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how to find inspiration

Episode 83: HELP! Tina Has Writer’s Block!

Every single writer portrayed in the media of my youth seemed to be stricken with this mysterious condition called, “writer’s block.”  This phenomena rendered said character unable to perform his craft, no matter where he went, or what remedies he tried, no matter how much his agent begged, cajoled, or threatened. 

For whatever reason – perhaps because of what I had learned about other non-real-life-threats which were, for some reason, also recurring themes in the media of my generation, such as quicksand and the Bermuda Triangle – I was entirely skeptical that this was a real life thing, this, “writer’s block.”

I mean, really, I would think as I watched such a show, licking popcorn and salty butter from my fingers in pre-Covid bliss. The dude is paid millions to write books. Can’t he just churn something out for his agent, already?

How I would have ceased to scoff had I known that my own experience with this mysterious phenomenon loomed on the horizon of my future. And little did I know that my dear Co-Host, Christina Cattane, would also someday be plagued by this creative paralyzation we call, “Writer’s Block.”

Tune in to see what advice we have for Tina, and offer yours in the live chat!

See you there,
Jamie

Episode 42: Online Writing Groups

“I just don’t understand you kids today and your obsession with technology,” Norma Jean said, shaking her head and grabbing another ear of corn. “All these newfangled computers and
interwebs and things.”
“Grandma, technology isn’t all bad,” Betty Sue said, tearing the long green leaves from the ear she was holding then breaking the thick stump off the end.
“I can’t think of a single way technology has benefited me.”
“Grandma, you have a telephone. And a radio. And a television.”
“Well, that’s different.”
Betty Sue rolled her eyes at the familiar expression. She knew better than to argue when her grandma used it. Still, she was not about to surrender the point. She chose her next words
carefully.
“Remember when you told me about the writing group you had back when you lived in Maple Pointe?”
Norma Jean set her corn in her lap and looked wistfully away. “I do remember. Golly how I miss those gals.”
Betty knew her words had hit their target. She carried on with gusto. “Imagine, Gram, if there was a way for you to re-start your writing group.”
“Impossible,” Norma Jean said, “Hyacinth’s gone to Florida for half the year, Brenda’s moved in with her son in Vegas, and Laura Sue, who’s only the next town over, doesn’t drive.”
“It’s not impossible, Gram. There is a way for your writing group to start meetings again, thanks to the miracle that is modern technology.”
Tune in to today’s episode of The Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast to learn how Norma Jean, and YOU, can put together an online writing group!
See you there,
Jamie

Episode 41: Back On Track

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

I think I’m a pretty encouraging person. Others might call me critical or blunt. They are probably right. But, understand, no matter how poorly I may at times articulate my ‘encouragment,’ it always comes from a place of wanting what’s best for others. My heart is to encourage you. Truly. I think it’s important to say that before continuing.

While perusing Twitter lately (yes, I realize the irony,) I have noticed a number of writers spending A LOT of time playing twitter games (i.e. autocomplete the following sentence, or, what’s your character’s favorite pie flavor.) I’ve also noticed a lot of Author Instagram posts with pictures of their workspaces…their immaculate, nothing out of place workplaces. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with any of these activities, but I have noticed it so often with some writers that it makes me wonder…are you actually getting any writing accomplished? I’m not posting any pictures of my workspace. It is a wreck…because I am writing there, not positioning my pencils properly.

So, here is my loving ‘encouragement’… stop wasting time! Sit down and actually write the words! (Was that too harsh? Reread first paragraph, please.)

In today’s episode, titled “Back on Track,” the ladies and I discuss the topic of distractions. We all have them, but if we are going advance our writing careers, we need to acknowledge those things that we allow to pull us away from our writing and learn how to avoid those traps.

If you missed the live broadcast, you can watch the replay HERE, or listen on iTunes HERE. But not if you haven’t written yet today. Go write first, then tune in!

Lovingly submitted,

Jen

Episode 25: Office Hours for Writers

During NaNoWriMo the ladies and I started discussing how to continue the momentum we had going. We were making it a point to get into a Google Hangout and sprint together most days, and our word counts were amazing. 
It was decided that we would have what we are calling ‘office hours. We bookmarked a hangout and we meet there each weekday and some Saturdays at an agreed upon time. We have three timed sprints and then it’s water cooler time. We are each still working on something to advance our career, but this is the time to chat or ask for input. 
I have personally gotten so much accomplished during office hours that I don’t think I’ll ever want to stop. 
Check out our latest podcast where we discuss our ‘office hours’, how it has helped each of us be productive, and how you can do it too.
Don’t forget to check out our Patreon for our post casts, where the shenanigans really take off, as well as some serious critiques of our writing.

Are you a plotter…or a panster?

Good morning Christian Indies!

What a crazy month October is turning out to be! We’ve been so busy over here at the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast, not only prepping our own stories for National Novel Writing Month (lovingly referred to as NaNoWriMo around the world), but we’ve been hard at work with our #Preptober series [Read more…] about Are you a plotter…or a panster?

Inspiration



Hi, Christian indies!
Jamie here, with a dose of weekly encouragement!

And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. –  Genesis 2:7 

When I learned the topic for this week’s podcast was “inspiration”,  I immediately thought I remembered learning once that the word had something to do with God’s breath, or God’s breathing. So, when I set to write this article, I just had to go and look it up. 

From The Online Entomology Dictionary: 

“c. 1300, “immediate influence of God or a god,” especially that under which the holy books were written …The sense evolution seems to be from “breathe into” to “infuse animation or influence,” thus “affect, rouse, guide or control,” especially by divine influence.” 

How wonderful! 

I’d like to believe that when I am seeking inspiration, I am literally asking for a breath of life from our heavenly Father, a sort of “spiritual resuscitation.” But, it feels rather presumptuous for me to then say “this story was brought to you by the Holy Spirit,” or some such thing, as that feels awkwardly close to comparing my own works to holy writ (All scripture is given by inspiration of God,  – 2 Timothy 3:16a ) 

But, I do believe that it is appropriate to acknowledge that God created all things, even, ad perhaps, especially, the things that we look to for inspiration, as the word is commonly used. Also, the Great God and Our Creator was responsible for our formation – for our flesh and bones, and for the very gray matter inside of our skulls that churns out all these ideas. For these things, and for a great myriad of other reasons, He alone is worthy of our worship and praise. 

Check out this week’s podcast to find out where, in God’s creation, we seek out inspiration for our writing.

We love encouraging others! Drop us a line and let us know how we can encourage you today!

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