July 18, 2008 by Kelly.

Some of my best inspiration comes from reading my Bible or another inspirational book, or from listening to a sermon. I cannot sit through church services without jotting notes about what is being said. I often use a pencil or pen (whatever is handy at the time) to mark in the margin of a book I’m reading if something jumps out at me.

When I jot down my own thoughts on a sermon, I will remember it better than if I just sit and listen. When I read a book, I remember key points better if I underline or note the section some way. Many of my notes have become devotionals.

One of my clients reviewed a devotional book for writers. I just may have to get a copy and see how it inspires me!

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July 18, 2008 by Kelly.

Do you see it over there? I added a Blogroll, on the left. You have to scroll down a little to see it, but it’s there. I added my first link to it today. Jennifer is married to the Youth Pastor at our church, and she’s written a book called Royal by Blood. I don’t know if she has done any other writing as I’ve not had a chance to really talk to her yet. She has kids, I have kids; she’s busy, I’m busy. We just kind of smile in passing right now.

But, someday…

Maybe I’ll invite her to drive with me to an FCW meeting sometime! In the meantime, check out her blog!

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July 2, 2008 by Kelly.

I say ’small’ but it feels huge, really. And it’s actually two steps. I’ve starting taking those steps to move forward in my writing career. I’ve begun submitting to regional parenting publications (RPPs), and I’ve become a contributing writer at Suite101.com. Now I just need to keep going. The next steps are: to find a few RPPs to contribute to regularly and strike up a relationship with the editors so that I’ll be assigned articles (better pay), and to become a feature writer at Suite101 (better pay).

Hmmm… sounds like I’m just in it for the money!

So far I’m enjoying the challenge that comes with both types of writing. One is print and doesn’t mind simultaneous submissions or reprints. The other is online and has a one-year exclusivity contract on each article.

I’m really looking forward to the next few months!

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June 29, 2008 by Kelly.

Taking the next step can be hard. Whether it’s a child learning to walk or an adult getting married or anything else… it’s hard! I know why: it’s scary. Usually the next step deals with the unknown, or uncertainties. That child doesn’t know if his wobbly legs will support him, or if he’ll come crashing down on his bottom. As adults, we don’t know what the future holds. We know what we’d like the future to hold, but we understand that sometimes things don’t go as we plan. Just like that child, we know we must keep moving forward, or we won’t get what we want.

Writers are no exception. We must keep moving forward in our writing to get what we want. I want to glorify God. I feel He has given me this talent with words and He expects me to use it to bring Him glory. Yet fear keeps me in my secure little world. I have written extensively for the Internet, and there’s nothing wrong with that; however, I cannot help but feel the need to be published in a print publication.

Is it my own selfish desire? I don’t think so. I’m not even sure where He desires that I submit. I’m trusting Him to let me know when I find it. It could be my own church bulletin, or it could be a book, or it could be a national publication or a regional publication. Wherever it is, I wish to be ready when God says, “That’s the place!”

Getting ready–taking that next step–is the hard part. I must reach out to publishers and editors I do not know personally, people I’ve never met, and offer them my work. I must carve time out of my busy schedule to write and not let it interfere with my first ministry of being a wife and mom.

How do others do it? How do people take that next step? With lots of encouragement! I have a group of cheerleaders who keep me going: family, friends, and other writers. Because of them, I can take that next step with a little less fear. I have an inkling of what lies ahead, and I feel ready to move forward–as long as I take just one step at a time.

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May 7, 2008 by Kelly.

For many homeschooling moms/writers, summer is their time to write. No lesson plans, no teaching– just writing and hanging out with their children (besides the normal day-to-day upkeep of the home). I never seem to have that luxury. Summer is our busiest time, second only to the seven weeks that cover Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. There’s yard work to do (and I’m not much of a landscaper or gardener), house renovations to make (and I am a ‘helper’ not a ‘take charge and do it myself’ person), various church functions including camps and other activities, trips to the zoo and other parks, swimming here at home and at Grandpa and Grandmas… and the list goes on.

