Caution: writing assignment ahead

At our last meeting, I assigned a writing project for December and I want to give you ample time to complete it so here it is:

Write a 100-word story. 

(Yes, you can!)

We will share our stories at our meeting on December 5.

Here are two links to inspire you:

Reader's Digest

Clare, a former member

Also, food has traditionally been a part of our December meeting so you are invited (not required) to bring covid safe snacks, meaning individually wrapped or bagged, not on a platter.

So get busy and I'll see you in December,

Barbara

barbarahigby.com

November's Focus Point

Alike but Different

We are a diverse group meeting here today—not only because we have different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses, but also because our backgrounds, experiences, and positions in life are distinct. No two of us are the same, but we are alike. We have like interests because we’re all Christians, we all love words, we all pursue truth, and we’re all gifted to write. But, even in our sameness we are different—we’re unique in our writing voice, our genre, our specific audience, our passions. 

Eph. 4:15 says, “Speaking [writing] the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of … Christ.” The next verse tells us that Jesus joins us and holds us together by every supporting ligament … as each part does its work.

Last month we said it takes a tribe to write a book. It also takes a tribe to reveal truth. God’s wisdom and ways cannot be explained by one voice. As we each uniquely do our part to express truth, together we present a glimpse of God, His heart, His kindness, His beauty, His sovereignty.

Today we’ll be discussing what sets our work apart from others and how it is similar. Are there authors who have already said what we’re laboring so hard to write? Yes. But they’ve not said it in the same tone, or the same words, with the same emphasis, and perhaps not to the same audience. For readers who are encouraged by our words, our writing is important. To paraphrase Clare’s blog (a former member) our small audience is worth writing for—pouring out our passion will give us a life that is full, rewarding, and deeply appreciated by the fortunate few who have become our circle of friends. For them, what we produce is priceless—a smile, a tear, a laugh, an inspiration, a direction, an answer.

Take-away thought: Our voice uniquely speaks truth, blending our story with others to reveal a picture of God’s will and ways.

Next meeting is November 7

 Saturday, 10am-noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

Once seated, masks are not necessary if you are socially distanced.

Seasoned writers and novices are welcome. 

The Focus Point below tells you what we're about.

We're on this journey together. 

Topic: How to Write a Good Book Description, part 2

Join the discussion of these four A's:

• Accolades - boast a little

• Attachments - connect with familiar works 

• Appeals - touch the emotions 

• Actions - offer a clear path to purchase

Hope to see you Saturday,
Barbara
barbarahigby.com

October's Focus Point

Spur on another on...

Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV) tells us to spur one another on to good works. What does this mean for a group of Christian writers? I submit this paraphrase: Spur one another on to good words. The writer of Hebrews tells us we spur one another on by meeting together and encouraging one another, hence, our North Jersey Christian Writers Group.

We spur—urge, encourage, stimulate, goad, prod—each other. We do this first by recognizing the good work each one is trying to accomplish in our individual goals and projects. Secondly, we help each other focus our writing, hone our skills, and persist with our passion.

There is truth to the African proverb, It takes a village (or tribe) to raise a child. In our case, the proverb crafts today’s take-away thought.

Take-away thought: It takes a tribe to write a book.

Meeting this Saturday

 October 3, 10am-noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

Once seated, masks are not necessary if you are socially distanced.

Novice writers and experienced authors are invited. 

This month's topic: How to Write a Good Book Description, part 1

This is important for marketing, but having this nailed down helps us in the writing process

keeping us focused and sharpening our writing.

If you have a book in process, already published, or living in your head, 

bring a concise description and we will brainstorm to make it better 

- or - 

simply come and add your input on someone else's description.

Members are invited to bring two pages for critique. 

Please remember the guidelines posted on our webpage.

Hope to see familiar and new faces this Saturday!

Barbara 

barbarahigby.com

September's Focus Point

Word Power

Two notable truths found in the book of James offer wisdom for us as Christian writers. The first is faith without works is dead and the second is James' discussion of the power of the tongue.

