Word Play A Right Smart of Work by Diana C. Derringer

Many people have never heard the expression a right smart. It has nothing to do with how smart a person is. Rather, it means a large amount.

If I own a right smart of something, I own a lot.

I have a right smart of:

• Cousins (I love them all.)
• International friends (I love all of them too.)
• Allergies (I don’t love them and wish they would go away.)

 If I give a right smart, I give a lot:

• Hugs to people who visit my home
• Children’s books to new parents
• Gifts to organizations that help people in need

Writing requires a right smart of work.

• Research: I must read and meet publishers’ guidelines. That means I stay within the stated word count and offer only the rights the publishers accept. For religious publications, I check denominational taboos and preferred Bible translations. Otherwise, my manuscript ends up in a rejection stack, replaced by ones tailored to the editor’s expectations.
• Writing and Rewriting: Writing is fun. Rewriting, not so much. When words first flow, I don’t worry about grammar, punctuation, sentence length, or word count. Like floating down a river on a clear summer day, I enjoy the ride. Rewriting means I check my float for leaks, mildew, and unwanted critters on board. Have I left out significant information? Does my grammar and punctuation stink? Have I rid the manuscript of unnecessary words? If I fail to fix my problems, I may not be invited for another ride.

Writing also provides a right smart of rewards.

• Release: Writing allows a time of respite from the struggles of daily life. Immersed in the process of stringing all those words together, the rest of the world floats away. Respite comes from writing about difficult life experiences as well. Putting the past on paper offers a therapeutic release from the past’s control.
• Resources: Although few writers become wealthy, pay can be significant. Taking those checks to the bank or seeing amounts appear on account statements provides both financial and emotional pick-me-ups.
• Recognition: I might as well admit it. I like to see my name in print. I know God supplies every gift, and God deserves all credit. Nevertheless, an occasional pat on the back feels good.
• Reminder: I enjoy the privilege of giving others a bit of spiritual insight, a nugget of truth, a moment of laughter, joy for their journey, a reminder they’re not alone in this often lonely world.

A right smart of work yields a right smart of rewards.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23 NIV).

Diana Derringer is an award-winning writer and author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: 12 Dramas for Christmas, Easter, and More! Hundreds of her articles, devotions, dramas, planning guides, Bible studies, and poems appear in 40-plus publications, including The Upper Room, The Christian Communicator, Clubhouse, Kentucky Monthly, Seek, and Missions Mosaic, plus several anthologies. She also writes radio drama for Christ to the World Ministries. Her adventures as a social worker, adjunct professor, youth Sunday school teacher, and friendship family for international university students supply a constant flow of writing ideas. Visit her at dianaderringer.com.