Since I last posted, I've been working with several authors and publishers. It seems we all need to cling to Galatians 6:9.
"And let us not lose heart and grow weary and faint in acting nobly and doing right, for in due time and at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen and relax our courage and faint."
It is hard to maintain our writing tempo when we feel sorrow, pain, stress or we just plain feel persecuted. It doesn't matter if it's coming from Satan or another person or even if it's just a part of life. Going through trials or difficult situations can cause us to lose our "passion and heart" for writing. We still care. We still want to help. We still feel the desire to make a difference. Yet, something is wrong. We lack the "spirit" that once drove our passion. We feel like we are hydroplaning. In other words we are moving through our normal routine but in that routine we feel helplessly out of control.
As I've told my friends, we all need to cling to the verse that I've quoted over and over these last few months. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you." Isaiah 43:2.
In other words....don't be afraid! Hold God's hand and push through the darkness. Put one foot in front of the other and keep going.
It's also important to surround yourself with encouragement. Read your Bible, listen to good music, read an inspirational book. Center your mind on the fact that "With God all things are possible!" The more we can quote that to ourselves, the better our chances of actually believing it.
I am convinced that there are powers at work in the supernatural world that are trying to discourage God's people. Not only must we continue the fight to keep God's church encouraged...we must be encouraged in our own work. We are God's voice. We are God's hands. Don't give up! Keep working and soon....very soon....you will reap the rewards of a disciplined and dedicated life.
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
Friday, June 17, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Does Pain influence your writing?
I am pleased that so many authors are finding their way to this blog. Many of you have shared the blackest fears your are facing. I understand completely. Authors are strange people and we need all the emotional help we can find.
That statement was not a criticism. Authors must twist and turn every thought we have. We must look at situations and problems in a different way. We don't have the luxury of "spouting off" (although some do). If we take our job seriously, we must be logical and analytical. We need to find the little details and shine a bright light on them. Most people don't look for hidden meanings, wooded bunny trails and possible dire consequences. Authors are the voices that yell into the darkness -"Hey yawl! I found a new trail and I think it's gonna be a good one!"
People follow authors and that's a huge responsibility. We know that we have the potential to change the world - or at least our little part of it. That responsibility weighs heavy on "good" authors minds and often pain comes along for the ride. That pain is both good and bad. Like fire - it can help us light the way and inspire our readers to move forward. Also like fire - out of control pain can devastate the reputation and productivity of an author.
Let me explain.
It is part of an author's job to keep up with the news so our writing will be fresh, contemporary and help our readers to either escape the problems of today or find new ways to deal with those problems.
Authors have to face rejection letters, weeks and often months without a paycheck, criticism from so called friends, attacks from strangers who don't know anything about our research or point of view, mounds of research and that cluttered desk that calls in the night - clean me, write me, answer all your e-mails. Our mind is constantly rumbling with ideas because we know that we are only as good as our next sale. Even when the desperately needed check arrives - at that moment we are unemployed again. Add to that the fact that we don't sit in some ivory tower waiting for a waitress to bring food or a maid to clean our home and you will find the breeding ground for excuses. Nope, we are not a privileged group. We also deal with all the personal issues of health, family, finances and faith - juggling our lives in the same way non-writers do. About the time we are inspired and pounding those keys at our computer....mother calls and needs to go see the doctor - immediately! Susie calls from school to say she forgot the notebook for her class project and without it she will get a failing grade. The pastor calls wanting to know if you will take soup to a sick shut-in.
Finally at 10pm you sit down to write in peace and suddenly you are overwhelmed with pain. I personally don't like to call it depression. I'm not convinced that properly describes what I feel. Instead, when I think about the news - I feel pain. It's a sense of loss that others just can't see the truth. I see where certain philosophies lead and I know that individuals are about to walk off a cliff. That hurts me! It pains me to know that evil is so busy influencing the world. It feels as though devious people who only want to make a buck - have no problem leading innocent readers down a dark and evil path. I don't understand how some people sleep at night. How they can write such obviously wrong things and then get on TV and try to defend them. I hurt for their readers.