We can talk about writing endlessly, sharing ideas and lofty projects, but unless we are actually writing, we are not writers—we’re thinkers. The second truth is what I want to talk about today—the power of the tongue. James is not referring to the appendage in our mouths but the impact of the words that come from the tongue. He goes into depth about their power to destroy, but they also have the power to give life.

As writers our words can give hope, bring joy, and stimulate faith. We are able to educate, encourage, enlighten, and entertain. We know words can do that because we’ve read books and articles that have done that for us.

We also know the importance of crafting those words in ways that will best accomplish their purpose and impart life, which is why we talk about the skills and techniques, grammar and editing. We study these things in order to empower our writing, to offer words the Spirit can ignite in the lives of our readers.  

Take-away thought: If you want to be a writer, write—and write well to give the world words of life.

Next meeting: Saturday, September 12

Due to the holiday weekend, we will meet the 2nd Saturday in September. Same place, same time.

10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

This is our agenda:

• Focus point
• Editing exercise
• Marketing Minute
• Critiques

Novices and experienced writers are welcome. Please come with a mask - once you're seated the mask is optional as long as you are distanced. Members, bring your work for critique! 

I hope to see you there,

Barbara

barbarahigby.com

Ready for a meeting this Saturday?

August 1, 10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff

2nd floor of the Barn (2nd building on the right) 

Why? Because...

How ever busy you've been, whatever you've accomplished (or not), we're writers... so let's get together and talk. It will be an informal summer meeting where you can encourage others and receive encouragement on your writing journey.

Please RSVP so I can request a room change if there are many of us. We want to be able to socially distance ourselves.

Members, bring something for critique (following the guidelines on our web page).

Looking forward to seeing you again,

Barbara

barbarahigby.com

No meeting in July

Sorry, folks, we won't be meeting this month, but KEEP WRITING!

• Tentatively plan on an informal meeting on August 1 - just a time to connect & share. Be sure to bring something for critique!

• We'll be up and running on September 12 (2nd Saturday due to Labor Day weekend).

You have a gift - you have a computer - you'll never have the time - so write now!

Blessings to all you creatives,
Barbara
barbarahigby.com 

address correction

Please note the corrected email address for NJCWG below.

MEETING REMOTELY JUNE 6, 10 AM 

Image by Jagrit Parajuli from Pixabay 

Story—the long and short of it

Whether it's a long rendition in a memoir, or a short anecdote in an article, our stories have merit—when they're effectively told. Enter the discussion on Zoom this Saturday. 

Join the meeting: If you've not received an invitation to join, please email Susan at [corrected address] njcwgroup@gmail.com and she'll send you a login link.

Critiques: members are invited to submit critiques by 6 pm Thursday evening. Nothing will be accepted later. Please follow guidelines on our web-page. 

Hope to see you online,

Barbara
barbarahigby.com

Join us on Zoom

Meeting remotely June 6, 10 am 

Image by Jagrit Parajuli from Pixabay 

Story—the long and short of it

Whether it's a long rendition in a memoir, or a short anecdote in an article, our stories have merit—when they're effectively told. Enter the discussion on Zoom this Saturday. 

Join the meeting: If you've not received an invitation to join, please email Susan at njcwg@gmail.com and she'll send you a login link.

Critiques: members are invited to submit critiques by 6 pm Thursday evening. Nothing will be accepted later. Please follow guidelines on our web-page. 

Hope to see you online,

Barbara
barbarahigby.com

Let's meet remotely

This Saturday, May 4 at 10 am. Are you in? 

Image by Sasin Tipchai from Pixabay

Apparently, it's child's play...

But we do need to send you an invite to log in

so please email Susan at njcwg@gmail.com

and she will include you as a participant.

Hope to see you online,

Barbara

barbarahigby.com

No meeting in April.

We hope to meet in May, but it may be June - I'll keep you posted. 

Last month's Focus Point is below. 

Market, write, research - keep your vision alive!

We may not have retreated to the era depicted in this image, but we've certainly slowed down.

Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay 

I hope less demands on your time means you're writing! Honestly, I'm have difficulty getting motivated. I'm keeping up with my blog and wrote an article for Tri-State Voice (here), but when it comes to my writing project I've not done much more than open the document. But that's yesterday. It's a new day and, with rain in the forecast, I will write. There, I've made myself accountable!

Kudos to Bob for asking me about some periodical markets. How about you? Shake off the lethargy, flex those fingers, and commit your brilliance to the page.

Be a blessing,
Barbara
barbarahigby.com

April's Focus Point

Let’s Talk about… Marketing Wisdom

Marketing seems to be the Achilles heel of many writers, at least it is in this room. We suffer from lack of knowledge, lack of direction, lack of courage—perhaps all three. Our discussion today will open a variety of possibilities and trigger many good ideas. What will we do with them? How will we sort through them and decide which avenues are right for us?

As I maneuver through the marketing labyrinth, I’ve depended on Isaiah 48:17:

This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 

“I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, 

who directs you in the way you should go.” 

I look to the marketing experts—and there are many, with many methods and inspiring ideas, but I cannot and will not implement them all. The incredible blessing for us as Christian writers is the promise of James 1:5:

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, 

who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

In the governing of our lives, the exercise of our writing, and the necessity of our marketing, God will give us direction and wisdom.

Take-home thought: I will glean from the experts but follow God’s direction for what is best for me.

Meeting this Saturday

Let's talk about... 

MARKETING

March 7, 10 AM - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff 

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

Pasquale Russo will present on the topic of marketing, an eagerly awaited discussion. Bring your personal comments, experiences, and questions. Identify the next step to move your writing project forward.

Guests are welcome, both novices and seasoned writers.
Critiquing is available for members - please adhere to the guidelines on our website.

Looking forward to Saturday,
Barbara
barbarahigby.com

February's Focus Point

Why Should We Care if our Writing is Tight?

We "write tight" to present our best work to our readers, but why should we care? Why do we labor over multiple edits, offer our work for critique, and rewrite what seemed fine the first draft?

There’s only one reason—because we want to be read. I’ve said it so often, you should be able to finish this sentence for me: “If you don’t want to be read, just journal.”

I can be impatient positioning my words, crocheting around a basic point, couching my thoughts just so, but as we’ll discuss later, it’s necessary if we want to be read and have our words received. To write relevantly, we also need to know our audience and understand how they most readily receive instruction or engage with works of fiction. This may seem a little compromising but listen to Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9:20-23:

“To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law…so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the…so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings” (italics mine).

It is for the sake of the truth we present that we do our best to be read and received by others. People do not want to read loosely written work or go down rabbit trails or turn on their internal editor as they read. We never compromise the truth, but we write with integrity that produces our best work and prioritizes the truth of the Gospel.

Do we need to write tight? Yes. Do we need to check our grammar, use our thesaurus, rework run-on sentences? Yes. Yes. Yes.

Take-home thought: I will write well so my words will be read and my readers will embrace the truth they tell.

Meeting next Saturday

LET'S TALK ABOUT... 

When is Writing Tight, too Tight?

Image by Free-Photos from Pixabay 

February 1, 10 AM - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff 

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

We've had "write tight" hammered into our brains since we penned our first essay, 

but is it possible to write too tight? Come and share your thoughts.

Guests are welcome, whether you're a novice or a seasoned writer.

Critiquing is available for members - please adhere to the guidelines on our website.

Hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigby.com

January's Focus Point:

Writing Angst

I read a familiar psalm this week—Psalm 37. I listed the phrases that touched my heart and loved the way they simplified my life and instilled peace. That's when I realized I need to apply them to my writing to combat my writing angst.

Do you also have writing angst? Do you wonder what to do next or who to approach? Does lack of time or focus stress you? Do you tense when you edit or search for markets? Do you doubt your ability or insights? At one time or another, I answer yes to all of the above. And then I hear God’s whisper, “Trust me.”

These are the phrases I culled from Psalm 37 that can be applied to our writing journey:

·       Do not fret – Don’t accept angst as a normal part of your life.

·       Trust in the Lord – Does He have a purpose for your writing?

