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Need a Change of Pot? By Meryl McKean

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One of the many things I love about spring is the chance to grow seedlings. I’m not a great gardener but I do get a lot of pleasure from planting seeds. There is something quite thrilling to see new life emerge and grow, eventually becoming a strong, healthy, fruitful plant. I get my seed boxes out in March and decide what seeds I’m going to buy. Usually I go for the flowers I’ve had success with in the past, such as Cosmos and Sunflowers, then maybe I’ll try something new. I tend to avoid most vegetables after a few disappointments involving courgettes, but tomatoes always tempt me to have a go. By now my seedlings have been upgraded from the propagators into pots and over the last couple of weeks I’ve been planning and executing their exit into the garden. Sometimes their growth can take me by surprise, roots and shoots have a growth spurt, stranding them in a pot much too small. When I lift them out, I find their roots beginning to clump together, crying out for more space to grow w...
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Baby Steps by Marion Andrews of Green Pastures Christian Writers

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After Covid, the Cancer Support Unit I previously had volunteered at re-opened. The team were delighted but somehow things were not the same. Fewer people called in and the caring, ‘buzzy’ atmosphere we had enjoyed had fizzled to a much quieter space. Jane, the manager, invited us all in to find a way forward. We discussed how babies change from being a helpless, fragile bundle at birth, their neck too weak even to support its head. Other stages follow closely. There’s ‘let’s play with my toes’, then ‘rolling over’; soon they’re struggling onto their knees and they’re crawling! Jane explained that change is similar slow steady development. Suddenly you realise something is happening. We only needed to be patient. It reminded me of my writing journey. Initially I showed no-one my work. Supposing I was told it was rubbish? How would I cope? I joined a local writing group and the feedback on my story (which I thought was okay) was that it was ‘utterly boring’. I was devastated and ne...
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  Last month I jumped on to the free webinar on ‘Storytelling’ hosted by Wendy H Jones and her friends at Auscot publishing.   She encouraged us with a timely reminder of how often we instinctively tell stories even when we don’t write them down. Storytelling has come a long way from the days when families would gather around the fire and hear about Papa caveman’s hunting day.   Doubtless he told how he had tracked, pursued and speared a ferocious mammoth, carrying home the carcass with a formidable hunting party of cave buddies.   Like many of us, he probably added some colourful details and embellished the story to maintain the interest of wide-eyed children and impress Mama cave lady too.   Later, they might have illustrated the tale and the cave with a new wall painting. The oral tradition stretches over millennia, of course.   Written language came much later.   Even if we don’t write our stories, or aim to have them published in some shape or for...
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Intentional writing

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‘So why do you write?’ Well, there’s a question that’s difficult to answer. Do I say all the reasons that are true and if so does that cover everything, or will they miss the essence of the question? Depending on who asks and which book, article, novel, paper or thesis they have read I have to select from the following reasons:  Forming a good story and introducing sub-plots is fascinating Creating good quirky characters means they come alive I enjoy shaping the rolling rhythm of sentences Poetry is beautiful and emotional  Practice makes progress I have something important to say and I need to find how to say it Writing about writing is a way to share my skills I want to share Biblical truths To worship God or bring others closer to Him Writing about God and church as a part of life can be a way in for non-churchgoers I want to share God’s love To help people with their mental health Teaching others how to help friends and family with mental health difficulties To address dif...
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The Last Post by Jane Walters

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This is my final post as a MTW blogger – other than the times I’ll pop up within the Green Pastures group on the 17th. So I thought I’d share some thoughts about what I love about being a writer - plus it gives me chance to share a picture of a lemur playing a sort of bugle, which is nice. I have the privilege of counting writing as my main occupation and each day is so different – which is a blessing in itself. Last week consisted largely of editing, of an individual project and a collaborative one (both are now complete, hallelujah!). Today, I’ve written and recorded a short video clip to promote an event I’m involved in. I followed it up by writing another short devotional for my latest project and am now turning to this blog. I’m never bored… I attribute a few things to keeping me freshly inspired. First, I read a lot, typically three or four books a month. I’ve got books scattered around the house, so the urge to pick one up is pretty much a constant. At the very least, it stimula...
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Parked Paul? by Nicky Wilkinson

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dreamslink.com  If you are feeling as if your writing career has been shunted into a train siding, or that recent attempts to explain your work in progress have not been rewarded by those in a position to: take heart. What appears like being parked might be important preparation down the track. Recently, I have been studying the later chapters of Acts. It made me quite angry. By chapter 24 Paul, the apostle, author of large amounts of the New Testament, and generally useful church leader finds himself jailed for several years, ultimately he ended his days under house arrest in Rome. Peter and Silas were similarly jailed, but their worship led to a miraculous escape Paul had multiple imprisonments: was he any less a beloved? He stated death or imprisonment would not deter Paul, but  they intimidate me. Worst of all, while in prison he was brought before a series of hapless rulers who didn't  even give their lives to Jesus. What was God doing with Paul?     ...
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Unleashing Your Faith: How to Build a Successful Career as a Christian Writer by Peculiar Medinus

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  Words have the remarkable power to inspire, uplift, and transform, making Christian writing a beacon of hope in a complex world. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone feeling called to share your faith through storytelling, pursuing a career as a Christian writer can be deeply fulfilling both spiritually and financially. But how do you combine your passion for faith with creating a sustainable income? This blog outlines the key steps needed to develop a successful and impactful career in Christian writing. From defining your niche to mastering marketing strategies, we’ll explore how to build a career that serves both your calling and practical goals. 1. Discovering Your Writing Niche Identifying your unique niche is the foundation of your writing career. Christian writing is a diverse field, encompassing everything from devotionals and theological works to contemporary fiction and personal testimonies. Reflect on what resonates with you most and fuels your passion. ...
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