Category: Writing

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Wandering in Wonder | 2014 Writing Contest Finalist

By Hanna Maxwell

“God has filled us with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all the craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs…for work in every skilled craft.”  Exodus 35:31-33 

There is a dentist’s office near my house that I pass every now and then.  I’ve been in there twice, and while they are mean and pushy about x-rays, the hygienists are good about making sure they have your favorite flavor of fluoride on hand.  They have a reader board, and for the last couple of months, it said, “Wisdom begins in wonder.”

I have been living in a state of wonder for the past year.  Perhaps not wonder in the sense Socrates meant when he said to the young philosopher Theaetetus, “For wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder”, although I have been wondering about purpose.  Why am I here?  What is the point?  What do I do now?  But those are big questions, and often I try not to wonder in that direction for fear of being lost.

The wonder of my life has been awe.  My wonder does not express itself in complete thoughts.  No I wonder why the sky is blue or I wonder if God exists.  It’s more of a wow.  It’s an exhale.  It is the simple exhalation of too muchness.  I feel unqualified for that thing we call wisdom because my wonder is not a series of why questions.  It is mostly dumb admiration.

This past year, I graduated from college with a degree in English, took a life-altering trip to Ireland and Scotland, sat at home trying to figure out a purpose, and found a job that offers stability and monotony.  And I learned to pay attention.  Or rather, started to learn.  It’s a process.  I began to actually count my blessings.  I wrote them down.  There are literally one thousand moments of wonder and thanksgiving in the back of my journal.  In the long months of uncertainty and confusion, paying attention – in the tradition of the nature poet, Mary Oliver – became a way to pray.

I am disciplining myself to be in a constant state of amazement and live in the most present sense.  Foolishly, I thought, This is it.  All I have to do is pay attention and live in gratitude.  I have found the secret to a happy life at the tender age of nineteen.  I have no doubt that these are good things.  Very good things.  But then there came the nagging sense that this can’t be it.  Lists of blessings are not the end.  In the words of one of my favorite bands, “It is not enough to be dumbstruck.  You must have the words in that head of yours.”

This is where writing comes in.  I have words, and it turns out I had forgotten something essential.  In her poem “Sometimes,” Mary Oliver says:

“Instructions for living a life:

Pay attention.

Be astonished.

Tell about it.”

There are three steps, and the third is the Great Commission.  Go and tell.  It is not enough to sit, unmoving and unchanging, even if it is in the delirious presence of the Creator of the Universe.  Sooner or later, we have to tell about it.  I believe that we, as image bearers of the Alpha and Omega, are all given gifts to reflect and tell of his image.  It could be through cooking a meal or holding a conversation or building a house.  Or it could be writing.

But is it wise to write?  I wonder that a lot.  We are all writers and readers here, so the power of words is just a given.  Nations are formed and religions are built on simple words.  Words.  We love them and they connect us.  I have never doubted the power of words – spoken, written, overheard, seen, whispered – but I have doubted the wisdom of writing down these holders of meaning and truth.

Let me rephrase: I don’t doubt that other people should write.  I do not doubt that we should share ourselves with each other through books and blog posts.  What I doubt is me.  Should I write?  How could that possibly be a good idea?  How could sharing all of the crazy, boring, mindless things that go through my head be beneficial for anyone else?

The thing is, the Great Commission does not single out certain people.  It is great and universal.  We are given the Spirit of the very Creator.  Therefore, we are commanded to create.  We have to share the awe by whatever way we know how.  We are called out of the slavery of self-doubt to build tabernacles, to write, to share.

It is not enough for me to be dumbstruck.  I can’t assume that other people are going to find all the words.  I too am commanded to pay attention and tell about it.  Wisdom may begin in wonder, but it doesn’t end there.  You have to follow it through.  You have to wander into the deserts and consider all the big questions we’d rather not think about.

To pay attention is step one.  To live a life of wonder is the second.  And for me, step three – no matter how scary or insignificant it may seem – is to write.

