Edie Melson's Blog, page 385
February 23, 2015
Major Blogging and Social Media Mistakes to Avoid
By Edie Melson@EdieMelson
Successful social media is something of an art form—with lots of gray areas. Building a successful online presence takes a good amount of flexibility and a little bit of experimentation. But even though I encourage people to find their sweet spots, there are a few things you want to avoid. Today I’d to weigh in on linking your social media accounts and other major blogging and social media no-nos.Mistake Number OneDo NOT link your blog with social media.What I mean by that is you don’t want your blog to send a notification of your newest blog post to Facebook or Twitter or any other social network. On the surface it seems that would be a great shortcut for those (almost all of us) who find ourselves in a constant time crush. But it’s not.
Here’s why:You run the risk of spamming your friends and followers. Computers make mistakes, and especially if you have Facebook and Twitter linked, you can get repeat messages. This is unintentional spamming.
People today are smart, savvy and cynical. We can tell when something posted on social media is computer generated and we won’t bite. So you’re not getting any traffic this way.Finally, you need to control the way your social media updates go out and how they’re worded. Different platforms may need slightly different wording. You also want the opportunity to add relevant hashtags and mentions.
Mistake Number TwoDo not link your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Like I said above, you’ll probably end up with duplicate posts and irritate your followers and friends in the process.
Mistake Number ThreeDon’t use the auto-scheduler option on your scheduling program. For example, on Hootsuite, I can turn on the auto-scheduler and it will compute when the majority of my contacts are online and schedule my updates to go out then. Again, on the surface this reads like a time saving measure. It’s NOT. Here’s why:If the program computes that the majority of your contacts are online between ten am and noon, it will schedule all your updates then. You may have a higher concentration then, but you’re missing out on some valuable exposure by ignoring the rest of the day.The program doesn’t take into account those who will find you through hashtags or by referral.
Now, I can hear the question from here. “What about Hootsuite? Isn’t that an auto-scheduler?”
No, not really. Hootsuite (as well as Buffer and Tweetdeck) are SCHEDULING programs. They have the option of auto-scheduling. But utilized correctly, there’s nothing automatic about them. I compose the update. I choose the social media platform.I dictate the time it goes out.
Now it’s your turn. What questions do you have about social media dos and don’ts? Leave them in the comments section below. Also be sure to share if you've gotten in a fix by letting a computer manage your social media life!
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESLinking#socialmedia accounts with each other and/or blogs is a big no-no @EdieMelsonshares why (Click to Tweet)
Are youmaking these #blogging & #socialmedia mistakes? Things to avoid from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Successful social media is something of an art form—with lots of gray areas. Building a successful online presence takes a good amount of flexibility and a little bit of experimentation. But even though I encourage people to find their sweet spots, there are a few things you want to avoid. Today I’d to weigh in on linking your social media accounts and other major blogging and social media no-nos.Mistake Number OneDo NOT link your blog with social media.What I mean by that is you don’t want your blog to send a notification of your newest blog post to Facebook or Twitter or any other social network. On the surface it seems that would be a great shortcut for those (almost all of us) who find ourselves in a constant time crush. But it’s not. Here’s why:You run the risk of spamming your friends and followers. Computers make mistakes, and especially if you have Facebook and Twitter linked, you can get repeat messages. This is unintentional spamming.
People today are smart, savvy and cynical. We can tell when something posted on social media is computer generated and we won’t bite. So you’re not getting any traffic this way.Finally, you need to control the way your social media updates go out and how they’re worded. Different platforms may need slightly different wording. You also want the opportunity to add relevant hashtags and mentions.Mistake Number TwoDo not link your Facebook and Twitter accounts. Like I said above, you’ll probably end up with duplicate posts and irritate your followers and friends in the process.
Mistake Number ThreeDon’t use the auto-scheduler option on your scheduling program. For example, on Hootsuite, I can turn on the auto-scheduler and it will compute when the majority of my contacts are online and schedule my updates to go out then. Again, on the surface this reads like a time saving measure. It’s NOT. Here’s why:If the program computes that the majority of your contacts are online between ten am and noon, it will schedule all your updates then. You may have a higher concentration then, but you’re missing out on some valuable exposure by ignoring the rest of the day.The program doesn’t take into account those who will find you through hashtags or by referral.
Now, I can hear the question from here. “What about Hootsuite? Isn’t that an auto-scheduler?”No, not really. Hootsuite (as well as Buffer and Tweetdeck) are SCHEDULING programs. They have the option of auto-scheduling. But utilized correctly, there’s nothing automatic about them. I compose the update. I choose the social media platform.I dictate the time it goes out.
Now it’s your turn. What questions do you have about social media dos and don’ts? Leave them in the comments section below. Also be sure to share if you've gotten in a fix by letting a computer manage your social media life!
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESLinking#socialmedia accounts with each other and/or blogs is a big no-no @EdieMelsonshares why (Click to Tweet)
Are youmaking these #blogging & #socialmedia mistakes? Things to avoid from @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
February 22, 2015
Weekend Worship—What's Gonna Be Your Wake-up Call?
by Brenda McGraw @BrendaMMcGraw
I walked into the doctor’s office not knowing what to expect. After all, I was only 24. The waiting seemed like it lasted forever, as I flipped through a magazine anticipating the nurse calling my name. I thought to myself, I probably don’t need to be here. It’s probably nothing.
When my name was called I met the nurse at the door and she showed me to my room. It was white, and seemed cold. But don’t most examining rooms? She asked me my name and why I was there to see the doctor.
I told her I had found a lump in my left breast. I said, “I am sure it’s nothing, but my mom wanted me to have it checked. You know how moms are, always worrying?” She took a few notes for the doctor and told me the nurse practitioner would be in shortly.
That day started the beginning of a year-long battle with breast cancer and reconstruction surgeries. Being so young, I really thought I would just be told “Don’t worry, it’s nothing.” No one else in my family ever had cancer.
To hear the words “You have cancer” is devastating, and pretty scary, to say the least. Thus started the “wake-up call” and the call on my life to follow Christ. What’s a wake- up call? It is a defining moment in one’s life when he or she realizes something needs to change.
