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.