Secrets to Productivity: WRITE IT DOWN!

What do you want for this year? Think for a moment with me… Next year, this time, what do you want to see different in your life? What would you like to see finished? What would you like to see accomplished this year?

Dear friend, this year is the year of fullness. I have committed to make this year a year of commitment, accomplishment, and productivity. Want to make this year the very best ever too? Let’s find some keys to productivity. Let’s dig in and get moving strong. Ready? Well, today let’s look at one of my biggest keys to productivity…

Take time to write EVERYTHING down!

Talk about a key to productivity! If there were one thing that I really believe makes the difference in my own productivity, it is this one discipline. I know, I know what you may be thinking… Read more

How About Our Top 10 Tips for Work at Home Mothers???

Working at home? Having a tough time balancing work and home life? Frustrated with distractions? Wondering if this is what you should be doing? Just wish it could be easier?

Working at home can be challenging, but there are things that you can do to better your chance for success. Read on to find out the top ten tips for mothers who want to work at home successfully.

1. Set up your work space to match your personality. If you are bubbly and enthusiastic, use bold bright colors on your walls, and even for your mouse pad and file folders. Have matching accessories that reach out and make you want to use them. If you tend to be quiet and laidback, a more subtle approach may be more your style. Surrounding yourself with your comfort level, will actually encourage you to spend time in your home office and enjoy what you are doing. Read more

Want to Change Things?

Want to change things? Sick of being in the same old rut? Ready to see yourself reaching for those impossible dreams?

WRITE IT ALL DOWN!

Another one of our secrets to success here in our home! Actually, this one needs to become a lifestyle thing. Let me explain!

The past few years have been very, very different for me. I have had a plan for getting things done. It has worked!

I began 2006 with a bit of frustration. I had so many dreams…so many desires…so many goals…so many to-do’s. In fact, I had had those dreams,desires, goals, to-do’s for many years. Each year, I would dreamily resolve to “go for it” yet again. And…again the next year. Know what I mean??? Read more

Use a Daily “To-Do” List!

A few years ago, I read a book with my children for a homeschool unit study that we pursued during the last four years of my son’s school years. That study continues on even though he graduated over 4 years ago.

I know, I know.

It was a study that took on a life of its own. It began with a simple biography about a great businessman. We continued through as many biographies as we could find. We STILL pursue these studies even though my son graduated almost 4 years ago!

What’s the point? Oh! This is a good one! Read more

So…You Want to be a Writer??? Cindy’s Story!

This story was featured on PRMama’s blog. I thought you would want to read it here. Sooo, without any further ado…here is my story!

Hi!

Thanks for inviting us. I love what you do with your newsletter and blog. It encourages me regularly. Thanks for all you do!

This year we are celebrating two big anniversaries with our business/ministry. In the fall, we will celebrate 20 years since God called me into ministry. We also celebrate 15 years of being in business this summer! Can you believe it? We can hardly believe that the years have gone by so quickly. It is a great time to ask about our story and what the Lord has been teaching us. Thanks for the honor!

Everything began 20 years ago when I attended a Ladies’ Retreat as a nineteen-year-old newlywed. For the first time in my life, I was taught what the Bible had to say about godly womanhood. Now, I had been active in church from the time I was a baby. I never missed a church service from the time I was 2-years-old. I also grew up in a Christian home. But, these things were never specifically taught taught to me. Actually, if we are honest, these topics are not the ones that give warm fuzzies, so they are still not the most “popular” topics of many ministers and Bible teachers.

During that retreat, my whole life changed. It was not so much the retreat as it was a holy moment between me and God. In that tiny country church, I sat in prayer thanking God for teaching me His truth early in my marriage. As I sat in prayer, the rest of the world going on around me, God whispered His call to me, “Will you purpose to get to know what I have to say about womanhood?” That was a no-brainer! I was READY to learn everything that He wanted for me to learn about being a godly wife and one day a godly mother. I wanted all that God would give me in my life. The life-changing moment came when He whispered into my heart the call, “Will you teach it?” My instant question was, “WHO ME?” But…you know my answer…the rest is history!