My defining moment was cancer.
For Peter, it was the rooster crowing when he realized what Jesus had said was true. He had turned his back on Jesus. This broke Peter and he went outside (alone) and wept bitterly.
For some it was the writing in the sand, the healing of a disease, or sight for the blind. Thomas had to touch the holes in the hands of our Savior. It took Nebuchadnezzar seven years in the wild with the animals. And do you remember the forty years the Israelites wandered through the wilderness?
However, for Judas it was too late.
Twenty-eight years ago God started waking me up to His plans and purpose for my life. I wish I could say I never strayed, but I can’t. After my cancer was removed, I put God back into my little God box. I pulled Him out again a few years later when I realized I was lost and He had not quit searching for me. God’s never been back in my box again. I prayed and asked Him to show me who Jesus is and that He would never let me stray again.
Have you heard the wake-up call? Can you pinpoint that defining moment in your life where you said, “Less of me and more of You, Lord?”
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (NLT)
Brenda McGraw is an author and speaker who reveals how to discover joy beyond the clutter of life. She draws from her own life experiences in the #1 Amazon Best seller, “Joy Beyond, 28 Days to Finding Joy Beyond the Clutter of Life”. She is the founder of Ask God Today Ministries where she has a team of writers sharing truth and hope with others.
Brenda currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, Jeff and three of their five children. She is a survivor of breast cancer and a heart attack.. Despite the challenges she has endured, Brenda found peace through her relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can connect with Brenda at:Website - http://www.askgodtoday.com Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brenda-McGraw/e/B00GOIE7AG
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BrendaMMcGraw
I walked into the doctor’s office not knowing what to expect. After all, I was only 24. The waiting seemed like it lasted forever, as I flipped through a magazine anticipating the nurse calling my name. I thought to myself, I probably don’t need to be here. It’s probably nothing. When my name was called I met the nurse at the door and she showed me to my room. It was white, and seemed cold. But don’t most examining rooms? She asked me my name and why I was there to see the doctor.
I told her I had found a lump in my left breast. I said, “I am sure it’s nothing, but my mom wanted me to have it checked. You know how moms are, always worrying?” She took a few notes for the doctor and told me the nurse practitioner would be in shortly.
That day started the beginning of a year-long battle with breast cancer and reconstruction surgeries. Being so young, I really thought I would just be told “Don’t worry, it’s nothing.” No one else in my family ever had cancer. To hear the words “You have cancer” is devastating, and pretty scary, to say the least. Thus started the “wake-up call” and the call on my life to follow Christ. What’s a wake- up call? It is a defining moment in one’s life when he or she realizes something needs to change.
My defining moment was cancer.
For Peter, it was the rooster crowing when he realized what Jesus had said was true. He had turned his back on Jesus. This broke Peter and he went outside (alone) and wept bitterly.
For some it was the writing in the sand, the healing of a disease, or sight for the blind. Thomas had to touch the holes in the hands of our Savior. It took Nebuchadnezzar seven years in the wild with the animals. And do you remember the forty years the Israelites wandered through the wilderness?
However, for Judas it was too late.
Twenty-eight years ago God started waking me up to His plans and purpose for my life. I wish I could say I never strayed, but I can’t. After my cancer was removed, I put God back into my little God box. I pulled Him out again a few years later when I realized I was lost and He had not quit searching for me. God’s never been back in my box again. I prayed and asked Him to show me who Jesus is and that He would never let me stray again. Have you heard the wake-up call? Can you pinpoint that defining moment in your life where you said, “Less of me and more of You, Lord?”
He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less. John 3:30 (NLT)
Brenda McGraw is an author and speaker who reveals how to discover joy beyond the clutter of life. She draws from her own life experiences in the #1 Amazon Best seller, “Joy Beyond, 28 Days to Finding Joy Beyond the Clutter of Life”. She is the founder of Ask God Today Ministries where she has a team of writers sharing truth and hope with others. Brenda currently lives in South Carolina with her husband, Jeff and three of their five children. She is a survivor of breast cancer and a heart attack.. Despite the challenges she has endured, Brenda found peace through her relationship with Jesus Christ.
You can connect with Brenda at:Website - http://www.askgodtoday.com Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Brenda-McGraw/e/B00GOIE7AG
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BrendaMMcGraw
It’s the Master Artist Who Paints our Lives with Color
In the beginning God created… Genesis 1:1
My mother is an artist, and I’ve always admired the sure strokes she uses as she applies color to canvas. The picture didn’t just happen, dictated by the tools she used or the circumstances. It was dictated by the vision she held so firmly in her mind.
In her mind’s eye, the picture was always finished before she even began. But to me, watching it take shape, it so often looked more like chaos than art.
In our own lives, God is the artist. And even if what is happening right now looks like chaos, we can be certain that He has the end result in mind. The colors He uses to paint our lives may not be the blues and greens an artist uses. Instead, the colors He uses are experiences, emotions, and people. They infuse our lives with a vibrancy that makes our lives so vivid.
He wields his soft brush with masterful strokes, allowing just enough shadow and darkness to bring out the brilliance of the light. From up close, the colors may look muddy and the shapes indistinct, but viewed from a distance, each life is a masterpiece.
So whether our lives are being covered in drab colors of grey and brown, or highlighted by vibrant yellows and reds, we can rest assured the end product will be beautiful.
My mother is an artist, and I’ve always admired the sure strokes she uses as she applies color to canvas. The picture didn’t just happen, dictated by the tools she used or the circumstances. It was dictated by the vision she held so firmly in her mind. In her mind’s eye, the picture was always finished before she even began. But to me, watching it take shape, it so often looked more like chaos than art.
In our own lives, God is the artist. And even if what is happening right now looks like chaos, we can be certain that He has the end result in mind. The colors He uses to paint our lives may not be the blues and greens an artist uses. Instead, the colors He uses are experiences, emotions, and people. They infuse our lives with a vibrancy that makes our lives so vivid. He wields his soft brush with masterful strokes, allowing just enough shadow and darkness to bring out the brilliance of the light. From up close, the colors may look muddy and the shapes indistinct, but viewed from a distance, each life is a masterpiece.
