Tips to Start Your Own Cyber Small-Group for Writers

The Light Brigade: Our Own Cyber Small-Group for Writers

by Marcia Moston @MarciaMoston

Many of us would agree with writing greats Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, and Ernest Hemingway in saying “writing is a lonely job.” Some days, apart from the snoring pooch at our feet and a few quick forays into Facebook feeds, the only people we talk to are the imaginary ones in our heads. And sometimes even they fail to show up. Even though we don’t see immediate results, we remind ourselves we aren’t being non-productive. But on those days when all we have to show after hours at the computer is a hundred-word paragraph, we’re tempted to think that person who suggested we should get a real job was right after all. 

When Marketing Leads to Ministry

by Lori Roeleveld @LoriSRoeleveld

When I began this writing adventure, I had an attitude about marketing and sales. You see, I wasn’t going to concern myself with such worldly ideas, because, like The Blues Brothers, I was on a mission for God. I may or may not have harbored some unkind and judgmental thoughts about people who invested significant energy discussing branding, platform building, and target audiences. I was simply going to write and trust God to be my marketer. Boom. Mic drop. Thank you, very much.

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award

I’ve been nominated for the Sisterhood of World Bloggers Award by a writing friend, Elizabeth Van Tassel. 

Elizabeth and I met at ACFW last year and hang out on a lot of the same blogs. I was pleasantly surprised to find an email in my inbox yesterday saying she had nominated me.

I love the way Elizabeth shares life with her readers by bringing spiritual insight to every day experiences. You should check out her blog at Elizabeth Van Tassel 

There are some rules with this nomination. 

When the Lone Wolf Writer Needs a Pack

by Lori Roeleveld @LoriSRoeleveld

Edie here—I'm so excited to welcome my writing buddy, Lori Roeleveld to The Write Conversation today. Her own blog, Deeper with Jesus in Rhode Island is phenomenal. As a friend, she's provided inspiration, encouragement, and accountability. Be sure to check out her bio below, sign up for her blog, and watch for her upcoming book Running From a Crazy Man!

* * *

When the Lone Wolf Needs a Pack 

When I first took writing seriously, it took considerable effort for me to learn to pull away from others, withdraw into my writing cave, and focus on creating.

I learned to say “no.” I made important decisions about the time I invest in social relationships – sorting through friendships, setting boundaries, and making prayerful choices. I did this because God has called me to write and to write requires a person to develop a comfort level with solitude.

Well, until it doesn’t.

Social Media Monday—5 Things I've Learned About Blogging from Duck Dynasty

I don’t know if you’ve seen the top-rated television show on A&E, Duck Dynasty, but it’s a HUGE favorite at our house. This camo-clad family has taken America by storm, and we’ve fallen in love with everyone of the Robertson Clan. Which is fairly funny when you consider the men in our house don't grow beards or hunt.

Thursday Review—Flash Fiction Contest Winners

I purposely didn't post my Thursday review yesterday. I wanted to wait a day so you'd have the opportunity to read some great flash fiction. Our local writers group just held our first annual Flash Fiction Contest. Yesterday we announced the winners at our group's Christmas party.

If you're not familiar with Flash Fiction, it's a growing genre of micro fiction. It's an entire story told in a very short word count. The word count for our contest was 300 words. Depending on the submission guidelines, the word count can vary, any where from 100 words up to 1000. It's harder to do than you might think. But our winners did a great job!

So with no further ado, drumroll please!

First Place
Lori Roeleveld for
Old Soldiers Never Die


Second Place
Marcia Moston for
Soraya


Third Place
Tim Knopp
'Til Forever


And we decided to add an honorable mention because the scoring was so incredibly close:

Honorable Mention
Jen Bobo for
Her Favorite Thing


The next few weeks you'll be in for a treat as we publish some of the winners. Today we're starting with Lori's first place offering.

Old Soldiers Never Die
by Lori Roeleveld

Grandma’s been hearing critters in that attic. See anything, boy?” Howard took a step up the ladder, wincing when it creaked.

“Not one more move, Howard. Leave it to Tommy.” Alice hollered.

“Fine.” He grimaced but then Tommy’s feet appeared. “You got something?”

“No squirrels, but I found this.” He passed down a rectangular package wrapped in Christmas paper.

Howard set it down, bracing the ladder as the teen descended.

“Did I spoil someone’s surprise?” Tommy asked.

Howard sniffed, shaking his head. He folded up the ladder door.

 “What gives?” Tommy asked.

Howard put a finger to his lips and motioned him into the study where he gently unwrapped the G.I. Joe action figure. Tommy examined it then raised his eyebrows, puzzled.

“I bought it for your father when he was, I don’t know, ten.” Howard nodded toward the door.

“You know how your grandmother feels about war toys but, it was all Dennis wanted that year. I meant to surprise him.”

“What happened?”

“Got word on Christmas Eve about my brother. Vietnam was almost over but no one told the land mine that took Trevor.” Howard paused. “Guess I just forgot about it.”

Tommy ran a finger over the clear plastic window. “Dad told me Uncle Trevor’s death is what made him decide to become a missionary, did you know that?”

Howard nodded. “Losing someone young changes you. Made his mother proud.”

“Funny.” Said Tommy. “When he died in that church fire in Indonesia, Grandma said he was a casualty of war.”

“Battle for the kingdom.” Howard sighed. “Keep the toy soldier. Maybe it’ll remind you that we’re all soldiers on a vast battlefield. Always remember what you’re fighting for, Tommy.

Howard watched his grandson flip over the little tag still taped to the box.

“Merry Christmas, son. Love, Dad.”


Be sure to visit Lori on her blog, Deeper With Jesus in Rhode Island.