Did You Remember Your Gift?

The first Mid-South Christian Writers Conference is now a part of our shared memories. 

What a great time we had! We made new friends, plotted social media strategies, and crammed in everything we could about how to publish, write, and GET OUT THERE.

Before our enthusiasm cools, we need to channel that excitement into . . . uh, work.

God has called us. He's equipped us. We have each other for pep talks and encouragement. Now it's up to us. Where do we go from here?

During the workshop I taught, I encouraged the class to remember that we've all been given a special gift.

But the gift of writing is sometimes left on the shelf of a dark closet, in a room we rarely go in to. 

It's time to open the door, flip on the light, and embrace our beautiful gift!

As our gift is unwrapped, the bright-colored paper and curly ribbon will fall away. We might frown at the plain brown box underneath. And when the top of the carton is lifted, disappointment could follow as we realize our gift is in pieces.

Like my kids' favorite Christmas toys, our gift could have tedious instructions and need careful crafting to put it all together.

As a hoped-for puppy, our gift may need feeding and care. Although we might love our gift and nurture it, we could get back something we don't want. Something like what's left on the puppy's newspaper and needs throwing out. Quickly.

On a classier note, our gift could be a hidden gem, like an antique chandelier that needs gentle polishing before it sparkles with light.

Writing needs to be well-crafted, clean, and polished. Most of all, our gift of words should bring understanding, beauty, and truth into the world.

So there's work to be done. With a plan for success, our wild Twister game becomes Stratego.

Ready to unwrap your gift?

---Blessings,

     Jeris

My Own Worst Enemy

Register for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference www.midsouthchristianwriters.com

Guest Blogger: Loretta Eidson

Attending my first writer’s conference was a nail-biting experience. I’d never strayed too far from home without my husband or a friend by my side, but my desire to learn and connect with fellow writers over-rode my fear of going solo. It took determination and a lot of prayer to fight the inner battles of my mind, before I could jump the hurdle of insecurity and dare to believe in myself.

The day I arrived at that first conference my stomach twisted with pangs of ignorance. I felt inferior to the vibrancy and successes of others. People laughed and talked like they were the best of friends, which left me feeling like the outsider. Their conversations consisted of terms I didn’t understand, so I avoided any interaction. I was my own worst enemy.

God didn’t let me back down. He gently persuaded me to pursue the desires of my heart and overcome my introverted ways. I pressed forward, trusting Him to grant me courage.

Since then, I’ve attended several conferences over the past five years. I have grown very fond of these opportunities to meet with writers on every level. It’s now invigorating and motivating to talk to others who share the same interests.

 I’ve learned that every writer faces those moments of doubt and uncertainty. That’s why it’s so important to come together as a group, like a conference, to seek out answers, discover new ideas, and make new friends. I am proof that writer’s conferences can turn an introvert into an extrovert with a smooth transition.

It is my desire to help the new writer feel better equipped by making each one aware of terms and words writers use. To have a general understanding of these words will help boost self-confidence in writing and in conversing with others. I call it Understanding Writer’s Lingo.

The Mid-South Christian Writers Conference is a great starting place for the beginning writer, as well as an educational experience for all who attend. It’s just the right size to keep anyone from being overwhelmed, and is packed with talented speakers. Taking advantage of this conference opportunity will boost confidence, increase writing knowledge, and energize motivation.

Loretta Eidson is a Craftsman Alumni with the Christian Writers Guild. She is published in several non-fiction compilations. She is presently writing a romantic suspense trilogy, and was a semi-finalist in the 2013 Genesis Contest awarded by American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, Heart of America Christian Writers Network, Christian Writers Guild, and the Byhalia Christian Writers.