Category: Writer Encouragement

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Writer Encouragement

Writers Being Thankful

I am writing this blog on the eve of Thanksgiving. Thinking about this holiday causes me to consider the fact that we only designate one day a year to ponder gratitude. Yet the Bible encourages us to “be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16 (NIV)

So while I know this post will run in the midst of Christmas season, I’m going to claim a day of thankfulness and encourage writers to think about the many people who bless and enrich our lives.

Here are just a few of the folks for whom we can be grateful:

 

  • Critique groups who offer helpful advice.
  • Authors who write better than we do. They inspire us to excel and do better.
  • Spouses who don’t mind eating take-out food when we’re in the midst of editing.
  • That friend or relative who believes we are the best writer they’ve ever read. We know it’s not true, but we appreciate their love and support anyway!
  • Editors who catch all those mistakes that we know are there but we just can’t see. They have our backs.
  • That more experienced author friend who takes us under their wing and helps us become a better writer.
  • The acquisitions editor who says, “Please send me that book proposal.”
  • The fellow writer’s conference attendee who sees you sitting alone at lunch and says, “Can I sit with you?”
  • That author who takes the time to read and review your book, even though you know they are too busy.
  • Your family and friends who will always love you, even if you never become a best-selling author.

 

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So in this Christmas season of remembering the birth of our Savior, let’s remember that the Child born in the manger came to save us and be a blessing to us. Let us, in turn, be a blessing to others. Be an encourager to a fellow writer.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

Merry Christmas!

 

Green typewriter image courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

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Writer Encouragement

Writer Interruptions

There it is again—another interruption.

If it’s not the screaming baby needing to be fed, it’s the dog demanding another outdoor visit. Or a phone call from your mom who requires another trip to the doctor. Interruptions like these plague a writer wanting to be serious about their work.

“How will I ever get to my writing with so many obstacles?” You throw up your hands in exasperation, wishing you could hole up somewhere and do nothing but write.

But wait. Aren’t these “interruptions” our work? Our life? Dare I say it—our inspiration for our writing?

We can view these common episodes as a negative or a positive. I choose to view them as the latter.

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I remember when my kids were small, I felt like I was drowning in baby spit up, poopy diapers and all the other “gifts” our little ones share with us. In frustration, I decided to turn these episodes into short humorous poems about the daily difficulties of being a mom. Little did I know that these verses would end up on the desk of a features editor at a local paper. My attempts at poetic sanity had led to a freelance job and two newspaper columns.

 

Now, I understand deadlines and contracts, and all the other responsibilities that writers face. And there may be times when a babysitter needs to be hired or your spouse may need to fill in a bit more while you put your fingers to the keyboard. You are blessed if you have a family that supports your creativity.

But a balance needs to be reckoned with. If you are constantly frustrated by these day-to-day interruptions, perhaps an evaluation of your time commitments needs assessment. Have you taken on too many writing assignments? Too many blog posts? Too many contracts to juggle? Remember, you don’t always need to say, “Yes” to every offer. The wise writer prays for guidance.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1 it says, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven.” (KJV). Is this your season to take on writing tasks that fill your whole day, every day? Or are some of these writing commitments best put off until the kids are in school or have flown the nest?

One thing is certain: Your daily commitments to family that are “swallowing” up your time and energy today will some day change. Your children will grow and then be gone. Your parents will pass on. I’d encourage you to plan your today in such a way that tomorrow holds no regrets.

 

Image of typewriter courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

Image of woman courtesy of artur84 via freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

 

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Writer Encouragement

Fixing the “Flat Tires” In Our Writing

There it was—the flat tire we dreaded finding. After discovering it flat twice that week, the expected deflation was not a total surprise.

It was an otherwise beautiful fall morning with enough chill in the air to be refreshing and not so many leaves collecting on the ground that they’d stir our conscience to take out the rake. But the flat tire on my husband’s aging Subaru definitely added clouds to this Saturday morning.

We knew it was time to visit the tire store.

The news there was worse than we imagined: Not only did that tire need complete replacing, but every tire on this vintage Subie needed an immediate sounding of the taps. It was time to give them all an honorable burial after years of faithful service.

Inhaling bravely, I nodded to my distraught husband. “Just do it. Buy four new ones.”

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In similar bleak scenarios, writers can struggle with such ominous news about their work: “It’s got too many holes. It can’t be saved like it is.”

 

The analysis might come from a critique partner, an editor, an agent, a publisher. The kinder ones will gently tell you your work needs improvement. Others will perhaps give you a more blunt analysis: It’s flat. It’s hopeless. Start over. Sound the taps.

Words of discouragement can set a writer back, thinking they’ll throw out the original idea all together. But sometimes the core of the story is still a good one. It just needs a retread. A do-over. New life. Fresh opening. More likable characters, perhaps?