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Visit Hanna’s website:

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Blank Pages

by Brooke Perry

One of the sights I dislike the most is that of a blank page of paper. For some writers I’ve heard that this is an exciting sight, an invigorating and inspiring view of possibility; stories to be told and words to be written. For me it makes my throat close up and sweat start accumulating on my brow. I’m intimidated by the blankness. I want to know what’s going to end up there before I create it. I want to have a base to already build on. I’m much better in the building up than I am in the beginning from nothing.

Now some may say that what we are doing as writers is always building on something. I mean, there’s nothing new under the sun right? And yet even with the knowledge that there is always a “building up” process based on our thoughts and ideas and the experiences of life that have led up to these eluding thoughts and ideas, the sorting it all out intimidates me.

I am currently in a very “blank page” state of life, and if there’s anything I may dislike more than a blank page on a screen, it’s the blank page in my own heart, mind and soul. I look out at my life and see everything that I knew now saved into other files or deleted altogether. There are no words, no ideas, no decipherable thoughts. The things I thought were true stories of love, adventure and full life have now been revealed as lies, with one of the biggest deceivers of all being my own heart. I don’t know how to make sense of any truth I once thought I knew. So I get scared and I stop writing altogether.

Once I do start writing something it’s jumbled and fuzzy and ends up being deleted before I’ve even developed the thought. And I have an uncomfortable notion that this is exactly where Jesus wants me right now.

My heart is broken, my soul bruised and my mind blank. I can make it by “going through the motions” for a few hours at a time, but those hours are always followed by the delete button going full force and once again, the canvas is bare.

Why? Why the bareness, why the stark white page staring at me instead of everything that I had built for myself? Before, just a few weeks ago, I had thousands of words, well written words at that, covering page after page of my life.

I didn’t care if the words were wrong or in the wrong order, I only cared that my page was full.

Of course I desperately wanted the words to be filled with Jesus, filled with hope and purpose, but I was willing to let them stay regardless of whether or not Jesus actually did fill the page or not, over the threat of having to delete them altogether. The blankness, the giving over of authority to Jesus like never before wasn’t worth it to me. I didn’t see how deep I had gone with allowing words to cover the pain, deceit and desperation that my heart had fallen into.

But sometimes our Lord loves us enough to take control of the keyboard. Sometimes He loves us enough to call us to the terrifying blank canvas, to allow our entire hearts and souls that had been poured out onto that paper to be completely washed away, leaving us with nothing, nothing but Him.

And with His heart breaking in sync with ours, and His soul reaching out to mend our own, and His mind connecting with ours in only the way His can, we realize that He is bigger than the page, canvas and scope of what we can see of our lives. In the midst of the heartbreak and loneliness, the fear and confusion about what comes next, we realize that He is the true author of the greatest story ever told, and that the deletion of everything we had built for ourselves was the only thing miraculous and loving enough to allow His words of truth, life and, most importantly and confusingly of all, His words of LOVE to finally start to fill the pages of our soul.

So instead of trying to refill my pages in my own messy way, I finally let Him take control of my keyboard, and to my surprise, of all the miraculous secrets and wonders He could start to reveal on my new page of life, He only writes three words.

I CHOOSE YOU

The choice of these words surprised me as I didn’t understand why He had chosen to write those. I had most likely expected Him to write “I love you” instead because that seems to always be what He’s trying to get me to remember. And then He spoke to my heart and reminded me that in order to even believe that He loved me, I first had to believe that He chose to love me. That it wasn’t by default or obligation, however He had chosen me, and chooses me when I have nothing to give back to Him. He only wants my heart.

He led me to a verse I had read a million times and breathed new life into the words in these pages, the most important words we will ever have the gift of reading.

Ephesians 3:12-21

“Because of Christ and our faith in him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence. So please don’t lose heart because of my trials here. I am suffering for you, so you should feel honored. When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”

To live a full life does not mean to have all of the right words, structure or punctuation in our writing of our own lives. To live a full life is only accomplished by fully receiving His love for us, and realizing that that life is the only true thing we will ever fully be able to boast about. All words, desires and dreams flow freely from this love. The forcing of our own lives forward ceases as we rest and lean into His truth. So as I work at allowing Him the control over the words in my life, the words on this very page, I leave you with the question He has so passionately whispered in my ear:

Where do you need to choose to believe His heart for you? What words are you forcing that would flow freely if you gave up the control of your keyboard to the hands that made you?

