The Write Truths: Loving Our Story

Hello #JustWrite!! Can you believe it's February again!! 2017 is moving along quite nicely. Summer will be here before we know it. Don't let time pass you by before you are able to tell those stories. Speaking of telling stories, on February 2nd, I finally had the opportunity to check out a matinee of  the movie, "Hidden Figures". I know I'm late seeing the movie, but since the year has rolled in, I've been busy. So, once I saw that I finally had a free moment, I checked the movie out and it was everything I expected it to be and more. First and foremost, most of you know that I am a math geek, so anything about STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), I'm intrigued. When I saw the previews, I knew I had to go out and support this movie, mainly because I had never known of the three women's roles in STEM during the civil rights era. It was an emotionally, riveting movie. I was brought to tears during specific scenes. What really made me sad was the fact that the women had to wait until they were older to have their story told. Not once during my years as a student in public school and college did I hear about these women.  Watching the movie reminded me of how my ancestors and those before me endured so much so that I could be able to do so much more than they could do. We are so privileged to do so many things and as our sis Kim would say, be intentional about them, but we don't do them. More importantly, when it comes to telling our stories, we either shrink in fear and don't tell our story and in many ways compromise our stories to gain more popularity and materialism.


For example, this past Sunday, the Grammy's aired and the following day, as expected, there were so many social media posts about the awards show, ranging from performances, attire, and award speeches. Many of the posts I saw, I found to be written in a negative light. It's amazing how we're so quick to write and showcase such negativity online, but when it comes to sharing something that is positive and can bring forth change, we as a people are silent. Why is that the case? Are we ashamed of our stories? Do we feel like we're the only ones that take a stand for something that we care about so no one else would possibly care? Or is that we don't want to step on anyone's toes when speaking truth? We as people and as writers have to get back to being authentic and true to our stories. We have to start loving our stories enough to be shared and told in the way they deserved to be told.  I've noticed lately that many books are becoming movies and many singers are producing biopics that are allowing creative freedom to share their stories. It seems that when one artist shares their stories, it frees others to share theirs. That direct support from one artist to another is an example that we as writers should follow as well. That brings me back to the movie, "Hidden Figures." One moment that stuck out to me in the movie was the way the women stuck together. So much power happens when we as writers stick together. We do more together than we do would do solo. Now, there are some cases where we have to be solo (quiet time, prayer, etc.), but, you understand what I'm saying.  The same thing goes for us as Christians. There's so much division in the body of Christ because of titles and so much attention on what we do that sometimes we miss the big picture: working collectively to grow in the Word together so we can make disciples and bring them into the Kingdom. I truly believe that when we as people, writers, and Christians get back to the place of understanding our 'why' (purpose, vision, history) and our truths, then so much strength and boldness would be manifested and so many beautiful stories will be told. We have so much power in us. Remember, it's all about making HIStory known. So continue to write your truths with authenticity and honesty.

In His Service,


~Lequvia Ousley~

2017: The Write Year For Scribes

Welcome to 2017, #JustWrite family!! We are 15 days into the new year and I have already witnessed several of you finish projects and start new projects. I've also witnessed many of you embrace your calling as a scribal prophet. As we learned on Tuesday night, during the Talk the Talk call (Do You Think Writing Is a Calling?), a scribal prophet is a "messenger used by God." That's the short version. Here is a quote from master scribe, Theresa Harvard Johnson shared by John Eckhardt previously on his Facebook page (December 2014): "SCRIBAL PROPHETS are NOT simply prophets who write and record personal prophecy, or the occasional prophetic word. They are actually vessels that God uses fully as HIS PROPHETS (in every sense of the word); but who also have a burning passion rooted inside them to record, watch over, release and teach the messages of HEAVEN entrusted to them under a specific directive. (Read Ezekiel 9 & Ezekiel 10 in full)." This quote solidifies the conversation of Talk the Talk. We were presented with the definition of a scribal prophet and we began to think about and discuss our own journeys as scribes from knowing when we were scribes to breaking down the characteristics of a scribe. For me, I shared that I recognized I was a scribe when I recounted a memory I had where I was thinking about the job I was doing at the time and all of a sudden I was able to take that and create a way to correlate that to our walk as Christians. You can read it here. I also explained that when I would be in conversation and I was described by others as being very detailed and vivid, or as some would say, "long-winded." I admit, I use to downplay that about myself but as time went on I embraced it and an ongoing joke with a former co-worker would be that when I write my first book, I'm going to dedicate it to her for all the details. During the conference call, one statement that Kim made was about scribes having an apostolic calling. Scribes tend to operate with a spirit of excellence and humility. They are behind the scenes. My spirit leaped at the last statement because the majority of the jobs I've had and the demeanor I've always had was behind the scenes (administrative and support staff). As I began writing this blog, I began thinking to myself that my calling is be a support to other's ventures and a voice for those unheard. 

