New Year, New Directions

I realize my attention to this blog for writers has been sorely lacking. The past two years have been unique and  challenging. In 2011, I underwent three surgeries in 11 months, including carpel tunnel surgery and surgery to repair three neck discs. 2012 was a year of recovery and restoration. It was also a year I filled the pulpit for a small, local congregation until they found a pastor. I miss what I came to call "my little flock." Preaching every Sunday had me delving in God's Word and gave me a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. 

I continue to write my award-winning newspaper column, God, Me & a Cup of Tea, for the Indiana Gazette and post the column every Sunday on my weekly inspirational blog. In March, the column will celebrate its sixteenth birthday. Imagine! I would have never dreamed when God gave me the vision in the mid-1990s to write a weekly meditation column for the local newspaper that I'd still be plugging away at it 16 years after it first saw print! But "He who calls me is faithful" (1 Thessalonians 5:24).

On January 1, I launched a new daily blog, God, Me & a Cup of Tea Daily, to offer "a spoonful of encouragement" with a Scripture verse and a brief poem or prayer.

Since 2010, I've served as the director for the Punxsutawney Christian Women's Conference, being blessed to have been involved with the launching of this fun and inspiring ministry to women.


I continue to mentor developing writers through the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild and The Writing Academy. In 2010 I was honored to be a member of the writing team that rewrote two of the Guild's writing courses (the Writing Essentials and Apprentice courses), along with Julie-Allyson Ieron, Karen O'Connor, and Roger Palms. It was definitely a high point of my writing career.

from left: me, Karen, Julie, and Roger

from left: Julie, Karen, Jerry, and me

 
After writing two novels, which were considered by several Christian publishing houses, and starting a third, which sputtered out in the wake of the three surgeries, I enrolled in the Christian Writers Guild's Craftsman fiction course. I'm excited to have Sandra Byrd as my mentor as I work through the course and my work-in-progress. I'm excited about attending the Craftsman four-day residency program in Manitou Springs, Colorado, in March.

Although my speaking and teaching schedule is wide open, I will be teaching a writing workshop at the 2013 Writing Success one-day conference near Stoneboro, Pa., on Saturday, April 27.

And I continue to pray for God's direction.

As for this blog for writers, I'll post information of interest from time to time. Do check the links in the sidebar to various blogs, web pages, and skill-building opportunities for writers. These links stay updated even when I don't!

One thing different I would like to try this year is a Q & A format. Sometimes looking for information about proper grammar, style, formatting, and other such information for writers can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially if you're just starting out. 

In addition to the helps I've listed in the sidebar, you can pose your question to me by either typing it in the COMMENT section below this blog, or emailing it to me at michelehuey@yahoo.com. I'll post an answer as soon as I can. 

Blessings as you seek and fulfill His purpose for you!

Michele