I didn’t begin writing or begin a business that day. In fact, it is funny looking back. I thought my “job” in life would be Dental Hygiene. I loved my career. I loved my patients. I was in school training to be a hygienist and working full time on the side to get on the job training. I loved my life. It was a nice balance between my marriage and career. I never had a single thought about writing or having a business of my own. In fact, the two classes in school that I really “hated” were writing and marketing! Funny how God changes everything!

The following years were very dormant years. God blessed me with my two precious children. He took me home from my job to be a stay-at-home wife and mom. Harold finished college. And…I settled in to be a godly wife and mommy. I did not begin writing or a business at that time. It just did not cross my mind.

As the years went by, I developed a passion for encouraging other women. I simply loved being around moms. I loved Bible Studies—especially the challenge of preparing to teach them. I loved my life.

My writing began “accidentally” as I agreed to be the editor of our local Smocking Guild’s monthly newsletter. I would include neat tips and ideas for making heirloom sewing and smocking easy. This would later be the theme for all that I do today—making it easy! Many of my newsletters would feature cute ideas from my friends. I would collect the ideas and put them into print. It was a HUGE hit!

One day, my husband’s grandmother, Mamaw Alma Lee Rushton, asked me to go to the local paper to ask them to include my tips and ideas in a column (like Dear Abby—remember those?). My first response to her was, “Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” Of course, she would not accept any excuses. She very insistently informed me that I was TO GO to the local paper and show them the newsletters.

Well, I still look back in awe, knowing that it was that one pivotal event that changed the direction of my whole life. It took someone who adored me to inspire me to get outside of my box and go for it! Yep, they DID add me as a columnist that day!

My column was an immediate success. My editor was thrilled with the response. He even told me that his mom considered me as her favorite writer.

I began writing steadily at that time. I set aside time when the children were sleeping in the morning or during their naps to regularly write. Also, at that time another thing was happening parallel to the writing—I began my first business sewing for the public. I would alternate sewing and writing when the children were asleep. It worked out nicely. Plus, the business gave me fresh ideas for my column…the column inspired me to try new things with the business. It was a super combo. I had no idea of how much I would love being in business for myself at that time. I cannot imagine life any other way now.

I continued writing and running my business for several years. Only a few months after I began my column, my articles were picked up by other newspapers and magazines. By that time, I found the most unlikely thing about myself—I was ADDICTED to writing! Writing had never been such a blast before!

The next biggie happened about a year after I began my column that I was visiting with Mamaw—we loved our girl-days! When the guys would get together, Elisabeth and I would spend the afternoon with her. She and I could not have been more kindred if I were her flesh in blood. She loved me so deeply and believed in me long before I knew what I could ever be or what I could ever achieve.

I was so excited one day that another magazine had picked me up as a columnist. I took a copy of the magazine to her—she had long before set up a neat notebook (anybody recognize something here—she was the first binder queen I knew!) that included all of the things I wrote to be published and wrote for her (letters, recipes, etc). I wanted for her to have a copy of the magazine. She was always SO exhilarated about the little things that were happening in my life. She could not have been more happy about her own accomplishments!

That Spring day will forever be etched in my mind. It was the last day that I was able to see her before her death. I don’t know if others of you have ever experienced the loss of someone so dear, but it was beyond the loss. That day she spoke her “vision” over me and my life. I still feel that what she spoke to me was a word from God. During those moments that I feel a bit overwhelmed and chaos sets in, just the memory of her conversation helps me to get back on track—that was the way she was. That day was pivotal in my whole life—especially in my calling and life purpose.

