I’m compelled to learn from other writers.  I enjoy reading about their journey and how God uses them.  Becoming a writer never ends.  There is always something new to learn. What makes a good writer?  What does it take to get work published?  How does one build a platform? What kind of posts should one write for their blog?   The questions are countless and the answers differ.  How do we find our own voice?   

On my journey to becoming a blogger and writer I have met several who desire to grow in their ministry of writing.  God has put it on my heart to ask other writers to share their story.   We will be sharing a new story every Thursday and we hope that you will be encouraged and inspired to write!!!    

Thank you for joining us and please let me know if you would like to share your story about becoming a writer.    More information at the bottom of post.

Lisa Brown Creator Of Me Too Moments For Moms   

 

 

The Most Valuable Piece of Writing Advice

Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Writing. Being a writer, an author. For some it sounds so glamorous. But I can tell you that the truth about writing or being a writer is that it’s hard work. It requires showing up when you don’t want to write. Sitting down and staring at the screen, typing out words when you don’t know what to say. Baring your soul when you aren’t sure how others will respond. And risking the rejection of man to be obedient to the call you know God has put in your heart.

 

I started writing when I was a little girl. I wrote about my life and the revelations God gave me. I started entering writing contests and getting excited about sharing my faith with those who would read my words. Then I went to graduate school, where I think it was my professors’ sole goal to rip every ounce of confidence out of us much like the officers do of new recruits in the military. I left graduate school a doctor, but believed I couldn’t write or speak worth the ink on the page, so I quit and gave up my dream.  Until…

 

Until the Lord got hold of my heart and whispered into the deep recesses: “you can either continue to believe those lies, or you can listen to the voice of the One who created you and gave you those gifts and dreams to begin with.” I immediately knew it was time to pick up the pen and begin to write again.

 

It doesn’t mean it is easy. Many days I sit down to write and I don’t know where to begin. Many times I hit “publish” on the blog and wonder who will read it, or what they will think. There are times I become convinced that I have gone too far in my vulnerability and shared what I am sure others will use to paint a scarlet letter on my chest, never to consider my opinion viable again. But every time I give my words to Him, He proves Himself faithful. If there is one piece of advice I can give to any writer, novice or experienced, it would be to forget about your audience, forget about numbers and platform building, and write only for an audience of One—the One who asked you to write in the first place. His is the only opinion that matters.

 

About Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Author, speaker and board certified clinical neuropsychologist, Dr. Michelle Bengtson is also a wife, mother and friend. She knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to address issues surrounding medical and mental disorders, both for those who suffer and for those who care for them. She offers sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. Dr. Michelle Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm.

She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com Some of her more popular posts have included “Maintaining Your Hope During the Times of Waiting” (http://drmichellebengtson.com/maintain-your-hope-during-the-discouraging-times-of-waiting/), “How to Help a Depressed Loved One” (http://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-help-a-depressed-loved-one/), “10 Things to Know if You Have a Depressed Loved One” (http://drmichellebengtson.com/10-things-to-know-if-you-have-a-depressed-loved-one/), “The Lies We Believe” (http://drmichellebengtson.com/the-lies-we-believe/), “Down But Not Out” (http://drmichellebengtson.com/down-but-not-out/), and her most popular one to date, “Our Heart’s Desire” (http://drmichellebengtson.com/our-hearts-desire/). You can also find her around the internet where she blogs regularly for Ask God Today Ministries, For God’s Glory Alone Ministries, and The Consilium. Her book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” will be released by Baker/Revell early summer 2016 and addresses the spiritual aspect of depression, and how to find the abundant life Christ came to give.

When she isn’t seeing patients, writing, or speaking, she loves spending time with her family, and being on the beach or on a boat on the water! She can frequently be enticed with chocolate or a good unsweet tea with lemon and sweet-n-low! She lives with her husband of 28 years, and their two adolescent boys, and two canine babies.

 

For more hope, stay connected with me at:

Website: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com

Blog: http://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson

Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)

LinkedIn: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson

Google+: http://www.google.com/+MichelleBengtson

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmichelleb

Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/DrMichelleB

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ

 

 

If you are interested in writing a post about your journey as a writer please check out the following post.                               Writing Opportunity

 

 

To See First Post –Becoming A Writer Part 1