#WednesdayWordswithFriends welcomes Barbara Britton @BarbaraMBritton

Good Morning!

Well, we've moved out of freezing temperatures into warmer weather. Still below comfortable in the mornings but nice in the afternoons. More rain heading our way and I'm sure there'll be more cool fronts and cold snaps up through Easter. Speaking of which, we're a week into the Lentin season - How are you doing with your fasting, prayers and almsgiving or other Lentin practices? Whether your particular religion observes Lent, it never hurts to set aside 40 days each year to spend more, quality time with our Lord.

Enough from me though, let's welcome my fellow Pelican Book Group author, Barbara Britton back as she shares some thoughts with us on the importance of having writer friends. Take it away Barb!

Thanks for having me back on Wednesday Words, Pam. I’m sharing about some of my friends today.

Many people think that writers are introverts typing away in a writing cave on a story they hide from prying eyes. While many writers are introverts, a lot of books wouldn’t see the light of day without writers having friends. I am blessed to have friends who read and critique my writing before any publisher gets a look at my manuscript. I’m thankful for the comments that help shape my stories.

Recently, I sent my opening chapter to my critique group. Half of the group was confused by the first paragraph. They thought the dog was in the vehicle with my main character. The dog wasn’t in the car, so immediately I knew the picture in my head wasn’t translating to the page. 

Every writer has strengths and weaknesses. I love to write dialogue and action scenes. I struggle sometimes with inner thought and having a character reason their actions inside their head. My writing friends help me know when to go deeper into my character’s motivations or emotions.

Critique groups are also great for accountability. If I have a chapter due to my writer friends by Tuesday, then I have a deadline to meet. When I’m stuck on a chapter, well, I can ask for help brainstorming the scene. A flurry of ideas and possibilities is better than my lone train of thought.

You’ve probably heard Proverbs 27:17. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.”

Building a writing support group is key to writing a successful story. Every writer has unique perspectives, talents, and experience. Don’t be afraid to have a trusted group of friends help you become a better writer. You could say that after my critique group on Tuesday, I’m crafting Wednesday’s words with the help of my friends.

After I finished my series on the daughters of Zelophehad, I was sad to end my time with these five brave sisters. In the most difficult of circumstances, they had each other for support and encouragement. The girls didn’t have a writing support group, but they had a similar sister support group. Make sure you have people to encourage you along your pathway to publication.

Where can you find a writing critique group? Professional writing organizations. Local writing groups. Online groups. Friends and family that will give you an honest opinion. Writing contests can give you feedback, but remember the comments are subjective and aren’t geared toward your writing level. Check local colleges and libraries, too.

BIO: Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. Barb is published in Biblical fiction and enjoys bringing little-known Bible characters to light in her stories. Her Christian WWI Historical launched in 2020 with “Until June.” Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb’s books at http://www.barbarambritton.com/books.html  Connect with Barb on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, or BookBub.

While the Israelites struggle to occupy the Promised Land of God, Mahlah bat Zelophehad is orphaned and left to care for her four sisters. But daughters of the dead are unable to inherit land, and it will take a miracle for Mahlah to obtain the means to care for her sisters and uphold the vow she made to her dying mother. 

Mahlah must seek Moses, the leader of her people, and request something extraordinary—the right for a daughter to inherit her deceased father’s land. A right that will upset the ox-cart of male inheritance and cast her in the role of a rebel. 

But, God is the protector of the orphan and the widow, and five orphaned daughters need His help. With God, anything is possible. Even changing man’s tradition.  Find “Lioness” on Amazon.

You are so right, Barbara, having friends who are also writers can help us tremendously in our own endeavors. Thank you for sharing with us today. We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings.

Hope you enjoyed today's post, friends, and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight. You can check out Barbara's previous Wednesday Words with Friends post HERE and Saturday Spotlight posts Here and Here.

Until next time take care, stay warm and safe and God Bless.

PamT