Edie Melson's Blog, page 238

Growing into the Writer We Were Designed to Be

by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme

This is the time of year when the results of the crepe myrtle slaughter become obvious for all to see. For you folks up north, the crepe myrtle is a multi-stemmed tree that produces vibrant flowers from late spring to fall. In early spring a few well-meaning gardeners chop the tree down to ugly stubs, exposing only the trunk, ruining the natural form, and resulting in spindly branches too weak to hold up the flowers that begin to bloom in May or June. In May, a butchered crepe myrtle looks like several long stumps holding a bowl of lettuce. As a Master Gardener, I have to turn my head when I see the results. It’s always sad when a reason for being is denied.
Some kind soul started the trend. I suspect he or she was not at all familiar with the characteristics of the southern tree and attempted to squeeze the fifteen to twenty-foot specimen into a space much smaller than its size. Others obviously saw and copied. Habits can form for no reason other than the trend at the time.
God’s beautiful creation is often a springboard to life’s lessons. Nature speaks to us and, if we listen, brings home truths that otherwise would be lost. In the crepe myrtle slaughter, I see the innocent acceptance of ideas that changes a reason for being. The once majestic tree, meant to soar high into the sky, is cut back to dwarf-like size and robbed of the characteristics it was made for.
It reminds me of my writing in the early days, and often now as I succumb to my own pressure to be published. We forget who we are and why we write.  In my humble opinion, the truly great writers glide past public opinion and politically correctness and, while constantly perfecting their craft, write from their heart words and stories placed there by God. While no proposal should announce that, “God gave me this story,” that truth should be the underlying fact behind each written word. 
Ever so often we just have to separate ourselves from that rejection letter and listen to that small voice inside. For some, we turn from the pack, and tell that story we were born to tell. We allow ourselves to be captured again by the sheer beauty of words woven into story. We stop running, listen, and let the words be a symphony to our souls—draw us out of ourselves into a world of possibilities—a world where trouble lurks but hope resides.
This year I’ll be attending Blue Ridge Christian Writer’s Conference, after an absence of a few years. I’ll bring business cards, my computer, and anticipation for what I’m about to learn about my craft. Unlike past years, I’ll leave behind great expectations. For me it will be respite time away from my life as caregiver. I’ll get lost in the excitement in the air and the sheer joy of learning from giants in the industry. I’ll try not to worry about what I left at home. It will be a time of rest and redefinition of purpose. 
Only when we know why God has called us to write can we know what He has called us to write. Sometimes we just have to take time to remember not to chop off that which belongs and, instead, let it grow to its full potential.
TWEETABLEGrowing into the Writer We Were Designed to Be - @GannonEmme on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Emme Gannon is a wife, mother, and grandmother who loves to write stories that stir the heart. Her award-winning writing has appeared in Focus on the Family magazine, several anthologies, and numerous newsletters. She just completed her first novel.

