Social Networking for fun and profit

The “profit” part of the above title will, most likely, occur in ways besides money, but that can happen too – and actually has for me. Not only did I get a couple of writing gigs from a “Call for Manuscripts” on Twitter, one assignment paid well the first time then again a year or so later as a reprint. I have also been “found” by poets, writers, and editors who want my professional opinion through a paid critique or writing consult.

Usually, though, the profitable part pays off by connecting with other Christian poets and writers and hearing what they have to say. It’s sort of like having a church group to uphold us in shared goals to:

Spread the Good News of God’s forgiveness,

Love one another despite our denominational differences, real or imagined (but often the latter,)

Overcome "bad press" about Christianity,

Up-build the Body of Christ.

If we’re going to get any writing done, however, we need to pray, focus, and be left alone to write! The Presence of God remains with us, but sometimes we just need information or encouragement from a Christian counselor, especially if that person happens to be a poet or writer who has a clue about what the life of a Christian writer is like. (If you’ve ever tried to explain what you do to a non-writer or almost anyone vying for your attention, you know what I mean.)

So with prayer and the hope of common-union with one another and profitable service for the Body of Christ, I recently began groups for Christian Poets & Writers on Facebook and LinkedIn. Why both? They’re like two different body parts with bodily functions that might overlap, but not much!

The Christian Poets & Writers group on Facebook gives us a chance to post frequent updates about our plans, blog postings, upcoming events, and encouraging words that God brings to mind and spirit. We can quickly respond with a “Like” to encourage other poets and writers, too, or add a comment, or “Share” info relevant to our other Facebook pages.
If you're a member (free), post your full URL and ask to be added to the blogroll. To keep this work encouraged and going, add the Christian Poets & Writers blog to your blogroll and list of recommended sites too. Thanks and blessings.

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©2012, Mary Harwell Sayler

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Tips for taking good pictures take less than 1000 words

Poets, bloggers, and writers who want good photographs to illustrate their words do well to learn how to take publishable pictures. A digital camera, including the one on the back of your cell phone, can do a good job for you, depending on your goal and camera settings. For instance, smaller sized picture will work nicely on your blog or website, but, if you hope to photograph a book cover, poster for your poem, or illustration for a print magazine, you will need the most pixels your camera has in its highest or “raw” setting.

To capture all sorts of outdoor scenes, wildlife, travel spots, sports events, plants, and people in natural, God-given lighting, keep these tips in mind:

Pack light, but carry your camera and small notebook everywhere!

Become an inconspicuous part of the scene.

Crouch down or climb higher to get a fresh perspective.

Late morning and early evening usually provide the best natural lighting as light and shadows play, whereas an approaching storm can add high drama.

Take several pictures of the same subject, using different settings each time.

Keep your composition uncluttered.

The presence of people will add interest to most photographs, but you’ll need written permission for each face that shows.

Get as close to your subject as you can without distorting the image or creeping anyone out.

Interact with people and places. Experiment. Practice.

The more photographs you take, the more you will get the results you want, so be sure to keep those extra batteries handy, and have fun!

© 2012, Mary Harwell Sayler.

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Repent and other words to clear vision

When I woke up this morning, I immediately started thinking about the new group for Christian Poets and Writers on Facebook, so I asked God, “What do you want me to say today?” Immediately, one word came: Repent.

Since I really would like for the group to multiple and be blessed and not shrink in horror, I argued. “But God,” I said, “that is not a word any of us wants to hear!”

Immediately, the impression came: Sure you do!

God then brought to mind one of my favorite Bible verses: “First, remove the log from your own eye, then you will see clearly to remove the tiny specks from the eyes of other people,” my paraphrase of Matthew 7:5 and Luke 6:42, but you get the picture! If you’re a poetic writer, you’ll also recognize that as the literary device known as hyperbole that Jesus often used in getting across a crucial point and helping us to remember.

But back to repentance:

Is there the remotest mote of a possibility that we might need to repent as individuals who love God and are called to write in every genre?

Do we want, no, need discernment before we write?

Do we need to see clearly before we address any vision God might have for us and our ministries as poets, writers, editors, and publishers?

Will we admit to flaws we have before pointing them out in other people?

Repentance brings a cleansing to the soul, heart, mind, and spirit. We can do this in private. We can do this communally as a church, and we can consider what changes we might help to make in this wonderful nation – One Nation under God but never above the LORD of Lord and King of Kings and President of Presidents Whom we truly elect to Preside over us and our lives.

Well, these are the kinds of thoughts that began to come before I got up, before I remembered the date: September 11.

And I have no word on that, but pray.

Pray especially today with what the Bible calls a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for, today, we actually recall what that sacrifice means.

So this day, let's agree in prayer to praise God for every good gift.

Let us thank God for the work we have been given to do to help heal the church Body of Christ and the body of believers in this nation.

Let us remember that “repent” does not mean to dwell on our sins or mistakes but “to turn” to God – to re-turn with a clearer vision of Who God Is and who we are in the Body of Christ.

So even if it is a big sacrifice or heavy effort today, please let us renew our belief in the whole and wholly goodness of our Almighty God.

Let us accept and believe in the need we all have to unburden ourselves regularly of even the tiniest sense of guilt or wrongdoing.

Let’s live and write as though we truly, truly believe in the salvation and redemption of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who Is with us now and forever, even today.


© September 11, 2012, Mary Harwell Sayler says all rights reserved to God. Pass it on, and pray others do too.