Exploring Genre - Devotional Writing

From the time I was little, I dreamed of becoming a writer. It didn’t happen … at first. But as I reached the ripe old age of 50 ... I finally made it. And I haven’t looked back! The interesting truth though is that I never planned to write what I do now—for some reason, devotional writing didn’t sound like ‘proper writing’ to me! As a little girl, I read lots of fiction and revelled in it. I scribbled a plethora of stories, poems and songs into exercise books. All that reading (and writing) should have produced works of fiction in later life, don’t you think? But … what did God call me to write? Yep! You’ve guessed right—a cousin to devotional writing—inspirational writing. (Although … if I had my way, I’d call them books on Christian living.) God has a great sense of humour, don't you think? 

I am glad to report that I am oh-so-content with the kind of writing I engage in. God’s been wooing me over the years into a journey of deep intimacy with Him, so perhaps my writing is not so weird after all. Two years ago I chose Psalm 27:4 as my go to verse for my new decade: “One thing I ask from the Lord, and this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.” Leading others to do the same would thrill me, just as having Aslan from the Narnia Chronicles bounding into my backyard would make me jump up and down with joy and excitement. So here’s a big bold YES to devotional writing.

What IS devotional writing? And how does one set about it?

Purpose:

We followers of Jesus seek to spend time with Him every day in order to nurture our love relationship with God. A devotional (as you know) is a tool with which to deepen our walk with God.

Format of a Devotional Piece:

Devotional Writing ideally needs four or five components to make it work. Of course, it’s important to check the magazine you submit to, to know what that particular platform is seeking:

1.     A Theme – ‘perseverance’, ‘courage’, ‘prayer’, ‘standing firm’ and so on.

2.     A Scripture Reference – A passage from the Word.

3.     A Story to match the Bible reading – Here’s where your writerly tongue sings.

4.     A suggested Practical Action – Always a help

5.     A Prayer – This is not essential but would be a good finish.

Number of words

Devotionals are short pieces of writing—between 150 – 500 words with an average of around 200-250. They are short because they usually they deal with just one basic idea which challenges and inspires the reader. Do check the publication you are submitting to as to the length required by them.

Whom do Devotionals cater to?

All believers—which means everyone. You could tailor your devotionals to what you know about. If you are a twenty something young person, you could write about the pressures of young people today and biblical application that would encourage others. If you are on the other hand, a fifty year old, you could focus on the challenges middle aged people face. And so on. Or you could write about what interests you most and in the category you know you can write about.

Who should write them?

Anyone God calls. You, for instance! Do you feel a tug at your heart to inspire and motivate others as I do? Perhaps that’s an indication of your calling. Are you in love with Jesus and desire to see others splash into the depths of knowing Him better? That says something. Do you love to read and study scripture and to share His truths with the world? Ah! That is telling.

Qualities of a Devotional Writer

We cannot lead others to do what we do not do. So … if we desire our readers to connect with God, we too need to connect with God on a daily basis. A devotional writer needs to be grounded in God and His Word. To study the scriptures often. To use it as her meat and drink, her wine and cheese, her bread and butter. Writing devotionals is good for the soul. We need humility and godly wisdom. God asks that we become lovers of God in order to make others seek after God. And of course—the devotional writer needs to love books, reading and writing as do all writers.

Abilities of a Devotional Writer

Can you string sentences together? Do you find messages in day to day occurrences? Do you like to connect others with God? Do you love studying the Word? All of these would help. The love of the language is important and the love of God and His Word a must.

What does a good Devotional look like?

Here are a few Devotionals from Australian and New Zealand Writers:

(Please click on the links of the resources given below. Links are in red)

   The Tea Lover’s Devotional by Emilie Barnes

        Seeds of the Kingdom Devotional Archive(Online)

 Lifewords Daily Devotional

Real Faith Daily Devotional

      Our Daily Bread – New Zealand

Resources: Some helpful articles:

1.     What is a devotional – Word wise tips 

2.     Compare and contrast 

3.     A step by step guide for writing devotionals 

4.     8 kinds of illustrations to use

5.     How to choose a scripture

6.   How to write a devotional

7.     How to write a devotional book

Two Devotional Websites you can contribute to:

1.     The Secret Place

2.     The Upper Room

 My first book ‘Enjoying the Journey’ is (I’m told) used as a devotional for families - Mums and Dads read it to their children. The book is a collection of 75 little God stories – I didn’t plan them to be devotional reading. I assumed it was inspirational reading – but it seems they fit the category. 

