WRITE: Relationships Matter
Although I’ve written for publication since my childhood, I took a L-O-N-G break after high school. My first homeschool article hit print in 2000. And my venture into the world of collaborative writing began in 2005. I mentioned earlier that God wired me as a word-person who loves to read and write. My tagline makes that obvious. In 2005, when God moved my work from small-time, part-time to full-time professional, I faced a huge learning curve. Much of what I did (which included revamping a book proposal in nine days to ensure its acceptance by Thomas Nelson), I learned as I went. I’ll let you in on a secret. Although I’ve become a student of both the craft and business of writing, the most important thing I’ve learned isn’t a technique or method. It’s not a plan or formula. My most important lesson as a writer is also the most important thing I’ve learned as a disciple of Christ: relationships matter. Jesus demonstrated this throughout his life. Read the Gospels and watch his interactions. He didn’t leverage relationships in the sense of manipulating others to get what he wanted. But he did approach people intentionally. His goals were not his own. He longed to draw people toward his Father, and it showed. What does this have to do with writing? My own relationships have meant everything from a writer friend’s suggestion that I submit an article about a homeschool project to an agent’s recommendation of my work. Relationships have brought me writing projects, speaking engagements, and some much-needed mentoring. But relationships have also allowed me to serve and to bless others. My first book project (third in order of publication) arose out of a relationship with a family I’d never met—a family whose son was critically ill. I’ll speak about I Would Die for You, the story and message of young BJ Higgins, at 1o AM next Friday at First Baptist Umatilla. If you’re a woman in or near the Lake County, Florida area, I’d love to see you there. I covet your prayers whether or not you can attend. Perhaps you’re not a writer. Still, I encourage you to consider relationships as you approach your day. Whose life does God intend you to touch? Whose life will he use to change yours? Relationships matter because everybody matters to God. You matter, too. Thanks for reading. Father, allow our relationships to make a difference today. Show us those who need a word of encouragement or more. Touch those who hurt and grant them your peace. Use our lives and our relationships to carry out your plans. In your name I pray,...
read moreREAD: "My name is Marti, and I am a bibliophile."
bibliophile, n. A lover of books; also, a book collector. God wired me as a word-person. Almost as soon as I could read, I could write, too. If you took a peek at my old school record books, you’d see “authoress” carefully printed to fill in the “What I want to be when I grow up” blank. That’s why I marvel at the direction my career has taken. I’m not exactly an “authoress” (so far, my name only appears on the cover of one of my book projects). Still, I can’t believe my profession allows me to interact with words and shape messages into a publishable form. And the idea that God uses those words to make a difference? Incredible! I tell people that the main reason I can write well is because I can read well. I belong to an online writers’ group, and occasionally members (all professionals in various fields of writing or publishing) post that they “don’t read” or “don’t find time to read.” I can’t imagine that. I’ve been a confirmed bibliophile since my preschool days. Even when I don’t have spare time, I find time to read. My husband should probably write this post because he has many funny memories of my obsession with books. I remember my mother warning me not to read as I came down the stairs. I don’t do that anymore, but I have been known to read while washing dishes; cooking (don’t ask about the library book I had to buy because I accidentally set it down on a hot stovetop); cleaning (so the dusting takes a little longer—no big deal); or taking a shower (I propped the book on the towel rack at one end of the tub). I read while I iron. I read while I bake (I’ve finally learned not to read as I measure ingredients, especially if I’m doubling or tripling a recipe). I read while I dry my hair. I no longer read while I ride in the car (I prefer life without nausea) and certainly not while I drive (I once saw someone do this on I-5 in San Diego. Scary!). I’m still in the hands-on mothering business (my youngest child is thirteen) and am blessed to have raised a family of readers. I’ve watched my son walk out the door of the library, book in hand, oblivious to those around him. I’ve tried to catch my daughter’s attention while she’s lost in a book. In fact, I can’t count the number of times I’ve found one daughter (who shall remain nameless) reading instead of working on her math assignment, reading instead of finishing her history report, reading instead of—well, almost anything. I don’t always have the words—or the heart—to correct these sins. At least I recognize their source. And yes, I covet a Kindle or other electronic reader because, well, it would afford me more opportunities to read. Still, it might not hold up too well in the shower. Do you have a reading habit or a reputation as a bibliophile? Step up to the comment section, take a deep breath, and begin. I’d love to hear your...
