December 4, 2011

I can look out my window and see Christmas lights on the houses across the street. It's that time of year and I find it hard to get in the mood. As I sit here writing a speech for a Christmas banquet, I am reminded that our mood is usually confused around the holidays. I know everyone looks at the season through eyes of their own experience. Some memories are good and some are unpleasant. But whatever our past Christmases have brought into our lives, the reason we may feel let down is because we are putting our expectations in the wrong things or in people. Our only expectation this Christmas should be that God will show up to celebrate the birth of His Son Jesus. The gifts, parties, programs and gatherings of friends and family is not where the wonder of Christmas will be found. Only when we embrace the reason for Christ's birth will we find a new appreciation for the holiday season. Let God restore the wonder to your Christmas this year.

Best of blessings, Jan

October 7, 2011

Im a note person. I have notes and lists all over the house. I have lists for all my lists. Sticky notes are my best friend. But I find that my trails of bread crumbs don't always lead to the same place.

I guess that's not so bad, except that it causes me to work on too many things at one time - always looking for the trails to meet somewhere that I can finish everything up in a tidy bow.

Sometimes I think there is never enough organization in my life and then sometimes I wonder if Ive eliminated spontaneity by over planning. It applies to writing life especially, but the theory applies to all areas of life. I want to be ready for any and all opportunities, yet I like knowing what the next step is - like a list.

Perhaps there is a balance. If I find it I'll let you know. Until then - I'll be making more lists and following the bread crumbs to the end of the trail.

Sept 20, 2011

I'll be speaking to a women's group in another town in a few days. Their theme is Back To School so they asked me to talk about my writing journey. As I look back on when I started writing, where Ive gone wrong with my writing and all the detours and bumps in the road, I am a bit overwhelmed. It seems like yesterday when my 3rd grade teacher submitted a poem of mine and it was published in The Weekly Reader magazine. I was bitten by the writing bug and Im still trying to recover.

I only wish I hadn't let my journey come to a halt so many times. I didn't heed the nudge to keep going or at least keep it simmering on the back burner. Instead I wasted years on other pursuits and distractions. I think most of you could relate to this. Life is hard sometimes and our dreams get lost in the shuffle.

But as I reflect on my writing dreams, I have to remind myself that time is in God's hands, and that He will finish the work He stated in me and my talents. It's a comforting thought. I hope you will pull forward something you have put on the back burner and let it boil again.

There is still time....

Aug 3, 2011



***

Trite. I'd never really thought about the word much, but it was the first one that came to mind a while back as I read a new book I ordered online. I won't name the author or title, but I was both disappointed and relieved when I finally tossed it in my thrift store box. The book was full of conversation and descriptions that were trite. I was surprised that such poor writing could be published, and it struck me that I might be pumping out the same kind of empty story in my own work in progress. I was mortified to think that someone might toss my hard work before they even finished reading it. After all, I had just poured months of my life into my book. What if it were…well, trite?
The Webster’s dictionary says this about the meaning of "trite": ..."worn out by constant use, no longer having freshness, originality, or novelty; stale...lost its freshness and impressive force." 




June 16, 2011

Remember the Bible story of the 4 lepers? They sat outside the city day after day. The story goes that one day they decided to get up and do something lest they do nothing and die. After weighing their choices, they elected to go the camp of the enemy and beg mercy and food. If they were killed, they would have dies anyway - that was their conclusion anyway.

When they arose the next morning they headed to the camp. They found the enemy had fled the camp, leaving all the food, treasure and belongings for the lepers to take for themselves. It seems God had scared them off with the sound of a mighty army coming. He had gone ahead of the poor lepers and rewarded their courage.

This is what I have felt is happening in my writing life in the last several months. Actually I dont know how long God has been preparing the way for me, but I pray He continues to scare the enemy and clear the way for me to reach my goals.

June 2, 2011

Been camping this week in the rain. That's what we get for living in the Northwest. But I really wouldnt want to live anywhere else. It's a great part of the country with great people and beautiful landscape. There really is no perfect place to live, but you make your home where you are.

I feel as though this is more my home now that I am director of this wonderful Christian writers conference in Spokane. Our line-up for next year is as solid as any other conference Ive been to. Now to plan all the little details to make is extra special. I know there is no perfect conference, but I want everyone who comes to feel at home.

As my friend Mick Silva says...we write for a higher purpose, and providing the opportunity for writers in my area to improve their skills and network with professionals is a joy for me.

The picture to the right says Amazing Awaits. It was the slogan for the Olympics a few years back. I think it's appropriate for next years conference. I hope if you are a writer, you will consider joining us and seeing what kind of amazing thing awaits for you.

Blessings!