Peace.

 

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Encouragement for Writers

By Pam Lau

 

Many years ago, Madeleine L’Enlge wrote, “We’re never sure that what we write is true and honest. We try to make it true and honest. How much I succeed is really beyond my control. It happens if I am given the Spirit to write the work.”

Her words are truer today than ever before. If we have something to say – through a blog, a poem, a story, a song, an article, a stage, a sermon – we often wonder if what we say is true.

But the world has never been more complex than it is today and simply “telling it like it is” doesn’t help us much if we don’t take the time to observe the changes in our culture, in ourselves, in our small and big worlds: It’s really a New Day.

If you’re like me, you take some time most days to sit alone crafting a message through writing or speaking or singing. I’m 45 years old and I’m still in wonder how it is only through the gifts of the Spirit that my art comes – that love spills into my work. The problem is I’m human and I still doubt, I’m unconvinced that I served my message long enough or intensely enough. I’m never quite satisfied – but that’s pride – that’s not love and suddenly it’s not about my audience anymore.

My session on Saturday is all about truth-telling as a writer/speaker/communicator in a culture where there’s a divide between the generations spiritually, theologically and geographically.  This is not about being “right” or being at the center of attention with your “truth.”  It’s about writing or speaking something of value to others and finding your most powerful tools to get that message across to others who are waiting for it.

I’m not an ordained minister and I don’t see myself as having all the answers.  But I do see myself as the lead learner on this subject as I’ve been researching and interviewing for my next book.  We all want truth.  Your audience is looking for the truth that Jesus promises will set us free.

Here are a few of the truth-telling tools I will talk about on Saturday:

  • Live in Real Time; not with Nostalgia
  • Test Words for Balance and Diversity
  • Write with Open Accountability, Not with an Image

What are some obstacles you see in our culture that keep us from telling the Truth well?  I hope to meet you there and continue this conversation.

 

 

 

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What is your story?

By Christal M.N. Jenkins

 

Life is so interesting. It is full of twists, turns, challenges, mountain tops, etc. Everyone’s life tells a story. Even though the situations may have unique elements, the circumstances by which a person may find themselves in may not be a unique as one would think. It is easy to convince ourselves that no one understands or may have shared life experiences. That is the beauty of humankind. Although we may have our differences, it is through our similarities that we are brought closer together.

The question I pose to you is “What is your story?” This was a question I pondered as I began to write. At the time I had no idea that what I was composing would become something much greater than I could ever imagine. Many times we assume that what we have experienced or gone through has little value, when God sees every bit of our journey as an amazing story. It is a masterpiece waiting to be displayed. Sure, our stories may be filled with pain, shame, difficulty, and obstacles but I can also bet that if we took a moment to reflect we can find the joy, victory, and triumph even in the midst of it all.

Despite what that voice inside you may be telling you, there is someone out there that needs to hear it! We were not called to live our lives in isolation. We were created to live in communion with one another. Our lives are living testimonies that are not a depiction of perfection but of grace, mercy, redemption and salvation.

The awesome part about being story tellers is that we can tell our story in so many different ways. Maybe your story is told through comedy or satire maybe you take us on an adventure through lives of fictional characters, etc. You can decide how your story is told!

As I began to share my story, I was amazed at how many people could relate or even make connections to their own lives. There is power in your story! I strongly encourage you to step out and tell your story. I can guarantee you that if your story reaches just one person, it was all worth it! I hope and pray that you will be encouraged to share the amazing gift God has given you—your story!

If you are reading this and you are not sure of your next step, I would urge you to check out the Faith and Cultures writers’ conference. This will be a place where people from all walks of life, having various interests, each with their own story, will be gathered in one place, at one time, to share in a phenomenal experience that will be life changing. This is more than just a typical writer’s conference; don’t allow this awesome opportunity to pass you by!