Luckily I have a new laptop. My old laptop, Mary, has grown old and slow. Even after reformatting her, she’s still sluggish. Mary was very faithful, and will always hold a dear spot in my heart. Two months ago I purchased a new laptop, Phoebe, with some earnings from a writing job.  Phoebe has built-in wireless capabilities. Phoebe is fast, and her battery lasts much longer. I like Phoebe!

I hope this summer will allow me to do a little more writing. Phoebe can (and does) go just about everywhere with me. She’s become a very faithful companion. Places like Panera Bread, Esspresso by the Book, and public libraries are great for writing time while my children participate in some form of activity nearby. I can even find a quiet spot at church while the children participate in AWANAs! I’ve also been known to write in front of the TV while spending time with my family.

I prefer the uninterrupted time, but I’ll take what I can get. Hopefully, my company will understand.

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April 14, 2008 by Kelly.

I can now say I’m writing for my church. We joined the weekend I wrote the post about writing blindly.

If you’d like to visit the site, and download the devos, you can do so by going to ArrowHeights.org and click on The Daily near the bottom. I pray you’ll be blessed, and that God will speak to your heart, as you read!

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April 10, 2008 by Kelly.

I just remembered that I’m supposed to send some sample writing prompts to Brandy Brow. I’ll have to get to that tonight. In the meantime, I thought I’d share with you something that I do to spark ideas for articles.

I have a subscription to Better Homes and Gardens magazine, and my husband gets a woodworking magazine or two. When I need ideas for homeschooling, home organizing, or writing articles, I find one of these magazines and change the blurbs on the front cover to reflect my area of writing. For example, the March issue of BH&G has just a few words on it:

• Refresh Any Room
• Quick Spring Touches
• Easy Furniture Updates
• Comfy Up a Family Room
• Organize a Bath
• Our Happiest House
• Style in a Snap

From those, I get:

• Refresh Any Subject
• Quick Internet Searches
• Easy Filing Ideas
• Comfy Up Phonics/Reading
• Organize Your School Room
• Our Funnest Fieldtrip
• Community Service Made Simple

I’ve started a file folder where I keep the covers of magazines for future reference. I’m sure it will be one of my most-used files!

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April 5, 2008 by Kelly.

I’ve agreed to do some writing for the church we’re attending. The problem I’m coming up against is that I have no idea what I’m to write. I should be getting an outline within the next few days. They’ve asked for a devotional-style article about Moses. With nothing to go on besides that, I’ve been contemplating the phrases they’ve used to promote the series this will be for. I’ve taken each phrase (there are six of them) and attached them to a different part of Moses’ life. It’s flowing well, actually. I anticipate having a total of five devos when I’m done. It’s a challenge, but it’s been interesting as well. I hope to get it finished and printed tonight, to take to church tomorrow so they can tell me how they want it changed.

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March 24, 2008 by Kelly.

For those of you who wish to “follow” my career, I’ll be posting links here at this blog when things are published.

I’m a regular columnist for TheDabblingMum.com — I do the Grammar ‘n Style column.

I write quite often for SpiritLedWriter.com — I’m also the Webmaster there.

I have numerous articles at FamilyCorner.com, and some other online Webzines. Links to all of those can be found at my HOME Writer site.

If you ever have any questions about any of my work, or wish to reprint anything, please feel free to contact me!

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March 24, 2008 by Kelly.

My main goal before leaving for the conference was to not get overwhelmed while there. God was faithful in helping me to not be anywhere near overwhelmed. I had made a list of all the people I wanted to meet, and I managed to shake hands and/or hug all of them. When I discovered a few more people (from the roster of attendees) I crossed paths with the majority of them as well before the conference ended– God even brought one woman right to my table! There were only two women I didn’t get a chance to meet, but with 400+ people in attendance, I’m blessed I met as many as I did.