A List of Apps That Help Maximize Your Writing Conference Experience

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson


The writing conference season is in full swing. While everyone knows the value of attending writing conferences, many be not be aware of the benefits gained with a few simple apps added to your mobile device(s). This month I’ll share some of my favorites, and how they help keep me on track.
The first thing you need to know is that the value of an app isn’t dictated by the cost. Many of my favorites are free, and the others are all quite reasonable.Overall OrganizationDropBox: This app needs to be loaded on your desktop (or laptop) computer first. Save all your documents in DropBox and you can access them from all of your devices. I have the paid version ($9.99 per month) but I also have thousands of photos I have saved there. For just documents, the free version has enough storage for the average user.
CamCard – Business card scanner & reader: The value of this app is that I no longer have to keep up with business cards. I can just snap a picture of the back and front of the card, pick a category, even add notes.
Evernote: You either love it or hate it. But the truth is there's no better overall organizational system out there. 
Taking NotesNoteshelf: This is by far my favorite note taking app. It isn’t free (around $5), but is available for android and apple, in versions for the phone and tablet. I use this instead of carrying a notebook and pen (much better on my back). I also use the Apple Pencil and absolutely LOVE it! It also makes it almost impossible to lose my notes because it syncs with DropBox and EverNote.
Dragon Dictation: I love Dragon Naturally Speaking, but I think I love the app even more. I have it on my iPhone and my iPad. I can dictate notes directly into the app and email them to myself from anywhere. Just be sure to email them immediately, otherwise the note will disappear.
Making ConnectionsFacebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram: By now everyone knows the value of staying connected with social media. I have all the individual platform apps, just in case I want to post directly from there.
Hootsuite: This is my favorite way to share updates. This lets me post to FB, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. with just one click. I can also schedule updates so if I have several things to share I can avoid hogging the stream!
Places Around: This is a great app to help you find things you may need, from a pharmacy to fast food to parking. It’s easy to use and I’ve found it to be quite accurate.
PicturesMore and more we’re connecting through images. It’s important that we have easy access to apps that make our images come to life.
WordSwag: This is a great app to add text to images. It’s completely free and my favorite.
Snapseed: This is my favorite app to help tune an image. I can crop, work on color, add filters, add frames, just about anything.
GeneralLastPass: In today’s world we need a password for almost everything—and for security they all have to be different. This app addresses that issue. It has a free version, which is excellent. But I use the paid version – only $12 a year. I can store all my passwords securely and only have to remember the one to my LastPass. You can access LastPass from all your devices.
White Noise: This app has an entire catalogue of soothing sounds to help even the worst insomniac relax. It includes a timer feature, as well as an alarm, so you can wake up as refreshed as you went to sleep.
Nook, Kindle, iBook: I make sure they’re all up-to-date and the books I want to read are installed on the device I’m using.
Audible: I love my Audible app. I sometimes prefer it to White Noise when I’m trying to unwind. It’s also great to use on the airplane, waiting in the airport, or traveling in the car.
Netflix: This is another favorite that I use to unwind back at the hotel. Sometimes all I need is a good laugh with some of my favorite shows to help put life back in perspective.


Special Note:
Many conferences have their own app. Our Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference has an excellent app (it will go live in the next few days).


BRMCWC AppBlue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: Search in the app store for RIDGECREST EVENTS. 
My final tip is this: before you leave home, make sure you’re logged into all your social media networks, like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Hootsuite, etc. This will save valuable time when you want to post an update on the go.

Now it's your time. There's no way any of us can know all the coolest apps. Which ones do you recommend? 

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

TWEETABLES
A List of Apps to Make Your #Writing Conference Experience Better - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Apps add value to your #writing conference experience & help you make more solid connections - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Writing—A Juggling Act

by Susan U. Neal RN, MBA, MHS @SusanNealYoga

A writing career is similar to being a juggler. You need to keep many balls in the air such as writing craft, marketing techniques, and developing industry relationships. With practice, a juggler and writer improve their skills.
The first ball is writing. After a book launch ends, we should begin writing our next manuscript or at least the first three chapters along with a corresponding book proposal. In my previous article, “How to Use Pre-Publication Planning to Sell More Books” I reviewed techniques such as including a hook and personal passionate story in your book.
Reading books on the craft of writing and attending monthly writer critique groups improves our prose. Learning new information through taking classes at writer’s conferences is vital for our growth. Reading or listening to books in our writing genre sharpens our craft. One must be diligent in keeping this ball airborne.

Marketing Techniques
Nurturing our books through marketing is our next ball. First, the author pushes the book into the world through an exceptional book launch. Strategically we request book reviews. Setting up book events at local book stores and getting to know the store’s management ensures that the store carries your book. 
To help readers find your book, consistently write blogs and articles—like this one. Booking guest podcast and radio show interviews propels your book even higher. Who knows how long the recording will exist in the digital world as it continues to market your book to potential readers years later. My previous article, “Marketing Strategies to Improve Book Sales” reviewed additional marketing techniques.

Industry Relationships
Writes must juggle the third ball—development of industry relationships. We meet writing professionals through attending conferences and critique groups. You have no idea how a fellow conferee could boost your career or become a friend. Connecting with agents, publishers, and editors is a vital component of this profession. Meeting a magazine editor or publisher at a conference makes a better impression than a query letter.

Cultivating relationships through social media is fundamental. I met influential individuals through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. I obtained article assignments, guest podcast interviews, and supportive friends through engagement on social media. Posting valuable content for your audience improves engagement.

A writing career is a juggling act. Every day you get up on stage and propel each ball so one doesn’t fall. Lately, I dropped the article writing ball because I was heavily involved in guest podcast interviews. It’s okay when a ball drops. You pick it up and try again. The more you practice, the better you get. Happy juggling!

