On Writing

  • On Writing

    How to Start Journaling

    Here are a few tips on how to start journaling daily. First, watch the video and then read the tips! 1. Start with, “Dear God” instead of “Dear Journal” or “Dear Diary.” As I said in the video, life is busy and there isn’t a lot of time to write fluffy things or draw hearts and rainbows in your journal. Use your journal instead to be intentional during your quiet time or devotional time with God. 2. Journaling Brings Healing I didn’t start out to be a writer or published author. In fact, I wanted to be a high school math teacher (algebra). It’s kind of cool to look back…

  • Faith,  On Writing

    Start Writing Now Synchroblog

    I’m asking you to share tips on how to start writing now through Thursday the 24th. As a full time writer and published author of three books, I know what it takes to get published. I also know that I didn’t get to be published without the help of writing mentors, encouraging family members, and online friends. I’ve also had the privilege of launching new and promising writers myself. Some old. Some new. My favorite part about being in the writing and publishing business is being able to pass along wisdom. Because no writer is an island. This is where you come in! I am looking for YOUR writing tips.…

  • Faith,  On Writing

    Quarter Life Conference

    “You want whom to come speak at your church, and you’re willing to pay how much to get this person there?” Each time the phone would ring I knew exactly who they were asking for and why. My only problem? Said Christian celebrity wouldn’t speak for less than a certain amount and a certain-sized church. I didn’t have the heart to tell Mr. Small Town Pastor he couldn’t afford said celebrity Christian to come speak at his church. No matter how touching a story–and there’s always a story–churches across America are looking for ways to reach out to their community. I know this because I booked 300+ events at churches,…

  • On Writing

    How To Find Your Writing Voice

    [Monthly Columnist – Rebekah Snyder] – Starting this January, I am introducing a few new monthly columnists who will be guest blogging on a monthly basis. I asked Rebekah because we share a common writing friend-Sarah Martin. Like me, Rebekah was home schooled and also wrote a book on dating. Even though we have never met, when I think of her I envision the next “Devotional Diva.” She just has this amazing spirit and doesn’t mind (might I say enjoys) being challenged–my kind of girl. Please welcome her! I didn’t always think my voice was beautiful. Not my singing voice. There was never any question that I had my mother’s…

  • On Writing

    10 Tips To Start Writing Now

    10 Tips to Start Writing Now I was originally going to post these with the Start Writing Now Synchroblog last Monday, but decided to switch them with 15 tips on how to start your own writing business. 1. Follow Through You may not feel you’re the smartest or most savvy writer/blogger/author, but that actually doesn’t matter. The ones who write and keep writing are the ones who succeed. My former boss actually told me that I wasn’t the most qualified for the position, but because of my follow through (sending emails, leaving voice mails) and not giving up–he gave me the job. That was the job that turned everything around…

  • Devotionals,  On Writing

    How to Write Devotionals

    [Monthly Columnist – Wendy van Eyck] – Starting this January, I am introducing a few new regular contributors who will be guest blogging on a monthly basis. I asked Wendy because we share a common love of devotionals. She runs the site ilovedevotionals.com and lives in South Africa. She has written on my site about facing her husband’s cancer within the first year of marriage. I admire her courage and welcome her to DevotionalDiva.com with open arms. How To Write Devotionals I have always loved writing about God sticking his fingers into our everyday lives. I have loved the way you can look at something in your life – good…

  • Faith,  On Writing

    78 Reasons To Write Your Story

    78 Reasons To Write Your Story I have been blessed to host 78 guest bloggers since April, 2010, and I hope to keep adding to the list. Why? Because I believe it’s important to share your story. In fact, I believe God calls us to write. Twice in Scripture it says, Publish his glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things he does (1 Chronicles 16:24 & Psalm 96:3). I hope each and every quote will push you over the edge to where you finally have NO MORE EXCUSES but to write. Whether you write in the privacy of your own journal, an online blog, social media,…

  • On Writing

    Practicing Hospitality

    During the past few months I’ve been practicing hospitality on my blog and in real life. First, I started with letting people share their stories. Then, I moved on to asking others to help me define the meaning of true friendship. Next, I asked others to write and answer pre engagement questions. Then I turned 30, and wanted to know if I was the only one who survived my 20s. After I lost weight, I released my latest series on why I love my body and asked others to share their stories too. Practicing hospitality means inviting, welcoming, and allowing two or more people to share with each other. Maybe…

  • On Writing,  Relationships

    My Apologies

    My apologies for writing on failure and not ending with a word of encouragement. In the moment I was feeling sorry for myself. I have learned since there is a difference between venting and sharing. Venting leaves the person with no hope, and sharing enters the author and the reader into a dialogue of hope. Maybe not right away, but eventually. What I’m not saying is that you have to tie a pretty red bow on something that hurts. What I am saying is sometimes you have to give your love away and not expect anything in return. I wasn’t expecting to receive a few straggling emails from folks asking…

  • On Writing

    Reflections on Life and Failure

    Tonight, I write to make sense of life and reflect on failure too. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed hosting guest bloggers for the past few months, but I felt a stir in my spirit tonight. So, instead of sleep, I will listen to that still small voice and write. Write aloud. Write to heal. I started a series called Monday Meditations last month and it has not gone well. In fact, it failed. I wouldn’t be surprised if I got more than 30-40 hits per blog. Compared to the almost hundreds (sometimes thousands) of hits I got for previous series including I Survived My 20s or Pre Engagement Questions–this is shocking. Well,…