Inspiration from Good Books

When I was a teenager, I used to be an avid reader of the Mrs. Polifax mysteries. I read and felt like I was on an adventure with her. This is how I long to write. For so long, I've been writing the facts of life. I naturally and easily write the non-fiction but there is a part of me that longs to write fiction and not just any fiction. I want to combine comedy, mystery, suspense and romance into a novel that people drewl over and stay up all night reading.  Is that even possible?

I love, love, love old-fashioned murder mysteries. I adore comedy. I can only write that when I'm overtired and then I don't know I'm funny until the morning after. Then there's the suspense. I've been told I have no poker face. Maybe I can get over this in writing since people will not see my face... and romance, well, certain kinds of it I enjoy. Some of it is so unrealistic. Is that my non-fiction writer voice coming through?

In addition, how will I ever make writing anything more than play if I can't find time to write until my brain is a white screen of static? In years past, my creative brain was on full force and I wrote all the time, everywhere about anything and everything. I even had some writing published. It wasn't bad either. So what shall I do to wake up my sleeping  muse? Well, if you can't write it, read it.

I'm back into Mrs. Polifax mysteries again and loving it. I figure that I might as well begin where I first started. Maybe that will inspire me.

What do you do when you just seem stuck? I hear people say that they never have a problem with this because they are true writers and they always write. I always want to write and I seem to write in spurts.  Sometimes it's all or nothing, Baby.

For now, I will inspire myself by reading some good books. I shall put up the "DO NOT DISTURB"  sign. Mrs. Polifax and I shall have tea.

Pardon Me, My Epidermis is Showing

It's been ages since I posted here. I've been too busy with other writing and real life duties as a: therapeutic parent, counselor-in-training, band member, teacher, homeschool mom and many other responsibilities. I'm doing well now, though I was overwhelmed for a few months. I needed to drop a few things and balance the plate a little better so I had some time to write and to blog.  I recently began working on a book I had on hold for a while---which leads me to this story:

 When I was an awkward eleven and half year old, a smart-alek boy in my school walked up to me and whispered through grinning teeth, "Your epidermis is showing." I looked down at the hem of my skirt and around at my body for a few minutes until I realized he was attempting to provoke me. I rolled my eyes and walked away, all the while shaking my head in disgust. How dare he put me on the spot like that? Later I chuckled. It was kind of cute.I just couldn't believe I fell for it at first. How humiliating!

I've had many embarassing moments in my life: like the time in my teen years when I attended a youth conference with 7,000 other teenagers and my worn half-slip fell to my ankles right in front of a clump of sharp-looking 16ish year olds. With my puritanical type upbringing, humiliation became a familiar friend again. I walked right out of the slip and never looked back for fear that the shock on my face would provoke even more of a reaction from the boys. I ran up the steps to what I thought was the balcony and right straight into the mens' bathroom. My only option was to back out and run down the steps, right into the pack of boys I just left. Of course, that was not the last time that I felt the blood rising and my face flush as I or someone near me did something very, very embarassing. (Oh, trust me. All of my sons have found pleasure in finding ways to make a public scene at some point in time.) 

Not too many years back, I sang on a worship team where suddenly the worship leader changed songs DURING the service. Good thing the projector crew was on top of it. The words were projected on the front and back walls for the worship team and congregation to both be able to view. I had forgotten my glasses and did not know the song at all. Since I grew up on stage, I figured I could fudge it well enough. I was right. I really fudged it, not as in faking it-pull-the-wool-over-their eyes-that-I-know-the-song kind of fudge but bigtime-make-a-fool-of-myself fudge.

The fatal line was "God is bigger than the biggest________________".

The blank was suppose to be filled by "canyon" but with my heavy but rare for me, New England accent bursting from the deepest parts of my inner nervous consciousness,  I sang, "crayon" squarely into the microphone for three hundred people to hear. Can you say, "Awkward"?

So what is the point of this blabber about bloops and blunders? As I said, I've picked up writing again on a book I had on hold for a while.  Honestly, I'm not the provokational type; I'm a peacemaker but this message includes some not-so-easy chunks to swallow. 

 "God, do you really mean for me to write this? This is not going to put me on the well-loved resources list." I prayed a few months back.