For me....that pain leads to sorrow and to prayer. I beg God to show me how to have a greater influence. I lift teary eyes to heaven sobbing for God to lift my burden. I feel so alone, overwhelmed and just not capable of finishing my task. And that pain influences my writing. How? Either I pound the keys with anger - which thank goodness I never share those writings:) or...I am so discouraged/careful that my writing lacks power and inspiration.
It's at that point that I have to ask God to help me find middle ground. I can't allow my circumstances to keep me from writing. I can't allow the tidal wave of other's pain to weigh me down and keep me avoiding the door to my office. I have to shake it off. Not with an "I don't care" attitude, but rather with the knowledge that I am laying those problems at the feet of Jesus and asking..."Can you watch these for me, while I do the writing you've called me to do?"
I have to take a walk, listen to a song or a writers class, exercise or just call a friend. I have to remind myself that for this moment everything is okay and the most important thing I can do is write the words God is placing in my mind.
I'm not the Savior of the world - God is. Looking for instant results, crowd pleasing words or the next best seller isn't my job. My job is to accept the Holy Calling of Writing and do the work God has placed before me. If I do that...then I am pleasing to the one person that really matters - God.
Dear God,
Help me to do your will today. Help me to shine a light into this dark and depraved world. Help me to handle the "situations" of my life with grace while I also find time to follow your Holy Calling. I ask you today to bless my writing friends. Help us to unite in the great task of spreading your word. Bless our efforts and may they join together creating a sea of voices that will overwhelm evil and unite in the acknowledgement that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Give all of my writing friends a productive and peaceful day....
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
That statement was not a criticism. Authors must twist and turn every thought we have. We must look at situations and problems in a different way. We don't have the luxury of "spouting off" (although some do). If we take our job seriously, we must be logical and analytical. We need to find the little details and shine a bright light on them. Most people don't look for hidden meanings, wooded bunny trails and possible dire consequences. Authors are the voices that yell into the darkness -"Hey yawl! I found a new trail and I think it's gonna be a good one!"
People follow authors and that's a huge responsibility. We know that we have the potential to change the world - or at least our little part of it. That responsibility weighs heavy on "good" authors minds and often pain comes along for the ride. That pain is both good and bad. Like fire - it can help us light the way and inspire our readers to move forward. Also like fire - out of control pain can devastate the reputation and productivity of an author.
Let me explain.
It is part of an author's job to keep up with the news so our writing will be fresh, contemporary and help our readers to either escape the problems of today or find new ways to deal with those problems.
Authors have to face rejection letters, weeks and often months without a paycheck, criticism from so called friends, attacks from strangers who don't know anything about our research or point of view, mounds of research and that cluttered desk that calls in the night - clean me, write me, answer all your e-mails. Our mind is constantly rumbling with ideas because we know that we are only as good as our next sale. Even when the desperately needed check arrives - at that moment we are unemployed again. Add to that the fact that we don't sit in some ivory tower waiting for a waitress to bring food or a maid to clean our home and you will find the breeding ground for excuses. Nope, we are not a privileged group. We also deal with all the personal issues of health, family, finances and faith - juggling our lives in the same way non-writers do. About the time we are inspired and pounding those keys at our computer....mother calls and needs to go see the doctor - immediately! Susie calls from school to say she forgot the notebook for her class project and without it she will get a failing grade. The pastor calls wanting to know if you will take soup to a sick shut-in.
Finally at 10pm you sit down to write in peace and suddenly you are overwhelmed with pain. I personally don't like to call it depression. I'm not convinced that properly describes what I feel. Instead, when I think about the news - I feel pain. It's a sense of loss that others just can't see the truth. I see where certain philosophies lead and I know that individuals are about to walk off a cliff. That hurts me! It pains me to know that evil is so busy influencing the world. It feels as though devious people who only want to make a buck - have no problem leading innocent readers down a dark and evil path. I don't understand how some people sleep at night. How they can write such obviously wrong things and then get on TV and try to defend them. I hurt for their readers.
