Passion for Writing
People milled about the room, almost everyone looking like they’d stepped out of a book. Actually, they had. I guessed that people costumes were dressed as a character from their book. Now why hadn’t I worn my costume? Ah well, at least I wasn’t the only one in normal clothes. Even though I wasn’t feeling like I was completely part of the crowd, I was ecstatic to be there at the One Year Adventure Novel summer workshop.
The One Year Adventure Novel (OYAN) workshop was absolutely the most awesome thing I experienced summer 2011. OYAN students are very excited about writing and really fall in love with their characters. That first day at the camp was an exciting way to start with all the people dressed up, talking, laughing, and having fun before the classes even started!
I made several new friends and learned more skills about writing. I’m now better prepared to go out and write good stories and I know whom I want to write for and why.
One of the biggest things that hit me at camp though, was that most of the speakers mentioned the need for more teen Christian fiction. They talked about how most of teen fiction nowadays has fallen far away from God. Most teen fiction is now full of violence and darkness.
After I listened to the speakers, I was so ready to go out and write! I wanted to write something amazing, be published right away, and change lives in the world. I realized that my calling from God is to write for teens; to write stories with God-inspired themes. I realized the amazing gift of story that God has given me.
Story is an amazing way to get our point across. There’s an example of this in the Old Testament of the Bible. After David took Bathsheba as his wife and sent Uriah out to die, Nathan came to David. He didn’t blatantly tell David what he’d done wrong. Instead, Nathan told David an allegorical story about the rich man who took the poor man’s lamb. The story made an impression on David and revealed his sin more clearly than a blatant reprimand would have.
Story has the ability to change lives. Teens need changed lives. They need to hear of the Good News and of Jesus. But, most fiction for teens has become dark and depressing.
God has given me a passion for writing, for story, for fiction, for Him. I want to use the gifts he’s given me in my writing to serve Him.
The camp in itself was not the best part of my summer; consolidating the fact that I’m a writer for God and cultivating my passion for writing were the discoveries that made my summer awesome!
I’m trusting God to use me in the ways He wants. He’s put writing on my heart and I’m going to use it to glorify Him.
Danielle Dodge is thirteen years old. Her top favorite activities are reading and writing although she does enjoy riding horses, ballet, and playing the violin. She’s placed in three contests and written two novellas.
Writer’s Block and Procrastination
T
he other day, my friend, Gracia, asked for tips on overcoming writer’s block and procrastination. I thought I’d share here what I told her.
Writer’s block is a tough subject. I experience it quite frequently and it’s hard to get rid of. Sometimes, the best thing is to put the project aside for a few days and not think about it. Then, come back, reread what you’ve written and the “rhythm” of the story (or paper, essay, whatever) will return.
And procrastination … ? I can offer pretty good advice on how to procrastinate. Bestselling author, Brandilyn Collins, has a sure-fire twelve-step strategy (reference: http://forensicsandfaith.blogspot.com/2010/02/sure-fire-twelve-point-strategy-to.html) on this form of art, but how to overcome it is another story. What usually helps me is making a schedule and taping it on the wall by my desk so I’ll see it every time I sit there. Then I have a visual reminder of what I need to get done each day.
These things happen to all writers and we all have our own methods. The best thing to do is figure out what works best for you.
ESTHER LOPRESTO
I am first and foremost a Scribe of the King. It is my desire to serve God through the written word. I have been creating stories since age three. I would tell them to entertain my family, but didn’t start writing them down until age eight or nine.
Since then, the need to write has been insatiable. At age nineteen, I had my first book, Where’s My Other Sock?, published by Tate Publishing. Then, I graduated from community college with a degree; not in anything writing related, but in accounting. Currently, I’m hunting for a bookkeeping job and working on several books or story ideas. In my stories, I challenge the reader’s imagination with adventures into the fantasy realm. Some stories lean towards mystery/suspense or general fiction, and I try to write for all ages. I find my inspiration from JRR Tolkien’s works and from the Randomness of everyday life.
SDG. (read more…)
Oh Where, Oh Where Has Our Editor Gone?
Monday
9-12-2011
I am here and alive and kicking. Kicking my way about through appointments with doctors, labs, nurses, insurance reps, x-ray technicians, and bla bla bla. Next week I fly 1,800 miles to Chicago again just to say “hello” to the transplant team who performed a pancreas on me four months ago.
I owe iBeGat.com writers and readers an apology and a plea for mercy, grace, patience, and prayer. Some of you know, most of you don’t, that I survived an unhoped for heart transplant six years ago, then cancer that is in remission, and recently the pancreas transplant. All the while the doctor’s informing my husband, my son, and me that, “You’re not going to live through the year.” But it’s almost 2012 and I plan on living way longer than they expect.