So whether our lives are being covered in drab colors of grey and brown, or highlighted by vibrant yellows and reds, we can rest assured the end product will be beautiful.
February 21, 2015
From Failure to Failure
by Beth Vogt @BethVogt
"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." -Winston ChurchillPeople like to talk about success—they like to bandy about different definitions for it. Success is this. Success is that.
And they’re all usually talking about something as far from failure as you can get.
I’ve been reading Alton Gansky’s book Imagination @Work. (Alton’s a friend and a colleague. I admire him. Even if I didn’t know him, I’d recommend his book. It’s like a series of “here’s what I’ve been thinking about” conversations with a witty, intelligent guy.)
But back to the topic at hand: failure.
Alton poses the question: What would you do, if you knew you could not fail? (That is a topic for another blog.)
I answered his question by writing this question in my journal: How do you define failure?
And then I wrote:
success–less than
And by that I mean that what appears to be success in one person’s eyes can feel like a failure in someone else’s.
Say, for example, I land a book contract.
But I don’t earn out my advance.
Or I don’t win an award.
Or I don’t get offered a second contract.
Or I don’t ______________ (fill in the blank).
It’s the whole “being nibbled to death by ducks” experience. Turning success into failure because it wasn’t good enough.
But Beth, you say, Winston Churchill was talking about success — and defining it as facing failure enthusiastically.
I know. And I love his definition.
But Churchill got me thinking. And so did Alton. We need to enthusiastically face both our failures and our successes and not let the little duckies (dare I name them comparison and envy and disappointment?) nibble them all to pieces.
In Your Words: How do you define failure or success? And how do you face them with enthusiasm?
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’Words.
"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm." -Winston ChurchillPeople like to talk about success—they like to bandy about different definitions for it. Success is this. Success is that.And they’re all usually talking about something as far from failure as you can get.
I’ve been reading Alton Gansky’s book Imagination @Work. (Alton’s a friend and a colleague. I admire him. Even if I didn’t know him, I’d recommend his book. It’s like a series of “here’s what I’ve been thinking about” conversations with a witty, intelligent guy.)
But back to the topic at hand: failure.
Alton poses the question: What would you do, if you knew you could not fail? (That is a topic for another blog.)
I answered his question by writing this question in my journal: How do you define failure?
And then I wrote:
success–less than
And by that I mean that what appears to be success in one person’s eyes can feel like a failure in someone else’s.
Say, for example, I land a book contract.
But I don’t earn out my advance.
Or I don’t win an award.
Or I don’t get offered a second contract.
Or I don’t ______________ (fill in the blank).
It’s the whole “being nibbled to death by ducks” experience. Turning success into failure because it wasn’t good enough.
But Beth, you say, Winston Churchill was talking about success — and defining it as facing failure enthusiastically.
I know. And I love his definition.
But Churchill got me thinking. And so did Alton. We need to enthusiastically face both our failures and our successes and not let the little duckies (dare I name them comparison and envy and disappointment?) nibble them all to pieces.
In Your Words: How do you define failure or success? And how do you face them with enthusiasm?
Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’Words.
February 20, 2015
Writing Life Lessons—Write From the Heart
by Bruce Brady
@BDBrady007
There's never been a better time to be a writer.There’s never been a better time to be a writer.
Newspaper and magazine publishers are closing their doors. Large, traditional book publishers are consolidating, merging, and discontinuing some imprints. Booksellers are going out of business.
Wait! Didn’t I say there’s never been a better time to be a writer? That’s right. There’s an increasing demand for websites, internet publications, streaming video, and more. In addition, eBooks are steadily taking greater market share, offsetting the decline in print books. Readers are more accepting of independent, self-published authors. This all adds up to more opportunities for writers to be published and earn a living from their craft.
Don't get caught up in the idea of writing for dollars.With all these positives, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of writing for dollars. Now there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get paid for our work. And it’s certainly okay if we get paid very well. But when writing for money, we run the risk of producing work that’s just good enough to get that check. There are thousands of people doing this. A cursory scan of the internet confirms this.
I believe one reason for the preponderance of low quality content on the web and between the covers is a shortage of professional writers. Our society pushes math and science, almost ignoring the language arts. As a Sunday school teacher, I see the evidence in my classroom. Our kids can play video games and text-message back and forth on their cell phones, but they struggle to read even a simple passage in the Bible.
Another reason for inferior content is there are many businesses and consumers who aren’t willing to pay for quality work. They’re unwilling to demand or pay for high quality text. So they only attract those who will write for pay, but won’t pay to improve their craft.
Heartfelt writing results in top quality work.May I suggest our best writing will come from a deeper motive than monetary reward? Heartfelt writing results in top quality work. When we write with passion, we can’t help but choose each word with absolute care. We won’t settle for good enough. It must be perfect. Rarely satisfied, we will often write and rewrite until someone tells us to stop. And even the finished product leaves us wanting to change this word or that.
Our deep sense of wanting to do our best drives us to hone our craft as well. We take classes, attend seminars and conferences, and practice, practice, practice in a never-ending effort to be the consummate writer. No matter how much we know, we always want to know more. And we always want our next manuscript to outshine the last one.
So if you’re looking to earn a living as a writer, strive to be the best you can be. Whether fiction or nonfiction, find a reason to love what you’re writing. Then write from the heart.
Do you find you write best when your passionate about your subject? Let’s keep the conversation going.Blessings,
Bruce
TWEETABLESMotivation can sometimes affect our #writing - thoughts on writing from the heart from @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)
"Heartfelt #writing results in top quality work" - tips from @BDBrady007 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.
When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.
“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”
There's never been a better time to be a writer.There’s never been a better time to be a writer.Newspaper and magazine publishers are closing their doors. Large, traditional book publishers are consolidating, merging, and discontinuing some imprints. Booksellers are going out of business.
