DOES GOD REVEAL HIMSELF TO YOU IN YOUR WRITING?

By Marion Ueckermann

Earlier this evening I shared this story with Shirl that I’m about to share with you.  She immediately said, “Blog about it on CWOSA.” I agreed.

                                                

In penning this, however, I wanted to find some scriptures that were appropriate.  I started searching the words guide, write ... and it struck me how much God loves writing. Just go and check the book of Revelation how many times God tells his servants to WRITE.

Before I share my story though, I wanted to quote a few verses from my favourite passage in the Bible, Psalm 139. Ponder on these words when you write … God knows us so well, and he knows the way we must take, the words we must write, long before we even think them.

You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. (OR ON THE TIP OF MY PEN, THE WRITER IN ME LIKES TO THINK) You hem me in behind and before and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

And then from Isaiah 58: The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

This afternoon I was busy writing a scene in The Piano, my 2012 Nanowrimo Novel. My protagonist, Lizzy, had just invited the Antagonist, a German concert player, Carl von Henselt, to a bible study at her house.  She’s attracted to the piano player and initially it slipped her mind that they are studying Song of Solomon Chapter 2. Lizzy might have reconsidered inviting him had she remembered, and to make matter’s worse, Lizzy is leading the study.

Now  to backtrack a little, in the beginning of The Piano, Carl reminisces on a wilder time in Bogota, Columbia (backstory titbit to his wilder womanising days). Initially I could not remember why I chose Bogota Columbia, but then on checking back in the story, it was because the portfolio case for his Macbook Air was made of Columbian leather (and that was a researched fact on the Mac products).

Anyway, so here I am literally sweating up in my writing loft, thinking of the next scene in which Lizzy is driving home. She tells me she wants to crank up the radio and play her favourite Christian CD so that she can sing while she’s driving.  I agree, and “randomly” decide on the music of Delirious? (yes, there is supposed to be a question mark after their name) as the song “Did you hear the mountains tremble” pops into my head.  The archaeologist in Lizzy tells me that’s a great song and instantly it becomes one of her favourites.

It is here where my story takes an interesting turn, and I realised just how involved God is in my writing, how he is continually before me and behind me, guiding me in the way I should go (or write). For in this research, I discover a song called God's Romance by Delirious? and I think to myself that it sounds like a great song to go in with the Bible study Song of Solomon theme. I’m certain I can find a way to write it into the story.

So I Google the song to see the words and listen to it, and you won't believe what I discover—it was recorded live in ... BOGOTA, COLUMBIA.  Well, I know that the German pianist is going to find that very interesting –that something other than wine, women and song has come out of Bogota—like 12,000 Colombian Christians who’ve found Jesus as the Lover of their Souls and aren’t afraid to sing it out into the night sky. Far more people—and far more enthusiastic—than those who attended his Bogota concert.

I’ve no doubt that making this discovery tonight is all part of a thread that will lead to the culmination of the story, the small, still voice that Lizzy hears as she contemplates what Solomon's words will do for Carl tonight—to draw him to the greatest love he'll ever find.

So, next time you’re on a writing spree, look for God in your writing. He’s actively at work in the background, setting the stage for your story.

OVER TO YOU: So what is Marion? A Planner or a Panster?

Rubik's Cube...easily solved in the right hands!

Do you remember the Rubik’s Cube? That colorful cube that gets all muddled up and then it takes a while to get it straightened out? For some people it can take a very long time, for others it’s done in a few minutes flat. 


I am glad to declare that I am a Rubik’s Cube in God’s hands and if you choose to follow Him…so are you! 


I think we are all born perfectly solved, but the devil, well, he is like those people that come if you have one in your hands and say “can I mess it up, pleeeeze” except that the devil of course does not say please. He just does it. I believe that from the time you are born, he is out to mess you up. But and here comes the big “BUT”…God is a Master solver of Rubik’s Cubes people! He can straighten out any mess and if you will let Him…that’s when you become whole again or as we Christians call it - “saved”. 


Jesus saves your messed up life, but just like with the Rubik’s Cube you have to get the base right first and that part is not all that difficult yet. Most of the time, when you start on a Rubik’s Cube you can get one side straightened out by yourself. For us, getting the base right means that you PRAY. 
But then it gets a little more complicated and you are best of to follow some of the given algorithms that you can find in the little instruction booklet that comes with the cube when you buy it. 


Well, so it is with us since the bible says “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jer 6:16 NIV) – there you go! That’s your algorithm for life. 


