Apparently there is a little pay it forward blog hop blowing through the blogging world and is often the case when it comes these sort of things, I was one of the last to know until one of my sweet blogging pals Janice of Heart-Filled Moments invited me to join in the party. Now, I must admit I was not too sure I was the appropriate guest for such a party when I first received her invitation. My first thought was “but I’m not a writer”. Never mind that I cast out a few pearls on the waves of the Internet.
I don’t recall exactly how Janis and my path crossed in blogland but it seems like I have known her from my early days in blogging. She has a genuine love for God and her family, which shines through in her writing. If you haven’t had the chance to connect with her be sure to stop by Heart-filled Moments.
At this party you tell a bit about yourself and then introduce a few blogging friends.
What am I writing or working on?
These days I find myself in a rather odd place. There are many ideas stirring but not much actual writing being done. I’m learning to embrace a new rhythm and take the needed rest and quieting the internal dialogue that says I need to be doing more. God has opened so many wonderful opportunities through me taking the courage to put my writings of a desert wanderer out there. I have the opportunity to serve on Blogs by Christian Women team helping to manage their blog’s layout and posting schedule. Additionally I write every other month as part of the Women Walking with Jesus team with Lisa Shaw and a host of other talented women sharing real life stories of faith.
Blogging has also given me the opportunity to expand my skill set and help fellow bloggers get their blogs in order. It’s been fun giving others a helping hand and it’s always great to learn something new when I can.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
It seems like there are lot of mom bloggers that have wonderful stories about their children or younger single bloggers that blog about single life. Although I’m an older single adult, I don’t tend to focus on dating or relationships on my blog. I simply share my musings about blogging, books, and spiritual reflections as I try to make sense of things in life.
Why do I write what I write?
I write what I write to give voice to the swirling thoughts in my head with hopes of encouraging someone else in their journey to know they are not alone. Writing is therapeutic for me in many ways and it helps me process what is going on in my world. It probably sounds cliché but when I started blogging I had N O idea anyone would be remotely interested in anything I had I to say. I didn’t know what a blog really was but I sure feel that it was a God inspired idea to start blogging.
How does my writing process work?
The spark for my writings often start with reading. What I have read or heard often becomes lodged in my thoughts and I sit down to write to capture them in a meaningful way. I tend to write most often in the morning time as that is when my mind is clearer. Although I have printed and purchased planners and calendars, I still tend to blog by the seat of my pants as I call it. However, I would love to be more of planner but since I write more by inspiration and not by discipline all that planning out hasn’t really worked out too well for me. Foremost I’ll say I am more of a reader than a writer. I compose my posts in Window’s Live Writer, which happens to be my favorite blogging tool. Many days writing and editing happen on the same day. Some days I write the old school way with nothing other than my favorite pen and my notebook. Nevertheless it is always done through the help and leading of God’s spirit.
Meet some friends
I always enjoy it when I have the opportunity to showcase fellow bloggers. There are just so many great blogs to get lost in and here are two bloggers you will want to check out, if you have not done so already. I get around in the blog world and I can not really remember when I first stumbled upon these two ladies’ blogs.
Say hello to Kathryn
I’m a wife and mom of two, working in corporate IT by day, while pursuing dreams of writing and sharing stories of faith by night. I’ve embarked on a great journey to follow God and say “YES” to where He’s calling me. Learning to listen, be brave and take the steps He lays before me. I write at www.kathrynshirey.com and share the ups, downs and in betweens of learning to live a surrendered life.
Kathryn has such a beautiful way with words that speaks right to heart of where I am at times. Here’s one my favorite quotes from her I featured awhile back.
So, I surrender my writing, this blog, the plans and ideas swirling in my head, to the One who set this writing dream afire in me. The One who holds the Master Plan for my life. I surrender to stop constantly swimming upstream, against the current, and instead try to lean into the rhythms of life. – Kathryn
Meet Minttu of I am Mrs K
I’m a global nomad with a Finnish passport. I am passionate about changing lives. I want God to be the center of my life. I also love music, writing, movies, books, traveling… My life is filled with laughter and dreams. Right now… Right now I’m happy. Visit I Am Mrs K.
