I don’t just want good ideas. I want the mind and favor of God.
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FREE DOWNLOAD: CLICK HERE to download: Tips, Resources, and Fail-proof Goals for Attendees of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference.
Finding My Voice
I looked in the mirror and found my voice.
This is my voice:
It’s me becoming broken.
It’s me bleeding all over the pages.
Can’t you see my words are borne on tears?
Do you think I borrowed my words, the words God gave me?
Did you think they came cheap?
No, they are costly,
Because this world has a way of banging up a human heart.
But that’s okay, because Jesus has a way of restoring it.
Welcome to my life. Welcome to my vulnerability.
This is raw; this is live.
Welcome to my funeral and resurrection.
You are invited to watch me die and live again in Christ.
© January 21st 2016, Rachael M Colby
Unaware it was a year to the date since I wrote my poem Finding My Voice, I pondered the words, and they evoked new revelation, and I added these words to it on January 21st, 2017:
I must be careful of what I write.
It’s often truer than I know.
These prophecies, my story, like a scroll slowly unrolled.
One step, one day, one prayer at a time, revealing.
“Dear Lord; I’m frightened.
Hold me.
I will rest, trust in You.
Thy will, Lord. Have your way in me.”
© 2016, 2017, Rachael M Colby
Finding My Voice Inspired by: Voice in Writing: How to Find Yours, by Jerry Jenkins, written on January 21st, 2016 and added to January 21st 2017
The Why of Why I Write
Why do I write?
Why do I breathe?
Inhale.
Exhale.
Breathe.
How can I not?
It’s in me.
It’s who I am.
It’s what He has called me to.
Sometimes it’s how I speak to Him,
Praying on paper.
Sometimes it’s how He answers me.
When He does, He tells me,
“Write this down.”
Lest I forget.
So others may know Him
And not walk alone
So He may be glorified
When the going is good.
So He may be glorified
When life is bitter.
To give others hope.
Why do I write?
Because I must.
Breathe.
Pray.
Write.
— Rachael M Colby
The Why of Why I Write
Inspired by: Writer: Do You Really Know Your ‘Why’? by Jerry B Jenkins
Some Favorite Websites and Resources for Writers
Articles
education
great websites for writers
Editing Tools
Articles
from Jerry b Jenkins, 21-Time New York Times Bestselling Author:
The Best Writer Tools to Add to your Arsenal recommended by Jerry Jenkins
21 Self-Editing Secrets that Can Supercharge Your Manuscript
Writing Tips 41 Experts Wished They’d Known as Beginners
Your Ultimate Guide to Writing Contests Through 2022
Jerry B Jenkins’ favorite writing resources for writers
education
Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild – Jerry’s guild (and his blog) hold a treasure trove of writing instruction, encouragement, and resources. The guild includes live classes, manuscript re-write demonstrations, and Q&As with Jerry, and instruction from other guest industry pros.
Writers Chat – An affiliate of Serious Writer, Writer’s Chat hosts free live writing related presentations by industry pros and an encouraging community> Held weekly on Tuesday at 11 a.m. ET via Zoom. Join their FB group to receive the private link to join vis Zoom. Presentations are recorded and posted on their YouTube channel Serious Writer YouTube channel.
The 540 Club – A FREE faith-based 5013c hosts free presentations by industry pros Thursdays at 7 p.m. ET, “introvert friendly networking sessions,” and a 24-hour write-in room for writing in community via Zoom. Mission: “To educate, encourage, and equip writers to create clean, clear, compelling, life-changing content.” Becky Antkoviak (a.k.a. Becky Blue)–founder and chief encouragement officer of 540 is also the new owner of the Write to Publish conference and The Christian Writers Institute.
Above the Sun — Jesse Rivas’ site offers free and paid workshops and a full range of author services from coaching, and mentorship, website design and maintenance, to editing and publishing paths.
Writer’s Digest — An industry leading general market website and magazine featuring articles on the craft and publishing industry, and paid classes. (Check out their annual writing competitions.)
Almost an Author: Grammar and Grace | The Picky Pen
FREE DOWNLOAD: CLICK HERE to download: Tips, Resources, and Fail-proof Goals for Attendees of Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference 2025.
Great Websites for Writers
The Steve Laube Agency The website of highly esteemed veteran literary agent Steve Laube houses a host of invaluable education and resources under their blog and resources tabs.
Jerry Jenkins’ blog for writers – Website of 21 Time NY Times bestselling author and writing coach and owner of The Jerry’s Writers Guild holds a treasure trove of writing instruction, encouragement, and resources. (This is where my writing education began.)
Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference Blog Priceless encouragement and education on the writing craft and the industry. Open for submissions.
The Write Conversation – Owned by Edie Melson (Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference director) this website is is filled with spiritual and writing encouragement and education.
Above the Sun – Jesse Rivas’ site offers free and paid workshops and a full range of author services from coaching, and mentorship, website design and maintenance, to editing and publishing paths.
The Christian Writers Institute – Offers online courses with instruction on the writing craft, publishing, and promoting your book. Publisher of the annual Christian Writers Market Guide and host of the Write to Publish Conference held at Wheaton College. “The Christian Writers Institute was created to help Christians become proficient in the skills, craft, and business of writing. To build the Kingdom of God word-by-word.”
Your Best Writing Life Podcast with Host Linda Goldfarb – A weekly podcast featuring interviews with industry pros sharing education, advice and encouragement for the writing journey. (Affiliate of Blue Ridge Mountains Writers Conference.)
Writer’s Digest — An industry leading general market website and magazine featuring articles on the craft and publishing industry, and paid classes. (Check out their annual writing competitions.)
Almost an Author – Hosts an array of education and takes blog submissions.
Randy Ingermanson’s Advanced Fiction Writing & the Snowflake Method
Positive Writer – [Brian! Watch your language! Please.]
Word Weavers International – A members-only organization of which Eva Marie Everson is the president. Word Weavers hosts in-person critique groups as well as online ones for those who live where there isn’t an in-person group. They also host the Florida Christian Writers Conference.
The Printed Word (Word Weavers Blog)
Editing Tools
ProWritingAid – Writing software with amazing features, amazing value.
Try the free version or click HERE to purchase a ProWritingAid Premium LIFETiME license or a yearly subscription.
©2022 Rachael M Colby | Tattoo It On Your Heart
Tattoo It On Your Heart 
Thank’s for the invitation Rachel. I view this site as a sacred place, where God can be glorified and His people can be encouraged.
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Thank you Malcolm. I pray it is so, and also, that others would come to know Him through this site.
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Love the song “Just Breath”!
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Glad you enjoyed your visit here, Sedona. Thanks for stopping by. Remember, “Inhale…Exhale…” 🙂
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Thanks for sharing. Enjoyed your posts.
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I appreciate you taking the time to visit. And praise God. 🙂
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