TWEETABLES
Writing—A Juggling Act - insight & Tips from @SusanNealYoga on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

A #writing career is a juggling act - thoughts from @SusanNealYoga on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Susan U. Neal, RN, MBA, MHS
Susan’s mission is to improve the health of the body of Christ. She has her RN and MBA degrees, as well as a master’s in health science. She is a CERTIFIED HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACH with the American Association of Christian Counselors. She published five books, the Selah award winner  7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES ,  CHRISTIAN STUDY GUIDE FOR 7 STEPS TO GET OFF SUGAR AND CARBOHYDRATES , HEALTHY LIVING JOURNAL, SCRIPTURE YOGA a #1 Amazon best-selling yoga book, and  YOGA FOR BEGINNERS  which ranked #3. She published two sets of Christian Yoga Card Decks and two Christian Yoga DVDs that are available at CHRISTINAYOGA.COM. Her digital product  HOW TO PREVENT, IMPROVE, AND REVERSE ALZHEIMER’S AND DEMENTIA  is a great resource. To learn more about Susan visit her website SUSANUNEAL.COM You can also connect with Susan on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and INSTAGRAM.

Keep Writing on God’s Timetable

by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28
Do you feel like there is a book in you that is waiting to get out? For ten years I’ve wanted to write about the gospel of Mark. I love that book. Jesus is the Son of God in action, constantly on the go. He is healing, teaching, and ministering from town to town. So much ministry is packed into the first chapter that forty-five verses are needed to introduce Jesus. I have a basic outline, I have application ready to go, and I have the willingness to tackle writing about a sixteen-chapter book of the Bible if God gives the green light. But I don’t think He has yet. How do we know what the best timing is for a project? We stay close to the best Author. God wrote the bestselling book of all time, and He knows how to write our story. He knows when someone needs to read our book, and He knows when weare ready to write it. I have a feeling that I need to live a little more of this adventure called life before I tackle a Bible study on Mark. Is there a book that you want to write, but it’s been delayed? What more of life do you need to experience before you’re ready to write it? What more do you need to learn about God or life with Him before the book can escape your soul and land on paper? There may be a good reason for the delay. 
This doesn’t mean that we abandon our computers and never write anything. If one project is not on God’s “to do” list for us, He may have something else in mind. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could peek at God’s bullet journal and see exactly what He wants us to do in six months, in three months, in two weeks? He may not always tell us what’s ahead in our writing journeys, but He does give direction. It may not always be what we expect, but it is good because Heis good. If we are faithful to follow the direction we’ve been given so far, we will be ready for what’s ahead. 
Just as we don’t need to get ahead of God in our eagerness to write, we don’t need to lag behind either. Dr. David Jeremiah once shared that if we stop plowing now, there will be a gap in the harvest later. If we don’t keep writing on our blogs, we may miss an opportunity to share encouragement that someone needs at a particular time. If we stop gathering stories, quotes, and notes, we may not have what we need when our secret dream of a project does start. 
So keep writing. Keep gathering. Keep working, dear writer. Stay close to God, and follow what He has directed you to do. Trust His timetable. There are adventures to be had. The results will be epic.
TWEETABLESKeep #Writing on God's Timetable - @KatyKauffman28 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
When it comes to your #writing, you can trust God's timetable - encouragement from @KatyKauffman28 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of  Refresh Bible Study Magazine , and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. The first book she compiled, Breaking the Chains, won a 2018 Selah finalist award. The next compilation, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character, uses the metaphor of house renovation to show how God renovates our hearts. Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, the Arise Dailyblog, PursueMagazine.net, and two blogs on writing. She loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best donuts. Connect with her at her blog,  The Scrapbooked Bible Study , and on Facebook and Twitter. 

De-Stress Your Writing Conference Experience

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

Conference time is gearing up. My inbox is filling with requests for critiques, appointments, and teaching needs and my office looks like a storage room. I’m preparing to box and ship books, drag out suitcases, and begin laying out materials that need to be packed. I have to admit. I get a little stressed just hoping I remember all I need to do once I arrive at the conference. Despite the stress, I’m filled with excitement as well.
One of the greatest parts of a conference is making friends. Peers. Critique buddies. Some of them I only see once a year and despite emails and sometimes short phone calls, I can’t wait to grab a hug and catch up on their accomplishments through the year. Conference time allows me the opportunity to refresh industry relationships and hopefully solidify a few new ones. 
It’s important to remember your conference attendance should be a time of learning and fun. Try not to overthink things. Relax. Enjoy the experience. If you miss a class – it’s okay. Purchase the MP3s and have the full conference for the rest of your life. My point is, yes – prepare, but don’t put so much stress on yourself that you miss the joy of the conference.
Here are a few things to help you prepare and de-stress for your conference experience.What do you write?– As a newbie, I despised this question at my first conference. When I looked in my folder, there was a variety of items. A children's story, an article, a couple of short stories. Asking me what I wrote at the time was like demanding an instant solution for the national debt. Remember, you are attending the conference to learn. Hopefully, as you go through the week, you’ll begin to see places where your gifts lean. Perhaps it is devotions, maybe children. Could be a novel. Don’t stress. It’s perfectly fine to not know the answer to that question. Spend your time at the conference, gleaning the different areas of writing. You’ll be surprised, as others look at your work, where it may lead you.  I left my first conference with one goal – learn to write a devotion. I did that, and as I gained a stronger grasp of the genre of devotions, it led me to write non-fiction elder care articles. Before I knew it, I was learning fiction and guess where I ended up? Writing Appalachian historical fiction. Who knew? Certainly not me. Enter the conference with your work in hand and keep an open mind. Pick the brains of those around you and I guarantee, before you know it, you’ll soon be drawn to what you are meant to write.
Plan to buy the conference MP3s– Sure it costs you a little money, but when you purchase the MP3s and take them home, you have the full conference at your fingertips. Now the stress of making it to every class dissolves and you are able to choose classes that you want face time with the speaker. Do your homework. Look at the classes prior to your arrival. Highlight what you are interested in, then pick classes that meet you WHERE YOU ARE writing wise at this time. This way you can take advantage of that person-to-person time in class to ask questions and receive guidance. The remainder you can glean by listening at home. Less stress! Smart conferee.
Leave unrealistic expectations at home– How do I nicely say this? It’s not uncommon for every new writer to come to a conference fully expecting a contract when they leave. The reality is, less than .01% of the writers who attend a conference, receive a contract on the spot. Instead, come prepared to present the best work you can. Listen to those industry folks with the knowledge and guidance to help you see where your work stands. Don’t grow angry at editors or agents if your work is not on their agenda. It's not personal but it is important to understand every agent, editor, or publisher has specific needs. Your work may not meet their need, so don't walk away feeling as though your work is not good enough, or worse – be angry that publishers have missed the perfect manuscript. Go into your appointments with a teachable spirit, a willing heart, and keep in mind, the market and trends change. What an editor doesn’t need today, he or she may need next year. Remember, that sometimes our work is not ready for publication and it’s these times we suck it in and listen to how to improve. This way, you can tweak and massage the work into a piece that is ready for publication at your next presentation.
The point is, enjoy your conference time. Take away the stress. Conferences can be taxing and wear away at you quickly. Prepare. Then step back and enjoy a stress- free conference.

TWEETABLES
De-stress Your #Writing Conference Experience - @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Tips for making your next #writing conference stress-free - @CindyDevoted on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Cindy K. Sproles is an author, speaker, and conference teacher. She is the cofounder of ChristianDevotions.us and the executive editor of ChristianDevotions.us and InspireaFire.com. Cindy is the managing editor for Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, both imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is an award-winning and best-selling author and the director of the Asheville Christian Writers Conference. Visit Cindy at  www.cindysproles.com .  @cindydevoted

