Resuming the Mission

During the last few weeks of "down time" I have realized more than ever that this desire to write fiction is not going away. I have been reminded over and over that everything happens in God's time. All I have been doing up until now has been valuable. I'm very happy with my marriage, my children, my grand-children, my job, my work with the Church, the column I write each month. But, I just can't continue to let the stories in my head just sit there, on random pieces of paper, in random folders in My Documents file.

I'm looking for input from anyone who understands this need to write. I'll give you a brief outline of where I am, and ask you to make suggestions on the next step. I'll sort through the ideas, and pray about it, and figure out what will be best for me. After all, what works for someone else won't necessarily be the right way to go. But, neither is sitting here doing nothing with this talent God has given me. I know that sounds like I'm bragging, but I'm not. It's not an earth-shaking, instant best seller that will change the world, but it's there, such as it is, and I should be using it to help someone else. So, your input is very much welcomed!

•    I am not a newby. I've completed three manuscripts. One, a teen mystery/romance called Butterfly Summer. The second, a contemporary romance called Crossroads, written from both the hero's and the heroine's POV and the third, a historical called In Pastures Green based on my family's stories from the late eighteen hundreds in Eastern Kansas. All have been submitted to contests,and done fairly well, though none have won first place. Crossroads was turned down by Heartsong presents a few years ago.


• I have been a member in the past of a local writer's group that is still active. Fiction Writers of Central Arkansas  holds monthly meetings, and would probably give me an opportunity to be in a face to face critique group, although not all write in the same genre (Christian Fiction) that I'm trying to break into.


• I am not currently a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, because I was not utilizing their tools, and just deleting most of the messages in my inbox. I have attended one conference in Nashville a few years ago, but this was a tremendous expense for me, and it's hard to justify a vacation that doesn't really allow much time with my husband.


• I will be retiring from the State of Arkansas in two and a half years, and should be able to substitute teach enough to make some money, hopefully allowing some time to devote to writing.


• I have a current work in progress that is classified as Women's Fiction and has received favorable comments from at least one published author. I will soon have that one completed, and ready for first re-write.

So- what do you think? Do I concentrate on finishing my WIP, take it to a critique group, get it professionally edited (I have a friend who can do that), and start sending it out? Do I resurrect the old already completed projects and start shopping them around? Is there value in getting back with ACFW? Should I rejoin my local all-genre group?

You can see what a quandry I'm in. My time will be limited till I retire, so I need to make the best use of it. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.

Blessings on your own writing journey!

Jenny

Behold the Turtle...

...He never makes any progress until he sticks his neck out. After attending a meeting of the Arkansas Inspy writers on Saturday, I realized that's where I am right now. In Turtle mode. I'm happily writing my monthly column (and posting it here), occassionally writing a haiku, and ... that's about it. The characters from my past,present and future works in progress still wander around in my head. They're becoming good friends of mine, but their stories are still untold.

During the meeting, I realized that I'm not a beginner. I know most of the tricks, and can write pretty well. My only hold back is to stretch out and try. After all, sometimes, it's much safer to huddle in my little shell, and say, oh well, I'm doing the best I can. But that's not really true. My best is much better than this.

I've missed the contest and conference season for this year. But right now, I'm declaring 2010 the year of sending out submissions. I need to polish a little, get things ready, and send, send, send. Get ready post office. Here I come. It may be painful at times, and there's a risk of getting out in the middle of the road and getting smashed, but I've just got to go for it!

To whomever reads this- hope this prompts you to peek out of your shell too! We're all in this together.

Reflecting His Glory

During my morning scripture reading (the smartest thing I do all day) I found a verse that explains perfectly what I'm trying to do with my writing.

"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit." 2Corinthians 3:18.

James and I have been talking about plans for our kitchen window lately. Now that he is home more often in the early morning hours, he notices how warm it gets in front of that uncovered window on the east side of the house. He wisely suggests that we put up a blind, as we're wasting energy trying to keep that spot cool. My idea though, is stained glass. If I had a really pretty piece just the size of the upper pane of that window, imagine the beautiful patterns on the floor. Isn't there something about reflected light being cooler, less concentrated than direct sunlight? It always seems that way when you're in a church building with stained glass. I just love the idea of using art and color to bring God's light into my house, and sharing it with others who happen along. That's me in a nutshell. I'm sure we'll eventually have both a window shade and stained glass. Marriage is all about compromise.

I think this is why I write fiction. Sure, it is more practical to write devotionals, family histories, even journals. But fiction brings color, excitement, life to my world. It helps me recognize how good God is, and how his creation is new every morning. Books are my "Calgon take me away" tools. I hope that what I write can do that for someone else. In the midst of their busy lives, maybe someone somewhere will read a story of mine and go "Ahhh, wasn't that great. Now, I feel like I can face the day with a smile."

Corny? No one has ever accused me of being profound.

Enjoy your day, and praise God for the sunshine. It might be easier in front of a piece of stained glass if you can find one!

Sharing my Journey

I suppose that to have a blog, it should really be about Who I Am. I can't do that without dealing with the writer in me. Not assuming that anyone will care, but just to share what it's like to put your ideas down on paper. It's very much like giving birth to a child. You're proud, but at the same time fearful. What if this precious thing I've created is laughed at, rejected? Unlike a child, at least the story doesn't have feelings. Rejection doesn't hurt it, just me.

The real idea behind this category on my blog is to encourage someone else who wanders by. If you've ever thought about sharing the ideas you have spinning around in your head, I'm here for you. It's not easy, but for me, it's necessary. If I don't write things down, I sometimes feel like my brain will explode. That may sound a little violent, but it explains why I do what I do. Next time, a short writing bio to bring you up to date.

Comments? I'd love to hear anything you have to say about any of the posts on this blog.

Have a great day!

Jenny