February 29, 2008 by Kelly.

I belong to three writing lists (online email lists). The first is a private group, made up of just five women, including myself.  These women are my lifeline when it comes to my writing. They are always there, cheering me on. They support me, encourage me, and edify me, and we’re spread out all over the USA.

The second group I belong to is The Writers View 2.  This is a discussion group with focused topics twice a week. TWV2 is for new to intermediate writers. I used to be a member of The Writers View but took time off from writing when we did all our moving. TWV is for professional writers who are actively pursuing publication on a regular basis. I’m hoping to get published more, so I can go back to TWV (or maybe be on both lists). This group offers me a great deal of edification, and personal notes from other members are a great encouragement.

The third group I belong to is FCW. This is an off-shoot of the Fellowship of Christian Writers writing group based here in Tulsa. I’m planning to join the group next month, but I’ve been a member of the email list for a couple years now. Like TWV2, this group offers me a great deal of encouragement and edification, as well as support.

If you are a writer, I encourage you to find a writing group to join. If you can’t find one in person, consider one of The Writers View groups, or the FCW group. You will be blessed!

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February 29, 2008 by Kelly.

As I prepare for my trip to California, I am surprised by just how much information I already know. Why am I surprised? If I know all this information, why am I not utilizing it more? Why am I not submitting, and earning money for my writing, and getting my name out there?

I leave in two weeks. I still need to send my pre-submits. Today I’m working on my DabblingMum.com grammar column. I have a good start on my pre-submits, but they still need polishing.

I can do this! With God, all things are possible! I just need to stay focused on Him.

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February 5, 2008 by Kelly.

Do you remember the story about the Israelites on the way to the Promised Land after Moses’ death? They were told to wipe out the inhabitants, and as they advanced they did just that. Then the Amorites came, wearing old clothes, worn sandals, and carrying very little food, in an attempt to trick the Israelites into thinking they had traveled from very far away. They flattered the Israelites, and got them to promise not to kill them. Later the Israelites discovered these people were living within their boundaries. They couldn’t kill them, because they had sworn not to, yet they realized they had made the oath without first consulting the Lord. Remember that story?

I am just like the Children of Israel.

When AOP contacted me to write the Weaver descriptions, I prayed about it before accepting the job. I knew God had brought this job to me, and I knew He’d give me the time to complete it. He did, and I was so very thankful. Then AOP contacted me again, and offered more work. I accepted without ever consulting God! (Yes, I can hear your collective gasps!) As a result, I am struggling to get this done. But, I know I must, as I made a promise. Too bad I can’t make the people of AOP my slaves, like the Israelites did to the Amorites!

This experience has renewed my vow to not say “yes” to anything right away. First, I pray over it. Then I discuss it with my husband. Then I pray some more. Once I feel God giving me the go-ahead, I can then say “yes.” (This actually comes in very handy for charities, committees, and large purchases. By taking the time to pray over it, I don’t give away all our money, commit all my time to outside activities, or spend all our money. Did I mention this is a key to saving money?)

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February 1, 2008 by Kelly.

I’ve been terribly negligent of this blog, and for that I apologize. Obviously, the holidays took up most of December, but there was another occasion that threw a wrench into my life: a power outage! Two weeks before Christmas our area was hit by an ice storm that left almost the whole northeast corner of the state without power for various amounts of time. Although many people were without for two or three days, we were out for FIVE! Some people were out even longer.

The Friday before the storm hit, I had agreed to do some Web content writing for Alpha Omega Publications. They’re revamping their site and needed new content for their Weaver line. They asked me to write the descriptions. I agreed. Although I started late, I still finished by the deadline (Jan.15th, 2008). The next day they asked if I’d be interested in continuing to help by writing descriptions for the 3rd Grade LIFEPAC(R) line. I said yes, but probably shouldn’t have. (I see this as an opportunity to make some money, and I can’t pass that up now that we have a mortgage again and so many house repairs to do!)

That’s just one type of writing that I’ve been doing. Early in January I was contacted by the president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary from our previous church. When we left, I had been doing the devotionals for the ladies’ monthly meetings, and I offered to continue to do them. They voted on it and decided to take me up on my offer. So, I’m continuing to write devos from the book of James. Jef’s doing some, too. Maybe we’ll put them together and create a book for couples!

I also received another job in January: columnist for TheDabblingMum.com! I’m doing the Grammar ‘N Style column for the writing portion of the site. I had offered the editor my organizing columns, and I also offered to write a column on traveling with children. She declined the organizing column, and gave the travel column to someone else — but she ASKED me to do the Grammar ‘N Style column! How cool is that?! The column appears monthly, with the next one due a week from today.

So, I’m busy writing. Haven’t gotten any editing done on the curriculum Grace and Pam wrote. Haven’t done much more than the basics of school. But I’m feeling very productive! I’m also preparing to attend Mount Hermon–gotta get some manuscripts sent in by the end of this month for critiquing.

Can’t blog anymore… gotta get back to work!

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