To Become A Writer...

Well, we had another meeting of The Writer's Guild on Tuesday, and had quite an interesting time editing a children's story that my friend is writing...but that is a tale for another day.
While in our meeting, we also discussed a few tips about writing in general. Here they are...

TO BECOME A WRITER:
1. Think of yourself as a writer--this one is first and foremost.
2. Write what you are passionate about! It will turn out much better when you write about that which you love.
3. Study--this one is self explanatory.
4. Practice! Write every day!!--Look, I know it's hard, but TRY! Take a few minutes out of your day and write anything, everything, whatever's on your mind!
5. Write at a regular place and at a regular time each day--whenever and wherever you feel most comfortable. For me, this is late at night up in the loft at my mom's house. When and where is your very favorite place to write?(that is, if you're a writer...)
6. Set a deadline for yourself--I tried to do this with the book I'm writing...I gave myself a year, beginning on my thirteenth birthday and ending on my fourteenth. Guess what? My fourteenth birthday is in about three weeks, and sadly...I won't be meeting my deadline. My lesson in telling you all that random stuff about it? Don't rush yourself too much! Be reasonable in setting your deadline.
7. Last but not least--Pick your subject and your audience...in other words, pick what you're writing about and who you're writing for.

Well, I hope those tips help the writers who see this...I know there are at least a few!
In other news, Kailani (sp?) has joined the Young Christian Force! Welcome, friend!!!
God go with you all,
Write On!!!
Shelby Marie

Valentine's Day

Hello, and Happy Day-After-Valentine's-Day!
Here is a poem that I recently composed...I thought it was kind of fitting for Valentine's.

Crying in the dark,
Mist creeping like a wraith.
Despair seeping quickly
Through my thin and wavering faith.

Aching in my heart,
Hopelessness setting in.
All my life's broken pieces
Too many to pick up again.

He enfolds me in His wings
His love my soul surrounds
Again my lips can sing
I was lost; now I'm found.

He picks up all my broken pieces
Puts me back together again.
My heart, in grateful praising, says,
"How I love thee, Heaven-sent!"

Well, what do you think? Pray, tell!

Write On!!!
Shelby Marie

Random News

Hello, everyone!
First of all, I want to welcome ***Flinn-fan-of-the-twins*** to the Young Christian Force! Yay, Flinn!!
Secondly, I would like to recommend that everyone try out the brand new Door Within Forum. However, if you haven't read the books...well, you may not want to join. Read the books, then join!!! Anyway, here's how you register: go to http://s1.zetaboards.com/TheDoorWithinForums/register/
The rest is self explanatory.
Lastly, there's a Writer's Guild meeting today! We're just going to have a free write, which is really good because I am at a slow point and need some time to sit down and work it out.
Well, now that I've given you all my random news tidbits...what's up with you guys? What's on your mind?

Write On!!!
Shelby Marie

Welcome, Elliot!

I just wanted to welcome Elliot Reed to The Young Christian Force! I am so very excited about where this little group can take us and about how much we can grow! May the hand of God be upon us all.
Write On!!!
Shelby Marie

An Idea For The Young Christian Force

Hey all!
Araken, I noticed that you had the words "A Young Christian Force Blog" on the header of your blog. I really, really like that idea and just added the same to my header. Sapphira and Ian, if you see this, do the same to yours. Araken, I hope you don't mind?
Write On!!!
Shelby Marie

Second Meeting

Writer's Block? No problem!
Check out these tips and advice on Writer's Block that we discussed yesterday afternoon at the Writer's Guild.

1. Keep your pen/fingers moving--write something else, skip to a different scene, write a poem, a Bible verse, anything!
2. Pray--it always helps.
3. If you are working on something long, like a book, take a different scene and do a little editing.
4. Physical stimulus--play some music that fits what you're trying to write, and keep objects that create the mood of your current work nearby.
5. Keep pen and paper handy--ideas can come when you least expect it.
6. Try visualizing the scene as a movie in your head.
7. If all else fails, walk away for awhile, but don't give up. Take a walk, pray, ask advice from family and friends, and then get to work again.

Good luck and write on!!!
Shelby Marie

Happy Birthday, Araken!

Hey guys,
I know I'm a little late on this, but I just wanted to personally wish Araken a happy birthday! (I read your post on Akiane, by the way...awesome!!!) My birthday is actually next month on St. Patrick's Day...Sapphira, if you see this, when's your b-day?
Anyway, I haven't much else to say...I emptied all my random thoughts yesterday on Wayne Thomas Batson's blog...y'all should check out that random thought post if you haven't yet.
Anyway, Happy B-day again, Araken! Sorry I'm late in saying it...my Internet's been down since we moved.

Write On!!!
Shelby Marie