Tips for Finding the Right Writers Group for You

by Beth Ann Farley

Tips for finding the right writers group

Writers need writers! We need to share our ideas over our hot cup of coffee or tea. What do we do when we do not have the help and support of other writers? Where can we find a good writers group?

When I moved, I had to leave my old writers group. It was difficult for me because I trusted them with my poorly written articles. I could trust them to be gentle with me as I was with them.

We not only drooled over each others’ words, but we shared personal journeys as well. We became a writing family.

A writers group is so much more than sharing ideas and critiquing each other’s work. A close writers group is where a writer and author can engage in honest critical feedback. A writers group is a source of support and encouragement. Every writer knows that in the beginning of his or her writing journey, there are more rejections than acceptances. We need like-minded people to hold us up when we have been rejected over and over, as well as, rejoice with us when we’ve sold an article or even signed a book contract.

I Love Being a Writing Hermit

 by Beth Ann Farley

Are you a hermit?  When I first took the leap of faith to leave my full time employment to stay home and heal my body, little did I know that God had more in store for me. I hated—not a very nice word—being home by myself. I missed people. I had worked in a very busy public library for many years and then boom; home to heal and be ALONE so much of the time.

Writers & Fear—The Subject Just Keeps Coming Up!

by Beth Farley

It seems so ironic to me that when I sit down, ponder with God on the subject of writing, He takes me to places I really don’t want to go. 

Today I was putting a strong devotion together for Edie Melson’s blog, when God poked at my spirit and spoke to me about a different subject. I wanted to write about the strong attributes in writing, the faith and the gusto we all acquire in order to be good writers. I was repeating so much of the good stuff that Edie has shared over and over again. Today though, God instructed me to write about fear of the unknown. But God, (in my whiney voice) I don’t want to write about fear….Not again, please!!!

Time is On My Side After All!

Guest post by Beth Ann Farley

Most of us are familiar with that Beatles song, Time is on my Side. I know it well and have to say that most often, time is not on my side. Sometimes I have to escape the madness, and retreat to my quiet zone to be able to write.

I have a desk set up in a spare bedroom, but unfortunately the room also houses my husband’s computer. Frequently our schedules overlap, and we find ourselves trying to work at the same time. He has a hard time hearing so he blasts the speakers and I, the loving wife, try very hard to keep patient. But many times I fail. Those are the times when I get really frustrated.

Rejection, Rejection, Rejection

Guest post by Beth Ann Farley

Eight months ago I felt this strong tug to leave my cushy full time job to start writing from home. It Was December 2012 when I stepped down from full time employment to part time at a busy public library. It was no easy task.

Six months after my decision, I became ill. I went from doctor to doctor, had test after test performed and was finally diagnosed with a kidney disease. God’s calling for me to write became a huge challenge, one of which I cried many times over the keyboard. After all, didn’t He know how sick I was? Didn’t He know I had bills to pay? I was petrified.