WHAT I’VE LEARNED ABOUT WRITING…..SO FAR…….

I have tried to distill what I have learnt into five areas. I’ll be interested to see if it is the same for you?

1. PASSIONATE IDEA; Whatever you write about it must grip you. In writing “Broken Pottery – the life of an African girl” it was something I felt compelled by the Holy Spirit to do as I watched these beautiful girls and women suffer physically and emotionally. How could one not be moved to hope with them as they sought a cure for their fistulas created by a difficult childbirth and then enter into their joy when they found healing. My hope and prayer is that through reading my fictional account it may bring some help to these women. See my website for more information. www.JenniferAnn.info

2. START; Even though you can be convinced you should write it can be difficult to start. It may take months or even years to think about a storyline but at some point one has to brush aside interruptions and determinedly put pen to paper. My litmus test for this stage was to ask myself,

“At the age of 90 will I look back at my life and totally regret the fact that I did not “have a go” and see what God may have wanted to do with not just the book but with my being obedient to Him?” The answer was always a resounding “yes”.

3. TRUST; The problem with writing a book, even one you know God wants you to write, you can still feel unsure if it is any good. Most authors are perfectionists when it comes to their writing and could alter a sentence over a dozen times and still not feel that it is exactly right. My rule of thumb is to ask the question, “Does my writing evoke an image, emotion or response from the reader?” In writing a fictional book set on a real continent involving real issues my concern was that many people have not visited Africa but I wanted to write in a way that the reader felt, they had not only visited but they had lived there. Could they visualize the blood orange sunsets, appreciate the nuances of culture, feel their senses reel in the exuberant chaos of life which is an African market and most importantly walk in the bare feet of Aisha (the central character)?

Having done our best, we then need to TRUST that God would do all that He intends to do with our work. (I’m sure you will agree, simple to say, hard to live out)!

4. REALLY GOOD EDITOR; It’s a bit heart breaking if you then turn your work over to someone who “doesn’t get it.” A good editor knows about spelling and grammar. A REALLY good editor reads your work carefully and is respectful of the creative process and realises that your writing is an extension of yourself. They recognize your unique style and storylines and set about polishing your work till the beauty of the story glimmers from each page.

5. JOY; I am wondering if you think I will say that being published brings joy and yes that is a wonderful moment and of course if the book sells that is also great. But I think for writers the real joy comes as we create because we are using the gifts that God has given us for His purposes, (no matter how outwardly successful our books may or may not be).

SO TO MY FELLOW WRITERS, MAY JOYFUL WRITING BE YOURS.

Jennifer Ann

Will we always have the poor and needy with us?

On the one hand I'm very excited about my new novel "Charlotte's Angel", being released. It's one of my favourite stories, and certainly important for those who've read Mary's Guardian, as it's the continuing story of William and Mary. But Charlotte's Angel is also the story of the next generation of Australians - those born to the survivors of the First Fleet. Charlotte, I believe, is a character who will capture the hearts of readers. However, hers is also a story which makes me remember again that generation after generation we continue to have living amongst us those who are vulnerable, endangered and at risk. In my writing of Mary's Guardian I think I've likened our earliest convict settlers to our current boat people; men and women who had to prove themselves worthy of acceptance and decency in a strange world, and who had to find extraordinary courage, faith and determination to survive. The children they bore were fortunate if their parents had the moral and spiritual fortitude to survive in healthy and safe ways. That didn't always happen of course, and so Charlotte's early life was anything but wholesome or safe. Hers is the story of growing up in a broken home, amidst violence and immorality. So sad that this is still so prevalent today, and if Jesus's warning to us is anything to go by, then we will always have these vulnerable and needy ones with us. In Charlotte's Angel I've tried to write a story of hope for the needy and a challenge for those of us who have the opportunity and the resources to reach out and touch their lives; to be God's angels to those in need who cross our paths. 

Tools of Creation

We have such a vast array of tools today to help us with our writing.  Computers provide ways in which we can speed up the writing process with spelling, grammar and formatting all part of the package.  Traditional pen and paper are fantastic for  those moments of instantaneous inspiration.  Voice recorders are useful for notes on the run.  Each type of writing tool has it's benefits, and it's pitfalls.  I believe every one of them has it's place, in the practice of writing. 

I guess you could liken the creation of a new work, to creating a garden. 

When seeds are sown, a trowel and watering can are needed to plant and water them in. When the weeds appear, a different tool is required. In the Winter pruning tools are used.

So it is with writing, each tool is useful in it's season. So now instead of worrying if I am doing it all the right way, I let the season dictate the tools I use.  I must say though, there is nothing quite as satisfying as rolling up your sleeves, donning your gloves, and ploughing away long hand.  It's seems to do something for my soul, that a computer cannot, and the fruit is usually much more flavoursome.

