The following is my contribution to the Inscribe blog tour:

Rebooting my Writing Career

“Is my writing good enough to pursue the next level of my writing career?” I wondered as I was reviewing my aging resourceful writing notebook. My husband had recently announced another move, and in a few weeks our family was on our way to Halifax. That was ten years ago.

I had been writing for several years up to that point but I knew I needed a boost; something that would move me out of my comfort zone. I needed to extend my reach and climb a little higher. I guess a change of location was my new launching ground. My writing credits included my poetry book, several articles, and I had experience writing for a newspaper.  I was also a part of a local writer’s group, one that I formed. During those years I was working on an evangelism book. It was material that I compiled for Bible studies mostly. It wasn’t until two more moves within Halifax that I really settled. I became a little more serious and adventurous with my new sights on seriously seeking a publisher for my new manuscript.

I decided to search for a writer’s group and other resources online so that I could have a connection with other writers. I stumbled across the Halifax Metro Christian Writer’s Group and the contact person, Janet Sketchley, invited me along to their monthly meeting. It sure was daunting at first, being new to the community and new to a writer’s group but I was determined to follow through with my endeavour of stepping my writing career up a notch.

As I was searching I found an online writer’s group called Inscribe. I wanted to connect to a family of writers so I could learn and share and feel a sense of belonging. It is somewhat lonely at the writer’s desk so being a part of a group of supportive, Christian writers was the link that kept me focused on my writing. And, it cost very little to join. At the same time, blogging was very new to me. I committed to blogging with many online Inscribe friends as well.

Sometimes as a writer, the old “not good enough” feeling creeps up and I wonder if I can reach new heights. I read about members on the Inscribe blog who are very new to the writing field and many who are seasoned writers and editors. It doesn’t matter what level of writing that is represented because all members are there to encourage one another. How else can we learn and grow? Well, I have submitted to the Inscribed Anthology and my piece was accepted for publication. I was excited about that. That part of my journey with Inscribe was so rewarding. I have been submitting to other contests through Inscribe as well. I haven’t won an entry yet but I will continue to enter nonetheless. It’s competitive and fun.

I only know one member personally but after all these years I have made a connection. I have received support and I have contributed also. I could never close shop with Inscribe. This journey I am on keeps me grounded and focused as I continue to connect with this wonderful group and resource.

I did eventually find a publisher for my latest book, A Journey to the Heart of Evangelism, and I still continue to write and query various periodicals and have been successful. My writing career was not an overnight success but the joy of writing keeps me motivated and determined to keep on keeping on!

Janice Keats

Leave comments on the blog posts to be entered in our GRAND PRIZE DRAW: an
Inscribe book bag with a free annual membership and a copy of Inscribed: 30 Years of Inspiring Writing.  The more blogs you comment on, the more entries you’ll get in the draw—e.g., if you comment on 10 blogs, you’ll get 10 entries in the draw (but one comment per blog, please).  Contest is open only to non-Inscribe-members (members are free to comment on blogs but will not be entered in the draw).

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http://inscribewritersonline.blogspot.com/2011/06/icwf-blog-tour.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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