Don't get me wrong; it will not be condemning, but merely off the beaten path compared to what is out there. I sometimes wish it was someone else called to write it but the inspiration has not dissipated regardless of the time spent avoiding it. Write I must...but...but my epidermis is showing.

Do you ever write things that you feel in your heart of hearts that you are suppose to write but you know that the product may not contain the most desired message? How do you deal with the inner urgings to write things from your heart that may not be popular? Or how do you deal with writing the truths from the hidden places of your soul that you feel others may not be willing to say either? I've had this feeling when I shared my testimony a few times and when I've written a poem about something personal.  Often, the writing when read, has stirred up someone's honest realization of things in his or her own heart that they might not have realized or it gives hope to someone going through a similar experience.

I pray that whatever I write, God will use it to touch hearts, change lives and inspire hope. If He wants me to also lovingly chide, well then, I must say "yes" to the call, though I dread it, in part. Can anyone relate? Or is all your writing pure pleasure to share with others?

Thank you for following my blog about writing. I hope to post more often on this page.  If anyone is still a reader, thanks for being so patient.  Please feel free to jump in the conversation and tell me about your writing journey. I'd love to hear from you.

BeckyJoie

Writing Opportunity for Leading Homeschool Magazine

Last year, I became an independent contractor to write reviews for +-75 vendors who contract with The Old Schoolhouse Magazine to gain exposure for their products. Most of the items are Homeschool Curriculae but there have also been products for family fun and household use.  One item we received was a sampler basket  of natural soaps and laundry detergent fragranced with essential oils and natural scents.  Oh, it smelled so scrumptious, I would have eaten some if it hadn't been soap. Other fun things we received were a: Hank, the Cowdog board game along with some CD's and books, Sarah Books a historical novella series based on the time period when the Underground Railroad began to rise as a help to slaves, music instruction, educational games for the computer, curriculae for every school subject including special education materials, college preparation guides and a Bible Study Course for kids using stick figures to make the stories come alive. I still have several months left to receive these products for free as a member of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew. You can read my reviews here at: Leaders In Learning blog.   It has been QUITE an experience and I have met MANY wonderful writers and publishers in this process.

The reason I tell you all of this is not to boast on my great treasures nor to brag up my own talent as a writer.  I am not the only person who has this priviledge.  In fact, there are MANY moms and a few dads working from their homeschool program to write excellent reviews for the TOS magazine and what's more? The time is here again for tryouts and you too can try out for a position on the crew. Click here for details.  Your compensation is not in monetary return but you will receive awesome products for your family to try and help bringing traffic to your blog where the reviews you write are hosted. I have received enough curriculum to use for several years, free of charge. As well, I have had my exposure to homeschool materials expanded by leaps and bounds. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity this year and so have three of my friends across the states. I know there are people outside the state who participate as well. To read their reviews,Click Here.  While you are there, look for a ship that says, "Blog Cruise" where crew members answer common questions asked about homeschooling in general.  If you ever wanted to homeschool or are simply curious what all the hubbub is about regarding homeschooling, then you won't want to miss all the blog links that will give you a widespread exposure to why many choose to teach their children at home instead of a public or private school. I have one in public school and another at home but homeschooling is no longer a fringe movement. Numbers are rising across the world, thanks to early pioneers who paved a path to show the world how much sense it really makes.

So, what do you think? Are any of you good technical writers or wonderful conversational writers? The reviewers are ALL styles from a simple straightforward scientific sounding report to elaborate or funny reviews. If you are a homeschooler who likes to write, and would benefit from an opportunity to receive great things for your family, then this opportunity might be for you.

If you tryout, please let me know and tell the editors I sent you, too!

I try to publish helpful articles on this site. I've been a little busy lately and not posted devotionals or market opportunities so I thought I would let you know about this one.  It could be really a good fit for some of my readers. Check it out!

2010 Cheerleader #2 for Your Christian Business

In the last post, I mentioned Faithwriters as the first cheerleader for Christian writers. Each month, I will highlight one or two more at Rather Be Writing.

Although none of the "cheerleaders" posted on this blog come dressed in pleated skirts and letter sweaters nor do they do cartwheels and wave pom-pom's in the air, they stand to provide a periodic pep-rally to encourage us to work at and market our businesses and/ or writing endeavors.