Wait! Didn’t I say there’s never been a better time to be a writer? That’s right. There’s an increasing demand for websites, internet publications, streaming video, and more. In addition, eBooks are steadily taking greater market share, offsetting the decline in print books. Readers are more accepting of independent, self-published authors. This all adds up to more opportunities for writers to be published and earn a living from their craft.
Don't get caught up in the idea of writing for dollars.With all these positives, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of writing for dollars. Now there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get paid for our work. And it’s certainly okay if we get paid very well. But when writing for money, we run the risk of producing work that’s just good enough to get that check. There are thousands of people doing this. A cursory scan of the internet confirms this.I believe one reason for the preponderance of low quality content on the web and between the covers is a shortage of professional writers. Our society pushes math and science, almost ignoring the language arts. As a Sunday school teacher, I see the evidence in my classroom. Our kids can play video games and text-message back and forth on their cell phones, but they struggle to read even a simple passage in the Bible.
Another reason for inferior content is there are many businesses and consumers who aren’t willing to pay for quality work. They’re unwilling to demand or pay for high quality text. So they only attract those who will write for pay, but won’t pay to improve their craft.
Heartfelt writing results in top quality work.May I suggest our best writing will come from a deeper motive than monetary reward? Heartfelt writing results in top quality work. When we write with passion, we can’t help but choose each word with absolute care. We won’t settle for good enough. It must be perfect. Rarely satisfied, we will often write and rewrite until someone tells us to stop. And even the finished product leaves us wanting to change this word or that.Our deep sense of wanting to do our best drives us to hone our craft as well. We take classes, attend seminars and conferences, and practice, practice, practice in a never-ending effort to be the consummate writer. No matter how much we know, we always want to know more. And we always want our next manuscript to outshine the last one.
So if you’re looking to earn a living as a writer, strive to be the best you can be. Whether fiction or nonfiction, find a reason to love what you’re writing. Then write from the heart.
Do you find you write best when your passionate about your subject? Let’s keep the conversation going.Blessings,
Bruce
TWEETABLESMotivation can sometimes affect our #writing - thoughts on writing from the heart from @BDBrady007 (Click to Tweet)
"Heartfelt #writing results in top quality work" - tips from @BDBrady007 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.
“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”
February 19, 2015
Personality and the Writer
Edie here. Today I'm excited to introduce a guest post from a good friend of mine, Linda Gilden. Linda isn't just a fabulous writer, she's also a conference director. The Carolina Christian Writers Conference is one of my go-to recommendations every single year.
Personality and the Writerby Linda Gilden @LindaGilden
Recently a friend called. “How do you do this?” she demanded.
“Do what?” I asked.
“How do you sit there all day and write? Don’t you get bored? Are you tired of being by yourself?”
I gave her a quick explanation of why my purposeful/melancholy personality was so well suited for writing. I also explained why as a playful/sanguine personality, she didn’t like being confined in a chair for long periods of time—alone! Once she understood why she needed multiple breaks and lunches out with her friends she was less hard on herself to fit the writer “mold.”
It may seem strange to even consider what personality you are if you are a writer. After all, you sit in front of your computer and type just like all the other writers in the world, right?
Well, yes and no. No matter what God has called you to do, it is affected in part by the personality He has given you.
For instance, the playful/sanguine writer loves the idea of having something in print. However, sitting in the same chair for hours on end with no one around to talk to is extremely difficult for this fun-loving, social personality. It almost seems a waste to keep all his or her enthusiasm still in a chair while waiting for a brilliant idea to come along.
But playful/sanguine writers usually don’t lack for ideas. They just lack the discipline to carry through with those ideas. Sometimes they find it hard to stay on task and not put off the work part of writing. Their genuine love of people makes them love the research interviews but find it hard to focus on transcribing that interview into a wonderful story or book. But once the playful/sanguine writer gets started, his or her writing is colorful, descriptive, and fast-moving.
The powerful/choleric writer is strong-willed and decisive and once the decision is made to write an article or book, he or she is full speed ahead to check the task off his or her list. The powerful/choleric writer is not easily discouraged and goal-oriented and will get the job done.
When doing their research interviews, the powerful/choleric writer arrives prepared with a list of questions and when they have the answers, the interview is done. The powerful/choleric’s writing is logical and easy to follow.
The purposeful/melancholy
writer is creative and a deep thinker, always wanting to learn more about his or her subject. Being schedule-oriented, the purposeful/melancholy writer likes to finish every project he or she starts. While doing research interviews, the purposeful/melancholy writer wants to know more about his or her subject, sometimes requiring much more time than allotted.
Often the purposeful/melancholy writers finds his or her perfectionism to be a hindrance. It’s hard to push the “send” button unless it is absolutely perfect and the mindset is that if the writer can just go over it one more time, it will eliminate more mistakes. The writing of the purposeful/melancholy writer is often deep and full of details and he or she will cover the subject thoroughly.
The peaceful/phlegmaticwriter is a steady and competent writer. He or she works well under pressure, wanting to finish the tasks assigned. Because of his or her peaceful and laid-back style, this writer sometimes looks for the easy way to complete a task (and often finds it!).
The writing of a peaceful/phlegmatic writer is sensitive and heartfelt. When conducting a research interview, he or she wants to get it done so he or she can finish the project. Peaceful/phlegmatic writers also love to be around people but sometimes prefer just to finish the article so naptime will come more quickly!
Do you see yourself in one of these personalities? Are there times when you need to take a step back from your writing habits and allow your personality strengths to make you a better writer?
Take time to join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments section below!
TWEETABLESDoes your personality affect the type of #writer you are? Insights from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Personality & the #Writer : to find peace identify your personality type - @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Linda Gilden knows the tremendous impact and power of words and loves helping new writers discover the joy in choosing just the right ones. She is the author of the "Love Notes" series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, (New Hope Publishers), Mama was the Queen of Christmas and Personality Perspectives (OakTara). She is looking forward to the release of her newest book coauthored with Edna Ellison, Called to Write. Linda has written and ghostwritten many other books, hundreds of articles, and is a regular columnist for just18summers.com and presidentialprayerteam.com. She teaches regularly at national writer's conferences and directs the Carolina Christian Writers Conference and CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Linda leads a writing group and is managing editor of The Encourager, a magazine of First Baptist Spartanburg, SC.
Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She finds great joy in time spent with her family. Recently she and her eight-year-old granddaughter coauthored an article for Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Jr. magazine. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren! www.lindagilden.com
Personality and the Writerby Linda Gilden @LindaGilden
Recently a friend called. “How do you do this?” she demanded.
“Do what?” I asked.
“How do you sit there all day and write? Don’t you get bored? Are you tired of being by yourself?”
I gave her a quick explanation of why my purposeful/melancholy personality was so well suited for writing. I also explained why as a playful/sanguine personality, she didn’t like being confined in a chair for long periods of time—alone! Once she understood why she needed multiple breaks and lunches out with her friends she was less hard on herself to fit the writer “mold.”
It may seem strange to even consider what personality you are if you are a writer. After all, you sit in front of your computer and type just like all the other writers in the world, right?
Well, yes and no. No matter what God has called you to do, it is affected in part by the personality He has given you.
For instance, the playful/sanguine writer loves the idea of having something in print. However, sitting in the same chair for hours on end with no one around to talk to is extremely difficult for this fun-loving, social personality. It almost seems a waste to keep all his or her enthusiasm still in a chair while waiting for a brilliant idea to come along. But playful/sanguine writers usually don’t lack for ideas. They just lack the discipline to carry through with those ideas. Sometimes they find it hard to stay on task and not put off the work part of writing. Their genuine love of people makes them love the research interviews but find it hard to focus on transcribing that interview into a wonderful story or book. But once the playful/sanguine writer gets started, his or her writing is colorful, descriptive, and fast-moving.
The powerful/choleric writer is strong-willed and decisive and once the decision is made to write an article or book, he or she is full speed ahead to check the task off his or her list. The powerful/choleric writer is not easily discouraged and goal-oriented and will get the job done.
When doing their research interviews, the powerful/choleric writer arrives prepared with a list of questions and when they have the answers, the interview is done. The powerful/choleric’s writing is logical and easy to follow.
The purposeful/melancholy
writer is creative and a deep thinker, always wanting to learn more about his or her subject. Being schedule-oriented, the purposeful/melancholy writer likes to finish every project he or she starts. While doing research interviews, the purposeful/melancholy writer wants to know more about his or her subject, sometimes requiring much more time than allotted. Often the purposeful/melancholy writers finds his or her perfectionism to be a hindrance. It’s hard to push the “send” button unless it is absolutely perfect and the mindset is that if the writer can just go over it one more time, it will eliminate more mistakes. The writing of the purposeful/melancholy writer is often deep and full of details and he or she will cover the subject thoroughly.
The peaceful/phlegmaticwriter is a steady and competent writer. He or she works well under pressure, wanting to finish the tasks assigned. Because of his or her peaceful and laid-back style, this writer sometimes looks for the easy way to complete a task (and often finds it!). The writing of a peaceful/phlegmatic writer is sensitive and heartfelt. When conducting a research interview, he or she wants to get it done so he or she can finish the project. Peaceful/phlegmatic writers also love to be around people but sometimes prefer just to finish the article so naptime will come more quickly!
Do you see yourself in one of these personalities? Are there times when you need to take a step back from your writing habits and allow your personality strengths to make you a better writer?
Take time to join the conversation and share your thoughts in the comments section below!
TWEETABLESDoes your personality affect the type of #writer you are? Insights from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Personality & the #Writer : to find peace identify your personality type - @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Linda Gilden knows the tremendous impact and power of words and loves helping new writers discover the joy in choosing just the right ones. She is the author of the "Love Notes" series, Mommy Pick-Me-Ups, (New Hope Publishers), Mama was the Queen of Christmas and Personality Perspectives (OakTara). She is looking forward to the release of her newest book coauthored with Edna Ellison, Called to Write. Linda has written and ghostwritten many other books, hundreds of articles, and is a regular columnist for just18summers.com and presidentialprayerteam.com. She teaches regularly at national writer's conferences and directs the Carolina Christian Writers Conference and CLASS Christian Writers Conference. Linda leads a writing group and is managing editor of The Encourager, a magazine of First Baptist Spartanburg, SC.
Linda is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She finds great joy in time spent with her family. Recently she and her eight-year-old granddaughter coauthored an article for Focus on the Family’s Clubhouse Jr. magazine. Her favorite activity is floating in a pool with a good book surrounded by splashing grandchildren! www.lindagilden.com
February 18, 2015
When We Don’t Feel Like Writing
by Lynette Eason @LynetteEason
What do you do when you don’t feel like writing? Gasp! Not feel like writing? Is that even a real feeling?
Um…yes. Unfortunately, it happens. At least to me. Don’t get me wrong. I love what I do. I adore my job and the flexibility it affords me. Believe me, I don’t take it for granted. But I don’t wake up EVERY SINGLE day thinking, “Oh boy! I’m just so excited, I can’t wait to hit the keyboard!”
For those of you who do this, we are not friends and you can go away.
Just kidding.
Sort of.Anyway, for those of you who are occasionally afflicted with this “I don’t want to write today” thing, I have a few helpful tips on how to get past that.Sit down in front of your manuscript and edit. Sometimes when I edit, I’ll get a new idea to flesh out. That will generate some excitement about moving forward with the story.
Get your voice recorder out and start brainstorming the next part of the story. Just start talking. It’s okay if you sound like an idiot, you’re the only one who will hear it.Do something physical. But read the last part of your manuscript before you go. Then while you’re working out or walking around the block, you can be thinking about the next scene, fleshing it out in your mind, getting it ready to be put on the screen.Email a brainstorming buddy and cry on his or her shoulder tell her the story in a stream of consciousness telling. Don’t stop to breathe, just talk. When you’re finished, say, “Now what happens?”Sit down in front of your manuscript and tell yourself you can’t get up until you write at 10 words. Yes. 10. Then you’re allowed to go do something fun. Because I can’t write just 10 words. I always write more. Granted, sometimes it’s 20, but at least I met my goal! Ha. Seriously, I’m willing to bet that would happen to you too.And last but not least, adopt the Nike slogan. “Just do it.” (Most necessary when deadlines loom.)
