Behind the Scenes
Photo Credit: Weatherbox, via Free Images
If you are a theater buff like me, you love to get a peek backstage. The pretty set and lights up front are nice, but if you are a true thespian, you want to get a look at the script, talk to the set designer, and see how the costumes were constructed. You want to know how the magic was created.
For the realists in the crowd, we see the glitter and the glam, but we want to look behind the scenes. How did that really happen?
Over the last few weeks, several of my bloggy friends have been peeling back the curtain and allowing their readers to have a behind the scenes look at their writing process as part of a blog hop. Now, it’s my turn — I am following Lori’s lead and giving you a peek at the nuts and bolts of this blog.
Why do I write what I do?
Writing in this space helps me to remember. I don’t want to forget those quiet moments when God whispers tenderly to my spirit and brings truth to my attention. As I pursue Him in the every day, He is teaching me life lessons. I hope that capturing these snapshots of my faith walk here will be an encouragement to my readers.
How does my work differ from others of its genre?
I’m not a mommy blogger, nor am I looking to build an audience in order to sell an upcoming book. I am just a girl who loves Jesus and is trying to live a life of faith. I don’t care about word count or SEO or total page views. I just want more of Him.
What am I writing or working on?
Over the last few months, I’ve trudged through a dark valley. My goal was to persevere, keep my eyes on my sweet reward, and make it to the other side. Once I put some distance between me and the mire, I hope to write an e-book for my subscribers and fellow wilderness travelers. I have no outline or drafts or plan yet, but I am starting to flesh out the title — perhaps the cover will read Lessons Learned While Limping. What do you think?
How does my writing process work?
Writing is art, and there are many ways that I approach the canvas. Some days, a theme develops as I am doing daily life, and I turn it around in my mind and then flesh it out in words and sentences to create a portrait. The next day, I may see a captivating image that sparks my creativity, and the words and story flow from that visual. When I find no inspiration, I turn to my muse, Peterson’s The Message, and read until the words jump off the page and into my heart.
Introductions
One of the best kept secrets of blogging is that if you are willing to share your heart, you will make great friends. As part of this blog hop peek behind the scenes, I am overjoyed to introduce you to three women who have encouraged my spirit, challenged my thinking, and inspired me as a writer.
Alyssa
I met Alyssa when we were paired together to lead an (in)couragers community group this summer. The header of Alyssa’s blog says she is “unswervingly holding on to hope.” Since my blog theme for this year is to “hold fast,” I knew immediately that she would be a kindred spirit. Her words pour out grace and wisdom.
From Alyssa: Not a native Texan, but have been here for 16 years. Married to my best friend, John. We have three children-two in high school and one in elementary school. Life is lived mostly in my car–and it looks like it! I volunteer in the women’s ministry at our local church. Although I am a trained teacher, I have been out of the classroom for the last 8 years. God speaks to me in analogies and I’m doing my best to take time and pay attention.
Natalie
I discovered Natalie’s blog when she joined Thought-Provoking Thursday. She loves the outdoors, and her words capture the beauty of the Creator in a seamless way that awakened my senses.
Natalie’s Bio: Natalie is fascinated by the roads we wander and the stories we live. She writes about lifeβs journey–about faith, family, and adventureβand prays for opportunities to encourage people through the written word and conversation. Sheβs a conflicted outdoorsy type who struggles to pull herself away from all the things which cry out for attention indoors. She prefers high heels to sensible shoes and is always on the lookout for a great hiking skirt because she loves the places trails take us and everything she finds to think about along the way.
Maryleigh
Blue Cotton Memory was one of the first blogs that I discovered through participating in weekly link ups. I fell in love with Maryleigh’s poetry and wisdom. I have no idea if she has a front porch, but I like to imagine that she does, and I instantly felt cozy and welcomed as I read her words.
Maryleigh’s Bio: Maryleigh is a wife of 30 years, a mom of 5 sons ranging in ages from 27 to 13. She is a seeker of solutions to challenges, the perfect white cake recipe, the washer of the Blue Cotton Blanket, trying to raise sons to be strong, manly men who love God and show the love of Jesus Christ to others through their words and actions. Trying to live grace and joy through the journey, she writes at her blog Blue Cotton Memory.