God has Really Good Listening Ears

By Narelle Nettelbeck

This entry is not about writing, it is what I write; how my relationship with God helps me thrive and survive as a mum. I pray this is a blessing to all of you. You can read more of my thoughts HERE.

As well as having two boys of my own, I work with children four days a week. I love listening to children chatting with each other; they say some really interesting things!

On Wednesday I overheard Miss 4 saying to Mr 3, “God has really good listening ears you know. He can hear you even when you are very quiet and whisper.”

I never cease to be amazed at the lessons I learn from children. I was so encouraged by Miss 4’s words and I have thought a lot about prayer ever since.

I know; we know, that God hears us when we pray. He hears our calls for help, our petitions and our pleas. He also hears our songs of praise and our private adoration.

Sometimes our prayers are not even audible, they are just whispers. Sometimes our prayers are not even as loud as a whisper; they are simply desires of our heart.

Recently I was talking to someone about ‘impossible prayers.’ By this I mean the prayers we pray but still have a lingering doubt as to whether or not God can actually answer them. The situations, the people, the circumstances we pray for that we just cannot fathom how even our Mighty God will be able to intervene.

Perhaps it’s just me with an ‘impossible’ prayer or two?

I have been lead to two verses from God’s Word that have inspired my faith in the impossible. Ephesians 3:20 reads, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Secondly, Mark 10:27, “Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God

I may still have my ‘impossible’ prayers, but I know that I am human and limited in my understanding. I know I believe in a God who can do so much more than I can ‘get my head around’. I know He loves me and understands my doubts and I know I have a God who has ‘really good listening ears!’

Do you have 'impossible prayers' on your heart and mind?
Consider the verses above as you spend time in prayer today.

Blessings and love,
Narelle

Keeping God in the writing journey

Many years ago now I went to my first writers’ weekend conducted by a secular writers’ organisation. I was new to it all and totally overawed by those around me who seemed to know exactly what they were doing. I listened to talks, asked some tentative questions and chatted to a few authors. At least, I tried to chat to them. They were pleasant enough and reasonably helpful – but I came away feeling slightly sorry for them and fervently hoping I would never end up like them. You see, when we talked, I had the distinct feeling they were very wrapped up in themselves and what they had written – perhaps even jealous of others there who had been more ‘successful’ or who had sold more books or won more awards.

Since thave been to quite a few more writers’ events and realised that perhaps many of those attending – even the ‘successful’ authors – may not be as sure of themselves as they appear to be. And I know a little more now, so am not as overawed as I was. Yes, I have definitely changed over the course of my nine year writing journey and of seeing five of my novels published and out there in the market. But how do I myself now come across to other authors or potential authors? Have I become a little proud and self-centred, perhaps even just a teensy bit envious of those whose novels or other works have sold better than mine?

When I began my writing journey, I knew clearly God had called me to do so. I decided my writing would always be God-honouring in every way. I would write as best as I could for God, working hard at it and taking advice on board. I would seek to reach out to others through my novels, particularly those outside church circles. I would write ‘from the heart’ and be very vulnerable in what I wrote, in the hope that others perhaps going through similar situations as my characters would relate strongly to them and be helped or encouraged in some way. And when and if my books were ‘successful’, I would seek to give God the honour and glory and not become puffed up myself. For that reason, I chose to put Psalm 115:1 at the top of the first page of my website:

Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.

But what about now? Was I giving God as much honour and glory as I should? Was I truly remembering that my novels had come into existence because of God’s call and because God had given me any writing gift I had? Was I as conscious of God’s presence around me, encouraging me and cheering me on each day, as I had been at the beginning? Was God still in fact at the very centre of my writing journey?

I have pondered these questions a lot during the past year in particular – so much so that I will be taking a workshop on this whole topic of ‘Keeping God in the writing journey’ as part of the Word Writers’ Fair in Brisbane on Saturday 12^th November (see www.thewordwriters.com).  I don’t want to be running a race that adds up to nothing in the end. So I am looking forward to sharing the challenges and hopefully helpful insights God has given me in this area and to hearing how others endeavour to keep God first as well.

So ... how are you doing at keeping God in your writing journey?  

Jo-Anne Berthelsen grew up in Brisbane and holds degrees in Arts and Theology and a diploma in Education. She has worked as a high school teacher, editor and secretary, as well as in local church ministry. Jo-Anne is passionate about touching hearts and lives through both the written and spoken word. She is the author of five published novels – ‘Heléna’, ‘All the Days of My Life’, ‘Laura’, ‘Jenna’ and ‘Heléna’s Legacy’. She is married to a retired minister and lives in Sydney. For more information about Jo-Anne and her novels, please visit her website, www.jo-anneberthelsen.com.

A Writer's Library

A Writer's Library.

