“I have learned, on my journeys, that if I let a day go by without writing, I grow uneasy. Two days and I am in tremor. Three and I suspect lunacy. Four and I might as well be a hog, suffering in the flux in a wallow. An hour’s writing is tonic.” ~ Ray Bradbury
So many times we hear folks say, “I’d love to write but I don’t feel inspired.” The inspiration comes as we write, does it not?
One friend laments the time issue. According to her, writing is a waste unless she’s able to devote whole days to the process. Most of us learn to lay claim to smaller blocks of time or else we’ll never write. When I worked full-time (with way too much overtime) for 6 years, I still managed to blog and submit occasional articles. Not saying it’s easy. I’m just saying…
Another misconception: “If the writing is too hard, it’s not meant to be.” Not necessarily. Some will abandon a writing project once it involves discomfort. The reasoning? Too much blood, sweat, and tears. To quit is always a personal choice, but maybe we should count the cost. Because most writing in general includes grueling phases we’d rather not experience. But they pass. It’s good to remember that if the Lord calls us to write something down, we can absolutely trust His enablement.
Writing is not easy. And sometimes our misconceptions are mere excuses. Like a friend reminded me the other day, we’re either called or we’re crazy. I had to laugh. Yes, but moving past a few misconceptions will get us over the hump.
What writing have you put off for far too long? Why? I’d love to hear about it.
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on May 11, 2008 - 9:39 am
What an inspiring post. I have been putting off working on the novel I started before coming to Korea. I think part of my problem is the fact that since last October, my walk with the Lord has definitely not been good. I somewhat explain this in my current blog post. Yes, some is also lazyness on my part. Anyway, I guess I should just get off my butt and write - even if it isn’t good, at least I can get back into writing and work on improving. I just need to sit down and actually do it - not just think about it.
on May 11, 2008 - 10:08 am
Hi there! I found this blog from Michelle Gregory’s site.
The writing I have been putting off is the novel I started a year ago. The reason I haven’t been working on it but a little here and there is simple - my life has gone haywire. I started a new career as a teacher and am going to night school to get my teaching certification. I’m working 60 hours at least every week, while taking care of my young son who writes me notes saying that he wants me to stay home and be with him. My husband and I are like ships that pass in the night - we barely see each other.
The school year is almost over, however, and I am determined to devote myself to finishing the first draft over the summer, come hell or high water. I am also unemployed since the school did not decide to keep me for next year, so I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can find some kind of part-time job that will pay enough for me to work 20 hrs a week and still write.
That’s my story!
on May 14, 2008 - 12:24 pm
Shelley, appreciated your comment. I can imagine that moving to Korea is a major adjustment! Allow yourself to settle in. Let the Lord be your constancy, and don’t pressure yourself to write if you sense a need to just “be” with Him. Not every post here is meant for every writer - the Holy Spirit will direct:-)
Christine, wow, you’ve had a lot on your plate! I certainly understand how hard it is to write with so much going on. Maybe this summer you’ll be able to write more, but even when life is crazy-busy, perhaps you can keep a notebook to jot thoughts down in a hurry. God’s plan for each of us is different, so bear that in mind, too. When I worked fulltime, I chose to give up entire evenings of TV or chatting on the phone to write. It’s a trade-off, but don’t slack on your health to write! Rest and sleep are still vitally important:-)
on May 15, 2008 - 12:47 am
My main thing is I have some many stories I want to tell. That can be overwhelming and sometimes I end up getting nothing done.
on May 15, 2008 - 12:48 am
Whoops, I meant to say *so many* instead of *some*
on May 16, 2008 - 9:22 am
Ah dear Vicki,
As usual, you’ve convicted and inspired me. Yes I have been putting off some very intense writing of my own. If I want this novel to be born I’m going to have to dig deep into my past and I believe that’s what I’m fearful of. I don’t want to relive the pain, but I want this story told even more. So I will write as you’ve urged me to. Thank you dear friend!
Much love,
Jo
on May 16, 2008 - 9:29 am
Solshine7, I totally get what you’re saying. Same here. Even housework overwhelms me when there’s too much demanding my attention…so I have to remember, start with just one thing. Take just one step:) Hopefully, the one step will lead to another, and so on. Good to see you here!
Jo, nice to hear from you again. Even as I posted this, I realized I was also speaking to myself because something I need to write is going to be grueling for awhile. I definitely hear your heart in this matter. Let’s pray for His enablement, and begin. {{hugs}}
on May 17, 2008 - 8:19 am
We procrastinate.I think I do because I do not believe in myself at times.So to the desk I go.
on May 29, 2008 - 6:01 pm
I agree with Thora. It’s hard to keep up the discipline when the affirmation isn’t coming in!