·       Do good – Focus on doing the next good thing.

·       Dwell in the land – Live in the present place God has you.

·       Enjoy safe pasture – He has provided for you.

·       Delight yourself in the Lord – Simply enjoy Him.

·       Commit your way to the Lord – Give it to God—your article, your book, your outline…

·       Again, trust in Him – Can we say this too often?

·       Be still – Rest, quiet your heart.

·       Wait patiently – But wait with expectation!

·       And again, do not fret – Back to where we started

As much as I push us to actively work on our writing, I also regularly remind us that our writing is God’s idea, His gift, and we must let Him have His way. The goals we will share today are good ideas. We need to ascertain if they are God’s ideas and His timing. Then we can move forward with trust and not fret.

Take-home thought: Ephesians 2:10 “…we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Trust Him.

Meeting this Saturday

LET'S TALK ABOUT THE NEW YEAR

January 4, 10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff 

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

What are your writing goals for 2020? 

Please see the Focus Point below for inspiration. 

By sharing our goals at Saturday's meeting we will give & receive inspiration.

Be ready to also share writing practices, tips & disciplines that work for you, 

whether you're a novice or a seasoned writer.

Hope to see you this Saturday,

Barbara

barbarahigby.com

December's Focus Point

Let’s Talk about… Opening the Gift

This is the ultimate season of gifts—shopping and wrapping, giving and receiving, enjoying or returning. The Bible talks about gifts God has personally and specifically selected for us. Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” One of those gifts is what brings us together the first Saturday of the month—the shared gift of writing.

This spiritual gift is different from a Christmas gift—we didn’t shop for it, didn’t wrap it, and we can’t  return it. We received the gift of writing, nicely wrapped, topped with a colorful bow, which represents of a burst of inspiration.

Once we remove the bow (or, move beyond the thrilling inspiration), we find the unwrapping to be a painstaking process. Generally, we don’t get to tear open the wrapping paper and hastily pull out the gift. More often the unwrapping is a slow process—we rescue the bow, loosen the tape, fold the paper, and tentatively lift the lid.

Unwrapping is what our monthly meetings are all about—remembering that bright bow of inspiration, loosening the tape that holds us back, and removing the wrapping to discover the wonderful product inside.

Monthly, we encourage each other to have patience in the process, to be deliberate in our unwrapping, and to not lose sight of the valued gift inside. This is not a gift to be put on the shelf because it holds the promise of blessing others.

Take-home thought: Let 2020 be a year of unwrapping your gift and using it to bless others.  

Meeting (and eating) this Saturday

Let's talk about Creativity

December 7, 10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff 

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

This Saturday we'll meet - and eat - as we discuss and practice our creative writing gifts.

Please bring a simple snack to share, such as veggies or fruit, 

crackers & cheese, chip & dip, or Christmas sweets.

Coffee & tea will be available.

Also bring your tablet or paper & pen for a creative writing exercise.

Guests & first-timers, you are welcome!

Warmly, 

Barbara

barbarahigby.com

November's Focus Point

Let’s Talk about Courage

Making time to write, brainstorming a book or article, and sitting at a keyboard to actually type, takes discipline—but not courage. We’re in our happy place. We’re alone, comfortably dressed, in a friendly environment, playing with words, cobbling together captivating sentences. What follows is when we need courage.

Pitching, submitting, publishing, and, above all, marketing call for courage. Merriam-Webster defines courage in this way: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.

Danger, fear, and difficulty sum up the challenges of today’s topic: Marketing.

In Acts 20:24, Luke wrote, “…my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Whether our work is subtly or overtly Christian, as God’s children our writing testifies to God’s grace and our call is to complete the task given us. Seeing it through to completion takes courage.

In our discussion today, we will heed the words of Hebrews 10:24 and “Consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” toward completing the task God’s given us in the area of marketing.

Take-home thought: God will give us the courage to market our writing for the benefit of our readers and His glory.  

