I have been thinking about this whole “writing business.”

Pastor P was talking this morning about how You took him through that time of trying to do what everyone else (other pastors and churches and the “board” of the street ministry) thought he should do. Until his health broke from the endless work. . . . → Read More: my writing purpose]]> 4 July 2010

I have been thinking about this whole “writing business.”

Pastor P was talking this morning about how You took him through that time of trying to do what everyone else (other pastors and churches and the “board” of the street ministry) thought he should do. Until his health broke from the endless work. And stress. And then he was able to see clearly that he is to do only what You have called him to do. Even if it doesn’t bring the success, and ministry size, and fame that others envision (and perhaps want to be part of?).

And I have been thinking. Maybe You took me through this time of “exploring my options” and researching how to do writing as a business, and trying to be part of the on-line marketing thing, and trying to quickly build up an “income” in the three months of severance pay after my job abruptly ended when the office closed. Maybe You allowed me to go through all that (and apparently not succeed, at least in terms of quick monetary gain or huge readership), so that I could see that, as my wise friend G told me:

“Norma, you know what your passion of passions is! Write about that!”

Writing for You, with You. Whatever, however, that works out, day by day.

I’m not here to get rich. Or famous. Or even to “make a living,” per se. I am here for the purpose YOU have have for me. And it is time to do it. Time to put that “book of prayers” together. Time to write that play. That to do whatever you call me to, day by day, moment by moment. For Your glory, Your purposes, Your kingdo. With You. Please. Please help me.

Oh, and without thought of income, of recognition, even of having lots of friends and being part of a great, exciting local home church gathering.

Well! I am tackling the list!

Posted the following stories to my Conversations, Reflections and Meditations website, in the creative writing section:

Insects, Tendrils, The One, Penticton Pedestrian (poem), Gas Miracles, The Entry.

And then posted the following stories to my Hill Gang site:

Gas Miracles, Motorbike Adventure, and Eddie’s Big Soup Pot Adventure.

Then spent the rest . . . → Read More: tackling my to-do writing list]]> 2 July 2010

Well! I am tackling the list!

Posted the following stories to my Conversations, Reflections and Meditations website, in the creative writing section:

Insects, Tendrils, The One, Penticton Pedestrian (poem), Gas Miracles, The Entry.

And then posted the following stories to my Hill Gang site:

Gas Miracles, Motorbike Adventure, and Eddie’s Big Soup Pot Adventure.

Then spent the rest of the day doing coding for my prayers and meditations from January to June 2003. Catching up! You can find those on the website as well.

I was discouraged today because I have felt that almost no one is responding to my writing, especially my writing that is related to You.

And I am feeling quite alone in regards to coming out of “structural/ institutional” church, at least here in this community.

And then I was just sitting . . . → Read More: small to men, great to God]]> 1 July 2010

I was discouraged today because I have felt that almost no one is responding to my writing, especially my writing that is related to You.

And I am feeling quite alone in regards to coming out of “structural/ institutional” church, at least here in this community.

And then I was just sitting here reading Reimagining Church by Frank Viola, and these words jumped out at me:

“God’s most precious work has been accomplished through the small, the weak, and the unnoticed.” (referring to 1 Cor 1 :26-29; 1 Kings 19:11-13)

“…the greatest things in God’s eyes are extremely small in the eyes of men.”

“The call of God to recover the primitive simplicity of organic church life requires that we begin on entirely new ground. A ground different from the religious systems and traditions that we fallen mortals have constructed. And that ground is the Lord Jesus Christ.”

And as he pointed out previously in the book: the cross (death to self) before the Spirit’s power.

The last couple days I’ve been organizing myself to really get to my writing. For the past 3 months or so, I’ve been doing lots of research, and trying to keep up my blogs, and such. But it is definitely time to seriously write! Time to back off on the researching, . . . → Read More: getting ready to really write]]> 25 June 2010

The last couple days I’ve been organizing myself to really get to my writing. For the past 3 months or so, I’ve been doing lots of research, and trying to keep up my blogs, and such. But it is definitely time to seriously write! Time to back off on the researching, and start actually writing and publishing! I cleared up all my email subscription postings from various bloggers, which I have let pile up. And went through and dealt with a long list of bookmarks that have also been piling up. I typed up notes I’d written in my journal, related to publishing on-line. And I backed up all my new notes and pictures on my external hard drive; I’m trying to do that really regularly now!

