The Golden Kind

Have you ever felt ‘ugh?’ 

I’m guessing if I stopped writing and awaited your responses, most of you would tell me that you know what I mean.

That’s how I've felt too often this year, so to keep my brain busier, I signed up for some educational webinars/courses. The focus of many of these involved how to edit a manuscript properly.  

Editing is a writer’s favourite activity. (If you’re a writer, you’re probably smiling at that sarcasm right now.) 

Years ago, I took a rather lengthy course involving all-things-writing. To give you an idea of how long ago that was—I had to mail in my assignments. I consider it a blessing that I can remember anything from over two decades ago, but there was one bit of advice that stuck. 

I’d written a children’s book, and when I received that assignment back, my anticipation heightened as I tore open the envelope. Thoughts of grandeur may have been involved. Surely my instructor would love my story so much that she’d immediately recognize it as the next best seller!

Instead, after pulling my treasured manuscript from its yellow shroud, I stared in horror at the overwhelming sea of strongly worded suggestions written in bright red ink. They all explained how I could make my feeble attempt at that story more palatable. But it was only the last few sentences that have stayed seared inside my brain to this very day. 

“Every writer believes their words are gold, but they're not. Leave some on the floor. Cut, cut, cut!”  

Perhaps this seems harsh, but twenty years ago it wasn’t, and, like a stellar editor, she nailed it. Those blazing scarlet words may have dented my ego, but that was some of the wisest advice I’ve ever been given. 

Somedays I wish there was a class I could take that involved verbal editing. You know—how to stop myself before regurgitating words I immediately wish I could suck back in. 

On a keyboard there’s a DELETE key, but wouldn’t it have been great if God had designed our mouths with an edit button? I’m sure He’s asked himself that on more than one occasion as He listens to me natter on. 

Proverbs 25:11 says “Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” (NASB1995) Now, that's a verse I suspect He placed in there for people like me!

In this world of too-freely spewed opinions--whether printed or verbalized--may we all strive to share more words of the golden kind.

Here are a few verses that have given me encouragement lately. I hope they do the same for you.

Philippians 4:7 (NASB1995) “And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:13 (NASB1995) “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:19 (NASB1995) “And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Can you tell I’ve been reading in Philippians again? So good!

With Love and Sincere Prayers for You, 

Pattie Janzen

Spring time is MARKET time!

The revising and editing of my first trilogy is taking longer than I'd expected, but I still have some first edition copies available. They, and the Amadeus duo, will be with me at:

Everything Country Outdoor Market (5 Km south of Hague) on Saturday, May 9th, from 9 AM - 4 PM. (Vendor table #A84)

MCC Artisan Relief Sale (Forest Grove Community Church in Saskatoon) on Saturday, June 13th, from

10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Good Spirit Lake Market - dates will be announced soon!