For me....that pain leads to sorrow and to prayer. I beg God to show me how to have a greater influence. I lift teary eyes to heaven sobbing for God to lift my burden. I feel so alone, overwhelmed and just not capable of finishing my task. And that pain influences my writing. How? Either I pound the keys with anger - which thank goodness I never share those writings:) or...I am so discouraged/careful that my writing lacks power and inspiration.
It's at that point that I have to ask God to help me find middle ground. I can't allow my circumstances to keep me from writing. I can't allow the tidal wave of other's pain to weigh me down and keep me avoiding the door to my office. I have to shake it off. Not with an "I don't care" attitude, but rather with the knowledge that I am laying those problems at the feet of Jesus and asking..."Can you watch these for me, while I do the writing you've called me to do?"
I have to take a walk, listen to a song or a writers class, exercise or just call a friend. I have to remind myself that for this moment everything is okay and the most important thing I can do is write the words God is placing in my mind.
I'm not the Savior of the world - God is. Looking for instant results, crowd pleasing words or the next best seller isn't my job. My job is to accept the Holy Calling of Writing and do the work God has placed before me. If I do that...then I am pleasing to the one person that really matters - God.
Dear God,
Help me to do your will today. Help me to shine a light into this dark and depraved world. Help me to handle the "situations" of my life with grace while I also find time to follow your Holy Calling. I ask you today to bless my writing friends. Help us to unite in the great task of spreading your word. Bless our efforts and may they join together creating a sea of voices that will overwhelm evil and unite in the acknowledgement that Jesus Christ is Lord.
Give all of my writing friends a productive and peaceful day....
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A safe encouraging friend
Maybe the children are sick or your husband didn't get that raise. Maybe you receive that dreaded rejection notice or you find out your pastor is leaving. The worst of all is when an "un-safe" friend whose only read two books in her life decides to tell you all the things she felt was wrong with your last published work. Her opinion shouldn't be that important and yet...today....it reaches into your life and turns off all your creativity.
You begin to ask yourself if writing is worth it. You begin to question if you can complete your goals. That one little bud of doubt has encouraged an entire garden of fears.
When you feel this way, you need a drummer. A friend that will beat the drum of encouragement and keep your eyes focused on your goal. You need a safe encouraging friend to counterbalance the fears you face. Every writer should have at least one encouraging friend - outside relative status - that can keep you motivated. I am blessed to have several of those types of friends. Each of them seem to sense when I'm down. They don't call and keep me on the phone for hours or try to counsel or talk me out of my doldrums. Instead, they send me a ray of sunshine by e-mail.
"Thinking of you today. I love your writing."
"Keep it up Debbie. I know it must be hard but I love your work."
"I was praying for you. I know it must be hard working like you do - and most of it for free. Just want you to know that I appreciate all your writings. They mean so much to my life."
Each one of those precious friends share in any success I may have. Their encouragement has kept me going when I wanted to quit.
It's a chilly day with gray clouds and rain. I'm staring at a desk covered in piles of papers and red important stickers that announce - "Do me first!" We've just returned from a hard and difficult trip. I have to have a root canal and dentists scare me. I was praying for God's strength when I received the following e-mail.
Jeremiah 29:11
"for I know the plans I have for YOU," declares the LORD..."
Never give the devil a ride, he will want to take over the driving.
Dear Woman of God
Be still for a while and praise God for His favor, His grace and His awesomeness
God is able to do the impossible and is always near. He loves us unconditionally.
Dear God: This is my friend, whom I love and this is my prayer for her
"Help her live her life to the fullest. Please promote her and cause her to excel above her expectations.
Help her to shine in the darkest places where it is impossible to love. Protect her at all times, lift her up when she needs you the most, and let her know when she walks with you, She will always be safe."