The conversation was priceless. It was more of a “charge” toward God’s calling for me. Just one thing seemed out of place in the conversation. She looked at the magazine and instantly declared, “Cindy…you have GOT to write a book!” Now, the other things she said about being a wife and mommy were a “given” for me. I was committed to those things. The “book thing” seemed a bit radical…a bit far-fetched! Yep…my comment back was very original, “Mamaw, I am NOT a writer!” My how she must look down from the heavenlies with Jesus and just laugh now that I have over 80 books and even more coming very soon!

It may seem to all of you that this is just what I do, but I had every excuse that I have ever heard about why NOT to write. Now, it is just that—excuses! There is nothing like getting beyond the excuses into the calling!

There is SO much that I could share about the process. Rather, I would love to encourage those of you who are writing, yet weary…and those of you who feel that call and have no idea how to get where you are going. I am excited for you! It is no accident that you are reading this specific interview. You CAN be a writer too! Want to know some of my secrets to getting all of it done? Tips from a prolific writer? Here are a few:

Read…Read…Read!

The very best writers are the most voracious readers! Give them a book and a quiet nook to read and you have just sent them to heaven on earth! Reading supplies ideas that get the mind thinking, fresh perspective, and even train the writing style of those who read. In studies, most writers tend to read at every opportunity, but those who are the most successful writers have a discipline of reading for at least 2 hours per day! So, want to be a writer? Read.

Keep an Idea Notebook (With YOU!)!

You may prefer a pretty journal or a spiral notebook or you may be a fellow binder queen, loving the versatility of 3-ring binders. I keep both kinds. Whatever your preference, keep an Idea Notebook. Fill it with your brainstorms… outlines…ideas…rough drafts. Keep it with you. Work in it during your free time along the way. I keep a notebook for each book that I write and each conference that I teach. I have a bunch of notebooks that I use to store my individual workshop titles—I keep them together in themes and pull them out for teaching at conferences or to use for articles or radio interviews. This is one thing that has helped me to keep track of ideas and to continuously come up with new and fresh ideas for my writing projects. This ONE key will help you to develop your writing into all it can be, make you the most productive, and keep you organized all along the way!

Write EVERY Day!

Yep! You will find this counsel in every writer’s manual and in every class for writers. Does it work? Absolutely! I am not talking about writing a fresh manuscript or article each day. There are SO many ways that you can keep your skills fresh and develop them into greater skills.

For example, I recommend copying great quotes each day. As you read (did I mention to read every day? You will come across neat “gems” in your reading that beg for you to remember them. You know those quotes. Those that make you pause and soak them in! Begin a journal that is specifically set aside for copying those quotes.

The fruit of this discipline can never be underestimated. It is not just for our budding young writers, it is a life discipline for those that really want to be all that they can be. In fact, in Deuteronomy 17:18-20, God commanded that as the kings sat on their throne, they copied the Law into a book that they could keep with them. Even God, Himself, keeps quotes in a book—see Malachi where He talks about how precious it is for Him to listen to His saints as they talk among themselves about Him. He loves what they say so much that He keeps a copy of those “gems” in HIS Book of Rememberence. HOOT! And…isn’t God the most precious writer of all times? This may sound like an easy way to write every day, but it is a discipline that writers have had all throughout time. It will make a difference in your writing that will be immeasurable!

Also, try your hand at writing email or blogging (See my blog at http://www.CindysDesktop.com or http://www.Writers-Nook.com) or even beginning your own message board. You may want to join email discussion lists in areas of your interest or begin your own ezine. These are all wonderful ways that I keep myself writing every day, even when I am not working on a specific project. They make me THINK and keep my ideas organized. In fact, many times the very discussions or emails that I have written become articles or tip sheets later on. It is a fantastic way to write every day!

Of course, another way is to write bit-by-bit on your projects. Did you know that if you just write ONE chapter in a book a week, you will finish the typical book in only 10 weeks? In a year, you could finish 5 books! It just takes bit-by-bit, consistent effort! You can do it! Just write every day!

Constantly Learn!

