Back to Writing

With school well into it's third week, I have had the priveledge of enrolling new students into my online writing courses. I found myself getting increasingly excited for the oportunity to see the writings of young enthusiasts and even some reluctant "triers". It has been such a blessing to be able to interact with young writers who look for inspiration and help in their writings. While some writers come excited to try new writing experiences others come with apprehensions; both types of writers offer a special and unique challenge that I look forward to! God has blessed me with the opportunity to encourage and inspire writers that I would have never had the opportunity to even meet if I had not begun this "writing by faith" journey that God has prepared for me.

I look forward to begin again the continuation of my first historical fiction chapter book, "Sarah's Storm". It has been a long time coming but by prayer and faith I hope to finish it this fall.

May God bless all of us in our writing endeavors this week!

Blessings,

Maja

For the schedule of this years online writing courses see the 2009/2010 schedule at http://majaledgerwood.com/

I'm Back!!

Well, I'm back to blogging and writing on a consistant basis. Yikes, has it really been that long since I blogged last? Between homeschool conventions, the kids, summer vacation and gardening I have been swamped beyond the max but it is time to get "back to business" and to my writing.

A few exciting things have happened this summer thus far. First, I have received a interview request for a Sonlight Curriculum Advicor named Karla on her blog, that I am working on. (Yes, Karla I haven't forgotten I've just been crazy busy! Thanks for this opportunity!)

Secondly, my interview for the young ladies magazine, "His Wonders" should be out very shortly if not already. Lastly, my book, "Pocahontas: Princess of Faith and Courage" will have a full page review in the Old Schoolhouse Magazine (printed and internet version). I am so excited about all of the blessings and opportunities the Lord has given me this summer and am excited to see what else he has in store! "Praise God from whom all blessings flow..."

I promise I will be better about posting from now on! ;0)

Critiquing Time

So...I'm finally on to the next step of my new, young adult, historical fiction chapter book, "Sarah's Storm." As I push through this week to finish the ending of my story and manuscript, I am editing and sending out my first few chapters to two young ladies to critique. I'm a little nervous about the feedback they will give me but am excited to go to the "next level" of the book. I have chosen two teenagers who are well read and write well to do my first critiques since young adults are my target audience. Then I will make a few adjustments (I'm sure) and hand it over to an adult to critique, then after a few more adjustments (again, I'm sure) it will be off to my editor. Whew....

Book Reading

I thought you might be interested in what I have been reading at night. Of course you may not care, but for those of you who are curious to what a Christian children's author might be reading, it may just suprise you.

I am addicted to reading, which is probably not suprising since I am an author, nevertheless, I must have my reading "fix" every night. I have found, especially after having three lovely, yet very boisterous daughters,the sound of TV at night does nothing to sooth my frazzled brain and to relax me to prepare me for the much needed slumber I will (hopefully) be preparing for. So as I prepare for bed, manuscript in hand, I have my current reading book and NKJ Bible at my bedside for relaxation and reward after a hard day's work. I often write my manuscript in a chair or in bed about 8:30 or 9:00 in the evening--then after writing for some time, it is really time to READ! YIPEE, my heart pounds in anticipation as I think of where I have "left" the hero or heroine character from the night before and let my mind be transported to a different world or past world that the author has written so well....sometimes I have to pause and think, even enwrapped in a well written story, the talent and effort of the author in coming up with such wonderfully creative ideas and writing every word that I so much enjoy.....ooh! I still have a lot to learn..

Well, as you may have guessed...I completed "Hinds Feet on High Places" and was in the mood for a good mystery...so...I am reading Agatha Christie (one of my favorite authors of all time) "The Mystery of the Blue Train".

Happy Good Friday

I am truly blessed by the sacrifices that my Savior, Christ Jesus has done for me. His sacrifices and love are beyond measure as I sit in awe and think of all he has done and been to me. As Beth Moore puts so wonderfully in her Faith study series, "Believing God", it amazes and astounds me that His blood drips from the cross as fresh as it did 2000+ years ago, covering my sins and iniquities...Thank you Lord Jesus...help me in all of my unbelief and sins, vanity and pride.

Happy Easter

Spring Writing

Ahh...the beautiful time of spring, I must admit I am suffering from "springitis". I have been spending time this past week with family outside, transplating our garden vegetables to bigger pots, and getting spring cleaning done. So much to do and so little time! The book? Oh, yes the manuscript is getting there. These next few days will be pretty intense; I have set a goal to have the manuscript written and ready to type on Monday. Whew!

I have people ready to critique and so the next stage of the book writing process will begin.

Please keep me in prayer over the next few days as I attempt to complete my manuscript.

Blessings to all!

Happy Writing!!

Maja's Journaling Moments

Friends and fellow writers,

I have started a new blog on Vox called "Maja's Journaling Moments". I will be updating the Vox on Monday's and be giving free journal prompts. Check it out!

Blessings,
Maja

http://www.maja913.vox.com

Thank You May Roberts Elementary

I received a packet a couple of weeks ago with many wonderful and very special "thank you" notes from May Roberts Elementary. I read and enjoyed each one, they really made me smile! (I have an example picture but it was too big to scan the whole thing without putting it on sideways! :0) ) I love visiting with students and young people to hopefully impart encouragement and inspiration for their own writing adventures!

Thank you, May Roberts Elementary for having me and making me feel at home! See you next time!

Blessings,
Maja

Critique Group

Well all, it has been awhile since I have upadated you on my writing progress. Currently, I am writing madly on my manuscript, "Sarah's Storm" trying to piece together her story. It is a fiction book so I'm not exactly sure how her story is going to end up but I have strong suspicions. :0)

Last week I decided to try to get involved in a local children's writers critique group. I was skeptical at first, not really sure what to expect but was pleasantly suprised by my experience. All of us had something to share so no one was on the "hot seat", so to speak, and we were all honest but kind to one another. It was really a wonderful and amazing experience which I hope to repeat next month!