Today's pick was an "accidental" find. One of my New Year's resolutions is to study the great prayers of the Bible this year. As soon as I decided that in early December, I figured "Why wait?" I began right away. Searching the web, I found several studies to use as a guideline. Dr. Ralph Wilson's study was one of them. I've only just begun to receive his daily email studies but so far so excellent--I cannot vouch for the whole thing as far as expositional consistency and doctrinal accuracy but from what I've seen this far, I've been impressed.

As with any Bible study in which I partake, I wanted to know from which denominational viewpoint it would come. I decided to look up the author and read up. Although I didn't find any specific denominational leanings, I did note that he is a notable Christian businessman and international expert on Internet marketing. He has been identified on one site as Dr. EBiz. He seems to be an example of a very well-rounded person as he not only has a business and a ministry, he also enjoys playing the guitar and auto harp and is a Civil War history buff and a woodworker. Wow. I thought my plate was loaded!

If curiosity has the best of you, you can read about Dr. Wilson here: http://www.wilsonweb.com/speaker/bio.htm
Or you can check out his Bible study here (remember to use discernment and compare everything by the WORD in context): http://www.joyfulheart.com/

I signed up for his marketing newsletter as well as the prayer journey newsletter. Newsletter #1 comes with SIX free e-books for your business! If you know more about him than I do, please share!

I'll try to keep you posted about the outcome and my opinions of his ideas. Although what works for one might be different than for another, I figure it can't hurt to read what brought success to a Christian businessman.

"Ponder the path of your feet and let all your ways be established." Proverbs 4:26.

Writer's Wishlist

When I was a child, my parents asked all the children in our family to make Christmas lists.

We passed around our papers so that everyone knew what to get or make for each other. We tried not to ask for outlandish things since we knew that with involvement in the family ministry, finances were not plentious (Back then, ministry meant sacrifice not the glamour of Armani and diamonds, like some in modern ministry seem to think).

Although the wishlist idea sounds self-centered, our family already had a practice of giving to the community in abundance even when we had little ourselves.

Making a wishlist was a valuable lesson in assessing wants vs. needs and in honoring the needs and wishes of others.

The practice has stuck with me. Every year, I follow the family tradition and ask the people in my present day family to make their own wishlists. It sure makes shopping a little easier for me, too!

It wasn't difficult for me to get into wish-listing. I'm a list-maker by nature anyway. I love analyzing and keeping track of things.

New Years is another time to employ this principle. I make an annual list of resolutions to change old behaviors and to start new ones.

Periodic introspection and needs-analysis are beneficial because they keep us honest with ourselves.

As I approach the end of the year, I find myself going to that listmaking mode and crossing of the goals I've completed for the year as well as setting new goals as a writer. This includes a wishlist of tools that I think I need to continue as a writer. I never know how I'm going to accomplish or acquire them but I ask God in faith and trust that He will provide exactly what I need. Sometimes He gives me the desires of my heart in an ownership capacity and other times He provides the opportunity to borrow or share. It's a great lesson in faith and spiritual warfare, too. (By the way, God tells us we have not because we ask not or we ask amiss.

Prayer is a fantastic way to check the priorities of your wish list items and to see God work miracles on behalf of your obvious and seemingly hopeless lack.)

No warrior goes to war without preparing his armor and weapons of warfare. Neither does a writer jump out there without preparation and education. He or she also needs proper instruments with which to write and be published. He needs a battle plan and a map telling him where to submit and with what directions.

What tools do you need as a writer to make it on the Christian and /or secular markets? Here are some things I recommend putting on your wishlist (most are on mine; several I already have access to):

Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide http://www.stuartmarket.com/

Writer's Digest Magazine http://www.writersdigest.com/GeneralMenu/

Writer's Market Guide for: poets, novelists, short story writers, songwriters, children's writers and illustrators, photographers, screen and playwrights, agents and everything you could ever want to learn as a writer or artist. http://www.writersdigestshop.com/category/market-books

Novel Writing for Dummies.http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-0470059109.html

The Writer Magazine http://www.writermag.com/wrt/

Magazines, newspapers and books in genres which you want to become published.

What is on your writer's wishlist? Did I miss anything?

Write Sa Lot

This is a goofball post but I had to write about it. You see, as my son says about me, "She Writes Alot". Why? Because I write about anything and everything--even stuff that no one else would care about. Sometimes, I share it with my blog readers. Sometimes I don't.

What do writers write about anyway? The answer is "Write what you know."

