Please welcome back this week's guest Holly Michael for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? God has worked in a mighty way in my writing journey, beginning from the day that I quit writing. Yes, that’s right. About fifteen years ago, a stay-at-home mom with three small children, I grew frustrated upon receiving yet another rejection letter. I was so done writing query letters. With the two oldest in school, I put the baby in a stroller … [Read more...]
The Journey with Jean Ann Williams #acfw
Please welcome this week's guest Jean Anne Williams for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? My writing journey began before I even knew it, and God had a plan. I’ve always had lots of energy—no I don’t drink coffee—I come by this naturally. Sitting still for very long wasn’t in my vocabulary until one Sunday on July 2, 1994. On my way to worship services in my little Honda Accord, I slowed for a familiar incline and then the dip in … [Read more...]
Review for Darcie J. Gudger’s Spin By Jean Ann Williams
Jacket Blurb: Sophomore Kisrie Kelley longs to fit in. Instead, she’s always been a misfit, a fact her nemesis Wendy won’t let her forget. At least she’s got color guard and photography, right? She almost feels normal when she’s out on the field performing or behind the lens. Truth be told, they’re the only reasons she even shows up at school, though her professor mom thinks they’re both a waste of Kisrie’s time. Add a serious affinity to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups that has her battling the … [Read more...]
The Journey with Davalynn Spencer #acfw
Please welcome this weeks guest Davalynn Spencer for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? Strange, but my spiritual vision tends to be closely related to hindsight. I look back and see—as Pilgrim did in his progress—how God has led me, directed me, carried me, and waited on me as I’ve rabbit-trailed it off and on His path. But in that momentary over-the-shoulder view, I am awed at His wisdom. Nearly everything I have done or learned has … [Read more...]
2014 ACFW Pre-Conference Mix and Mingle #acfw
My plan this morning had been to get back to writing my 365 day journey. However, I came across something in my email this morning that I'm quite excited about. It's the ACFW Pre-Conference Mix and Mingle. Laurie Tomlinson has been gracious enough to start this and I'm excited to participate. All you have to do is answer a few questions, which I've put below. If you'd like to join in the fun and add yourself to the list, please click this link: laurietomlinson.com and if you don't have a … [Read more...]
Day 131: Do Not Try This at Home #acfw #365days
Well, this is a little different. There are so many things where there is a warning, especially on TV, where it says, “Do Not Try This At Home.” I think of that movie “Jack (you know the word)” where there is a guy who I guess does a bunch of really stupid things. Personally, I’ve never seen this movie and really never want to either. Dare devils who do their death-defying stunts. And you’re like, “Yeah right would I try that at home. I’m sane.” Or how about those who go after things like … [Read more...]
The Journey with Jeanie Jacobson #acfw #thejourney
Please welcome this weeks guest Jeanie Jacobson for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? An old Verizon commercial showed a man striding through various locations, from cornfields to city streets. Everywhere he went he'd hold out his phone and ask, "Can you hear me now?" For me, it seemed like everywhere I went God kept calling out, "Jeanie, can you hear me now? Write." To be honest, I ignored Him. Fear held me back. Negative thoughts … [Read more...]
Day 126: The Art of Finding Solitude #acfw
What a concept. Finding solitude can be difficult sometimes, especially if you're married and have kids at home. There always seems to be some kind of interruption that can stop you in the middle of whatever you're doing. Or sometimes we do it to ourselves. The phone rings and you feel you must answer it. The TV is on and you just can’t break away from whatever is on. The radio is on and you just can’t stop singing along to the music. Or a million and one other distractions that interrupt us for … [Read more...]
The Journey with Janet Sketchley #acfw
Please welcome this week's guest Janet Sketchley for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey? God dragged me into writing kicking and grumbling. I was a sleep-deprived at-home mom. My husband knew I needed to get out of the house, so he encouraged me to join a friend's new writing group. She needed bodies to fill the chairs, so what was I to do? Then God nudged me to pray for someone in jail. Again I struggled, but He didn't let up until I … [Read more...]
Day 119: Stillness #acfw
For me, I like to write in complete silence. No TV on. No music playing in the background. This is what works for me. My mind is clear. The words flow forth. I tend to get distracted if anything is happening around me. Writing in silence helps me to be a better writer. It’s the stillness around me that helps my creative juices to really flow forth. Sometimes as a parent we need that stillness, or quiet time, away from our children. It’s not that we don’t love them or don’t want them. We just … [Read more...]