If you are interested in writing devotionals, don’t let anything stop you. Jump in and discover the joys not only of the writing process but also the journey God takes you through when you aspire to teach, inspire and bless others through your writing.

And finally … a Few Tips:

1.     If God calls you to write devotionals do run with it. You won’t regret it.

2.     Encouraging others to a deeper walk with God does matter. If God has placed it on your heart, dive in

3.     Keep it simple – devotional pieces are not complicated. Let the Spirit guide you.

4.     Use good writing. Metaphors are powerful. Show don’t tell.

5.     God will often make you live out the experience you are writing about. Ouch! But you will grow through it.

6.     Enjoy!

Anusha’s been on many interesting detours in life, as a lab technician, a computer programmer, a full time Mum, a full time volunteer, a charity director, a full time job chaser, until one golden day (or was it a dark moonless night?) God tapped her on her shoulder and called her to write for Him. She has never recovered from the joy it brought her. She loves to see others enjoying life with Jesus and does her mite to hurry the process in her world through her writing and through her life. The goodness of God is her theme song through each season, as she dances in the rain with Jesus.

Her first book Enjoying the Journey contains 75 little God stories that will bring you closer to your Creator. Her 2^nd book ‘Dancing in the Rain’ brings you hope and comfort for life’s soggy seasons. Her 3rd book, ‘Sharing the Journey’ is a sequel to 'Enjoying the Journey' and will be released on March 7th 2020.

Do stop by at her website Dancing in the Rain to say G’day!

Meet Our Members: Helen Brown

Most Thursdays in 2019 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 is with Helen Brown

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

My parents were Salvation Army Officers until I was 10 years old. My dad then returned to his first employment love, farming. Moving around as many times as we did, means that I don’t really feel like I came from anywhere in particular. I was born in Mt Isa, North Queensland but I always felt that my roots were in Inverell, New South Wales, because both my parents spent a good part of their childhood there. This is where my parents met and fell in love. My dad’s parents lived there all their lives. Having such a rich spiritual background means that I have always known the love of God in my life and my relationship with Him as developed slowly over the years from birth to now.

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

My writing career started almost accidently, except that God doesn’t do anything by accident. I started out doing the occasional Newssheet article for our Church bulletin at the request of our minister. After about a year I realised that I could turn it into a book, that was my first book, Turning Water into Wine. These articles are where God has challenged me with something ordinary that has a spiritual lesson for me, and through my six books, others as well.

Over the last couple of years, I have been writing my first novel, but I have to say I’m not sure what God wants to do with that. It may be that it’s just a stepping stone to another venture. I have discovered that my sister is a very talented fiction writer and we, my daughter, Wendy Wood, and I are planning on releasing that one of her books on September 4^th. This date is significant as it’s the anniversary of our Mother’s arrival in Heaven and it’s a way to acknowledge the importance that she had to both of us.

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

I know very few people who have read my work by name; however, I know one gentleman found that one of my stories about looking up in Turning Water into Wine, helped him while he was changing a light bulb. It doesn’t seem like a great big spiritual thing but even such small things are important to God and He can use whatever He likes for whatever purpose He deems necessary. It seems it was important enough for this man to mention it to my mother.

Who would I like to read my work, Oh, my goodness that is such a loaded question? My articles were, initially designed to encourage Christians each Sunday, and that is the main purpose of my work but it would also be great if God enabled those outside the church to at least start asking questions about their relationship with God through my books.