In my research of scribal prophet Theresa Harvard Johnson, I came across her website (http://chamberofthescribe.com) and I read her prophecy for 2017:

I heard this: "This is the greatest season of the artisan and the scribe. THIS IS YOUR TIME!" Just as I called forth a distinctive and forceful revival and revolution of scribal activity and artistry at the hands of Bezalel (Exodus 31 ), David & Solomon (1 Chronicles 15 & 2 Chronicles 2-4 ), Ezra (Ezra 7 ), so am I doing with my sons in this season. This revival among artisans is unlike any I have released in the earth since ancient times. I am using the creativity of my Spirit to revive their souls, nourish their hearts and create a place for me to dwell and tarry. Look at this new thing I am doing in the midst of this generation! I am pouring out my spirit upon the apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers who have labored in this call, and I am reviving their land! I am placing my scepter in their hands and causing them to use it to awaken the sleepers to my call. I am placing my scepter in their hands to awaken them to the beauty of my creativity, and the call to and for revival. No longer will the artist and the scribe be called forsaken... for my glory upon their administration and release will have greater impact than in previous seasons. I am causing those blind to this area of ministry to open their eyes and SEE YOU.... to see the potential of the creative calling.... to see the revival happening in the midst! I am causing them to see!



Beloved, this is the DAY of the scribe and artisan - the pure of heart, the faithful. This is the day of the loyal scribe and artisan dedicated unto me. This is the time of the scribe - administratively, instructionally, and creatively. It is the TIME of the artisan and the time of the scribe apostolically, prophetically, technologically, socially, culturally, historically, entrepreneurially and economically. For those who hear, understand and implement, their impact will be exponential in my Kindgom. Yes, you create with me; but some are allowing me to create through them. Both are good and necessary in this time.



I heard Father say to the generals: Look to see what I will say to you concerning your company, and then act quickly. Grab hold of the transition and watch as we move into this wave of revival. Remain steadfast, attentive and you will see my glory. You are entering your greatest time and season in the earth as a prophetic artist and scribe - especially among the body. Impact will be visible, tangible. Amen.

Fellow scribes, there it is, the message loud and clear. 2017 is the "write year" for scribes. As the prophecy came forth, we must remain steadfast and attentive and allow God to manifest in his glory. We must allow Him to use us. To dive more into what a scribal prophet is, pick up Theresa's book, "The 40 Signs of a Prophetic Scribe here. Also for those who are serious in exploring the mantle of scribal prophets, you can connect with fellow scribes by joining the Scribal Prophets group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/scribalprophets/




As I close, in honor of Dr. King's birthday today, I leave you with this quote.

In His Service,

Lequvia Ousley

Do The Write Thing: A December To Remember

Hello #JustWrite!! Here we are at the end of another year. We made it and I just want to say thank you as always for reading, sharing, and providing feedback on Facebook and via the monthly blogs. 2016 was a year filled with so many trials, tests, and triumphs, but I'm so thankful for all of them and the support of #JustWrite because they have stretched me even more than before.  I don't know about you all, but I'm excited for what's to come in 2017. #JustWrite has grown so much in the last three years and I'm looking forward to many more growth opportunities and God moments. I pray that you all are excited and ready as well. Now we all know that December is the month we celebrate Christmas, but most importantly we celebrate the reason for the season, our savior Jesus Christ. Also, this is the month that we start to reflect and make a list of all the things we want to focus on in the new year. We do our yearly purging of old paperwork, clothing, etc. and we really start to take inventory of how we can usher in the new year. For most of us, we want to change a bad habit, learn a new skill, read more books, or publish our books. Whatever your goal may be, always know that you have many that will walk with you throughout the process. Speaking of walking with each other through the process, on Tuesday, our sis Kim hosted the "Talk the Talk" book club conference call which featured, Andrew Momon, author of "Be The Answer", a book that encourages readers to wake up each day with a solution mindset to the world's many problems. "There is a problem that you were uniquely created to solve; each day you wake up BE THE ANSWER!"

