Oh, So This is What it's Like.

When we were newly married and stupid, I wanted to have nine kids. Then we had our first, and I said, “Oh. This is what it’s like.” Cuddlings, cooings and cuteness equal roughly 10% of the total time “raising kids.” The other 90% is made up of nights sleeping only four hours, cleaning endless stinky messes, and…well, you know. It took me fifteen whole minutes to change my mind and settle on two offspring instead of nine.

When I told the Lord concerning writing, “This is what I want to do with my life!” I didn’t realize I was repeating history. It took me another whole fifteen minutes to realize that writing equals about 10% of what I fill my hours with. Revising, editing, nights sleeping only four hours… well, you know. It's much like raising kids. The difference is, I’m not changing my mind. I still want to write.

Yesterday a thought zinged into my brain that had to be from Jesus; I’m not smart enough to come up with this one:

No one’s job is 100% what they originally thought it would be.

A police officer wants to help curb crime and protect innocent people, then spends endless hours doing paperwork and breaking up marital fights.

A preacher dreams of winning souls to Christ and helping believers grow in their faith, then spends endless hours going to board meetings and refereeing fights between Sister Sassy and Brother Brouhaha.

A nurse longs to cure ills and save lives, then spends endless hours cleaning bed pans and soothing ruffled feathers of disgruntled family members.

Does that make you feel better, knowing we writers are not the only ones forced to do tedious, less-than-exciting tasks to keep our books, articles, and poems rolling along? Probably the only difference between us and the other folks I mentioned is: they get paid a fat wad more!! Oh, well…

Blessings on you precious friends and patient "parents" as you write (and edit, and fix, and revise) for your Audience of One. HE will reward every little thing you do for Him!
Jen

You make me lovely

Thanks to Sherrinda for my blog's first award! In this difficult week of my dad's passing, God knew just what kind of hug and kiss I needed to make me stand up on the inside.

You friends and the Lord's grace are what make anything about this blog or my life, lovely. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and all other organs, for loving and believing in me. Hugs to you all!

P.S. Sherrinda, you are soooooooooooooooooooooo nice!

Dusting Under the Teacups, Weeding, and Changing Diapers

Do you enjoy dusting under the teacups? Or, if you are not a teacup type of person, how about pulling weeds, or changing diapers?

All are necessary chores for the health of our environment or families. But, not all of us enjoy these tedious or dirty tasks. Which brings me to writing.

I am not a detail person, as many writers are. I love to write, feeling the flow of the words from my heart onto the page. Going back fourteen times to redo a sentence is too much like picking up every teacup to dust under it, rather than just swiping the rag around it! I know it’s dirty under there, it needs to be cleaned, no one else is going to do it, but I just hate the tedium. Nevertheless…

It’s my teacup, and I will pick it up and do whatever dusting is needed, regardless of how I feel about it!!! I believe that’s part of growing up: doing things you don’t really like to do, but you must. And with a positive attitude. Ouch!

Blessings on your dusting, diapering and revising for your Audience of One this week,
Jen

See you soon, Dad

Many of you know my dad, Joe Kidgell, has not been well lately.

Last night he went Home to be with Jesus. I will miss him, but I'm happy he's not suffering anymore. And I'm also envious, knowing he is dancing with the Lamb of God right now.

Mom called at 3:45 this morning, and I've been up ever since. Although I'm an early morning person, I'm not THAT early! So, if I don't blog today or tomorrow, please don't think I'm ignoring you. I'm simply in a daze...

When you think of us, we'd sure appreciate your prayers. My mom's name is Doris, and she just finished moving into a new house, so this is a stressful time for her.

Thanks, you guys. I love you all,
Jen

How and What? "Havah" and "Bayou"

I am currently reading two compelling novels:
Havah, by Tosca Lee, which the a stunning tale of Eve; and What the Bayou Saw, my friend Patti Lacy's newest book, about secrets and lies that haunt us and the scourge of racism.

Because I was already addicted to "Havah" when "Bayou" came out, but didn't want to wait to start "Bayou," I am reading both, going back and forth, a few chapters at a time.

Although I'm a coffee nut, i also love tea, especially Tazo's Awake and Joy!, so that's what i drink while reading. Popcorn or chocolate sometimes join me, enhancing the enjoyment.

How do you read? One book at a time, or several at once?

What are you currently reading?

Do you eat and/or drink while reading?

Two Woohoos! and Five Winners!!

