Good Morning!
I pray your Christmas weekend was blessed. We're rushing headlong into the new year but before we get there, please welcome Kathleen Neely back to our blog with some very interesting and sweet information about tea. Take it away Kathy...
A Cup of New Year’s Tea
There are very few things as delightful as a tea party. Porcelain cups on delicate saucers. A decanter of loose-leaf Darjeeling. Sugar cubes and demitasse spoons. Lemon scones and clotted cream.
When I retired a few years ago, I had a tea party for my staff. We talked about many tea words (…ty) that would serve them well in the face of change. Today, as we usher the old year out and transition to a new calendar year, many of those same words are applicable to writers.
Eternity – Psalm 90 says to establish the work of our hands. Whether you write fiction or non-fiction, all words that Christian writer’s pen should be God honoring.
Authority – As I worked through edits for my upcoming novel, a friend asked me how it makes me feel to have others change my work. I responded by sharing my respect for those with more experience and my willingness to glean from their knowledge. Edits aren’t mandates from a power-wielding authority, but are suggestions from someone who has a high level of mastery over the craft. I appreciate them.
Unity – I’m currently mentoring a high school student as she pursues writing. I’ve discovered the helpful, sharing, and supportive nature of writers. It’s easy to make connections and industry friends. I have a dear colleague and prayer friend whom I’ve never met in person. We’re determined to span the geographic difference and someday meet for tea.
Tenacity – The world of publishing can be difficult. Most authors experience a plethora of rejections before meeting success. If that’s where you are right now, remember that doesn’t mean your manuscript isn’t good enough. It just hasn’t found the right publishing house. Don’t give up.
Humility – When you do find that publishing house that loves your work, step into success with a humble and grateful heart. John 15 says that apart from God, we can do nothing.
I hope you have enjoyed this tea party. The word list is not exhaustive. Pour yourself one more cup of tea and share another …ty word with us.
Kathleen Neely is the author of The Street Singer, Beauty for Ashes, The Least of These, In Search of True North, and Arms of Freedom. She was awarded first place in the 2015 Fresh Voices contest through Almost an Author. She has numerous devotions published through ChristianDevotions.com. Kathleen is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, ACFW Upstate SC.
Kathleen is a retired teacher and elementary principal. She continues to speak to students about writing.
Website – www.KathleenNeely.com
Facebook – www.facebook.com/kathy.neely.98
Twitter - https://twitter.com/NeelyKneely3628
Instagram – www.Instagram.com/KathleenNeelyAuthor
Her latest release, Arms of Freedom can be found at
Amazon and where Christian books are found. Get a sneak peek at Arms of Freedom by visiting Kathleen's Saturday Spotlight post last month and check out her other posts HERE.
Amazon and where Christian books are found. Get a sneak peek at Arms of Freedom by visiting Kathleen's Saturday Spotlight post last month and check out her other posts HERE.
Hope you enjoyed Kathy's visit today friends and that you'll check back weekly for Wednesday Words with Friends and Saturday Spotlight!
Until next time, take care and God bless.
PamT
8 comments:
Hi Kathy! I like your -ty words. I can relate to tenacity in publishing.
Have a blessed New Year!
I'm going to toss in positivity. Believe you can do it. Thanks for sharing and here's to a cup of tea. (Lady Grey).
Great post, Kathy. I'd like to throw out "generosity." In my writing journey, I've found most authors to be generous with their time, encouragement, and support. I would not want to walk this path alone. Blessings on your new release, Arms of Freedom. I loved the story.
Hi Kathy,
I agree about the importance of tenacity. Nothing like a good cup of tea and good advice to go with it! Humility is also important because we have to accept that our work isn't perfect. Input from editors can help improve us. Your generosity in mentoring a student is also great.
This is a very cute post! And all these apply also for those of us who self publish. Blessings for the new year!
Thanks for the feedback, and thank you, Pam, for hosting me.
An interesting post thank you.
I loved eternity, God-honoring words. When I get discouraged I try to remember who I'm writing for. Arms of Freedom is a sensitive window into the lives of two women who grew up in very different eras and is a great read.
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