Gold Member

[WarmPuppy]

Well, I am new to Faithwriters and I jumped in with both feet and joined the Gold Membership. Throughout middle school and high school, I was told that I was a good writer. I even got published by a national magazine my senior year in high school. That was over 25 years ago. Back then, I had romatic dreams of becoming a world-famous novelist. I stopped writing altogether for many years and only in the past few years have I started journaling with any regularity. That brings me here where I am seeking God's will for my life. Now writing has a much greater purpose than fame. I am hoping that God wants to use my love of writing for Him, but am tempered by the possibility that He doesn't. I don't know if my writing is any good, or if my "gift" can be revived.
After fighting with it all week, I completed the "Handout" challenge. I almost attached an apology to it, because I have no idea if it's any good at all. The goal was to complete it, and I submitted it with tears of joy in my eyes. I am looking forward to meeting you all, and hope that I can be the encourager as much as the encouraged.
God Bless!
Janet

[Shann]

Don't ever apologize for your writing! It comes from your heart and is a part of you. If you do get some constructive feedback, try not to be hurt or discouraged. At least 99% of those who leave comments do it tohelp you become a better writer .I know for me, at times it felt like I was stabbed in the heart. But once I could book at it rationally I was like Duh, why didn't I think of that. There was one time when a couple of people mentioned I should switch my sentence structure up. Every new paragraph began with the character's name or she, once I looked closer almost every sentence began that way. That critique has helped mea lot.

Do you know about? There's a thread by that name where we give clues to which story is ours Then we read the other Clues and find their stories and comment It's like A scavenger hunt. It's also another great way to improve your own writing. It's a bit scary at first but it does help. We have to want til the judges are done and Deb gives the all clear. Usually it's on Fri. but last I checked it want upyet.Good luck and again welcome

[FirstLove]

or if my "gift" can be revived.

Janet, Your post brought tears to my eyes. Looks like we joined FaithWriters about the same time, and I also haven't done as much with my writing as I planned when I was a high school and college student some years back.

I believe your gift will be revived, because it's a desire of your heart, and Faithwriters is such a great place to help it along!

I look forward to reading your work on FaithWriters. Just think, we have some years behind us now and will be able to glean from many experiences. We are ALL learning here and it is so much fun! Have you written for the "Outstanding" challenge yet? If not, jump right in!

Keep writing!

Love,
Debbie

[Writetrack]

Welcome, Janet! I think it's awesome that you're here and have jumped back into this writing thing. This may just be God's timing for you to realize that dream you had in high school.

You go, girl!

[WarmPuppy]

Writetrack, thanks for the warm welcome and encouragement. You guys are all so nice!
Shann, Thanks for the information about the clues. I am still trying to figure my way around that and the rest of the website. I feel like I have so much to learn! I may be posting some questions if I don't get it soon. And I have to say, Shann, that you were the first to leave a comment on my Handout entry, and I just wanted to reach out and hug you! So, thank you for that as well.
Debbie, I was encouraged very much by your words, as our lives seem to have taken a similar track, at least as far as writing goes. I really look forward to getting to know you better! God is showing me that anything is possible, and waiting on the Lord is EVERYTHING! And thanks for the heads-up on the Outstanding challenge. I kept looking for the new challenge in the forum, but your post made me realize it was some place else on the site. I did finally find it.
I can't thank you guys enough!