Follow the ancient paths, keep following Jesus and He will solve all your problems and make you whole. I know only too well, that the way there is not always easy or at least it does not look that way. Just before you solve the Rubik’s Cube, when you align the last corner pieces, the cube goes through a phase of being “totally muddled up” again. The instruction booklet warns you not to get distracted by that as it will solve itself soon after. 


Wow! That was so beautiful and encouraging to me! Because I feel pretty muddled up right now and I know that God has been working on me for a pretty long time already. But that means that I am only a few moves away from being completely solved or whole! I don’t know about you but that makes my heart jump for joy and today it will be a bit easier to look at the “muddled up corners” in my life. 


I believe Jesus has a special heart for Rubik’s Cube people and he loves a job well done ‘cause the bible also says that God will finish the work that He started. So, don’t spend time worrying today about all the messy parts in your life…give your everyday life to Jesus and know that you too are only a few moves away from being solved!

Writing in an instant world

Recently, on one of my writer’s loops, we were discussing the long path to publication and how difficult it can be to wait--especially when we live in a world focused on instant gratification. Whether it’s fast food, shopping on line (Amazon’s ‘Buy now with 1-click’ is way too easy to push), or losing weight, almost everything we do can be done with a flick of a button or a ‘magic’ pill.

We simply hate to wait.

But while we might be able to instantly upload the latest bestseller onto our ebook reader, author Mary DeMuth says that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master writer, just like it does in many other professions. 

Ten thousand hours might sound like a long time, but I believe she is right. Because the truth is that with anything truly worth it, there is no instant success. Writing takes hard work, sweat, and a dedication behind the scenes that the readers will never see.  

In the book world, I’ve known many people who have kept writing even with one rejection after another. They have stuck with it for five, ten, even fifteen plus years before they were finally published. With today’s changes in publishing, one of the great things is that a writer doesn’t always have to wait on a publisher, but can publish a book themselves online. But even going that route still takes time, learning, and patience until the work is ready to be seen by the world.

This is a concept I’m trying to pass on to my own children. I want them to learn that it is still important to work hard in life, to sacrifice, and put in their 10,000 hours of practice. And while the concept might seem overwhelming, it's important to look at the entire process in smaller pieces.

Here are some ideas for breaking down that 10,000 hours of practice with specific goals.

1. Set a daily (and weekly) word count that is practical for you to reach. I typically plan to write 1000 words a day, five days a week. Some people will need to make a smaller goal, while others are able to write much more. 

2. Read one book a month that deals with the craft of writing

3. Join a critique group (Most crit groups have monthly goals/expectations of members)

4. Read one book a month in the genre you are writing 

You will be amazed at how 'quickly' your writing ability grows when you take these baby steps.

What about you? What are your writing goals. Is there something you’ve had to wait on that was worth it in the end? Something you’ve put your time and energy into that in the end paid off? I’d love to hear what you think.

Golden Baobab - Call for Submissions

Thanks to Fi for sending this in. Please note that any queries should go to the addresses at the bottom of the poster, not to CWOSA! Don't forget to follow the guidelines to the letter!

The 2012 Call for Submissions for the Golden Baobab Prize

Golden Baobab 2012- Call for Submissions   Dear Friend: It is a pleasure to announce the ongoing Golden Baobab Prize, a literary award that annually invites entries of unpublished African-inspired stories written for an audience of ages 8-11 years or 12-15 years.  The mission of the Golden Baobab Prize is to identify the African literary giants of the next generation and produce excellent stories that will be appreciated for years to come. This year the prize will award $1,000 to the best story in the junior category as well as the senior category and $800 to the most promising young writer (18 years and below). Beyond that, the Golden Baobab Prize offers to connect outstanding stories with African and international publishers. The Prize is open to African citizens of all ages. Deadline for submission is June 24, 2012. Please help us spread the word about the Golden Baobab Prize by: 1. Forwarding this email with the poster to interested persons or organizations. 2. Encouraging eligible persons (i.e. African citizens of all ages)within your networks to write and submit their stories. 3. Printing out and putting up our catchy poster attached. It should only take a minute! The Golden Baobab seeks to ensure that in the next ten years every young African will have access to excellent quality literature that they can relate to. We solicit your support in making this a reality. Plesse help spread the word. Our website:  www.goldenbaobab.org Regards, Maureen Atebawone Programs Associate & Prize Co-ordinator- The Golden Baobab Prize

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God's Open Day

I recently had the privilege to attend the Pearson High School Open Day…a time of introduction to all new parents and students. Coming from Switzerland and an entirely different educational system, this was all so new to me, but even some of my South African friends said that, coming from Primary School, it seemed like a whole new world - a world we didn’t even know it existed. So much more to do; so much more to aspire to…so many new people to meet. Quite overwhelming at first, but exciting nonetheless. On that evening, the admission rules were explained to us. This new school, this new world is reserved for some. Yes, anyone can apply, but only 160 students will be admitted. That’s the reality, these are the limits set by the authority in charge. However, somewhere amongst the application forms there was a piece of paper that stated a very important part of the admission rules…and that is that admission is guaranteed if you live in the vicinity of the school. It said that if Pearson High is your nearest High School and if you are a rightful resident of Summerstrand, then you will not be refused entry. What a relief to know! Especially in the presence of the 500 odd people present who might all be applying later.