Love you Girl!
It is very important that writers cultivate safe and encouraging friends. Thank you Pat for your encouragement today! God bless you!
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Hard work is important
This blog is about the "soul" of a writer. It's not my job to teach you how to write...but rather to keep you writing. Since we all receive those dreaded rejection letters....I thought we should take a moment to laugh and realize that we probably are doing better than we think. Imagine if the following letter was a proposal for a writing assignment.
Resimay
To hoom it mae cunsern,
I waunt to apply for the job what I saw in the paper.
I can Type realee quik wit one finggar and do sum a counting..
I think I am good on the phone and I no I am a pepole person,
Pepole really seam to respond to me well.
I no my spelling is not to good but find that I Offen can get a job thru my persinalety.
My salerery is open so we can discus wat you want to pay me and wat you think that I am werth,
I can start emeditely. Thank you in advanse fore yore anser.
hopifuly
Yore best aplicant so farr.
Sinseerly,
BRYAN
Now don't you feel better? At least you know how to use spell check. As we all know, working hard at your craft does pay off.
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
Resimay
To hoom it mae cunsern,
I waunt to apply for the job what I saw in the paper.
I can Type realee quik wit one finggar and do sum a counting..
I think I am good on the phone and I no I am a pepole person,
Pepole really seam to respond to me well.
I no my spelling is not to good but find that I Offen can get a job thru my persinalety.
My salerery is open so we can discus wat you want to pay me and wat you think that I am werth,
I can start emeditely. Thank you in advanse fore yore anser.
hopifuly
Yore best aplicant so farr.
Sinseerly,
BRYAN
Now don't you feel better? At least you know how to use spell check. As we all know, working hard at your craft does pay off.
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
The Schedule
If you want to be tested on any particular issue....just write it down or announce it to the world and boom! Testing is bound to come.
The last 2 1/2 weeks have been a blur of illness, legal matters, writing deadlines etc....blah, blah, blah....
Everyone has those issues. Some popular authors have worked on their schedules long enough that they seem to take those issues in stride. Lately I've felt like a Texas Cowboy trying to herd thousands of cows without any help. I crack the whip on one end and get that area in line only to have to rush to the opposite end and crack the whip there.
I DO HAVE GOOD NEWS.......the more I work with my schedule, the easier it gets to say no to some things and to stay in line with my goals.
Here's what I'm doing now.
1. I'm being good to myself. NO more guilt. You see...I love people and I hate the thought that they might think I don't care or that I'm putting them off. Often that's meant that I've had to stop my writing in order to accommodate their needs. Of course, I would never tell someone in an emergency that I couldn't stop...but I'm redefining emergency. I'm giving myself permission to say no to things like, "Do you have a minute to talk?" That's a lie...no one talks for just a minute.
I'm learning to say, "I'm in the middle of writing. This will take me about an hour. Can I call you back then? I really must meet this deadline." Most people are willing to wait and it's giving me a little more freedom to stay on task during the day. In fact, just last week that philosophy helped me stay on task and sell another article. That's just cool!
2. I'm trying to set actual work hours. I imagine this "boss" in my head that insists that I meet my writing goals for the day no matter what. I've even imagined that I had to call in sick. My boss (I've named him GW) asked if I couldn't just come in and make a few notes for him. I pushed my aching arm and sat at my desk and did the one finger typing thing - all because GW needed me. I know....sounds like one of those flaky psycho tricks....but it has helped. I'm getting my head in line with the knowledge I've always known - writing is a business and you must have some structure for it to work.
3. I've made a list of every writing project I feel is important enough to complete. That list is sitting by my monitor. It's my goal for the month and for the year. I have to admit that at first it was discouraging and overwhelming. But when I added the following it became an exciting encouragement.
4. Every morning I begin my day by praying over my list. I ask God to give me the energy and the "expertise" to know how to accomplish those goals. Knowing that I have a partner in this helps me to stay focused and to know where to go for strength when I'm tired.
