Meeting this Saturday

February 3, 10 am - noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff

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

Saturday's focus:

The Point Is… In a Nutshell… Finally…

Image compliments of Zazzle.com

How aphorisms add clarity, define purpose, and assist memory.

aph·o·rism \ˈa-fə-ˌri-zəm 

Bring one or two writing samples, such as a blog post, for our discussion of aphorisms and their value.

Our group encourages experienced and novice writers. You are invited to check it out and see if it's a fit for your needs. 

I hope to see you Saturday,

Barbara barbarahigbyhope.com

January's Focus Point

Joy in Writing

When I was a child I learned the secret of joy in the form of an anagram—J-O-Y: Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last. But long before it was contrived as a cute anagram, Jesus spoke it as profound truth. Quoting from Deuteronomy, He said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”

This sure-formula for joy in life, also gives us joy in writing.

God first. Every creative thought, sudden illumination, and golden truth we discover is not original, but comes from God. It is His call, His gift, His message, and His inspiration that speaks to our hearts and draws us to our keyboards. When we are mindful of that, we are focused, motivated and energized—we have purpose that transcends personal recognition, a meaningful hobby, or hopes of a paycheck.

Secondly, think of others. How often are we reminded to think “reader first?” If we’re not writing for readers, we can simply journal. Journaling is easy, communicating is work, but love for others will incite us to action. It will propel us to take the time and make the effort to write, and write well for the benefit of our readers.

The third aspect of the equation is you. The fulfillment, satisfaction and—yes—joy that is ours when God is first and others are second cannot be found any other way. When I put myself first, I never have enough, am not good enough, and can’t be satisfied. The biblical order is the way to fulfillment.

When I respond to God’s inspiration and use His gifts to bless my readers, I experience joy in writing.

Take home thought: When it comes to writing, glorifying God is my reason, enriching others is my goal, and joy is my reward. 

Need inspiration? Find it this Saturday!

Kick off 2018 with a dose of writing inspiration at NJCWG's first meeting of the year.

January 6, 10:00-noon

Cornerstone Christian Church, Wyckoff,

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

Saturday's Focus: The Joy in Writing

We will share our writing goals for 2018 and discuss the hindrances that hold us back, as well as the joy that propels us forward.

Published and novice writers are invited. Find encouragement for your writing endeavors.  

Barbara

barbarahigbyhope.com

Image compliments of thepreachersword.com

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!