Showing posts with label MBT Ponderers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MBT Ponderers. Show all posts

Friday, December 31, 2010

A Writers Covenant for 2011

I wanted to share this post from one of my favorite blogs - mbtponderers. It's written by Ponderer, Dee Topliff. If you haven't visited their site you are definitely missing out! Put them on the top of your places to go list for 2011. 
Blessings,
Edie


2011
A Writers Covenant
by Dee Topliff


Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning, God created ... "
John 1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

God is the master communicator, the great initiator. He shapes us in His image and imprints in us His same desire to create and communicate. He ignites the creative spark, which becomes the catalyst for our desire to craft stories that cause others to respond.

God also cares about what each of us writes, custom-tailoring our messages and stories to who we are--while teaching us life lessons as His inspiration flows through us.

As 2010 draws to a close, consider this Writer's Covenant for the coming year:
Since ancient times, God has used human language to reach men and women. God Himself first wrote His messages on stone (Exodus 31:18), then in His Son (John 1: 1-2), and now in our hearts (2 Corinthians 3:2). We are indebted to both His written Word and to the writings of gifted men and women. Though we are imperfect tools, in God's hands and with his Help, we resolve that this year we will:

  • stir up God's gift within us
  • persevere when writing is hard, when we are tired, when our attempts are rejected
  • remember that when others seem to have greater gifts or natural ability, no one else possesses our combination of personality or experience
  • submit our talents and efforts for God's use and direction
  • seek to learn more of our craft while working to develop our skills so that we grow as writers and as God's keen instruments
To achieve these goals, we covenant with Him to:
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Date___________ Signed__________________________________________

Lord, sharpen our ears to hear your thoughts and inspirations. When You speak, help us give undivided attention, so that we receive the full impact of who You are, producing results infused with the maximum of You, the minimum of us.

Open our eyes to see clearly, glimpsing your long-range cause and effects, identifying triggering story events and far-reaching consequences.

Open our hearts to change and grow through encountering You, through loving You as You deserve, and to give out of the overflowing abundance.

Open our mouths to praise You and to encourage others.
Strengthen our hands to write as your inspired and faithful scribes.


~Delores Topliff

(Covenant adapted from an unknown source)

Friday, September 17, 2010

Thursday Review - ACFW Bound - Part Two

It's been an amazing day . . . and I'm exhausted! Those of you who've been to writing conferences know what I mean. It's an "I can't stuff any more knowledge into my brain" sort of tired.

This moring we had the priviledge of learning from James Scott Bell from 8am until 12. I've taken his class twice before, but I learn so much, it all seems brand new. I reviewed his third book on writing, The Art of War for Writiers in my very first Thursday review, if you're curious why I think he's so great.

Then lunch with my newest friends  fellow writers MBT Ponderers. An amazing group of encouraging, praying, talented writers. Several of the group are Genesis finalists so I feel like I have a vested interest in who wins on Sunday evening.

Then, tonight we heard from Tim Downs. He delivered a great keynote. I can hardly wait to gett some of his books to read!

Supper (Jim Bell claimed not to know what "supper" was - said he'd heard of dinner, but not supper - he's from CA, need I say more?) was really good. I can already tell I'm going to eat way too much while I'm here. Tonight their were editor panels and tomorrow night will be agent panels.

Like I said, my mind has turned to mush. Tomorrow my first appointment is with editor Jeff Gerke - I've been practicing my pitch all evening And thanks to my MBT Ponderer friends it's honed to a razor sharp edge.

Tomorrow is packed with appointments, meals and workshops, I miss all my Blue Ridge buddies, but Lisa Carter and I are representing!

I'll be back tomorrow with more updates.
Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Thursday Review - Valuable Blogs & Websites!

I’ve mentioned several time the importance of attending writing conferences, but I know many of us are limited by our budget, as well as our time. So how do we make connections and learn from instructors if we can’t attend or can only choose one or two a year? The answer—Websites and Blogs.

We live in an amazing time, when we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips through the Internet. Virtually all the instructors you find at a writing conference also have websites and/or blogs. And, a lot of them post on the topics they regularly teach.

There are so many good sites out there, that I’ve had to limit myself on how many I visit regularly. Some of the ones I like best even send their posts directly to my inbox. Here is my list of MUST VISIT writing sites.

I’m certain there are others that are just as wonderful, so I’m hoping you’ll chime in with some of your favorites.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie