Commitment by Marion Kilchester

King Charles III summed up his mother’s (Queen Elizabeth II ) life as ‘A life well lived; a promise of destiny kept.’ His nine-word description can be further summarised by one word – Commitment.

Commitment is such a big word. It is a weighty word.

     I am writing this blog primarily to myself, although I believe many of you can also relate to my blog in some capacity as you review your own lives.

     I had committed to write regularly and be part of the CWD blog roster. I wrote the first blog for the 8^{th of} August, two days after my 75^th birthday. Then, over the following weeks, I allowed self-doubt to come in with thoughts such as ‘You are not good enough’, everyone else on the roster has far more experience than me’. They were enough to de-rail me and I decided I would not write a blog again.

     Then the Queen died, and the TV channels were awash with commentary on her life. She

was only twenty-six when, on the death of her father, she became Queen. She could easily have had thoughts like mine, but she stepped into her role, resolutely dedicating her life to the service of her family, country, and the commonwealth.

     What is commitment? – It is an agreement or pledge to do something in the future.

     Who is a committed person? – It is someone who regularly keeps their commitments to whatever he or she has signed up to do.

     There are three components of a commitment.

1. Stated intention/s
2. A time and a date
3. Action.

These three components combined constitute commitment.

I admire people who are willing to step out of the boat and take a risk, to think outside of the box in order to fulfil a dream. To do that always requires commitment.

My favourite TV programme is ‘Escape to Le Chateau’. Angel and Dick Strawbridge packed up their comfortable and secure life in London, and with their two tiny children, moved to a derelict, forty-five room chateau, without electricity, heating or sewerage and set about the task of restoring the building and establishing a viable living for themselves and their family. It was a mammoth risk, and a massive undertaking, requiring enduring commitment. But they did it. They turned their dream into reality.

ROADBLOCKS TO COMMITMENT

1. Life’s Pressures and Busyness.

I wrote my second book this year, in the midst of ill health, family crises and grief. I wrote my goal into my diary and drew up a roster setting time aside to write. Once I did this, it was easier to keep on task. Despite those roadblocks, I kept writing. It kept me going and helped me to maintain my sanity.

     So why did I baulk on writing a blog?

2. Fear of Failure, Ridicule or Some Other Negative.

For me, it was because of my being insecure in my own abilities and the false belief that I have nothing to give.

3. Lack in an Area, such as Time, Freedom from Pain, Technology Skills.

(a) Time.  Set a place and time – Be intentional. As I did this, I began to look forward to these times of research and writing, and as the word count grew-10,000, 20,000, 30,000 40,000 – my commitment to the task was paying off for me.

 

(b) Pain or Ill health. This is a tough one, but maybe just the action of putting pen to paper may well be a panacea, a distraction to the pain or grief. It was for me.

 

(c) Technology. This was and still is to a lesser degree, a large hurdle for me. I needed to seek help, to learn, and to delegate what I couldn’t do. The wonderful people who helped me, and still do, are amazing.  I am so grateful for their willingness to help, for their patience, and their skills and knowledge. I had to learn that I was not an island, isolated and alone. These helpers have enriched my life and enabled me to enlarge myself and my world where and when it was needed.

REWARDS OF COMMITMENT

1. Knowing that you have kept your word and done your best.
2. Leaving a legacy.
3. Setting an example. 
4. No Regrets.
5. To hear from our God, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant.’
6. And for us writers, to see our writing in print- tangible, touchable and hopefully reaching their target.

So, I encourage you, my fellow writers, to join me in making good commitments and to follow them through. God Bless, Marion.

Marion Kilchester is a mum and grandmother. At 75 she loves spending time with her family and friends and her little dog, Hope. 

Having taught classroom music and piano, now in her retirement, she published her first book, Though the Storms Rage Yet Will I Dance in 2021. Marion has just completed her second book, a biography about her mother-in-law, Ludmila, who grew up and survived in The Ukraine under the rule of Stalin, before finding herself transported in a ‘cattle-train’ to a forced-labour camp in Germany, under the rule of Hittler. At the end of the war, Ludmila made another epic journey, this time by boat, to Australia where she made a new life for herself and her family.

     

Marion’s books are about hope, positivity, and resilience in the face of huge obstacles.

Her website is leavesofhope.com.au

IT IS ENOUGH- A HANDFUL OF FLOUR AND A LITTLE OIL by Marion Kilchester

             

A call had been made from our Pastor, to come to the front of the church if we needed prayer. Being the independent soul that I am, I remained seated. There are many with greater needs than mine. So, I sat, but tears welled in my eyes, and I couldn’t hold them back. I stood and made my way to the front.

      My very close friend of thirty-four years, Eileen was dying in Toowoomba, and I made the three-hour trip to spend time with her and her family. She was the third very close friend, as well as my beautiful sister-in-law who had all recently passed away.

      A telephone call came, asking me to play for the funeral of the father of my hairdresser. She was also the mother of three students who I had taught over the years, one of them to diploma level. I said ‘yes’. My two nieces and nephew had lost their parents recently, and now called on me in hard times. Vikki’s husband had just undergone eight hours of heart surgery, the day before I found myself in tears at the front of the church. He was not expected to live, and then my next-door neighbour died two days before Eileen’s funeral.

      I knew they all needed me, but I was overwhelmed. It was too much.

      My Pastor held me by my shoulders and began speaking. I don’t remember everything he said, but one thing he told me seemed to me, as though it was written in neon lights.

     ‘Marion, do you remember the widow at Zarapeth?’ He then went on to recall the story. There was famine in the land. She had gone out to gather a few sticks to make a fire and cook a meal, the last meal, for herself and her son and then they would die for that was all she had left. She had come to the end of what she had and was at that place of desperate need.

      Elijah had turned up and requested some water to drink and a piece of bread.

      She replied, ‘I don’t have any bread, just a handful of flour and a little oil, just enough to make a meal for my son and myself’, but Elijah told her to go, make a loaf for him, and then prepare for herself and her son. He told her, ‘The flour and oil will not fail, until the rains come.’

      She was overwhelmed already, but she was asked to give more. She had to exercise faith, she had to be obedient. She chose to do both and made the bread for Elijah. God came through for her and there was still enough for her to prepare bread for herself and her son.  Day by day she took from the jar of flour and the jug of oil and prepared a meal for the three of them, as God provided the requirements needed to do so.

      If she could do this, then I also could do what I needed to do. No longer overwhelmed, I was able to meet the demands on me. I was at peace. My nephew received a miracle and lived. I went to all three funerals in the space of about ten days.

      I know that many of you are struggling with life’s obstacles, while at the same time, striving to be obedient to your calling to write and whatever else.

 

     Marion Kilchester published her first book, 'Though the Storms Rage, yet I will dance in the rain'. Her second book, 'Ludmila's Story', is in its final stages.  As she is nearly seventy-five, technology really bamboozles her. There are many experienced writers here . She feels she's not qualified to  talk about how to write to many with far more expertise than her in these areas. So she has shared from her own faith walk.

      Her webpage is called ‘www.leavesof hope.com.au’ bringing hope in a loving God and His faithfulness, which she can give.  She loves to encourage other writers and runs a small writer's group.

Marion lives in the northern outskirts of Caboolture with her littel dog, Hope. She is surrounded by family and friends.

                                                                                

                                                                                 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Marion Kilchester is a mum and grandmother. At 75, she loves spending time with family and friends and her little dog, Hope.

    

     Having taught classroom music and piano, now in her retirement, she published her first book, Though the Storms Rage Yet Will I Dance in 2021. Marion has just completed her second book, a biography about her mother-in-law, Ludmila, who grew up and survived in The Ukraine, under the rule of Stalin, before finding herself transported in a ‘cattle-train’ to a forced-labour-camp in Germany, under the rule of Hitler. At the end of the war, Ludmila made another epic journey, this time by boat, to Australia where she made a new life for herself and her family.

 

     Marion’s books are about hope, positivity, and resilience in the face of huge obstacles.

 

Her website is leavesofhope.com.au

 

      

    

 

CWD Member Interview – Marion Kilchester

 

Most Thursdays this year we will be interviewing one of the members of Christian Writers Downunder – to find out a little bit more about them and their writing/editing goals.

