Tag: Discouragement

Categories
Mystery/Thriller/Suspense

When You Feel Like Giving Up

mystery suspense thriller

Somewhere along the way doubts may have bubbled up and spilled over. Is the mystery, suspense, thriller genre still the best course for me as a writer? After all, it’s not romance which always seems at the top of book sale charts. Will my mystery sell? Will my suspense catch the attention of an agent? Will my thriller be picked up by a publisher?

As a writer, what drew you to this category?

Perhaps a special book, a captivating movie or TV show, or teacher, parent, friend launched your interest.

Whatever avenue our genre took to travel into your life, you fell, as my grandmother used to say, hook, line, and sinker. When you stepped into writing mystery, suspense, or thriller stories, it felt like comfortable jeans on a lazy spring day, fuzzy slippers on a chilly evening, steaming vanilla roast as the golden glow peeked over the horizon. By now, you’ve either whipped out your first manuscript or are trying to craft something spectacular. Something different to merit a second look from agents and acquisition editors.

But the question arises, am I wasting my time?

When you first jumped into our special pool of intrigue, I imagine you had confirmation of some sort. It came from your personal interests, a trusted friend or family member, or winning a contest. You may have invested hours and energy into designing charming clues, crafting the unexpected, or storyboarding global conspiracies. You’ve plotted, developed character arcs, delved into inner and outer journeys. You’ve created realistic settings and back stories. Each chapter ends with a compelling cliffhanger, and each incident raises the stakes.

 Don’t give up now. Go back and find what first drew you to this genre. Reread those early books that captured your heart and mind. Watch that favorite movie you couldn’t stop talking about. Pick the brains of those who know you best.

Read the latest releases––general market and inspirational. What is selling now? Peruse authors and their books at your favorite publishers’ websites. Scan bookseller catalogues. For the Inspirational market, Christianbook.com offers titles and brief synopses of its latest and upcoming releases. Know what compares to your work. Know what is selling.

Maybe you’ve had enough of the writing world and its technology. Take a break, take a breath. Change your surroundings. Go for a walk, explore a park, or take a drive around the city or into rural areas or through wide open spaces. A place where you draw strength. Bask in solitude or in the bustle of high energy.

Embrace free-range writing. Write whatever comes to mind. Something for your eyes only. No goals, no deadlines, no pressure.

Visit with or read about inspirational people.

As I’ve learned from English mystery shows, you can always put the kettle on. As you wait for the water to boil, let your mind wander and guide you back.

Failure is not final. Failure in a chosen genre is not final either.

The fragrance of the lowly rosemary bush, native to my part of Texas, is enhanced when pressure is applied by rubbing the stalk between warm hands. It’s most useful when crushed for the oils or dried for cooking. Heat ramps up its use and flavor.

Channel the pressure you feel into perfecting your craft, and creating the best plot and characters ever. Better days are ahead!

Let me know how it goes. You’ve got this.

Write well, my friends,

PJ Gover encourages her readers to live the thrill…one story at a time, whether through her devotionals or thrillers. She has received eleven writing awards including first place in the Write-to-Publish and North Carolina Christian Writers contests and a two-time winner in American Christian Fiction Writer’s First Impressions contest. Her one-year devotional book, Celebrate Thee Date, can be found at 4homestore.com/devotional-books.

A ranch in Texas serves as home base where she is currently working on a suspense novel. Offer her Mexican food or anything gluten-free and you’ll have a friend for life.

Jim Hart of Hartline Literary Agency represents PJ.

Connect with PJ at PJGover.com or facebook.com/pj.gover

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Lessons from Bart

For years, I taught full-time, but it never quite satisfied my longing to create—to put into practice what I was teaching others. “Someday, I’ll quit teaching and pursue my dreams of becoming a writer,” I kept telling myself. And finally, I did just that.

“Oh, you’ve retired from teaching, and you’re taking it easy now!” seemed to be the implied if not the stated opinion of everyone who felt free to comment on my life choices.