If my family and I embark on a great adventure, the story ends up racing across my computer screen. If I'm present when the sun ducks behind a cotton candy swirl, I'm inspired and a poem ensues. When the sun peeks out again and glistens a kaleidoscope of colors in prisms on the wall or on the nearby lake, somehow it makes it's way also into a rainbow of words on my page.

Then there are the less glamorous subjects--like the daily grind of life. I write it down. I will probably also write about a new venture in becoming a health and wellness consultant. If I do, it will be on my Leaders In Learning blog and you may hear all kinds of useful facts that you never thought about -lucky you (tongue in cheek).

For me writing is a catharsis but for you, it's a pretty raw look at my thinking, too, so only the brave may venture onto my blogs. I'm not good at poker faces in person or in writing. It all comes out.

There are different reasons for writing. We all have them. We write for therapy or to express a valuable opinion. We write to persuade or entertain. We write to build a career or to build a following of readers with which to fellowship. We write just to write because it's fun and energizing. We write about everything.

Writers write because they love to. A few make money doing so. Some day, I hope to make the big bucks with this favorite occupation of mine but for now, I will make money as the opportunities arise and I will simply enjoy writing and share a laugh or two when I find one. Like this government page that told what average and lowest paid writers earn yearly. I laughed my head off at it. Let me know what you think. See also if you find any redunancy in this article. It's something I'm really good at. Maybe the government will pay me to write something like this for their site. http://www.bls.gov/k12/reading01.htm

At least I have something to look forward to. Until then, happy tales to you until we write again.

THROUGH IT ALL

More discouraging news came to me this month. One of the writer's groups I belong to is dissolving and another one is now meeting at a time that is more difficult for me to attend. How will I write without the encouragement and accountability of a group? With homeschooling one child and waiting at the bus stop morning and afternoon for the other, I find myself scrambling to figure out how to find time to write what is in my heart to write. Actually, if I could find the money to write, I would be relieved. I am in the job hunting process right now. I'm already busy. If I find a job, how will I find time to write? But then...

I ran into a lady who works for a local newspaper. We met at a Harvest Festival the other day and she encouraged me to take a leap of faith and look for another at-home writing job. The jobs I have done lately in the writing field have been re-reimbursed in products rather than money or have been done on a volunteer basis to help a cause. I don't mind giving of myself to others. This has been wonderful BUT I need to make money, too. It would be great if I could write and make money doing it! Writing is what I love to do and what I feel that I've been gifted to do. I know it takes time to make money. I will not give up but I can't hold out for the money I will make with writing later. So...off I go. I'm going to take a chance.

Please pray for me that I will find just the right opportunity and that I will not give up hope through it all. I know many writers are struggling right now financially. So are a vast majority of people in other careers. I pray that we may not lose faith or hope through it all.

This reminds me of a song. Here it is. It's an oldie but goodie. It's called "Through It All." I hope it blesses you too.




Here's another great new one with a similar message.





No matter what, if you feel that writing is your calling or vocation, don't give up. Let's encourage each other along the way. Through it all, we can learn to trust God to bring us into our promised land.

The Write Stuff-His Words Through Our Words

As Christian writers, we desire to reflect the image of the Author of Life.

Here is what His Word is to us.

Lord, make our words breathe life and bring light to our readers as well. Let us follow in your example. Use our words to bless our readers in this same way.


1. Make our words a lamp to light the way. Psalm 119: 105, 140 "Your Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light to our pathway...Your Word is very pure..."

2. Let our words cleanse. John 15:3 "Now you are clean through the words which I have spoken unto you."


3. Make us mighty in word and deed. Luke 24:19b "...Jesus of Nazareth...mighty in deed and word before God and all the people."


4. Let Your Word dwell in us that it may come forth in our words and go forth with power and blessings. Colossians 3:16a "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...."

Old Grooves and New Moves

THE GROOVE:

Returning to Palm Writer's Group was the highlight of my evening. During the previous two months, pre-occupation with family matters rendered me unable to attend. As usual, there was a fair balance of humor and banter at the round table (rectangular but still hosts a meeting of the minds.) There were a few awkward moments where topics included in writers' manuscripts became the butt of wisecracks making some of us blush.

As I sat there tonight, I began to realize how much I missed this group of people for the year or so when I had moved away and not attended the meetings. The group has changed so much over the years but it is still colorful and diverse.

