Writing Inspiration at Christmas

A blessed Christmas to all our readers! May God's written Word enrich your lives as writers who write for Him. We hope to see you in 2018. Our first meeting is January 6. You will find the Focus Point from our December meeting below. 

Blessings, 

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

The Power of Words

Luke's account of the angels' appearance to the shepherds is familiar, but let's look at it from a writer's perspective. What was the point of the angels' visit? They came to pro-claim that the Messiah was born, but note the progression of their message (Luke 2:8-15):

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

Although the angels arrived on the hillside with an important announcement, they first gave the shepherds a moment to focus with their first words, "Do not be afraid.” They had the shepherds’ attention but needed to prepare them to listen. In fiction we may throw our readers right into the story, but nonfiction needs heart preparation.

The angels still didn’t make their announcement; they stated their purpose—"I bring you good news...” In our writing readers like to know where they’re headed, why they’re reading this piece. They need additional preparation.

Finally, the announcement was made,"A Savior has been born to you.” Once the shepherds were prepared, the angels told them the heart of the matter, followed by a simple explanation. As writers, when we introduce our theme it should be simple and straightforward.

The angels conclude with details, which are also a teaser. "You will find a baby…lying in a manger.” They don’t tell the shepherds what to do, but entice them to discover the truth for themselves. The result is action:

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." (v15)

Isn't that the goal of our writing? We offer our readers hope, encouragement, and information with the hope they will make it theirs and take action.

Take away: Just as God is gentle with us, be gentle with your readers. Patiently prepare a path of understanding that whets their appetite for more and, hopefully, inspires action.

Photo compliments of endoftheage.blogspot.com

Check it out!

To pre-order the 2018 Christian Writer Market Guide for $18 postage paid, click here. Deadline Dec. 20. 2017.












Tidbits from Saturday's meeting:

• You may be surprised by this Grammar quiz  from TheWriteLife.com
• Here's the infographic of 25 Tips:

25 Tips to Tighten Your Copy:

Source: https://thewritelife.com/grammar-quiz/

Saturday Brunch Meeting

Saturday, December 2, 10a-12p

Expect to enjoy a delicious brunch that will include our usual writing fare:

• A Focus Point
• A writing exercise 
• Time for critiques

Regular members, if you did not yet RSVP, please email Susan at njcwgroup@gmail.com and tell her what you're bringing. Guests, you are welcome! We're eager to meet you. Last month's Focus Point is below.

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Just Do It

During an advertising agency meeting in 1988, Nike coined the slogan JUST DO IT. According to Wikipedia, “one of the campaign's objectives was to target all Americans regardless of age, gender or physical fitness level which led to Nike becoming worn as a fashion statement, not just as fitness gear. (Nearly 80% of Nike’s running shoes are not worn for their intended purpose.) In other words, you don’t have to be a pro to play.

I suggest that the “It” we’re supposed to “just do” is whatever is in your heart to do. Don’t think about perfection or scoring or fans, just put on the sneakers and play. You don’t need to be on a court or a field, JUST DO IT.

In writing, we don’t need to be professional, perfect or popular; we just need to do it—we need to write. Sure, it’s more fun with the roar of a crowd, but we can’t let silence rob us of the joy of using our gift. We write for the pleasure of the Giver of that gift.

I told you about my disappointment when the editor who wanted to see “everything” I write told me he was now too busy to consider new authors. I thought my book was a shoo-in and now I felt like a failure—until I realized I didn’t fail God. I did what He put on my heart to do, I wrote H-O-P-E for the Journey. I succeeded.

However, the silence that meets me at my keyboard these days is discouraging. The only way to continue writing is to JUST DO IT—because it is mine to do. I write for the Creator, not the crowd.

I want to echo the words of the servant in Matthew 25:20, “Master, you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.” Our talents, financial and spiritual, will only increase with investment.

Take home thought: 2 Timothy 1:6-7, “Fan into flame the gift of God… For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” Write, and write some more.

Dec. 2nd meeting - Annual Christmas Brunch

Christmas Brunch

Sat. Dec. 2

10 am  - 12 noon

At our next NJCWG meeting, we will hold our annual brunch. 

As always, we look forward to breaking bread together 

as we continue along on our writing journeys. 

Please rsvp by Tues, Nov. 28.

To rsvp: click REPLY or email: njcwgroup@gmail.com. 

And please indicate in your reply if you are bringing a brunch item. 

If you can indicate what item, so much the better! 

If you are new to the group or just not able to bring something, 

please come anyway! 

Looking forward to seeing you on the 2nd! 

Meeting this Saturday

November 4, 10 a.m. - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right as you enter)

 Saturday's Focus:

How to be a Writer

There is only one way to become a writer and we'll talk about it this Saturday. Whether you're a novice or already published, 

we welcome you to join the discussion.

