Do you ever feel like you can’t do one more thing? That life is just too much? Too hard? You’re too busy? You’re overwhelmed?
Yeah, me too. I’ve been thinking on this recently, mostly about how to make positive changes in my life.
Writing books is primarily a solitary endeavor and writers can sometimes find themselves feeling cut off and alone. And the changes in recent years makes this aloneness even more common. Did you know that once upon a time a novelist’s primary job was to write?
All that has changed. Writers are now promotional experts, bloggers, publishers, researchers, secretaries, bookkeepers .... and also mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, caretakers. Writers work other jobs and serve in their churches. They have family’s that need them and long to-do lists that have nothing to do with writing.
We are supposed to think creatively after fulfilling all the other tasks in our lives. And if we hope to create a novel we need the energy to labor through the hours that make up the months required to get to the place where we write The End.
I’m pretty sure God called me to write and I’m also certain he didn’t expect me to kill myself doing it.
I long to write great novels, to lose myself in unique and interesting tales and to get caught up in the lives of characters that I care about. But sometimes the blaring horn of the world distracts me.
The difficulty? The commotion matters too. Diversions, mysteries, heartache, and fun is part of what life is all about. If we skip those we aren’t living. We need time of quiet to listen to the hush of the forest or the humming noise of the city, time with friends and family, time to take in moments, with a child, that will never come again.
I marvel at those who live quietly in the ebb and flow of life. They don’t fight the tide, but allow it to carry them out to sea and then rest when washed into a quiet pool. I long to find my way to such a place. I’m convinced I will discover it in the quiet presence of the Lord, or in the friend who comes alongside to help, and in the confidence to let go and strive less.
Focus on what comes naturally. Do what produces passion and joy. Then the tasks are not chores but opportunities to create.
We are a family, created to love and support one another, to help carry burdens and to pray for each other. Writers, encourage and uplift one another. And readers, writers need to hear from you. Words of encouragement can brighten a dark day. If you find a book you love help an overworked writer by telling others about their works.
We can be content and full of grace. God knows our hearts like no other ... and we can rest in his great ocean of love.
How do you find a place of peace and contentment with all that writing entails?
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Bonnie’s books are being read internationally and she hears from readers in Australia, Europe, Poland, and even Africa.
She enjoys speaking for women’s groups and teaching at writing seminars and conventions and especially delights in mentoring young authors. These days, her time is filled with writing, being a grandmother and relishing precious time with her aged mother.
Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.
You can find Bonnie at:
