Professor Plagiarism - Dawn Gonzalez

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Being plagiarized is a writer's nightmare. The day it happened to me, my husband boarded a plane for a funeral in Miami. He was flying above the earth and all its cares, so in a time of cell phones, instant messages, and my crisis, he was unavailable.

This fledgling writer had to deal with it alone. I approached this problem like any other — by writing. First it was a nasty email that I never sent. Then I made an online request for advice from other writer friends. My writing frenzy finally softened into prayer - the words I should have started with.

When I finally stopped talking (through writing) and listened and found there was much to learn from plagiarism.

1.  I am a writer.
Plagiarism said so, even if I wasn't quite ready to. Someone else deemed my words worth copying. I was the late-comer to this realization. The words still feel odd in my mouth, but I keep saying them in hopes that they become more familiar and comfortable. Although I've never been paid for a single written word (yet), I. Am. a Writer.

2. Blogged words are valuable.
Although they are free for the writing and the reading, blogged words have worth. There are so many options these days: traditional publication, self-publication, e-book writing. Blogging is no less an option for writers. Even agents, publishers and editors agree. They all advise writers seeking publication to blog. That button you click to send your words into cyber-space is called "Publish" for a reason. Blogging, just like all other writing platforms, has value.

3. My writing is worth protecting and defending.
Plagiarism threw down the proverbial gauntlet, and I had to decide whether or not I would defend my art and creativity. I much preferred crawling back into bed that morning, but I would have turned my back to more than the plagiarism-challenge before me. I would have been denying my lifelong love of writing, boxes of filled journals, two years of blogging, and all my future writing hopes and dreams. I reluctantly accepted the challenge. The burden was instantly lighter, and I was yet to pick up the gauntlet and take on the challenge.

4. Learning is the first step towards teaching.
I wrote a much nicer letter to my offender defining plagiarism and sent it privately. I assumed she meant no harm since she linked to my original work. I took the opportunity to share my knowledge with a less experienced writer, encouraging her to be creative and let God use her individually. Then she could be proud of and zealous for her own work, instead of comparing herself to others and wishing she had written what they wrote. It ended well. The opportunity to share my knowledge with a less experienced writer showed me I am growing and maturing as a writer and a teacher.

5. Lessons learned have a ripple effect.
My teenage son didn't understand why I was so upset. He saw it as a compliment that someone would take my words and portray them as their own. My daughters also got involved in our discussion, and they all learned about intellectual property, copyright infringement, and how to highlight with integrity and respect someone else's original work. As a student, a web-surfer, and a songwriter, my son will take care to cite works properly in academic papers and be wary of pirating the original work of others online and as a musician.

This may have been my first challenge in the writing life, but I'm sure it won't be my last. What challenges have you faced as a writer and what lessons did you learn from them?

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Dawn is a pastor's wife, mother, and writer. She blogs at www.everydayordinarydawnings.blogspot.com.

As a Writer I am Like an Artist that Doodles - Mary Edwards

Skip skip skip. I danced around the kitchen. Couldn't get into doing anything, much less writing. The phone rang. I think my heart may have skipped a thousand beats. Grinning from ear to ear I ran to answer the call I had been anxiously waiting.
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“Hello?” “Hello Mary, This is Cindy.” I sounded a bit giddy as I replied “I am so excited Cindy.” Her reply made me sit quickly in the dining room chair.

“Why?”

Uh oh. Here it comes. I was not as prepared as I thought I would be for what came next. Corrective criticism isn't always an uplifting. After sitting for what seemed like an eternity, listening to all the mechanical mistakes my short story had, I had deafened my ear to anything positive my critiquing instructor said. She did say. “This is a good story.” Those words were faint in my memory. I struggled to stay positive… a lump in the back of throat, convincing both her and myself I was fine with all she was teaching me. UGH.

Two days passed with Satan playing his games in my head. Words like inadequate, not good enough, give it up, all attacked my insecure mind. I shared these feelings with my fellow writing friends. They encouraged me and reminded me this was instruction to learn by. I knew all that. I wasn't feeling that way.

Cindy also said, “You have the coloring book outline. Now color the pictures.”