The former president of the group was back and shared a story which told of a recent spiritual experience. I enjoyed reading his work and seeing him again. Faithful, long-time members along with newer members-- a few faces I didn't recognize--all contributed to a wonderful experience. Fellow word-lovers of varied perspectives agreed together to help one another improve the writing ability of each individual. There were mystics, Catholics, Christians, agnostics, atheists and people from various lifestyles spread around the table each smiling, laughing and critiquing the others' works without animosity. It's just the sort of place for a Christian Writer to be.

To top it off, I made a new friend, thanks to a mutual friend, Barb. Our testimonies and choices of a life verse were similar. (A life verse is one chosen to be used somewhat like a mission statement given to a person by God.) We shared a wonderful conversation after the meeting. I was familiar with books by authors with whom she is associated and have used them to help church members who have been hurt by various offensive things in the church (not my church, per say, but the universal church in general). I am interested to see where the Lord takes this "God-incidental" meeting as I really connected with this guest on many levels. I look forward to interacting with her and seeing the input she brings to our group. I'm sure that she has much to offer us in the line of constructive criticism.

It was good to see my writing colleagues and to be back in the grove again. Now I just need to get signed up for the web activities connected with the group. It is time to be diligent about this once more. Palm Group helped me tremendously over the years with improving my writing skills. I also became good at editing and critiquing as well as receiving critiques. This is the group that John, the former president used to call "The Carnivores". I was on the receiving end of a few of those man-eating critiques. It sure did sharpen my skills (after I picked my fragile ego up off the floor!) I'm thankful that I've been a part of this fantastic group of writing critics and writers. There are so many new members that I am excited about getting to know. (I'm reading their awesome stories, too.) This it the group I like best for their editing and analyzing abilities.

THE MOVE:

Clermont Christian Writers Group will be starting up again Monday at 1pm BUT they will not be in the old library downtown. The library has a new groove--a brand, spanking new building near the college in Clermont. (Did you know there was a college in Clermont? I had no clue.) Well, I am anxious to meet up with these writers again after the group went on a summer hiatus. I've missed the crew there which included members from Africa, Clermont, Leesburg, Tavares and surrounding areas.

One writer is a missionary in Muslim territory. She shared ways that Christians can invite Muslims into their homes to show them Christian love. Her writing is fantastic! She writes vignettes about her experiences in Africa. They are cute little children's stories with a gently-woven-in moral. I love them.

Another lady grew up in a Circus family but she is so mellow, sweet and kind. Her stories are very spiritual and show the relational side of walking with God. She writes devotional material as well as skits and has a large novel in the works. I found an immediate connection with her as I also grew up in a family that traveled and performed, though for different reasons.

Too there is a former sports writer who writes prophetic books and stories that evoke deep emotional responses toward the faith and toward helping others. He always has a unique perspective on things.

The leader of our group is a many-time published Chicken Soup for the Soul writer. She does a marvelous job of keeping us updated on market opportunities, providing accountability for members in our writing goals. Her most helpful talent is the ability to encourage everyone to be the best writers that they can be.

There are several other writers that I enjoy reading in this group as well. They write to comfort those with long-term illness or personal baggage and/or for entertainment as well as their own person enjoyment. A couple battle disabilities and illnesses but continue toward their writing goals, blessing us all with their words.

I'm excited to return to our next meeting Monday. I just hope my directional disabilities don't kick in too high gear on the trip. I will have to take advantage of both Map Quest and MS Streets and Trips. I might even beg my friend, Lyssie, to let me borrow her GPS in addition. Can you tell I'm Geographically Deficient?

So, now that I've rambled on and on about my writing groups, what does this have to do with you, the readers?

Well, I've ranted periodically on Rather Be Writing about the need for writers to attend a writers' group of some sort. The reason why is because I believe that it is difficult to be a good writer and stay on top of the game without cheerleaders to spur you on further on the journey. I feel that the challenge of submitting to a group of critics prepares you for the possible rejection you might receive from a publishing editor. In addition, reading the work of other authors teaches you things about writing that you can't learn if you only write and read one genre. There is a great deal to be learned from the analysis and discussion of all types of writing.