I have been working on making a comprehensive to-do writing list. I have had so many ideas lately, and need to sort them out, prioritize, and get to it! The weather has been pretty great, so I’ve been sitting outside in my gazebo, with my laptop and writing notebooks, listing all the ideas re writing that I’ve been jotting down in my blog posts. I have also gone through my computer, external hard drive, and back-up discs from the last 5 years or so to locate things I’ve worked on writing, but that need finishing – and publishing, of course.

I really need to sort out my blog topics, as my main blog, especially, and my website, both cover many different topics. The question is, do I make a separate blog for each topic I’m really interested in? Or do I just make separate pages on the one blog? (I already have a couple specialized blogs already, one called My Church Journey and another A Mother’s Journey, which I am going to convert into a novel (you can help out!) at Novel Under Construction. And I have a family stories site, as well, which I am working on. But I’m wondering if I shouldn’t also have a site dedicated to writing and publishing, another to life-long learning and home schooling, and so on. What do you think?

Besides all that, I’ve been doing some writing activities, of course. I did an actual critique of a poem posted by a member of our local writers e-group, which took me quite awhile! I am discovering that doing critiques is an excellent way to make me more aware of what needs to be improved in my own writing. I also posted a story to a critiquing list I belong to, and received some great feedback! Lots of things to improve upon. I have also been checking out opportunities to do guest posts on other blogs.

Well, I just about have everything done – just need to look through some old paper files. And then I will have no excuses left! Time to write – and publish!!!

Getting behind in my blogging and posting again! Well,of course, I did quite a bit of blogging over at the My Church Journey” blog, the past few days.

I spent most of today having an absolutely wonderful time with my 1 1/2 year old grandson and 1 1/2 month old granddaughter, as . . . → Read More: grandmothering, personal letter writing, aboriginal day]]> June 22, 2010

Getting behind in my blogging and posting again! Well,of course, I did quite a bit of blogging over at the My Church Journey” blog, the past few days.

I spent most of today having an absolutely wonderful time with my 1 1/2 year old grandson and 1 1/2 month old granddaughter, as mommy was sick. It is so cool being a naanii (grandmother)!

I also came up with an idea for a “personal letter writing” business. Something like “Ye Olde Fine Art of Letter Writing Shoppe” (lol). Doing invitations, thank-yous, get-wells, Christmas letters (both handwritten on cards, and in newsletter form), personal letters, even family newsletters for people. I first thought of it because there are so many seniors around here, and I know that they value “old-fashioned” letter writing, but it becomes difficult for many of them in old age. And of course many people are busy, busy, busy, but would still like to send out personal notes and letters.

If you missed my article on earning money from your writing skills, I’ll repeat a bit of it here.

The fine old art of friendly/personal letter writing seems to be evaporating, and yet so many people are delighted to receive a handwritten letter. As one who has attractive handwriting, skill in writing personal letters, and some graphic design skills, it has occurred to me there are all kinds of people who might be happy to hire me to do some of this kind of writing for them.

It might seem as though hiring someone else to do one’s “personal writing” is a bit oxymoronic, but of course businessmen have been having their secretaries do it for them for years, movie stars hire personal assistants to answer fan-mail, the Queen has her ladies-in-waiting, and so forth. And of course there are plenty of ordinary people who are very busy or have valid reasons for being unable to do their own writing, who would love to have someone help them send out personalized cards, letters, and messages.

So…. anyone want to hire me?

Yesterday was Aboriginal Day in Canada, and we would have loved to have been “home” in Old Massett for the raising of SIX new totem poles, as well as the Jasper Raven pole being repatriated and raised! You can see a few details here. Well, we have enjoyed looking at all the photos posted on facebook by people who did attend all the events (it was a very exciting week, with the Haida-Gwaii renaming ceremony a few days previous and other related events)!

Anyway, we went instead to the local celebrations hosted by the Penticton band of the Okanagan Nation, and spent several hours enjoying singing, dancing and drumming, as well as eating delicious Okanagan fried bread! Thanks for your hospitality!

I was born “Norma J Wright” – but today I was offered the opportunity to be not only a “wright” (someone who works or makes something – for example, a millwright), but today I was offered the opportunity to become a playwright!

Well, “become” perhaps isn’t the correct term, because I have created plays . . . → Read More: me a playwright?]]> June 22, 2010

I was born “Norma J Wright” – but today I was offered the opportunity to be not only a “wright” (someone who works or makes something – for example, a millwright), but today I was offered the opportunity to become a playwright!