Never Give Up

The truth is, I have been tempted to live up—or down—to those expectations. Writers face rejection constantly. We are misunderstood, or we don’t even get a hearing in the first place. “Why do I put myself through this?” I ask on a bad day when another “Dear Susan” rejection email arrives.

During one of those why-don’t-I-just-give-up mornings, I read the story of blind Bartimaeus. Bart had been waiting who knows how long for a chance to be healed. When he called out for Jesus, many told him to be quiet, “but he shouted all the more!” (Mark 10:48 NIV). The crowd thought Bart was wasting his time, but Jesus had a plan for him. He heard him, called him, and healed him.

When publishers reject my writing, friends expect me to kick back and relax, and voices in my head clamor, telling me to give up, I need to remember Jesus has called me. And perhaps, in time, he will heal me of the need for acceptance from anyone other than him.

Get Moving

To counteract discouragement, we can take concrete steps to improve our writing. Earlier this year, I joined a critique group which requires me to submit monthly. After a few months of writing with my group, an award-winning website gave me a column to write! This made me feel like a real writer—as opposed to the fake writer I was before—but then I got stuck. Certain I was delusional to think a monthly column would be a breeze, I panicked. I listened to the accuser in my head ask these questions: “What ever made you think you’re a writer, capable of working with a deadline? Why would you want to write a column every month? How will you come up with new ideas?”

To silence the voice in my head, I took a deep breath and went back to Bart. He not only kept calling out to Jesus but also bounced to his feet when Jesus called. He got moving, taking concrete steps toward his goal. We can do that too.

Hog-tie yourself to your writing chair—or not—but sit in your writing space and type, even if it reeks, just to get the thoughts flowing. Take a few minutes to read some great writing and ask yourself why you love it. Take a walk outdoors. Find practices that work for you and make a list for the times you are panicked. Move in a positive direction like Bart did.

Open Our Eyes

Jesus opened the eyes of Bartimaeus, both physically and spiritually. When we need inspiration, we can venture out into nature and ask God to open our eyes. I walk and pray in the fresh morning air, and my mind opens up to new ideas and the guidance of the Spirit. Sometimes I sit watching the birds, remembering that Jesus said not to worry for God takes care of the birds, and we are so much more precious to him than they.

The world may seem to be falling apart, but in nature we see tremendous beauty all around us, whispering that God is real, loving, and attentive to our needs. When the descending sunlight filters through the delicate leaves, backlit with dazzling golds and corals, we need to be still and open our eyes. In the changing colors of sunsets and sunrises, we experience the creativity of God, his gifts to us, abundant and new every morning and evening. G. K. Chestertonsaid, “Most probably we are in Eden still. It is only our eyes that have changed” (2011, 2). 

If we allow God to open our eyes, the writing will flow from his Spirit, his Breath, breathed in by us, his children.                           

Reference

Chesterton, G. K. 2011. In In Defense of Sanity, 2. San Francisco, CA: Ignatius Press.

In 1996, Susan E. Brooks moved to Mozambique, Africa, with her family where she taught art and English at an international high school and started journaling about her adventures. Twenty-six of the stories of struggles and victories in Mozambique are now published on her blog in a series entitled “Mozambican Odyssey.” She has since lived in Portugal, Ghana, and Cyprus, as well as in her home state of Kentucky, USA.

Meanwhile, nine grandchildren have come along, and she is inspired to write and illustrate a children’s book for each of them. Susan has self-published four children’s books so far.

Categories
Becoming an Author

Rediscover Your Motivation for the Writing Journey

If you’ve been trudging along the writing path long enough, you’ve probably already discovered that it isn’t for the faint of heart. I have worked on a fiction manuscript for the past two years, and I’ve devoted hours into brainstorming, plotting, researching, writing, and editing … despite the fact that it is not yet a contracted project. I have earned zero amount of dollars for this book up to this point, and frankly, there is no guarantee that it even will be published.