How to Craft an Introduction for Your Speaking Engagement, Part 2

by Yvonne Ortega @YvonneOrtega1

In case you did not read How to Craft an Introduction for Your Speaking Engagement, Part 1 , here are the main points from it: Begin with a bang.Avoid “unpleasant pleasantries.”Don’t open with a joke. 
Now, let’s go on to Part 2. 
If you begin with a bang, you will capture your audience’s attention. If you don’t, you may lose their attention. And it’s difficult to win them back. 
You can begin with a bang in one of five ways. 1. First, go straight into a story. Audiences respond to a story. I opened a presentation for a cancer group with a story about the day I received my diagnosis of breast cancer over the telephone. You can see clips of that presentation on my website, www.yvonneortega.com/speaking/
2. Second, ask a powerful question. Don’t ask a question that requires a simple yes or no answer. Use an open-ended question that begins with how, what, when, or where. That will make the audience think. In the past when I spoke on grief, I started with the question, “What would you say to a grieving person to offer comfort rather than add more anguish?”
3. Third, make a startling statement that jolts the audience. You will capture your audience’s attention with that approach. My startling statement at a speakers conference was “God, I’m not going into Christian ministry. Most Christians expect me to speak for nothing.”
4. Fourth, say nothing at all for a few seconds as you look around the room. This is the silent scan. When you use the silent scan, you take command of the room, and the audience stops talking. I spoke on domestic violence at a single parents’ conference. I stood at the front of the room, said nothing for a few seconds, and scanned the audience. They settled down immediately. 
5. The fifth way is to start with a brief activity. I don’t recommend an activity since you haven’t established rapport with the audience yet. However, if you do use a brief activity, combine it with a story, a powerful question, or a startling statement. That will make it easier to engage the audience. When I spoke at a half-day women’s conference, I presented a case study in my second talk. Then I had the women break into groups of three or four to analyze the case and come up with a solution.
How can you open your next presentation? What story, powerful question, or startling statement can you use to capture the audience’s attention? Perhaps you would like to start with the silent scan.
Test “the bang” on your friends. If it doesn’t spark their interest, work on it until it does. 
The bang comprises only part of the opening. In Part 3, you will receive the second and third parts of the opening. 
TWEETABLESHow to Craft an Introduction for Your #Speaking Engagement, Part 2 - @YvonneOrtega1 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
5 Tips to Start Your #Speaking Engagement with a Bang - @YvonneOrtega1 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Yvonne Ortega speaks with honesty and humor as she shares her life and struggles through presentations that help women find comfort, peace, and purpose. Her background as a licensed professional counselor gives her a unique perspective into the heart of women. Her counseling experiences in jails, prisons, and outpatient services add depth and humor to her presentations, as do her years of teaching mostly high school and college Spanish. Her presentations are interactive and down-to- earth with application for the audience from God’s Word and his promises. 
Yvonne is also a speaking and writing coach and the owner of Moving from Broken to Beautiful®, LLC. She is the author of four books: Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer, Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward, Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through Forgiveness, and Moving from Broken to Beautiful® through Grief. 
Yvonne is a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association (AWSA), the Christian Authors Network (CAN), the National Speakers Association (NSA), and Toastmasters International. 

Living a Creative Legacy This Mother's Day

I worked hard coming up with a way to describe who I am in my writer's bio, and I'm pleased with what I've come up with.  

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers who is known to quip that’s she’s creative out of self-defense. No surprise since she’s the daughter of an artist-mother and musician-turned-photographer-father, and admits she’d have been a disgrace if she hadn’t been true her own creativity.”

As you can tell from that, I was raised in an amazing family. 

Being creative came naturally while I was growing up. Some of my earliest memories are of playing dolls under my mother's easel as she worked on paintings for a gallery, upcoming show or client. But one thing my mom didn't do was push me to express myself her way. She was one of the first to encourage me to explore my love of words. I remember one day complaining that I couldn't draw like her and I'll never forget her response. "Edie, you paint your world with words."

I was again reminded of her  ever-present encouragement one time when I accompanied her to an exhibit. She had a handmade book in a traveling show and I went with her to our local bookstore where it was on display before beginning its travels. Instead of spending time with the bookstore owner talking about her own work, she couldn't quit talking about mine. 

This is the same attitude I've found in God, who was the first to bestow a creative legacy on me. In Him, through the parents he's given me, I've found the strength and the inspiration to follow the dream He planted in my heart. 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

TWEETABLE
Living a Creative Legacy This Mother's Day - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Summer’s Coming! 1 Tip to Help Put Your Writing in Proper Perspective

