November 2012

Post date: Nov 6, 2012 1:21:33 AM

This month, our inspiration comes from Sharon Balts:

Sometimes, it is easier to write of other’s experiences than focus on our own mishaps. And it is often easier to write about those whose thoughts and actions are similar to ours rather than consider those who are offensive. Are there people, places, and events too painful for us to put on paper or is writing our best outlet for exploring failures, fears, and agonies?

November is traditionally our “thanksgiving” time of year. It is easy to count as blessings health, loving family and friends, needs met, and a roof over our heads. But do we count hard times and troubles among our blessings?

Consider what you have learned from your most upsetting experiences. Did they strengthen you? Humble you? Develop you? Give you a mission? Perhaps you missed learning a lesson the first time and found that God had you revisit a situation again, and again. Did you finally gain understanding?

WRITER’S CHALLENGE:

This month, look at where you once were, compare it to where you are now and count as one of your blessings that which God is working in you. Write about it.

He who began a good work in you will see it through to completion. Philippians 1:6

Thanks Sharon!

COMING UP: November 13, 2012 sports writer Jack Bushnell on his journey as a writer and on how baseball is a metaphor for life. See the schedule page for more details.

NEXT MONTH: Our Christmas meeting will be a guild talent show. Be thinking of what you'd like to share (Christmas theme): writing, music, drama, a reading, and more. Also, paid guild members will be allowed to sell books they have written on the resource table--a great opportunity for all of us to do some Christmas shopping!

YOUR PARTICIPATION: We love getting members involved and here's your chance. We are looking for people to give a 5-10 minute presentation for the "Your Turn" segment of the meeting. This is your chance to share your writing journey, read an excerpt from your book or a book that has changed your life, or share about a resource that has helped you as a writer. However you want to use the time, it's your turn to get up in front and practice your public speaking. We're also looking for members to write a paragraph for the monthly newsletter and for people to give a 5-minute devotion at the beginning of meetings. Feel free to e-mail WWCWG and we will forward your e-mail to the board member in charge of Your Turn, Devotions, or the News.

FEEDBACK (CRITIQUE) OPPORTUNITY: If you want to receive feedback on your work, come early (5:30 p.m.) to meet with others. Bring 6-8 copies of your short piece (300 words or so) for the group to read along as you share. You could bring what you’ve written in response to the prompt above, or something else you’re working on. It can be a portion of a book chapter, or a short article too.

DID YOU KNOW? We have a WWCWG Facebook page. We'll be including links to our meeting info so you can easily share it with friends to invite them.

Blessings,

Michelle Rayburn

President