Non-writers—more specifically, non-artists—don’t understand this. Why spend hours alone, working on a project that may or may not see the light of day?

Because us artists understand that the fruit of our labor is not necessarily found in the end result.

It is found in the artistic process itself.

True writers don’t write simply for the money, the exposure, the attention, the publication. The writers who do have this as their initial motivation never seem to last long in this industry.

So what is it that keeps true writers persevering, even when the finish line seems out of reach?

Their motivation rests in their passion for the craft. The joy that is found as they breathe a new story into existence. The adrenaline rush they discover as they type, trying to string the perfect words together to paint their imagination. That motivation is found in the feeling of accomplishment when a word count goal has been reached, or when a new plot twist has been uncovered.

So if you have found yourself discouraged along the writing journey—wondering if you will receive a return of investment—let me remind you that the greatest return of your investment is your passion. If you’re searching for a career that will grant you a fair return of investment, then perhaps this isn’t the career for you.  

If passion isn’t your sole motivation behind this writing journey, then perhaps you don’t have the right fuel to keep you persevering for the long haul.

But if it is the reason you continue to write, even when the rejections roll in—if passion is to blame for the tireless work, the dollars you’ve invested into purchasing writing courses and conferences and books—then, rest assured: The journey will be worth it.

Why?

Because it’s that passion that will cause readers to resonate with your work.

It’s passion that will bring meaning to your work.

Without it, our writing would come across as dry. Our stories would be shallow. And our journey would be even more taxing.

I challenge you to rediscover your motivation for this writing journey. Don’t allow rejections to allow you to lose sight of the bigger picture. Don’t allow the state of the publishing industry to zap your joy for the writing process.

And if your creative well has been running dry—if you have found yourself exhausted from the ups and downs of this path—then remind yourself of why you fell in love with writing in the first place.

It’s only then, after rediscovering the joy of writing, that you will have the fuel you need to keep trekking along this crazy journey toward publication.

How do you rediscover your motivation along your writing journey? Let me know in the comments!

Tessa Emily Hall is an award-winning author who writes inspirational yet authentic books for teens to remind them they’re not alone. She writes both fiction and devotionals for teens, including her upcoming release, LOVE YOUR SELFIE (October 2020, Ellie Claire). Her latest devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, encourages teens to pursue a personal relationship with Christ. Tessa’s passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as a Literary Agent at Cyle Young Literary Elite, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. She’s guilty of making way too many lattes and never finishing her to-read list. When her fingers aren’t flying 128 WPM across the keyboard, she can be found speaking to teens, decorating art journals, and acting in Christian films. Her favorite way to procrastinate is through connecting with readers on her blog, mailing list, social media (@tessaemilyhall), and website: tessaemilyhall.com.

Categories
Writing with a Disability (Different Ability)

I’m a Superstar!

Living with a disability is never an easy thing, but there are times when it is more difficult than other times. I’m wired to be an outdoors person and try not to let my disability keep me from being active.

I learned years ago that I can’t live a life based on my feelings or limitations. To be honest, if I lived that way I would never accomplish anything. Especially this time a year, the shorter days and cooler temperatures sometimes suck the energy out of me.

The last few months have been particularly difficult this year. I’ve had a lot of writing projects I’ve been working on. Then the weather in the South decided to skip fall and go straight to winter in a matter a few days.

I’m not sure if it was shellshock or winter shock, but one morning I woke up to a cold winter rain pounding against my roof and windows. As I lay in bed, the thought of tackling my projects almost sent me into hibernation.

When I finally pulled myself from the black hole of my bed, I was sucked into the currents of a hurricane as I sat at my desk and tried to write. For almost an hour I sat there motionless as I stared at the blank monitor and I wondered if I actually had what it takes to make it as a writer. The endless fears and thoughts paralyzed me more than my brain injury.

  • What if I never get an agent and I’ve wasted all these years chasing a selfish dream?
  • What if I lose my passion for writing?
  • What if I am too old or too young to write what I write?
  • What if I’m pursuing the wrong kind of writing and I never sell anything?
  • What if I run out of ideas to write about?

I know we all have doubts at some point and many give up on pursuing a writing career. However, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet and work with a number of outstanding writers who managed to break free from the black holes and hurricanes to become not only professionals but superstars in their own right.

Superstars

In 2013 the Huffington Post noted 145,900 American “writers and authors” counted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.[i] That’s almost a quarter of 1 million Americans who make a living as a writer. But what does it take to be a writing superstar?  I spent some time talking to some of my writing friends to get an idea of what disciplines they practice.

  1. Keep writing.
  2. Keep learning the craft.
  3. Network (writers conferences, social media)
  4. Be consistent and meet deadlines.
  5. Be a fierce self-editor or get a professional one.
  6. Manage your time wisely.

One of the luxuries of being a writer is making your own schedules for the most part. We still have deadlines to meet. A schedule is still a schedule. Get things done when they need to be done.

Get it done!

As 2018 comes to an end have you accomplished everything you set out to? I know I haven’t, I’ve spent this last few weeks focusing on other projects when I really wanted to be working on rewriting my screenplay.

Perhaps it is just my brain injury that gives me tunnel vision, but here are six mindsets I’m learning to help keep me focused and encouraged for the new year.

  • Expect rejection.
  • Write, even if you don’t feel like it.
  • Timing is everything.
  • Our timing isn’t God’s.
  • A roadblock isn’t the end of the road, just a detour.
  • All writers have to start somewhere.

As the holidays interrupt our writing schedules and plans, disappointments will come and I hope you return to this post to find some encouragement on your path to becoming a superstar.

[i] https://www.huffingtonpost.com/william-dietrich/the-writers-odds-of-succe_b_2806611.html

Martin Johnson survived a severe car accident with a (T.B.I.) Truamatic brain injury which left him legally blind and partially paralyzed on the left side. He is an award-winning Christian screenwriter who has recently finished his first Christian nonfiction book. Martin has spent the last nine years volunteering as an ambassador and promoter for Promise Keepers ministries. While speaking to local men’s ministries he shares his testimony. He explains The Jesus Paradigm and how following Jesus changes what matters most in our lives. Martin lives in a Georgia and connects with readers at Spiritual Perspectives of Da Single Guy and on Twitter at mtjohnson51.

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Voice of Negativity

The voice of negativity is a plague for writers.

I know you’ve heard that voice because I hear it all the time. Writer friends, who share with me from their heart, hear it as well. It’s that voice that slaps you when you’re rejoicing. It says, in effect, “Why do you think you’re any good? Who will read this? You’re not really a writer.”

Have you ever heard similar accusations?

I recently finished writing my 9th book. And do you know what that voice said to me?

So-and-so is about your age and she’s written 50 books.

Who wants to hear what you have to say?

You’ve invested how many days of your life in this project and you think someone will publish it?

And the list of negativity goes on. After writing for ten years, I should be used to it. But frankly, I still have to fight that demon of discouragement.

I have one writer friend who confided that she didn’t know why she was starting her first book so late in her life. I nearly laughed when she shared her age. She is much younger than I am!

I met another published author who shared that she didn’t think she had enough of a message for her readers because she was so young.

Are you seeing a pattern? It doesn’t matter your age, your experience, your height, your weight, the numbers of blouses in your closet. The point is, if God has called you to write, then NOW is the right time to “pick up that pen,” as it were, and pray for inspiration.

The God of the universe doesn’t care about the non-essentials. He cares about obedience. And he cares about spreading the message of the Gospel in many forms, be it non-fiction prose, poetry, historical fiction, whatever. God is far more creative than we will ever be. But he uses us and the skills we hone as wordsmiths, to help spread that message. And whether the words we write are read by one or by one-million, someone needs to hear the message that you were called to create.

There is a pro-active way that we writers—and others—can fight against that demon of discouragement. It’s called, Putting on the Armor of God in Ephesians 6: 10-18.