Well, “become” perhaps isn’t the correct term, because I have created plays before; for example, when living on Haida Gwaii, I wrote (and directed) a play called “A Haida Christmas” which cast the traditional Christmas story in Haida terms, similar to how the “Huron Carol” cast the Christmas story in Huron terms. And when I was teaching Core French at a Christian school, I wrote several short plays for the students, based on stories and parables from the gospels. And I have been involved in a bit of drama now and then. So I’m not completely new at this. But this is the first time I’ve been “commissioned” to write a play! Very exciting!

I have been learning to write stories using lots of dialogue and action, so I’ll be able to use those skills I’ve been developing, too.

Cool! thank You, Father! (But, oh, let it be from You and for You! Please!) (And may it bring others to You, too!)

I just realized I’ve been using quite a lot of humor lately in my writing – without even thinking about it. And I note that the humor is well-received. Time to integrate it into more of my writing.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” – and stimulates creativity and laughter . . . → Read More: A merry heart doeth good for my writing!]]> 19 June 2010

I just realized I’ve been using quite a lot of humor lately in my writing – without even thinking about it. And I note that the humor is well-received. Time to integrate it into more of my writing.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” – and stimulates creativity and laughter and good health – and yes, better writing!

Are you a “wanna-be writer?” You really can successfully generate income from your writing skills! Now!

What is your writing dream?

Perhaps your dream is to write a successful book (fiction or non-fiction) that will potentially create long-term, continuing income. But generally, . . . → Read More: Earn income from your writing skills – now!]]> EARN INCOME FROM YOUR WRITING SKILLS – NOW!

Wanna-be writer? You can write professionally! Now!

Are you a “wanna-be writer?” You really can successfully generate income from your writing skills! Now!

What is your writing dream?

Perhaps your dream is to write a successful book (fiction or non-fiction) that will potentially create long-term, continuing income. But generally, writing a book is a complex effort than takes a long period of time before it is finally published and you start to reap the rewards of your work. And then you usually have to spend a lot of time and effort marketing your masterpiece.

On the other hand, maybe you just love to write prose or poetry, fiction or non-fiction, but your literary efforts are sitting on a shelf in manuscript form, gathering dust. Meanwhile you labor away at a “job” that pays the bills but doesn’t inspire you, and doesn’t involve your passion for written communication.

Whatever your situation is, you can be a writer. Now! And you can make money. Here are some suggestions:

Do technical/business writing

Many companies require employees with strong writing skills, especially for technical and other business-related writing. In this time of economic slow-down, companies often cannot afford a full-time writer, but might be delighted to have someone who is able to write for them part-time or on-call. You might even start your own small business, offering your skills to such companies. You can go into their offices to work, or work from your computer at home. Either way, most of your work will be done “electronically,” meaning you have very few overhead expenses.

At one time, when my children were small, and I did not want to have to hire baby-sitters and work outside the home, I started a home-based business, “Norma’s One Stop Shop,” in which I offered these very types of writing services. I was hired by both companies and individuals, and when some small businesses discovered I also had book-keeping skills, they hired me to do their book-keeping as well. I was able to do almost all my work at home. I even ended up helping some entrepreneurs write business plans. One of those plans was honored as being in the top 3 business plans submitted that year in British Columbia to an Employment Insurance business-creation program.

Write magazine and newspaper items

Write articles for magazines and newspapers. Most article-writing does not require a huge amount of time, as compared to book-writing, nor does it usually require the level of in-depth knowledge that book writing involves. Of course, there are many magazines and journals that are specialized, and if you have expertise in those areas, you can combine your writing ability with your other area(s) of expertise.

When I was home-schooling my children, I was very active on home-school e-lists on the internet. Some of the comments and ideas I posted were picked up by home-school and other education magazines and newsletters. Publishers contacted me, asking permission to print my e-mail articles or asking me to flesh them out for use in their magazines. One of my articles was even translated into Dutch for a magazine in the Netherlands.

Write “Letters to the Editor”

If you have not been “published” at all, and are afraid to start, you can begin by writing “letters to the editor” in newspapers and magazines. You won’t get paid, but you will see your work in print, which is very encouraging. And if your letters are interesting, thoughtful, informative or entertaining, you may well attract the notice of the newspaper or magazine editor, and may have opportunities to write for the publication.