Hope to see you there!

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

October's Focus Point

First of All, “Why?”

Let’s talk about why we write in general and then, in our workshop time, focus on the specific why of our current project. Understanding our why provides motivation for writing, but also gives us a connection with readers, agents and publishers.

Face Forward

Jesus said, "No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). He was talking about following Him as a disciple, but He was also stating a life principle. One cannot move forward when looking back. We move in the direction we face. Lack of focus slows us down and the “plow” we’re pushing will veer or stall.

I confess that I can be found looking up, down and all around during my writing time. There is no lack of distractions, even writing distractions—other topics I want to write about, research that becomes a rabbit trail, sources that I get lost in.

When the day is over, I find it easy to fudge my writing progress. What did you do today, Barbara?

I worked on my book.

What exactly did you work on?

Well, I tried to flesh out an outline, considered title options, thought about anecdotes.

In other words, I played all around it, but never zeroed in. I didn’t plow one straight row because I forgot why I was writing.

I need to remind myself why I'm writing, be honest with myself and stop looking around, set a clear goal for the day, get my thoughts on paper, and plow forward—which is today’s take-away. 

Take home thought: Remember why you're writing. Stop looking around. Set a clear goal. Get your thoughts on paper. Plow forward.  

Meeting this Saturday

October 7, 10 a.m. - noon

 Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right when you enter)

 Saturday's Focus: Face Forward

Image courtesy of sqlmag.com

Whether an experienced writer or a novice, you will find encouragement and camaraderie at our meetings. Visit and see if NJCWG is a fit for you. 

Members, come prepared to pitch your book, article or blog, prioritizing your why. See the Simon Sinek video and read September's Focus Point below. If you bring pages for critique, please review the guidelines on our website. 

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

September’s Focus Point

First of All, “Why?”

Why do we write? In general and, specifically, why this book, blog or article? Defining our why reveals our motivation but also becomes a connecting point with readers, agents and publishers.  

Jean Matthew Hall* tells the story of swinging in the back yard with her grandson. He wanted to go higher & higher—to touch the clouds. Of course, they didn’t touch the clouds, but in Jean’s words, “It sure was fun trying. It was exhilarating.”

She later realized that she does the same thing with writing—stretching herself, straining to become a better writer and to attain publication. Not satisfied with merely writing her thoughts in a private journal, her heart shouts, “Higher, God. I want to go higher—to touch the clouds with you, Lord!”

Then she wonders why—why does she want to touch the clouds? Why do we?

Jean asks, “Is it that seed of creativity God planted in my heart before I was born? Is it some innate unrest I have? Is it pride? Do I have a burning message to spread? Or, is it God’s Holy Spirit urging me upward?

“I suspect it is a mixture of all these things. But mostly, it’s because I want my life to have a wider circle of influence... I want to impact as many people as I can for Christ in my lifetime and beyond.

“Writing… is one way I can do that. It is one way I can reach for the clouds. And even if I don’t touch them it is fun trying. It is exhilarating to stretch myself and use the gifts that God has placed within me. It adds beauty and joy to my life and… that makes writing and rewriting worth the extra effort.”

In Job we read, “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life” and “…it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding” (33:4 and 32:8).

We write because God has breathed life and understanding into us. As Christian writers uniquely made and individually called, our personal why is the motivation for what we are writing. Our mouths speak and pens write out of the fullness of our hearts.

Take away thought: Remember your why. Let your Spirit-breathed calling, gifts and inspiration be the impetus for your writing.

* Jean Matthew Hall

Hear about identifying your why with Simon Sinek.

Writing Opportunity

Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Best Advice I Ever Heard Have you ever read a Chicken Soup for the Soul story that had a wonderful piece of advice in it that made a difference in your life? Have you ever watched a movie or read an article that really had an impact on you that you haven't been able to forget? Do you have a friend or family member who gave you some advice that you didn't necessarily want to hear but really needed to hear that stuck with you and directed you to make positive changes in your life? We are looking for stories that contain a great piece of advice that you were given or advice that you gave to someone else. Whether the advice is about a little thing that improved your everyday life, or major epiphanies that can change a life completely, we want to hear about them and how they made a difference. Here are some topics we can suggest but there are many more that we know you can think of:   • Career choices or changes   • Personal relationships — family or friends   • Parenting   • School   • Travel   • Moving to a new place   • Buying or selling your house   • Setting priorities   • Health and fitness   • Finances   • Taking chances   • Co-dependence and tough love   • Following your passion   • Taking risks   • Trying new things   • Simplifying your life   • Using gratitude   • Forgiving someone... or yourself Please remember we no longer publish "as told to" stories. Write your story in the first person. Do not ghostwrite a story for someone else unless you list that person as the author. If a story was previously published, we will probably not use it unless it ran in a small circulation venue. Let us know where the story was previously published in the "Comments" section of the submission form. All stories should be true — we do not publish fiction — and should be no longer than 1,200 words. If your story was already published in a past Chicken Soup for the Soul book, please do not submit it. We will not publish it again. If you submitted your story for one of our previous books and we did not publish it, please feel free to submit it to this book if you think it will fit. That way we will be sure it is considered for this new edition. If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 complimentary copies of your book. You retain the copyright for your story and you retain the rights to resell it or self-publish it. You have a better chance of your story being accepted if you submit early. Later submissions often duplicate earlier ones that have already won high grades from our readers. So please remember, the early bird gets the worm! The deadline date for story and poem submissions is FEBRUARY 28, 2018. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE "SUBMIT YOUR STORY" SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE.