Yes, I know you think that that last one is not really the most helpful suggestion, but actually it is. I look at it this way. Everyone who has a job has days where he/she doesn’t want to go in to work. Writing is the same thing. It’s your job. Unless you’re sick or otherwise incapacitated, you go to work. Although I will say this, like some dedicated people (who are unappreciated in the office environment) sometimes you go to work when you’re sick. The good thing is that, at least if you’re a writer and you work from home, you won’t spread the yuck.
Honestly, I really do love writing. I’m very excited about each project God lets me work on. Like I said earlier, I don’t take it for granted that I get to do what I get to do. I’m not whining or complaining. I’m just being honest. Some days it’s just plain hard work and some days I’m just not in the mood to go to work. And that’s okay.
And I would like to also point out that these suggestions are great for pre-pubbed writers as well. You may not have publisher deadlines, but if you don’t get a manuscript finished…you won’t have publisher deadlines.
So, what are some other suggestions you could add to the list? What do you do when you MUST write and you just don’t want to? I can ALWAYS use more ideas!
TWEETABLESWhen we don't feel like #writing - tips from best-selling author @LynetteEason on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Even the best sometimes have trouble getting in the #writing mood -@LynetteEason on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lynette Eason is the award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty books. Lynette writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have finaled or won awards in contests such as The Maggies, Inspirational Readers Choice Award, The Carol, ECPA Book of the Year, The Selah, and others. Her most recent wins are the Carol Award in 2013 and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award in 2014. She began her teaching career in the public school classroom and has since moved to teaching at conferences all over the country. Lynette often speaks at women’s conference and retreats, but finds her first love is teaching writing. In her spare time she can be found hanging out with her family, loving on her nieces and nephews, traveling, and…um…writing. Lynette and her husband Jack live in South Carolina with their two teenagers. Life is never boring, that’s for sure! Lynette can often be found online at www.facebook.com/lynette.eason @lynetteeason on Twitter, and www.lynetteeason.com.
What do you do when you don’t feel like writing? Gasp! Not feel like writing? Is that even a real feeling?Um…yes. Unfortunately, it happens. At least to me. Don’t get me wrong. I love what I do. I adore my job and the flexibility it affords me. Believe me, I don’t take it for granted. But I don’t wake up EVERY SINGLE day thinking, “Oh boy! I’m just so excited, I can’t wait to hit the keyboard!”
For those of you who do this, we are not friends and you can go away.
Just kidding.
Sort of.Anyway, for those of you who are occasionally afflicted with this “I don’t want to write today” thing, I have a few helpful tips on how to get past that.Sit down in front of your manuscript and edit. Sometimes when I edit, I’ll get a new idea to flesh out. That will generate some excitement about moving forward with the story.
Get your voice recorder out and start brainstorming the next part of the story. Just start talking. It’s okay if you sound like an idiot, you’re the only one who will hear it.Do something physical. But read the last part of your manuscript before you go. Then while you’re working out or walking around the block, you can be thinking about the next scene, fleshing it out in your mind, getting it ready to be put on the screen.Email a brainstorming buddy and 
Yes, I know you think that that last one is not really the most helpful suggestion, but actually it is. I look at it this way. Everyone who has a job has days where he/she doesn’t want to go in to work. Writing is the same thing. It’s your job. Unless you’re sick or otherwise incapacitated, you go to work. Although I will say this, like some dedicated people (who are unappreciated in the office environment) sometimes you go to work when you’re sick. The good thing is that, at least if you’re a writer and you work from home, you won’t spread the yuck.Honestly, I really do love writing. I’m very excited about each project God lets me work on. Like I said earlier, I don’t take it for granted that I get to do what I get to do. I’m not whining or complaining. I’m just being honest. Some days it’s just plain hard work and some days I’m just not in the mood to go to work. And that’s okay.
And I would like to also point out that these suggestions are great for pre-pubbed writers as well. You may not have publisher deadlines, but if you don’t get a manuscript finished…you won’t have publisher deadlines.
So, what are some other suggestions you could add to the list? What do you do when you MUST write and you just don’t want to? I can ALWAYS use more ideas!
TWEETABLESWhen we don't feel like #writing - tips from best-selling author @LynetteEason on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Even the best sometimes have trouble getting in the #writing mood -@LynetteEason on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Lynette Eason is the award-winning, bestselling author of over thirty books. Lynette writes for Revell and Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line. Her books have finaled or won awards in contests such as The Maggies, Inspirational Readers Choice Award, The Carol, ECPA Book of the Year, The Selah, and others. Her most recent wins are the Carol Award in 2013 and the Inspirational Readers Choice Award in 2014. She began her teaching career in the public school classroom and has since moved to teaching at conferences all over the country. Lynette often speaks at women’s conference and retreats, but finds her first love is teaching writing. In her spare time she can be found hanging out with her family, loving on her nieces and nephews, traveling, and…um…writing. Lynette and her husband Jack live in South Carolina with their two teenagers. Life is never boring, that’s for sure! Lynette can often be found online at www.facebook.com/lynette.eason @lynetteeason on Twitter, and www.lynetteeason.com.
February 17, 2015
9 Writing Productivity Mistakes to Avoid
By Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Productivity Tips for Writers.There are a lot of tasks we must master as we make writing a priority. But with these additional tasks, our productivity may drop.
Learning how to juggle this multi-tasking is part of becoming a professional writer.
Today I’d like to share 9 Productivity Mistakes to Avoid.
1. Multi-tasking.This one is a biggie. Yes, we have a lot of things we must do from, writing, to editing, to marketing. But it’s not an efficient use of our time if we try to do everything all at once.
Watch out for unlimited web-browsing.2. Unlimited web-browsing.We definitely need to build an online platform, but spending hours surfing the web isn’t the way to do it.