by Beth K Vogt @BethVogt

While I’m writing this blog post, it’s snowing in Colorado Springs, Colorado where I live.
Yes, yes, it is. That’s springtime in the Rockies for you.No matter what the weather is where we live, more than likely we’re all thinking about things like springtime, gardening, end of school and – dare I say it? – summertime. The stores are stocking beach toys and towels again, along with suntan lotion and sandals.
We can get caught up in the “fun, fun, fun” of summer. Or maybe the idea of lazy, hazy days appeals to some of us more. But we also know that our writing life doesn’t stop just because summertime starts. And balancing the two can be frustrating.
How’s that for an understatement?
The question many of us might be asking ourselves is: How am I going to write while the kids are home for the summer? 
Others might tweak the question to be: How am I going to write with all my family and friends coming to visit this summer?
Or yet another version of the question could be: How am I going to write enough so that I meet my deadline when I’m taking a vacation this summer?
This trio of questions clearly shows one thing: writing + summer = challenges.
I thought about making a pithy list of steps for conquering the challenges of writing during the summer season, but then I stopped myself. Why? Because if your May is anything like my May, you are busier than busy with end-of-the-school-year activities – maybe even a prom or a graduation -- and planning vacation, and yes, writing.
Instead, here’s one tip to help you make it through the fun-fun-fun-lazy-hazy-busy days of summer:
You will not be able to do it all every day all the time.
There. Don’t you feel better about the upcoming summer already?
You don’t?
Go back and read that single sentence with 14 bold words again. S-l-o-w-l-y.
Summertime is a time to go on vacation. And still needing to write. Summertime is a time to see friends. And still needing to write. Summertime is a time for barbecues and roasting marshmallows. And still needing to write. Summertime is a time for laying in the hammock and reading a book. And still needing to write. Summertime is a time for water balloon battles and body surfing in the waves and going to an amusement park and doing the reading challenge at the library with your kiddos and taking a road trip and doing some house projects and working in your yard and going to the water park …
And still needing to write.
The only way we’ll get through the summer is to accept the reality that some days will be about writing. Some days will be about family. Some days will be a bit of both. And some days we’ll feel like we got nothing done.
And that’s just how it goes … until we’re ready to talk about going back to school days.

TWEETABLE
Summer’s Coming! 1 Tip to Help Put Your #Writing in Proper Perspective  - @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Award-winning author Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, Beth's first women's fiction novel with Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018. Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters Series, releases May 2019. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.

What to do When the Writing Well Runs Dry

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

We all have times when life spirals out of control. Maybe it’s too many writing deadlines, a family crisis or holiday madness. Whatever it is, it can drain us dry. I’ve learned that these dry times come when I don’t the luxury of taking a couple of weeks of to rest and recover. I’ve had to figure out how to keep going and recover while I'm doing it.
Here’s what I do to feed my creative spirit.
First, I do a little inventory and look at what’s on my schedule. I take a look at what I have to do no matter what, and at the things I just feel like I should do. There’s a difference, trust me. Now’s the time to let go of everything that isn’t absolutely necessary.
Then I acknowledge that I’m dealing with mental fatigue. My mind is like a muscle that’s been overworked. It needs time to recuperate. To give it the time it needs, I watch the clock while I’m working and taking frequent breaks during the day. I’ll use those breaks to wander around the yard with my camera, take lunch with a friend, or just sit and enjoy a TV show.
Next I take a look at my disrupted routine.Many of you know I keep a pretty regular schedule. I have to, I’m too easily distracted as it is. A schedule helps me focus and stay productive. But when life spirals out of control, my schedule can degenerate into doing nothing more than sitting in front of the computer for twelve to fourteen hours a day, seven days a week. No one can sustain that kind of workload for any length of time.
When that happens, I become very rigid with my schedule (including the break times). This helps me stay on track, even as I give myself time to recuperate. My writing time is be shorter and my breaks a little longer.
The fourth thing I address is the need to feed my creative spirit. I must rekindle that creativity that’s burned so low in my soul.I spend more time reading—for pleasure. I may try a new author, or revisit an old favorite. I go where my whims lead me. NOTHING from my to-do reading list allowed!I do some things that spark my creativity, like jewelry making or knitting. Something fun, but not something I do for money. Just opportunities that encourage my imagination to soar.I go to the movies. This gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in worlds that other creative geniuses have imagined and most important, much-needed time with my husband and with friends.Finally, I find a time for a short vacation. It may only be a one-day trip into the mountains or a local park, but my husband and I need the unplugged time with just each other as our focus.  Now I’d love to hear from you. How do you refill and refresh your creative spirit? Share your suggestions in the comments section so we can all learn from each other.

