Author: Elaine Cooper - Writer Encouragement

In my writing life, work days sometimes drift, without thought for being proactive in creating an effective work environment. This usually results in either little or no word count accomplished. Sometimes the effort to create and focus seems like an insurmountable task.

So how does one prepare their work zone for what would seem to be a naturally-flowing production of word crafting? It starts with the realization that the creation of text, whether fiction or non, is not always a natural occurrence. There are days it can seem to be more of a supernatural battle.

Why would that be the case? I believe the answer lies in many factors:

1. We have not disciplined ourselves to sit and work. Deep inside, we’re waiting for the spirit to move us and then we’ll happily plop into our work station and create the next epic best seller.
2. We allow distractions. Too much media in the house in the form of videos, music, or other diversions.
3. Too much on our mind in the form of real-life concerns. Bills need to be paid, kids need looking after, emails need to be answered, dinners need to be planned. It’s important to set aside sufficient time to tend these matters. If little ones are underfoot, perhaps a friend or family member could help out for two hours of uninterrupted writing. Better than trying to write while worrying the toddler is getting into the toilet!! Children are a priority, after all.
4. If you feel your work is a spiritual calling, perhaps there are forces of darkness fighting your efforts at every turn.

This last suggestion might surprise some of you. But all it takes is a search for Bible verses about spiritual warfare to illuminate your mind. There is an unseen world fighting to keep us from our calling to live for Jesus and encouraging others in their faith.

Ephesians 6:11-12 “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realm.” (NIV)

If you realize there is a battle for men’s souls occurring, we can learn from warriors through the years who always prepare to win against the enemy. For spiritual warfare, here are a few strategies:

1. Pray
2. Memorize Scripture
3. Play praise and worship music in the background
4. Pray

Did I also mention it’s important to pray? Cover your writing time with pleas to heaven to guide your pen and use it for Kingdom glory.

Then carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper has two new historical fiction books that just released: War’s Respite (Prequel novella) and Love’s Kindling. Love’s Kindling is available in both e-book and paperback. They are the first two books in the Dawn of America Series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her 2016 release (Saratoga Letters) was finalist in Historical Romance in both the Selah Awards and Next Generation Indie Book Awards. She penned the three-book Deer Run Saga and has been published in numerous magazines and anthologies. You can visit her website/ blog at www.elainemariecooper.com

Note: I was inspired to write “Wings of a Writer” when I had the privilege of watching two mourning doves tend to their fledglings in a nest on my son and daughter-in-law’s deck. What unfolded in just one week was the inspiration for this post.

The baby birds were barely covered with shaggy feathers as they hugged close to their parents. Mother and father mourning dove took turns keeping the infant birds warm while they stayed with them at all times to protect them from enemies. The mother fed them with food she had partially digested and provided the sustenance the fledglings needed.

When writers begin their literary journey, they need lots of watching over. Editors and fellow writers stick close by, guiding them in their work and growth as budding authors. They often spoon feed the information needed to help young writers grow, encouraging them to take classes to develop their skills.

As time ensues, the birds are noticeably getting larger, often making comfort in the nest a challenge when the parent is present. Some birds grow more quickly than others, as you can see the difference between these siblings.

As writers progress in their abilities, they begin to outgrow the need for so much close interaction with editors and mentors. But everyone progresses at a different pace. Writers continue to need encouragement, but usually become more proficient at knowing how to problem solve. They are more and more independent. No longer does a mentor or editor need to hover, but the help is always close at hand if needed.

Mama bird still shows up with dinner to feed the young ones. But the babies have grown so large there is little room for a hovering parent anymore. The babies now keep each other warm. Papa bird shows up now and then, still watching out for the young fledglings and making sure they’re doing all right. But his role is being slowly phased out by the exceptional growth that takes place in the young ones.

Writers may now progress to other editors, even agents, as their abilities grow and their knowledge of the writing world expands. They are ever-growing in their abilities to seek out others in the industry to help them become professional writers.

Nearly full grown, these fledglings have grown so much, their parents no longer fit in the makeshift nest. Their white flight wings have now come in. Soon they’ll be ready to fly.

Writers are actively seeking editors, agents, and other authors at writer’s conferences and connecting with many in the field. Their knowledge of writing techniques has matured as they’ve taken classes and prepared to make their way in the world.

The fledglings have left the nest. They’re still within range of their birthplace, but their days of depending on their parents for every morsel of food is nearly over. Soon they will be self-sufficient, thanks to the care of their parents who have taught them well as they grew.

Writers can spread their wings when they have a strong foundation of support from editors and others in the field who have nurtured them along the way. Eventually, each writer must spread his or her wings out and take those scary first steps toward leaving the nest. It takes bravery to test flight our writing abilities. But soaring toward publication is a feeling like no other. Get ready to fly.