 During the call, Andrew shared his writing process for his book. Like most authors that I've interviewed, he shared how the process began 6 years before he published. It took a lot of discipline (spent two hours every Monday dedicated to writing), small goals (researched and wrote throughout the week to develop content), and unique strategies (set appointments with himself) to complete his book. Andrew encouraged all of us to write books that are near and dear to our hearts and not just books that are marketable with a catchy phrase. This statement goes back to the many conversations that we as a group have had in the past. Never be afraid to be authentically you when writing your books. Your stories are exactly that, your stories.  So put you in them. And one more thing and this is for me too. Andrew made a profound statement as he shared the dedication he wrote in his book(you will have to listen to the call or purchase the book to read it). {paraphrase}"Just because you are not in the spotlight does not mean that you are not important or significant. Continue to "Just Write and Be The Answer".  If you would like to receive more resources from Andrew, check out more information below:

You can also connect with Andrew via Facebook here and his website: www.momonleadership.com


 As we come to a close in this chapter of 2016, please take note of the following upcoming event:

On December 17, authors who have written children to 18 years of age books have the opportunity to read to a group of youth from shelters and group homes. If you have a book you would like to DONATE to a cause this Christmas or a service for ALL ages, please email Kimberly @ just.write1@yahoo.com.  If you provide any type of services and have a business, you can promote your business by giving away your time or a monetary gift to the cause of "December to Remember". You can email Kimberly and she will provide more details. She is looking for the editors, photographers, writing coaches, website designers and social media promoters. Also volunteers are needed to assist students (great opportunity for teachers). Come on fellow scribes and "Do The Write Thing" and give back. 

As I close, I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas with family and loved ones. Set those goals and come back ready to accomplish them. See you all in 2017!!

In His service,

~Lequvia Ousley~

The Write Habits: Not Just Talking The Talk, But Walking the Walk

Hello #JustWrite family and welcome to November!! I recall this time last year, I was writing a blog showcasing the details for our first writer's workshop back in March. Here we are again, coming to the close of another year. As we are one week away from Thanksgiving, I just want to say that as we sit down with our families this year, let's not just be thankful with our words, but also be thankful in our deeds. It's very important for us to understand that what we think and meditate on is what we act out. And what we act out becomes our character...... Sound familiar? Some of you may recall the following quote:

We as a people have a bad habit with saying that we are going to commit to something without actually putting forth the action to see it through. Let's explore that. What is a habit? According to Wikipedia, a habit is "a routine of behavior that is repeated regularly and tends to occur subconsciously." Interestingly, the definition for habit uses the word subconsciously to describe the nature of a habit. According to various sources, it takes 21 days to start a habit and 21 days to break a habit. Everything that we eventually do begins in the mind. Our habits coincide with what we think about daily and if we decide to act on those thoughts. As writers and most importantly as Christians, we are responsible for what we think, say, and do. We may not want to believe this, but we are being watched by others. From social media to in person interactions, we are being watched. The people that are the closest to us see our good and bad habits.  They hold us accountable when we slack and go into a state of lackadaisical despair. You're probably wondering, "Lequvia, where are you taking us with this blog?" Well, I'm glad you asked. {inserts smile here}. As the year is winding down, please be mindful of your thoughts. Philippians 4:8 ESV says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." From a practical standpoint as writers, the above quote shapes your reality. I know when I look at it, I see a story developing: "I think I can write a book." (thoughts) turns into, "I am going to write a book."(words) which develops into  "*insert your name here* is writing his/her book" (actions), *insert your name here* gets up at 3 am daily to pray and write his/her book" (habits), "*insert your name here* is a diligent writer" (character), and " insert your name here* is an influential author, speaker, editor, entrepreneur, change agent, literary agent, and so forth" (destiny). 

For the month of November, we have been challenged to partake in the book club reading of Jean Kuhn's, How To Think Like A Millionaire in 30 Days. This book will not teach you how to be a millionaire in 30 days, but how to be disciplined in your thoughts like millionaires, who are considered to be successful by society's standards. Everyone desires success in some shape or form, so why not apply principles that other successful people have perfected? If you are one of those people seeking to be more disciplined with your habits, be sure to join us tonight for a conference call with author Jean Kuhn at 6PM.  Be sure to dial in to the call with the information posted below:

We will not only talk the talk, but help you walk the walk, one habit at a time.