5. My plan today is to make a list of the things I have accomplished in my writing career. Every time I'm discouraged I plan to go over the list for a quick look back at the things I have accomplished!
Please write and let me know what you are doing to stick to your schedule. I would love to share those thoughts with others.
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
The last 2 1/2 weeks have been a blur of illness, legal matters, writing deadlines etc....blah, blah, blah....
Everyone has those issues. Some popular authors have worked on their schedules long enough that they seem to take those issues in stride. Lately I've felt like a Texas Cowboy trying to herd thousands of cows without any help. I crack the whip on one end and get that area in line only to have to rush to the opposite end and crack the whip there.
I DO HAVE GOOD NEWS.......the more I work with my schedule, the easier it gets to say no to some things and to stay in line with my goals.
Here's what I'm doing now.
1. I'm being good to myself. NO more guilt. You see...I love people and I hate the thought that they might think I don't care or that I'm putting them off. Often that's meant that I've had to stop my writing in order to accommodate their needs. Of course, I would never tell someone in an emergency that I couldn't stop...but I'm redefining emergency. I'm giving myself permission to say no to things like, "Do you have a minute to talk?" That's a lie...no one talks for just a minute.
I'm learning to say, "I'm in the middle of writing. This will take me about an hour. Can I call you back then? I really must meet this deadline." Most people are willing to wait and it's giving me a little more freedom to stay on task during the day. In fact, just last week that philosophy helped me stay on task and sell another article. That's just cool!
2. I'm trying to set actual work hours. I imagine this "boss" in my head that insists that I meet my writing goals for the day no matter what. I've even imagined that I had to call in sick. My boss (I've named him GW) asked if I couldn't just come in and make a few notes for him. I pushed my aching arm and sat at my desk and did the one finger typing thing - all because GW needed me. I know....sounds like one of those flaky psycho tricks....but it has helped. I'm getting my head in line with the knowledge I've always known - writing is a business and you must have some structure for it to work.
3. I've made a list of every writing project I feel is important enough to complete. That list is sitting by my monitor. It's my goal for the month and for the year. I have to admit that at first it was discouraging and overwhelming. But when I added the following it became an exciting encouragement.
4. Every morning I begin my day by praying over my list. I ask God to give me the energy and the "expertise" to know how to accomplish those goals. Knowing that I have a partner in this helps me to stay focused and to know where to go for strength when I'm tired.
5. My plan today is to make a list of the things I have accomplished in my writing career. Every time I'm discouraged I plan to go over the list for a quick look back at the things I have accomplished!
Please write and let me know what you are doing to stick to your schedule. I would love to share those thoughts with others.
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Is it possible for any author to follow a schedule?
Over the course of my writing career I've made hundreds of schedules. I've written them out, plugged them into computer programs, used sticky notes, tried to keep it in my head and left messages all over the house. I've used calendars, lists, notecards and e-mails. I've written everything down, prioritized and edited until only two items remained. I've tried to think ahead, think behind and not think at all.
I'm frustrated and sick of the whole process. Yet, I understand that without some type of structure...without some type of schedule - my writing will never be produced. Why is it necessary to talk about schedules here? After all, aren't you supposed to be writing about my mental frustrations as a writer?
If you can't produce and you can't tame your schedule....you will always be depressed about your writing because you can't sell something you don't have finished! It's important to your mental state of mind that we work on a schedule so you can get on with your writing.
Please understand that I don't evade my work. I love my work and avoiding it isn't something that I ever think about doing. But...there's always someone, something or some problem that seems so pressing that it pushes and pushes until my writing time is cut down to only a few minutes. It's at that point that I have to choose between my books or my blogs or that great new article for some magazine. If only I could spend an entire day writing. Or...as my working outside the home friends says...."If only I could have one Saturday or week-end a month to devote completely to my writing."
As authors we must have that quiet alone time to write. If we are to produce the work that God has called us to do....we must have time to do it. The only way to make that time is to schedule. But how?