And one of the miracles out of the countless ones I’ve experienced is that there have only been seven other people in the United States and possibly the entire world that have gone through a heart transplant and lived long enough to endure a rare pancreas transplant. Most only lived a year and there are only four of us alive here in the US. So I am in an elite club. (Man. but where are the presents, gifts, cars, and hoopla?) 8^)
It’s said you trade one set of problems for another after any transplant, but at least you’re alive. I’ve learned to live with much or little as Paul said to the church at Phillippi:
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:10-12 NIV1984)
The New Me!
A few months after I accepted the privilege of editor for iBeGat.com, my health slowly descended into the life-threatening need for a pancreas transplant. No one I saw would perform this dangerous surgery, considering the outcome was grim. But God provided a miracle and I received my pancreas on May 12, 2011 in Chicago. The most difficult part for me–my donor was a 13 year old girl from the Dallas, Texas area. A teenager. A young girl with family and her life ahead to dream and reach for the stars. I’m going to write her family, and have to do so anonymously due to privacy law, but I hope to one day be in touch with them as I am with my heart donor’s family.
If you want to read about the crazy times during this pancreas transplant process, click on the link to my blog: http://cindyscinto.blogspot.com/2011/04/cindy-in-chicago-day-one.html This starts you on a list of entries from the “Cindy City.”
I’m finally recovered most of the way, and when I sent out schedules for publication my intentions were sincere. But, alas, things have fallen behind a bit. I can say that this week was a turning point for me and I am much more full of the kick I usually have. 8^)
So, dear iBeGat.com writers and readers, pray for my time to be free, health to be great, and mind to be clear, so I can get back on track and keep plugging forward with this amazing sight for teens by teens!
Thank you, really.
Cindy Scinto
editor
www.iBeGat.com
cindy@iBeGat.com
iBeGat.com’s “End of Summer 20.11 Writing Contest!”
End of Summer 20.11 Winner!
Meet Danielle Dodge, our End of Summer 20.11 winner! Not only did she win first place, she did so by submitting her essay on her passion for writing. Often, stories of summer’s highlights involve outdoor adventures, fantastic trips, family reunions, or some other new adventure. Danielle took her love for writing and discovered she not only loves writing, but she truly has a calling to cultivate her craft and serve God and his people through story.
Congratulations, Danielle! Have fun spending your $20.11 on Amazon and we would love to see you write more for iBeGat.com!
Click HERE to read Danielle’s devo!
Teen Devo Contest
WRITERS ARE WANTED for a devotion contest sponsored by Scott McCausey of Christian Devotions Speak UP! I will be working a week of camp as a counselor for 3rd and 4th graders August 7th to 12th and need five devotions for the campers to read during morning time. Your devotion should be themed around your favorite camp or camping memory, no more than 400 words and tied together with a scripture. Maybe spice it up with a fun word puzzle or a spot for them to jot some of their own memories.
Send your devotions to scott@christiandevotions.us. Title the subject CAMP DEVO. I will take the five best devotions with me to camp and will allow the campers vote on their favorite. The winning devotion writer will get their devotion published on iBeGat.com as well as Christian Devotions Ministries. Good Luck and Good Writing!
With You Always
“…And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV )
Another sob racked my nine-year-old body but a puddle of tears had soaked my pillow, muffling my cry. It was another three day weekend away from my mom and the comfort of my home. I was visiting my dad’s house like I did every weekend, but this weekend was especially hard because it was the monthly long weekend; a day longer than all the other weeks. This morning I woke to the familiar heartache of being homesick and lonely, feelings that plagued me almost every time I came to stay in a place so different from my real home.
In that despairing moment, I had forgotten what Jesus said. The Bible, His letter to us, says that He is with me to the end of the age. That means every second of the day He is inside me comforting me, urging me, and reminding me of the truth. He is a constant companion to my heart. He never leaves me just because I forgot what He said and He never grows tired of helping me through my darkest moments. He is forever with me.
There are still lots of times that I feel alone. But I remember that I have a constant friend who will stick by me no matter what. Other friends will come and go at different times in my life, but God never changes His affection for me. When I start to get that empty feeling in the pit of my stomach from being homesick or lonely, I remind myself that I am not alone. I don’t have to feel lonely or homesick because God himself is my best friend and He is always with me!
Maybe you feel alone in a big world or maybe you’ve been deserted by someone you were depending on. Remember Jesus is your constant friend. Develop a deep friendship with the only One who will never make you feel lonely.
AIMEE LYNCH
Aimee Lynch is a homeschooled high-school student in Gaithersburg MD. She has a heart for children whose parents are divorced because she grew up in a single-parent home after her own parents divorced when she was five. Her blog, allfilledup.wordpress.com, is a place where she seeks to encourage other kids in difficult situations. In what little free time she has, she enjoys gardening, reading, getting involved in various youth projects, taking walks on the beach, and writing articles. (read more…)
Deck the Halls…With Love
Deck the Halls with boughs of holly! Fa la la la la la la la la!
