishing contract. When I had the chance to talk with some of them, I was amazed by their talent, awed by their creative ideas, and immediately anxious about ever being good enough.
One of those gifted writers spoke with me, “I just got back my edited manuscript. It’s full of red ink. The editor suggested I talk with another publisher.” She moped.
“So, what are you waiting for? There are lots of publishers here you could talk to.” I reminded her.
“I don’t know. I really had hoped this editor would want it for her publishing house. I’m thinking it’s not meant to be for me.” She mumbled.
“Are you kidding? You have a gift, and you’re going to let a rejection from one publisher hold you back from your dream? C’mon get out there and meet with everyone you can. Throw your spaghetti!”
My college-aged daughter called to share, “Mom, I just found out about another college that offers a fellowship for creative writing. But, the problem is, I’m not sure if I should stick to my number one school choice in Iowa, or try for this one too?”
“Honey, there are no guarantees you’ll get into your first choice, so I’d apply for both. Throw your spaghetti!”
I’d flown cross-country to attend a women’s conference in the hopes of sharing my book idea with a few publishing houses. By divine miracle, my late registration didn’t hold me back from appointments with publishers.
I called my husband to share my progress. “Paul, I just met with a gal who taught a workshop about pitching my book idea. She said what I have isn’t good enough for a book.”
“I’m sorry, who told you? Did God tell you that?” Sarcasm oozed over every syllable.
“No, God did not tell me that!” Irritation got the best of me.
“Well then, I suggest you keep your appointments with the publishers and pitch your book idea. Throw your spaghetti!”
He was right. I kept both of my appointments. Each publisher gave me the green light to send in my full book proposal. Months later, those same publishers emailed rejections. But, I did what I do best—I threw my spaghetti and submitted my work over and over again.
What manuscript have you buried for lack of follow-thru? What gift have you ignored because you believe you aren’t good enough, pretty enough, or smart enough? Start working on your follow-thru, and perseverance, and throw your spaghetti.
Oh, and that book idea I was telling you about? You can find it on Amazon.
What holds you back from trying one more time?
Who encourages you to throw your spaghetti?
Joanne Kraft is a recovering too-busy mom and the author of Just Too Busy—Taking Your Family on a Radical Sabbatical. A writer and sought-after speaker, Joanne’s articles have been published by In Touch, Thriving Family, ParentLife, Today’s Christian Woman, and P31 Woman. She’s appeared on CBN News, Focus on the Family’s afternoon show—Your Family Live, Sacramento & Co., and The Harvest Show.
January 10, 2012 in Publishing, Uncategorized, Writer's Journey, Writing Tips by InspireWriters
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Both my son and daughter are avid mountain bikers. When Jason told me he was going on a lighted ride, my first response was, “Are you going on the mountain in the dark!?!”
Author of more than eighty articles and stories in Christian publications, Sue Tornai lives in Carmichael, California with her husband John and dog Maggie. They enjoy times spent in their camping trailer at Lake Almanor, California. Sue also teaches Sunday school, leads writing workshops and an inspiring writer’s critique group in Fair Oaks, California. Visit her at www.suetornai.com.
