A passion for writing
July 11, 2008 | Ministry Life
The discussion on The Writers View this morning is about mid-year goals.
My passion is writing, but right now you might be able to tell that around the Eller house. I do everything but write sometimes. I check the lint in the dryer. I blog (see!). I clean the kitchen. I check the mail obsessively.
Why? Because my passion needs fuel right now.
What are my mid-year goals?
One is to see my dream of writing fiction unfold. My agent is proposing a new teen fiction series at ICRS (International Christian Retail Show). If a contract is signed, there will be fuel for the fire. I’ve wanted to write fiction for a long time.
Another mid-year goal is to see my income increase. As a freelancer, income is inconsistent. There’s something to be said about a check arriving every Friday at 5 p.m. (as it did in my old life), though it’s not the lifestyle I choose or want. When I glance at the bank account, sometimes I question whether I should check out and clock in to a regular gig. What can I do about that?
Third, I can actively work on things that will fuel the fire.
My to-do list is long right now. Start proposal for Harvest House. Write one chapter on teen fiction. Write notes for Leadership retreat. Write an E-short for Enrichment Journal. Fill out paperwork for payment for Christianity Today. . .
When the to-do list is long, I can get overwhelmed. But how can I work in a way that I can tackle this to-do list efficiently? What do I need to get rid of to do that? (Hmm. Internet Spades comes to mind instantly.)
Fourth, I need to stop and give myself encouragement with things that say “hey, you’re doing a good job or you’re on the right track”. Writing is solitary. I need to celebrate small successes, whether that is acknowledging a job well-done, or treating myself with a peanut-butter banana smoothie!
Last, I need to step back and reassess and reconnect with the Boss. I need to ask a series of questions:
- Am I where I’m supposed to be?
- Am I taking care of myself (giving pats on the back or encouragement) or am I just running on the treadmill, trying to get it all done?
- Am I spiritually connected with the Encourager?
- If I’m not enjoying what I’m doing (and picking lint out of the dryer instead), how can I address that?
Just writing this has given me some clarity today. I know which question I plan to address.
Are you a writer? Do you work from home? Do you ever struggle with the passion of your chosen job or ministry? How do you address that?
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Oh Suzanne, Suzanne, Suzanne,
Now you do know you’re not alone, right? We, women, writers, Christians, moms and wives, are all in this thing together.
The differences in our individual stories fade in comparison to the similarity of our life experiences.
It is best not to try walking through the fog on our own strength depending on our limited visibility. Rather, the only way to get past those times and resume our schedules is to appreciate the benefits foggy days provide and never let go of our Father’s hand, as He leads the way to clearer days.
Cheryl
July 11th, 2008 at 2:58 pmSuzie — first, I have to tell you I love your blog — the content and the design. Love, love, love the red sofa.
I’m right there with you on all the writing angst — it’s a bear. It seems that I prayed and prayed for the Lord to give me this path — writing — and I know that this is His call on my life and not my own. And now that I’m in the midst of my first ever Christian book (I’ve written for the secular market for years) and the book of my heart, I’m just panic stricten. Or maybe I’m just lazy — or I have a great fear of completion. I’ve managed to blog today — a lot — and review my new blog design, read the paper, consider life in general, and do a lot of stuff other than the writing I need to be doing.
So, how much help am I? Not much, I’m guessing. But I’m right there with you — kind of a “fellowship in suffering” thing.
I want to know that I know that I KNOW I’m in the right place and I also want to KNOW where I’ll be next year and the year after. That’s not the way it works — just today the Lord was teaching me that I have to trust in Him, not just serve Him, worship Him, love Him and honor Him, but I have to trust Him. I have to trust that He knows what is best in my life and all He asks of me is submit my will to His.
Give yourself some time to just relax and soak up some of God’s grace — it’s there. He knows what will cure your seeking soul…
Mary
July 11th, 2008 at 7:04 pmI must say that I’ve only written one article since She Speaks, but I knew that I had to write it. When I finally sat down, about 500 words poured out in 25 minutes! That’s when I hate writing in my car on my lunch break – I wasn’t finished but I had to stop!
Other than that, my brain appears to be shut off from all things creative, and I don’t hear much direction from my Guidance Counselor
I hope my vacation next week will help with that little problem!
July 11th, 2008 at 8:50 pmSuzanne,
I perused your site and I really like the look of it. Then I read your ‘about me’ and found it to be extremely touching (there were tears involved) and inspiring as well. Congrats on all of the books. Glad you can share your story and help others rise up from dark places and glorify the Lord. We constantly need reminders of His great power don’t we? Enjoy the tour!
July 12th, 2008 at 1:31 amYour words are so welcome. It’s so nice to know that other writers, even highly successful ones like you, struggle with the same things that I do. I’ve found that one of the things that really helps me when life gets overwhelming is to simply step away from it all, unplug myself from the computer for a day or two, go some place different. It all helps to gain a fresh perspective. Even if all I can do is simply take a 10 minute prayer walk outside, it is often enough to redefine what I’m trying to accomplish and reset my mind on the big picture instead of the minute details.
July 16th, 2008 at 6:48 pmYou are definitely not alone! I’ve been so busy I can hardly remember what my WIP is like!
July 18th, 2008 at 2:43 pm