Cheerful carols resounded in the hallways of the nursing home. Some friends and I, all decorated in green and red, strolled up and down the halls, sticking our heads in doorways, singing and wishing everyone a merry Christmas.
A small group of us tiptoed into one lady’s room and asked if we could sing for her. She agreed and we sang several Christmas carols with smiles and joy. As we were leaving her room quietly, I heard her gently say, “I love you.” I turned my head at the doorway and whispered back to her, “I love you, too.”
It amazed me how much joy a simple song could bring. Even a smile, a touch on the shoulder, or a “Merry Christmas!” greeting would light up the faces of the residents at the nursing home.
I often feel like I have to do something big to make a real difference. But at that nursing home, I realized there are many people who don’t need something extraordinarily radical this holiday season. Just a smile, a touch, or a word of encouragement can go a long way. 1 John 3:18 says:
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” (NIV)
This Christmas, let’s not miss the opportunities to make a difference in the world right in front of us. Let’s live everyday with eyes that actively search for people’s needs and a heart that eagerly seeks to meet them with the love of Christ.
ASHLI ROUSSEL
Ashli Roussel, a nineteen-year-old sophomore at Harding University, is passionate about sharing the truth and love of the Lord through writing. She loves camping, running, playing the piano, and participating in missions. Most of all, she is passionate about knowing, following, and serving her Lord and Savior. Without Him, her stories would mean nothing.
Ashli has battled and overcome an eating disorder, which God used to teach her great truths about who He is and how He is involved in our struggles. Now she desires to comfort others with the comfort that she has received from God. Keep an eye out for Ashli’s regular articles on iBegat.com! (read more…)
Teens Stand Up and SHOUT!
November 13, 2010
A mob of teens begins this REAL performance on an unsuspecting crowd at a mall.
There are already close to 8 Million hits!
Excuses, Excuses!
“So the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God! Listen: You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.’” (Luke 1:30-31 NET)
“So Mary said, ‘Yes, I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her.” (Luke 1:38 NET)
Christmas is getting closer and I’ve started thinking about the Christmas story. We’ve all heard it: the virgin, Mary, gives birth to Jesus, God’s son, in a stable while traveling with her newly wedded husband, Joseph.
Seems simple, but amazing, right?
Everything in the Bible can be taken to a deeper level, though, because it is God’s word that we need to apply to our lives. As I was going deeper into these verses, some thoughts came to me.
In “Bible Times” girls would marry at very young ages. Mary, Jesus’ earthly mother, was merely 13 years old. This seems crazy to us now, but that’s how it was back then. Another thing, she was engaged to Joseph. How would you feel if you were 13, engaged, and God told you that you were pregnant with his son (pregnant, but not married)? I don’t know how I would feel, but I know I would be rolling out excuses by the bucket load: I am too young. I am not wise enough. They could stone me for being pregnant, but not married. Joseph could not marry me because it isn’t his baby. If Joseph doesn’t marry me, no one else ever will.
This was God’s call to Mary, and she could have used all of the legitimate excuses I just listed. Instead, she freely stated, “I am a servant of the Lord; let this happen to me according to your word.” Did you catch that? No “There’s someone better for the job” or “Everyone will make fun of me,” just “I am a servant of the Lord.”
Now, let’s apply this to our lives. Like I said before, this was God’s call to Mary. We all get “calls” from God, but we don’t always respond as well as Mary. I can think of many times in my life that I have felt a call to just talk to someone about Christ, but have made up excuses like “They’ll just laugh at me” or “They won’t listen, what’s the point of even saying something.”
Sound familiar to anyone?
Here’s the kicker: most of us, in our lives, will never be called to do things that could end in us getting stoned, disowned, and/or raise God’s son. Mary was called, however, and while we make excuses for the littlest things; she walked into this with an open heart. If she can do that, why can’t we just do what God wants without complaint or argument?
My challenge for you is to not make up excuses the next time you feel called to something. Just do whatever it is you feel God wants you to do, and let Him be in control. I promise you won’t be sorry.
God’s plan for us is always better than our own.
HALEY FAYE SNYDER
I’m Haley Faye Snyder. I’m 13 years old and in eighth grade. I’ve lived in the same Christian home in Kentucky since I was born. I have one little brother and two loving parents. I go to Westport Baptist church and have my whole life. (read more…)
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PLACES TO GO
TODAY’S VERSE
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Captain LaFoote
If you drowned and the sea spit you out, thrusting you back into an age of pirates, buried treasure and beauty beyond belief…would you stay?
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