Yes, that was it. I only had the outline. I have outlines of everything everywhere…notebooks of all kinds. Composition, spiral, three ring binders. Even scratch pads have a bits written in a jig-saw of pieces. Although I felt my story was complete, it was far from it. I only had to see it with an experienced artist’s eye.

I have a clearer vision of who I am as a writer and who I will become. I am as a writer like an artist who doodles. It does not mean I am not a writer. It makes me one - one with good ideas who must learn to color in the lines. I am looking forward to Writers Advance! Boot Camp and more classes to come. I am eager to learn, to grow and to paint His words into a masterpiece for the Lord. Doodling words may be done with my pen. My prayer is He colors His will through my hands.

For I am a writer for Him.

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'. Erma Bombeck



Mary Edwards is a children and young adult book writer and photographer. As publicist chairperson for the Gathering, A Meeting Place for Creatives in Christ Conference, she has written advertisements and promotional articles for newspaper, radio station, and magazine submission. She has been published in Mature Living magazine, The Tryon Daily Bulletin and several church bulletins. Mary also writes children church curriculum and planning for various children ministries. She is self-employed at Photos by M.E. where she combines both her writing and photography. Contact Mary at wordsbyLOU@yahoo.com .

Stress and Writing - Karen Jones

I have noticed when I am stressed, worried or over committed writing becomes laborious. Words and ideas will not come. It is like looking into a black hole expecting something to appear on the horizon.

When I am at peace in my world and with my God I hear the Lord's promptings as if The God of my creation, Elohim, is pouring forth ideas like the oil running down Aaron's beard. The ideas come so rapidly I can't wait to write them down. Scriptures come with deeper understandings, children's books or ideas gush in my soul.

When I read the scripture "Be still and know that I Am God" (Psalm 46:10) I understand that being still is not just being quiet, reading the scriptures, or praying. It is being at peace in my soul.

Who Me? Called? - Amy Fish

"Remember, you are each coming because you heard the whisper of God and answered. This is YOUR call. You've enlisted and now you are part of Gideon's army of 300. I hope you come with an open mind, open heart so that your EYES will be opened while you are with us." - Cindy Sproles

These words from Cindy had me doing a double take this morning. As I read and re-read, my heart rejoiced. Dare I believe that this be true? With confidence, I now can say, "YES!" It was about a month ago that my dear friend approached me and asked if I wanted to attend the conference. Hesitantly, I told him I did. To my surprise, he told me my way would be covered. I was shocked. Speechless actually. NOTHING was standing in the way for the Lord to further equip me to write.

Days passed, and I began to question if traveling to The Cove was the right thing to do. Once I realized my way was paid, I quickly drafted my husband to be my companion. Both of us had been writing bits and pieces of lessons learned in our journey with the Lord for years now. We had never been published, but the love to express our heart through the written word was a connecting bond. However, as time drew closer excuses began to pile up.

What about our children and dogs? We'd be missing our daughter's basketball tournament and our new puppy was only three months old. Was it right to leave them? Yes, my way was covered, but paying for my husband seemed far too extravagant for us to cover with finances so tight. How could we possibly afford this right now?

Then the family concerns turned to feelings of inadequacy. Who am I, Lord? Why would anybody want to read what I've written? Aren't there tons of other people out there who can write better than me. Amidst all the thoughts and excuses, a gentle nudge within my heart kept encouraging me to simply pay the deposit. So with a bit of fear and trepidation, I did.

Reading Cindy's reminder that I have been called puts a smile on my face. Robert Benson, author of In Constant Prayer, writes, "To be a writer is to bear witness to what you've seen and heard." I'll never forget the first time I read those words for in that moment I could hear the Lord saying to me as He did to the disciples, "You shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8). We have all been called to bear witness. Now is the time to sharpen the ax.

With great joy, I look forward to meeting my fellow soldiers and getting the equipping I need to be His witness.

To God be the glory.

Writing Coffee - Mary Downs

Occasionally, we need to be encouraged to move forward with our writing in spite of our personal fears and challenges. I went through one of those difficult times recently. I desperately needed a tangible sign from God. Would you inspire my writing in the days ahead, I asked. “I’m stepping out in faith to write for the public.”

Our writers group was given the prompt “To Go” by one of the members, due the next week. I had not been able to come up with any ideas. My mind was blank and the challenge was due the next evening. I was nothing short of frustrated.

Sometimes I think writer’s block permanently sits on my shoulder just to poke at me regularly. Finally, I sat down to relax, calm my negative thinking and pray for inspiration. With my laptop in hand, I wrote the title at the top of the page and waited. Before long I had a burst of energy and a dab of anger. This poem emerged.

Going

I’m going to be a writer
Whether you like it or not.
Place the words in motion
In the order of my thoughts.
God will guide the process
As I search to find His will
He knows the lives He wants to touch
With the strokes of my holy quill.


There…I had gotten an idea written down.


Only something God could orchestrate the following events. As I centered the poem on the page a shape appeared. Can you see the shape the poem makes?

I’m going to be a writer

Whether you like it or not.

Place the words in motion

In the order of my thoughts.

God will guide the process

As I search to find His will

He knows the lives He wants to touch

With the strokes of my holy quill.

If you look closely and imagine a curvy handle on one side, it becomes a perfect teacup and saucer. I was shocked and joyous when I saw the image materialize. It dawned on me the lady who gave the prompt collects teacups and saucers. God answered my prayer and helped me gain confidence again. The poem has become a lasting testimony to revisit when doubt and fear invades my mind about the writing He has called me to do.

“Fill my cup, Lord, I lift it up, Lord

Come and quench this thirsting in my soul

Bread from Heaven, feed me 'til I want no more

Fill my cup,

fill it up and make me whole.”

Mary Jane Downs is an inspirational writer of poems, stories, devotionals and children’s stories. She has been published in Awe Magazine, InspiredMoms.com, and judged the weekly writer’s contests for Faithwriters.com. Mary Jane graduated from LaGrange College, LaGrange, GA with a degree in Elementary Education. She is currently the assistant director for The Gathering-A Meeting Place for Creatives in Christ Conference. Contact Mary Jane at maryjanewrites@gmail.com.

The Price of Beauty or How to Embrace Editing - Sarah Thomas

Last fall we were having perfect autumn weather--it was in the 70s, the sky was a brilliant blue and the leaf color was at its peak. How could we not go outside? So outside my husband and I went to hike in Pisgah National Forest with Thistle testing the limits of her leash.

The Forest Service logged the area where we often hike not long ago. Now, I’m in favor of harvesting timber. When done right, it’s good for the forest, good for the trees and reduces the likelihood of forest fires. Still. Having hiked those woods for 10 years or so I felt a little sentimental about certain spots. Say the sighing pine that told me we were nearing the bottom of a trail. Or the huge log where we used to leave walking sticks propped for our next visit. Or the little side trail that had showy orchis blooming along its edge each spring.

As we made our way up the trail, most of the forest was unchanged. But I knew that once we took the steep, descending trail, it would pop us out into a lower area that had been almost completely clear-cut. I would miss certain landmarks and knew I would have to squint and use my imagination to recognize the trail that once was.

So I was bracing myself as we stepped into the edge of the timbered area. The forest service did a nice job of thinning the trees at the border of the cut to create a more gentle transition. And there, beyond those last few trees, was an unexpected gift. The wide open view allowed us to see the mountains ablaze with October color as the sun sank toward the horizon. One prominent fold glowed with light while the next fold receded into velvet shadow. Even Thistle seemed content to sit a moment. Perhaps the loss of the sighing pine was a fair trade after all.

And that’s how I try to look at editing my manuscripts. Yes, I’m attached to the scene with the old family veterinarian. I just love that guy! But will the scene help my readers see the bigger picture? Or will it lose them down a rabbit trail? Can cutting those paragraphs give readers a glimpse of a panoramic view? If it can, then the vet has to go.



The forest service didn’t finish their logging operation in a day, a week or even a month. It took time to plan the cut and to execute it. But the result is a healthier forest with a view that makes me feel a little sorry for people who live in flat places.

So. I’ll be taking a chainsaw to my manuscript once again. Got to get the deadwood out. Got to free up that amazing view.

Sarah Loudin Thomas is seeking publication of her novel, The Memory of Drowning. She has written articles for magazines and newspapers including Now & Then: The Appalachian Magazine, The Asheville Citizen Times and The Journey Christian Newspaper. Her poetry has appeared in Now & Then, Appalachian Heritage and The Pisgah Review. A member of ACFW, she maintains a blog at www.sarahanneloudinthomas.wordpress.com

Eleven Days and Counting

Boot Camp is eleven days and counting. Are you ready?

Why Writers ADVANCE! Boot Camp? Because God calls us to ADVANCE into battle not retreat. In a world where others tend to discourage our gifts, we are called by Him to use them. Your gifts of writing are part of the innate being of God. Made in His image, He knew you long before you were born and He knew the gifts that would best serve you when He called you into battle. Writers ADVANCE! Take up your pens, open your imagination, suit up and write the words you are gifted to write.

ELEVEN DAYS AND COUNTING! Soldiers. Ready your arms.

What Were You Created to Do? - Martha Hynson

For the past five years, I’ve written a monthly inspirational column called Through a Woman’s Eyes. I’m very thankful for the opportunities God’s given me to write for Him. Like most women, however, my schedule is packed and finding time to write is often a challenge.

Recently, I’ve felt God leading me to make a life changing decision which will allow me to have more time to write. I’ve been praying for God to provide encouragement and confirmation in this decision. On a recent Saturday afternoon, with this on my mind, I sat down to look over some of my past articles in preparation for the upcoming conference. As I did, God used my own writing to remind me of a lesson I learned long ago. I want to share part of an article with you in the hopes that you might be encouraged by it, as well.

When my children were little, I attempted to sew for them. I say attempted because I wasn’t a very talented seamstress. After a while I began to ask myself why it was so important to me to make my children’s clothes. Was it because my mom had made my clothes? Wasn’t that what good mothers did? As a stay-at-home mom, I felt I should save money wherever I could. Wasn’t sewing my children’s clothes a smart way to do that? Maybe I could even sew for others and earn some money. All these reasons kept me stitching and ripping, but there was something more. Even beyond all the reasons I felt I should sew, I kept at it because there was a longing in me to create something of beauty.


One day, as I chauffeured kids from one activity to another, we passed a sign for a children’s consignment sale. I stopped the car and turned around. Thirty minutes later, I left with my little girl’s summer wardrobe (bought at a fraction of the retail price) and plans to consign her outgrown clothing at the next sale.


I was so excited about the concept of consigning that I submitted an article about it to a parenting magazine. To my delight, I not only sold the article but also went on to write for the publication on a regular basis.


I was amazed at how God had provided. I was able to dress my daughter beautifully, without busting the budget. In fact, I was earning money by consigning her clothes and by selling articles. Through my writing, I’d even found an outlet for my creativity. Who would have guessed that all the things I’d tried to accomplish with my sewing were within my reach without my ever having to pick up a needle and thread.

It finally began to dawn on me that, although sewing is a wonderful gift, it isn’t mine. God simply did not stitch me together to stitch things together.


God has a pattern for each one of us. He has designed us all to be unique and special and He doesn’t expect any of us to be someone other than who He designed us to be. Ephesians 2:10 says, For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

I’ve spent plenty of time trying to accomplish things that God never intended for me accomplish. It took me a while to understand, but it was only when I finally let go of what I thought I should do, that I found what I was truly created to do.


I am a writer.

Martha Hynson writes “Through a Woman’s Eyes,” a monthly inspirational column for women. Her column is printed in The 400 Edition, a North Georgia magazine, as well as The Shelby Shopper, a North Carolina regional publication.

Carolina Christian Writers Conference

Carolina Christian Writers Conference Newsletter
Greetings!


The Carolina Christian Writers Conference will be held at First Baptist
Spartanburg, Friday, April 20-21. This two-day event will offer you the
opportunity to learn from professionals in the publishing industry. Those who attend can learn about fiction, nonfiction, article writing, humor, children's writing, book proposals, social networking and more. Discover how to take your story from idea to the printed page. Pitch your work to editors and publishers. Explore the mechanics of good writing and the importance of writing with excellence to change the world.