Yep! All great writers have a discipline to learn every day! Reading is a part of that, but not the whole. We are surrounded with information, ideas, and a need to “DO.” We should all be constantly learning for our entire lives. All writers who are prolific and successful are constantly learning. They are constantly growing. They are constantly developing as a person.

Every year I make a list of things that I want to learn, along with my yearly goals and resolutions. I carry that list with me. Sometimes it feels like it is nagging at me to get busy doing something to learn something fresh. Other times, it is a nice treat to check off the new things that I am learning or look back over all that I have learned over the year. When we keep on learning and growing, it adds a freshness to our writing. Plus, it also gives us neat new ideas for those future books and articles!

In addition, constantly learn about the art of writing. A writer never completely “arrives” at perfection. Writers must constantly work on the art of writing. Writing today is nothing like yesterday’s writing and tomorrow’s writing will not be like today’s writing. It is constantly growing. Constantly changing.

And…the writing is not the only area that changes. A writer MUST stay abreast of the writing business. To be a writer is to be IN BUSINESS. Even the sporadic writer must have keen business sense or they will never make it—either someone will take advantage of them or they will never be taken seriously in the business (aka—get jobs or sell their work!). The writer of our day must learn marketing, publishing, selling, speaking, advertising, editing. No one can do these things for you. In fact, many writers fail because they wait for someone else to fund their work (publish their work) or promote their work. No one else can promote YOU like YOU can! No one else is going to take that time to take care of you—well, unless you paid them a lot of money to do so on a constant basis! You can do this yourself. Even if you had a “publisher” that you were working for, they are going to want YOU to do this in your sphere of influence. One of the “selling” factors of a writer is whether that writer will “sell” books for the publisher. They want to know that the writer has bookings to promote the books, a market for selling their books, and the ability to get the books that are published into the hands of the buyers. In short, they want to invest money that is a “sure-thing” when they print books. YOU CAN DO THIS YOURSELF! Learn the business! Commit to do it! Stay abreast of all of the changes. Your blessings will be immeasurable!

Finally, learn the technology! Technology constantly changes. A writer who wants to succeed needs to be in the mode of learning “the next thing” on a continual basis. It really pays off to learn web design and computer skills. Today there is so much opportunity available for the professional writer just because of desktop publishing. Each DAY I am amazed at the things that you can do to take your writing to the next level. The biggest hindrance is getting comfortable in what you do. A writer that wants to do all that God has called them to do, needs to be constantly learning the new things that are out there within their reach! Want to know a few that are musts online? Here are a few:

Blogging…

Have no idea where to begin? Why not try a blog? A Blog is an informal website. You can post articles, tips, journal entries, or anything that you want. It is a wonderful way to get busy writing and develop that habit of writing. You never know—your blog material may be just the perfect material to use in your first book! You have got to give it a try–I have several reasons that I recommend this to you-

1. You can set it up for easily and quickly.
2. You can post your material yourself without a web designer.
3. You can become more familiar with web design.
4. You have a place to keep your work online!
5. You have a “place” to send people who are interested in your work.
6. You can write every day or as you can!
7. Oh! You CAN DO IT!

Get Your Own Website!

Another MUST is to get your own website. I cannot recommend highly enough that you invest in your own website. It is one of the most important things that a writer can do. It is like a “home” on the web for you! Invest in that “cyber-real estate” today! Here are some pointers that will make your website all it can be…

==> Invest today at MINIMUM in your own web address—buy YOUR NAME. If your own name is available, invest in it today—even if you are not building the website immediately. For years, I wrestled with a vision for my website. In that time, I did NOTHING! For real! When I decided that I wanted to move forward, I was blessed with some of the best advice ever from a dear friend. I was advised to set up my website with MY NAME as the web address—for real: http://www.CindyRushton.com. I felt SO awkward in doing so. It just seemed a bit self-promoting—exactly! If you are a writer, you MUST promote yourself. You have to get beyond the fears and trepidations. Think for a minute. If you wanted to find me on the web, what would you look for? I have now written almost 80 books, would my website be titled under one of them? I produce 6 ezines? Would my website be best set up under one of those? What about my business name? We have three businesses at this time and we are considering expanding into a couple of others? Which one would you look for? Do you even know their names? Yes, the most reasonable name for all I do is MY OWN NAME— http://www.CindyRushton.com. It tells who I am today…and tomorrow! And…yours will too! Invest in YOUR name as your website!