Today’s interview: Marion Kilchester

Question 1: Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from. 

Way back, my heritage includes a convict woman and a soldier from the second fleet. Never knowing my mother, I was blessed by several mothers. Growing up on a small mixed farm in Tamworth, N.S.W. I became a music / piano teacher/examiner/composer. Mostly I am a mum and grandma who loves to garden, travel and take photos.

Question 2: Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

I wrote my first book, Though the Storms Rage Yet Will I Dance, to give hope to people going through tough times. It is my story, a story of hope. My next book is about two strong women who survived great odds to succeed in their lives. I have also published two books of piano music and recorded them, Reflections Books 1 and 2.

Question 3: Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it? 

It has surprised me that a wide cross section- men, women, old, young, and in-between; across denominations and ethnic groups have read and gained from reading my book. I also have a webpage and blogs of encouragement, https://www.leavesofhope.com.au/p/welcome.html 

Question 4: Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

 I use pencil and paper, sitting at my dining-room table, looking out at my garden and birdbath. I write a section, then put it onto my laptop, where I refine it. Technology is my huge challenge.

Question 5: What is your favourite Writing Craft Book and why?

 My favourite writing craft book is a person, Nola Passmore who edited my first book. I wrote all, of her suggestions out and still use it as my check-sheet. I have also built a library of books on similar topics to my writing. 

Question 6: If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

My favourite CWD people who have really encouraged me are Nola Passmore, Anusha, Mazzy and Ruth Bonnetti. Thank you to all of CWD for your deep insights and encouragement. 

Question 7: What are your writing goals for this year? How will you achieve them?

I have set a goal of 20 hours writing a week. I know that I won’t always achieve that but I figure it is better to aim high. I would like ti complete Ludmilla’s and Charity’s story this byear and keep up with my webpage/ blogs. Will be 75 this year but have just read a book by Eddie Jaku, written in his 100^th year, so it is never too late.

Question 8: How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

Hugely. Everything I write is filled with hope. God is my strength, my motivation and my guide. I couldn’t do it without Him.

Title: CWD Member Interview – Marion Kilchester talks to Jo Wanmer

 

Today’s interview is with Marion Kilchester as she chatted to Jo Wanmer.

 Tells us three things about who you are and where you come from.

Firstly I’m a mum and a grandma. I live at Elimbah in Queensland. I was a music teacher for fifty-six years and an examiner in later years. Though retired, I am still teaching four students. I now live in a snall Grannie cottage on my son’s property with my little dog, Hope.

Tell us about your writing (or editing/illustrating etc).  What do you write and why?

My first book, Though the Storms Rage, is the personal story of my faith as I danced through life’s storms. When God spoke to me the words, ‘Dancing in the Rain’, I knew He was asking me to write a book, though I shelved it for a year. Then a pastor at my church asked me if ‘Dancing in the Rain’ meant anything to me. I knew then I had to write and began writing that night. Although I’d filled countless journals and written a few short stories, writing a book was a huge learning curve.

I am also a composer of music and 2014 I published a collection of twelve pieces, five arrangements and seven originals which are listed with the guild of music, examination syllabus for piano. At the same time, I released a CD, Reflectons, of myself performing these works.

 Who has read your work? Who would you like to read it?

My target audience for my writing is anyone who has gone through tough times. My book was launched on 12^th June. It has already been read by women and men of varying ages and beliefs. It has been well received with many sharing the story. One woman is now reading it to her mother who is in a nursing home. I’m excited that God has moved the book into the homes of many who don’t have a Christian faith.

 Tell us something about your process. What challenges do you face? What helps you the most?

I hand write my story because my thoughts flow more easily when I have pen and paper. Mostly I write at my dining room table which has a great view our to my garden.  Later I transfer it onto my laptop.

My biggest challenge is technology. Computers aren’t my favourite things! My oldest son, Tim, designed the cover for me and a friend Rick has helped me out with most of my technological difficulties. I’m still learning to dance in this area!

If you were to give a shout-out to a CWD author, writer, editor or illustrator – who would they be?

