Your Mission as a Writer – May Newsletter

MAY 8: Cynthia Ruchti: Your Mission as a Writer–It’s Not a Line…It’s a Labyrinth
(We will conclude this program with a year-end summer commissioning ceremony.)

When a writer sets out on a career path, logic can be both beneficial and a barricade. Logic thinks of writing and publishing as an equation. If I do this and this and spend this and invest this and learn this, that equals publishing success. But it isn’t a line. It’s a labyrinth. With Cynthia’s experienced guidance, you will get a glimpse of where you are from a God’s eye view and how the twists, turns, and tumbles form clues for reaching your ultimate goals as a writer.

Cynthia’s tagline, “Hemmed in Hope,” describes her heart’s message well. She has authored a total of 15 published books (fiction and nonfiction) and written numerous devotionals. A popular speaker at women’s and writers’ events and retreats, she also wrote and produced an on-air radio broadcast for 33 years. Her books have been recognized by RT Reviewers’ Choice, Selah Awards, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, CR’s BEST Awards, Carol Award honors, Family Fiction Readers’ Choice Award, ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year honors and others. She and her plot-tweaking husband live in the heart of Wisconsin, not far from their three children and five grandchildren.

Exciting Opportunity to Serve

Your board will be selecting a business manager for the guild by August 1. This is a perfect part-time job, about four to five hours/month, for someone who is good with numbers and enjoys various administrative tasks. If you or someone you know would love to support our amazing 60+-year-old ministry for Christian writers, please contact board president, Beverly Snyder.
Annual Election of Officers
At the May meeting, we will elect two new officers for our board: Communications Director and Seminar Director. We thank Marianne McDonough and Joyce Ellis for their service in these capacities. If you would be interested in being a board member now or in the future, please contact us.  Any of our directors will tell you that it is a privilege and a blessing!

Holy Surprises

Marianne McDonough, Communications Director

Habakkuk 2:2-3: Then the LORD answered me and said:
“Write the vision and make it plain on tablets that he may run
who reads it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries,
wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” NKJV

The Word of God is full of holy surprises. Case in point: Habakkuk 2:2-3. Every time I meditate on this passage, I discover or confirm things that relate to writers.

For example, when we consider verse two, we may tend to focus on “write the vision” and “make it plain,” but look again. I think it’s more about a reader, stating that the purpose of the vision is “that he may run who reads it.” A notation in the Spirit Filled Life KJV says, “The phrase can carry two meanings. It might mean that the message is so clear that one running past can easily discern its meaning. Or it could mean that the message is so clear that a person can understand its meaning, then ‘run with it’; so clear that the runner can transport the message to one who may not have seen it.”

Selah (think about that), folks. The vision must be clear not for the benefit of the writer but the reader.

Then in verse three, the Lord describes the qualities of the vision:

• It has an appointed time.
• It will speak.
• It will not lie.
• It will surely come.

As we approach the end of our 2016-2017 season, we will be commissioning those who attend the May meeting to forge forward into the vision God has given you. I encourage you to clearly write your vision on an index card with the following primary considerations: Who are your readers? And what is your message to them so that they may run with it?

Prepare and pray for this next meeting. Meditate on Habakkuk 2:2-3. Your board wants to pray for you and your vision, its timing, mission, and certain arrival.
Our 2017-2018 Speakers

Your board will be selecting next year’s speakers. If you have a suggestion for a topic or a specific presenter, please contact our board President, Beverly Snyder