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

The process of writing for me is usually when I am inspired by some small incident, comment, question or when the devil has a real go at me over something I’m struggling with. So, there is usually quite a lot of prayer before and during the thinking stage. The biggest challenge I face is finding the time to write. Like most people in regional Australia we are in the middle of the biggest drought this country has seen since records started and as we live on a farm that means that I have to be a hands-on partner. The work is never ending, thankless and discouraging. You could say that most of what I write is messages to myself, reminding me of the faithfulness of God when everything looks dire.

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

I don’t have one, sorry.

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

Jo’Anne Griffiths, I had the real privilege of meeting Jo some years ago while I was at a church conference in Sydney and we have been trying to make it an annual event. Sadly, neither of us could make it happen this year but we will try again next year. Jo has been a great encourager for me and edited by latest book, Still More Water into Wine. She did an amazing job and is currently looking at the first part of my novel. I’m am so grateful that God bought this wonderful woman into my circle of friends. 

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2019? How will you achieve them?

This year I am trying to get my novel finished, as previously stated its been in the pipeline for a couple of years now, however, I’m not sure where God wants to take it yet. With the grace of God, I pray that I will be able to publish more of my sister’s stories but the year is so close to the end that I’m think we will run out of time. Yes, just blink and Christmas will be here.

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

My writing would not have even started without my faith, so it goes hand in hand. The challenge for me is to make sure that I am writing for the right reasons, not personal or financial. This last motivation is very difficult for me as having a second income that is not animal or drought affected is very important for us at present. There are no other jobs going around in the bush now.

Born in Mount Isa, the eldest of five children of Salvation Army officers, Helen Brown lived an almost nomadic life until she was fifteen years of age. However, she discovered books as a preteen and read a lot, well into the night and occasionally all night. Two stories that captured her imagination were “Anne of Green Gables” and Little Women”. Just like the heroines in these stories she wanted to write. A learning disability, which was not corrected until she was in her thirties, meant that schooling was a real struggle. It also meant that her dream seemed to be a distant mirage. The struggles of raising five children and being a wife to a shearer/farmer in a small town taught her a lot about life and the grace of God. During this time, she also completed her teaching degree and worked many casual jobs in order to ensure that the farm was viable. Today, she still lives on the farm in the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales.

CWD Member Interview – Nikki Rogers

Most Thursdays in 2019 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 interview: Nikki Rogers

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

I’m a mother, teacher, Jesus-follower and author/illustrator of Created To Be children’s books. I currently live on the Gold Coast with my husband, two children, and four bantam chickens.

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

I have written and illustrated 7 inspirational children’s books so far. I originally started writing books for my own children to help them understand valuable life lessons, encourage them with the truths that they are unique and inspire them to be all they were created to be. I now hope to inspire children all over the world with these messages and maybe even remind some adults to shine the beauty within. You can find my books at www.createdtobe.com.au

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

Many people have read my work. My books have been used as resources in schools and given as gifts to many children around the world. However, I would love every child to read my books; they may be just what kids need to hear.

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

My biggest challenge is marketing. I believe that my books were God-inspired and will be a blessing to many, but I struggle to promote my books and charge for them. I also often have my doubts about my ability, that I’m not qualified, and my books aren’t professional enough. 

To overcome these doubts, fears and challenges, I find it helpful to look over the many positive reviews I’ve received from people who have really appreciated my books and remind myself that God doesn’t call the qualified, he qualifies the called.

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

I don’t know.

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

Naomi Eccles-Smith is an incredible storyteller, gifted illustrator and author of the Dragon Calling Series. Her books and illustrations are amazing!

Question 7: What are your writing goals for 2018? How will you achieve them?

I would love to get my books into the hands of more children and families, renew my passion for why I do what I do and start on a new book that has been on my heart for a while. I hope to achieve this by doing more author talks, gifting books to foster families and surrounding myself with people who encourage me and help me stay focussed.

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

It is in Christ we find out who we are and what we are living for. I feel a great sense of responsibility to be a good steward of what God has given me and I want to bring Him glory through my writing.

The main thing I want people to know is this: You aren’t here by chance. You are not an accident. You were created in the image of God and He is for you. He has amazing plans for you. Go and be all that you were created to be!