3. Not scheduling your time. The way to get all the various tasks done that need to be done is by scheduling our time. Find the most creative time and guard it for your writing first. Then work around that time for the other tasks you have to do.
4. Avoiding the hard stuff. It’s only human nature to want to do the easy things first. But that’s not always the most efficient use of our time. Come up with a schedule, then do the tasks that are scheduled, whether they’re hard or easy.
5. Talking instead of working. Writers are like anyone else, we’re passionate about our craft. But we need to make sure we’re spending time practicing our craft, not just talking about it.
6. Not networking. We shouldn't spend all our time talking about writing, but that doesn't mean we should isolate ourselves. Others can give us much needed perspective and insight into things we're struggling with.
No cheating allowed.7. Using cheating as a reward. It’s great to build in rewards, but make sure the rewards aren’t sabotaging your progress. For example, if I’m on a diet and I lose five pounds, I don’t want to reward myself with a calorie-laden meal. With writing, if I make my word count goal, I want to build on it, not take the rest of the week off.
8. Thinking only about the big dream. Sure we all want to write a blockbuster. But that isn’t my only goal. I have lots of goals that will lead up to that one. Don’t be a big-picture writer and lose out on the chance to fulfill your dream.
9. Over planning.Yes, we need to make plans, and follow a schedule. But if we’re so concerned with the process of planning, we’re wasting valuable time. Write down your goals, come up with a schedule and then GET TO WORK.
10. Not learning.With writers, like most creative endeavors talent is a good start. BUT diligence trumps talent every single time. Doing the hard work to learn all that’s involved with becoming a professional writer will get you much farther than even a huge amount of talent.
This are the hindrances I’ve found to writing productivity, I’d love to know what you’d add to the list.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESAre you unconsciously wasting #writing time? 10 Productivity Mistakes you want to avoid – @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don’t be your own worst enemy when it comes to writing. 10 productivity mistakes to avoid – @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Productivity Tips for Writers.There are a lot of tasks we must master as we make writing a priority. But with these additional tasks, our productivity may drop. Learning how to juggle this multi-tasking is part of becoming a professional writer.
Today I’d like to share 9 Productivity Mistakes to Avoid.
1. Multi-tasking.This one is a biggie. Yes, we have a lot of things we must do from, writing, to editing, to marketing. But it’s not an efficient use of our time if we try to do everything all at once.
Watch out for unlimited web-browsing.2. Unlimited web-browsing.We definitely need to build an online platform, but spending hours surfing the web isn’t the way to do it.3. Not scheduling your time. The way to get all the various tasks done that need to be done is by scheduling our time. Find the most creative time and guard it for your writing first. Then work around that time for the other tasks you have to do.
4. Avoiding the hard stuff. It’s only human nature to want to do the easy things first. But that’s not always the most efficient use of our time. Come up with a schedule, then do the tasks that are scheduled, whether they’re hard or easy.
5. Talking instead of working. Writers are like anyone else, we’re passionate about our craft. But we need to make sure we’re spending time practicing our craft, not just talking about it.
6. Not networking. We shouldn't spend all our time talking about writing, but that doesn't mean we should isolate ourselves. Others can give us much needed perspective and insight into things we're struggling with.
No cheating allowed.7. Using cheating as a reward. It’s great to build in rewards, but make sure the rewards aren’t sabotaging your progress. For example, if I’m on a diet and I lose five pounds, I don’t want to reward myself with a calorie-laden meal. With writing, if I make my word count goal, I want to build on it, not take the rest of the week off.8. Thinking only about the big dream. Sure we all want to write a blockbuster. But that isn’t my only goal. I have lots of goals that will lead up to that one. Don’t be a big-picture writer and lose out on the chance to fulfill your dream.
9. Over planning.Yes, we need to make plans, and follow a schedule. But if we’re so concerned with the process of planning, we’re wasting valuable time. Write down your goals, come up with a schedule and then GET TO WORK.
10. Not learning.With writers, like most creative endeavors talent is a good start. BUT diligence trumps talent every single time. Doing the hard work to learn all that’s involved with becoming a professional writer will get you much farther than even a huge amount of talent.
This are the hindrances I’ve found to writing productivity, I’d love to know what you’d add to the list.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESAre you unconsciously wasting #writing time? 10 Productivity Mistakes you want to avoid – @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Don’t be your own worst enemy when it comes to writing. 10 productivity mistakes to avoid – @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
February 16, 2015
8 Tips for Those with Social Media Commitment Issues
by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
We all know it’s important for writers to have a solid presence online.
But many of us struggle with Social Media commitment issues. We have good intentions, but our follow-through may be less than stellar.
So today I’d like to share some tips to help you stay on track.Stay Committed to Social Media1. Set Reasonable Expectations. I think this is the most important piece of advice I can give you. When I first started blogging, I wanted to excel at it. So my inclination was to set the bar high, posting at least five times a week. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I might not be able to keep up. So instead I started slow, posting once a week, and only adding more days to my schedule when I knew I could handle it. It has been the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve managed all my social media this way, and I believe it’s the one thing that has contributed the most to my success.
We can't do it all, and we really can't do it all at once.2. Don’t try to do it all at once. Along with reasonable expectations, don’t try to jump into everything at once. I began with blogging, moved into Facebook, and then into Twitter. Taking things one at a time helps you establish good habits without overburdening yourself.
3. Don’t try to do it all. It’s important to find a few things that you like with social media and stick with those. As I’m writing this, there are approximately 123 social media platforms. Five minutes from now that number will change. We can’t all do everything. Find the networks that work for you and concentrate on those instead of chasing every new things that comes up.
4. Diversify.Yes, stick with only a few. But make sure you are spreading your social media time between several networks. We all know that things change, and that’s true with social media. If you have all your social media eggs in one basket, you can get burned when those changes occur.
5. Give yourself a break. Trust me, life happens. There are going to be days when you won’t be able to give the time you want to social media. Relax, it will be fine. Kids get sick, deadlines appear, and tragedies strike. Keep your priorities reasonable and learn to be gentle with yourself.