Yesterday I had planned to tell you exactly how I was going to do it. I had new plans and I was sure they would work. Yesterday was no different than any other. I tried to write and my arm just wouldn't cooperate. I tried to get my arm settled down and had to take two phone calls. "Debbie!" Ron called with an emergency that just wouldn't wait. My pitiful schedule was ruined....again. I sat at my desk and cried. "Lord please help me. I need a plan." The thought came to me that I've always started my plans by writing down what I wanted to do. But...I've never investigated what I actually do during any one day.
Hum....So, today I started by writing down the hours and plugging in my day - as it happened. I'm hoping that this will give me an idea of how many times I'm interrupted and for what reason. Then perhaps I'll be able to either schedule around them or find a way to move those things to another slot and make way for more writing.
I have an idea of what Today looked like. Tomorrow I'll document my day again but...I'll also try to move around 30 minutes here or there and see if I can work within the confines of the sort of schedule already in place.
Wish me luck!
Let me know how you plan your days.
God loves you and has called you to write.
Debbie
I'm frustrated and sick of the whole process. Yet, I understand that without some type of structure...without some type of schedule - my writing will never be produced. Why is it necessary to talk about schedules here? After all, aren't you supposed to be writing about my mental frustrations as a writer?
If you can't produce and you can't tame your schedule....you will always be depressed about your writing because you can't sell something you don't have finished! It's important to your mental state of mind that we work on a schedule so you can get on with your writing.
Please understand that I don't evade my work. I love my work and avoiding it isn't something that I ever think about doing. But...there's always someone, something or some problem that seems so pressing that it pushes and pushes until my writing time is cut down to only a few minutes. It's at that point that I have to choose between my books or my blogs or that great new article for some magazine. If only I could spend an entire day writing. Or...as my working outside the home friends says...."If only I could have one Saturday or week-end a month to devote completely to my writing."
As authors we must have that quiet alone time to write. If we are to produce the work that God has called us to do....we must have time to do it. The only way to make that time is to schedule. But how?
Yesterday I had planned to tell you exactly how I was going to do it. I had new plans and I was sure they would work. Yesterday was no different than any other. I tried to write and my arm just wouldn't cooperate. I tried to get my arm settled down and had to take two phone calls. "Debbie!" Ron called with an emergency that just wouldn't wait. My pitiful schedule was ruined....again. I sat at my desk and cried. "Lord please help me. I need a plan." The thought came to me that I've always started my plans by writing down what I wanted to do. But...I've never investigated what I actually do during any one day.
Hum....So, today I started by writing down the hours and plugging in my day - as it happened. I'm hoping that this will give me an idea of how many times I'm interrupted and for what reason. Then perhaps I'll be able to either schedule around them or find a way to move those things to another slot and make way for more writing.
I have an idea of what Today looked like. Tomorrow I'll document my day again but...I'll also try to move around 30 minutes here or there and see if I can work within the confines of the sort of schedule already in place.
Wish me luck!
Let me know how you plan your days.
God loves you and has called you to write.
Debbie
Monday, March 7, 2011
Distractions can destroy an Author's productivity
"I'm gonna write a book....."
"I've got a great idea for an article...."
"I know I could be a great writer if...."
I've often felt sorry for people who have wonderful ideas but can't seem to produce the work. In fact....just between you and me....there have been times when I've wondered if I should go over and stand in their line. It seems when I feel the most inspired to "produce" that's when I'm also the most distracted. Someone calls, another person begs for help, an emergency e-mail pops up or my wonderful handsome husband announces he wants to take me to lunch.
None of those are bad....but when added together they can rob an author of the time needed to produce. Successful authors must have quality "butt in chair" time in order to produce good work.
