Lessons Learned from Leading OWFI

“He [David] cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.” (Ps 78:72 NLT)

For the last year, I’ve served as the 2019 Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) president. As of today, my tenure as president is over, but not my involvement in OWFI or my local writing community. (In last week’s blog post, I wrote about the transition I was facing. You can read that post here.)

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a leader because I’m introverted and quiet. I don’t like making decisions, but I do believe in standing up for people and doing the right thing. Over the years, I’ve held various leadership positions that, in hindsight, I know prepared me for this one. Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Leading OWFI”

Thankful to Be Me

Author’s Note: This month, my blog posts will all focus on thankfulness.

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6)

As Thanksgiving draws near, I begin to think more about all the things for which I’m thankful. In an effort to focus more on my blessings, I’m participating in the Oklahoma Writers’ Federation, Inc. (OWFI) gratefulness photo challenge this month. Each day, I’ll post a different picture of something for which I’m thankful.

The first photo prompt was to share a photo of someone I see every day, which was a challenge for me since I live and work alone. I can go for several days without seeing another person unless I make an effort to do so. For the photo challenge, I shared a picture of my dog, Lilly. She’s a loyal companion, and I’m more thankful for her than I can really express. After I posted the photo, I felt God speaking to my heart, encouraging me to think more deeply about the meaning the prompt had for me. After all, I realized, I do see someone every day. Continue reading “Thankful to Be Me”

Growing as a Leader

“…but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Tim 4:12)

I’ve never considered myself a leader. I believed that because I’m an introvert and quiet, I couldn’t be a leader. Over the last few years, I’ve recognized that for the lie that it is. Introverts may lead differently than extroverts, but that doesn’t mean that we aren’t good leaders. We’re often motivated by productivity, not ambition, and we tend to build meaningful, lasting connections with people. Continue reading “Growing as a Leader”

Freelance Writing: A Look Back at My First Year

“Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—” (Prov 1:5)

This month marks the one-year anniversary of my working full time as a freelance editor and writer. As a way to remember the occasion, I thought it would be appropriate to look back over the year and discover some of the lessons I’ve learned.

  1. Working as a freelancer has its perks. I can set my own schedule. Major perk.
  2. But setting my own schedule is challenging when I take low-paying jobs that require an enormous amount of work in order to build my clientele list and pay the bills. Finding jobs that pay well can be challenging, but I’ve learned that my time is valuable, and I must charge accordingly. If I don’t value the services I offer, why would anyone else?
  3. I’m learning to say “no” and set boundaries, especially when someone takes advantage of me.
  4. I’m learning what I enjoy writing and editing. I like academic editing. And manuscript editing. And nonfiction writing, especially grant writing, the mere thought of which makes some of my friends cringe and say a prayer of thanks that it’s me and not them. The jury is still out on fiction writing, but only because I struggle with it so much more than any other type of writing.
  5. Even though I’m an introvert, I’ve struggled to adjust to working alone. I enjoy spending time by myself, but I also enjoy the company of close friends. By nature, I’m introspective and spend a lot of time in my head. Now that I write full time, I find myself getting lost in my thoughts. I’m learning that I have to make an effort to reach outside of myself and connect with others. Through volunteering at church and networking with a fantastic community of authors and strong Christian women, I have found the support and guidance I need.
  6. My friends and family let me ask them questions or run project ideas by them, but for the most part, all the decisions for the business are up to me. I put a lot of pressure on myself because I don’t want to fail. I’ve learned not to rush my decision-making process and not to be so hard on myself if a decision doesn’t play out the way I hoped it would. Growing the business – and myself – is an ongoing process.
  7. Throughout this past year, I’ve struggled to find balance between my work and personal life. Working at home has been an awesome experience, but there’s very little separation between my work and the rest of my life. I have trouble leaving work “at work” when I never actually leave the office.
  8. It’s normal to have doubts. Write anyway.

In Proverbs 16:16, Solomon writes, “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” It is my prayer that when I look back over the past year, I will take note of lessons learned so that I can move forward into year two of running my own business with a clear mind and open heart. When I ask, the Lord will provide wisdom and guidance for each step that I take and help me touch the lives of others through my work.

Dear Jesus, thank you for providing the opportunity to pursue my dream of writing full time. I pray for wisdom to make decisions that will honor you. Amen.

Meeting Bruce Campbell

Bruce Campbell at local book signing

“David also said to Solomon his son, ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.’” (1 Chron 28:20)

I had the opportunity to meet Bruce Campbell, the actor from the TV show Burn Notice and The Evil Dead movie franchise, at a book signing recently held at a local bookstore. This was a big deal for a couple of reasons: 1) to date, he’s the most famous person I’ve met; and 2) I attended the book signing alone, something I probably wouldn’t have done even just a year ago. And meeting him was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had. Continue reading “Meeting Bruce Campbell”