==> Create a HOME on the Web. Don’t just make it a website with information about products—I HATE THOSE! Don’t you? They give NOTHING for the reader to enjoy today or to come back for later. If they do not buy the product at that time, you lose them. Rather, make a website that is a HOME on the web! Make your website a reflection of YOU! Include your articles/poems/tip sheets. Include fresh material through an Ezine or a Blog. Set up your website with a sampling of who you are and what you love to write on. Then, you will create a successful website that makes your readers want to buy your work as it comes out in print.

Set up an E-zine!

I get tickled regularly when I read different marketing ideas online. If you have been reading much of it lately, you have probably ran across the debates over whether email marketing is going “out” or not with the huge interests in blogging and RSS feeds. The opinions are as varied as you will ever find on any other topic.

Many of you probably know that I use all of them. So, what do I think? The opportunities for marketing and ministry are abundant for today’s Christian writer. I find that each of the methods we use in our ministry/business reach a different segment of our supporters. Each segment has a preference for how they most enjoy material and how they prefer to access the material. I recommend building steadily into using many different means for sharing your message—just don’t begin something that you cannot continue. Nothing looks more unprofessional than a neglected blog (I have a couple!) or a neglected message board. If you can only choose one or two things, I recommend a blog and an e-zine. An e-zine helps to develop your message for your reader. It also helps to build a mailing list of your supporters. There are SO many other perks. Every writer should have at least one newsletter list. Get started on a theme that is very natural and easy for you. Find a topic in which you can easily have fresh new material on a regular basis. Set up a schedule that works for you. Then, spread the word!

Develop Your Mailing List…

One last thing! Don’t lose those that come by your website. Be sure to set up a form for capturing their addresses. Make it easy to use. Offer them something for free—a subscription to your E-zine…a free E-book…a free bonus. Just adding a form on your website or blog will capture hundreds of people who are interested in following you through the years. Also, don’t forget to make a point of promoting your mailing list when you travel to events, speak at conferences, or send out orders. We did not announce ours as much in the early years and it took several years to build up as much as ours grows every six months now. A mailing list is the life-blood of our businesses. Begin yours TODAY!

So…Want to Be a Writer???

Any of you ready to take the plunge? These things have really made a huge difference for me through the years. Hopefully they will really help you to be all that God wants for you to be.

So many of you have immense talent. Why not offer it up to God today as a precious sacrifice? You have great things ahead of you! So…beloved…why not write that article? Why not write that newspaper column? Why not write that book. Yes! YOU can be a writer too!

Happy writing!
Cindy Rushton

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
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http://www.Writers-Nook.com

So…You Want to be a Writer???
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Do You Value Your Writing?

It all began with a notebook!

For real!

A simple 3-ring binder.

I will never forget the day that Mamaw, my husband’s precious grandmother, came to me and asked me to just take my little articles to the local newspaper for a column so she would not risk losing her copy by loaning it to her friends. She was collecting all of my articles in a notebook of her own. Of course, she was so excited about them that she was constantly sharing them with friends. She, get this, wanted all of her “copies” in her notebook and did not want to lose even one. Her only idea for being sure that everyone could read it AND that she would not risk losing even one of them was for me to begin a column for our local newspaper!

It almost went over my head! I almost missed it. In my abrupt efforts to share with Mamaw that I was NOT a writer and that our local newspaper would surely NOT want me as one of their columnist, I almost missed one of the most important lessons of my life. Of course, God had a big plan!

