Many people dream of being writers. Relatively few ever invest the necessary time and energy to become writers… As with any other kind of art, mastering the literary art takes work. ~ Ethel Herr, Introduction to Christian Writing
Learning the art of writing requires a long apprenticeship and serious dedication. No writer blooms successfully overnight. “It takes ten years of terrible discipline at the desk for a writer to learn to say things clearly,” Bernard DeSoto once said. When I look back at my earlier writings, I cringe. Good literature is never written but re-written, they say. While our words may flow effortlessly at first, they always need some spit and polish.
Serious writers hone their craft through blood, sweat, and tears. We understand this as we become disciples of the art.
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on May 25, 2006 - 3:55 pm
How true!How true!I definitely need to get more serious about pursuing writing.I have purchased”The Creative Call”by Janice Elsheimer and need to get busy with it.I can see now where God was nudging me in the writing direction much of my life but I had many emotional and other issues to overcome before I could hear Him clearly enough!The”gift”and”calling”were always there as was the desire.They lay dormant for a long time.But He has awakened them and stirred them up in the last year or so.I just need to stop letting fear hold me back…
Love,Sharon
on May 25, 2006 - 4:28 pm
So it’s all about discipline, persistence, longevity, and rewrites! I love this quote–and your post today.
For myself, I feel the daily guilt of dedicating hours to writing. It’s similar to how I felt about being a SAHM: while it is a job–there is no paycheck! However, with practice and prayer–I discovered that I was, as a SAHM, exactly where God had called me to be. 3 birth children and 21 foster children later–I find myself writing. Perhaps I should practice and pray a little longer–and the writers guilt will disipate as well.
One thing is certain–I will continue visiting your site! I am blessed to have found it!
Diane
on May 25, 2006 - 6:59 pm
That was a wonderful quote. I love quotes that transform, thanks for sharing. And I so agree. I cringe to see things I wrote last year, let alone five years ago! But I have learned that good writers are always learning to hone their craft and are always humble enough to seek assistance and direction–when need be.
on May 26, 2006 - 12:17 am
This spaces faithfully blesses me.
I thank you for its thoughtful creation.
I am only 2 years into my 10 year apprenticeship of clarity… thank you for sharpening me.
Warmly,
Ann Voskamp
on May 26, 2006 - 10:31 am
Wow, such dedication and commitment. I’ve done some housekeeping at my site and added a link to this site in my sidebar. Hope you’re doing well. Have a blessed weekend! Thanks for this site!
on June 13, 2006 - 4:43 pm
Thanks everyone for the wonderful posts. I thought I had responded to each of you–maybe my post disappeared? Not sure.