By Marilyn Nutter
I was puzzled. On the drive home from a writers’
conference, I tried to revisit each appointment, conversation, class, and
keynote. I asked God to intentionally direct me during the conference, but one
class didn’t deliver according to its title. Another went in a direction where
the material didn’t apply to me. I had invested time and money. I didn’t want
those two experiences to taint my takeaways, but what happened?
My word for 2019 is “intentional”, so over the next
few days, I went through my notes, highlighting key points from classes and
keynotes. I sorted through business cards and recalled conversations.
Had I overlooked notes hidden in my scrawl? Was
there a repeated thought? A key word? A gem of advice? A Bible verse or theme?
And what about my part? Did I encourage anyone?
So I listed my takeaways, some from conversations,
others from classes and keynotes. As we get ready for conferences, perhaps
these will be helpful to you.
1. You
will find support and feedback to make your work better when you are in a
writers’ group. You will learn from others’ writing, even if it isn’t your
genre or style.
2. Take
advantage of online resources: online conferences, courses, and even new ways
to research.
3. Find
a writing partner. You may partner in a project, pray together, or exchange
writing for critique.
4. Don’t
succumb to the fear of missing out. Attend conferences or workshops that are
right for you. This may mean affordability, location, classes, or teachers.
Like a buffet, choose what will nourish you. You can’t do everything
5. Partner
with God to find your voice, themes, words, and topics. He called us to write
and has a message He wants to send only we can write. He will communicate to me
when I ask
6. Watch
your personal schedule and time. Give God your calendar, clock, and phone.
Intentionally remove distractions from your schedule. The good can be the enemy
of the better or best.
7. Pray
about your appointments at conferences. Who has God appointed for you to speak
to? Don’t be disappointed if time slots are filled and you can’t meet with
someone. God has an appointment set somewhere for you in the conference or
later.
8. Find
a person who understands your frustrations and what it means to be a writer-the
delays, discouragement, work, and rejections. And… a person who will appreciate
your investment of work and time and celebrate with you.
9. Read
in your genre, but branch out for information, style, encouragement, and enjoyment.
10. Guard
your quiet time with God. It may be early morning, but. perhaps mid-morning or
evening is right for you. I need to position
myself to listen so I can hear Him speak.
Marilyn will give you items her final 10 tips in Part Two on Monday’s blog post.
____________________________________________________________
Marilyn Nutter is a contributor to magazines,
on-line sites, and compilations. She is a Bible teacher, speaker for women’s
groups, and serves on the women’s ministry team at her church. She lives in
Greer, SC. Visit www.marilynnutter.com to find her blog and extraordinary
treasures in ordinary and challenging days. Social Media Links: Website: www.marilynnutter.com LinkedIn: Marilyn
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