Writing Prompt: Cowboys

Today, start your writing with the line: He didn't talk much but then again, cowboys usually didn't....

Market: Chicken Soup Devotionals

Devotional Stories for Times of Trouble

Life has always been filled with trials, including illness, job loss, grief, addictions, and much more. God never promised that our earthly lives would be without difficulties, but he assured us that he will always be with us to share our burdens.

If you have a brief true story (up to 500 words) that shows God’s presence during a time of trouble, please share it along with an applicable Bible verse and a 2-3 sentence prayer. You will receive $100 for each published devotion. ($100 due to the shorter word count than our regular books.) The deadline date for submissions is February 28, 2011. [Read More...]

Whatever Things Are True

As Paul brings his letter to the Philippians to a close, he gives some oft repeated advice.

"Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy--meditate on these things." (Philippians 4:8) 

This is a great verse for determining what to watch, read or listen to in our present culture. But that advice can go beyond our entertainment values to our thinking about our writing careers. Most writers I know have an internal dialogue that goes something like this:

My manuscript stinks. I'm never going to get published. I should give up now. 

But that kind of thinking clearly doesn't match up to the Philippians 4:8 test. First those things are not true nor pure nor lovely. As you think about your writing, ask God to help you think only true thoughts. Instead of thinking my manuscript stinks and beating yourself up over it, try my manuscript needs some editing before I send it to the editor. 

Today, commit to stop listening to Satan's lies and ask God to help you think about your writing truthfully. To focus on what is pure, what is lovely. That manuscript might just be worth saving after all.

Writing Prompt: Train Tracks

Set a pivotal argument in your manuscript near train tracks. 

Saying No

C.J. Darlington had an excellent post on Scribble Chicks this week about saying no. She has a great question for writers struggling to find time to write so go check it out. :)

Where to Find Ideas

When I'm running low on ideas, inspiration, or motivation I turn to my feed reader. Blogger has a built-in feed under your dashboard if you use Blogger. But even if you don't use Blogger, chances are good there are several blogs you read regularly.

If you haven't already I'd suggest using a feed reader to get all of your favorite blogs' content to you in a single glance.

On this quiet Sunday afternoon while I'm struggling for writing ideas, I scan through my feed and quickly get fresh inspiration as I see bloggers talking about reading and writing. But more importantly, I see bloggers talking about their everyday lives. Little snippets of their lives usually provide me just the jump I need to get started writing or in today's case, blogging. :)

Writing Tip

"Sit down with the least expectation of yourself; say 'I am free to write the worst junk in the world'." -- Natalie Goldberg, Writing Down the Bones: Freeing the Writer Within