Meeting this Saturday

Let's talk about Marketing

SATURDAY, november 2, 10 AM - NOON

 Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff 

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

If there's one topic that generally unsettles writers, it's marketing. But, like we tell children: no vegetables, no dessert. Let's face that helping of vegetables together this Saturday and see if we can make marketing a little more palatable. Pasquale Russo will join me and share from his writing background.

Members, please bring work for critique, as per the guidelines on our website.

Looking forward to seeing you there,
Barbara
barbarahigby.com

October's Focus Point

Choose your Verb

Verb: a word used to show action

Writers know the difference between active and passive verbs. We choose active verbs in our writing because they’re strong, whereas passive verbs are weak. Though our readers may not realize it, their pleasure in our writing is increased by our careful choice of active verbs.

We have the same choices in the act of writing – are we active or passive?

• I’m thinking about an idea for a novel -or- I’m making notes/writing an outline for a novel.
• I have so much to learn about my topic -or- I’m researching my topic, one aspect at a time.
• Someday I’m going to write a devotional book on this theme -or- I’m writing rough drafts of devotionals that will become my first devotional book.
• Since blogging is a first step for an author, I set one up and, when I’m ready, I’ll start posting -or- I’m writing three posts to publish on my blog.
• I’m considering a book about _______ -or- Every week I write a few pages in my book.

Good intentions, careful lists, and distinct goals make me feel I’m doing something, but in reality, little is being accomplished. James understood the discrepancy between active and passive living. In James 1:22 he wrote, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” He knew that mental exercise was not enough, physical effort is also required in our Christian walk.

Let’s choose action rather than passivity in our writing as well as in our living. This does not disparage allowing our work to simmer, or waiting for the proper timing, or recognizing seasons of life. But, if God has put something in our hearts, it’s not enough to think about it—we need to be proactive. Every baby step is a step forward.

What verb describes your writing activity? I hope it’s one of these: researching, outlining, querying, rough drafting, editing, submitting, SMART goal setting, marketing, etc. Wherever your writing is, let it be described with an action verb.

Take-home thought: No one will benefit from the inspired thoughts in your mind. Take steps to get them out there. Write.

Meeting next Saturday

our next meeting:

SATURDAY, october 5, 10 AM - NOON

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff 

In the Barn (2nd building on the right)

Don't walk your writing journey alone. Join us for encouragement, tips, and conversation, wherever you are on the writing road.

Members, please bring work for critique, as per the guidelines on our website.

Hope to see you Saturday,
Barbara
barbarahigbyhope.com

September's Focus Point

Putting forth Effort 

In his second letter, the first chapter, Peter tells us that we can share Jesus’ divine nature. This nature is a gift that increases by knowing Him. He is the Giver; we are His cooperative followers. Peter clarifies our part: we are to make every effort to add godly virtues to our lives. Paraphrasing verses 5-7, He wrote

Because His divine nature is available to you… make every effort to add to your faith goodness… knowledge… self-control… perseverance… godliness… brotherly kindness… love.

Let’s look at what these seven qualities mean as Christian writers and how we reflect them in our writing. Goodness and godliness are obvious—as God-followers, we don’t glorify cruelty and evil, but promote righteousness in our writing. We commend kindness and love—we don’t write from vindictiveness or a mean spirit. The three remaining qualities, however, require us to “make every effort” as we include them in our writing.

• Knowledge – We research and read up on our topics, facts, and references. We discuss ideas and interview others. We cannot write recklessly or off the cuff—we are called to excellence.
• Self-control – We each know we need discipline to actually get our ideas on paper. This is why we share our goals and progress at our meetings. It is why we encourage each other to stay focused and remember our purpose.
• Perseverance – We keep on when writing is difficult, whether from complications in our personal lives, discouragement in our writing, lack of clarity, writer’s block, rejection letters…

Peter assures us in verse 8 that if we possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our “knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We don’t want to be ineffective or unproductive in our faith, nor do we want to be ineffective or unproductive in our writing.

Takeaway: God has saved us, given us His divine nature, and gifted us to write. Let’s “make every effort” to be effective and productive as we grow in knowledge, self-control, and perseverance.