A Scriptural 'How to' for Writing ...Written by Joyce C. Lock
If you want to know how to be a successful writer, by world's methods and standards, I have absolutely no idea. However, if you have a passion to use writing as a tool to reach people for Lord, have I got Good News for you! A Scriptural 'How to' for Writing ... Once I discovered that scripture provides 'how to's' to be successful at whatever Lord calls us to; Bible became so exciting! For example, pay close attention to this verse. "I am vine, ye are branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing." John 15:5 The key word is 'abide'. All we have to do, to reach MANY for Lord, is to abide. Now, abide does not mean to be good enough or to do anything better than next guy. It is about having a close knit, moment by moment, relationship with Lord. And, it does not mean we are not allowed to have another thought. Though, when busy with daily chores or driving in car, consider listening to Inspirational music or a sermon on tape (just whatever ministers you); directing your thoughts toward God. Begin to consider television and radio preferences; not for legalism's sake but, to protect your mind toward better things. Envision God standing right beside you, wherever you go. Then, whenever you have a thought, share it with Him as you would a friend ... and be sure to listen, too. Now, that would make His day, as His greatest desire is to dwell with you! And, soon, you will begin to discover things that matter to your heart and His. As those feelings begin to surface, Spirit begins to move, and words begin to flow ~ write them down. Then, with just a few touch ups, you will have a guaranteed Masterpiece!
| | Writer Wanna Be'sWritten by Joyce C. Lock
Before my discovery of internet, in attempting to deal with Christian publishers, I came to realize what preachers have known for a long time. Many publishers use 'Christian' name for a fast buck. Like others, they want to know who you know and everything else possible that might prove your book will sell on merit of your name, only; without regard to what is actually inside cover. They, also, expect you to work so hard at your presentation that book is ready for publication before submitting. Though, most of time, it goes into a pile of manuscripts; to barely be skimmed, unless you have already developed a name. In addition, publishers either want your writing to fit within their specific doctrinal guidelines or they want writing to be so non-controversial that all religions will accept it. All this is without consideration as to if Spirit is actually speaking through writing. Poetry critiquers do not like me very well, either. Oh, wait! Maybe it is other way around. First, you write, in hope of meeting someone else's acceptance and approval. Talk about messing with your self-esteem, that will do it. You may have to spend money for them to even look at your writing. But when you do, you are almost assured they will tell you what you had hoped to hear ~ that your writing is absolutely wonderful! You can pretty much guarantee that those who offer self-publishing will really love your writing, too. However, price for encouragement, on that level, is considerably higher. Then, there are contests wherein expense is required, either to enter or to claim your prize. In other circles, we call it gambling. Though, if you are otherwise accepted, you may be required to pay for honor of having your writing listed among them. However, unless you tell all your friends, no one that knows you will ever see it. And, all rest will not even remember your name. Such as these take unfair advantage; manipulating heart strings of those whose dream in life is to, one day, be a writer. In fact, most such cons stay within legalized limits; but steal from your wallet, none-the-less. I am not a writer wanna be. In fact, I am not even a writer. I do not seek to become a writer. But, I could keep going with this skeptism as, when I do write, it is with motivation and purpose. Maybe I just have a lot of issues. :-) What got me going, this time, was a shared link to a website implying they were interested in original Christian writing submissions. However, in addition to all else, they suggested that 'if you wait for Spirit's moving, you may never write'. So, at that point, I was no longer annoyed but a bit ticked. If Spirit is not in it, it should not be written. Shame on them! When God inspires one to write, it does not need criticized. There are times when a different arrangement of words would read more smoothly. And, definitely, proofing helps reader to be able to better absorb content. However, intent in which God gave it should never be changed. God does not do anything inferior. Only, some take it upon themselves to think they know more than God. But, also, as is really obvious (when only accepted poetry submission is 'non-rhyming poetry', regardless of content), those have pre-determined what good poetry is ~ while they look down upon rest. That might be a good deal, to at least know what is expected. Only, no two critics agree on what good poetry is.
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