As I said, I didn’t get overwhelmed. I wasn’t upset when my pre-submits were rejected. The only thing that really upset me was when my 2nd son (15) told me he loved me (on the phone) without prompting. That’s when I started aching for my family. But, I knew this trip wasn’t forever, so I resolved to “do the next thing” until I was home. Prayer was a big help, too.

Prior to the conference, people spoke about “meeting God” at MH, so I was really hoping to have my own moving experience– I was hoping He would tell me whether I should focus on writing, or homeschooling, or Web design, or a combination of two, or what. I was hoping for some confirmation. I saw many people getting emotional during the conference– made me feel a little left out. But, I was able to remind myself that it’s not about me. One woman, whom I knew years ago and was surprised to find at the conference, pointed out that maybe my “experience” had happened before the conference, or maybe it would come after. Another friend pointed out that perhaps I’m just so in-tune with “seeing” God provide that it doesn’t “hit” me like it does so many people.

To make this long story short, I think my “experience” started three months before the conference, and culminated during the two days following the conference. It’s been one long story of God providing for me. Now, if you want to hear that long story, keep reading…

Back in December, Alpha Omega Publications decided to hire me to help write copy for their redesigned Web site. After much prayer, and discussion with my husband, I accepted the job. Writing the copy for The Weaver Curriculum line paid for my plane ticket to CA. I foolishly jumped at the chance to write copy for the LIFEPACs too, without praying first, or discussing it with my husband. I finished that job and earned enough to buy a new laptop, but I also learned a valuable lesson: Seek God in everything first, and discuss everything with my husband, too.

So, then I had a ticket to CA and a scholarship to a writers’ conference. God provides! During the conference, I learned a lot from Susan King about writing for The Upper Room. Many of the things I already knew about writing magazine articles were reinforced, and I even learned a few new things. I also learned that all these people I “see” online each day– they’re just people, like me. They all have their flaws, and they all love writing and helping writers.

When I left MH, I learned my flight was canceled due to heavy rains in TX and OK. I shared a shuttle to the nearest Holiday Inn and checked in– only to learn another conferee had paid for my room! God provides! Later that night I learned that 8 other conferees were also stranded at the hotel. We met for dinner and one of the men picked up the whole tab. Again, God provides!

The other conferees were able to reschedule for Wednesday flights. I spent time in the lobby, waiting to see people and say goodbye. I paged through my binder from Mount Hermon and proceeded to draft an article as I waited. I spent time walking around the grounds, taking photos of squirrels, trees, plants– there was a finch cage in the lobby that I got a few pictures of, too. Back in my room, I sat by the window and drafted a second article and made notes for my next DabblingMum.com column.

When I called my husband to give him my new flight info, I realized I had been bumped to First Class. God provides! I was up at 3:45am and in the lobby by 4:15. The shuttle took another guest and I to the airport early since we were ready. Once on the plane, I was able to switch seats with the person next to me so I could have a window seat. We chatted some, off and on, throughout the flight. I gave him my very last business card. My connecting flight in Dallas was a few minutes late, which was good because I didn’t realize how soon it was supposed to leave. God held that plane for me. God provides!

I had made a to-do list while at MH, outlining the things I need to do for clients, and articles I need to write. I also drafted a few articles into my journal, which I now need to query a few magazines about. I’ll get back to work later today. This past weekend was set aside for my family, and for thanking God. I am one of those who “pray without ceasing” as I go about my day. My focus is on God and how to give glory to Him. This past weekend, rather than ask for anything, I thanked Him for all He’s done, and all He will do, in my life. Everywhere I look I have something to be thankful for!

So, what have I learned from my MH experience? God provides! It’s not about me. My job is to do the task He sets before me, and do it to my best ability.Sometimes that job is writing. Sometimes that job is Web design. Always that job is “wife/mom.” If He wants me to do something, He will provide the way, the means, and the people. He will provide for all my needs.

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