Mamaw would not accept my many excuses for not submitting my articles to the newspaper. She saw something in me that I could never see. She valued my words. She valued my ideas. They were very precious to her. So precious that she had invested in a 3-ring binder and sheet protectors just so she could keep all of my writing in one place! Did I mention that she was on a very “fixed” income? And…she spent what she had to invest in me.

My focus was on my limitations. Her focus was on the great value of my writing. It was a treasure for her. I simply did not see that value. It showed in my actions.

Funny thing…I had never kept any of my writing. Sure, I had kept sweet letters from those I loved…neat quotes…even sermon notes. However, I simply did not even think to keep my own writing after I finished it. It just seemed insignificant to me. Until Mamaw inspired me!

That day everything changed for me. Something (umm…the Holy Spirit! ) moved me to just “ask” if my local newpaper editor was interested in a new column–he was! My writing took off! And…I bought a binder! I invested in my writing. I began to collect a portfolio of my articles. Everything changed!

As I look back over the past 14 years since Mamaw insisted that I submit my goodies to our local newspaper, I see the importance of truly valuing our writing! It is vital!

Do you value YOUR writing?

It is priceless!

What you have to say is not only worth keeping; but it is a valuable family treasure! As a writer, you get the opportunity to build a legacy! Your words can be a treasure to our generation…and many more to come!

So…beloved friend, do you VALUE your work? What are you doing today to invest in your legacy? To invest in your family’s treasures?

Want to be a great writer?

It begins with treasuring your work. What you have to offer is simply priceless! Why not take a few minutes each day to pour your heart out upon paper? Maybe you have lots on paper…why not begin today to keep those treasures in one place? Why not build them into a precious collection–uh…a book? (grin!) And…as you do, make copies for those you love so dearly–your children, grandparents, friends, and family.

Your words are important! Very, very important! They are meaningful, special, unique, and with a great purpose. Record them today. They will be tomorrow’s legacy!

Journaling? DO IT TODAY! By Cindy Rushton

Journaling?

Oh! Don’t feel bad if your answer is “NO” right now. (at least until the end of this post!)

I just got the most AMAZING journal as a gift. A friend of mine sent my entire family a journal each. Not just ANY journal either! Designer journals! It was such a treat. Not just because they were special designer journals. Rather, it was more because of what was going on in MY HEART right before she sent them. Well, you may need a bit of background!

I have always kept notebooks, journals, and idea books. But, I have not been journaling. GASP!?

No, something deep within has hindered me from journaling. Was it reading Anne Frank’s diary in school? Ugh…well, probably…I remember thinking that IF we were being required to read her diary…then…ugh…I might not ever want to journal MY THOUGHTS…they could be at risk! Insane huh? ha!

It might be more than that!

There is something else just a bit deeper that has kept me from journaling. Actually a few things!

First, valuing my own thoughts! For real! Journaling is an investment. It is an investment of time and money. Something deep within me has held me back from preserving those thoughts. They are so rambly (is that a possible word???)…they say things that I am not sure I want in print…they have no specific focus…they lack any refinement. With all of that said, see my dilemma with investing my time to journal them down? See my dilemma with placing THOSE thoughts into a beautiful journal?

Second, fearing my thoughts! Scare you yet? No, I am just like you! I get SOOOooo mad at my in-laws. I get so frustrated parenting. I get PMS. I battle fears (obviously!). And…that is not all! I also get TOTALLY hyped up over things that God blesses me with. Truth here? Yep! I get afraid that journaling my thoughts just might make me “sound” manic! hehe! Oh, yet another dilemma that hinders me from journaling!

And…ugh…TOO BUSY! Enough said? Well…this one just wasn’t a good enough reason, but it was probably one of the largest hindrances to journaling! Getting so busy with so many things–many of which are very insignificant compared to the riches of journaling. Yet, the very things that get done!

Excuses. Excuses. Excuses!

Can you believe I write ANY books and articles? These are the same things that hinder some of you from writing!