Member's Book Review: Dancing in the Rain

Review by Jeanette O'Hagan

 

The Book

Dancing in the Rain by inspirational writer Anusha Atukorala. It interlaces poems, stories and life-giving words designed to bring you comfort and hope during life’s stormy seasons. 

"The One who created you knows you by name. He draws near to the broken-hearted. He will gather you in His arms. He will hold you close. He will be with you always.

You will find—
• Comfort for your sadness.
• Peace for your fears.
• Hope for tomorrow.
• Light for the journey.
• And joy through every season."

Published March 1st 2018 by Armour Books
Available here or maybe contact Armour Books or Anusha.

The Author

Anusha delights in many things – life, the love of Jesus, people, the beauty of God’s Creation. She writes mostly for pleasure. She has decided never to grow old in spite of a body that is already defying her intentions! She enjoys the finer things of life including friendship and chocolate! Singing, walking, connecting with people and sharing God’s love are her some of her deepest passions. Like her writing, she is a work in progress!

Anusha lives in Adelaide with her husband Shan and their son, Asela.

My Thoughts

I've been looking forward to reading Anusha's Dancing in the Rain as I'd enjoyed her story in Glimpses of Light and have also been encouraged and inspired by her regular blog of the same name.

The book has a eye-catching cover that entices me to pick it up and read. Inside, it has an interesting structure, broken up into sections such as Oh No! It's Raining; I need an Umbrella; It's OK to grieve; A Rainbow called HOPE; Splashing Through the Puddles; Laughter the Best Medicine; Tall Stories about Rainy Days; Sailing Paper Boats; How Green is my Valley; And Best of All - the progression seeming to follow, at least in part, the progression of emotional journey through difficult times. Each section is filled with reflections from the author (divided into Part 1 and Part 2), Friends' Stories (told in first person), Nuggets (quotes, epigrams, Scripture), My story (from the Anusha's experiences), a poem and a serialised story 'Each Monday'.

It's an interesting mix, with different perspectives and approaches to our feelings, responses and options when facing difficulties and discouragement. The personal stories (both from Anusha and her friends) give testimony to depth of feeling, faith, and God in action in each one's lives. The reflections, nuggets and poems give both comfort, commiseration, as well as inspiration and hope in God's loving presence, spiritual meditations and practical ideas to gain a different perspective on the rain-soaked times, how to survive and even thrive. I think my favourite section is the Each Monday story, as I waited for the next instalment of the narrator's journey.

Overall, it's an easy to read, a part devotional, part inspirational gem that brims with Anusha's gentle and vibrant faith. Worth reading and also an excellent gift for those going through hard times.

Jeanette spun tales in the world of Nardva from the age of eight or nine. She enjoys writing secondary world fiction, poetry, blogging and editing. Her Nardvan stories span continents, time and cultures. Many involve courtly intrigue, adventure, romance and/or shapeshifters and magic. Others, are set in Nardva’s future and include space stations, plasma rifles, bio-tech, and/or cyborgs.


She has published numerous short stories, poems, four novellas in the Under the Mountain series, her debut novel, Akrad's Children and Ruhanna's Flight and other stories.

Her latest release is Shadow Crystals, the penultimate novella in the Under the Mountain series with Caverns of the Deep due in April/May.

Jeanette has practised medicine, studied communication, history, theology and a Master of Arts (Writing). She loves reading, painting, travel, catching up for coffee with friends, pondering the meaning of life. She lives in Brisbane with her husband and children.


Find her on:

Facebook |Jeanette O'Hagan Writes | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Stories of Life (Sue Jeffrey)

This picture is of me (on the right) with the legendary, Catch Tilly, at the Stories of Life award ceremony and the launch of the anthology, A Chicken Can Make a Difference

Early last year I heard about a new writing competition. Stories of Life was calling for 500 word and 1500 word life stories that were personal testimonies of faith. As God has done so much in my life and made himself ‘present’ to me in real ways again and again, I thought I’d have a go and see what happened.      Not long after winning I was asked to take the reigns of the Stories of Life social media pages to promote the 2017 competition. This has been a huge learning curve for me. I’m learning as I go – focusing mainly on the Stories of Life website and Facebook page.