Why am I telling you all this…?

Easter is coming up…and I have been pondering over this thought for a while…EASTER IS JESUS’ OPEN DAY…! He came; He made His presentation. Heaven is His world, a world we don’t know but it exists, far beyond any imagination. God wants all of us to be there one day. Anyone can apply. Not everyone will be granted a spot. But I have some really GOOD NEWS! There is a  little detail lots of people keep overlooking…if Jesus is your friend…if you live in the vicinity of the cross he died on, admission for you is GUARANTEED! Yes, you may fail a grade or two…you might mess up your very next exam, but if you live with Jesus in your heart, your grades don’t matter. You will get in.

This vicinity thing is really important because it is easy to be worried. Many people worry if they will go to heaven one day, just like many parents have asked me since that Open Day…”What if you don’t get in?”…”Will you apply to any other High School?”…and my answer is always NO. None. This is the only one we will apply for. No doubt it is the best for us and the good news is we live nearby. Some parents seem to worry, even though they live near the school too. Perhaps they did not read the small print and now the devil can sneak in a thought of worry. “Are you sure your child will be accepted?” or “What if his grades don’t measure up?” I have had lots of thoughts that I am not good enough for heaven, and many a time where I have sinned and the devil tried to convince me that I would not make “the cut”. But that is when I go and read the small print of God’s promise again for in the bible it says that if you are a friend of Jesus and you make him your Lord, you WILL get into heaven. Your behaviour is not the deciding factor, but your closeness to Jesus is. So the only question for you over this Easter is this: is he your friend? DO YOU LIVE NEAR THE CROSS? Why not make him your friend this Easter and make sure your admission is guaranteed? Jesus was here. He had His Open Day and He is reminding us every Easter. He has enough space for all of us. He died and he rose and HE IS COMING BACK.

I think even the devil knows that his time is almost up…almost every new action movie released is dealing with some kind of “impending return”…people are sensing it…and the devil is trying to advertise his own team. He will do anything to keep you distracted and busy and away from Jesus. But remember - Easter is Jesus’ Open Day! You have to make your choice. Do I want to be in or out? And remember the small print…so move your heart to the cross and DECLARE JESUS YOUR FRIEND…it will be well worth it! Is there any other heaven you would want to go? No. None. This is where I want to go and I hope to see all of YOU there! Have a Happy Easter!

Be ready to share

I was reading a reflection by Henri Nouwens, who was on a retreat when asked to share with others. He was reluctant because he felt that there was just too much preparation required. The wise Abbot  said to him. " Why do you need to prepare? If you pray half and hour in the mornings, sing in the choir and do your spiritual readings, you will have more than enough to share with others."
It is not to prepare to share, but to live in a state of continuous preparedness.If you live with your life steeped in the Lord's love you bring Christ with you in all your meetings with others. Your attitude, your loving kindness, your knowledge of God's Word is what God has prepared in you so that you are Christ to others in all meetings.
As Christ's own you have more than enough love to share, and the Holy Spirit speaks through you to touch the heart of the one who listens..

Please Identify the Picture

Isn't this the most beautiful picture?

Reminds me of Psalm 91:4, He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Can anyone help me with the type of bird this is? Is it a dove? I've been asked this by an American friend and don't want to give a wrong answer.

You can enter your thoughts as a comment. Thanks in anticipation.

Finding Inspiration

I have been thinking about Marion's question about what motivates me and wanted to take the time to mention five.

1. Nature- seeing the beauty of God's creation always makes me want to proclaim what He has done and what's the best way to do that? Through writing.

2. The need to see justice played out- An editor mentioned this about my books and I love this because I do write because I want to see the good guys win.

3. Deadlines- I can't skip this motivation. I find that I'm much more likely to write with a deadline, whether self-imposed or from an editor. Without it, I tend to do...nothing.

4. I love it- Sometimes it's motivation enough for me just to write because I love to write. I love fleshing out characters, placing them in peril, saving them, learning from them.