In His service,

~Lequvia Ousley~

The Write Network: Building Fruitful Relationships

Hello #JustWrite!! If I can be transparent for a moment, this past month was a whirlwind of emotions and changes. On September 19, 2016, after careful consideration and a month and a few weeks at my new job, I decided to resign for my health and sanity's sake. Yes, I left a salary and health benefits behind. Although nice to have, those two things are not worth the daily, mental and physical exhaustion I was putting myself through. But guess what I do have? My passion and excitement for writing again and a desire to venture into new territory. What's that new territory you ask? Well, the very same week I resigned, I shared with my former coworker about my writing and how I wanted to be more focused and she connected me to a young lady at the same job who is launching her very first online magazine. Her name is Erica Relaford and her magazine is called,

Thank God for Just Write because after I shared the information within the Facebook group, interest in the magazine began to buzz which led to our first official meeting with Erica which included myself, Kim, Ursula, and Tanya. From the moment we conversed about Erica's vision for the magazine ("Our goal is to win souls that have fallen away from Christ, inform individuals who have never heard of the Gospel and just as the Lord declared in Jeremiah 31:25, "refresh the weary and satisfy the faint." "We seek to empower people with words of wisdom and enlighten those who are unaware of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Bible, testimonials and entertainment"), I knew that I was exactly where God wanted me to be, in a position to help this young lady to do what God has called her to do. Prior to the meeting, it was interesting that as we introduced ourselves, we started to connect the dots, as Kim would say about how we all met each other and what we could do to further assist Erica. It's amazing to be a part of a group where others truly and genuinely want to help. With that being said, I've noticed that this month's focus has been on relationships throughout social media and daily experiences, whether it was personal (new friendships), professional (beginning and ending a work relationship), and spiritual (deepening relationship with God). I remember around this time last year, I had just finished reading Kim's book about seasonal relationships (review is posted here) so it is very interesting and befitting to discuss relationships for this month's blog. One of the subjects that I touched on previously is the importance of community (check out The Write Community blog). As a group, we cannot stress enough the importance and value of community. That community comes in the form of building and maintaining fruitful relationships. As Kingdom-minded literary agents, it is very important to build genuine relationships with other like-minded individuals who will add value to your business/vision and vice versa. If you need help, don't be ashamed to reach out and express it. You may never know who you can bless with your gifts and the same goes for the other person. Always remember, quality is better than quantity. That statement applies to business and personal relationships. The greatest thing you can have for business are referrals. When you are referred, it speaks volumes about your brand and services which builds more relationships.

 As I stated last month, don't be hesitant in sharing your businesses on social media. If you are not experienced in that area, form a partnership and hire someone to do that service for you. Proverbs 4:7 states, 

The best thing about business and relationships is that both parties are always growing and learning from each other. Your "network is your net worth" is not just another cliche quote, it is the truth.
As I close, if you or anyone you know is interested in volunteering as a contributing writer or editor for Refresh magazine and welcome the opportunity to be a voice for young adults, please connect with Erica via social media and email:

Facebook: Erica Relaford
Twitter: @NetWithErica
LinkedIn: Erica Relaford
Blog: www.christiansincollegeblog.wordpress.com
Email: info@refreshthemagazine.com

In His service,

~Lequvia Ousley~

The Write Marketing: Promoting Your Books With Social Media

Hey Just Write!! At our last writer's support session, we discussed the season we were in with our books. Some of us are in the beginning phase with brainstorming and outlining, some are in the drafting stage, some are in the editing/formatting stage, and some are in the production/promotion stage. The last stage is the exciting stage because one, you have your final product and two, you are ready to promote. The constant topic that tends to come up in our support meetings is the need for authors to understand how to market their books via social media. I have been on social media since 2005 and have seen how the many platforms that were initially for fostering relationships has become the main platform to promote business. It was about 3 years ago that I realized the power of social media for inspiration and business. I've met so many authors and business owners and have been inspired in so many ways. In meeting these authors, I learned that many do not understand how to utilize social media as a tool to promote their books and grow their audience. When I met this one particular author in 2014, I decided to create a step by step process for her on how to post content via social media. The following is the information that I shared with her  and would like to share with my fellow scribes:

How to post and share content via Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

I.                    Facebook

a.      How to post content

                                                              i.      Click in the status update box to the right.

                                                            ii.      Create a post by typing a particular statement, phrase, etc.

                                                          iii.      Click Update status and your post will appear on timeline

b.      How to share content

                                                              i.      Go to post on timeline

                                                            ii.      Look for the word Share underneath the post next to the word Comment

                                                          iii.      Click on Share which will take you to a page that has several options (share on your timeline, share on a friend’s page, share in a private message, or share on a page you manage)

                                                           iv.      Choose appropriate option and click Share

II.                  Twitter

a.      How to post content

                                                              i.      Click on the blue icon located in the top right hand corner of your home page. It will take you to a box that says “Compose new tweet”.