     My first attempt at an entry was okay but it lacked ‘zing’. I shelved it and went about life until I realised it was one week until the deadline. I’m an ENFP – that’s a type of Myers-Briggs personality profile. ENFPs are usually creative but they also respond well to deadlines. 
     I wrote one story that day (for the short category) and edited it during the week, happy that I had a work that I could submit. That story, Lucky Underwear, reflects a conversation I once had with a friend about cricket, luck, superstition and underwear, and how that discussion led me to start seeking Christ 😀. Then on the following Sunday – the day the competition closed – I decided to write another story about my dog, Hero: a canine gift from God. 
     I Prayed For a Dog made it into the competition anthology, A Chicken Can Make a Difference, but I won the ‘short’ category with Lucky Underwear.
     I was excited. I was told weeks before the presentation that I’d won something but I didn’t know where I’d placed. My good friend, Catch Tilly, had also placed in the same section (also with a story about underwear - I sense a theme with the judges) and I was sure she had won. But to my great surprise it was me who topped the category 😀.
     Another adventure involved heading into the 107.9 Life studios to record both of my stories for broadcast on radio, among the twenty chosen to be read on air during January. It felt strange to hear my voice on radio but I loved the fact that so many people could hear me tell of my faith journey. There was a huge response to all of the stories aired, with many people requesting to hear certain tales again. 
     It’s interesting that while I’ve had good personal feedback on Lucky Underwear, it is I Prayed For a Dog that has made listeners cry. You can hear the recorded stories on 107.9 Life at 6.30pm every Sunday evening and one author is featured each week on the Stories of Life website.
     The Stories of Life competition opens again on April 1^st, 2017 and I’d like to encourage you to enter.  You have plenty of time to ponder and write, as the competition doesn’t close until the 31^st of July. This year you can write your own story or the biography of another person, with their permission, of course. Click here to see the categories and prizes. I don’t know of any other Australian competition that can give an author the level of exposure that Stories of Life can - and give them chance to impact the world with their words. Not only were stories from A Chicken Can Make a Difference broadcast on radio but some writers are now contributing to the Eternity Matters column in newspapers. 
     People love story and this is a chance to tell yours. The website is still being modified to accommodate the changes to the competition in 2017 but feel free to check out our work-in-progress (click here). The audio recordings of my two stories are live on the site this week if you’d like to listen (click here)  and feel free to check out and ‘like’ the Stories of Life Facebook page (click here). Every click helps us to gain a wider audience. And, if you are intrigued as to why ‘underwear’ and faith were linked by two authors, hop on over to the book store (click here) and pick up a copy of A Chicken Can Make a Difference.
     In the meantime, think about your faith journey and about what you might like to write. Where has God met you in your life? How did he change things for you? Is there a quirky angle that gives your storytelling the X-factor? Underwear might have run hot as a theme in 2016 - what do you think will be popular in 2017 😀😀😀?
     What story will you write? Do you have any questions? Let me know in the comments below 😃.

Sue Jeffrey was born in Scotland but moved to Brisbane, Australia with her family when she was just a wee lass. After a childhood spent reading, drawing and accumulating stray animals, Sue studied veterinary science and later moved to Adelaide where she worked as both a vet and a pastor. After a sojourn of several years in the Australian Capital Territory, Sue returned to Adelaide with two dogs, a very nice husband, and a deep desire to write. Sue has a MA in creative writing and her short stories and poems have appeared in several anthologies including Tales of the Upper Room, Something in the Blood: Vampire Stories With a Christian Bite, Glimpses of Light and A Chicken Can Make a Difference. Sue won the 'short' category in the inaugural Tabor Adelaide/ Life FM 'Stories of Life' award and her e-book, 'Ruthless The Killer: A Short Story,' is available from Amazon.com. Sue also paints animal portraits.