I look forward to seeing you there!

 

 

 

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Why do you write?

By Keith Turley

 

“Talent develops in tranquility, character in the full current of human life.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 

It was two years ago that nothing less than a miracle occurred that allowed me to be a participant at the first Faith & Culture Writers Connection in 2011. While it may be cliche to say that those events and the conference “changed my life”, in so many ways I can never go back to where I was before.

In 2010 I had made a decision that I was going to write a book, something that I had put off and resisted for many years, though I was encouraged by several close friends. I had been writing a devotional email several times a week to a dear group of “peeps” that had grown from what was at one time just my bible study to a group of nearly 100 people that I now considered friends. So, as I began to formulate how to go about writing a book I began to look at writing groups, and then writing conferences. I was a writer of devotional emails, not an author of a book. What did I know about the process, let alone the qualifications?

In my Google wanderings I found out about the 2011 Conference. It was fairly easy to make the decision to go, but finding a place to stay (coming from Bellingham, WA) was a struggle as I didn’t have the resources to commit to a hotel room. But I did find a place to stay with friends in Portland. Then, literally on the Wednesday before the conference those housing plans fell through and I gave in to my not wanting to drive down at 5:00am Saturday morning. I shared as much with Cornelia, as we had shared many emails to this point. She encouraged me to not give up. So, I made literally one last desperate call to some friends up river in White Salmon, and found I had a place to stay.

Probably my most powerful experience of the conference was finally meeting Cornelia. She was the only person I “knew” so I sought her out right away, and despite her other duties she made me feel part of a community that was new to me. Paul Louis Metzger’s keynote paved the way for incredible breakout sessions. Each session I attended was so valuable. In between sessions and during lunch I was able to meet not only other writers, but got a chance to talk with speakers and agents. Every conversation I had was so encouraging that I left with new contacts and friends, and the confidence that I could not only write but also publish book. I had the content. As a graphic designer and writer I had the skills, now I had new encouragement from new friends and other writers, I had new information, I had new confidence. I knew I could self-publish a book, which began another journey that has resulted in two published books…a journey which I will share at this year’s conference.

Fast forward…I still have the email from October 2012 where Cornelia invited me to speak at this year’s conference. Me? From a guest to a speaker? Once I picked myself off the floor, it only took me a few minutes to get past my fear of speaking and say yes. Cornelia’s friendship and support, even from a state away, made it so easy to say yes. Then the next day the topic of “why I write” was already formulating as the main subject, a topic I am so looking forward to sharing with others, as I believe it is foundational to all writers. For me, knowing the “why” of my writing gets me through many days I simply don’t want to or feel I can find the time to write.

I can not wait to be a speaker and participant at the Conference this year, it is such an honor, and such an invitation from Cornelia, who has become an incredible gift in my life.

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From Behind the Pages to In Front of a Crowd

By Leanne Sype

 

As an editor, I spend the majority of my time buried in the pages of unpublished books, blogs, and other beautifully blunder-filled prose.  I am energized by what I do, and I enjoy (prefer) being behind the scenes helping my writers polish their message so it shines for the world. I take what I do very seriously because writing is hard… and for most authors, editing is excruciating.  I respect that.  I honor it.  Hey, I’m a writer too, so I get it!

I love editing, though.  It’s my favorite part of the entire writing process because it is where the smoke clears and the destination you were trying to reach comes into view.  But more than editing, I love cultivating relationships with other writers.  I am inspired, intrigued and taught by my community of fellow writers, readers, and life-livers.  I find great joy in learning from others and engaging in discussions of or relating to reading and writing and life–life is what gives us the material about which we write.

So imagine my delight when I was asked to speak at this year’s Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference!

*hand to mouth gasp*

Oh yes!  I’m coming out from behind the pages and getting in front of a crowd.  EEP!  I’m stoked!

Why?  Several reasons but here are the main two:

1) Community!  Writing is a solitary (and sometimes dark) endeavor that requires community engagement.  Our craft, as writers, messes with the psyche, causing both doubt and euphoria regarding our skills in a matter of seconds.  A writer’s conference brings us together with others who understand the celebrations and commiserations associated with the writing process.