I have found in my very short time as a writer that I sometimes feel discouraged and lonely in my writings, making me feel as if I am floating in a solitary ocean of paper and ink- going to this group really uplifted and motivated me to go onward with my book. Even though they were honest and had suggestions on how to improve my manuscript, I did not feel at all discouraged like I thought I would with having my work critiqued; the members of the group made me feel confident, talented and supported during our short time together and really gave me some great insight and thought to how others (besides my family) viewed my writing and story ideas.

I enjoyed all of your company, girls and look forward to doing it again!

Online Writing Courses

Wow! It's almost here again, the beginning of new sessions of both my Creative Writing and Reseach Paper Development courses. I am now accepting students for the new sessions that will begin March 16. The Creative Writing course is a five week course that includes creative writing exercises in descriptive writing, journaling, and poetry.

The Research Paper Development course is a ten week course for high school students discussing all of the necessities of writing a good research paper. At the end of the course students will have written and completed a six to ten page research paper. A lot of work but a lot of fun! (I love research papers!!)

You can check out my website for more info by clicking on the picture of my book (on the side bar of this blog).

In the meantime....all you young writers.....journal, journal, journal!!

Old Schoolhouse Magazine Review

Whoo-hoo!! I am SO excited...I have been positively reviewed by "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine" website. Wow!! What a blessing from the Lord!! I have been nervous and praying about this particular review because "The Old Schoolhouse Magazine" is a very popular and respected magazine for Christian homeschoolers. When I read the review I might as well have won an Oscar or the Pulitzer Prize (lol)!!

I was a bit nervous, too, because another author was doing a review of my book and that was a little disconcerting. I don't know why I was so nervous, I know that God put it on my heart to write the story of Pocahontas with an emphasis on her Christianity for young children to read. I feel like Peter on the sea, when he took his eyes from Christ as he looks about sees the waters rise and get turbulant and begins to sink in his own doubt (and the water, of course). And what does Jesus say to Peter? "Oh you of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Matt. 14:31). Why did I doubt indeed? God has shown me the path to writing but sometimes the old doubting game begins. Prayer, prayer, prayer. Just when I prayed reassurance, my Lord provided it for me! Thank you, Jesus.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!!

You can view the review at http://thehomeschoolmagazine.com/Homeschool_Reviews/ Then click on "Books for Kids" and go down to my book, "Pocahontas: Princess of Faith and Courage".

Blessings,
Maja

New Columnist

I am so excited, I am going to have my own column in Godly Girls Magazine!!

The magazine is in the process of reviewing my book, "Pocahontas: Princess of Faith and Courage". The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of the magazine and I noticed they needed regular columnists. When I contacted them, they agreed to have me as a columnist! Now I just have to think of a "catchy" name for my column. Any ideas?

The magazine will come out every two months and is a great independent magazine geared to Christian girls!! Check it out and order a sample copy on the link to the side!! What a blessing from God to give me the opportunity to write for a magazine for girls!!

May Roberts Elementary School Visit

Yesterday, I was pleased to be invited to the May Roberts Elementary School in Ontario, Oregon for a presentation of my book and to answer questions about being an author. I am always amazed and inspired by the young student's excitement and inquiries about Pocahontas and about being a writer. For me, it is very fulfilling to be giving back to my community who has given so much to me.

For all who are authors, whether "big" or "small", it is important that we go and talk to the children at our local schools, clubs, and libraries. Who better to inspire and encourage young writers than authors themselves? I feel we have a responsibility to help teachers, parents and librarians to encourage better literacy and writing skills in our young people.

Let's be proactive in assisting everyone to become literate!!

Finally, I have completed my first chapter of my new fiction book, "Sarah's Storm". I am so excited!! By being completed, I mean that it has gone from my hand-written spiral notebook, to being been edited once, and has actually been typed onto my computer. I know, it doesn't sound like much but it is a definate start to a long process. I am actually finishing my second chapter, starting my third in my tattered spiral notebook. If I showed my notebook you would be able where I have written the manuscript in all colors of pencils and pens and have "bled" all over it with different colored inks; crossing out silly sentence structures, too much information, or just plain "that doesn't even make sense" sentences.

For all you aspiring authors we must keep on, keeping on knowing that one day we will complete that wonderfully fulfilling process of completing a book. I know, the part with the writing in pencil and ink in a notebook can seem tedious, but with time as the manuscript becomes polished and finally finishes the story that has been "trapped" in your mind for so long and you actually can read it on fresh printed paper---Aahh! What a feeling!!

For all my students--See, even I have to draw and do numerous rough drafts to get to my final piece! I don't just make you do it! :0)

Hello All!! I am excited and a little nervous about beginning my new blogging experience. It is my hope that my blog will offer encouragement and inspiration for other aspiring authors and young writers.

A little about my self might be appropriate for those who don't know me. I am a SAHM of three precious little girls; Taylor, Trysta and Theresa. In my "spare time" I am also a Christian author and online writing instructor. My first book, "Pocahontas: Princess of Faith and Courage" is not a best seller but it has done well in Christian review magazines and among homeschoolers and educators, as well as parents in general.

But really, to be an author, is it really about book sales or about the words of my heart that I believe my Lord wants me to write? I believe I was called, like so many others, to write words of inspiration, faith and hope through my nonfiction and fiction books. So, in other words, I feel as if I am truly "writing by faith", knowing this is my purpose but letting the Lord fulfill His divine purpose through me. Trusting if I am doing His will, He will bless my writings.