TWEETABLES
What to do When the Writing Well Runs Dry - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Tips to Refresh Your #Creative Spirit When the Well Runs Dry - @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Add Newspaper Writing to Your Resume

Edie here and I'm so excited to introduce our newest columnist - Julie Lavender. Julie and I met when we both won the Guideposts, "Write for Us" contest in 2014. I love her writing, her wisdom, and her willingness to help other writers. She's definitely a perfect fit for The Write Conversation. Be sure to give her a warm TWC welcome!



by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites


EXTRA! EXTRA! Read all about it: 
Newspaper articles are a great way to earn writing credits for beginning, as well as, experienced writers!!!
Have you ever considered writing for your hometown newspaper? Newspaper writing is a market that is often overlooked by writers, but it can be an easy way to earn bylines and build a resume with those elusive credits that every writer needs and covets. More than 1300 daily newspapers fly off the presses and into neighborhoods in the wee hours of the morning across the United States. And that number only accounts for the seven-day-a-week newspapers. The number stretches when newspapers published once a week or a couple of times each week, or even six days a week like my hometown newspaper are added in. 
Newspapers are not dead – that’s “fake news” – though the rumors are true that some are sick and ailing. The launching of the Internet years back caused many faithful readers to cancel their newspaper subscriptions, and a steady decline of local newspaper readership has taken place. 
A handful of newspapers in large cities are flourishing; many are just barely getting by financially, and most editions fall between the two. But all continue to need regular, fresh content, over and over again with each printing. 
That’s where the freelance writer stands to benefit. 
Financially-strapped newspapers have tightened fulltime staff, letting many reporters and staff go, and regularly use more freelance stringers, sometimes called “news correspondents.” 
My newspaper, The Statesboro Herald, only has two fulltime reporters, with freelance sports and business editors adding content according to the season or happenings. 
And with a county that is home to just over 70,000 people, that’s a lot of stories that go uncovered. 
Sadly, the stories that often get overlooked are the “good news” ones, the inspirational ones, the celebratory ones, and most definitely the faith-based ones. 
Yet, those are the very stories that readers crave. The ones that change lives and encourage and have a lasting impact. The ones that appeal to the heart and the ones that let us know that good still prevails. The stories that remind us of what’s right about the world. 
Freelance writers fit the bill to tell those needed stories! 
An unpublished or less-experienced writer can break into newsprint often quicker than any other form of media. Newspaper editors, though busy as bees most days, are more accessible than magazine or book editors and will typically reply to emails or phone calls personally. Most are willing to meet face-to-face, too, with advanced notice. 
Granted, the pay for a newspaper stringer is nothing to write home about, but the other rewards outweigh the slim paycheck.
The personal satisfaction of sharing a local headline or fascinating story in one’s hometown is often reward enough. To give someone his or her “fifteen minutes of fame” is a real treasure, especially when the story is a heart-warming one or noted accomplishment. 
If you’re blessed to live in a town that publishes faith-based articles and stories in the newspaper, your writing becomes a ministry, sharing God-stories and church happenings and Jesus moments. No one can put a price on that! 
A byline for an author generally brings a smile, and writing locally often garners comments from friends and family about a recently published, enlightening and fun article. 
And if those aren’t enough intrinsic rewards, a writer can often recycle a story by writing a slightly different version for submission to a regional newspaper or magazine, or even a national media outlet, if the story contains a broad readership appeal.  
Are you intrigued yet? Have I talked you into pursing newspaper writing? Tune in next time and we’ll discover how to get started. Until then, read newspapers from cover to cover. Check out stories online to see what appeals to readers. Keep your ears open for the events and happenings in your community that might be of interest to others. Get to know those in the community that have unique stories to share. 
Most importantly, pray, asking God if He wants you to use newspaper writing as a ministry to further His kingdom right in your own backyard, or shall we say, in your neighbor’s newspaper box!    
TWEETABLESAdd newspaper #writing to your resume - @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Newspapers aren't dead - there are #writing opportunities everywhere - @JLavenderWrites on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Of all the hats Julie’s worn over the years – Navy wife, public schoolteacher, homeschooling mommy to four, church volunteer in a variety of ages and stages, writer, book and magazine author, journalist, conference instructor, and crochet gal – her most favorite hat of the past will always be homeschooling mommy. Overtaking rapidly, though, is the GrammaJulie hat of the last four months.
Julie writes for her hometown newspaper, Guideposts publications, magazines, various compilations, and several parenting blogs. She is the author of 365 Days of Celebration and Praise: Devotions and Activities for Homeschooling Families, Creative Sleepovers for Kids, and three teacher resource books for the religious division of Carson-Dellosa Publishers. Connect with Julie on Facebook, Twitter at @JLavenderwrites, Instagram at JulieLavenderwrites, and follow her nature blog, On My Walk With God, at julielavender.blogspot.com.