Writers are also a community of creators who share a common DNA for an art we simply must share with others, yet each individual is as unique as the stories he/she creates.  We come together at an event like this and gather knowledge, perspective, and inspiration that help us keep creating and sharing with the world– better than we did before.

2) Learning.  I hope to forever be a scholar of the writing craft–always learning how I can be better.  Though I am excited about the opportunity to speak, I’m looking forward to being part of this event at a student.  Reading through the session-topic schedule is analogous to walking through a See’s Candy shop… everything looks so good I just don’t know which ones to pick!

The bottom line is this: when it comes to writing, the rules are changing, the publishing arena is changing, and what readers want from content and its authors is changing.  I want (need) to know how to better connect with my readers.  I need to know how to better help my clients so they can reach their publishing dreams.  And everyone who’s speaking at this conference will offer perspective on how to be better.

Plus, the two keynote speakers are Ken Wytsma (founder of The Justice Conference) and William P. Young (author of The Shack), both of whom I respect and believe will offer outstanding insight/testimony!  To be honest, I am a bit geeked-out about hearing them live.

So what will I speak about?

My session is called “Beyond the Mechanics: Editing for Audience Connection versus Proofreading for Mistakes.”  I will illustrate the differences between editing and proofing, how to craft your message so it connects with your reader.  A reader does not connect with pretty words and perfect punctuation; however, good word choice and clean grammar are necessary for a reader to understand your message and take it to heart.  That is to say both editing and proofreading are crucial to your writing process…and completely different from one another.

I’ll be unpacking what all this means and how to approach this phase.

Enough about me! If you’d like to come to the conference, you should definitely come because you are invited!

You can also hop on over to the Faith & Culture Writers Connection Facebook page for updates and announcements.

Thanks for reading through this awfully long post, my friends. It truly is a always a wonderful opportunity for all who come, so I wanted to be thorough about why this is so from my perspective.  I hope to see you there… would love to meet you!

 

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“See, I am doing a new thing!”

By Ashley Larkin

 

Doubt and insecurity can cling heavily to those who experience the stirring to create. Even for those who confidently call themselves writers, the process of bringing forth words can at times breed feelings of discouragement and loneliness.

Writers of faith, like other writers, may ask, “Who cares about what I have to say? Is anyone listening? Do I have something unique to share with the world? Is it worth making myself vulnerable to do it? What if I put myself out there and fail?”

In large part, the Faith and Culture Writers Conference exists to speak to those very places of unbelief and struggle. To proclaim that God is doing a good thing – a new thing – in and through you, as you partner with him in bringing forth words.

This year’s conference theme verse proclaims this very truth: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19

The conference planning team desires that each one who attends leaves feeling not only equipped with useable skills, but also with a new sense of confidence and hope in this God-given calling to write. In short, we desire for you to be encouraged.

In Acts 27, we see a powerful picture of encouragement, as the apostle Paul speaks confidently about what he knows to be true: God controls the situation and will bring a good end.

Though Paul has advised against this sea voyage, soon he finds himself on a ship with 275 other people, thrown about by a violent storm. Days pass, and eventually those on board lose all hope of being saved and begin to throw their provisions overboard.

In the midst of this impossible-seeming situation, an angel of God visits Paul and assures him that none on the ship will be lost. Paul returns to the men and tells them that God’s hand is upon the ship and none of them will die. They do not believe him at first, but Paul continues to encourage them (in verses 33 and 34) and tells them to eat. Paul takes the lead, breaking bread, giving thanks to God and eating.

His example inspires those aboard. Verse 36 says the once hopeless men are encouraged and take in enough food to fill themselves. In fact, after eating, they believe they will make it to shore and proceed to lighten the ship further (by tossing wheat overboard) to ensure this will be the case.