Much of the writing I read and critique in Palm Group is material I would never otherwise read as it is secular (nothing wrong with it, just not my personal choice for everyday reading.) Some of it comes from an absolute opposite viewpoint spiritually or politically. Reading it, gives me an understanding of people unlike myself and an opportunity to develop a relationship with the same. It can help, as well, when I am writing about a character, to know how real life people from real life situations might word things or act. It's a free education, if you will. We all learn from each other. It's an experience I wouldn't trade for the world and that I would highly recommend to all writers. (No hyperbole here. LOL).

When it comes to Christian Writer's Groups, it is obvious that the group often contains more of a spiritual focus which can sometimes even reach outside of the writing topics. If all writers feel that they march to a different beat from the rest of the world, then Christian writers feel it in even more profound ways. This market is not as widespread with opportunities and often has limitations that other markets do not. those who read this genre may not be as willing or able to purchase what is offered. Being in a Christian group can also help understand the picky sticky areas of the genre. It is so helpful to receive tips and info on other Christian Writers' marketing experiences as well as to feel the genuine care over the spiritual leadings on: how to write, what to write an where to submit. We've held meetings that included prayer when someone felt discouraged or needed direction. As a Christian writer, that is a unique experience. I want to be led by the Lord in anything I write, whether it is for the secular or Christian markets. Christian Writer's Groups understand the need to be spirit-led and yet still prod you toward publication goals you may choose for yourself.

But what if you don't have a writers group in your area? There are many wonderful online communities for both secular and Christian writers. I've posted about some of them under the labels marked "cheerleaders". If you know of any, please post your comments so that other readers may benefit. To quote a popular musical, "We're all in this together."

If you aren't able to join an online community of writers nor a local critique or writing group, then I suggest praying for God to send you online writing friends with whom you can connect. I've met some of the best writers and editors online! I believe they were heaven-sent to my life for the purpose of mutual encouragement on many levels as well as professional improvement. If you don't have connections with other writers, you know the One who can make it all happen for you. Ask and you will receive. God is good about answering specific prayer!

When it comes to business connections, trust Him also. Trust and obey and let Him make the way! Remember you are writing for a purpose. He is the provider and we are the distributors. Look to the Ultimate Navigator for direction! He will not lead you astray but will move in and through you to new and old grooves.

The Author of the Most Important Words

Dr. Wordwiedler has nothing on the Author of Life. I'll be happy to give the exam questions for Dr. Wordwielder's Quiz later, but for now, I had to share these words from the Author of the Word of Life, the Bible. It's a worthwhile but lengthy video filled with the words of wonder and awe at the majesty of our Creator. While, we, the writers toil late into the night or arise early in the morning to write our meager words, the Author of Life has written many words for us to read and follow. Our words will fade, but His Word lasts forever.

Please watch it when you have some time. Thank you.

Clean Your Plate, Mate!

Did your Grandmother or mother ever say this to you? "Clean your plate. There are many children over in Africa and other lands that would love to eat that food." I used to think to myself, Well, then give it to them!

Funny, though it is now upon looking back, there was a point to be made. Let nothing go to waste.

The truth is that in the American diet, much food goes to waste, one way or another. It either is wasted or goes to one's waist! Americans have an abundance of food. Just compare the serving sizes in local restaurants with the "daily recommended" portions and you will see a huge gap already, let alone seeing what people in other countries have to eat. And the leftover-food bins at fast food restaurants here are full of fare that could be better used (even just as compost) and not thrown away. Of course, in the southern states this might promote bug infestation issues BUT...I'm sure there is some way to use that leftover food and not waste it. Some college cafeterias used to give away the extra scrapings to local farmers for their pigs.

"Waste not" has been applied to food but what about words? Are there any old manuscripts just sitting around in a notebook wasting away because you either gave up on them or never submitted them in the first place? I know I have some. Those words took great amounts of time to accumulate and they aren't going anywhere on their own. Some of them, perhaps might not find any suitable place but the circular file (IE. rubbish can). Yet, other manuscripts could perhaps be re-written and sent to another publishing venue. But why let them all go to waste?

Christian writers, did you know that the Bible tells us that we shall give an account for every idle word? (Matthew 12:36). Wow, I have too many to account for. The word idle comes from the Greek word, ARGOS which means "not busy, idle, inactive, doing nothing, and sterile." OUCH!

The word account is derived from the Greek word, APODIOMI which means to "give an answer."

