Category: writing

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Christianity Missions writing

Article: Disaster-Stricken States Blessed by Ohio Team

Church of God Ohio Disaster Relief Team works through the Dayton Tornado aftermath

I wrote this article on a disaster relief team that originates in Ohio. This was through the CHOGNews web site.

Disaster-Stricken States Blessed by Team from Ohio

I enjoyed getting to know the leaders and some of the workers who have worked tirelessly through some tough situations. One of the volunteers is a man I have known for several years and is related to my wife’s side of the family. Furthermore, it was great to explore the family connection and see how this group has responded to needs.

I witnessed a bit of their work when Dayton, Ohio experienced a series of tornadoes on Memorial Day, 2019. Some of their work was based out my church. Therefore, I so appreciated their efforts because as a Hoosier and Buckeye, I’ve experienced a few tornadoes and know what devastation they can cause.

I used to think everything I created had to be funny. And we sure need some comic relief in a world that has its fair share of tragedies! But I have learned that getting some good news out there, such as an article on a disaster relief team, can lift spirits just as much as a little humor. Besides, humor can devolve into negativity just as quickly as any other form of writing.

There is some good in the world. I encourage everyone to find it. Sure, we need to be informed about injustice and concerning events. But what are people doing behind the scenes that are making a positive difference? After a tornado, who is doing the clean-up and helping others get back on their feet? After a demonstration, who is reaching out and showing there can be healing and reconciliation?

We can all make a difference. It was good to interview some people that know a response to a disaster is better than shaking our heads at a new feed. They reminded me I need to do less doom scrolling and more positive action. Yes, we can all make a difference!

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writing

Writing to Discover What You Believe

Quote by Gustave Flaubert: "The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe."

This quote by Gustave Flaubert has resonated with me.  Writing for discovery has been a great way for me to consider what I believe and what I should act on. But it wasn’t always that way.

My Writing History

I know it doesn’t come easy for everyone. There was a time I didn’t think it came easy for me. I fell into writing some time ago. If you would have asked me when I was a teenager, I would have stated I was an artist and writing was a necessary evil.

It may be because of some less-than-enthusiastic English teachers in high school. Perhaps it was because I thought that writing was for scholars and I just wanted to communicate. I wanted to get a message out. I thought the best way for me was to do it visually. Then some time in college, the words got in the way. Or maybe, they became the way.

I majored in Graphic Design. Between my sophomore and junior years, I considered switching my major to Journalism or English. My advisor warned me it would take another year of school. Of course, he was an artist and may have had ulterior motives. Even so, I stuck with Graphic Design and made a good career of it. Today, I am a Graphics Manager and still enjoy my work.

Morning Pages

Yet, I keep going back to writing. It is the way I process things. My life and mornings changed when I read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron. I began to write morning pages. They became my way to keep focused while I prayed. It is a habit I’m so glad I took up a few years ago.

At first, I thought it would be impossible to write three longhand pages for very long. But habits, practice, and persistence have a way of making the seemingly impossible a part of everyday life. I wrote a post in 2012 that explains why this practice is beneficial for me.

Writing for Discovery Today

Today, writing continues to be the way I discover what I believe and how I think about a topic. Tim Ferris called writing thought crystallized. That has been so true for me. How many thoughts go through our minds on a daily basis? How many great thoughts have disappeared throughout time because the thinker didn’t write them down? I don’t know if any of my thoughts can be called “great,” but if they are useful to me, shouldn’t I write them down so that I can review them and act on them? Shouldn’t you?

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motivation writing

What is the difference between hope and despair?

There is little need for hope when things are going great. When life is just humming along, we can have false confidence things are going to stay this way indefinitely. We can pretend that it is something we did, or that we are simply fortunate and will stay that way.

But when we face challenges, that is when we are faced with a choice. Do we give in to despair, or do we speak a message of hope?

Choose Hope

All of us have faced challenges recently. our health, our welfare, and our well-being have all faced an onslaught. We have similar facts. Do we choose to speak a message of hope or despair? I encourage you to speak words of hope. Get your facts out on a page. or type them into a document. Then speak words of hope. Just like we didn’t expect these challenges in 2020, we can face unexpected bright days ahead.

I am a person of faith and a Christ-follower. If you are having a challenge with finding hope, I am more than happy to share the faith and hope I have. It is a firm foundation for me.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain.

Hebrews 6:19 (NIV)

Our faith and hope change how we look at circumstances. We didn’t have to use it much before this year. Now it is time to exercise that mental and spiritual muscle.

Categories
illustration Picture Book writing

The Different Hats of Writing and Illustrating

Cartoon of a couple at dinner

In his tweet, Eric Merced reminded me how much of a challenge it can be to write and illustrate a book. When it’s a one-man show, you have to make so many decisions and switch your work mode so many times during the process.

It is so much more challenging than just writing. Now I realize that may offend some authors. If that’s the case, I understand, but I think you would agree that switching from writing, to drawing, to designing and putting it all together would take so much more than just the writing.

I suppose that is why I have such a soft spot for authors/illustrators. It has confounded me that picture books and graphic novels may be looked down on by the literary elite. The effort that goes into these books continue to amaze me.

So hats off to the solo writers, illustrators and designers that wear so many hats as they create outstanding work!

Is there a book you love that is written and illustrated by the same person? Let us know in the comments.

Cartoon of a couple at dinner
Categories
writing

Observations From Blogging Every Day for a Month

Illustration of a guy on a surfboard. He is using a laptop.

Last month, I decided to see what would happen if I committed to posting a blog every day. I have enjoyed reading Seth Godin’s blog over the years and was impressed with how he has kept up a daily blog for years.

Now that I’ve reached one month of daily blogging, this is what I have observed:

  • Once you get started, writing consistently at the same time every day is easier than writing in spurts.
    • I should have known this! It’s the same deal with physical exercise!
  • Creativity fuels more creativity.
  • Using a content calendar really works.
    • It works as an idea generator.
    • It beats a blank page.
    • It empowers you when you have two weeks of ideas laid out.
  • It has given me a way to revisit my old cartoons and illustrations.
  • I find I am writing just as much for myself as opposed to someone else.
  • It is better to write short posts regularly than to post a larger post occasionally.
  • Releasing a minimally viable product applies to blog posts too.
    • It doesn’t have to be perfect.
    • To have an impact, it needs to get out the door.

I am enjoying this project. We’ll see how far it goes. Thank you for participating by reading my posts!