The men feel encouraged when Paul proclaims to them the good God has spoken to him. It is a good even Paul does not yet “see,” but he chooses to believe and move forth in faith with hope. When the men are encouraged, they take in what they need for their sustenance. Then, they willingly lighten the boat’s load, getting rid of what is no longer needed, not from a place of defeat, but of hope.

For you who walk with Christ and embrace this calling to partner with the Word made flesh in sharing words, you, too, can believe in what God says, though you do not yet see the outcome. You can freely take in that which you need for your encouragement, including the emboldening, support and care of others on the journey. Once encouraged, you can walk in new lightness, gradually casting aside what is no longer needed.

We do not know all the pieces of the story, but like Paul, we can choose to agree with and believe in the good end that God knows.

Be encouraged.

 

Ashley Larkin writes several times a week about the good of living fully awake at her blog Draw Near.

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From Timid Writer to Marketing Speaker

By Nicole Miller

 

Had you tried to convince me two years ago that I’d be approached to speak at the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference, you would have failed. Trust me.

In 2011, I was a quiet, timid writer with a few year’s experience under my belt of attending writer’s conferences. I’d even rubbed elbows with some major editors and agents at the local Oregon Christian Writer’s conference. But something about the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference felt different.

It was a strange sense that overwhelmed and left me feeling like a newbie all over again.

But it was also a rush of excitement and anticipation.

The memories of the inaugural 2011 Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference fill me to this day—the intoxicating words of the keynote speakers, the intensive workshops, the friendships bonded and the rush of inspiration.

I walked away from the conference confident that big things were in store. And boy, were they. I signed with my literary agent that same year, I moved to a new job that entered me into the world of social media marketing, and I was offered my first chance to teach a workshop.

Now, I have the honor and privilege to be leading two workshops on marketing and social media tricks for writers. This step into teaching has fulfilled me in ways I never expected (and I’d love to see you all at the conference!)

2011 was a year of defining change, and I felt it stirring at the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference. I can’t guarantee the same experience for you—but I can guarantee you won’t regret the time and investment into your career and your spirit.

I challenge you to journal the day before, the day of, and the day after the Faith and Culture Writer’s Conference. Just see what sort of difference comes about. It could be a big year for you.

 

Nicole M. Miller is an award-winning writer, history buff, equestrienne and a former rodeo queen—all of which come together in her historical fiction and blogging. A social media coordinator and self-proclaimed Facebook and Twitter addict, she coaches writers and small business owners in utilizing social media as a marketing tool. Connect with her at www.nicolemillerbooks.com and www.millermediasolutions.com.

 

 

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How the Scary Guy Changed My Life

By Kari Patterson

 

“You should go to this.” My husband pulled a flyer out of his bag and slid it across the counter to me.

“Writer’s Conference? No way.” He tilted his head, gave me a stop-being-ridiculous look, and waited.

“#1, I’m not a writer. I’m a wannabe. I’m a blogger with a pathetically small following and I say I’m going to write a book but I probably never will. #2, All the people there will be real writers. Authors and stuff. No way I’m going.” He wasn’t listening.

“They have appointments with literary agents. You can share your book idea and get feedback. It’s only $55. I’m signing you up.”

Several weeks later I finally caved.

As I filled out the registration form, I scrolled through the photos of literary agents. Hmm … which one to pick? Oh man, not Bill Jensen. Too scary. Jenni Burke! She looks nice, and she’s smiling in her picture. I’ll pick her. She’ll let me down easy and won’t laugh at me and make me cry.

Jenni Burke. *Click*

Done.

The week of the conference, Western Seminary called. “We’re so sorry. Your registration had an error and had to be resubmitted. Because of that the agent appointments have filled up. The only one left is with Bill Jensen.”

Panic. Scary Guy!

I prepared for the conference as most lame people do when afraid — I pretended it wasn’t happening. Finally, at 10pm the night before the conference, I figured I better have something to give to Scary Guy. So I Googled “How to write a book proposal” and quickly found myself more overwhelmed than ever. It was a little late to begin drafting up the 50-page proposal that Rachel Gardner said was necessary. I had nothing but a blog and a dream. And Scary Guy.

