It’s that time of year. The days are getting shorter, the leaves are beginning to change, and a story is begging to be written. As National Novel Writing Month comes closer, I have found a motivation to write just a little each day. In three days I added a total of 2,882 words. It was done in half hour spurts here and there.

Today, I didn’t write. Instead I took in the wisdom of other writers at the Oregon Christian Writers’ one day conference. It was a day of reflecting on what I want my writing to say. I was encouraged to be see-through as an author. To let others see who I really am. I was given some steps to make compelling characters which I will use to round out my eighth graders and the professor in my current work. I was given some thought provoking advice on writing and being an author. Rachelle Carter of Ellechor shared how success seems to involve accolades, money, deserved or earned privileges, and only a few get there. In reality, it isn’t about what awards your story earns, but what impact does it have? Did it make someone’s day? Did it encourage someone? Did it bring joy to a young person? If you can say yes, then your story has had success. A successful story isn’t earned, it is all really by grace. Our stories are given to us. It’s a choice of how we choose to share it. You see everyone has a story. It is your story. You are the only one who can tell it. Will you?

You see our hearts are an empty page. We can let the author of life write His story on our hearts. Will you let Him?

I finished my day at a concert. The first song sung made me think of those accolades mentioned earlier. The words said, “I don’t need my name in lights,I’m famous in my Father’s eyes. Make no mistake He knows my name. I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored.” What is your reason for writing? Is it to gain acclaim or are you content knowing God knows your name? He calls you to be His child. What story do you have? Will you tell it so others can learn and grow and change? I know I’ve been challenged today to tell the stories inside of me not for the praise of people, but so people will be strengthened.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eKcImiTxqKg

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=haLkLDfLBok

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJWQzjfU3o