Now is the time to realize your dream of being a published author.

Everyone has a story and now may be the time to learn how to tell yours. Join us for two information and inspiration packed days as you spend time with editors, publishers, and professional writers. Let them help you explore ways to share your story with others.

Visit the webpage www.fbs.org/writersconference for more details.

Writing for Him,

Linda Gilden
Director, Carolina Christian Writers Conference


Cost is $125 and includes all workshops, tuition, meeting time with professionals, and snacks. Lodging is not included.
Candy and Met
(Please let us know if you need suggestions.)


Early bird price: $100 by February 29.

Some scholarships are available.

Register by calling 864.699.4314 or online at www.fbs.org/writersconference



Special Saturday Morning Pastors Workshop

Pastors, join us for the 9:00 a.m. Keynote session and stay for an information packed workshop with Leonard Goss, former editor at B&H Publishing Group, now coowner of GoodEditors.com. Learn how to take your message from pulpit to print. Cost $20 and does not include appointments with professionals, conference materials, or meals.

For more details and a list of faculty and workshops visit
www.fbs.org/writersconference

Save with the Early Bird Special

Tuition $100 if paid by February 29.
$125 after February 29

Offer Expires: 2/29/12
Register by calling 699.4314 or at www.fbs.org/writersconference

Stepping Stones - Sally Matheny

This past year, I have found myself journeying down a new path. God has taken me from writing in journals about my children to writing devotional articles for other children, to answering phone calls from prospective homeschoolers and writing encouraging articles for homeschooling magazines. He’s has been stretching my boundaries (and my comfort zones). After reading hundreds of children’s books in my life, I’m now testing the waters and writing one of my own.

God has called me to write. I pray daily God will tell me the “who, what, when, where and how.” He hasn’t just dropped a completed manuscript in my lap, yet. As in any calling in life, God expects us to cultivate the skills and talents He has given us.

One thing that has helped me focus on the goal, is keeping a running list of my “stepping stones.” After a writer sends off a manuscript, months can pass before receiving a response. Rather than waiting for confirmation, I continue writing; taking strides in the right direction.

My stepping-stones included reading books about writing and the writing business. I kept a list of each book I read and made notes about what I wanted to remember from each one. The more I read, the more I realized how much I did not know, thus, more reading.

Visualizing the benefits of more hands-on training, I signed up for two writing conferences. I figured if I was going to enlist in a new tour of duty, there would be no better place to start than “Boot Camp.” More training is in store for me at a Children’s Writers conference in March, entitled “Write2Ignite.”

Broadening my scope, I began to research other writers with similar interests. The ones I chose to contact have been gracious and helpful. I began studying their websites; learning how they reach their readers. All this information helps me put together my own website… still a work in progress.

One day as I was having a bit of a pity party, thinking nothing was happening with my writing; God drew me to look in my notebook. I read over the list of all the books I had read and thought about the steps I am taking to improve my vessel. I realized God is using each one as a stepping-stone. Read a book…learn a new skill… take another step in His direction.

God always has something happening in our lives to further His purposes, whether we perceive it or not. He equips us for the next phase. Although sometimes I want to leap over three steps in one bound, I trust the Master’s plan and take one at a time, knowing each has its own purpose.

As writers, new or seasoned it’s important to continually “strengthen our positions and see what must be done” (I Kings 20:22a, NIV) so that we are ready for God’s next assignment. Praying through the discouraging days, pushing past obstacles, we take one step at a time, as God continues to train us in the way He wants us to go.
You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light.

With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. Psalm 18:28-29

Encouraging others is Sally Matheny’s mission in life, with a special passion for children.  Recently, she has written for the devotional magazine, Keys for Kids.

Sally takes pleasure in speaking at various women’s events and children’s groups. God has used her as a facilitator for Bible studies with women, children, and parents. For twenty-five years, she’s taught God’s truths to children, from toddlers – teens.

Sally, a former public school teacher with a M. Ed., is happily married to her pastor-husband and they have homeschooled their children for twelve years.

Member : SCWBI, ACW.  Contact her at (website): www.sallymatheny.weebly.com (email): sallymatheny@gmail.com