The Scribes Forum

Board of General Superintendents seeks Faith and Public Life statements. 

The Board of General Superintendents is seeking papers that address current cultural and public policy issues to which the Church ought to speak. 

Constituents of the Church are invited to participate in the creation of Faith and Public Life position papers that may be presented to the 2008 General Conference for adoption as positions of The Wesleyan Church on current issues.  Suggested subjects and writer guidelines may be accessed at www.wesleyan.org/faithandlife.   Or you may direct your request to Ken Heer at heerk@wesleyan.org.

God Allows U-Turns is the acclaimed Christian inspirational book series with 23 books under the recognized God Allows U-Turns “brand.” The editors have just announced a new CALL FOR TRUE SHORT STORIES and are compiling stories for THREE new volumes to release in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Submit true short stories for God Allows U-Turns - Parents Setting Boundaries, God Allows U-Turns - Boomer Babes Rock, and God Allows U-Turns - Writing from the Heart and Soul. For complete writer’s guidelines, visit the web site at: www.godallowsuturns.com

American Christian Writers Association Caribbean Cruise November 25 to December 2, 2007.  For details visit www.acwriters.com .  Other ACW conferences:

• South Carolina Writers Workshop, 10/26 www.myscww.org
• ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) 9/20 www.acfw.com , Dallas,Tx 
• Summer Writing Workshops on Cape Cod www.castlehill.org

Deciding to initiate a writer’s blog is not much different than leading a writers group.  No matter the quality or nature of the information you propose to present, people have to choose to participate and benefit.  I have lead a writers group for the last 4 yrs. –meeting bi-monthly.  The challenges (opportunities) remain the same–people must decide for themselves that they will:

• Make a commitment 
• Stay on point
• Know their purpose
• Fight procrastination
• Seek assistance and resources
• and complete the task

What would have to happen in the next 12 months that would make you feel successful as a writer?

Thanks “manchild” for your comments on when you like to write.  To be sure 3 a.m. is a great time to avoid interruptions.  Recently, our pastor (Michael Phillips, Kingdom Life Church, Baltimore, MD) challenged us with a question “Do you have room in your house for the Lord”.  As we reflected on the statement, he reminded us that it wasn’t the physical structure to which he referred. 

Do we have room in our inner man for the Lord?  Truly, by the Holy Spirit, He will lead us to what it is we are to write.  If we take time to make room, we will be able to enter the listening room at 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. as well as midnight and 3 a.m.  It’s a matter of choice and those of us who have made the commitment  know better is one hour of any day with Him than a thousand elsewhere.

Question:  What have been your best writing moments?

One of the primary areas of challenge for writers is procrastination or poor time  management.  We tend to allow issues and people to “distract” from the writing assignment.

Have any of you developed any “strategies” that have successfully addressed this ?  If so, would you share a few ideas?

Thank you for visiting The Scribes Forum!

When our automobiles feel sluggish, in need of “get up and go,” we take them for a tune up–it’s better than a tow.  The oil may need a refresh or batteries to be charged. We give them immediate attention, so the price won’t be too large.

In the ministry of writing we sometimes require  similar attention. We may need to hear a word or read a message that will encourage light bulb ideas and creative thoughts. 

The Scribes Forum will provide an opportunity to exchange ideas, encourage thought, and demonstrate support for fellow Christian writers.   It will be a place to rejoice in victories,  ”touch and agree” in prayer, and share resources and materials.  Please visit regularly.

Theresa V. Wilson

I will be on line regularly Saturdays 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays, 8 p.m.  for 1/2 hour each time and can respond immediately to your posts. Until then, write your comments and watch for replies throughout the week.