Pen in Hand | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Pen in Hand | Previous Challenge Entry
By Trudy Newell
01/29/14
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I SAW THE LIGHT

I stood before the class, two brown pigtails on my shoulders and read my first poem. My teacher sent me to several other classes to read it. I knew then that I had a burning desire to write. I saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

At nine years old books intrigued me. I loved to read; I loved words; books were my friends. How thankful I am that the right books were placed in my hands. I loved my Bible, and had no problem with the King James – which I still love because I cut my teeth on it! My dad was an apt teacher, and I wound up with a good vocabulary. Is it any wonder that I grew to love Shakespeare?

PAST ATTEMPTS

Several times I thought I would pursue writing. But I wasn’t focused. So many things to do; so many choices to make. It takes disciple to say “no.” I’m a people person. It takes time. Time that has to come from something else.

In Iran I worked on the “Stop and Think” magazine for our English students. When the editor left, I put together a couple of issues. Then we had to leave because of the revolution. From time to time I’d write poetry. I wrote regular newsletters sharing about the ministry. I wrote tons of thank you notes and letters through the years.

I kept a diary for a while. Sad to say they did not survive the moves. I wrote brief articles for our “in house” women’s magazine “Heart to Heart” when asked. I even put together a devotional booklet and sent it to supporters.

But for any serious writing, now is the time! My husband, Mike, is my greatest encourager. He helps me develop my abilities, whether in writing, music or bread making. I have my own computer set up for me. I have a file. I DON’T have the organizational skills necessary to keep things put in order. Neither do I have the strength and energy I had ten years ago. But I plod along.

PLAN OF ACTION

* I joined FaithWriters.
* I take a notebook with me, and jot down ideas that come to me.
* I told Mike and SHOWED him that I was serious about writing.
* I try to get up an hour earlier. I need a cup of coffee, to spend some time with the Lord, and wake up before I’m ready write. I’m not a morning person, but it still helps to get the day going.
* I talk to the Lord, and ask Him for wisdom and direction as I pick up my pen.
* I found that I do my best writing with pen and paper. It keeps me away from the internet and games!
* I try to read as a writer.

NO MORE EXCUSES

After I joined FaithWriters last January, it seemed like life was crazy. A plan of action didn’t happen. Just to illustrate, in May we were scammed. Not to go into detail, we changed bank accounts, went on Lifelock, and slowly got our lives back together. Life throws these situations at us. It’s how we respond that makes the difference. There are always obstacles. From now on I am not going to let the challenges of life keep me from writing.

It has been sad to see so many in the writing field with so much mess. I checked out several writing web sites, and it was discouraging. I found the light ahead was really a freight train headed right towards me!

Discovering FaithWriters was not an accident. I know this is the place to grow as a writer. I don’t have to “pick out the bones” when using the material on FaithWriters. What a blessing.

This time the light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a freight train; it’s an open door of ministry.

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