Pens, Papers and Words – A Blog Hop

As I scribble quickly on the little pad of paper on my bedside table, I struggle to see in the dark. Please don’t let me forget this thought. Where is the pen? What was that thought again? 

Writing is exciting, frustrating and humbling. I never want to stop fiddling, re-writing and correcting. On the flip side of those feelings are the ones where I know because I know God has given me a word and my pen cannot keep up with my heart.

Putting words together for Jesus is what I want to do.

I was asked by Kasey Hanson to be apart of a blog hop and today I answer a few questions about me and this call on my life…

What am I working on?

Mark Batterson, pastor-writer, says that all of us have at least one book in us. I am seeking God for His direction on writing that book. Publishing is scary and exciting. It also involves a lot of work and time. Do I have a book in me? Maybe. I do have a story to tell. One of the things I know is God directs my path and He has proven He will open a door when He wants it open. I am learning about submissions and have set a goal to submit to a publication once a month.  Writing and learning all I can about the craft of writing is where you will find me when I’m not spending time with my family or working. I have several post I am polishing and look forward to sharing soon. I am also finishing up a Bible study by Beth Moore. I need time in the Word to get a word.

Why do I write what I write?
Blogging has been apart of my life since 2011. My friend, Dianne, encouraged me to begin to write. I also attend church with a retired pastor, Bro. Mooney, who affectionately calls me the great communicator and encourages me to use my gift. As I look over those older post I can see growth in not only my style but content. I’m definitely a work in progress.

Topics most often come from my life. At fifty-four, I have lots of material. Life is filled with shareable moments to encourage others. I feel very strongly that our pain is allowed for an eternal purpose.  So whether it’s a small inconvenience or heart breaking, it really does have the potential to help. Coming alongside someone and saying, “Hey, I’ve been there and I survived. You will too.” must be sweet words for God to hear.

How does my writing process work?
My writing process is changing. I work full-time so my writing time is limited and I have been learning to make time to fulfill my calling. I love another quote by Mark Batterson, “If God has called you to write, then typing on a keyboard is an act of obedience. You are writing for an audience of one!” A big blessing is to be apart of Proverbs 31 Ministries’ founder, Lysa Terkeurst’s, Compel Training. The teachers/moderators and community are invaluable in my growth process.

Preparation should always begin with prayer. I need the Holy Spirit to anoint my words. Without Him, they mean nothing. After prayer, I then pay attention to life. I search my own heart. My family alone could keep me in material for a long time :)

I am old school. Most often I use paper and pen to gather my first thoughts . Those red and blue lines in Word make me antsy to edit as I go and that can put a halt to inspiration. I then use my laptop to expand those thoughts and edit.

How about you? Do you have a story to tell?

Remember the days of diaries? Do you journal? Write about your life, a sunset, your favorite recipe or your broken heart. Your words will live on. Maybe you won’t put them on the web for all to read but maybe you will fill a journal for those who follow you to learn, grow and feel your presence long after you’re gone.

 

I would love to introduce you to two new bloggers who write beautiful words that touch hearts everyday. I met both of these women on Compel Training. We are also apart of a critique group to help us learn and grow as writers.

Meet Ellen Chauvin. Ellen is another Louisiana girl and we hit it off immediately. She is an encourager and she may or may not have calmed my nerves on more than one occasion :) Her heart is as sweet as her smile.

Ellen

Ellen is an ordinary wife and grandmother, who loves the Lord and His Word. She does ordinary things like work, grocery shop and laundry. She is a reader, writer and nature lover.

She is passionate about scripture and enjoys sharing the truth of God’s word. You can find her blogging at Ordinary…with a Splash of Flash! She shares how her ordinary life is made extraordinary – with splashes of flash from God!

 

 

Meet Betsy DeCruz. Betsy is our world traveler. She encourages me with kind words and keeps all of us organized in our Compel Writing Critique group. Her fun and engaging personality shines through her smile.

Betsy pic

Betsy loves dark roast coffee and reading her Bible. She’s passionate about enjoying God and the one life He’s given her. She wants her faith to spill over into everyday life, even during the bumpy moments, like when she has a family blow-up, complete with fireworks, during breakfast, right after she prayed for peace!

Betsy lives with her husband and two fun teenagers in the Middle East. Most days she feels blessed and privileged to live overseas; other days she wants to pull our her hair and catch the next plane home. She writes about every day faith at Faith Spilling Over…into everyday life.

I look forward to reading the answers these girls give about their calling.

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8 Comments

  1. I just loved reading this, Carmen. It was a pleasure to learn more about your writing journey, why you write, and how you write. You and both of the women featured here have been such a blessing to me. May God continue to use and bless each of you.

  2. Hi Carmen, Thank you for sharing about your writing process and dreams. Your words are sweet and encouraging. It’s nice to be on this journey with you. Keep writing beautiful words! Blessings.

  3. Glad to know more about your writing process and background, Carmen! I really do love your place here…it’s very inviting, as are your words. Keep writing and blessing us all with them. Thanks for introducing two very special people this week, as well! :D

    xoxo,
    Meredith

  4. Hey, thanks Carmen, for featuring me. May the Lord bless and guide your vision for a BOOK! I enjoyed reading your perspective on writing!