This is an intriguing revelation of the power of words. Other passages say that death and life are in the power of the tongue--meaning that our words are not just words. They need to serve a purpose and accomplish something. So, does this mean that it is a sin for someone to use humor in speech and writing? Some people might try to say that about comedy because "it serves no good purpose" and is full of silly words. Are these people right? Does comedy serve a purpose?

Proverbs 17:2 tells us, "A merry heart does good like a medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones." In other words, words of humor can bring healing to a person whether it be to a soul or the person's health. I am living proof. When deep in the throws of Systemic Lupus several years ago, I immersed myself in the Bible, praise music, healthy life choices and HUMOR! The last item was a HUGE part of my healing, I believe. I rented videos from the library (sending someone to get them for me) or watched them on Dish Network or the Internet. Here's a glimpse of the comedy I watched every day: I Love Lucy, Mark Lowry, Ken Davis, Chonda Pierce, Bananas Comedy, Dennis Swanburg, Bob Smiley and many other TV Comedy Classics. Humor uplifted me and brought me out of the "doldrums" as my dad used to call it.

So, if idle words are not referring to humor, then to what could they refer? I believe it refers, in part to words which are either said without thought and/or words that are not given the right venue to be heard and are thus wasted words. You may feel free to do your own research on what this means but for me, I take it as a warning to make use of the words that God allows me as a writer to use. I plan to think more before speaking and writing as well as to dig out my old manuscripts and see if I can salvage anything to be used for a good purpose.

As a person gifted with gab, I need to take more time to think before acting and to use the gift to the best of my ability so as not to have any idle words. In other words, I don't want to waste time talking about things that are not profitable to anyone but to write quality work with an intended purpose. Even if I have to ramble to find those words, the words I publish or speak aloud will be used to the fullest extent possible, with God's help. This is my prayer.

Well, perhaps it is reflective of the hour in which I wrote this (IE. late at night) or it may just be that the Lord is speaking to me louder through His Words so I will finally "get it". I know I will mess up here and there. That is inevitable. I just pray that I will make more of my words count than ever before, even the words that could sit in the "waste" basket. One man's junk is another man's treasure. So pull out that manuscript you have up trying to publish and find something salvageable in it. I aim to do the same. Let's come back in a few weeks and compare notes, okay?

P.S. There is another application. Good cooks prepare food with the highest number of nutritional calories without any unessentials because they want their food to be utilized by the body and not turned into fat or waste. Writer's strive also to write their message in the least amount of words possible while using the strongest verbs and fewer adjectives and adverbs. They don't want to waste words and make readers miss the message while choking on the extraneous words. Just a thought and a challenge to us all. Please leave your comments on this. What do you do with your leftover words or manuscripts that did not pass the critique or editor test? Do you waste them? Or find some words to remake into another story? I'm curious to know if you are like me or not. Do I have any others on the same wavelength here?

Song Writing

My intention lately for weekend posts have been to bring info that is particularly helpful to Christian writers since this is a unique market that other writers are not drawn towards and there is not as much information about it available. This also is applicable because "Christian" runs through me like a deeply woven thread and I can't help myself sometimes. I try not to be too pushy because I don't desire that my blog become offensive, but my nature is my nature and I am a proclaimer of truth and faith. I also like to hear preaching so if I offend you, I'm sorry.

Last week, I posted the Greatest Interview for a Christian Writer (based on Peter's Interview with Jesus), not having seen the following video. How ironic that I should find a clip from one of my favorite worship songwriters this evening while looking for videos about writing for God.

It kind of packs a double whammy for me as one who grew up in the faith in a family that travelled performing on public stages with music, drama and puppetry. My brother is a singer/songwriter and seeing him take a journey of his own to Nashville recently, has stirred up long, lost desires to do something similar. This may not be the case for most writers, but for me, the musician and writer are somewhat interwoven. I've written and recorded two of my own songs while on a curriculum writing project for children. I've also sung on recordings with several groups in the past, either a solo or part of a group. I took classical voice but also sing a variety of musical styles. Deep in my heart, I've always loved worship music and have attempted to write some myself. So this next clip is a great find for me. I hope it is for you. Here is Phil Wickham on the topic of how he wrote the song, "Grace" taking inspiration from the Bible.

I know this affects me as a Christian writer in a way that means I will never be the same again.