There are a lot of great books that deal with time management. There are books just on time management and books that get specific with special plans for authors. My favorite is the book by Jim Denny, Quit your day job! It's a wonderful book that covers all the bases. In Chapter two he helps the reader determine if he's serious about being an author. He asks the question, "Do you write at least an hour a day, every day?" How can you call yourself a writer if you are not writing at least an hour a day in your spare time? He then goes on to say, If you can't find time to write, make time. Get up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later. If you're not writing an hour a day, you haven't developed the discipline and focus to write full time.
Sounds pretty harsh and yet he's absolutely right. Many people often have desires and dreams, but in reality they don't have the drive or passion to make those dreams come true.
Now before you get upset and start praying for me to wake up tomorrow with a thousand wrinkles - having unfulfilled desires isn't a bad thing. Sometimes those dreams can carry us through tough times or help us face an unfulfilled life with the hope that maybe someday...perhaps....it will all fall into place. No one is knocking the fact that you do have dreams.
But...if you are ready to make those dreams a reality, then the reality is that you will have to design a schedule, stick to it and produce the work. There's just no way around that fact.
When I was younger I dreamed of playing the piano. I loved piano players. What fun to plop down and instantly create all sorts of tunes that would take listeners on a journey through their emotions. Unfortunately for me, I didn't have the talent or the drive to make my hands learn the necessary steps. As a teen I remember talking to a young classical pianist. She could play Bach and Beethoven and transition to jazz and pop. I leaned on the upright piano in the choir hall and dreamed out loud. "I would give anything if I could play like you." She smiled back and said..."I did."
If you want to be a writer and to serve God with your talents, you can find a way. It's not impossible. It won't cost much....just everything you have."
All this week we will go through the process of finding time to write. Join me as I plan my schedule and get down to business.
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
"I've got a great idea for an article...."
"I know I could be a great writer if...."
I've often felt sorry for people who have wonderful ideas but can't seem to produce the work. In fact....just between you and me....there have been times when I've wondered if I should go over and stand in their line. It seems when I feel the most inspired to "produce" that's when I'm also the most distracted. Someone calls, another person begs for help, an emergency e-mail pops up or my wonderful handsome husband announces he wants to take me to lunch.
None of those are bad....but when added together they can rob an author of the time needed to produce. Successful authors must have quality "butt in chair" time in order to produce good work.
There are a lot of great books that deal with time management. There are books just on time management and books that get specific with special plans for authors. My favorite is the book by Jim Denny, Quit your day job! It's a wonderful book that covers all the bases. In Chapter two he helps the reader determine if he's serious about being an author. He asks the question, "Do you write at least an hour a day, every day?" How can you call yourself a writer if you are not writing at least an hour a day in your spare time? He then goes on to say, If you can't find time to write, make time. Get up an hour earlier or go to bed an hour later. If you're not writing an hour a day, you haven't developed the discipline and focus to write full time.
Sounds pretty harsh and yet he's absolutely right. Many people often have desires and dreams, but in reality they don't have the drive or passion to make those dreams come true.
Now before you get upset and start praying for me to wake up tomorrow with a thousand wrinkles - having unfulfilled desires isn't a bad thing. Sometimes those dreams can carry us through tough times or help us face an unfulfilled life with the hope that maybe someday...perhaps....it will all fall into place. No one is knocking the fact that you do have dreams.
But...if you are ready to make those dreams a reality, then the reality is that you will have to design a schedule, stick to it and produce the work. There's just no way around that fact.
When I was younger I dreamed of playing the piano. I loved piano players. What fun to plop down and instantly create all sorts of tunes that would take listeners on a journey through their emotions. Unfortunately for me, I didn't have the talent or the drive to make my hands learn the necessary steps. As a teen I remember talking to a young classical pianist. She could play Bach and Beethoven and transition to jazz and pop. I leaned on the upright piano in the choir hall and dreamed out loud. "I would give anything if I could play like you." She smiled back and said..."I did."
If you want to be a writer and to serve God with your talents, you can find a way. It's not impossible. It won't cost much....just everything you have."
All this week we will go through the process of finding time to write. Join me as I plan my schedule and get down to business.
God loves you and has called you to write,
Debbie
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)