5. Sharing something deeper- I love the chance to share a deeper message through fiction. Whether it is opening people's eyes to things they don't know about (like human trafficking) or helping them grow spiritually, I'm motivated to write to share.

Happy writing,

Lisa

Give Me a Name and a Time

Marion asked, "What inspires you to write?"

I am inspired by deadlines. For that reason I usually have way more deadlines than I can cope with, and the ones that are self-imposed fall away. I have a large white board on the wall next to my computer and I write on it all the time. All the deadlines are written in blue. A quick count now tells me I have 21 deadlines! The latest one is the end of March next year - a Chicken Soup story I plan to write. But some of those 21 are multi-tasks in themselves. e.g. "Blogs" - one heading. That includes two a month on each of my two sites, plus 4-5 devotions up on ICFW (one a week) - either by me or by someone else. (Oh yes, and someone else has just asked me to do another one. Thanks Marion!)


Another multi-task is "Newsletter". That means two a month - one from each website.


Then a "teensy weensy" goal is "TOTW" - which can involve all sorts of things, like trying to figure out how to save hundreds of emails into folders.

Moving on - before I get overwhelmed. Oh, wait. I am overwhelmed.

Moving on anyway . . .

I also find a good title is important, so that I don't lose track of what I'm trying to say. I waffled about whether to sign up for the non-fiction Book in a Month challenge, until I decided on a title. Now I'm raring to go. And I've just realised that's NOT on my white board yet. Just a book in a month. Oh sigh.

In closing, my working title for November is:

A Year of My Life

Blogging Through Cancer 

The challenge is to write a whole book in a month, so I will aim to complete the book, but will only post one blog a day Monday - Friday. That means I can schedule the others to go up for the next months that lie ahead which will be a multi-function for the blogs too. After all, if I multi-task, surely it's only right that my writing has to multi-task too?

Bye for now! I have a deadline or 20 to meet.

What inspires you?

There are many things that can inspire us in our daily life. However, the question here is not directed at those things. What I’d like to know is, “What inspires you to write?” Does facing a deadline inspire you to write? Does the spurring on from a family member inspire you to write? Or encouragement from a friend? A piece of music? A certain setting? Your own private space … your writing corner?

And what does this inspiration look like?

In his book, Plot and Structure, James Scott Bell gives some useful tips on getting motivated:

·                 Write a statement of purpose and put it in a place that you can see daily. But it must be one that excites you!
·                 Have the word “Writer” printed across your coffee mug. Every time you take a sip you’ll be reminded of your commitment to write. This will not only give you a caffeine boost, but a fresh jolt of enthusiasm too!
·                 Browse the bestseller section in bookstores – look at the authors’ pics and bios, read their openings, and imagine what your face would look like on the back of that book. Think to yourself, I can do this! And then, the most important piece of advice, rush back to your office and start writing.

The next tip was the one I liked – probably because I had already been doing this long before I read this great writer’s advice. And I felt a whole lot less silly because of my approach to getting myself inspired.

·                 Find your own item of visual motivation – inspirational words taped to your computer, a photograph of an admired writer, or your own rendering of your first novel’s cover (you could even put your own critical praise on the back … and if you’re going to do that, be lavish in that praise!)

You see, after getting an idea for a book, the first thing I tend to do is come up with a working title. The next thing I always do, and this has been the greatest source of inspiration to me, is design a book cover. Yes, I know that cover will probably never see the light of day, but it is the one thing that has spurred me on to continue writing, time and time again.

Here are the covers my finished (unpublished) novels, and others that are still under construction (yes, I do tend to multitask!)

 

Prodigal:  My first novel – complete, but have some reworking to do.

Scarlett:  The sequel to Prodigal – about 70% complete.

The Red Floor:  My first NaNoWriMo win in 2009. Based on the story of my mother’s life. About 90% complete.

Diplomatic Immunity:  A great story line, but a difficult project. Only just started on this project that a friend and I were going to do together. This story is based on her life as a diplomat’s wife but due to the sensitivity of this project, we’re unsure how to proceed – fiction or non-fiction?

Hungry:  My second NaNoWriMo win in 2010 and my first attempt at a historical novel – about 70% complete.

Pebbles in my Pocket:  My first non-fiction project I will be attempting in November with WNFIN (which stands for Write Non-Fiction In November) – and hence, sadly, I will not be taking part in NaNoWriMo this year. Such a pity, but I can’t do them both, and this project is far more important to me.

Looking at all these covers, I feel inspired all over again. I think I might just put them all up at the same time in my writing attic … maybe that will inspire me to finish these works in progress.

Please take time to share with the group, not in a comment below, but in a separate blog, your writing inspiration/s.