This past weekend at
Cherokee Cove, aspiring writers of all ages from around the area (and further,
for some) gathered at the Conference Center to learn about . . . writing. I am Shepherd Barry, an attendee of the Legacy
Writers' Retreat, and I'm here to give you a taste of what our incredible
experience was like.
Our teacher was Mr.
Dale Collie, former army major, Purple Heart recipient and author of
'Campfires and Gunsmoke' and other books.
Even though we had a "teacher," it was no lecture, I'll tell
you that! Every moment was captivating,
and, if you know anything about writing, intriguing and enlightening as well.
The attendees were a
nice mix of youth and adults, and we all collaborated together through this
inspiring event - discussing each other's rising work, encouraging one another,
and sharing the fellowship of Jesus Christ through music, GREAT food, wonderful
hospitality, and creativity. We learned
so many important things, it's hard to know where to start! Have you ever wondered why you can't start
writing your book? Or what is barring
your path to success? Well, during this
retreat we learned EXACTLY what was holding us back, and guess what? It no
longer does!
Furthermore, in all
honesty, it was fun! Mr. Collie was
spectacular; it didn't matter if you were struggling, because he understood the
trials of writing and that is why we came to learn anyway! He was concise in his speaking, and we didn't
waste a moment of our surprisingly short time.
Here are just a few of the many elements we covered:
1. Where to start: We broke the barriers of
anxiety, smashed down the walls of indecision, and shattered the agitating mood
of apathy which frequently overtakes talented writers. (Did I mention it was inspiring?)
2. Why to write: Not only did we learn how to
structure, organize, and design practical outlines for our book, but we came to
realize that everyone has a book inside of them. That is, each of us has a unique and
beautiful God-gifted perspective that, when finally down on paper, is gold in
itself no matter how clichéd or poor we may think it. As Mr. Collie explained, you'll never know
how others might have been blessed by your book if you never write it!
3: How to write: In addition, we realized that
when we are not over-thinking and worrying about our topic, when our minds are
clear and open and tuned, we produce the best ideas. We also learned about more
technical things such as font and spacing, and how to organize our time to
complete our writings in a reasonable amount of time.
It doesn't matter if
you have started three books and never finished any, it doesn't matter whether
you are writing fiction, fantasy, non-fiction, or whatever! Your mindset is
unique, and if you can write it down, you can change lives through the Holy Spirit!
I cannot begin to
explain the entirety of our growth this weekend, nor can I convey to you the
inspiration that reverberated around the conference center room, but I can tell
you this: God has a plan for you writers. He has a plan for all of us. Perhaps being
a writer isn't for all of us; I'm sure it isn't. But that shouldn't stop us
from seeking out our gift, regardless of its nature, and using it to the full,
100% glory of our Father in heaven.
"All this," David said, "I have in writing as a result of the Lord's hand on me, and he enabled me to understand the details of the plan." 1 Chronicles 28:19"
by Shepherd Barry
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