I myself have, through simply writing “letters to the editor,” been asked to write weekly newspaper columns, to write articles, and to do freelance journalism, both print and radio (for example, attending y events and writing them up for the paper, or reporting them on-air). Letters I have written have also led to speaking engagements for various organizations, and my letters have even led to changes in local by-laws: when I lived in Masset, the community created school-crossing zones which had not previously existed. Another letter led to creation of new policies by School District 23 related to school fund-raising; the policy arose directly out of comments in a letter to the Kelowna Daily Courier,when I was just 16 years old. One letter was even used in collective bargaining sessions by the BC nurses’ union in 1991 as part of their bargaining strategy, and they told me it made a large impact. Not only can your letter writing develop your skills; it also informs others of your expertise or interests, which leads to more opportunities.

Become a newspaper stringer

If your area has “regional” newspapers or magazines, you may be able to become a “stringer,” sending in news items or local columns from one of the communities in the region. These kinds of columns often offer the writer the opportunity to really express themselves in their writing.

For example, when I lived in Masset, on Haida Gwaii, for several years I wrote a weekly column called “Masset Sounds” for the Queen Charlotte Islands Observer newspaper. While I did include some local news items, the column was mainly local human-interest stories, and observations reflecting the atmosphere of the community. At one point, the paper decided to go with straight “hard news.” But when subscribers (including readers from as far away as Toronto who had subscribed just to read the column) threatened to withdraw their subscriptions, the column was reinstated!

On-line writing

If you enjoy working on-line, consider a website or blog of your own. There are many ways to grow an income. Start with your own writing. Develop a niche topic where you provide information or entertainment that attracts loyal readers because it is unique in some way. You can provide advertising space, produce your own on-line writing “products” (ebooks, webinars, etc), as well as making your site a platform to sell your hard-copy books. You can also offer to be a speaker on your topic, lead seminars, and much more.

If creating your own site seems overwhelming, there are many on-line opportunities to write. Comment on articles others have written. Join social networking sites. Write for others who have blogs or websites specializing in something in which you have expertise. Write for wiki sites, like Wikipedia. There are practically endless opportunities.

Tutor writing and reading

You may become a tutor for school students,home school students, college students, or people learning English as a Second Language. Tutoring can pay from $20 to $30 an hour, or more, if you are doing specialized work.

For example, I have tutored new Canadian residents, or long-term visitors, from places like Korea and Ghana, to develop their English reading and writing skills. I have taught creative writing skills to home-schooled students (in exchange for fresh beef instead of cash: their parents raised cattle!). And I have worked with a number of students with various learning disabilities which have affected their reading and writing.

Other great suggestions

If you have strong writing skills, consider working as an proofreader or editor for college students writing term papers, or an for other people’s writing (editing and/or proofreading is a learning experience that improves your own writing, too).

If you have already published a book, have successfully written articles or stories for publication, or have other in-demand writing skills, why not come up with a course idea, and offer to teach it as a non-certificate program or seminar through a local college (or as a certificate program, if you have the qualifications).

Many people have difficulty filling out application forms, writing cover letters, crafting letters to deal with business-related issues, and so on. Start your own home-based business to help people with writing-related needs. Get yourself business cards and start handing them out to everyone you know!

“But I’m not qualified…”

If you are interested in some of these ideas, but are not sure you are “qualified,” you can always begin by improving your own skills. The internet has a wealth of free (and sometimes not-so-free) information on writing related topics. An example of a couple sites where you can learn to be an accomplished letter-writer, for example, are the pages of Shawn Fawcett: http://www.writinghelp-central.com/ and http://writinghelptools.com/blog. Furthermore, there are always people who have less skills than you have; you can start simply, and as your skills develop, offer to do more complex writing.

My latest project: personal correspondence writer

An idea I am working on at the moment is developing a home-based business writing personal correspondence for people. Hand-written invitations, thank-you notes, Christmas letters, personal letters, family newsletters, newsletters for organizations… The fine old art of friendly/personal letter writing seems to be evaporating, and yet so many people are delighted to receive a handwritten letter. As one who has attractive handwriting, skill in writing personal letters, and some graphic design skills, it has occurred to me there are all kinds of people who might be happy to hire me to do some of this kind of writing for them.

It might seem as though hiring someone else to do one’s “personal writing” is a bit oxymoronic, but of course businessmen have been having their secretaries do it for them for years, movie stars hire personal assistants to answer fan-mail, the Queen has her ladies-in-waiting, and so forth. And of course there are plenty of ordinary people who are very busy or have valid reasons for being unable to do their own writing, who would love to have someone help them send out personalized cards, letters, and messages.

What ideas do you have?

What ideas do you have for ways to turn your writing skills into income? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us – and then get started.

Be sure to check back from time to time and share your successes as a professional, income-earning writer. Can’t wait to hear from you!

