writers

Appreciate Your People

/ LaShona Sellers / 1 Comment

Last Christmas my husband delivered a loving tribute (he is a natural orator, the man can recite Mary Had a Little Lamb and bring you to your feet with applause) and gifted me with an iPad and keyboard to dedicate specifically to my writing. He’d always been supportive and encouraged me, yet there were times I wasn’t sure he fully understood me as a writer. But on that day, in that moment, I knew he got it.

Treasure those who get it. Those who support you, who put up with your quirks and embrace your awkwardness, who give you space to be and space to create. Let them know you appreciate them. When you find your people, hold on to them, love them and reciprocate all the goodness you receive.

She Writes and SheSpeaks 2019

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

I try not to overemphasize everything as “life changing.” Because honestly some moments and experiences are amazingly awesome but our lives return to status quo pretty quickly. So when I say that SheSpeaks 2019 was life changing, I mean it completely changed my perspective, my approach and my momentum. It was the push, the kick in the butt, the “Aha” moment I needed. It’s taken me months to process it all and I’m still not done. But I’m here (Heyyyy WordPress!) because after years of sidelining I needed to put myself out there again. It’s not easy putting your thoughts, your work, your heart out for public consumption, risking rejection, trying to separate the constructive criticism from the unnecessary barbs. And while I generally like connecting with people, there are some days it feels like a floodgate has been opened and the socializing of networking can become overwhelming (extroverted introvert here).

This conference was an investment in me, and as a wife and mom, I was reminded that it’s okay to invest in my dreams and passions.

I am extremely grateful to Lysa Terkeurst and her team at Proverbs 31 for creating a space for women to be themselves, be educated, be encouraged, be connected and most of all seek God. This was my first year and most definitely will not be my last.

Dream. Invest. And write on, friends

Great Writers…

/ LaShona Sellers / 2 Comments

“Great writers are great readers.”-Lysa Terkeurst

I’ve loved books for as long as I can remember. My Little House on the Prairie book set ranks as one of my favorite Christmas gifts as a kid. The regular library visits my parents began with me as a child, I have continued with my own children. So I would say I was a pretty great reader.

But I am challenged by Lysa’s suggestion that as a great reader I not only read to savor the story, I also read to study the author’s craft. Take notes. What moves me? Why? What works? What doesn’t work? How can I apply it to my own style and craft? So logical yet such a light bulb moment.

Write…and read…On, my friends!

Prompted…

/ LaShona Sellers

Writing Prompt: Interrupted by a chapter of loathing

Her mirror once reflected a distorted truth
Skin too dark
Hair too coarse
Nose too big
Distortion born of comparisons
Fed by erroneous standards
Created by inferior minds
Her beautiful book of Life
Interrupted by a chapter of loathing

Perspective…

/ LaShona Sellers / 1 Comment
Photo by Ivan Bertolazzi on Pexels.com

I write because I have a passion for the written word. I have a brain overflowing with stories and ideas that must be recorded and shared. I exercise my pen and my keyboard for my freedom. The flow of my words therapeutic, a divine intervention. Published or unpublished, hundreds of readers or just one; my gift is not diminished, my call no less important.

Why do you write? Re-evaluate. Refocus. And let’s write on, friends!

No Day Like Today

/ LaShona Sellers / Leave a comment

Wow it’s been literally years since I’ve posted. I thought I might make a New Years resolution or a holiday declaration to jump back in but I figured there’s no day like today to start anew.  A lot has changed in the world of blogging in my absence  and I realize I’m probably way outdated here. But my goal is to simply write and for now I will do just that.

Been reading…She’s Still There by Chrystal Evans Hurst . It has actually been a catalyst for my return here. Her honest words of encouragement spoke to the girl who used to sit for hours filling notebooks with stories and poetry, who sometimes daydreamed about sitting on a talk show couch to discuss her latest work (thanks to Oprah’s Book Club). She spoke to the woman who has filled journal after journal with musings, stories and essays, who keeps picking up the dream but allowing life to knock it down again. A great read if you’re pondering “where do I go from here?”

Been writing…A few months ago I joined COMPEL , an online community of resources, training, and support for writers. I also entered my first contest there, for an opportunity to write a devotion for Proverbs 31 Ministries (you can read an excerpt over at Barnabas Blessings). I was commended on my title but encouraged to work on my lead in. I would be lying if I said the criticism didn’t sting a bit, not because it wasn’t valid or constructive (which it was and very kind); but simply because I’m human. In the far recesses of my mind existed a small shimmer of hope that someone would read my submission and say “She’s got it!” But, c’est la vie! I have work to do and life goes on. I’m just happy to say that I tried. I took a step toward my goal and that’s all that really matters.

The journey continues. Write on friends!