Guest Blogger: Dorothy Cadet "Writing in the Midst of Chaos"

by Dorothy Cadet

http://www.dacbooks.com

When I tell people I am a motivational speaker and writer and have published my first book, they gasp and ask how a mother of 3, (at the time and all were under 7 yrs. old) was able to complete that task.  The short answer is, “sleep deprivation.”  The longer answer is that it was dedication to ensuring that I wrote something every day.

As a stay-at-home-mother, life can get hectic with children, school, house, and working to stay sane.  We are the great vacation-less class of society, but it’s one of the most important jobs in the world!  It’s not always fun and easy, but the rewards are limitless.  In December 2009, I made the decision that I would finally write a practical book full of tips that would encourage women to establish goals dedicated to making memories and prioritizing relationships.

I set myself on a timeline of five months.  Five months was important for me, to minimize the additional work that came along with the children being out of school for the summer, possibly having to relocate for my husband’s job, and oh, by the way, I found out I was pregnant as well. 

I drew up an outline with defining points and when complete, I would have my book in rough draft form.  It began as an hour to an hour and a half daily, however the closer it got to completion, it stretched to nearly three hours.  Regardless of whether it was good or not, I wrote.  I could always edit out, but if there was no content to edit, “Houston, we have a problem.”

It may seem like such a simple thought, but that is how it happens.  Taking what many see as a massive undertaking and blocking time out to get it done, little by little.  I gave up my favorite TV programs and limited internet surfing to about 30 minutes.  I had to get serious about reorganizing my time if I was to complete my project.  Once complete, my husband and I went on a celebratory mini-vacation.  This was crucial because I had poured so much of myself into this project; he and I had to take time to recoup and reconnect.

It was tips like this that I included in the book and a host of others that enable women, whether an expectant mom or veteran, to not let go of their dreams.  The goal of “Laundry Can Wait” is to become a resource for women with practical information that is relevant and immediately implementable.  I encourage all women to pick up a copy at my website, www.dacbooks.com, or they can order it at www.Amazon.com, or fine retailers. Dorothy also writes columns for Examiner.com, an online magazine.

What to Do When Life Doesn't Go According to Plan

by Debbie Taylor Williams
www.debbietaylorwilliams.com

Author of:  The Plan A Woman in a Plan B World; Pray with Purpose, Live with Passion; If God is In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case; If God is In Control, Why Do I Have a Headache?; Prayers of My Heart, and others.


Do you have a great idea for a book?  Has God stirred your heart about a topic on which to write?  Do you have the perfect title?  If so, congratulations!  You may be on your way to writing the next best seller.  But what if you walk in a bookstore and see the title already on the shelf?  What if you have the book, but not the “speaking platform” required by many publishers?  What if another author steals your idea and sells the book you thought God had given you to write?

Let me assure you, all of the above can happen.  Our best Plan A can quickly fall through a crack.  When that happens, what can we do?  What should we avoid? 

1.    Recognize that our worst nightmare may be the crucible from which our most inspired writing comes forth. 
2.    Fall on your knees before God.  Praise Him as Sovereign God.  Praise Him that He knows the plans He has for you and that they are good.  Confess your trust in Him and His best for your life.
3.    Seek God’s will and how He wants you to move forward. 
4.    Acknowledge that God’s ways are higher than yours.  Trust Him.
5.    Defuse any “land mine” thoughts that could maim you and your relationships with others. 

Land Mines to Defuse
1.    Bitterness.  The number one cause for depression is anger.  God teaches us, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity,” Eph 4:26.  If anyone had a right to be angry for being wrongfully treated it is God the Father and Son.  When our plans as writers fall apart, it is not the time for us to fall apart.  Rather, it an opportunity for us to work out what God has worked within us:  Christ in the Holy Spirit.  Carefully and cautiously we must take hold of the bitterness in our heart and hold it from us, as we would a poisonous snake.  “Do not give the devil an opportunity.”

2.    Fixations on the Past.  As writers, we can forlornly look at what “should’ve been, could’ve been.”  Rather, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy before Him endured the cross, despising the shame,…” Heb 12:2.  In others words, we must recognize how looking back can be a land mine.  Certainly, Lot’s wife would warn us, “Don’t fixate on the past.”  You may not turn to salt if you keep looking back, but your heart will certainly become hardened if you don’t keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.  

Are there disappointments when plans don’t go as we expected?  Of course!  However, God still has A+ plans for your life.  Seek His face.  Defuse dangerous land mines in your mind that can harm you, others, and the cause of Christ.  Experience the good works and plans God has for you.

Book Author = Success

What does the word, "success" mean to you? Everyone has a different interpretation. When you couple the word success with the topic of becoming a book author the word takes on a new meaning. For some, becoming an author is a lifelong dream. For others it is the complement to an already successful career. And for others, it is a passion something they had to do in their life to be complete.

Success for author, Twila (pronounced with a long "i") Belk, is anything she does in God's timing. I interviewed this amazing lady today on my radio show and it was refreshing to talk to this energetic and highly motivated woman who loves her job. She is the author of one book that she self-published, "Gotta Get 'Em Fixed," a spiritual humorous book filled with wisdom and inspirational gems. She wrote on note cards, the backs of an envelope and anyplace she could when inspiration hit, yet never found the time to actually sit down and write the book until foot surgery required her to be seated for her recovery.

It was time to clean out her purse, Twila revealed and write the book. Her journey took her to a writer's conference where she chanced to meet the legendary Christian author, Cecil Murphy. The author connected to Cecil and he asked her to stay in touch via email which she did for a short time until she began doubting her really meant it. Another two years and another chance meeting with Cecil led to a reprimand for not staying in touch and soon followed with a job offer. This offer not only saved her financially, but gave her cause for celebration. She was doing, in her words, what she was created to do!

These days Twila is the lady behind scheduling, keeping things on track, book marketing strategy plans, publishing contacts, event planner, back cover copy author, blog writer, radio and press release contacts and so much more. And, she does this with joy. We joked that before the interview the assistant needs an assistant! I spoke with Twila's very able personal assistant who set up this interview for her.

Twila is so busy with Cecil's career she does not have time to promote her own book. Yet she doesn't appear to mind. She plugs along happily telling anyone who will stop and listen about all the wonderful things the Lord has done for her, which is why she is known as the "Gotta Tell Somebody" Lady (and her website matches at http://www.gottatellsomebody.com).

Twila is also in charge of the Quad-Cities Christian Writers Conference coming up soon. http://www.qccwc.com  If you happen to attend, tell Twila I said, "Hi!"