Writer Wanna Be's
By Joyce C. Lock, Sat Dec 10th

Before my discovery of the internet, in attempting to deal withChristian publishers, I came to realize what preachers haveknown for a long time. Many publishers use the 'Christian' namefor a fast buck. Like others, they want to know who you know andeverything else possible that might prove your book will sell onthe merit of your name, only; without regard to what is actuallyinside the cover.

They, also, expect you to work so hard at your presentationthat the book is ready for publication before submitting.Though, most of the time, it goes into a pile of manuscripts; tobarely be skimmed, unless you have already developed a name.

In addition, publishers either want your writing to fit withintheir specific doctrinal guidelines or they want the writing tobe so non-controversial that all religions will accept it. Allthis is without consideration as to if the Spirit is actuallyspeaking through the writing.

Poetry critiquers don't like me very well, either. Oh, wait!Maybe it's the other way around.

First, you write, in hope of meeting someone else's acceptanceand approval. Talk about messing with your self-esteem, thatwill do it. You may have to spend money for them to even look atyour writing. But when you do, you are almost assured they willtell you what you had hoped to hear ~ that your writing isabsolutely wonderful!

You can pretty much guarantee that those who offerself-publishing will really love your writing, too. However, theprice for encouragement, on that level, is considerably higher.

Then, there are contests wherein expense is required, either toenter or to claim your prize. In other circles, we call itgambling.

Though, if you are otherwise accepted, you may be required topay for the honor of having your writing listed among them.However, unless you tell all your friends, no one that knows youwill ever see it. And, all the rest won't even remember yourname.

Such as these take unfair advantage; manipulating the heartstrings of those whose dream in life is to, one day, be awriter. In fact, most such cons stay within legalized limits;but steal from your wallet, none-the-less.

I am not a writer wanna be. In fact, I'm not even a writer. Ido not seek to become a writer. But, I could keep going withthis skeptism as, when I do write it is with motivation andpurpose. Maybe I just have a lot of issues. :)

What got me going, this time, was a shared link to a web siteimplying they were interested in original Christian writingsubmissions. However, in addition to all else, they suggestedthat if you wait for the Spirit's moving, you may never write.So, at that point, I was no longer annoyed but a bit ticked. Ifthe Spirit isn't in it, it shouldn't be written. Shame on them!

When God inspires one to write, it does not need criticized.There are times when a different arrangement of words would readmore smoothly. And, definitely, proofing helps the reader to beable to better absorb content. However, the intent in which Godgave it should never be changed. God doesn't do anythinginferior. Only, some take it upon themselves to think they knowmore than God.

But, also, as is really obvious when the only accepted poetrysubmission is 'non-rhyming poetry', regardless of content, thosehave pre-determined what is good poetry while they look downupon the rest. That might be a good deal, to at least know whatis expected. Only, no two critics agree

on what good poetry is.

So, there are no guidelines that the 'would be hopeful' canobtain ~ unless the writer throws out their own style, to matchsomeone else's, in hopes of being accepted into that group. And,that could even be a good thing, if only that group were a 'forreal' publisher. But, what really happens is authors sell theirsoul to be accepted by a group of writer wanna be's.

As it is with many, one's dream of writing is not all thatdifferent from the self-defeating teen-age dream of, one day,winning the Miss America pageant; only with more substance. Ifyou are fixed on becoming famous by the world's methods, goright ahead and let the world keep kicking you in pants. AsChristians, when we follow the majority, we lose sight of why weare writing and end up inviting our own defeat.

However, if you are inspired by Holy unction, you will writewhether you ever become famous or not. And, when God inspiresyou to write, there are souls waiting for that message. If youever get a glimpse into the importance, significance, andmagnitude of that, you will share your writings whether you everget paid or not ... and you will stop welcoming criticism. Ouraccuser's name is Satan.

Also, when God inspires a writing, it doesn't really belong toyou. So, when 'represented to be' Christian (Christ like) peopleholler about copyrights, I start to lose respect for them. It isone thing for another to claim and or make a profit off yourworks. It is another to threaten and sue when someone has paidsuch a compliment as to share your writing with others it might,also, minister to. The same goes for all forms of Christianministry. For however many ways God opens doors, the seed Hegives can and should be multiplied again, and again.

It is God's job to determine how many times one's seed getsmultiplied. Our part is to be available, faithful, and obedientto share that which He blesses us with. And, the more you share,the more God gives you to share. Also, the better you will getat it! Then, as it works in with God's timing and you arespiritually prepared for what comes next, God will open moredoors ~ then more.

If your calling leads in the direction of publishing,publishers will find you. For others, writing may have helpeddevelop confidence in being a better speaker. Whatever your pathin life is to be, He who calls you will also do it. His yoke iseasy and that takes the pressure off us.

Let us forget the wanna be's and put our focus on being aservant. God makes all things beautiful, when it is time.

© 2004 by Joyce C. Lockhttp://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap alsosparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap alsobountifully.

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let himgive; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerfulgiver.

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye,always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to everygood work.

2 Co. 9:6-8

This writing, as well as all of Joyce C. Lock's writings, may beindividually used, in their entirety, with credits in tact; fornon-profit ministering purposes

About the author:Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. Inaddition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries"Heavenly Inspirations"http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ and "Share aSmile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/ . Joyce'swritings encourage us in our relationship with God and eachother.