So, while going through Pray the Circle, I started praying about my writing.
“God, I have a manuscript, but I have no idea what to do to get it published.” It’s the main lament of the novice writer. Yeah, there the publisher’s bible that comes out every year.It’s thicker than War and Peace, changes every year, cost a small fortune and, admittedly, it’s overwhelming. I had checked one out a few years ago, taken it home and barely got a tenth of the way through before my two weeks was up and I took it back. There had to be a better way. ( To those who actually get published that way, you have my eternal respect. The idea of dog paddling through that ocean of info takes more courage than most of us possess.)
I had no idea what to do, and I let God know about it. “If You really want me to get published, Lord, You’re gonna have to help me out here. Just point me in the right direction, ok?”
So, I did what most of us do when we have no idea what to do. No, I didn’t google. I actually went to the library, sidestepped the self-help section, and headed for the main desk.
“Do you know of any groups for writers?” I asked the librarian.
He thought a minute. “Well, we DID have a group that used to actually meet here every week, but that broke up a while ago.”
“Oh.” So much for that idea.
An assistant overheard us. “Have you tried the book store?” She suggested. “They have a bulletin board that people hang fliers on.”
Well, that didn’t sound very promising, but I was willing to try anything rather than have to check out their copy of War and Peace, Publishers Edition again.
My son accompanied me to the bookstore and we searched around for this bulletin board. Come to find out, it’s not a board at all. Its pillar about 1 foot wide and 6 tall standing near the entrance.
We circled that post for about five minutes, perusing its offerings: dog walker, dance lessons, math tutors and night clubs. Finally, buried under three layers of various pleas for attention, we located something that was promising: a group called Word Weavers that met up on the other side of town every other week at Russ’ diner.
It definitely perked my interest, but would it be worth the 30 minute drive (on a good day), through the heart of Grand Rapids to get to the Russ’ diner way up on Alpine Road? I tentatively sent an email and got a welcoming response. Ok, I hesitantly decided. I’m gonna check it out.
It turns out, that flyer at the bookstore was EXACTLY what I needed. Word Weavers is an organization dedicated to providing Christian writers with a forum to critique each other’s work and share insights and information. There are six of them scattered about South West Michigan where I live. Members read through pieces of manuscripts presented by fellow writers and offer helpful tips and advice. The format is uses a sandwich approach: start with what works in the piece (Wow! Great use of foreshadowing! You description makes me feel like I can actually see it! My kids would love reading this!) Follow that with observations to strengthen the work (You used had six times in that paragraph! This run on sentence should be broken apart to make it easier to read. A glossary would be a neat addition to your story about boating. Could you clarify why he’s there? Maybe add a few more examples so the readers get the jest) Then follow with encouragement.
I left the first meeting in utter awe, feeling as if I have been presented with an invaluable gift. I got to my car, and had just put the key in the ignition when I was struck with the irony of the path that had lead me to this group: set goal, ask God for help, go to library and get tip from someone who overhears your question, find obscure flyer buried on bulletin post, go to meeting, discover prayer was answered.
Whoa. Did that really just happen?
Word Weavers was a stepping stone God laid for me on my path and a major stepping stone at that. I joined the group at Russ’ diner, and then joined a second group – a new group that meets five minutes from home – at the library I first inquired at!