There are many things we are told we should do as writers. One of them, suggested to me early on in my writing days, was to begin a writer's library. A writer's library contains books about the craft, about writing or writers, that one can refer to over and over again.
I thought I'd share some of the favourites from my writing shelf, in no particular order:

1) Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott.

The story behind its place on my shelf: When I returned from several years overseas, with 5 books published while I was away, I returned to the big smoke of Sydney feeling very isolated and uncertain about my writing. I met Lisa Shanahan, a Sydney based children's author, who invited me over for lunch and a chat. She suggested Bird by Bird - I cannot remember exactly what reason she gave, but I've found it (and Lisa's ongoing friendship) incredibly encouraging ever since.

Bird By Bird is Anne Lamott's "every single thing I know about writing". I love the language used, the images she discusses, the honest way she talks about the hard reality and wonder of writing. Some may find her irreverent at times, but I appreciate her take on life.

2) Writing Hannah, by Libby Gleeson

The story behind its place on my shelf: Early on in my writing journey I wrote away for a sample copy of the NSW Writer's Centre newsletter. Our family was inbetween countries at the time so I didn't subscribe but I did order several resources from their store brochure. Writing Hannah was one of them. I read this book slowly, almost meditatively, taking notes, letting my imagination experiment with ideas and soaking up the experience of writing a children's novel that Libby Gleeson shared. I've referred to it often, not as a textbook, but a companion to the process of writing for children.

3)Ragman and other stories of faith, by Walter Wangerin Jr

The story behind its place on my shelf: On one home leave (that is the time missionaries spend in their home country with their support base) I was browsing Koorong for something different and found this book. I had not read any Wangerin before I read Ragman but from the first few paragraphs of the first story I was hooked.
This is not a

writing book, as such (although one story recounts the author's experiences being mentored in the craft). It is a book of short stories, some true, some fiction. What I love is the way Walter Wangerin Jr experiments with styles and rhythms and shows just how rich faith content writing can be. I feel like this book both gives me permission to write how I want, without being constrained to one genre or style, and inspires me to write more richly.

What about you? What is one book invaluable in your writer's library, and what is the story behind it's privileged position?

Penny Reeve is a children's author, currently living with her family in Western Sydney. This week she hopes to remember to water the garden, spoil her husband (his birthday is this week) and write something worth reading over and over again.

Aussie Writer on the Journey: What I've learned from writing conferences

by Narelle Atkins

I’m like a kid in a candy store when I arrive at writing conferences. The conference buzz and excitement has been building for weeks, and I’m looking forward to seeing my online writing friends in person. A long weekend focused on all things writing related is like heaven for writers, especially for those who are geographically isolated from other writers. The internet has helped writers connect from all over the world, but it can’t beat the personal contact with the publishing world that a writer experiences at conference.

I met my dear friend Mary Hawkins for the first time at the 2007 Romance Writers of Australia conference in Sydney, where she taught a great class on inspirational romance. Romance Writers of Australia run a fabulous annual conference in August that I recommend to Aussie romance writers. Although the conference is geared toward the general romance market, the quality of teaching is excellent and the conference attracts international editors, agents and keynote speakers. I was blessed to attend Debra Dixon’s wonderful ‘GMC: Goal, Motivation and Conflict’ workshop in Sydney last year.

In 2008 I travelled to San Francisco for the Romance Writers of America annual conference. Wow. It’s hard to explain the sheer awe I experienced in San Francisco. 1200 people attend the RWA conference, including New York editors and agents. There are hundreds of workshops to choose from, and most of the recordings are available for purchase after the conference. I attended a brilliant workshop by the late Blake Snyder, known for his ‘Save the Cat’ screenwriting books. I loved wandering through the crowds at the ‘Readers for Life’ Literacy Autographing, and purchasing personally signed copies of books from my favourite authors. Two of my Aussie friends were finalists in the Golden Heart contest, and seeing their photos come up on the big screens at the Awards Ceremony was beyond exciting. The Aussie contingent in the audience was very vocal and patriotic!

A definite highlight in San Francisco was attending the Faith, Hope and Love Inspirational Chapter of RWA’s One-Day conference. It was so exciting to finally meet my American writing friends in person and have the opportunity to talk with editors and agents in the Christian publishing world.

Conferences provide attendees with networking opportunities, and the opportunity to pitch their manuscript to editors and agents. A large number of US Christian publishers will only accept agented queries, or queries from writers they’ve requested manuscripts from at conferences.

I’d love to attend the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) conference. If only international airfares to the US weren’t so expensive! Each year I purchase the ACFW conference recordings and enjoy learning more about the craft and business of writing. I’d also love to attend an Australian equivalent to the ACFW conference, catering for both Christian fiction and non-fiction writers. I like dreaming big!