For years, I considered myself a failure at memorizing Scripture. Guess what? The evil one lied to me because I have now memorized this entire section of the Bible. To me, that is a major accomplishment. And, despite my skewed thinking that memorization was unattainable, I kept reading that section of Scripture over and over, day after day. It now lives in my heart as well as my mind. And it reminds me that I have a weapon at my disposal, if I choose to pick it up. It is the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.”

Pick up that sword and wield it against that demon of discouragement.

Then, carry on.

Elaine Marie Cooper is the award-winning author of Fields of the Fatherless and Bethany’s Calendar. Her latest 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. She freely admits to being a history geek. Look for her upcoming series set in Revolutionary War Connecticut. The 4-book series is entitled Dawn of America. You can visit her site at www.elainemariecooper.com

 

Image of woman by silatip, courtesy of www.freedigitalphotos.net

Categories
Write for His Glory

No Matter What

This month we celebrate Father’s Day.

What an awesome time to reflect on our amazing Heavenly Father and all He has made possible for us. Be encouraged by the words of Jesus, Paul, and Peter (verses are from the Amplified Bible translation).

16 For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge and condemn the world [that is, to initiate the final judgment of the world], but that the world might be saved through Him. (John 3:16-17)

27 Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]  (John 14:27)

3 Blessed and worthy of praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in Christ, 4 just as [in His love] He chose us in Christ [actually selected us for Himself as His own] before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy [that is, consecrated, set apart for Him, purpose-driven] and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined and lovingly planned for us to be adopted to Himself as [His own] children through Jesus Christ, in accordance with the kind intention and good pleasure of His will— 6 to the praise of His glorious grace and favor, which He so freely bestowed on us in the Beloved [His Son, Jesus Christ].  (Ephesians 1:3-6)

1 Peter, an apostle (special messenger, personally chosen representative) of Jesus Christ,
To those [elect—both Jewish and Gentile believers] who live as exiles, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia [Minor], and Bithynia, who are chosen 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father by the sanctifying work of the Spirit to be obedient to Jesus Christ and to be sprinkled with His blood: May grace and peace [that special sense of spiritual well-being] be yours in increasing abundance [as you walk closely with God].
3 Blessed [gratefully praised and adored] be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant and boundless mercy has caused us to be born again [that is, to be reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose] to an ever-living hope and confident assurance through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 [born anew] into an inheritance which is imperishable [beyond the reach of change] and undefiled and unfading, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected and shielded by the power of God through your faith for salvation that is ready to be revealed [for you] in the last time. (1 Peter 1:1-5)

No matter what challenges you face…

No matter what experiences you’ve had with your earthly father…

No matter what hurts you’ve suffered in the past…

No matter how many sins you’ve committed…

[bctt tweet=”No matter what…. …your Heavenly Father is there for you, reaching out to you with open arms of love. ” username=”@marygscro”] God’s promises are true, His love for you is limitless, His mercies never fail but are new every morning. His peace is yours for the asking through His son Jesus Christ.

Won’t you ask today?

 

Mary Graziano Scro, a graduate of Christian Communicators Conference, is an inspirational author, speaker, and blogger who intuitively weaves analogies and personal testimony with practical biblical teaching. Whether “live” or at the keyboard, Mary loves sharing what God has done in her life to encourage others about the awesome life God has planned for us, IF we are willing to choose wisely in our everyday lives (John 8:31-32). And it’s not only about us – the more we invest in our own unique relationship with Jesus, the more visible He is to a world that desperately needs Him.

You can reach Mary on:

Facebook: Mary Graziano Scro https://www.facebook.com/don.mary.scro

Twitter: @marygscro

LinkedIn: Mary Graziano Scro  https://www.linkedin.com/pub/mary-scro/11/600/a4b

Blogs: Life Is Not A Formula at www.marygscro.com

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Discouraging Moments: How to Refocus

By Elaine Marie Cooper

I had a very discouraging book signing last night in Saratoga Springs, NY for my novel, “Saratoga Letters.” Don’t get me wrong. Everyone at the bookstore was so friendly and great to work with. Visitors were interested and gracious. What discouraged me was the lack of local interest in a significant historical site just 15 miles away.

The discussion with the visitors and staff mainly focused on the history of the town itself: What buildings had burned. When the town was in its downturn. When the gentry from New York improved the scenery—and raised the rents.

When I brought up their town’s involvement in the huge bicentennial commemoration of the 1777 battle that was the turning point of the American Revolution —it’s listed in the top 15 most significant battles in history—blank expressions stared at me.  This battle paved the way for the creation of a completely new country based on life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The success of the American Patriots at Saratoga drew in both financial and military support from Europe. Without it, America’s chances of winning against the most powerful army in the world would have been nearly impossible.

Without the Battle of Saratoga, we might not be Americans.

Here, practically in their backyard, was a memorial of the most significant battle in the formation of our country. My research for the bicentennial in 1977 showed their town was involved in a big way in the event. None of the visitors to my book signing were aware that folks had come from around the world to attend.  Or that Today Show personality Tom Brokaw was the guest speaker. Or that a huge ball was held in the town’s Casino ballroom to honor those who fought for freedom just a few miles away, 200 years prior.

I was disheartened.

Yet I had to reflect on my own heart and the things that should be right in front of my eyes that I often miss.

In my world, I can be myopic when it comes to what is important around me. Do I stress about deadlines or other obligations while forgetting the bigger picture? Do I get so involved putting out the fires of a busy schedule burning on my planner that I don’t read God’s Word and forget WHY I’m writing for Him?

Just as the nearby battlefield of Saratoga should be a reminder to the Saratoga Springs residents about the freedoms they enjoy, my focus should be on writing to honor the Lord and do His work, rejoicing in the freedom this country offers me to write without fear of persecution. To write for His glory.

May I never forget the spiritual battles in my own backyard. May I always keep my focus on the Savior who fought the ultimate battle against sin so that we can be spiritually free.  May I use the liberty won at Saratoga so long ago, to write for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who gave His all for my freedom from sin.

 

 

 

Categories
Writer Encouragement

Will I Ever Write Again?

Elaine Marie Cooper

I don’t think there is a writer among us who does not ask this question at least once: Will I ever write again?

The circumstances that might prompt such a self-reflection are numerous: A long illness, caregiving for a loved one, divorce, death in the family, losing one’s main source of income. The list could go one. Regardless of the details, it involves such an upset in our lives that the last thing we want to think about is pouring our energies into the written word. We are exhausted and stressed. It’s all we can do to survive emotionally and physically.

I’ve seen writers who underwent chemotherapy put aside their writing for months and even years. Yet once the “chemo fog” lifts, I’ve seen their muse come to life, bigger and better than ever. Just today I saw a Facebook post from someone re-discovering her gift after a long absence due to illness. I recently experienced a complete lack of enthusiasm to write when I underwent weeks of surgeries, pain and illness. Now that I’m on the other side, the joy of writing has returned. For a writer, it is a blessing beyond any other.

Perhaps you are in the middle of a major crisis that has not just dampened but has destroyed your desire to write. Take heart. God is not finished with inspiring your muse. Perhaps He is plowing the field of your mind with fertile soil. The pain you’ve endured may sprout into words you might never have written without undergoing the very circumstances that withered your desire in the first place.

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Keep reading during your time of drought. Read whatever ministers to you in both fiction and non-fiction. Read for pleasure. Write reviews online of the books you read to help other authors. Read God’s Word. And when you emerge out of the darkness, look for the light of God’s inspiration and draw strength from Him. He Who created your gift will not leave it void.

 

Image of sad woman on sofa courtesy of marin, via freedigitalphotos.net

Image of hands typing via suphakit73, via freedigitalphotos.net

Categories
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)