Q4U: What motivates you to write? Who are some of your favorite bloggers?
I am sharing “Behind the Scenes” and joining like-minded sisters at Three Word Wednesday, Words of Life Wednesdays, Tell His Story, A Little R and R, Testimony Tuesday, Rich-Faith Rising, The Soli Deo Sisterhood, Sharing His Beauty, Playdates with God, and Unforced Rhythms.
Lyli, I enjoyed reading about you & your writing. And I so love the title, Lessons Learned While Limping, as who of us has not limped (or is still limping???). So glad you pulled back the curtain on yourself & your friends! Blessings!
Joanne, you are such an encourager. Thank you. Now that I have a title, I just need to pray for the words to come.
I love meeting your friends and some friends I know. I think the title of your book I wonderful sounding! I look forward to reading it!
Thanks, Diane! I think the incouragers writer’s group helped prepare me for writing this post.
I write to remember, too. To think things through and let God speak to me. It always amazes me how that works, but it does so I don’t fight it. Thanks for sharing this peak behind the curtains, Lyli. Love your working title–I think almost all of us can relate to limping!
I love your blog, Lisa! π
Thanks for visiting CMB this morning. I love theater too. My husband and I were blessed to get a backstage tour following a Broadway performance of Wicked. It was wonderful. I working on the same four questions and hop to post next week. Thanks for giving us a peek behind the curtain of your writing. Many Blessings!
Can’t wait to read your post, Deb!
I also “write to remember,” your blog hop sounds like such fun. Thanks for linking with Unforced Rhythms!
Kelly, so nice to connect with you through Kelli’s linkup. Thanks for stopping by!
I love that you write your heart and not for numbers. I don’t keep up with all the grow your blog stuff. I just ask the Lord to use my words to encourage others as I write about God’s work in my life.
#KindredSpirit
xoxo
Lyli–I love your honesty and heart for others. Your life points to Jesus in so many ways. Thank you for being my friend and cheerleader. May I hold you up as well as you’ve done for me…and the title is not only fitting for the spiritual aspect, but for the physical one as well! Hugs to you!
Thanks for being my friend and co-laborer in the faith, Alyssa. I am so thankful for you and our Summer. π
There’s a front porch on my house, but not one you can live on – but I have a square back porch where I have front row seats for rain and sun. Few people go through the front door- it’s through the back porch door everyone comes!
Thank you, Lyli, for this Monday morning hug. You are so write – I think the most fulfilling blogs are created by relationship-building writers! I am so looking forward to doing this next week:) You can come by my real life porch any time!!! Our children don’t always encourage us, so God sends His people to do that – thanks for being one of His people!
Maryleigh
Thanks, Maryleigh. I would love to come and chat. A little girl time is a good thing. π
I love reading how other writers process information and get the ideas of the their heads. And I love the title of your ebook! I was also and (in)courager and look forward to reading more of your work. Stopping by from Soli Deo Sisterhood. xoxo
Sarah, so lovely to connect with you through SDG. I love Jen and her heart for encouraging women.
Hmmmmmmmmm…. I do believe in the ‘magic’ of the theater–it is amazing the transformation that can take place once the curtain opens and the actors begin their words.
Not sure what the metaphor would be there (perhaps the heat has smooshed my brain) but I do love your ‘behind the scenes’ looks.
Jody, It is fun to get lost in a good story. Isn’t it? π
I’m enjoying learning the writing process of other writers and their goals. Really loved reading this and getting a peek into your heart for writing. I like the thought of learning lessons while limping. Jacob ended up with a limp after lessons from wrestling with an angel! ~Pamela
Yes, I love the story of Jacob. I will definitely be including him.
I’m enjoying these posts. I love learning a bit more about friends I’ve come to adore and meeting a few of their friends. Thanks for sharing, Lyli. And I’d so read an ebook written by you!! Blessings. xoxo
Well, you can pray that God gives me an outline and words. The title is lovely, but it doesn’t fill the pages. π
Community and authenticity is really what prompts me to write…to give of myself to serve. However, there have been times I have gotten caught up in SEO and stats, but God has been faithful time and time again to remind me of my calling and that is HE who has given me what I have.
Jen, you love people well. This why we love you and the SDG Sisterhood. xoxo