I encourage all the writers reading our blog to attend writing conferences and reap the benefits from mingling with like minded people and industry professionals. Have you been blessed by attending writing conferences? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Narelle Atkins writes contemporary inspirational romance. She resides in Canberra, Australia with her husband and children. She can also be found at the International Christian Fiction Writers blog. To learn more about Narelle, please visit her website.

A TOUCH OF INSANITY?

Sometimes I wonder what I’m doing on a Fiction Writers’ blog ‘cause I don’t write fiction. That’s my wife, Mary’s, expertise. But I don’t know of any other realm catering for the likes of (strange) me. And I do need the encouragement of others who tell stories and play with words.

So I hope you can endure this writer whose way might be a source of friction to writers of fiction. However I dare to say in each of us there is a strange streak, a madness only those similarly infected understand. Hence the following poem.

What Madness has Gripped Me?

What madness has gripped me?
This compulsion an insanity
Runs riot around my mind
Interest in others decline.
My heart trembles
My conscience crumbles
I’m bewitched
Surely!

What madness has come near?
Characters like ghosts appear
Yelling, begging for release
Unsettling inner peace.
My fingers twitch
My mind has an itch
I’m hypnotized
Surely!

What madness has driven me?
Away from friendly society
To a room, solitary
Outsiders find so scary.
My passions stirred
My emotions unfurled
I’m in a daze
Surely!

What madness has transfixed me?
Daring me to break free
Before giving humanity
To ghosts of my insanity!
My hands begin to write
My story comes to light
I’m amazed
Surely!

Will I ever escape those periods of madness?
I hope not!

Raymond Hawkins ©September 2011.

Am I correct in thinking you too are a little ‘strange’ from time to time when a story line is born?

Ray Hawkins is a retired Churches of Christ minister and married to Mary, a multi-published Romance author. Over the years his writing has developed from magazine articles and Bible studies to having two themed devotional meditation books published by EBP. They are ‘Children: God’s Special Interest and From Eden With love (About Marriage). He will be a presenter for the workshop on ‘Writing Devotionals’ at the http://www.thewordwriters.com/ Brisbane Word Writers’ Fair in November. Poetry also seems to creep into his heart from time to time.

Brave Little Flame

I've always been a bookworm. I thrive on the adrenaline rush a good story give me, and how I can be reduced to tears one moment and begin cheering when I turn the page. I enjoy daydreaming new events for characters I grow to love. After finishing a great novel one evening when I was very young, I sensed a clear question deep in my spirit, prompting me, Why don't you give it a go?

Immediately, I knew I wanted to do that more than anything. My kitchen stove has old fashioned gas jets for its hot plates, which we need to ignite with matches. With a powerful sounding WHOOSH, a beautiful ring of flame shoots up. That was the same effect this question had on my spirit. I quietly responded, Yes, I will, and felt that I was being obedient to God's prompting.

For year after year, that's exactly what I've tried to do. A novelist or author is what I'd tell school teachers I wanted to be. Now I have seven fiction titles circulating out there. Like the Olympic Torch, that flame kept burning strong. But recently, I noticed it beginning to dwindle. Trying to fan it back, I identified several extinguishers.

Financial hardship is a big one, especially as my husband studies, we struggle to make ends meet and I wonder whether I ought to cave in, place my homeschooled children in 'the system' and seek a 'proper' job - meaning one with a steady income. That one is like throwing a damp towel on my flame.

Indifference I face is another extinguisher. A small part of my fire dies whenever booksellers remain aloof or seem to snub me, whenever family or friends disappoint me by giving me the NOT INTERESTED message, whenever I find that people aren't leaving comments on my blog or even bothering to click LIKE when I've placed a link, announcement or review on Face Book. That one feels like dry ash being shoveled right over my flame.

Perhaps the biggest deterrent of all is the undesirable change I perceive in my attitude and personality. I become this praise-junkie, approval seeking, self-promoting bundle of raw nerves who feels uncomfortable every time I try to thrust myself into the spotlight, but understand that this is the way the world dictates it needs to be done if I'm to get anywhere. This is the blast that almost killed my flame; like a harsh jet of icy-cold foam.

I felt that if I have to make myself an unauthentic person who needs to thrive on pride and ambition to get my name known, I'd be far better off dousing the dream. It just didn't seem worth the price I had to pay. I began considering other paths instead. Therapist of some sort, dietician, pastor, masseuse? They all sound like good, helpful possibilities but I have no heart to pursue them for one simple reason. I never sense that same convincing voice, urging me, Why don't you give this a go?

I can't deny that my little flame is still burning steadily. Sometimes it shoots up through the piles of ash and debris and ignites the hot plate in my heart. An analogy between the great outdoors and human nature may occur to me, and the voice will whisper, Write that down, record the beauty. A throw-away remark on the News may fill me with the thought, You could easily get into the head of a character like that. Some hilarious irony may set me off laughing, and the voice is back again, telling me, That'll make a good blog post.