Yep! I battle with the same things that YOU battle against!

BUT! ONE THING is needful!

We all NEED to journal!

Journaling is especially necessary for the very reasons that I have not been journaling! I need to journal! YOU need to journal! Why?

Journaling processes our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. It pulls them out of the deep recesses of our mind. Once it is on paper, we can literally disect our thoughts and see the hidden jewels in there! Totally necessary for the Christian writer! Actually, journaling is one of the most essential disciplines for the Christian writer. In a journal, a writer can brainstorm…outline…collect ideas…and work out a manuscript. Humm…only our enemy of our soul would want to discourage such a discipline!

Which brings me back to this amazing gift!

Just the day before the journal arrived, I was sitting with my family in a bookstore just pondering a million and one thoughts. I saw the cutest little journals just within eye-range. I sat there thinking, “WOW! It would be a great time of my life to begin journaling! There is SOOOo much going on in my mind. I really need to put these thoughts on paper.” Then, my brain kept racing…”Maybe I can invest in a journal JUST for these thoughts…BUT (you know where this is going!)…they cost soooo much…I would mess those pretty journals up with my crazy thoughts….” FOR REAL! And…I discounted the whole idea away.

The mail came the next day with all of the every day stuff–except a very precious box. As I opened it up, all I could do was cry. God had moved in my friend’s heart to have a journal sent to me. BUT, not just ANY journal! A designer journal! YEP! FOR REAL! It is one of the most beautiful journals I have ever seen!

Heather invested IN ME!

Words truly are so insufficient to capture what has gone on in my heart every since!

My first reactions were…”NOW THIS ONE *REALLY* IS TOO PRETTY TO USE!” (it is!) But, God moved on my heart immediately to say, “Cindy, Heather wanted to bless you and you can do nothing less than pour into this journal your heart!”

So, there it is! The beginning of MY journal!

My first entry included this (no worries to MY mind–I am not typing in EVERYTHING!),

“…Another thing that this gift does is convict me about journaling. Do you think Heather knew that there is so much on my heart and I just needed to pour it into a good friend? My first response was so wrong–”Oh! It’s too pretty to use with what *I* think and feel!” HELLO! Yep! I am a writer–80+ books–100’s of articles–and yet can it be that I do not value my own heart cries? My own exhilaration? My own walk with you? My own wisdom? Well this journal is too beautiful and too dear to NOT write in! To not record these precious days! Goodness my life is pivoting on the edge right now–I am walking into a Great Big Place! You, beloved journal, get to be my friend and host of all that desperately needs to be poured forth! Ready? Meet ya soon! Cindy”

So…all of this “ado” to bring me to a question for you….

Journaling?

Beloved, are you journaling? Are you clinging to your excuses?

Today is the day! Invest in your new friend today! Nurture your heart! Nurture your creativity! Nurture your brain! You will never be the same!

Ohhhh!

Journaling! Do it TODAY!

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
Check out my NEW site just for writers!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

So…You Want to be a Writer???
Check out our NEW Audio Seminar and Membership Site!
Sign up and get STEP-BY-STEP Help through Setting Up Your Own Wordpress Website!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com/onlineseminars.html

Let’s Setup An Outline! by Cindy Rushton

Outlining is the key to a smooth flow and thorough manuscript. Your outline will work alongside of your notebook to help you to organize your material and guide the writing process. Want a helpful guide? A balanced manuscript? Well-developed material? Try Outlining now!

* Decide on your topic/theme/book subject.

* Brainstorm all that could be included in your book—try creating a mind-map, making a list of what you want to cover, or jotting down chapters or sections of your book. If other thoughts come to mind, write them down as fast as possible. Keep jotting down ideas as they come. Do not censor your thoughts. That is for later!

* Look back over your ideas. Choose your subtopics (your chapters/sections of your book). These should support your main topic/theme.

