“Each one of us is God’s special work of art. . . a painting like no other in all of time.” ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

“Each of us has something different to contribute, and no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, it can be for the benefit of all.” ~ Lauritz Melchior

“As white snow flakes fall quietly and thickly on a winter day, answers to prayer will settle down upon you at every step you take. . . The story of your life will be the story of prayer and answers to prayer.” ~ Ole Hallesby

What is your God-sized calling anyway?

First, let’s see what Kevin & Kay Marie Brennfleck, authors of Live Your Calling, have to say:

“Many of us live as though we are waiting for God to send us his vision for our life via fax, email, or a supernatural revelation—spelling out the actions we are to take in step-by-step detail. We also may want an ironclad guarantee that we will be safe from risk, financially secure, and successful in others’ eyes as we carry out this heavenly plan for our lives” (pg. 116).

“Regardless of the size or scope of your callings, however, you are likely to experience uncertainty as you respond to God’s leading. Jesus called his disciples with the words, “Follow me.” He didn’t give them a detailed explanation of all that would be involved. Similarly, visions of your callings will unfold and become clearer only as you move forward in pursuing them” (pg. 117).

Remember, God only holds us accountable for the talents, gifts, and opportunities He’s given us personally. We needn’t compare our calling to that of another writer. According to the Brennflecks, “God judges us according to the degree of our obedience, not according to the size of our dream.”

Something to think about today.

“We want our message to go “snap, crackle, and pop” in the minds of our readers. A writer succeeds when a reader says, “Hmm, I’ve never thought of it that way before,” or “Well, I didn’t know that,” or even “I don’t agree with this at all!” To jump-start the reader’s brain is a worthy goal. Empty words will not do that.”

~ Don M. Aycock & Leonard G.Goss, from The Christian Writer’s Book: A Practical Guide to Writing

Consider also Ecclesiastes 6:11: “The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?”

“When you begin to be open to feedback, another very healthy thing happens to you: you swallow your pride and realize that no matter what age you are, you always have something to learn. You realize you can always improve. Every critique has some kernel of truth. Take what’s true and let the rest fall by the wayside.” ~ Rory Noland, from The Heart of the Artist

Editor Darlene Schacht at CWO interviewed Robin Lee Hatcher for their February issue. Check it out:

“Robin Lee Hatcher discovered her vocation as a novelist after many years of reading everything she could put her hands on, including the backs of cereal boxes and ketchup bottles. However, she’s certain there are better plots and fewer calories in her books than in puffed rice and hamburgers. The winner of the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Whispers from Yesterday), two RITA Awards for Best Inspirational Romance (Patterns of Love and The Shepherd’s Voice), and the RWA Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin is the author of over 50 novels, including Catching Katie (Tyndale), named one of the Best Books of 2004 by the Library Journal.”

Darlene: How long have you been seriously writing, and can you tell us about the first “publishing” experience?

Robin Lee Hatcher: I have loved reading since I was a little girl. I also loved to spin stories and to write, but I never thought of pursuing a writing career until my late twenties. In March 1981, after reading a book that I thought ended rather poorly, I decided to give writing a novel a try. I wrote nights and weekends, longhand on legal pads, and then typed the manuscript on the office typewriter on coffee breaks and lunch hours. By November, it was done. . .

For the rest of the interview, click here

“I don’t wait for moods. You accomplish nothing if you do that. Your mind must know it has got to get down to work.” ~ Pearl Buck

“Daydreaming had started me on the way; but story writing once I was truly in its grip, took me and shook me awake.” ~ Eudora Welty

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance; but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”
~ St. Augustine

Sharing today from the wisdom of Marjorie Holmes:

“In writing articles from the heart you are not only lighting your own often dark paths as a writer, you are lighting the way for other people, too.”

The creative article, says Holmes, can be any of the following:

1. Advice
2. Personal experience.
3. Protest and controversy.
4. Essays and sketches.
5. Nostalgia.
6. Humor.
7. Inspiration.

“To me it’s heartening that so many warm, upbeat creative articles are being published. It proves that an awful lot of readers are weary of crime, violence, sex, disease, and trouble. People still long for hope, tenderness, encouragement, humor, and some path to inner peace,” says author Marjorie Holmes.

As writers, we want to affirm life rather than abase it—to inspire, encourage, and help. The world is filled with hungry readers living in tough places. They crave answers. Truth. Hope.

May our experiences, convictions, and personal stories prove more than self-expression. May God show us how to light the path for others.

Eleven ways to make people like what you write:

1. Make yourself likeable.
2. Write about people.
3. Show your opinion.
4. Obey your own rules.
5. Use anecdotes.
6. Use examples.
7. Name your sources.
8. Provide useful information.
9. Use quotations.
10. Use quotes.
11. Create a strong title.

(from 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost)

Pet Peeve: Bloggers who refuse to use quotation marks.
Do you have a pet peeve?

“God gives his gifts where he finds the vessel empty enough to receive them.” ~ C.S. Lewis

“That we are alive today is proof positive that God has something for us to do today.” ~ Anna Lindsay

“God is every moment totally aware of each one of us. Totally aware in intense concentration and love… No man passes through any area of life, happy or tragic, without the attention of God with him.” ~ Eugenia Price

“Trust God where you cannot trace him. Do not try to penetrate the cloud he brings over you, rather look to the bow that is on it. The mystery is God’s, the promise is yours.” ~John MacDuff

“Live your life while you have it. Life is a splendid gift—there is nothing small about it.” ~ Florence Nightingale

“Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those who sang best.” ~ Henry Van Dyke

Hope everyone had a sweet Valentine’s Day!

Due to interrupted cable service, I wasn’t able to post the winners of my book drawing until now. So, without further delay, let’s reach into the Big Red Hat and pull out two names…drum roll, please!

DaDa! And the winners are:

1. My Derbe
2. Katy McKenna Raymond

Ladies, you’ve each won a copy of Too Much Stuff: De-Cluttering Your Heart and Home by Kathryn Porter. I’ll get your copy in the mail as soon as you provide an address for me. Congratulations!

Thanks to all of you for entering the drawing—there were over 20 readers who entered by leaving comments. Wish I could send ALL of you a copy!

Stay tuned for periodic book drawings here at Light for the Writer’s Soul. You just might be the next winner!:-)