Bring Somebody With You

"I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies [are] my meditation..." (Psalm 119:99, KJV)

One of my most requested writing workshops is Inching Toward Excellence: Finishing Your Book 8 Minutes at a Time. I was (and still am) a newbie when I developed it and didn't dare attempt a craft class or some advanced topic, so I dealt with what God had dealt with me on: completion. At a time when there was no time in my life--newborn twins, homeschooling, husband working 70 hours a week, church, six children--God spoke to me about completing the doing. I'm an idea generator of sorts and could easily stay at that place, making things up and never acting on them, but God brought people into my life who spoke a word of completion. That word, I believe, is what makes that workshop popular. That and another key point of the workshop: when you come back with your completion, bring somebody with you!

Right now I'm part of a Christian writers group here that developed out of a conference I was part of last year. The group meets once a month and I hope to bring some of them with me to Sandy Cove or ACFW next fall. Why? Because just as I pray also that my children pass me by and love God and love people better than I have, I pray that for the writers whose lives I've been blessed to be a part of. Some of them have done so already! And I'm thankful, for such is the kingdom of God. My pastor said something on Saturday that I've been tossing around in my head also: "Leadership is basically slavery." Becoming a bondservant. I think if we all thought about it that way, fewer people would want the things they want, myself perhaps included.

Where is God taking you this year? What did you accomplish last year that you're going to do again, only better? As you consider these things, consider also who's coming along with you. I'm not the best mentor due to time constraints, but I know that there are people who have mentored me through their art without ever knowing it. In the end, I know that if someone fixes their heart on Christ, they will surpass any knowledge I could ever impart and reach all the places God might send them. So keep linking elbows with people and let's keep grabbing each other's chins and turning back to glorious, majestic Jesus.

He's something marvelous.

Father God,

I thank you for every person you have brought into my life to impart wisdom, knowledge and grace to me. Help me to both disciple and be discipled in this new year. May this blog be a place of access and information, somewhere we all can tilt our heads and see You more clearly. Thank you for all the people I tried to bring along for the ride and they ended up bringing me to You instead. I love how you do that. We give you glory for You are good and your mercy endures forever.

In Jesus name,
Amen

Today's Rhythms: Lord You are Good, Israel Houghton and New Breed

Comments

[Cindi Hoppes]

You have such a way with words, Marilyn. I wish I had 1/4 of your talent! God did bless you. I absorb your readings daily. All is very much appreciated. Cindi

[Marilynn]

Cindi,

Don't absorb too much. LOL That "way with words" is mostly abject confusion but the Lord works it all out. Thanks so much for being here.

blessings,
marilynn

[PatriciaW]

Last year I wrote my first complete draft of a novel. I can't stomach revising the whole thing, at least not right now but I learned so much along the way. I learned there is middle ground between plotting and pantsing. I really need to know my characters and that I need to have at least a synopsis, if not an outline of scenes, before I start to write.

I also learned that I need to revise along the way. There's something to be said for writing fast and getting it down but I found that I got to the end and then felt completely daunted by the prospect of revising an entire manuscript. So I'm going to find some middle ground here too.

Last, I was surprised to learn, as I muddle my way toward publication and blog about my experiences, that folks are learning something from me. When people let me know that they got something from my blog--a useful writing tip, better understanding of a writing concept, a blurb about a great read--it feels great.

[Marilynn]

Patricia,

Congrats on you COMPLETION! I hear you revisions. I find that stage for me is usually a re-vision (seeing the book anew) and takes as long as it takes either way I do it, so I choose to finish. Find your rhythm and play it to the end...again. I can't wait to read your books!