I read with interest an email posted by Robert Soto at Tribes of Christ: Words From the Creator, entitled “A Special Gift from Above.” He writes:

“Creating things is part of life… for some reason, my family seems to have the natural ability to take something that is nothing and create some thing of . . . → Read More: natural gifts?]]> 17 June 2010

I read with interest an email posted by Robert Soto at Tribes of Christ: Words From the Creator, entitled “A Special Gift from Above.” He writes:

“Creating things is part of life… for some reason, my family seems to have the natural ability to take something that is nothing and create some thing of value [beaded items, pictures, metal implements, music, dance, song]… It seems that our children were born with natural rhythm and the ability to express themselves through our native dances.”

He continues: “I truly feel that in our DNA, God the Creator has placed this special gene that is activated early in our lives that starts our hands to create, our feet to dance and our voice to sing… For each gift or talent that comes naturally from God above. He has given you your gift or your talent – a gift that is supposed to be used for His honor and glory.”

I DO believe that You, Father, have given me this gift of written expression. It really does seem to “come naturally.” And I do want to use it for Your honor and glory.

I have “run out of time” in my 3 months of “separation package” from my last job. I seem to have used most of that time working on – well, learning about – the “business and marketing” aspects of writing. But I feel now that it is time to truly get WRITING (and use whatever I’ve learned so far about the “business” end, to get the writing out there). Interesting that this article was dated June 16th – my first day without income from my former job!

Another “assignment” from my Penticton Writers E-group: write something based on the word “insects!” Herewith, my effort:

Insects

Why are folks so afraid of insects, I wonder? The majority of insects are harmless to humans. Of course, there are those that sting, or nibble on people, or carry dread tropical diseases, but . . . → Read More: insects!]]> 16 June 2010

Another “assignment” from my Penticton Writers E-group: write something based on the word “insects!” Herewith, my effort:

Insects

Why are folks so afraid of insects, I wonder? The majority of insects are harmless to humans. Of course, there are those that sting, or nibble on people, or carry dread tropical diseases, but even they need not incite a rabid reaction on your part.

Face it: you are a lot bigger than they are. You are also stronger. And hopefully you are smarter. So instead of freaking out, screaming, jumping up and down and flapping your arms and gums, why not relax and encounter them wisely?

You can of course simply walk away, honoring their lives and their place in the order of things.

But if you are less inclined to be caring and thoughtful to the little creepy-crawly critters, you have many peaceful options to consider. Herewith some suggestions:

- Wrap yourself in extremely fine netting, or in extremely modest clothing.
- Or slather yourself with potions of varying potency; be creative and come up with your own never-fail solution, or beg, borrow, steal (or if all else fails, purchase) one of the many products other creative minds have invented.
- Or be uncreative and swat the little buggers with a rolled up newspaper or old-fashioned fly swatter. If choosing the newspaper route, at least be thoughtful about the content of the media; you don’t want to scare them to death. A quick hit is much kinder.
- Or you may electrocute them with modern technologically advanced bug-squishing devices. Do be aware, though, that while some kill, others simply stun, and allow your little friends to come back for another round.
- Or spray your insect neighbors with fountains of chemical droplets, as environmentally friendly or unfriendly as you wish.
- Or try out the multitude of expensive insect-scaring-away devices found in camping supply stores. Be warned, however, that the majority of these devices will most likely cause your annoying little visitors to laugh and fly in circles buzzing around your head until they scare you away instead.
- Or you can stomp on them, preferably with foot coverings of sufficient density to prevent them stinging your toes. Stung toes are most uncomfortable.
- Or capture the tiny fiends and feed them to the hungry critters in your terrarium or aquarium. Or even dip them in chocolate and eat them yourself, if you prefer.
- Or, if your wallet carries enough cash, build yourself an insect-free mansion. For instructions, google “insect free home” for 26,900,000 search results.

And finally, if you are dealing with ants in your patio or garden (as I have been recently, which has inspired this educational missive), be kind to them and feed them to death. Simply sprinkle cream of wheat (or grits if you’re a southern-type-person) on their little ant-hills, and sit back and watch them gorge themselves to death, as you simultaneously pig-out on big greasy barbequed hamburgers, deep-fried potato chips, and other culinary delights of ant season. You’ll understand how the little creatures feel about your treatment of them, and in the end you’ll surely both end up fertilizing the earth from which you both came. Peaceful co-existence forever!

Oh. I’m told that pouring boiling water down their ant-holes also does the trick. But really, that does seem awfully cruel, don’t you think?