Back in the Swing: Writing, Growing, Learning, Sharing

THE DON'T-DO-THAT RUT

Editor: C. Hope Clark
Mailto: Hope@FundsforWriters.com
Web Site: www.fundsforwriters.com

The quickest way to irritate another writer is to speak
in absolutes.

Never use passive voice.
Never begin a sentence with AND.
Never self-publish.
Write EVERY day.
ONLY pitch to New York agents.
Don't sell all rights.
Never accept a work-for-hire gig.
Never pay an entry fee for a contest.

If you want a serious dose of absolutes, attend an
online writer's group, visit a writer's chatroom, read
blog comments. Sooner or later someone will say, "Thou
shalt not..." then rattle off an absolute.

Writing is an artistic endeavor, and throwing absolutes
in the way cramps that creativity. Sure there are a few
common sense rules like not harassing an editor daily
or not writing a query letter on stationery that smells
like gardenias. But for the most part, it's our creativity
that drives us and drives those who need our work.

You can read the rest of this article offering great advice to writers HERE.

On the home front: My mother-in-law, Audrey, is showing some small signs of improvement, but her doctor has told us to have her follow up with him in 3 months. That seems like such a long time when everything she has known in her life is like a missing link. Thankfully she knows all of us and seems to enjoy some of the activities at the skilled nursing facility that is her temporary residence.

We continue to pray for 100% healing. We also continue to need prayers on behalf of Audrey's family, especially my husband and sister-in-law who are basically scheduling their lives around their Mom and her needs. My husband has been bearing the burden of "looking out" for his mom on his own for quite a few years and we are grateful his sister is back in the U.S. and able to pitch in with her brother.

My writing has not been in the forefront lately, needless to say, though Audrey's stroke has served to remind me that we simply do not know how much time we have on this earth - and to be of sound mind and body. That has prompted me to reshuffle, re-prioritize -- in other woods to give myself a much needed good swift kick to get back on track with my writing and also in other areas of my life!

I'm bowing out of some the activities that have sidetracked me from what I feel God desires of me right now. It is never easy to let go, but I am learning and God has been faithful in affirming and assuring me as I grow and learn His ways.

I've researched some contests accepting entries and I will work on that this week. This is a big "contest" time of year, so there are plenty from which to choose. I'm especially considering some pieces I wrote then have just filed away in a general folder on the computer. This morning I re-read one in particular and decided it's time to put it out there:-)

Here are links to the contests I'm considering. You may want to look at them as well.

	================================================== BLUE EARTH REVIEW http://www.english2.mnsu.edu/ber/contests.html#flashfiction --- $5 ENTRY FEE FOR THREE ENTRIES The Annual $5.550 Tom Howard Short Story, Essay and Prose Contest Is Now Open!: http://shortstorycontest.0catch.com/

The 10th Annual Writer's Digest Short Short Story Competition is accepting entries! We're looking for fiction
that's bold, brilliant ... but brief. Send us your best in 1,500 words or less. But don't be too long about it—the
deadline is December 1, 2009.

The Grand-Prize winner will receive $3,000 (that's $2—or more—per word).
For guidelines, prizes and to enter online, click here.

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THESE SOUND GREAT AND MAY BE A WAY TO KICK THINGS UP A NOTCH FOR SERIOUS WRITERS:

WOW! Women On Writing Online Workshops & Classes- price range $150-$200

http://www.wow-womenonwriting.com/WOWclasses.html

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My column at Examiner.com, Richmond Frugal Family is going very well. I've begun posting "Frugal Weekend" activities and several folks have commented they appreciate the ideas. I'm not going to get rich, but I am able to expand my ministry in a way I had been praying about: frugality as a lifestyle.

Whether one is a Christian or not, stewardship is important to ensure a family's welfare and also as a way to preserve our planet's resources. I am pleased to be able to share my passion for this lifestyle with so many who are in search of ways to stretch their limited resources and learn how to thrive on less.


God's Wonder Woman at Take Root and Write posts on the first and third Wednesday of each month. The October 7 post continues the series "The Seven Deadly Sins." In the meantime, you can stop by HERE to read past issues.


What's going on with your writing? Leave me a comment! I'd love to reconnect and know how to pray for your writing efforts.


Blessings on your journey