Encouragement for writers

In my blog post of April 13, I wrote that 2020 would become the most creative and productive year I have had so far. Simply because I refuse to be a victim of the thief's schemes who wants nothing more than to paralyze us as we passively watch the world go crazy.

I know, what the Lord has called me to be, and that is to be His faithful mouthpiece, regardless of the circumstances, I should add. This morning I read Psalm 57: 2 in my NLT, it says: I cry out to God Most High, to God who will fulfill his purpose for me.

Such verses excite me ... He will fulfill His purpose for me. No doubt about it. He will do it. Phew, relax.

Anyway, 2020 so far. On May 1st my new English book True Worshipers was released. In the same month, a Russian edition of my book In My Name was released and soon an Italian edition of the same book will also be released, which will be distributed in Italy through CLC.

Last week, I was notified that In My Name also ended up as a finalist in the 2020 International Book Awards, hosted by American Book Fest. Category Religion: Christian - inspirational. Whether that makes any difference in book sales or publicity doesn't really matter to me. I take it as a nice boost and encouragement... my work will not be unnoticed!

I have been working on a theme frame for a new book but currently, we are busy with a house renovation which takes up time and energy... mind you, we are camping out in the yard 😀

Anyway, I have hope and expectation when it comes to my writing journey, certainly because of encouraging words such as found in Psalm 57!

What about your writing, work in progress, ideas, or plans?

Bloggers@work: Aileen Stewart

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogiversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I'll be hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). Jeanette Levellie kicked off with her WIP, now it's Aileen Stewart's turn, she writes children's books!

Aileen Stewart at a book signing

What is your current WIP?

Currently I am revising a picture book wip. It is the story of a shy duck who must find his voice in order to save a friend.  It seems I have a thing for ducks and farm animals in general.

I recently attended a critique group sponsored by the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators where I received some pointers on how to polish this particular manuscript. It should be ready for submission very soon which is always an exciting place to be at when working on a wip.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

My biggest struggle with this project and many other projects is remembering to show and not tell. Thankfully, passive voice is fairly easy to correct.

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

Every project I work on is a blessing because the ideas and the words are my gift from the Father. Each new idea shows that I am indeed made in the father’s image. He created the world and all that is in it, and I create imaginary characters and worlds on paper.

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

The three p’s serve well no matter what a person is working on. Patience, Perseverance, and  a Positive attitude. Remember everything is in the Lord’s timing. Never give up. And above all, look at the positive aspects and choose joy no matter what.

More about Aileen:

www.funwithaileen.com

www.aileensthoughts.com

Bloggers@work: Jeanette Levellie

This month I am celebrating my 10 year blogiversary with giveaways and a bloggers special: Bloggers@work.

Ten years of blogging wouldn't be possible without the support, encouragement, comments and inspiration of other bloggers. I love this community and that's why I'll be hosting some of my favorite bloggers and their WIP (work in progress). Jeanette Levellie kicks off.

Kev & Jeanette Levellie

What is your current WIP?

My current WIP is a book on prayer, Touchable God, a two-part book. Part 1 is a compilation of stories from my own life chronicling how the Lord taught me how touchable He is--that we can come to Him anytime, with any kind of request or anguish of heart, no matter how small or enormous, and He is right there with all the grace we need.

Part 2 is a series of prayers for friends in crisis--ones who have lost a job, whose children are wayward, those facing surgery, etc. I hope these prayers will encourage readers in their walk to the Throne of Grace, to expect God to act on their behalf.

Wherein lies your biggest struggle with this particular project?

My biggest struggle is that I often feel like a hypocrite, as I don't always pray with as much faith as I'd like to, and as I encourage others to in my book. So condemnation slips in. I think, "How can I teach on prayer when my own prayer life is lacking or my faith wanes?"

Then the Lord reminds me that what I'm writing is truth, whether I practice it or not! Nevertheless, my own words of exhortation are often the kick in the pants I need. You've heard how many preachers choose sermon topics they need to hear? It's true of writers too!

Jen's work in progress

What do you see as the biggest blessing while working on this particular project?

The biggest blessing working on this project is that I'm reminded how approachable our Father truly is. He is not mad at us--Jesus has already taken away our sins. He is not far off on the shore, barely listening to our cries for help--He is in the boat with us, calming the storm. His love and grace are deeper than our sins and kinder than our blunders, and we can run to him with our broken hearts and find healing every time. 

Do you have a word of wisdom for writers and their WIP?

A word of wisdom? Don't give up. Ask for the Father's help on your WIP. He wants to help  you! He has equipped you to write, and He always finishes what He starts. Also, sometimes we have to force ourselves to sit down and do what God has called us to do. We simply tell our bodies, "NO!" when they want to be lazy.

I often tell myself, 'Just write one sentence or paragraph' when I don't feel like working. When I get that first sentence out, the muse is stirred up and the ideas begin to flow. It's taking that first step of obedience to the Holy Spirit that helps form a good habit. 

More about Jeanette Levellie:

Shock the Clock: Time-Management for Writers and Other Creatives makes a perfect gift for all your time-challenged friends!http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103510/

Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top, a humorous devotional: http://amzn.to/1O6bJ5z

The Heart of Humor: 60 Helpings of Hilarity to Nourish Your Soul, http://amzn.to/1YkFUMa
www.jeanettelevellie.com

http://on.fb.me/1P766rm

PS: Don't forget to enter my blogiversary giveaway!