Jo Wanmer, who mentored me from the beginning and encouraged me through to the end.

 Nola Passmore (aka Nola Larraine), who edited my book, taught me many things in the process. Click link to read about her editing skills and see Nola's recent release, 'Scattered.' https://www.nolalorraine.com.au/

What are your writing goals for 2021? How will you achieve them?

I’m currently working on a second book about two strong women in my family’s ancestry. Both succeeded against huge odds. Ludmila, my mother-in-law, was born in The Ukraine during the rule of Stalin. She and her family endured eviction, starvation, forced communal living and countless atrocities. She was captured by the Germans and taken by train to a forced labour camp. After the war she, along with hundreds of others, was transported by ship to Australia where she spent five years in a migrant camp at Bonegilla, Victoria. Hardships don’t end here however. She endures flood, loss of a child and other obstacles. But despite all, she learns a new language and succeeds in her life in Australia with her husband and children.

How does your faith impact and shape your writing?

Hugely. My first book is about faith in difficult circumstances. Being able to dance through the storms of my life was and is made possible through my relationship with my God. Both of the women in my next book also had a faith in their God, which enabled them to survive and thrive.

In the process of writing my first book, there were stories I’d decided not to include. However, God impressed upon me that I needed to tell these stories as well. When I questioned God, ‘Really! I haven’t even told my children.’ I felt God instructed me to tell my children and then include those stories. These episodes added depth to my book and I’m sure God will use them to help others.

Marion and Jo have been friends and writing encouragers for ten years. Most of that time they worshipped together at  a church simply know as The Barn. 

Marion is a great gardener and until recently maintained a very large garden that she developed as a 'Garden of Hope,' which was open to the public. 

As well as being a teacher of music, she is a gifted pianist though rarely shares her talent with others.

Marion and Jo both live on the northern outskirts of Brisbane. They love to get together to share their common love of God, their adventures around writing, and stories of grandchildren. Marion can be contacted via mkilchester@gmail.com. 

Jo can be easily contacted via facebook.

CWD Highlights - April to June 2021

 

Christian Writers Downunder is a diverse group of writers, editors, bloggers, illustrators. As a group we support each other through our Facebook page and blog.


Today's blog will highlight some of the achievements of our members from April to June 2021

New Releases 

Rebekah Rodda

Rebekah had a devotional published in the book ‘Pandemic Devotionals: How the World Overcame Fear by Faith” edited by Alisa Hope Wagner and Holly Smith released on the 27th April 2021.

This is an anthology of how people found strength through their faith in God despite the pandemic. Available here. 

Meredith Resce

Meredith has released Book in the Luella Linley – License to Meddle series - All Arranged.

After being jilted, Luella Linley’s 35-year-old son, Pete, is alone and broken-hearted. But he’s not likely to respond to Luella’s usual matchmaking method that was so successful with his sisters. This calls for something special – like in her Regency novels. A parent-arranged marriage where there is no risk of rejection. What could be easier than to place an ad?

Carrie Davis is dedicated to her career. She had not considered that she might even like a relationship, but now thoughts of loneliness are stalking her. Carrie’s sister, Ellen, knows and when she sees an odd advert in the classified ads, she begins to wonder if this is a prank or an opportunity sent from heaven. “Wanted. For a social experiment. A family arranged marriage.”

“If you love marriage of convenience tropes, you’ll love this modern-day twist. Realistic characters, laugh-out-loud moments, and a deep emotional journey making “All Arranged” a satisfying read. A stellar novel from Meredith Resce and the perfect ending to the series.”

Lisa Renee - Author of the ‘Single Again’ series

Available as both paperback and eBook on all platforms here.

Elizabeth Klein

Elizbeth's short story, Zac’s Terrible Idea, was published in Short Tales 7 on 11th May, 2021 by Storm Cloud Publishing. 

And her Self-published ebook: Mists in Time was released on 14th June, 2021 on KDP. 

A car crash on the lonely English moor. But that's not Fran Gilbert's only problem. One of the caretakers at the Perilous Lands, the creepy estate where she's recovering, is a serial killer who preys on anyone that wanders through the mist. Will she be his next victim? And how will she return to her own time of 2021?


