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writers

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Give all, give now

“Writing is its own reward.” – Henry Miller

I love to write. I’ve been writing since I was a child. In junior high school, I wrote in my diary about the “dreamy” blue-eyed boy, Gary, who I had a crush on or the kind of “modern” house I wanted to have when I grew up, how I loved my cat Tabby and how much I wanted a horse.

My dresser

My dresser where I wrote and hid my stories

I’d write fiction short stories, then hide them in my dresser drawer. My sister Maria would sneak into my bedroom, read them, and we’d fight, even though it should have been a compliment. I’d throw her Barbie doll, she’d scratch me with her long fingernails, and we’d both get into trouble by our parents. Today she is one of my biggest fans, for which I’m grateful. 

Today I’m the author of eight books, and am writing three more. The one I’m working on currently is my first fiction book, Storm Tossed.

Storm Tossed ecover Copyright 2015 Beth Jones www.BethJones.net

Storm Tossed ecover
Copyright 2015 Beth Jones www.BethJones.net

My husband Ray has been encouraging me a long time to write fiction. Since I’ve never written one before, it’s treading new water and a little scary. But he feels it will “stretch” me as a writer. 

I believe I’ll be writing books, articles, and blogs for the rest of my life. Annie Dillard wrote, “Do not hoard what seems good for a later place in the book, or for another book; give it, give it all, give it now.”

No, I don’t want to hoard words. I couldn’t anyway. I have to write; it’s innate, an obsession and a compulsion.

Yeah, I can break up with writing, tell it that I’m just done and so over it, but eventually I come back. It’s like word crack.

fire

fire

I believe writing is a gift God has given me, a treasure, and it’s not for me or about me. As the prophet Jeremiah said, “his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”

Yes, a fire. At times the embers die, but when I fan them into flame, they ignite.

Words are a force and contain great power, like rocket fuel taking astronauts into an unexplored part of space like Mars-or like a 100-foot-wave tsunami that slams into a village, killing thousands. 

Sometimes the writing is powerful, stark, slices right through someone’s heart, making a deep but needed wound to impart truth that you don’t really want to hear. 

Other times, it bounces off the heart, like a neon-yellow, Wilson tennis ball. Flat. Boring. Inefficacious as wilted iceberg lettuce for a lunch salad. 

But still, I can’t imagine a life without writing. Writing is life. 

art-woman writing

art-woman writing

I’m participating in the writing contest: How Writing Has Positively Influenced My Life, hosted by Positive Writer.

Writing means freedom for me.

As I write, I learn about myself more. What I think, what I feel. What has happened in my life. And I heal more. Sometimes sharing my pain and struggles heals others, God’s grace droplets.

woman in rain

woman in rain

Writing gives me a brave, if shaking, voice when I feel so small and afraid. It empowers me to share my story. And others’ powerful stories.

Ultimately, writing is telling God’s story, through my hands. 

Use me

Use me

Hands open to receive and give life,encouragement, inspiration~and truth. Including what hurts, what angers, what violates, what seems just senseless.

Life is beautiful and sacred, but often very messy and gut-wrenching painful at times. We don’t understand it all. We can’t figure it out. 

Nor should we. That’s God’s job. Ultimately He’s in control in the driver’s seat. We have to trust Him, and know that no matter what has happened or will happen, He is good and has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11). 

woman writing on laptop in ocean

woman writing on laptop in ocean

But we as writers can write.

Writing helps us to get through life. Crying. Laughing. Coping. Overcoming. Inspiring.

Writing heals. Writing empowers.

Writing sets free. 

Writing is beautiful.

Writing is a precious gift, to be unwrapped, opened, and enjoyed by you, me, others, like a sweet red wine and a thick, juicy prime rib steak. Or like a newborn, innocent baby, whose smile just melts us. 

Don’t hoard your words. They matter too much. Give, give all, give now, as Annie Dillard wrote. 

Never stop. Keep writing. 

Blog, Business, Ebooks, Speaking, Spiritual Gifts, Writing

3 Proven Book Writing Formulas

Speaker/Author Shelley Hitz

Speaker/Author Shelley Hitz

Want to write a book? My writing/business coach Shelley Hitz is offering a free webinar, 3 Proven Book Writing Formulas, tomorrow, May 14, 2015, at 3 p.m. Central Time. 

Shelley has written over 35 Amazon books, and has experienced great success as a speaker and author.  She really inspires me. Shelley offers amazing content with her webinars and virtual coaching trainings. I am a student in her Author Audience Academy writers’ training and have been blown away by the amount of valuable content she gives. 

To find out more or to register, simply go here: {Free Webinar} 3 Proven Book Writing Formulas.

I will see you there!

Bible Studies, Blog, Business, Coaching, Ebooks, Faith, Spiritual Gifts, Writing

From Laptop to Launch virtual training for writers starting March 21!

Woman writing on laptop with sticky notes and coffee

Woman writing on laptop with sticky notes and coffee

My free webinar went well today ~ no techy issues, praise God!

If you’d like to work further with me and get your book/eBook written and published THIS year, I’m offering a 4-week virtual training for writers beginning March 21, 2015.

I’m offering a SPECIAL DISCOUNT OF $50 OFF THE PRICE…JUST $50 FOR ALL 4 WEEKS!

With this training you get:

  • Mentoring, motivation and momentum to write Your Book/Ebook
  • Tools to jumpstart you writing your book/Ebook
  • Weekly videos emailed with writing/publishing tips to get it done!
  • Resources I use for book writing, editing, formatting, and graphic design (professional book/Ebook covers)
  • Traditional publishing vs. Indie (self-publishing); Answers to your questions on POD companies, ISBN’s, Amazon, and more
  • Q & A time after the presentation on the live calls (your chance to be in the “hot seat” for fast coaching!)
  • Recorded replays of the calls to listen to at your convenience

Plus, these FREE BONUSES!

  • Private Facebook group for members only for encouragement and support
  • From Laptop to Launch Training Guide PDF

If you’d like to join me and other aspiring authors for motivation, accountability, encouragement, and support to write your book/eBook THIS year, click here to find out more and to save your spot.

Time-Limited Special Offer and Limited Seating! I will NOT be offering this program again this year…so don’t miss out!