Dear new writer,
I want to tell you six things to remember. They all have
to do with writing, but more about yourself.
First, you are loved. You are loved whether you ever see
your name in print, whether your novel or Christian Life book ever graces
Walmart or Barnes and Noble. If you belong to Jesus, His love will never leave
you. It doesn’t grow when you are published nor does it wane when you receive a
rejection letter. You can always crawl onto his lap, like a child, knowing He accepts, approves of, and adores you.
Second, you’re writing is important. Please don’t make the
mistake I’ve made by thinking if only a few people read it, my writing ministry
doesn’t matter. Remember, you are writing for His glory, not your own. So if he
calls you to write a blog that only six people read, He must have given you the
perfect message for those six people. Don’t think about numbers, just write out
of love for the Lord and a desire to help.
Third, have fun. Don’t get so bogged down by platform,
marketing, and success that the joy of creating a gorgeous piece of prose falls
away. Don’t let ambition steal from play. Writing a three-page
synopsis, a one-sentence pitch, or a proposal can sometimes feel like trudging
up a mountain, but do what mountain climbers do—keep the goal in mind. It will
feel great when you finish. Plus, maybe you can grab the perspective to enjoy
the journey. After all, even marketing is writing, and you love that, don’t
you?
Fourth, don’t get discouraged if you’re not great at first.
Nothing steals the fun more than this. You think your chapter glows with
perfected glory, but then a more-experienced writer points out the head-hopping
or weak verbs. Ugh. You have to go back and re-write. Find the joy in that. All
writers have to re-write. There’s a satisfaction to it. Embrace it.
Fifth, don’t lose sleep over writing. I know you want to get
published. I know you’ve put your heart and soul into this, but writing isn’t
everything. It’s a part of your life. It’s not your whole life. Rest. Enjoy
your family and friends. Laugh…a lot! And you’ll be the kind of writer people are drawn to. A full-orbed person, attractive and layered—not just
someone who writes.
Finally, don’t forget to pray. I can’t tell you the times I’ve
thrown myself before the Lord and cried out in complete desperation. “I can’t
do this! I don’t know how. Help me!” And that’s the best place to be. Bring all
your writing—e-mails, proposals, character charts, chapters—before Him. He
loves you (remember) and cares about your writing. He’ll help you along the
way.
Remember these six things and you'll never fail, because even if you're not the mulit-published author you long to be, you'll know what really matters.
God bless you, my writing friend,
Ocieanna
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