So while the brave little flame continues to burn, I continue to honour it. I know the gentle voice which whispers these things to my heart is good and worth heeding. Whenever I do obey the promptings, I enjoy myself tremendously, like putting all this into words for this blog post. I guess you haven't heard the last of me after all.

Paula Vince is a homeschooling mother and award-winning author of fiction. She lives in the beautiful Adelaide Hills of South Australia with her husband and three children. She keeps a wise and witty blog, It Just Occurred to Me, which aims to refresh readers with optimism and encouragement. If you'd like to check out her published fiction novels, please visit her website.

Scintillate, Scintillate...

Scintillate, scintillate, globule vivific,

Fain would I fathom thy nature specific

Loftily poised in the ether capacious

Strongly resembling a gem carbonaceous!

My son is learning to play the violin, and this week the song of choice is the one written above.

As I listened to the tentative first few notes, the squeaking of a misplaced bow across the strings, I was reminded of my own initial attempts at writing.

The first few times my fingers were hesitant, my thoughts disjointed. Nothing seemed to fit. The words that at times could flow so easily seemed to have evaporated like mist in the morning sun. I worried and fretted. Could God really have asked me to write; knowing my limitations, my lack of writing education?

My son queried me this week on the same issues. As we drove to his first lesson, he voiced the same fears. What if I'm not good enough? What if, even after I practice and learn and listen, I still can't do it? I listened to his pleas and was instantly transported back to my first critique.

I had sent my precious story to my writing group for their comments. Each day I waited for their response. Would they like my story, even a little bit? Would they make the requisite 'nice' comments so my feelings wouldn't be hurt, or would they tear it apart and announce my writing would  never measure up to the world's standards.

You can imagine my mixed feelings when my story came back. I shook as my finger clicked on the email and it opened to reveal...they did like it. They actually liked it and thought it had promise. 

Wow. I related that story to Pierce as we drove to his violin teacher. I reminded him that perfect practice makes perfect, while rubbish practice makes rubbish. He smiled a little, gave me a hug, took a deep breath and walked through her door.

My husband and I sat outside and listened. Chickens roamed around us pecking for food. Sheep grazed in the paddocks and a ginger cat sunned herself on the stone steps. 

We sat and waited. Soon, the sound we were waiting for touched our ears, and our hearts.

He played. Tentatively at first, and then with joy as his worries melted away.

Tears filled my eyes with every squeak,every misplaced note. My son had listened and won.   

What fears have you conquered in your life?

Twinkle, twinkle little star

How I wonder what you are

Up, above the world so high

Like a diamond in the sky

Twinkle, twinkle little star

How I wonder what you are.

Lee Franklin lives in Western Australia with her husband and violin-playing son. She loves to read, cook and sing to her cows. They, on the other hand, are very glad they're tone deaf. 

When Time Stands Still

Get Reading, Australia's largest celebration of books is on again this September. The challenge? To read the recommended 50 books you can't put down.

To help, the good people at Get Reading offer the latest 2011 list of books for readers to download. They also encourage young and old to find their way to Reading Rooms in most major Australian cities where author appearances, quiet browsing and comfy chairs provide the right atmosphere for sinking into a good book.

This made me think about my own favourite reading spots. In the summer, my reading room is outside. I have a cane rocker on the porch, beside the long arms of our quince tree. It's no coincidence an old rusty double-sided clock sits above me, screwed into the wall. Some might lament its faded face, stuck eternally at quarter past 4. I think it's perfect. Time stands still when I'm gardening or lost in a good book and if my broken outdoor ornament agrees, who am I to remedy this?

In Melbourne's winter, nothing beats reading in bed against the honey glow of a lamp. Could there be a more perfect reading room? Add the fingertips of rain against the window, a lit fire and peppermint tea, and I may never leave.

Oh and at this point in my life, the book must be made of paper. I may be tempted by a backlit iPad one day... but for now I'm holding onto the dog eared variety to be shared with friends when I'm done.

What about you? Where are you drawn to, when the clock stops ticking and a good book finds its way into your lap? Tell me about your perfect reading room.

**************

Dorothy Adamek is a Melbourne based writer of Historical Romance. Read more at her Ink Dots blog.

The Magic of Storytelling

"I don't read fiction," a lady said to me at a recent market where I was selling books. "I read things that are real ... very real." I bit my tongue. After all, everyone has their own taste. But I did think Lady, you are missing out on a whole other world.

There is something magical about storytelling - indeed all the arts - that bypasses the brain with its rationale and the walls and barriers we have in place and goes straight to the heart.

I used to tour with a worship pastor and I remember him referring to a group of rough-looking tattooed-up men. He knew if he said to their face that they shouldn't be abusing their wives, they would probably knock him out. However he could sing "You had a fight with your wife last night ... don't let the sun go down ... with anger in your heart." They would clap along and walk away singing the catchy phrase "Don't let the sun go down."