I can think of a few stories that I’ve read that could have used an evaluation that challenged the author to do just that. Put the story up on the rack in the repair store and throw out the bad parts. Edit, edit, and edit some more.

You’ll notice that, when we got the new tires, we didn’t get rid of the car. Although ancient, it has served my family for many years now. It still runs, even quite well at times!

So if I could encourage writers who have been given some serious news and suggestions about changing their story or manuscript, I would say, “Take a deep breath. Pray for inspiration. And just do it.”

 

Typewriter image courtesy of Just2Shutter via freedigitalphotos.net

Changing a car tire courtesy of Stoonn via freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

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Writer Encouragement

Just A Writer

Do you ever feel like “just a writer?” “Just” a wannabe author? “Just” a wordsmith who spends hours inventing characters and hoping someone will read your work?

I encourage you to throw out the word “just” from your thinking. Treat it like yesterday’s trash that’s contaminating your mind. You are not “just” a writer. You are “A WRITER!”

So why are writers—especially Christian writers—important? Because when you feel that niggling urge to create words that are meaningful, then being a writer is “A CALLING.”

There are billions of folks in this world with numerous callings on their life. Some are called to heal, some to organize, some to preach God’s Word, some to be leaders, some to be helpers. The list can go on. But to be called to write is unique in that you can reach people around the world without so much as a passport.

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I know many writers with debilitating illnesses. Many who have difficulty traveling for one reason or another. Some with responsibilities that anchor them to their homes. Yet the message in their words can reach hundreds, thousands, even millions, without so much as using a gallon of gasoline.

“But all I write is fiction. How is that a calling?”

There are thousands of folks around the world who would never think of picking up a Christian non-fiction book. You could find them running away from a Max Lucado book as though rabid dogs were on their heels. Fiction is less threatening, more entertaining, and, if a writer is good, they can slip in the gospel message without scaring off the reader. Christian fiction might be the only Gospel message they’ve ever heard. Who knows where those seeds might sprout?

Another blessing about writing is that you can create a variety of messages, and not just in your usual genre. Most writers have blogs. These allow writers to create words that can fulfill promptings that the Holy Spirit places on your mind and heart. While some in the writing field encourage writers to always stay within the expected theme (such as historical fiction), I choose to believe that God wants to use our words to minister and enlighten the audience He has created for our writing.

These last few weeks have revealed horrifying videos about abortion taking place in our country. Although I write historicals, I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to create words that will hopefully open people’s eyes in a new way to the atrocities taking place in contemporary America. If you wish to read that blog, you can click here.

So the next time you think you are “just” a writer, praise God for the calling He has placed in your heart. And get writing!

 

Vintage Typewriter courtesy of: Just2shutter through freedigitalphotos.net

Photo of man writing courtesy of: tiramisustudio through freedigitalphotos.net

 

 

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Writer Encouragement

When Discouragement Leads to Doubt

Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. When it visits creative writers, we sometimes begin to doubt. We can even get downright depressed.

Am I really called to write? Maybe I’m no good. Maybe I never will be. Maybe I’ve missed God’s will for my life. I’m just so weary, Lord.

I’ve been in that pit of discouragement. I’ll never forget the Spring of 2012 when I had signed up to attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I’d heard it was one of the best for connecting with writers and editors and the atmosphere there usually stirred with God’s Presence. I couldn’t wait to attend, even though I knew few of the people who were going.

The discouragement began several weeks before. First came a family crisis that necessitated a visit to another state. Next came a visit to my son in yet another state to bid him farewell. He faced a dangerous deployment overseas and I wept and prayed he’d return home to us safely. (He did)

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A few days before I packed for Blue Ridge, fatigue and sadness crept in. I emailed a writer friend and told her I didn’t have a clue what to do at the conference. I had a few ideas for books but didn’t know what to do with them. She encouraged me to put together a single piece of paper (called a one sheet) that explained briefly who I was and an explanation of a book idea.

Why not? It couldn’t hurt. I’d invested my time and money in this conference and I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I ran off several copies of these one sheets, packed my bags and, once again, went to yet another state. I was weary from traveling.

By the time I’d dropped my suitcase in my dorm room in Blue Ridge, I plopped on the bed and wanted to cry. Why am I here Lord? I just want to go home.

Talk about discouraged.

By God’s grace and strength, I fought back at those negative thoughts and prayed for the Lord’s leading in the next few days. Lord, I prayed, use my time here for Your will.

The upshot is, I had the best week at conference, met dozens of writer friends and was ministered to by the incredible praise and worship music. It was a balm to my weary soul.

Oh and, remember those one sheets? Both of those book ideas are now published. They’ve both won Selah awards at Blue Ridge. God is gracious and uses even the weak among us, including yours truly.

