The “Faithful Writers Toolkit” newsletter is no longer offered, but you can find past issues, other writer resources, and more of my writing when you subscribe below to “Essential HEARTSPOKEN Connections,” a seasonal reflection on the Heartspoken Life’s four essential connections: with God, with Self, with Others, and with Nature.
Encouragement for Faithful Writers everywhere. Please share with your writing friends. Reading time: less than three minutes.
April 29, 2019
My Faithful Writing friends:
Spring greetings to you from the Shenandoah Valley! I’m sorry I don’t have a Faithful Writer spotlight this month. Between Holy Week and Easter activities and some eldercare issues, it just didn’t happen.
LAST CALL FOR THE BOOK GIVEAWAY: Every time you leave a comment on my blog before the end of April (that’s tomorrow night, midnight), you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Gretchen Rubin’s new book Outer Order, Inner Calm: Declutter and Organize to Make More Room for Happiness.
Faithful Reflection: The Daily Examen
One of my “issues” as a writer—and as a faith seeker—is that there are so many thoughts and ideas swirling around in my head at any given time, I find it hard to focus. That makes me vulnerable to buying books and courses that promise clarity, focus, or certainty.
But you know what?
Life is often murky, scattered, and fraught with unexpected change. Meditation has helped me recognize this, acknowledge it, and accept it. When I can do this, these swirling thoughts settle and loosen their hold on me, creating more peace and less anxiety.
I’m finding St. Ignatius of Loyola’s Daily Examen—as interpreted by Jim Manny in A Simple, Life-Changing Prayer: Discovering the Power of St. Ignatius Loyola’s Examen, to be very helpful in creating a simple five-step daily routine:
- Ask God for light
- Give thanks
- Review the day
- Face your shortcomings
- Look toward the day to come
It takes only a few minutes to ground myself in these steps and know I have intentionally placed myself in God’s hands, if only for that short period of time. I’d love to hear about any practices or routines that help you with your faithful writing.
Faithful Writing Quotes
“Writing is magic, as much the water of life as any other creative art. The water is free. So drink. Drink and be filled up.” ~ Stephen King
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.” ~ Toni Morrison
Writing Tip of the Month
This month’s tip is one I struggle with, but when I make myself do it, I definitely see good results. Please share any tricks you have for carving out the writing time you want and need.
“WHAT GETS SCHEDULED GETS DONE” – ~ Michael Hyatt
Most writers need a scheduled writing time to be at the top of their game. Block out time for your writing as often as possible, preferably at the time of day you’re most fresh and alert. Take the phone off the hook. Turn off email. Put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign. Do it!
April Vocabulary Challenge:
Here is the Merriam Webster April 2019 “Word of the Day” quiz. I got 10 out of 12 but a couple of them that I got right, I guessed! Nothing like a little humility check.
April Resource: Publications that pay freelance writers
“43 Faith-based Publications That Pay Freelance Writers” by Jera Brown was from two years ago, but it might contain some sources for those of you looking for opportunities to freelance. Poke around this website—The Write Life. You might find other helpful articles and resources.
April Writing Prompt
I was captivated by these lovely little flowers growing up through the bricks and mortar of our deck. It was such an inspiring reminder of the perseverance and the power of nature. Set the timer on your smartphone for 15 minutes. Don’t think; don’t edit; just WRITE! Feel free (but not obligated) to share your results in the comment section below.
Help me reach my YouTube goal
I’ve started posting short videos on my YouTube channel — especially monthly “Heartspoken Moments” and an occasional impromptu message. Future videos will include messages for Faithful Writers. I’m trying to reach a goal of 100 subscribers so I can customize the URL to something easy to remember and not just a lot of numbers and letters. Please CLICK HERE and then click the red SUBSCRIBE button. You can always unsubscribe later, but I don’t post often enough to be bothersome. Yes, it’s FREE!
New on the Heartspoken blog
Introducing Heartspoken’s Reading Room – A Quick Video Guide – The new “Reading Room” page on my website is a place where I share my personal reading spreadsheet in hopes my readers will share their own reading favorites.
“He’s Alive!” – Easter Morning’s Powerful Cry – my Easter morning post features a moving video of Dolly Parton’s rendition of the song “He’s Alive!” It is Peter’s powerful perspective on devotion, betrayal, and redemption.
It is Finished…The Profound Last Words Of Christ – Posted on Good Friday. Last words matter, so Christians would do well to pay attention to the words Christ uttered during the last few days of his life and at the time of his death.
Compass Points April 2019: New Growth – my monthly newsletter for Heartspoken readers. If you’d like to receive this in your inbox every month, here’s where to sign up: https://heartspoken.wpenginepowered.com/newsletters/
Spring Cleaning Can Blast You Out Of Winter’s Black Hole – I seem to keep relearning this important connection between physical and spiritual clutter.
Book Review: On The Brink Of Everything by Parker J. Palmer — Subtitled: “Grace, Gravity, and Getting Old,” this beloved octogenarian author reflects and shares deep wisdom for readers of all ages.
The National Park System: America’a Hidden Treasure – Nature is one of the four essential keys to unlocking the #HeartspokenLife. Our country’s incredible National Park system is such a marvelous resource. I hope you take advantage of the NPS properties near you.
See you in May!
P.S. Have a question or comment? Just reply to this email…it will come straight to me and I’ll respond.
P.P.S. PLEASE SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER with your writing friends! It is no longer being published, but you can access archived issues of The Faithful Writers Toolkit HERE.
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Introducing Heartspoken’s Reading Room – A Quick Video Guide
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