* Under each subtopic, go back and fit in any points to be covered (in each chapter/section). The more ideas under each section, the better your details (although that is not necessary) Your details will become your paragraphs and sentences in your chapters.

* You are ready to write!

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Resolutions of a Writer… by Lori Seaborg

Last December, my husband, and I went to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on vacation. I wanted my time there to make me a writer, but by the last day, I realized that a location, no matter how exotic, cannot make a writer. It is clear that that can only be accomplished by just sitting one’s buns down in a chair and writing!

Daily. Daily, daily.

I spend so much time wondering…

What I’m supposed to write about?
What am I so high and mighty knowledgeable about?

I feel as though I am not an authority on any subject at all, especially motherhood, which is what I think the Lord wants me to write about. If He wants me to write to mothers, and if my husband believes that I can do it, then why not just take the plunge and do it? What could possibly go wrong? The type of “no” one gets in this publishing business is a written “no.” That is so much more easy to swallow than a face-to-face “no”, or a phone-call “no”.

On the other hand, if I do not write, I will lose my husband’s trust in my self-discipline, God’s calling, and much more personally.

I AM A WRITER!!!

On our last day in Mexico, I sat on a wooden carved bench with my feet on a cobblestone path in Mismaloya Village, with the river gurgling behind me, and with the bougainvillea blooming in front of me. I said aloud, “In this place, this idyllic place, I say out loud, ‘I am a writer.’ From now on , I AM A WRITER.”

Then I wrote the below resolutions in my journal:

* I WILL write every day. NOTHING will get in my way. NO interruption will be placed in importance above this calling (definitely family and home come first, of course, but I’m just saying that I’m through with excuses!). I can take my writing with me wherever I am needed, whether it is in a hospital room or on a playground. I will take it, I will use my time wisely, and I WILL be self-disciplined.

* I will stop endlessly reading about writing - I have learned enough to at least start.

* I will stop scheduling writing time - instead, I will just write.

* I will stop giving excuses to myself because I am a busy mother - God knows that, yet He called me to write anyway.

* I will stop wondering what to write - instead, I will sit down and write, even if in sentence fragments; even if I only write, “I don’t know what to write.”

* I will stop wondering why I am such an authority - I will instead agree with God that I should be writing and leave the expert editing to Him.

About Lori…

Lori Seaborg is a wife and homeschooling mother of four who lives and writes in the Gulf Coast countryside of Alabama. You may view her blog (one of MY FAVORITES!!) at http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/KeepingtheHome

Are You Writing Every Day??? by Cindy Rushton

A Note TO YOU from Cindy Rushton

If we were at a professional writer’s conference or if we were reading a professional writer’s magazine, we could be sure that we would hear one piece of counsel over and over again:

Write EVERY day.

That counsel is the one factor that separates great authors from those who never write. Yes, write each and every day!

One of my favorite authors, John Grisham, claims this as his key to writing. Other great writers throughout time have attributed this as a secret to their success.

Does this scare you? Don’t let it! There are many ways that you can write each day. On those days that things are just not flowing well for me, I love to get out a journal and just begin copying neat quotes by other authors. Usually it is not long before my juices are flowing and overflowing!

Another thing that I enjoy doing is making outlines. During those times that I sit down with a empty brain, outlining in my Idea Notebook helps make progress and usually inspires me. On days that I am ready to write, my outlines are finished and ready for me to write away!

At this time, the best thing for you may be just copying neat quotes each day. Keep those in a notebook or journal. This skill will do more for your writing than anything else (You are writing each day AND having to proofread your copy against a model—great skills!).

Write each day! It will make your writing great!

Happy Writing (EVERY Day)!
Cindy Rushton

Writing to See Writers Reach Their Dreams…
Check out my NEW site just for writers!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com

So…You Want to be a Writer???
Check out our NEW Audio Seminar and Membership Site!
Sign up and get STEP-BY-STEP Help through Setting Up Your Own Wordpress Website!
http://www.Writers-Nook.com/onlineseminars.html

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