These days, paper maps, atlases, and compasses are perhaps more likely to be found in museums – or at least stored away – than spread out on the modern kitchen table when planning a trip or trying to locate somewhere. In modern times, we’re much more likely to use our GPS, plot our course through MapQuest, or use some newfangled gadget I’ve never heard of .

But, of course, it wasn’t always that way. For hundreds of years, paper maps were our only real way of figuring out how to get somewhere. And even THEY had to start somewhere.

Maps have been around for a VERY long time but atlases – a collection of bound maps -  not as long. In fact the first modern atlas was published on this day in 1570, by Abraham Ortelius in Antwerp, Belgium. Called Theatrum Orbis Terrarum (Theatre of the World), it included seventy different maps in its first edition. By its thirty-first in 1612, 167 maps were included.

Maps have come a long way from cave drawings. Sometimes we forget that. Appreciate how easy it is to figure out where you’re going these days – but don’t forget to use the APPROPRIATE navigation tools in your stories – especially if they aren’t set in modern times!

How do you navigate these days? How about ten years ago? Twenty?

I don’t know about where YOU live, but it’s warming up here in Michigan. And when it warms up, my computer time often decreases.

It’s too beautiful to sit inside and plug away on my laptop. My kids will be out of school in less than a month – so I’m losing some of that kidless time for a few months. While I CAN write with youngsters underfoot, it’s certainly easier without.

For me anyway, cooler weather is more conducive to writing productivity. I seem to get more writing done in the winter, when I’m likely to stay inside anyway(with the exception, of course, of Christmastime!). Fall and spring, in general, are relatively productive – other than around those holidays that seem to pull my attention away.

And then there’s summer – when distractions abound. Kids. Sunshine. Vacations. Day trips. You name it.

But still, I try to make time to write then too – perhaps during the hottest part of the day, when I don’t want to be outside anyway. Cuz it’s what I do. What God is asking me to do.

How about you? When are you most productive writing-wise?

Book Titles

By Megan DiMaria

So, you’ve finished writing your masterpiece. What are you going to title it?

Titles are tricky. You’ve got to choose one that encapsulates your plot and theme. Also, it’s best to title your manuscript before submitting it to an agent or an editor. That way the project feels more complete.

Some ideas to keep in mind while choosing a title for your book are:
• Keep it short and sweet. With titles, less is more. Here are some examples from one of my favorite authors, Maeve Binchy: Evening Class, Tara Road, The Glass Lake.
• Make the titles descriptive. Evoke the sense of your theme or plot. This is especially true in fiction titles, which are more creative than non-fiction titles. Again, some titles from Ms. Binchy:Circle of Friends, Light a Penny Candle.
• Make use of your thesaurus. Find a key word for your book and look for synonyms. Sometimes one word will lead you to another idea.
• Don’t be married to you title. Many (most!) times, publishers scrap your title for a new one. Don’t be dismayed. They have more experience selecting titles than you do anyway.

Continue Reading…

Every Christian has a testimony – many more than one. And these testimonies – whether they are about how you got saved or how the Lord was with you through difficulties – are powerful examples of God’s work. They are inspirational to many, whether believers or not. And as a writer, your written testimony has the power to change lives.

And FaithWriters is giving you the opportunity to possibly share your testimony, get it published, and receive royalties on sales!

Testimony Contest, sponsored by FaithWriters and bestselling Christian author J. J. Hebert, is now accepting entries. Share a first-person version of your own salvation testimony, or how you kept the faith during a trial. Or, share the testimony of someone close to you. Entries must be 1,200 words or less, and the submission deadline is July 20, 2013 at 11am ET. Gold members can enter once in the contest: Platinum can enter twice.

The top 40 entries will be included in this book, which is projected to be published in late 2013, and the authors will receive royalties from sales.

Sound like a great opportunity? Check out the details at the Testimony page on the FaithWriters site, and get writing!

In honor of Mother’s Day in the States on Sunday

Re-Purposed
By Karen Wilber

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

We were in the beginning weeks of a church-wide study of The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. As we progressed from “What on Earth am I Here For?” to “You Were Formed for God’s Family,” my anticipation grew.

God has a purpose for me.

I wondered what kind of ministry God had planned. I’d been a part-time seminary student for a couple of years. I had been working on my Biblical storytelling skills and drama ministry at church. Now I was leading a small group study consisting of church members and my unchurched neighbors. Clearly, something big was about to happen.

But not what I thought.

I had been feeling a little “funny” the past few days. Not sick. Just tingly. One morning it dawned on me–check the calendar. Could I be pregnant? We’d put off starting a family for years. Months ago we decided to put the matter in God’s hands. I wasn’t expecting to be–well–expecting so soon. On the way home from work that evening I selected a home pregnancy test kit from the variety of boxes lining the drugstore shelves. Each one promised me easy, clear, accurate results.

Just to be sure, I took two.

God has different methods of calling people to serve him. Moses had his burning bush. Gideon met an angel at the winepress. I held a five-inch long, white test strip which practically screamed “You’re going to be a mom!”

I’m going to be a mom.

If I ranked the top five joyful moments of my life, this would be one of them. I kept quiet for two days, planning to surprise my husband on his birthday with a baby toy. I began praying for the new life inside of me. I was never one of those women who grew dewy-eyed at the sight of a baby. After four years of teaching sixth graders, I wasn’t even sure I ever wanted to have kids. God changed all that.

Now I have two.

God repurposed my life. I was content with my plans, not knowing that God had greater plans. Over the past few years, I’ve felt Him repackage and recycle me, pulling out the bits and pieces of my life and abilities that He placed there for a reason in order to create a new mommy. He’s called me to be the mother to two active little boys and I pray for His guidance. After all, this was His idea.

As I tucked my now four-year-old son into bed the other night I whispered, “God has a plan for you.” His eyes grew wide. “What is it?”

Something wonderful. Wait and see.

(c) 2012 Karen Wilber

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITER

Mothers – do you remember THIS part of your purpose?

Happy Mother’s Day

Writing Advice You Should ALWAYS Follow

By Edie Melson

Now, like ninety-nine percent of publishing rules, take these with a grain of salt. Writing is rarely a one-size-fits-all proposition.

What Is a Christian Writer?
By Bob Valleau

I’ve included four important questions, in this article interview format, to convey what it means to be a Christian writer. Even though they are not from an actual interview, I have addressed each of these questions, at some point, in the past. I pray my answers give some insight into the exciting — and extremely satisfying — field of Christian writing.

Why are you a Christian writer?

I’m asked this question a lot, and I always reply: I can’t be anything else but a Christian writer. However, there’s more to my answer. Being a Christian writer is a calling by God with a commitment. One day, when I was young, He called me to write, and I knew beyond all doubt it was something I was supposed to do. And ever since I committed to writing for Him, I’ve grown in the confidence of His calling.

What does it take to be a Christian writer?

Over the years, I have learned that being successful at what I do takes a lot of discipline, determination and a drive to pursue God’s plan for everything I write no matter the word count. It takes an ear for hearing and a mind for understanding what God wants me to write. In other words, I consider two things before I write: my audience and what the Spirit of God places within my heart to write. Through prayer, and listening to God’s Spirit, He may want me to write something encouraging or inspirational. Or, He may just want me to write something entertaining to brighten someone’s day with humor.

Continue Reading…

Are you planning to attend the FaithWriters Conference next month (can you BELIEVE it’s next month??)? Are you registered yet? If not, we’ve got TWO reasons to try to convince you to sign up soon.

FIRSTLY: the early bird deadline has been extended until Tuesday, May 7. Who doesn’t like to save money? Get that registration in now!

SECONDLY: one person who registers before May 15 will get their registration fee refunded to them! All people who have registered so far, plus those who register between now and that date are eligible.

Hope you’ll join us in Portland, OR June 28 and 29 – and register soon! For more details and to register, check out the conference page.

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And…the God Speaks contest continues! Have you entered yet? It’s an opportunity to hone your writing skills, help promote an exciting new study Bible (that has ALL of God’s Words – not just Jesus’s – in color), and to win paid writing assignments and $500 in Biblical library upgrades. Don’t delay – this contest is open until there are 25 entries, or the contest sponsor or FaithWriters calls the contest. Check out the contest forums on the FaithWriters boards for specific details.

This Little Writer Went to Market

By Lynda Lee Schab

If you’ve been wondering about getting paid for your work, and want to explore the big scary world of freelancing (it’s really not that scary, I promise!), I encourage you to upload your copy. THIS LITTLE WRITER WENT TO MARKET is available on the following sites for only $1.99:

FaithWriters.com - The PDF version is available on FaithWriters. Personally, this is my favorite version because of the readability. The FaithWriters version includes an extra sample of how to submit to writing  jobs posted on the FaithWriters site.

Amazon.com - Kindle version

Smashwords - Various formats

If you have any questions about freelancing, please post them in the comments. I’ll try to answer them as quickly as possible.
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LYNDA LEE SCHAB is a full-time freelance writer from Michigan. She got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home & School) and in many places online (including Examiner.com and wow-womenonwriting.com). Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com. She is also the author of Mind over Madi and Madily in Love, the first two books in a 3-book series. Visit her website at www.LyndaSchab.com.

If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably a writer. And if you’re a writer, I’m sure you’re quite familiar with the question above. You’ve likely asked yourself or a friend what another word for (fill in the blank) might be countless times. Or you’ve looked it up in a writer’s (or at least my!) best friend – the thesaurus. When you’re looking for just the right word, little can beat it.

Though many have likely stopped using the paper version (can you say thesaurus.com?), it is, of course, what started it all.  And 261 years ago today, the first edition of  Peter Roget’s thesaurus was published. So pull out that book (or check out the website) and find the perfect (ideal? consummate? flawless?) word for your current writing project.

And thank Mr. Roget for his obsession with listmaking.

Do you use a thesaurus? If so, paper or electronic? If not, why not?