The same goes for other forms of art. Paintings, sculpture, drama, movies - they all managed to touch a place deep within. I know a man who never cries about anything, except at the movies.

So it is with storytelling. Nathan the prophet used a story to get David's attention, rather than confronting him with his adultery outright. "Once there was a poor man who had a little lamb..." (See the story in 2 Samuel 12)
David's heart was engaged and he was outraged. "Off with his head!"
Nathan then brought conviction by saying "You are the man."

Jesus himself used parables - stories based in absolute truth - to teach the crowds about the Kingdom of God.

And that's why I love fiction, why I write fiction. I want to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus, absolute truth, in a way that bypasses people's stubborn walls and rationalism, to get to their heart.

---

Amanda Deed resides in the south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne where she fills her time with work, raising a family, church activities and writing historical romance novels. For more information, see:
http://www.amandadeed.com.au/
http://amanderings.wordpress.com/

SIGNED SEALED DELIVERED - The Background

This Historical Romance has been some years in the making. I've come to really know and understand why my characters
act the way they do. As in real life, their past has so much to
 do with their present.

As an art student I'd wander through the cell-blocks of the Old
Darlinghurst Gaol wondering about its previous inmates. I'd
heard about the infamous Bloody Code and how it was enforced. Incidentally, the famous 19th century actress, Sarah Berhardt was given a tour and it highly amused her to discover the jailor's cat was in reality a cat-o'-nine-tails!

Years later, after simmering away in my subconscious, the idea
for this story had me scrambling to do some thorough research.
Scrolling through various Ticket-of-Leave documents, I found my heroine, and as they say, "the plot thickened". I knew it was a real saga and only a trilogy would capture all the various twists
 and turns in her life and the life of those she loved. Also, in a
 marvellous God-incident one eventful day I "happened" to attend a High Court hearing of a murder case. The court room had apparently been built early in the 19th century which gave it the exact atmosphere I could have wished for. I hung on every word of that judge and from notes taken, I was able to quote much of the judge's manner in the handing down of his verdict.

As in so many historicals, the story begins in England. And on our return from an evangelism conference in Amsterdam, my husband and I spent 3 short days in London. We traipsed the back streets, lanes, parks, and famous landmarks all part of 19th century London Town. We visited the British Museum and Windsor Castle and the details I gained from soaking up the atmosphere in those particular places I used to great advantage in Books II and III. Being there is great, but if you can't manage the travel, an author's fabulous 21st century tool, the Web, is a far cheaper and more convenient alternative.

Signed Sealed Delivered, released  Sept. by Ark House Press, is Book I of the Watermark Women Trilogy. You can pre-order from Koorong or Christian Bookstores.

Read Prologue and Excerpt at www.ritastellagalieh.com/books.html

Failure was my beacon!

There I was, waiting at the traffic lights at the cross roads of life, waiting for the red light to change. Suddenly, the Green light beckoned; my Beacon. Only, it wasn’t pointing in the direction my vehicle was turned towards. No – I had to do a U turn to get there. And quickly.

Did I? You bet I did.
Was it worth it? Of course it was!

What a lovely surprise that failure was my beacon!

I had always wanted to write. As far back as I can remember. I was the daughter of two Journalists. Books were a much loved part of our household; writing was a way of life. I remember carrying around a notebook around when I was little, scribbling poems and stories. The desire to write burned brightly inside of me.

But life happened. And everything but writing took centre stage in my life for a long long time. My interest in the English language had begun when I was little. I’d spoken my Mother tongue, Sinhalese for the first 3 years of my life. The entry into school changed that. I began talking in English then. And with that, the wide world of English books opened up for me. I was enthralled.

However, my real foray into writing had to be when I became a Christian at 16, because that’s when I joined in with God’s story. Life suddenly opened up in amazing ways. Life with a capital L! God’s reality struck me by force – and I was plunged into a new and fabulous world of living for His Kingdom. 12 years of intense Ministry followed by 21 years of Marriage and Motherhood. All good.

On the study and working front, lots of non writing avenues were explored. First I studied to be a Laboratory Technician and worked as a Lab Assistant in a Girls High school. That was good fun. Next I studied Computer programming. I was enthralled with the intricacies and delights of programming. I worked for 8 years as an Analyst Programmer and enjoyed myself. Full time mothering came next. I revelled in that of course. What job could be more rewarding (and challenging?) than bringing up a child? Lots of volunteer jobs and lots of little paid jobs; all a perfect fit with being a homemaker.

When my one and only son entered High school, I decided it was time I looked to make my own life. So I began applying for jobs. A job that that never happened. Six years of job applications to work in Administration yielded just one interview. I was second in line for the job. But… I wasn’t the one chosen one. Yes, I had failed yet again!