My two “Woohoos!!” for today are:
I had a check waiting for me in the mail when I got home from work today. This is for an article I sold as a result of meeting with an editor at a conference in November, 2008. It’s the first article I’ve sold this year! Thank you, Lord!
I won Jaime’s contest on her blog, for writing a story about how me and my husband met. I am so excited I can’t stand it!!! But we must go on for this important announcement:

The winners of my Pitch Critiquing contest:

Jody: I appreciate your idea about using some chapter titles in the pitch for my first book; why didn’t I think of that? Thank you!

Jessica: I was so jazzed when you said my WIP sounds like a reality show, and plan to work it into my pitch. What a great hook! Thanks!

Angela: Your idea to show enthusiasm and excitement is very helpful. I will improve on that. Thank you!

Karin: I needed to hear what you said about selling myself to an agent or editor, with just a couple of sentences about the books as a hook. Holley Gerth had told me that awhile ago, and I’d forgotten it, so thanks for the reminder!

Susan: The changes you made in the pitch were perfect! Thanks for your input and willingness to do this, even though you can’t post on the blog. I appreciate you!

And the grand prize winner is….

KARIN!!!
Although you did not change my pitch per se, the advice to sell myself was just the thing I most needed at this time. I tend to focus on all the details, and forget the main point, which is how I come across to people. So, this was valuable and God-sent.

To everyone who entered, I appreciate all your time and effort in reading and critiquing these! I am sorry I didn’t have prizes for everyone! Thanks for your kindness and help.

To Jody, Jessica, Susan, Angela and Karin: please email me your addy’s and I will send your prizes right away. Well, after I get paid on Tuesday of next week, that is! My email address is jeanettelevellie(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks again for your help!

Blessings, Jen

Encouraging Quotes for You

“In our own minds, we blow (issues that annoy us) out of proportion by overanalyzing and discussing (them) with others. Pretty soon, this and other ‘small stuff’ starts to seem like really big stuff.” -- Richard Carlson

“May we regard the past as only a history lesson and not a guide for (our) daily lives.” -- Stormie Omartian

“Watch the way you talk…say only what helps, each word a gift.” -- the Apostle Paul, Eph. 4:29

Which is your fav?

Brick by Brick: Building your Writing Career

From my prayer journal this week:

“Why are you sad today?”

“Not sad but tired, Lord, and wishing I could stay home and write, rather than going out to work. It’s just so hard working full time and trying to build a writing career.”

“Don’t’ try to do it overnight. Slow and steady or fast and fragile. You could also say slow and strong. Your career will grow strong if you place one brick upon another, binding them in place with the mortar of my Word an fellowship with Me. If you try to throw together a career by slapping the bricks and beams up in a day or a week, it will fall when storms comes And, they will come.

“Build it one brick at a time and it will stand, not fall, because it will be founded on My Word and Sprit not men’s approval and favor.”

A Contest!!!

Win a Prize by Critiquing my Verbal Pitches!!!

I have been working on my verbal pitches for the Write to Publish conference June 3-6, and I need help!!! At the conference I attended in November, I was so clueless I sat and chitchatted with both editors I met with, until they finally asked how they could help me! (It must have been okay, because I’ve since sold five articles to one of them!)

This time I want to be prepared, and you can be part of my victory. Please take a look at the two pitches below, and then post a critique. It could be helpful criticism or suggestions for changes. Anything that may improve the pitches, making them shine.

For the top five critiques, I will send you a package of 75 bright yellow Super Sticky Post it notes. These are the real deal, from 3M, not the generic brand. For the #1 best critique, in addition to the Post-it notes I will send a set of two lovely “pink ribbon” Uni-ball gel pens. Part of the proceeds from the sale of these pens goes to help breast cancer research.

You have until 6:15 p.m., Central time Thursday to post. I will declare the winners on my Friday post. Thank you in advance for your kind help!

Here they are:

The first book, already completed and in the final stages of editing, is a devotional entitled God Is Bigger: Custom Made Grace for Hope Starved Hearts. It is a compilation of seventy articles, totaling approximately 175 pages. The articles are taken from my inspirational/humor column published over the last eight years in my local newspaper, with a readership of over 5,000. God Is Bigger offers a lighthearted look at God’s grace in four different areas: What we think of God, What we think of ourselves, What we think of others, and What we think of life’s challenges. My writing style is warm, homey, humorous and uplifting. Filled with funny and touching stories gleaned from my life and others’, along with truths from the Word, God Is Bigger offers hope for discouraged hearts.