6. Set a time limit.Remember social media is the means to an end. It’s the way to connect to your audience. Use it as a tool, but don’t spend all your time on it. Most of all, don’t let it interfere with your commitment to writing.
7. Celebrate your successes. It’s easy to get discouraged when the numbers move slowly. But small consistent steps will get you where you want to go. So celebrate the process.
8. Remember they’re people, not numbers. Yes, we want to improve our platform, but don’t focus on the numbers, focus on the relationships. After all, that’s why we’re doing this.
These are the things I use to help overcome my social media commitment issues. I’d love to hear your tips, too. Be sure to leave them in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESTrouble with social media? 8 Tips for Those with #SocialMedia Commitment Issues via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
8 Tips for Those with #SocialMedia Commitment Issues – viaSocial Media Coach @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
We all know it’s important for writers to have a solid presence online. But many of us struggle with Social Media commitment issues. We have good intentions, but our follow-through may be less than stellar.
So today I’d like to share some tips to help you stay on track.Stay Committed to Social Media1. Set Reasonable Expectations. I think this is the most important piece of advice I can give you. When I first started blogging, I wanted to excel at it. So my inclination was to set the bar high, posting at least five times a week. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized I might not be able to keep up. So instead I started slow, posting once a week, and only adding more days to my schedule when I knew I could handle it. It has been the smartest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve managed all my social media this way, and I believe it’s the one thing that has contributed the most to my success.
We can't do it all, and we really can't do it all at once.2. Don’t try to do it all at once. Along with reasonable expectations, don’t try to jump into everything at once. I began with blogging, moved into Facebook, and then into Twitter. Taking things one at a time helps you establish good habits without overburdening yourself.3. Don’t try to do it all. It’s important to find a few things that you like with social media and stick with those. As I’m writing this, there are approximately 123 social media platforms. Five minutes from now that number will change. We can’t all do everything. Find the networks that work for you and concentrate on those instead of chasing every new things that comes up.
4. Diversify.Yes, stick with only a few. But make sure you are spreading your social media time between several networks. We all know that things change, and that’s true with social media. If you have all your social media eggs in one basket, you can get burned when those changes occur.
5. Give yourself a break. Trust me, life happens. There are going to be days when you won’t be able to give the time you want to social media. Relax, it will be fine. Kids get sick, deadlines appear, and tragedies strike. Keep your priorities reasonable and learn to be gentle with yourself.
6. Set a time limit.Remember social media is the means to an end. It’s the way to connect to your audience. Use it as a tool, but don’t spend all your time on it. Most of all, don’t let it interfere with your commitment to writing.7. Celebrate your successes. It’s easy to get discouraged when the numbers move slowly. But small consistent steps will get you where you want to go. So celebrate the process.
8. Remember they’re people, not numbers. Yes, we want to improve our platform, but don’t focus on the numbers, focus on the relationships. After all, that’s why we’re doing this.
These are the things I use to help overcome my social media commitment issues. I’d love to hear your tips, too. Be sure to leave them in the comments section below.
Don’t forget to join the conversation!Blessings,Edie
TWEETABLESTrouble with social media? 8 Tips for Those with #SocialMedia Commitment Issues via @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
8 Tips for Those with #SocialMedia Commitment Issues – viaSocial Media Coach @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
February 15, 2015
The Apple of His Eye
Keep me as the apple of the eye; Hide me in the shadow of Thy wings, Ps 17:8 (NASB)
I grew up hearing my parents and grandparents use the expression apple of my eye. I was often told I was the apple of my daddy’s eye. There was even a polished, wooden apple, with a small picture of me in it, sitting on my daddy’s desk. It was a constant reminder that I was precious and important to my daddy.
One day, I began to wonder what that phrase actually meant and very shortly was surprised to discover the saying originated in the Bible, specifically, the Old Testament. So I went back to Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament and discovered that the apple of someone’s eye is the pupil. It’s even more than that—it’s the reflection of yourself in the pupil of someone’s eye. Imagine standing close enough to someone to see yourself reflected in their eye. This is a perfect picture of the close relationship God wants to have with us. He holds us so close and so precious that we can see ourselves reflected in His eye.
So what does that have to do with my writing life? It has to do with God’s character—Who He is. He is a creative God. The very first thing we see Him doing, in the first chapter of Genesis, is creating. We all have that aspect of God somewhere within. For me, it’s reflected in my writing. And I’m never more in tune with God than when I’m writing. Rather than looking tolerantly at me when I’m writing, I know God is rejoicing that I’m using the gift He’s given me to create.
So I encourage you, draw close, gaze into your Creator’s eye—revel in the fact that He loves you with a love that defies description—and then feel His joy as you become a living example of Who He is.
I grew up hearing my parents and grandparents use the expression apple of my eye. I was often told I was the apple of my daddy’s eye. There was even a polished, wooden apple, with a small picture of me in it, sitting on my daddy’s desk. It was a constant reminder that I was precious and important to my daddy.One day, I began to wonder what that phrase actually meant and very shortly was surprised to discover the saying originated in the Bible, specifically, the Old Testament. So I went back to Hebrew, the original language of the Old Testament and discovered that the apple of someone’s eye is the pupil. It’s even more than that—it’s the reflection of yourself in the pupil of someone’s eye. Imagine standing close enough to someone to see yourself reflected in their eye. This is a perfect picture of the close relationship God wants to have with us. He holds us so close and so precious that we can see ourselves reflected in His eye.
So what does that have to do with my writing life? It has to do with God’s character—Who He is. He is a creative God. The very first thing we see Him doing, in the first chapter of Genesis, is creating. We all have that aspect of God somewhere within. For me, it’s reflected in my writing. And I’m never more in tune with God than when I’m writing. Rather than looking tolerantly at me when I’m writing, I know God is rejoicing that I’m using the gift He’s given me to create.So I encourage you, draw close, gaze into your Creator’s eye—revel in the fact that He loves you with a love that defies description—and then feel His joy as you become a living example of Who He is.