I arrived alone and didn’t know a soul. Holding something in my hand would provide security, so I headed for the coffee. A bright, cheery gal in her 50s started chit-chatting, and to my surprise she wasn’t published either. She was just an artist who loved Jesus, photography and poetry and had come to learn whatever she could. What a novel idea!

From the very first session I was hooked. Paul Metzger had me mesmerized as he shared Jeremiah 20:9 and spoke of a message shut up in our bones, how we should only write if we must write, if we had a message that we could not hold in. That was it! That was exactly how I felt. The more he spoke the more I realized this simple but profound truth: I am a writer. If God has called me to write, I am a writer.

An ISBN in my name does not make me a writer.

Writing makes me a writer.

Cornelia’s workshop had me feverishly scribbling notes and again, encouraged. Where Dr. Metzger had inspired my soul, Cornelia gave me practical tools. I kept texting my husband, “This is amazing. Thank you so much for making me attend!”

But I still had to face Scary Guy. When the time for my appointment came, I waited at the door and read his bio. Oh for crying out loud. He’d been in the literary industry longer than I’d been alive. He represented big name authors. I texted a friend: “Just pray he doesn’t stuff me in the garbage can.”

“Next, Kari Patterson.”

I sat down opposite Bill Jensen, and blurted out, “I don’t know what I’m doing! I’ve never done this before.” To my surprise, he smiled.

“That’s ok … just tell me your idea.”

And I did. And to my amazement, he didn’t stuff me in the garbage can. He didn’t laugh. He didn’t mock. He actually liked it. A lot. He liked the title and the message and he affirmed what I was already doing and gave me clear, practical steps of what to do next. He was thoughtful and listened. He was kind.

I went home and wrote the 50-page book proposal the following week.

A few months later I signed with a literary agent–the same agency which represents Paul Metzger, another Writers Conference connection–and although our publisher is still pending, Sacred Mundane has been written and we’re close. Very close.

But none of this would be if it weren’t for the flyer on the counter, the $55, and the Scary Guy appointment.

Oh, and the lady who chit-chatted with me over coffee?

She lives with us now.

In so many ways, the Faith & Culture Writers Conference was a godsend. There will always be a thousand reason to not. Not go. Not write. Not try. The conference may not be life-changing for you. But it might.

Give it a shot.

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Where God May Lead…

By Bethany Jackson

Our yearning to write can come at any point in our life. Young or old, experienced or beginner, at some point for us there comes a deep desire to pick up a pen and tell a story. I finally listened to the nudging after many years of busying myself with other activities and did not ignore it in 2010. I joined a group called the Writers Connection Group at Rolling Hills Community Church where I attend. There I found a group of writers from every genre, age group and level of experience in attendance.

Dusting off my keyboard and listening to the most fundamental advice, I began writing again. The group was not a class but something even more important for me, a springboard of encouragement to just do it. Just write and let God fill the pages with His inspiration… through our fingers to put those words on paper.

After some time had passed and I grew to know the director, Cornelia Becker Seigneur, I was invited to join the Leadership Team for the first Faith and Culture Writers Conference being held at Western Seminary in 2011. I must tell you that this was indeed a true honor for me. As I walked into the room where the meeting was being held, I was so thankful for being obedient to the nudging in my heart to follow God’s leading to that first meeting at Rolling Hills. I sat down amongst five other women of faith. When introduced, tears welled up in my eyes as I felt unworthy of the honor that this invitation held. I knew in my heart God had a plan for the women around the table and if we stayed in His will and let Him lead us, the conference would be all that He would want it to be.

Now two years later and being asked to be the Administrative Assistant for the second Faith and Culture Writers Conference, I know that being obedient to God’s “nudging” is the first step to being available for Him to work in our lives. Putting a conference together can certainly be a daunting task, but when we let God lead and direct, He somehow puts each task into manageable steps.

We hope that you will be a part of the conference. If you feel a nudging in your heart to come, don’t ignore it, as God may have a beautiful plan for you that day. It is in the small things that God leads us into bigger experiences with Him.

~ Bethany Jackson