1st Speaking Engagement accomplished!

Well, as a Christian writer!  Oh my goodness - as I sat out in the hallway preparing and calming my heart reading from Psalms and a little in Isaiah - I felt as if my entire body was shaking!  And guess what...when I stood up -it was.  There must be a ventalation system near the benches I was sitting on because when I stood up and changed locations - it stopped.  Back to the original bench and the vibrations began - I placed a paper on the bench next to me and watched it shake its way down to the back and hover.  I must have been nervous - I was watching paper vibrate and shimmy! 

As the clock neared 7 p.m. I decided to take one final walk around the campus, ending in room 155.  Perfect timing - they had just dismissed for a break to await the students joining for the next class while also giving me a few moments to set up without a rush. (Very thoughtful!)  I enjoyed the minutes prior to the official class starting conversing with some of the students. 

At 7:30 I was introduced and off we went.  I had notes prepared to guide me through the Power Point I put together.  Thankfully God lead me through - sharing tidbits about who I was and why I write.  I shared a non-traditional way of writing versus the traditional and typical.  This group learned I'm a little ADHD/OCD and non-typical with my writing.  An odd combination I know yet it works for me thus far.

I shared a little of my book - first draft to the finalized (well as of today).  I hope they were able to see the difference - the first was so wordy and disconnected while the final revision is from the heart.  Ruth (their professor) pointed this out - both writings are emotional yet the final is a different level of emotions - for the better I think. 

I did share a comic writing I putter on here and there.  Some liked it and some didn't but that is okay - I enjoy it and it makes me laugh.  I shared a couple different books to read when facing writer's block and other strategies I use.  I put together a small folder containing some graphic organizers and missing person's flyer.  (I think that was the most depressing part of the evening)

I had the opportunity to share the pain and grief associated with having my sister abducted while also sharing the joy and love of who I've grown to be because of the situation.  It isn't that I wouldn't love to have my sister here with me but that isn't the journey God has me on.  I've living the one He's blessed me with and hope to glorify Him through the process.

Following the presentation some of the students stopped at the front table to share encouragement and their memories, or lack there of.  I left my house after dinner in hopes of Jesus shining through me while also teaching some writing strategies.  I arrived home inspired and encouraged to write more because of the encouragement I received from that wonderful class at CCC!  :)

If you are one of those students from class tonight and you are reading this - thank YOU for renewing the hope and inspiration to write and finish this book.  Some days are more difficult while others it seems to flow easily - this weekend will flow much easier with the memories and love shared tonight!  Thank you!

Remember you can comment on the blog or contact me via this website.  My email is lbuskewriter@aol.com also if you prefer to email directly.

Thanks to everyone checking the blog throughout the week - you inspire me to continue to write and knowing you are following the blog helps to h