If you’re feeling discouraged in your writing and too weary to type yet one more sentence, take a break—a prayer break. Ask Jesus Christ for His guidance and proceed in the strength of the Lord.

[bctt tweet=”Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. #writerslife #novel” via=”no”]

(Old Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

(Discouraged woman image courtesy of Stock Images through FreeDigitalPhotos.com)

 

 

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Create. Motivate. Inspire. Support Writer Encouragement

3 Reasons to Learn How to Share (Your Writing)

I slogged through composing an article, retyping the same sentence six or seven times. The sentence was too short, too wordy, too awkward, too something. I deleted the string of witless words.

Nothing.

It was time to escalate so I shot an email to a writing buddy and attached the offending sentence along with a plea for help. In minutes, she replied with the suggestions of moving one word and adding punctuation after another.

The problem that I had stared down for way too long, she had solved in seconds.

In this unique realm where we subsist as writers, critique partners are our lifelines. The benefits of sharing our work with like-minded souls are boundless, including improving our basic skills, developing a sense of community, and dealing with doubts and insecurities.

Do you ever feel bogged down in a writing project? These are my three favorite reasons to reach out to other writers:

1. Accountability
Writers tend to live a life of isolation. We can stay secluded for days and even weeks at a time. The downside of this is the tendency to drift toward laziness and procrastination in our work. Knowing that someone will be asking about our progress can give us just the push we need to keep going.

2. Fresh Insight/Perspective
We can read our work a dozen times and not see the problems that a critique partner will see on a first perusal. Feedback is crucial to our growth and development as a writer. We learn exponentially under honest review and evaluation. My favorite phrase to hear is, “Is this what you meant to say…?”

3. Inspiration
Brainstorming with fellow writers can be a little touch of heaven on earth. Article and book ideas have been conceived from a group of writers laughing, sharing and challenging each other to dig deeper and reach higher. In a recent conference workshop, I deliberately began an article with over-the-top silliness. My critique group proceeded to surprise me by saying, “Keep it in!” They gave me the courage to jump in and experience something fresh and new in my writing.

[bctt tweet=”Brainstorming with fellow writers can be a little touch of heaven on earth. #amwriting @lthomaswrites”]

Who keeps you accountable and fans the flames of creativity in your writing-life? If no one comes to mind, make it a point to seek out like-minded friends and colleagues. Do a google-search of writer’s groups in your area or contact a respected conference website for recommendations (brmcwc.org and word-weavers.com are good examples).

You may be the inspiration that someone else is seeking.

[bctt tweet=”Who keeps you accountable and fans the flames of creativity in your writing-life? #amwriting #writer @lthomaswrites”]

Photo art by Hilary Brooke Hall ©2015
Used by permission

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Writer Encouragement

Listening to Writing Mentors

Writers who listen are writers who learn. If we’re so busy pitching our ideas and promoting our writing agenda, we’ll turn into writers without a clue. And likely, writers without a contract for publication.

Years ago, I was a nursing student and one of my classes was entitled “Therapeutic Conversation.”

The title sounded ridiculous but it was anything but that. It taught me how to really listen to what a patient says, as well as observe their body language and facial expressions. The class coached us in how to rephrase what the person said back to them to be certain we understood their meaning. It forced us to listen, rather than speak all the time.

The biggest thing I learned from that class was how much I talk. That was humbling. I like hearing what I have to say, it seems. But I quickly was educated in the importance of really listening to my patients so I could be a better caregiver of their needs.

I also realized that this can carry over into every area of my life to improve communication with family and friends. It can also carry over into communication with other writers and editors, publishers and agents.

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Often I hear other writers express concern for what they will say at writer’s conferences, especially if it’s there first conference. If they ask me for advice, I encourage them to keep their introductions simple, their words few and their ears OPEN.

It seems we live in a society of talkers. National news interviews and reality TV shows are flooded with talk—and plenty of it. People are talking over people, expressing their thoughts and ideas without a concern for what the other person is trying to say. It gets downright annoying and you come away thinking, did anything get resolved? Did anyone learn anything?

That’s how I perceive some writers I’ve observed who attend sessions with potential mentors—editors and more experienced writers. These fledgling writers talk much, listen little—and already have all the answers. Or so they think.

The way to a potential relationship with an editor or publisher is to listen and learn. Ask questions but hear the answers. In this world of chatter, it can be hard to focus. But for the serious writer seeking publication, wisdom is in the words of the more experienced. I’d encourage some therapeutic listening.

[bctt tweet=”Fledgling writers talk much, listen little #writers #writetips” via=”no”]

Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.com

Image of woman courtesy of Stock Images through FreeDigitalPhotos.com