                                                            ii.      Type in a tweet that is no more than 140 characters.

                                                          iii.      When done, click on the blue icon that says “Tweet” and your post will appear on your timeline and as an update on the Twitter timeline.

                                                           iv.      To share or “Retweet” a post, click below the post and click on the second icon that looks like spinning arrows. Please note that you cannot retweet your own posts but you can retweet posts from other  followers.

III.                Instagram

a.      How to post content

                                                              i.      Please note that you can only post content from your phone.

1.      Click on the Instagram or IG app on phone

2.      Go to the bottom and click the blue camera icon.

a.      Proceed to upload a photo from your phone’s gallery or by taking a photo from your phone camera.

b.      After choosing the specific photo for your post, you can choose to crop picture for a better angle or keep the photo’s original size.

c.       Click the blue arrows to the right until you see a box that says “Add Description”

d.      In the box, type the information that you want to post.

                                                                                                                                      i.      Please keep in mind that IG is mainly a picture social media account so keep your content precise and brief. Feel free to use hashtags (words with # icon) so followers can find your posts easily.

e.      Once you are ready to post, you have the option to tag followers, share to Facebook and Twitter by clicking on the accounts. (Make sure they are both highlighted in blue before proceeding.)

f.        To add post, click on the blue check mark in the right-hand corner and your post will appear on your timeline.

Also authors, you can create Facebook business pages for your books and use those pages to share your book excerpts, book signings, websites, etc. as well as fellow authors that you support. Don't forget that Just Write's Facebook page is a great place to start marketing book information if you're not ready to share on a business page. Once content is shared, it reaches so many people in the world and helps to build a recognizable brand. 

Remember, you have many resources available to you now that can assist you with all of your book needs, whether via the blog, social media, or via other authors. Please take advantage and have a heart of expectancy to learn something new that will help you grow. I pray that this information is helpful.

In His service,

~Lequvia Ousley~

The Write Motive: Why Do We Write?

Hey #JustWrite fam, it is August, a month of new beginnings, new mercies, and new assignments. We are at the end of another season. Can you all believe that we have 4 more months until the end of the year? Amazing....Speaking of amazing, I read a wonderful blog, entitled, "Don't Write Just to Get Published"  last week that was shared by my sis in Christ, Carmen Miller who is the founder of Whole Magazine, one of my favorite devotionals. The author of the blog, Ann Swindell touched on the questions of do you want to be published or do you want to write? She expressed that many writers think that getting published will fulfill and validate them. This is a dangerous thought to have because seeking to receive validation through other means outside of Jesus can leave one frustrated, unsatisfied and can cause one to compromise the integrity of who they are as Christians for the sake of being published. I admit, when I read the article initially, I felt convicted because the thought and excitement of being published has crossed my mind a few times, but it's never been my primary motive. I've always written to be healed and as a release from life's trials. After reading that article, my initial unction was to share it on social media but a part of me didn't want to share in fear that others would think I was being controversial and stirring up a debate. Thankfully, I went against those feelings and I shared on all of my social media accounts as well as the Just Write group. Reading that blog sparked an interesting conversation between me and Kim and reminded me of some of the conversations I've had with others during the Just Write meetings. At our last meeting, we talked about the social injustice in the nation, the many TV shows and movies that have been written that only entertain and not educate for the sake of money, and how we as Christian writers have a responsibility to write with integrity and not compromise who we are and what we write about for the sake of authorship. We as Christian writers have to step up the standard and bring forth content that is authentic, uncompromising, and relevant to what we are seeing in society and as Christians. Check out the following gems that were expressed throughout the article:

1. Getting published does not make you a writer. Writing makes you a writer.
2. The purpose of writing is worship. 1 Cor. 10:31 says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Another scripture to reference that wasn't mentioned is, Colossians 3:23-24 which says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
3. We write from a place of security in Jesus Christ. 1 John 3:1 says, "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him."
4. Ask the Lord to search us and help us discern why we crave publication. Psalm 139: 23-24 says, "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
5. Our worth isn’t in how others react to us, but in how they react to Jesus. Amen!

I'm so glad my eyes came across this blog, because it put a lot into perspective and it reminded me of my purpose with everything I do: to glorify God. To read more check out the link: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/dont-write-just-to-get-published Continue to keep God first in all that you do.



In His service,


~Lequvia Ousley~