That did it. That was my ‘aha’ moment! Was my failure to get a job a wake up call? Was God speaking to me through it? I went to Him. I asked Him. I listened. I grappled with it for days and nights. Yes, I heard His voice. God was opening up a different way for me. Not a boring job in Administration after all. Why not pursue my heart's desire – my deepest desire – the dream I’d always longer for. To become a Writer!

Had my hour arrived? I asked my husband what he thought. He, the hard working breadwinner of our household was extremely gracious. “If that’s what you want, go for it”, he said.

What did I feel then? A big "YES!" resounded from deep inside of me. This was what I have been born for!

And so, on January 10th 2007 I entered the grand new adventure of WRITING! I started tapping computer keys. With purpose. With passion. With enjoyment. My first Aussie acceptance came in June 2007 – Into Australian Stories 2007. A sweet sweet accomplishment it was!

It’s now 4 ½ years later, in August 2011. God has been very good to me. I’ve been published in the Australian Stories books every year. My 1st Inspirational book ‘Enjoying the Journey’ was published in June 2010. Getting there has been one incredible journey. I am presently writing book number 5 and greatly enjoying myself.

It’s not about me of course. My story is about Him. The One who created me. The One who died for me. My King, my Lord, my Saviour, my All in All. I am just joining His marvellous story – the story that goes on and on into Eternity.

What a wonderful privilege to be able to share my story with you. And to hear yours. He helped me find fulfillment through my failures – the beacon that pointed the way. And then of course He shone His light brightly into my darkness, so I could follow His lead and share His love with His world.

To God be the glory, great things He has done!


Anusha delights in 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 21 year old son, Asela.

my writing

Sometimes my writing doesn’t seem to be important to me and other things seem to take priority. But generally when I go out and don’t have the internet to distract me I can get a lot of writing done.

This last week I had an appointment to keep. It was early in the morning, so it was just before lunch time that I was free. I could have gone home, but I decided to treat myself. I stopped in at the local coffeeshop as I know they had seats and tables and one of my favourite meals. I ordered my coffee and roll and sat down with a pad and pen. I always have pen and paper when ever I go out anywhere. You just never really know when inspiration is going to strike.

I obviously had to write longhand as I didn’t have my computer with me. So sitting down with a story I started a little while ago. I ended up writing over two and a half pages. Which would be about 600-700 words. I was very pleased and if I didn’t need to get home, I am sure I could have written more. Just a few days later, while I was at home, waiting for some baking to come out of the oven, I wrote over 5 pages. For some reason this story seems to really be flowing well.

Now most of the time it is more convenient to type the story straight into a word document. Where spelling is fixed and it is easy to read, but sometimes that is not the case. I also find that when I do type a story after writing it longhand I will actually edit it as I copy it. It is also good if you have to story longhand I can take that at time I don’t have a computer and check up story facts without having to wait until I get home.

There are times when I am feeling a little down, tired, and am not very inspired and I am sure that happens to all of us.  I realised it is good to have a goal, either a word limit or a time limit that you will spend writing, just to make sure you do some everyday. Today as I didn’t spend much time online, I did a lot of writing. I am thinking I will have to do that a few times a week, to keep up my writing goals.

But you don’t just have to count what you write in your current WIP (work in progress). Here I am writing a blog and this can be counted as part of my word count for today. But today I didn’t really give myself a goal as I have a meeting tonight.  A writer’s meeting for the first time at my house. It is only a small house and I fear there may only be one other person coming, but that is all right. We might re-figure the group and go in a new direction.

I hope you all enjoy writing.

Melanie Carter Winkler

I get by with a little help from my friends.(The Beatles and Asta)

In the last few weeks my husband came off his racing bike and broke a rib, our son was in and out of hospital with unexplained pain, our dog died and then we accidentally ran over our young neighbour's dog. During this time I stumbled upon creative artists -a singer, visual artists, a photographer, writers - who were starting an online support group, an 'Artist's Way' circle. (For those who don't know of 'The Artist's Way'- the author is Julia Cameron and it is a creative recovery workbook. It has helped many, many blocked creatives. I am one of them. It was definitely the springboard that led to my first published magazine articles.)

It is at least 10 years since I last worked through this book and so I am enjoying exploring its pages again. What has given me the most joy, this time, is the support of fellow creatives. Who else understands the agony of being blocked. I know poet Maya Angelou gets it. This quote of her's says it all - 'There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.' Who else can get the sheer thrill of breakthroughs than a fellow artist?

So what is the connection between my husband's broken ribs or my son's illness, the arts and the online support group? It is this: the healing power of art and the comfort of artistic friends -in particular Christian friends who are artists.