Jan

March 22, 2011

 The first annual Inland NW Christian Writers Conference was a smashing success. Jim Rubart spoke with insight and inspiration and the workshops were informative and timely. We look forward to the coming year with Tracie Peterson as our keynote speaker for March 2012. Stay tuned for more details.

January 5, 2011

The new year promises new beginnings. Why is it that we humans take this time of year to search, ponder and plan our future? Shouldn't we be doing that all year?

God is always there ready to show you great things. He will also show you the things you need to eliminate from your life. You dont need a New Years resolution to do that! Psalm 16:1 says "we can make our own plans, but the final outcome is in God's hands." It's good to make plans for the year, but it's also good to stop and listen - to hear the voice of God tell you the secrets He longs to share and the guidance He longs to give.

I look forward to many things in 2011. Mostly I hope I will mature a little more into a person who listens. His paths are the ones I want to travel this year.

Amazing Awaits! 

Blessings! 

Nov. 14, 2010

Plans are coming along well for the conference. As the word leaks out, I am being contacted by people who are very excited about it all. I have a few details still to complete and then wait for registrations to roll in.

Ive been thinking a lot about time management lately. It's a responsibility we writers have - to make the best use of the gift God has given us. We are to be good stewards of our time just as we are our money or service.

In the coming months, I will be learning how to better manage my time so I can accomplish with excellence the tasks before me. I want to be the best writer and conference director I can be. I hope you will be checking your schedules and to-do lists as well.  

I will continue to update you on the conference here and please help spread the word.

Oct. 26, 2010

Jim Rubart is our keynote speaker for the conference. His book "Rooms" has been climbing the popularity charts quickly. Workshop presenters are being confirmed and it's looking like a great one day conference for the Spokane area and beyond. Please help me spread the word. Our website is www.inwchristianwriters.webs.com. You can register any time.

Oct. 16, 2010

My dream of putting on a mini writer's conference in Spokane is coming true. It will be a one day conference in March of 2011. Im very excited to have a popular published author as our keynote speaker. I'll reveal his name after I have more details nailed down. It's going to be a lot of work, but I love doing this sort of thing.

Its funny how some of your dreams are realized by ways we never would have considered or imagined. I have the tendency to picture the path and expect everything to go as I saw it in my mind, It rarely happens that way, and I have to remind myself to keep an open mind because God is very creative when it comes to making things happen.

Keep pressing forward and think outside the box. Stay tuned. And if you would like more information about the conference, you can email me. jancline@ymail.com

Blessings!

Sept 28, 2010

It's time to find an editor for my Historical Romance. I received a personal note from a busy editor at a top Christian Publishing house recently that said my manuscript was almost ready and that if I kept at it I would see success. Since then I have had a few other confirmations, so I am on the hunt for someone to polish up my humble work of fiction. I keep the email from this acquisitions editor close by to rev me up when I get discouraged. And I do get a bit discouraged when I get estimates from editors on the cost of editing. Believe me, they earn every penny! 

Time to get creative. Time to tap into God's creativity. Time to beg for money! Time for a big garage sale! 

I have had a great several months as far as my writing is concerned. Im just hanging on tight and trying to stay on top of it all. I hope you are experiencing similar blessings - we need to pray for one another for our gifts to be used.

Back to the hunt.

Sept. 19, 2010

I recently took on a new adventure. I have taken the secretary position on the board of a local non-profit organization called Inland Northwest Baby. INWB was founded by a young man who had a burden for needy babies whose families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their precious ones dry. Believe it or not, there is a tremendous need all across the U.S. due to the fact that there is no government program that covers diapers.

I will be speaking at our first major fund raiser in November, and singing a lullaby. I am excited about seeing the organization grow. Please visit the website and if you live in the area, consider buying a ticket to our event. Tickets are only $15 and it's for a worthy cause.

Blessings!

Sept. 2, 2010

Summer is gone. My husband just finished harvesting our wheat and it's time to start preparing the fields for next year's crop. It's a cycle that is full of excitement, difficulty, anxiety, relief, and much more. He will be preparing the soil to receive the seeds, then planting, then praying for rain and a good snow cover to protect the young plants. He has done his homework on which wheat varieties are recommended and how much fertilizer to apply. Then we wait. In the spring, all his efforts turn into cash for us to live on. If the price is good, the weather cooperates, the machinery holds up and the pests and diseases stay away, we are in good shape for another year.

I love applying this cycle to other areas of life. Our dreams are delicate seeds that need proper soil, nourishment, attention and yes, prayer. We put our very heart and soul into them, if we are responsible, and then have to wait for the yield. Some years are plenty and some years are not. We harvest what is there and make the best of it. There's always next year. The important point is to keep at it, staying true to your calling. We can't control everything about it - we just have to do what we know to do.

The rest is up to God.