My Work in Progress is titled, The Secret Life of a Preacher’s Wife. It is a humorous look at life behind the parsonage walls. I use my thirty-four years of experiences and stupid mistakes as a springboard for encouraging anyone who is in ministry, about to enter ministry, or simply curious about life as a pastor’s spouse. Secret Life is not a teaching book, but a homey, humorous look at what I did wrong and right, along with insights to help others on the ministry path. Some of the chapters are “When the Fishbowl Needs Cleaning,” “Can Preachers Have Sex on Sunday?” and “True Confessions of a Hypocrite.”


With a goal of 50,000, the book is 15% finished.

Book drawing

My friend Susan is having a drawing on her blog for Liz Curtis Higgs' "Grace in
Thine Eyes."
Tomorrow is the last day to enter! Hop on over and sign up, you will love Liz if you haven't already read her.
Jen

May I Pray for You?

Sometimes I have the worst Pity Party on the block. When that happens, I need to take my eyes off my little bitty self and what someone did or said to ruffle my feathers, and put them on others. I pick you. Because I appreciate and care for you. And, we're in this boat together.

Rather than this blog being simply a way to encourage each other on our writing journeys and laugh a little, I’d like to bring you before the Father. What can I pray for for you?

Please tell me something big or small, that you’re asking the Father to do for you, and I’ll agree. If you’d rather not post it, see my profile for my email, and tell me that way.

Thanks for helping crash my party! It should be over soon…

From My Prayer Journal

Dear Father: I love you more than life. I worship you, as only you are worthy. I don’t want the essence of my life to be about writing, I don’t want to be swallowed up in this gift- I want my focus to be on You—the giver and Lord of the gift. Must I drown in this calling? Must I be in the belly of a whale called “The Writing Life?” Somehow I don’t think that is Your will. Even Jesus was not all about one thing. He taught, he healed, He did miracles. But He also rested and celebrated.

“Jesus was not driven. He was led. If you’re driven, there is a furious fire that is never quenched, growing larger and hotter and more dangerous. If you’re led, you are always listening for My voice, and your heart is open to changes I may make in your agenda. There is no panic or force. If you are aggressive, it is not because you fear—it’s because I’m leading you to be bold. If you are quiet and restful it’s not from laziness, but My hand of peace upon you.

You can be like Jesus if you are willing to follow and not insist on “leading your own life.” Leading is my job. I know how.

Teach me how to follow, dear Lord. Give me a heart to obey, in Jesus' Name.

These Things Take Time

Several years ago I purchased some iris bulbs from a bulb catalog. They were not cheap, but I fell in love with the photos of stunning colors and enormous blooms. Plus, irises are one of my favorites, due to my grandmother’s purple ones growing by the side of her back door, which I thought smelled like grape candy when I was five (was that a great run-on sentence or what?).

I planted the bulbs according to the detailed, tedious instructions. I waited impatiently for them to pop up, thrilling everyone for miles with their circus hues and angelic scent (I don’t really know what an angel smells like; it just sounds yummy!).

The first year, only one came up. Poopers (that’s my swear word)! I was disappointed, bummed and mad. I spent money on those beggars! I did everything they told me to do. I sweated on my knees, got dirt under my fingernails, and only ONE lousy flower bloomed? I want my money back!

The following year, two or three came up. I think two. But, I had planted five, each a different shade, names like “Breathtaking Buttercream” and “For Lovers Only Lavender.” (Hey, maybe I should apply for a job naming flowers! Do you think it pays well?)

Now we are into our third year. I had almost forgotten about my lovely irises when a few days ago, my husband and I started on a walk. From the corner of my eye I spotted a zing of purple. Tiptoeing closer, we found not only a brilliant purple striped with white, but the brightest yellow, the softest mauve, etc. The iris parade had arrived! AT LAST!!! Glory to God!
And it only took three years…

You know what I’m going to say next, and I’m preaching to me as well as you. Worthy goals take time.

How many times have I whimpered, “I just want this book to be published?! I don’t want to have to edit, revise, query, propose, convene (go to a convention), edit and revise some more. I just want to have a book!” But all the whining in the Sahara Desert has done me no good. I still need time (and prayer) for my ‘bulbs’ to turn into flowers, blessing and nourishing the souls of those whom God sends their way.