The blogsphere brings us close although we might be geographically far away. The unique thing I immediately noticed about Minttu’s blog beside here obvious love of pink was that she host a monthly blog challenge. Isn’t that a creative a spin?
How about you? What are you working on these days?
Rather than serve up another dose of recommended finds this week, I'd just urge you to pay Janis, Kathryn, and Minttu a visit. Now I'd love for you to be my guest at The Friday Fellowship
this week.
Wanda, I so enjoyed learning more about you & your writing. I also look forward to visiting your friends 🙂 Blessings!
Thanks Joanne. Have a wonderful weekend dear!
Thanks for sharing, Wanda. I’ve always loved reading and writing. I was that child who was particular about my pencils to the point that my godmother called it obsessive. I have gone back to doing pen-to-paper writing and I am finding great joy in it. Writing has also increased my hearing. When I write, I am hearing the words as I put them on paper and often I gain some understanding and increased faith in the process. I’ve found some of my best articles in blogland, and I can say that Writing has been good to my soul.
Appreciate you sharing a little about your process LaVonne. It’s interesting the connection between hearing and writing you mentioned.
Wanda, you always inspire me with your swirling thoughts and offerings! It is a privilege to see you grow. I am so happy our paths crossed and I love your writing~ YOU need to write a book!
I look forward to visit your inspired friends!!
Thank you, for revealing your process-it helps me understand my own journey-even more~
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Oh sweet Ella you’re just two kind my dear. A book…perhaps one day it will be in the cards. Until then I’ll happily keep reading 🙂
Wanda, I always think of your posts as a little bit of calm wisdom in a maelstrom of internet noise. Keep up the good work!
I’m making fitful starts on two separate novels at once and querying a third. I got a message that books would come before my heart’s desire, though I hope it meant that I should just get busy, rather than making me wait for publication, which could take more time than I actually have! 😛
Ahh thanks Elizabeth! Two novels at once? I’m in awe in all of you writers of books.
Thanks for including me in this, Wanda! Loved getting to know more about you and your writing today!
My pleasure to have you Kathryn!
I so enjoyed getting to know you more Wanda. I always enjoy reading your swirling thoughts and musings!
Thanks Barbie. You’ve been quite an inspiration.
Blessings and congratulations……
You are what you say you are. You are a writer in your own right. The worst thing we can do is compare ourselves to others. Obviously you have inspired many, so own it. You are a writer.
stay blessed.
Rhapsody
Excellent point Rhapsody. I guess I’ve always thought of writers in the sense of individuals who write books. I just need to expand my definition perhaps.
Wanda,
I loved hearing about your writing process. I tend to be a fly by the seat of your pants writer as well–although I would like to get more disciplined in my life. If nothing else, I could get more sleep on nights when I tend to write if i had a schedule.
I love your quote over photo on the top. So meaningful as to why we write. It resonated with me.
This post flowed beautifully without any stress. Calmly as one of the commentators mentioned. I like the idea of going back to pen and pad. I heard an author mention that recently at a writing workshop. Have you hear of Carol Barnier?
You definitely are a writer. A writer with a purpose from God.
Keep on writing!
Blessings, Janis
Thanks Janis, I appreciate the gentle push from you to participate in the blog party. I do feel better when I actually have more time to write ahead but lately that doesn’t happen often. No I haven’t heard of Carol Barnier before. I’ll have to look her up.
I so enjoyed reading your post – I can see I am going to spend the day hopping. I came across you through Kathryn’s and found her on a link up blog. I also did the “Why I write”, all the way over here in the UK and I am so enjoying other writers answers and getting to read and connect with some new blogs. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hi Tania, pleasure to have you hop over! That blog hop has really made it’s rounds. I look forward to paying you a visiting and getting to know you more.