read morePRAY: The Beginning and the End
I want to state up front that I’m not a prayer expert, just a Christ-follower and eager learner. A few years ago, I began praying the disciples’ request: “Lord, teach us to pray.” I’m still praying that prayer and watching him answer it in surprising ways. As I continue with this blog, I hope to share some of the things He’s taught me about prayer on what I’ll call the PRAY days. Since I see prayer as a relationship more than an activity, PRAY may also include other thoughts and ideas as well. On the READ days, we’ll examine books I’ve read (or want to read). I may also post some interview with authors I know (or want to know). Finally, the WRITE portion will include some of the writing tips, tricks, and helps I’ve learned (or—you guessed it—want to learn). I hope to post at least three times a week but am sure that will change with the work and/or family seasons. Blogging’s a scary prospect. I find this especially true for introverts like me. We don’t enjoy being the center of attention, and the Internet’s the cyber-equivalent of Carnegie Hall—or maybe Yankee Stadium. Or not. That’s another reason blogging intimidates me. What if no one stops by to read? What if no one comments? And especially—what if no one cares? That’s why I wanted to begin backwards. To my logical mind, the blog order should follow the order of my tagline: READ. WRITE.PRAY. But two important people in my life have dyslexia. And both have taught me much about the benefits of the backwards approach. It seems obvious by now that I want to begin my entry into blogdom with a prayer. Prayer has to come first because my relationship with God comes before anything else in my life. So I decided to flip things around and begin this first week of blogging where I’d planned to end. God, this blog joins many others as an expression of ideas. Speak through me. Allow me to share what’s right and true. If I embarrass myself, let it be for your glory. If I say something wise, let that be for your glory, too. And mostly, Father, help those who read and the one who writes learn more about you—because we love you, and we want to love you more. In Jesus’ name I...
read moreTest Post: High Concept and the Book of Ruth
For weeks as the good people at Tekeme Studios and I have worked on my website, this space has been filled with “Test post for Testing. Test post for Testing.” That dynamic start earned me a comment–and at least one follower. So, before I launch the real thing, I thought I’d replace those words with, well, a test post for testing. It began as a journal entry and ended as something else. My husband tells me I’m a hopeful romantic. If you’ve seen Romancing the Stone, you remember the phrase. Kathleen Turner plays a writer given to many tears and much drama (I won’t continue the parallel). Anyway, hopeful romantics love stories. And this hopeful romantic especially loves stories like the Old Testament book of Ruth. It demonstrates the practical outworking of faith. It shows the necessity of relationships. It emphasizes that people matter to God. And it reveals how an unlikely circumstance and an unknown widow become perfect vehicles for his grace, mercy, and power. Like any great story, the book of Ruth contains much to admire. I sigh at its tragic-but-true opening. I marvel at Ruth’s quiet determination. I applaud as her love and a heritage of faith move Naomi from bitter to blessed. I love the way God uses Naomi’s wisdom to do what Ruth never expected. The book’s Cinderella ending comes not because Naomi is wise or Ruth is righteous but because God loves. God gives. Because those things are true, we still have stories to write and truth to tell. I’m grateful. People in my writing world talk a lot about “high concept”–the elements of a story that make it a page-turner, that allow it to unfold as a movie in your mind. Compelling characters, fast-moving plot, unexpected twists and turns–you guessed it. God has high concept down. And Ruth’s story? It’s got it all. Father, may I be a Ruth for someone today. Let me be the one who holds onto love in a place of hatred, who hangs onto hope in a desperate time. Let me be the one whose heart and lips voice your truth before my heart comprehends it. Let me follow you and never turn back. And yes, God, let me see your Redeemer. Let me not get so busy picking up sheaves that I miss Him. He’s at the edge of the field. He’s waiting. Let me see, know, and experience his...
read moreWelcome
I've asked God to use my writing and speaking to count for eternity. I'm passionate about relationships and creativity.