How long since you “planted?” Are you seeing some beauty, or are you still waiting? Share with us, and we’ll pray that your book or career will come to full bloom soon. And, that God, your audience of one, will give you grace to be joyful in the waiting.

What is Your Goal?

My friend and fellow-writer, Cammie, likens our writing goals to a football game. At the end of the field, just past the goal line, is God. At the 99-yard-line are people—our potential readers. In the center of the field, near the 50-yard line, stand editors, agents and publishers who sometimes help us carry the “ball” of our message to the people on the 99-yard-line.

In a world where dollars and trophies are common measures of success, it is natural to begin to view traditional publication as our main goal. But if we do, we will eventually become disillusioned when a rejection letter knocks us flat on the 50-yard-line. While publishers often excel at the craft of writing and editing, they are not the goal: rather, they are highly trained distributors.

What if you were the only human on Earth? Would you still write? To a born writer, writing is much like singing is to a born singer. We write because God created us to write. People or no people, a writer’s manuscript is a praise offering to God. Our manuscripts are beautifully wrapped packages, like the gold, frankincense, and myrrh offered by the three wise men to the Christ child.

God is able to distribute our words in a myriad of creative ways, both traditional and unusual. Our success is not determined by Doubleday or Random House, Tyndale House or Bethany House. Wise as they are, they are middlemen. Our success is determined by the Holy-Spirit driven power of our words and by the way God weaves circumstances together to distribute our words. Only God has the power to make words last.

May our goal be to see our manuscripts, bound or unbound, computer-generated or handwritten, reprinted or an only-copy, on the shelves in Our Lord’s personal library—our 100-yard-line.

And, may we keep our eyes on our audience of one, the Lamb of God and Shepherd of our souls.

Helpful Quotes for Writers

"If you learn something that benefits you, you have a moral obligation to share it with others."
-- Chinese proverb

"God rarely uses a person whose main concern is what others are thinking." -- Andy Andrews

"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." -- Jack London

"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." -- Colin Powell

" For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works." --- God, Eph. 2:10

What? Not Twittering?

Five Reasons I Don’t Twitter

1. I work a full time job, am a pastor’s wife, and am writing two books. I have a very sick dad in the hospital, and am on the phone to my mom in California every day. Letting people know what I ate for lunch or how many words my WIP is up to, would take time away from all of the above.

2. I know “they” say you need to be on as many social networks as possible to get your name out there, to build a platform, so when you pitch your book idea, your name will be recognized. “They” are not the Holy Spirit. God is able to open doors no man can shut, and He is able to do it without me spending time on trivia. I am not afraid of what “they” say, but I am concerned that when I waste time, I will never get it back again.

3. I rarely clean my house. If I tweeted ten times a day, I would feel even more guilty about not taking care of the lovely home God has given me. I need less guilt, not more.

4. No one is truly interested in how many tulips bloomed in my garden, or who I met at the gym this morning. I refuse to kid myself--- I’m not THAT important.

5. I see twittering as a distraction from real LIFE. This is one more way the enemy has of keeping us from spending time with our Lord and our families. He knows if he can’t make us bad, the next best thing to take over our lives is to make us busy.

Applause of People vs. God's Hurrah!

In my prayer journal, I write what is on my heart to the Lord, then write what I believe He is saying in response. The following is an excerpt from last week, the morning after I had spoken at a ladies group in a nearby church:

Thank you, Dear Father, for allowing me to speak last night, for your goodness and grace present there.

Please set me free from trying to impress people. Let me live in the large place with you, where Your fellowship is all I crave, and your joy is mine in abundance. Heal my soul of the need for accolades from humans, in Jesus’ Name.

The truly successful ones in My kingdom, whether anyone knows who they are or not, have learned this secret: to seek after Me and dwell in My heart, and be free from public opinion.

My children will always be different, cut from the fabric of My grace and forgiveness and love, rather than the garments of shame the world wears. You are chosen of Me—why would you care to show off for the applause of mortals?

In all respect to You, Sir, because they can helps us on our way to fulfill our dreams?

If you look to Me for divine connections, I will pt the right people in your path, to spur you on and give you favor. If you try and strive to orchestrate your own plans, you will see but a pinpoint of the light I have for you. Glorious, expansive, nourishing light to guide you in the truth, keep you safe and make you a success.

Teach me how to do it Your way, Lord, Please show me.