A Meditation for Christian Writers

(Register for the Mid-South Christian Writers conference at

 www.midsouthchristianwriters.com

by Emily M. Akin

Simon answered, “Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets. Luke 5:5 (NIV).

Some of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen. When He called them, He didn’t offer a lot of explanation on what they would be doing or how they would do it. Jesus simply said, “Come, follow me. I will make you fishers of men.” 

They were professional fishermen, so they already had the knowledge and skill to catch fish. Jesus wanted them to use their skills to bring people to Him. Sometimes, they were discouraged because they were not getting results.

As Christian writers we are also disciples of Jesus, we are called to go fishing for people in different ways. We have gifts, talents, and skills that God has given us. Like the disciples, we want to learn how to use them to spread the gospel. And we get discouraged, too.

Fishing in Bible times was tough, physical work. They didn’t use powerboats, rods, and reels. They rowed or sailed to the fishing spot. Then they cast heavy nets out to haul in lots of fish at one time. No snoozing on the pier for these fishermen. They worked hard, yet sometimes they wondered if they were getting results.

We writers often wonder if writing is what we're supposed to do with our gifts. We sometimes doubt whether we should continue. That’s OK. Even Jesus’ disciples had doubts. We can do what they did—keep fishing. We can cast our nets for new ideas. We can talk to other writers or non-writer friends about faith, mission, or just about writing in general. We can attend conferences to keep our skills up-to-date and share our experience with other writers.

Prayer: Lord, show us how You want us to use our gifts and talents. Give us a fisherman's net full of inspiration to jumpstart our writing ministries. Amen.

Emily M. Akin is a writer, editor, and blogger who blogs at http://blog4writers.com. She will be presenting a workshop, Write What You Know: Finding Stories in Everyday Life, at MSCWC on March 8.

A Word from our MSCWC Director, April Carpenter

Join us at the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference

         (www.midsouthchristianwriters.com)

Do you remember the song by Mac Davis entitled Stop and Smell the Roses? As conference director, the theme in my life has been stop and do things right! James Michener once said “I’m not a very good writer but I’m an excellent rewriter.” That says it all for me. With God’s help and lots of people praying for me, here is my blog post!

I want to share with you why I love attending writer’s conferences. For first time attendees, I have also included some tips on what to expect at your first conference.

One reason is because you meet a variety of people. This was part of the vision months ago when we started our initial planning. God seemed to be telling us to reach as many people as possible in all genres, ages, and stages in their writing careers. I am encouraging you to come with a great attitude and be prepared to meet people. This is not the time to be a wallflower. Bring business cards with you and be prepared to tell your new friends (in 30 seconds or less) what your writing passion includes.

In May of 2009 I attended the Colorado Christian Writers conference and roomed with a great woman from Oklahoma. At this point in my career I categorized myself as a non-fiction writer. I was adamant about non-fiction. My roomie was a historical fiction writer and she was very passionate about her current book. Her passion opened my tunnel vision eyes to writing fiction. I read her book and thought Wow. I want to write historical fiction.  Since meeting her I have expanded my writing to also include fiction. We’re praying for God to open your eyes and ears on March 8^th. Come without blinders on, come with an open heart and receive what God has planned for you.

Another reason why I love attending writing conferences is because you leave the conference ON FIRE! If this conference sparks one thing in you, and that in turn helps you in your writing, then we have accomplished one of our goals. My personal goal after our conference is NOT to let the spark go out, ever! What are your personal goals for writing? Trust me when I say the people you meet will ask, “What sort of writing do you do?” and “What are you working on at the moment?” Take time to ponder why you write and why you feel called to write.

The day of a writing conference brings me into self-awareness. You can say that I stop and smell the roses. I let the world continue doing what it is doing and I become fully present. I am painfully aware of what writing I have done and not done. Conferences help me to refocus my commitment to God and His plan for my writing. I seek forgiveness from God and then I forgive myself. And then I make a plan to get back to writing. “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever, his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5.

Whether this is your first conference or fifty-first conference, we’re so excited you have chosen to join us. We understand firsthand that you have a personal investment in this conference. You’re investing your time, energy and money. We haven’t taken your commitment lightly. We know that writing can be a solitary activity. Come prepared to learn something new and to receive reaffirming encouragement and a lot of camaraderie.

We’re beyond words with excitement about this conference and we’re praising God now for the blessings to come. I’m looking forward to stopping and smelling the roses with you on March 8^th! Can’t wait to meet you!

April Carpenter, Conference Director

April Carpenter has published articles in Memphis Parent Magazine, The Desoto Appeal, and The Desoto Times Tribune. Two of her stories about her children and her marriage have been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul series. She proudly serves as president of Byhalia Christian Writers.

God's Creative Purpose

As the date of our conference draws near, it's good to reflect on why we are pursuing this writing thing. Writing can be a calling, an enjoyable hobby, or a creative nudge that begs expression. But do we realize that when we are writing, we are walking in the steps of our Creator?

Our God is an awesome God. He is good, loving, kind, merciful—and creative. As a writer, I often remind myself that God's first act recorded in the Bible is that He created.

This winter I've been snuggled inside the house, hiding from the harsh cold. But when a blanket of fresh snow awakens me with its bright, cool light, I can't help but admire the frosty canvas of God's creation. When the sun rises on the curving white landscape in pinks and sherbet orange, I am overwhelmed by the blessings of God's natural world.  As I step outside into the cold air, I am thankful to be immersed in incredible beauty.

After God created the earth, the stars, the seas and everything in them, He said that it was good. But after He created man, he said that it was very good. It is humbling to know I am gloriously made in His image.

Although God's perfect image in me has been marred by sin, through Christ I am a new creation. As I walk in newness of life, God's attributes, including the gift of creating, are manifested through me.

Whenever I am tempted to believe writing is a waste of time, I turn away from that deception. Writing can be difficult, frustrating, heartbreaking, and just plain hard work. But as I create and bring forth works of beauty, I realize I am walking in the ways of my Father.

I am grateful for the privilege of having the Holy Spirit alongside me as I walk in God's will and His ways. As I create, I draw closer to Him.

Walk in the creative purpose God has for your life.  

-Jeris Hamm

 www.midsouthchristianwriters.com