I received a very interesting, completely out of the blue business proposal last week. I’m very carefully considering it . . . I would be doing what I love, in writing, with a (GASP!) steady income!

It’s kind of scary to contemplate doing something I never thought I might have the opportunity to, but I believe God puts opportunities in our path for a reason!

My goal for summer is to take a critical look at everything to do with Shelmar Publications, update what needs to be updated, organizing, re-doing, and so on. In June I’m focusing on all things Internet-related, including my blogs (I started a new one–more on that later), website, and newsletter.

I’m seeking God’s guidance and leading in all I do (although I wish sometimes that instead of gently guiding he would give me a firm kick in the right direction!). I want whatever I write–be it in a blog, newsletter, book, study guide, workbook, or even in an email!–to benefit the reader–to, in the words of the mission statement of Shelmar Publications, “To inform, encourage, and inspire.”

Since motherhood is one of my passions (I wrote a book about it–Home is Where the Mom Is–you can read an excerpt at www.shellyburke.net) I’ve decided to start a blog titled, Between Cooing and College; Surviving the Middle Stage of Motherhood–the Teenage Years! You can check it out at www.themiddlestageofmotherhood.blogspot.com. I hope to provide information, encouragement, and inspiration to moms who have kids of any age, but especially those in the teenage years. Catch up with my latest joys and trials on the blog.

This blog will focus exclusively on hints and tips for writing, as well as goings-on in my business, Shelmar Publications. I have come to the conclusion that most people dream of writing . . . and most, if not all, people would like to improve their everyday writing. Both aspiring writers and those looking to improve everyday writing will benefit from this blog. I’ll give suggestions for writing an outstanding “thank you” letter, comforting “sympathy” message, and so on.

The newsletter will also have a new format, focusing on practical hints and tips for the everyday writer as well as the aspiring professional writer, a short excerpt from one of the Shelmar Publications books or workbooks, short Bible verse and devotion, and one of my personal book or website recommendations. I want the newsletter to be fun as well as useful.

My overall goal is to benefit you, my readers. Please tell me what YOU want to see on my blogs, website, and even in future books or workbooks. You can reach me at shelly@shellyburke.net, or leave feedback on either blog. Thanks in advance for your input!

Yeah–I got a fun phone call tonight.

The lady calling had heard about me from the owner of a Christian book store; she was calling to ask me to speak at a women’s get-together next month! I haven’t been doing a lot of speaking lately, so I was very excited about the invitation.

I look forward to encouraging the ladies who are at the get-together.

Whether you’re a beginning writer, not even to the “beginning” point, or experienced, you can practice writing no matter where you are or what you’re doing.

Several examples:

• In church, critique and edit the bulletin. Look for misspellings, awkward sentences, and so on. Come up with ways to spice up the announcements! (please do not do this DURING church, but when you’re waiting for church to begin, or after church! )
• When you’re at a class or workshop, look for misspellings or awkward sentence structure in the handouts or Power Point presentations.
• Do the same when you’re reading the agenda for a meeting or notes of that meeting.
• Read small-town newspapers. I’m not trying to pick on small-town newspapers–they’re usually so much more interesting than big-town papers. And . . . they usually don’t have professional proofreaders or editors on staff. The un-proofread, un-edited articles that sometimes make it into the paper can be confusing, unclear, unorganized . . . and quite entertaining to the writers and aspiring writers reading them.
• Read editorials and personal columns in newspapers and newsletters. Critique them, also. Many times the point these columns or letters are trying to make is not clear; re-write the letter or column, or write a column or letter expressing YOUR point of view. (This weekend a friend and I were talking about a column that a lady in our area writes for the paper.   As well as sounding very negative, the lady s columns include sentence fragments, unorganized thoughts, and abrupt endings. She said that one year as an english project, her daughter’s class corrected the grammar, etc. in these articles . . . and sent them to the writer!)

This week, practice editing a church bulletin, company newsletter, or poorly-written column or editorial.

Yep, it’s been a while since I’ve posted. Waaaay too long! Thanks to those of you who wrote, wondering where I’ve been!

I’m taking a hard look at my business-where it’s headed, where I’m at, and my goals. I’ve decided to focus this blog exclusively on writing. I’ll be giving tips and hints for the beginning writer. 

I’ve started a blog for moms, titled “Between Cooing and College; Surviving the middle stage of motherhood–the Teenage Years!” You can check it out at http://themiddleseasonofmotherhood.blogspot.com/ 

My goal for the rest of June is to update and improve my website, this blog, my amazon.com website, and so on–June is “Internet Month.” I have a goal of working on these every day (except Sunday) for several hours.

I will still be publishing my newsletter, but with more of a focus on writing. I’ve been praying about all of these decisions; I want God to lead me in the direction in which He wants me to go. My ultimate goal is to help my readers make their dreams come true.

I look forward to your thoughts, comments, and suggestions!