Wandering Aimlessly in Writing

Have you ever wandered aimlessly in your writing? A friend asked me the other day what I was working on. I usually am always working on something, usually several things in different stages. But, all I could say was, “Ummm, nothing in particular at the moment.” For some reason, that reality stung. I believe there are different seasons in writing, some abundant, some sparse, but to not have any project in the works made me feel like I was wandering aimlessly in my writing career.

And then God, in all His majesty, wisdom, and with humor and love put me in a situation in which I was literally wandering aimlessly.

I love the US National Whitewater Center which is just a few miles down the road. I took my house guest, Stan, with me to the center one morning. I wanted to go for a quick 30 min run on the trails with my dog, Poppie, and Stan planned to walk around the white water circle. We’d meet back in 45 min. I encouraged him to try some trails saying, “You can’t get lost on these trails. The signage is great.” With that I blew off to the trails with Poppie. I’d been on these familiar paths numerous times. I knew where to cut off and head back.

However, I missed the cutoff. Poppie and I wound back and forth but couldn’t find a way off of the main trail. I remembered the center was expanding the parking lot and when I heard construction sounds, I figured that was the parking lot direction. I stayed close to that sound. Finally, after 45 minutes of weaving around, I bee-lined to the construction sounds to bail out. I discovered that noise came from a manufacturing plant not the parking lot. What in the world? I had no idea where I was.

I headed to the power lines in the field. I knew those crossed through the parking lot. We ran up the trails on the field in the blazing sun, my faithful dog sticking close every step of the way. The power lines ran over rolling hills. In both directions. For miles. No parking lot in view.

I had to guess where I was, then popped back into the woods for shade for Poppie, which led to the Lake Loop. Perfect! I’d been here before! I circled the lake. Again. And again. And again. Seriously, I could not get off this stinkin’ Lake Loop. I didn’t even know which way was the way back to the center. Did I mention this whole time, I’d only seen 2 people on the trail and that was early on?

I could have pulled up my GPS to get my bearings, if I hadn’t inadvertently left my phone at home. We’d been running for an hour. We could be miles away. I cried out, “Lord. We’re lost and needing a little help now. You have GOT to get us out of here. Please send help!” Within a matter of minutes, I heard music and two bicycle dudes approached. Thank You, Jesus! Those angels led us back.

Lessons learned in trail running and writing…

1. Don’t be overconfident.

Don’t assume you can’t get lost. Don’t assume you’re always gonna have projects to work on. There will be seasons of abundant inspiration, and seasons of quiet. Draw close to God in both.

2. Don’t put your trust in the wrong voice.

That construction sound may not be what you think it is. Don’t listen to the voice saying you can’t do it, you’ll never get published, you’re going nowhere or that you’ll never have another inspiration. Those are lies from the deceiver. Focus on the Voice of Truth, the One who gave you the gift of writing, the One who believes in you, who says, “You can do it! You’ll write again.” Listen to the One who loves you and desires the best for you.

3. Explore God’s World

God’s world is simply amazing. His world is full of inspiration! Take in the beauty, the fresh air, the sounds of nature. Many of my inspirations for stories have occurred on runs. Listen to others around you. What sparks an interest?

4. Cry out to God

Why did I try to find my way out on my own? Why did I wait until I was exhausted and had exhausted all possibilities before pleading for help? Can’t find your way in writing? Plead to God for direction, cry out for inspiration, for a way out of your slump then trust He will answer.

5. Let others help you

I would still be circling that lake if I hadn’t followed those dudes’ direction. I needed them. Connect with other writers. We need each other. Learn from them,  let them critique you, inspire you. Don’t think your writing doesn’t need help. All of ours does. Join a critique group, exchange your work with other writers, join an online critique group. Don’t try to go it alone. You might be the Godsend somebody else needs, as well.

6. Be thankful for other writers

I was thankful to have had Poppie with me. She was a sense of support, a reminder that I wasn’t alone. Writers are a unique breed. Others may not understand us, nor understand what we’re going through. But other writers will. They know the struggles, the heartbreak, the loneliness, the fears we face because they’ve most likely experienced them as well. Depend on each other for accountability. Embrace each other with shoulders to cry on and hugs to share the joys.

7. Enjoy the ride

I got much more of a work out than I’d planned. I experienced more of God’s nature than I’d anticipated. I became a stronger runner. God gave me an experience to write about. See what God has in store for you. Learn from your trials, depend deeper on God, stand amazed at His answers. Enjoy the swervy path and know that you can always use your experiences as fodder for your next project!

God bless you all on your trail runs and your writing! May you never get lost… and if you do, you know the One who knows the way out. Happy trails (and trials)!