Proactive Writer

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