Mists in Time is available here.  

Reading Stones 

At Reading Stones, we have again been busy this year. Our first book, Fireside Stories, was released for Helen’s father’s 90th birthday in February.

This quarter got off to a flying start with the release of Arnah Leigh’s children’s book, My Family, on April 5th. ‘Explore the many different kinds of families in this book by Arnah Leigh. Beautifully illustrated, this book demonstrates that, while the make-up of our families might be different, we all have one thing in common - Love.’ She is currently our top-selling author.

We published three more books by Olwyn Harris, the Guthrie’s Lot Series. It is another three-part series. Book One, A Spacious Place was released on April 8th. ‘In this first instalment of the Guthrie's Lot series, set in the late 1800s, we meet Irvin Guthrie, a practical, no-nonsense man with a sick wife and a small child to care for. When his wife's doctor suggests they move to a warmer climate, he spends everything he has on a property that ends up not being what he expected.’ Book Two, A Level Path, is to be released on July 8th with Book Three, The Crying Tree, to be released on September 7th. We look forward to publishing another six-part series of hers in 2022.

Helen also managed to complete her first novel. After five devotional books and one poetry book, this was a real change for her. Christmas Journeys was released on June 16th. It is a complete trilogy in the one book. ‘A successful devotional writer, Helen Brown's debut novel takes her characters on a journey through time - to the past, and the future. This book gives us three stories in one. Mary, an 86-year-old has become stuck in her ways. A journey to the past gives her a new perspective on life and faith. Her granddaughter suffers a tragedy and then embarks on a journey of her own which gives her a new hope, and mission for the future of both her family and her country.’

Wendy Wood & Helen Brown

Marion Kilchester

Marion's book - Book: Though the Storms Rage yet Will I Dance - was released in print on 21 May 2021 (first published 11 Nov 2020), Date of Publication: 11-11-20 (first published) by Dusruptive Publishing

With no memories of her mother and brought up by an abusive stepmother, her life journey took her through many storms. These storms included the death of her daughter, rejection, false accusation, attempted suicide, the death of her husband and learning to dance solo again. Though the Storms Rage is about dancing through those storms of life. This book is a gentle guided tour through her life. The stories are humble; the reactions real and honest. Storms batter and often bruise her, but she hangs on and we find her feet dancing again. This is real life.


Available here. 


Bio: Marion Kilchester, now in her seventies, a mum and grandma, has been a school teacher, piano teacher, music examiner, composer and counsellor.

Jeanette O'Hagan 

Jeanette has released the second book in her Akrad's Legacy series - Rasel's Song on 26 April 

The discovery of would-be assassins dead in their prison cells puts Prince Mannok and his friends in increasing danger and threatens the stability of the realm. The arrival Rasel, a mysterious stranger with hidden abilities, causes further turmoil. Will Rasel bring peace or conflict to Tamra? Will the elusive mastermind behind the assassination attempts be unmasked before someone else dies? Picking up from where Arkad's Children finishes, Rasel’s Song is the exciting second book in the kingdom fantasy, the Akrad’s Legacy series.

Available here.  

And until the end of the month - the first book in Jeanette two series - Akrad's Children & Heart of the Mountain are reduced to $1.30 for ebooks. Check out her other books here.

Events

Writing Competition

Get those entries in - the Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane)'s writing competition cut off is 1 July. For more information check out here.

Book Fair

Omega Writers Book Fair (Brisbane) will be held on Saturday, 31 July 2021 at Hills Church, Queens Road, Everton Hills. The Book Fair will have author stalls, workshops, book readings, and prizes. A great opportunity for Christian authors and readers in southeast Queensland to get together and celebrate books and writing.

Anne Hamilton will be running a workshop of overcoming the deadly duo -  rejection. Sally Eberhardt, Jeanette O'Hagan and Lynne Stringer will be on a panel on Marketing and Promotion for Writers.

Mark you diaries - 31 July 2021  For more information check out the website or the event page.

Coming up

Omega Writer Conference and CALEB Prize in October. For info check out here.

Congratulations to all our members for your milestones and achievements