Meeting this Saturday

September's focus: 

Determining the why - of our current project and/or blog -

will motivate us and affect our pitches and proposals.

September 9, 10 a.m. - noon

 Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right when you enter) 

NOTE: We will meet on the second floor this month - 

enter the door closest to the main parking lot.

Whether an experienced writer or a novice, you will find encouragement and camaraderie at our meetings. Visit us and see if NJCWG is a fit for you. 

Members, come prepared to share your summer progress (or discouragements) and fall goals. If you bring pages for critique, please review the guidelines on our website. 

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Wrting Opportunity - Chicken Soup For The Soul - Romance

Stories about Love — Finding It and Keeping the Romance Alive

We're looking for stories about how you found love. And how you kept it fresh over the years. New love, old love, please warm our hearts with your stories and poems. PLEASE NOTE THIS BOOK IS FOR ADULTS, NOT FOR TEENS. We're happy to hear about your high school sweetheart if you ended up together, but we are not looking for stories from current teens about teen relationships. Here are some suggested topics but we know you can think of many more:   • The miracle of finding love   • Amazing coincidences that led to you meeting your soul mate   • Dreams that came true about finding your soul mate   • Anything that makes us say "wow" about how you found love!   • Dating adventures   • From "friends" to "lovers"   • Senior dating   • Reconnecting with someone from your past   • Rejoining the dating world after divorce or breakups   • Proposals   • Rekindling romance in a longer term relationship   • Anything that entertains our readers or gives them hope that love is around the corner for them, too! Please remember we no longer publish "as told to" stories. Write your story in the first person. Do not ghostwrite a story for someone else unless you list that person as the author. If a story was previously published, we will probably not use it unless it ran in a small circulation venue. Let us know where the story was previously published in the "Comments" section of the submission form. All stories should be true — we do not publish fiction — and should be no longer than 1,200 words. If your story was already published in a past Chicken Soup for the Soul book, please do not submit it. We will not publish it again. If you submitted your story for one of our previous books and we did not publish it, please feel free to submit it to this book if you think it will fit. That way we will be sure it is considered for this new edition. If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 complimentary copies of your book. You retain the copyright for your story and you retain the rights to resell it or self-publish it. The deadline date for story and poem submissions is November 30, 2017. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE "SUBMIT YOUR STORY" SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE.

Writing Opportunity for Two Chicken Soup for the Soul titles

Submission deadlines are looming for two Chicken Soup for the Soul titles!

The deadline date for story and poem submissions for two of our future titles is rapidly approaching. The deadline for these titles is Thursday, August 31st. Submissions will not be accepted after that date so if you have something you would like to submit please do it soon. We don't want to miss you. The two titles are Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and More and Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories of Redemption. Here is a brief description of what we are looking for: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Miracles and More All of us have experienced events in our lives that are completely unexplainable: the strange premonition that made you take a different route home only, causing you to miss an accident; the eerie feeling that you should call home... now, saving someone's life; the mysterious communication from a loved one who has passed on. Angels, divine timing, miraculous coincidences, answered prayers, premonitions that come true. Good things do happen to good people. Please share your amazing stories that will make us say "wow." Chicken Soup for the Soul: Stories of Redemption Redemption stories can be amazing. What starts out as a negative force can be turned positive and can change the world of ordinary people. There are countless stories of redemption and we want to hear yours. How did you use the negative in your life to move onto a more positive path? What did you do to make up for the wrongs in your past? We are looking for true stories of redemption that will inspire us, restore us, heal us, and make a positive difference to lead a better, more rewarding life because of the example they set. Everyone can make a fresh start. Important: If you have already submitted your story or poem for either of these titles please do not submit it again. We have it in our database and it will be read by our editors and considered for publication. If you have an additional story or poem then we'd love for you to submit it. If your story is chosen, you will be a published author and your bio will be printed in the book if you so choose. You will also receive a check for $200 and 10 free copies of your book, worth more than $100. You will retain the copyright for your story and you will retain the right to resell it or self-publish it. CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE "SUBMIT YOUR STORY" SECTION OF WEBSITE. Remember the deadline for these two titles is August 31st and will not be extended.

