In this third episode of the Gracewriters Podcast, Belinda Pollard, Alison Young and Donita Bundy discuss the question: Am I called to write? A sense of calling -- or perhaps the fear that we're not called -- can affect a Christian writer's confidence and effectiveness. We share personal experiences, as well as spiritual and practical tips for confirming your calling, or keeping moving while you figure it out. Please keep your questions and topic suggestions coming, using the Podcast tab … [Read more...] about Gracewriters Podcast #3: Am I Called to Write?
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“Success” and the Christian writer
Last week on the Gracewriters Podcast we talked about imposter syndrome, where we worry that our writing is not as good as people think. I believe one of the root causes of this debilitating syndrome is that we have a false definition of “success” – our own or anyone else’s. Three psychological problems 1. We misunderstand the “success” of others We might admire or even envy another writer who seems to have everything we’ve been hoping for. How often do we assume they produce … [Read more...] about “Success” and the Christian writer
Gracewriters Podcast #2: Tackling Imposter Syndrome
In this second episode of the Gracewriters Podcast, Belinda Pollard, Alison Young and Donita Bundy discuss Imposter Syndrome - the feeling that you are not a good writer, and will soon be found out. Many creatives seem to experience these feelings. Christian writers have an extra problem in that we sometimes fear we are failing God... but we also have His powerful help as we follow our calling. Our new podcast will be every two weeks, initially, and we've received some great input from you … [Read more...] about Gracewriters Podcast #2: Tackling Imposter Syndrome
Gracewriting: Am I “enough”?
I often meet Christian writers who feel inadequate for the task, and I’ve felt it myself. Sometimes, other people crush our spirits because they, too, think we’re inadequate and they say so. Today, I prayed about what’s next for Gracewriters on my morning walk, and returned to my Bible, pen and paper… and a tumbling avalanche of thoughts. It was like God had turned on the mental firehose. Let’s take a look at just a few of his chosen messengers and their moments of insecurity. NOTE: … [Read more...] about Gracewriting: Am I “enough”?
Gracewriters Podcast #1: What is Gracewriting?
Our adventures in connecting, equipping and encouraging Gracewriters have taken another turn this week with our brand new podcast. Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts here: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/gracewriters-podcast/id1519376330 In conversation in this episode: Belinda Pollard, author of mainstream crime novels, editor, and Gracewriters founderAlison Young, author of sweet romance under the name Alison JoyDonita Bundy, author of young adult urban fantasy Topics covered … [Read more...] about Gracewriters Podcast #1: What is Gracewriting?
God’s postal workers
A thought-provoking guest post from Donita Bundy. Did you know Christians were referred to as “People of the Book” at least 1400 years ago? I love that name. Even then, it was evident to the world that Christians and Jews were people who related to their God through story. Not only that, our Lord himself is the Word of God (John 1). To me this says that our God is a relational God. And when He’s not relating to us personally, He is telling stories of how He relates to us, … [Read more...] about God’s postal workers
Training to be a Christian writer
The other night, I was wrestling with a troublesome social justice issue in the manuscript for my crime novel set on Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. The research my scientist was undertaking didn’t lead his conflict with another character in the right direction, and it was subtly affecting the book as a whole. I was about to send my manuscript out to beta readers, and I wanted this particular glitch solved before I sent it, so I was working under a sense of stress. After ruminating and … [Read more...] about Training to be a Christian writer
Breathing Time: 30 Seconds to Change Your Life
An inspiring and encouraging guest post from copywriter, Dawn Dicker. When Donita Bundy posted about how the intimacy of spending time alone with God “evaporated as soon as I stepped back into the slipstream of life,” she nailed my problem. Scripture memorization, daily declarations, prayers to better share God’s love—all melted away in the pressures of the day. Donita spoke of “timeout” with God and invited us to reflect on what worked for us. That made me think: Had I had overlooked … [Read more...] about Breathing Time: 30 Seconds to Change Your Life