Crystal and David

Crystal and David
Author with her husband

...and love of her life!

Saturday, July 29, 2006

FIRST POST ON ORIGINAL BLOG

Good Morning Christian Writer,

Welcome to my new blog for this inspirational work in progress. I intend this to be a place where all those interested in the book and its author can track activities and find information. I welcome all visitors, whether you have an interest in contributing to the book or purchasing it once it is published. I will try to be diligent in letting all visitors know the status of calls for submission, submissions received, and writers approved for publication.

Since this is my first blog, and my first post, allow me to catch you up on some of the back information ...

In the July 11th edition of the CLASServices weekly update, I was privileged to have my call for submissions included as an upcoming writing opportunity. Sandra Aldrich, who had recently keynoted the Kentucky Christian Writers' Seminar where I worked as the coordinator for both the 2005 and 2006 events, posted the complimentary notice to which I received over 50 interested responses.

As of today, I have sent out approximately 55 sets of guidelines and samples with a deadline to receive submissions by September 30, 2006. I have received about 11 submissions so far, most of which should greatly inspire readers when this book comes out.

In addition to receiving submissions, I have gotten some wonderful (unsolicited) comments on the project and on the samples I wrote to go with the guidelines. Some of the comments have included:

"I can't wait for the devotional to come out: We as writers battle every day with who is on the other side of the screen; it's a lonely place at times. Encouragement is a must! Congratulations on this worthwhile project." ~Connie P.

"I am ecstatic over your idea of a devotional for writers. The samples you sent are very impressive. They have already inspired me." ~Susanne J.

"I'm sitting in my kitchen and tears are coming in torrents... I must have read your sample devotions a couple times when I received them, and twice again this morning. Crystal, sister in Christ and writer, you have no idea how I needed this message this morning. So, ... from my heart, this is so needed for those who want to use their talents and skills for the kingdom of God." ~Barbara P.


Upon receiving the last one, I called my husband into my office so I could read it to him and then tearfully exclaimed, "THAT is what I live for!" Even as a writer, I have trouble putting into words how much it means to me when someone is inspired by one of my creative efforts. I am blessed and humbled and give God all the credit. (After all, He holds the final copyright to everything, right?) So, even with my very best work, I stand by my motto, "The Lord is my editor, I shall rewrite." (Find my full parody of Psalm 23 for writers in my profile.)

In closing, let me add that I am not a morning person in the sense of time of day. But, I address readers of the book and of this blog by "Good Morning Christian Writer" in the sense that morning is the beginning of their writing day, whatever time that may take place. Now, in the infamous words of Truman Burbank (The Truman Show with Jim Carrey,) "Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night."

~Crystal A. Murray - Project Creator and Author: Good Morning Christian Writer

Good Morning Christian Writer

Good Morning Christian Writer,

Welcome to my new blog for this inspirational work in progress. I intend this to be a place where all those interested in the book and its author can track activities and find information. I welcome all visitors, whether you have an interest in contributing to the book or purchasing it once it is published. I will try to be diligent in letting all visitors know the status of calls for submission, submissions received, and writers approved for publication.

Since this is my first blog, and my first post, allow me to catch you up on some of the back information ...

In the July 11th edition of the CLASServices weekly update, I was privileged to have my call for submissions included as an upcoming writing opportunity. Sandra Aldrich, who had recently keynoted the Kentucky Christian Writers' Seminar where I worked as the coordinator for both the 2005 and 2006 events, posted the complimentary notice to which I received over 50 interested responses.

As of today, I have sent out approximately 55 sets of guidelines and samples with a deadline to receive submissions by September 30, 2006. I have received about 11 submissions so far, most of which should greatly inspire readers when this book comes out.

In addition to receiving submissions, I have gotten some wonderful (unsolicited) comments on the project and on the samples I wrote to go with the guidelines. Some of the comments have included ...


  • "I can't wait for the devotional to come out: We as writers battle every day with who is on the other side of the screen; it's a lonely place at times. Encouragement is a must! Congratulations on this worthwhile project." ~Connie P.

  • "I am ecstatic over your idea of a devotional for writers. The samples you sent are very impressive. They have already inspired me." ~Susanne J.

  • "I'm sitting in my kitchen and tears are coming in torrents... I must have read your sample devotions a couple times when I received them, and twice again this morning. Crystal, sister in Christ and writer, you have no idea how I needed this message this morning. So, ... from my heart, this is so needed for those who want to use their talents and skills for the kingdom of God." ~Barbara P.

Upon receiving the last one, I called my husband into my office so I could read it to him and then tearfully exclaimed, "THAT is what I live for!" Even as a writer, I have trouble putting into words how much it means to me when someone is inspired by one of my creative efforts. I am blessed and humbled and give God all the credit. (After all, He holds the final copyright to everything, right?) So, even with my very best work, I stand by my motto, "The Lord is my editor, I shall rewrite." (Find my full parody of Psalm 23 for writers in my profile.)

In closing, let me add that I am not a morning person in the sense of time of day. But, I address readers of the book and of this blog by "Good Morning Christian Writer" in the sense that morning is the beginning of their writing day, whatever time that may take place. Now, in the infamous words of Truman Burbank (The Truman Show with Jim Carrey,) "Good morning, and in case I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night."

Saturday, July 1, 2006

My Profile


CRYSTAL A. MURRAY

Author/Editor of Book Project:

"Good Morning Christian Writer"


First Blog Post - Used for My Profile


To me, a Christian writer is a Christian who writes. I don't believe Christian writers must write only Christian material anymore than I believe Christian photographers must take only pictures of churches & steeples. My difference (and what I think should be the difference for every Christian writer) is in my Editor...


The Lord is My Editor, I shall rewrite...


He lays me down in green pastures of fresh ideas.
He leads me by the quiet torrents of conflict and resolution.

He develops my characters and subjects.
He leads me from beginnings to middles,
and from middles to endings ...
for the plot's sake.

Yea, though my protagonist walks through pages of shadows of death,
He fears not the antagonist,
For a good ending is promised.

God's red pen and word-processor, they correct me.
God prepares new writers' books before me
in the presence of my Amazon wish list.
He anoints my printer with ink,
My paper tray overflows.

Surely acceptance and paychecks shall be offered me
for every story I write,

And I shall dwell in my home office as a freelancer
all the days of my writing life.