While my son was on morphine for excruciating pain I doodled in my journal - I drew him on his bed with the drip in his arm and a peg on his finger and I wrote my fears across the page. In the early morning before I went to see him in hospital I wrote about it in my 3 morning pages (an Artist's Way practice. I see it as talking to God on paper.).Then I wrote another 500 words of the novel I am playing with, which I started purely for fun while working through 'The Artist's Way' again. I thought of that phrase - 'writing to save your life', and for the first time I could apply that to me. The morning pages were cathartic, healing, they soothed me - here I sat with God. The novel was sheer pleasure - a joy. God used my love of writing to keep me afloat. And my AW (Artist's Way) 'friends' cheered me on as I filled them in on my progress, at our weekly check ins. The lovely thing about The Artist's Way is the spiritual side of this book, while not Christian, it does allow for a creator and therefore talk of God is allowed (perhaps a rare thing today).

And then there is another group - a writers' online prayer group. I know some of these precious individuals in person, others I haven't met but I feel I know them well, nonetheless. They are all Australian Christian Writers and I love them to bits. Their love and prayerful consideration of my emails has moved me to tears recently. They are always there with a kind word and I know they are praying for me and that knowledge helps me to breathe easier. This group cares for the whole of me - for my writing, my art, my hopes and dreams and for my everyday, walking around life. They care for my children, my husband and even my pets. They listen to my fears. They have prayed for a dying friend and for my emotional pain. They share my successes, and excitement at life. These friends are prayer partners who write, and somehow this makes all the difference.

So I am writing this to say if you are a writer and you don't have a support group around you to champion you on, through the good and bad times of writing and everyday life, then please consider finding yourself one or start one. And never, ever stop being the creative person that God has wired you to be. It will heal you. It will comfort you. God may even use it to speak to others.

My Path to a Writer's Life

On a cold winter's evening in a small village in Germany, a little girl was born… But as she grew up, religious morals didn't suit her. After all, hadn't school taught her that the evolutionary process leaves all things to chance and that everyone had the right to do as they pleased? So who was the church to make rules about right or wrong? At age nineteen she met a young man from a far-away country and fell in love… and many years later something unexpected happened… If you want to read more about her journey from Atheism via New Age Philosophies to the Living God, visit www.drlepke.com.au/truth.htm#4

It’s amazing what God can do with a life that is yielded to Him. When I was young, I was so shy that my cheeks would turn red every time someone tried to engage me in conversation. I felt left out, alone, wistfully eying the ‘in crowd’ and escaping into a world of books. Even my husband wasn’t happy about me being a spectator rather than a participant in social activities. Little did he know that God would one day grant his desire and give him a brand new wife; one that would very much participate indeed. To God be the glory!

But never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a writer. Especially not writing in a foreign language! I’ve always loved books, but writing? Me? Never! I didn’t even like learning when I was young.  My love of knowledge wasn’t awakened until I began studying natural medicine here in Australia, where I became fascinated by the intricacies of the human body and the prospect of being able to help people regain their health. But when I became a Christian in 1983 through the witness of two clients, my focus shifted to learning about God and His word. I would get up really early before anyone else was awake and sit at the kitchen table with my brand new bible, a cup of coffee, my ever-present crayon markers, and a special pen to note those precious treasures I found.

Many years have passed since then, but my passion for sharing the gospel has never stopped. And neither has my passion for learning, which eventually took me through all the stages of academia. I noticed a lack of growth and fervency among believers, and discrepancies between some church practices and what was written in Scripture. And somehow this stirred a desire in me to do something about it. At first I thought, “We already have such an information overload, what’s the use of adding more? “ But then I came across a book by Charles Mackintosh (penned in 1898!), and what I read inspired me to start writing:

“We do not deem any apology necessary for adding yet another to the numerous publications already extant, having for their object the circulation of pure truth. We want them all – and thousands more. We cannot have too many agencies for the furtherance of that which is good, and the suppression of that which is evil, for it is a lamentable fact that the enemy of souls has wrought far more diligently at the printing press than the servants of the living God. Numerous as are the books…in which the words of eternal truth shine…yet are they outnumbered, to an appalling amount, by publications of an infidel, immoral, and irreligious tendency.”

These words stirred my soul because they are as valid today as they were more than 100 years ago. It was like God saying to me, “Go, girl!” I have since written many articles for educational purposes, magazines and websites, and am now working on my first two books. Academic writing has always been easy for me. But to convey those facts in a creative way that keeps the reader hooked, now that is quite a different kettle of fish (oh, by the way, I love those busy fish on your blog, Jo!).

Becoming part of a writer’s community is a new experience for me, and I am hoping to get to know some of you along the way. Thank you for your inspiring posts!

Margaret is a naturopath, counsellor, writer, Web designer and speaker to Christian women. She and her husband also run a counselling, mediation and retreat ministry.
  

Margaret's professional website: www.drlepke.com.au 
Ministry: www.biblicalrescue.org 

Blog: http://drmargaretstreasurechest.blogspot.com