Tag: writing

2020 Mid-Year Goals Check

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.” (Ps 33:11)

Do you set goals? Each year, I create goals with smaller, manageable action steps. This is partly based on my performance-based personality (I like checking off boxes) and also because I used to work with grant programs that required this sort of goal setting. While coming up with realistic, measurable goals can seem daunting at first, I have found that setting goals ensures that I get to where I want to go.

To make sure I’m on the right track, I evaluate my goals mid-year, and because this year has been stranger than most, I really have no idea where I stand. This is unusual for me. I usually keep track as I go, but I haven’t done so this time. I’m interested in finding out how I’m doing with my writing goals and where I need to make adjustments. Continue reading “2020 Mid-Year Goals Check” →

Renewal in the Time of COVID-19

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:12 (NIV)

Due to the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) around the country, we are faced with continued quarantine and isolation. My calendar, which is usually filled to overflowing, is now clear except for a few work deadlines.

Rather than focusing on the negative, I’m looking for silver linings. I’ve become accustomed to finding lessons in everyday situations in order to write posts for this blog. This situation is so extraordinary that I know God has something for me to learn.

One message I’m hearing loud and clear is that I need to be more selective about how I spend my time. That includes taking better care of myself. My word for the year, renew, comes to mind. Continue reading “Renewal in the Time of COVID-19” →

Back to School

Posted on by Staci Mauney

Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. (Prov 9:9)

When fall approaches, I start thinking about going back to school. I always enjoyed school, from learning new things to seeing my friends to joining clubs.

Even as I got older, I continued my love of learning. I studied English literature and writing as an undergrad and secondary education as a graduate student. Sometimes, I think about going back to get my Master of Fine Arts or maybe even my doctorate. Continue reading “Back to School” →

Overcoming Negative Self-Talk

Posted on by Staci Mauney
At the Skirvin Hotel for WriterCon 2019

Writing is a solitary activity, but like anything else, my writing is better when I have a group of people who can provide feedback and cheer me on. Attending a writing conference is a great way to meet like-minded people, learn more about the craft of writing, and learn more about the business side of writing.

This weekend, I attended WriterCon, an annual writing conference in Oklahoma City. Even though I’ve been attending writing conferences for years (and even helped organize a few), I learn new lessons each time. Continue reading “Overcoming Negative Self-Talk” →

Lessons Learned from Gardening

Posted on by Staci Mauney

“The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” (Lk 8:14-15)

Before the first freeze last fall, I brought my herbs inside my house. Each one grew in its own container, so I made a place for them in my laundry room, which receives a lot of sunlight. There were four: basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.

One by one, the herbs died until the oregano was the only one left. At first, I watched it diligently for rot or dryness. Soon, I became distracted and forgot to check it as often as it needed. One day, I noticed its dry leaves and realized with chagrin that I had forgotten to water it. Overnight, it seemed, many of the leaves dried up and fell on the floor. My neglectfulness led to the eventual death of the oregano plant. Continue reading “Lessons Learned from Gardening” →