June's Focus Point

An Eternal Perspective

Eternity is that which never dies, disappoints, disappears, or disillusions. The word eternity describes the longing of our hearts.

We yearn for that which is perfect—lovely, unaffected by sin—eternal. We have never seen perfection, experienced flawless love or tasted eternity, and yet we long for it. Why? How can we long for something we have not seen? Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us—God has “set eternity in the hearts of men.”

As Christian writers, we can address that human longing because the mystery of eternity has been revealed to us. Psalm 17:15 reads, “And I—in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness.”

As we write from the perspective of truth—truth that will stand for all eternity—we reveal the eternal God and bring satisfaction to our readers' souls. This is a bold statement but if we don't believe it, why are we writing?

This does not mean our work will be exegetical or theological, though it may be. It does mean that our work will reveal something of the nature and person of Christ, God the Father, and the Spirit of power. Our writing will be based on truth and offer hope. Our words will carry life and the answer to longing hearts.

Take away thought: I will reveal God’s likeness in my writing in a desire to satisfy the soul-hunger of my readers.

See you September 9. This link is to an article you may find inspiring. I hope your summer is filled with many words - read and written!

Write for Him,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Last Meeting Before Summer

Saturday, June 3

10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right when you enter) 

Be prepared to share your summer writing goals 

and 

be inspired by Susan to refresh your blogging.

Last month's focus point is featured below.

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

May's Focus Point

Endless Inspiration

I spent time at the Jersey shore this week. Once again I was struck by the same thought that inspires me every time I return to the beach. I walk through the scrub pines, up the sandy path and crest the dunes to be astounded again—it’s still there! The waves didn’t stop in my absence; they didn’t cease to roll without an audience; they didn’t complete their cycle and rest. Any time of day, any time of year, they relentlessly crest and crash, demonstrating their Creator’s faithfulness, reminding me there is never a time when God’s grace, goodness, kindness, and love is not present. His faithfulness does not depend on my attentiveness or awareness. 

Lamentations 3 reminds us God’s “compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (v.22-23).

Since I had been thinking about this meeting, it wasn’t a stretch to see how this truth affects creative writing. Excuses—such as lack of inspiration, writer’s block, finding a market, feeling we have nothing to say worth reading or that hasn’t been written before—dissolve before God’s relentless faithfulness. There is no end to His wisdom, inspiration and opportunities. It’s there and available. We just have to show up. 

As I walked the beach, I resisted the urge to pick up shells. I reasoned, they’ll be here next time—there are always more shells, which is the point of this meditation. God’s supply never diminishes. The constant, fresh supply shells speaks to me of God’s limitless inspiration and vast purposes for us today, and tomorrow, and all our tomorrows.

Take away thought: Be still and wait. Expect inspiration and direction—Creator God has an endless supply.

Meeting this Saturday

Where do You Find Inspiration?

 That's the topic for this Saturday's meeting.

 May 6, 10 a.m. - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

in the Barn (red building on the right when you enter) 

Whether you're an experienced writer or want to get started on a writing journey, you will find encouragement and camaraderie at our meetings. You are welcome to visit and see if NJCWG is a fit for you.Last months' Focus Point is featured below. 

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

April's Focus Point

Direction or Distraction?

In March we talked  about maintaining the passion God gives us for His call on our lives. This month let's consider if interruptions are His direction or a distraction that veers us from the path our passion had set us on.

Susan and I attended a writing workshop and on our way home we talked about a writing opportunity that came her way. Aware of the two projects that already fight for her time and attention, the words fell out of my mouth without forethought, “Do think this is God’s direction or a distraction?”

As writers we are creative people. When a writing challenge comes our way, given time, we can generate imaginative ideas, create possible themes and run in directions we’ve not yet explored. This has been demonstrated in the writing exercises at our meetings—nonfiction writers write fiction, fiction writers identify their passion, poets write prose, we try genres and styles we had not considered as we draw from the creative wellspring within us, our God-given gift.

Writing is serious business because it’s our business—the work we’ve been given to do. Ephesians 5:15-16 reads, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Wise people have discernment; they are focused and determined. They are not distracted but make the most of every opportunity God presents to them, which brings us back to our original question—Is the potential opportunity, challenge, invitation before you God’s direction? Or a distraction?

Take away thought:  Be careful—watch for direction, resist distraction.

Meeting this Saturday

April 1

10 am to noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff, in the Barn

 (red building on the right as you enter the property)

Our Focus Point this week is

direction or Distraction?

Graphic compliments of nationalgeographic.com

Saturday's discussion:

Memoir - what is it and what makes it worth reading?

Get the encouragement you need, whether you're an accomplished writer, beginner or somewhere in between.

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com