Blog

@LucindaSMcDowel

Summertime and the season for….. writers conferences, book conventions and intense writing sojourns! I have discovered that each time I return to an annual event, it is helpful to use it as an intentional time of evaluation and focus.

Some of us have just finished up a fabulous time at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, so now the reflection and processing begin! But whatever your writing/speaking milestone is this summer may I encourage you to take some time and consider these questions?

[tweet_box design=”default” float=”none” inject=” #writerslife”]15 Questions to Launch Your #Writing Summer – @LucindaSMcDowel on @BRMCWC[/tweet_box]

Because both looking back and dreaming forward are good for a storyteller’s soul…

Since I was last at this writers/speakers event (or this time last summer)….

1. What has been my most significant achievement?
2. What new person did I meet who has begun to speak into my life?
3. What mistake did I make and how can I prevent that for the future?
4. What new technology have I incorporated into my life and work?
5. Which colleagues (other writer/speakers) did I promote and encourage?
6. What new blogs did I begin following and why will I keep them or move on?
7. What prayer did God answer and how?
8. What steps did I take to expand the reach of my ministry/writing/speaking?
9. What words are emerging as themes for my life and writing/speaking?
10. What books or lectures are still resonating in my heart and requiring a response?
11. What has been my best received presentation, blog, book or seminar and why?
12. How have I taken care of my soul and spiritual life?
13. What is my current goal between now and this time next year?
14. What is my most “impossible” prayer?
15. To whom will I now write/phone a thank you or an encouraging word?

Even as we reflect on the past year, it is also important to remember that God gives us a “future and a hope”and we are encouraged to dream big and dare to live the vision God has placed in our hearts. I shall pray that each reader of this blog will experience a breakthrough this summer, perhaps even due to the examining of one of the above questions. If so, do let me know – encouragingwords@snet.net

“Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run;
hurry and scurry puts you further behind.”(Proverbs 21.5 MSG)

Lucinda Secrest McDowell, M.T.S., is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping you Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” A graduate of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and Furman University, McDowell is the author of 13 books and contributing author to 30+ books. Her books include the award-winning Dwelling Places (2017 Christian Retailing BEST Award for Devotional), Ordinary Graces  (2018 Selah Finalist), Live These Words, and Refresh! Lucinda, a member of the Redbud Writers Guild, received Mt. Hermon “Writer of the Year” award and guest blogs for The Write Conversation, Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog and (in)courage. Whether co-directing  “reNEW ~ retreat for New England Writing,”  pouring into young mamas, or leading a restorative day of prayer, she is energized by investing in people of all ages. Lucinda’s favorites include tea parties, good books, laughing friends, ancient prayers, country music, cozy quilts, musical theatre, and especially her family scattered around the world doing amazing things.  Known for her ability to convey deep truth in practical and winsome ways, she writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and blogs weekly at http://www.EncouragingWords.net/ 

Follow Lucinda on Twitter: @LucindaSMcDowel