QUÉ, SERÁ SERÁ (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
Beloved film actress/singer Doris Day died this week at the age of 97. “Qué, Será Será (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)” was a popular, Academy Award-winning hit song that became her “signature” tune. Many people are familiar with it, but not as many know (or remember) that Doris performed the song in Alfred Hitchcock’s film The Man Who Knew Too Much.
Doris Day was a performer who never let her celebrity affect her and who she was. Her longtime manager and friend, Bob Bashara, was widely quoted after her death as saying, “She was always the little girl from Cincinnati who was extraordinarily talented and went out in the world and did what she loved to do despite herself.”
Every author in the world is as unique as the story they have to tell. That’s not a profound statement by any means, but it’s what differentiates authors yet also binds us together in the desire to share our story, whether with one person or the world. In social media—blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter—I see posts all the time from novice writers who are praying and hoping for an agent and/or a contract. I’ve followed along in many of their journeys and rejoiced when they’re blessed with success. The overwhelming distinction I’ve seen in those who achieve their goal of publication—either through independent or traditional means—are these two qualities: discipline and determination.
Everyone on the planet has a story to tell, not only authors. I visited a women’s clothing store recently while killing time before meeting a friend for dinner. Both my daughters used to work at the store and I know the manager. As I was speaking with her, she asked how the “book writing” was going. The other employee in the store, Mary, perked up at her question. Soon enough, Mary told me she was writing a book about her husband’s cancer journey and how God has seen him through what seemed like a hopeless situation. She said the Lord laid it on her heart to write their story and wanted to be obedient to that call.
When I asked Mary how much she’d written, she said she had 250 pages of a draft manuscript. That impressed me, and I told her so. My usual expression is, “That’s more than half the battle.” When asked that same question, the majority of wannabe writers will look away or fidget while mumbling something about not having enough time to write anything yet. That doesn’t mean they’ll never find the time, but as with anything else, it’s a mindset and a heart attitude.
As far as sitting down and actually writing that story, it’s not so much about those who can or can’t as those who do. It’s about making the time. Giving our story life needs to be that burning need and driving passion inside which spurs us on to keep writing in spite of setbacks—personal or professional. That’s what will transform a novice writer into a mature author.
Most authors will never face the pitfalls of “celebrity” Doris Day faced. However, one of the biggest hurdles for any published author is getting past biting, stinging criticism (often in the form of online reviews). That’s the type of thing that can negatively affect us if we allow it. We work too hard on our “baby” only to have it torn down by a faceless person behind a computer. At times, the criticism is invalid or flat out wrong, but keep in mind that not all criticism is necessarily bad. It’s my personal assertion that most authors must be sensitive souls in order to create characters that spring off the page and into our hearts. Ironically, it’s that sensitivity and vulnerability to criticism that makes them so fabulous. Working through negative criticism can be compared to the five stages in the grieving process (to a much lesser extent)—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The good news for authors is that (1) the effects generally don’t last long; (2) the act of writing eases the hurt, and (3) when God calls us to write, He instills in us the desire to keep going. My joke is that my last words will likely be, “Wait! I need to make one more edit!”
I could write a blog post about the meaning of “Qué, Será Será” and a more God-focused interpretation of “whatever will be, will be.” Doris Day wanted no memorial, no funeral, and no grave marker. Why? Because she “didn’t like death.” In fact, she feared death. I find that incredibly sad. As believers in Christ, we have no reason to fear anything. In John 14:27, we can derive great comfort: Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. (NIV)
Take heart and remember these notes of encouragement:
- If you’re called to write, effective discipline and dogged determination will help you realize your goals.
- Putting your work “out there” for the world is a major accomplishment that most people never achieve.
- You never know how one sentence or paragraph you write could change a reader’s heart or somehow impact his/her life.
- If you’re criticized, it’s only because your work is indeed reaching readers! As difficult as it might be to accept, it’s unrealistic and illogical to believe everyone will love what you’ve created.
- Negative reviews can actually be good for book sales.
So, perhaps “Qué, Será Será” does and should hold meaning for us. Yes, whatever will be, will be, and the future may not be ours to see, but as long as we acknowledge Who’s in control, we have no reason to worry or fear—anything.
Now, go out in the world and do what you love despite yourself and for His glory!
Until His Nets Are Full,
~JoAnn
Matthew 5:16
Transforming a novice writer to a mature author. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads
It's all about discipline and determination. #seriouslywrite #encouragementforwriters via @Gr8tReads
Thee Will I Honor
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| Thee Will I Honor |
After serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan, First Lieutenant Matthew Henry Martin, returns to Meadowvale, his beloved hometown nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Wounded in a roadside IED attack that killed two of his comrades, Matt’s devastating leg injury ended his military aspirations. At 25, he’s earned his degree but unemployed and facing a move back into his childhood home. Surely God has a higher purpose and plan for his future?
Lesley Ann Randall is a woman on a deeply personal mission. A small Virginia town is the last place her older sister, First Lieutenant Faith Randall, was spotted. Could a sleek red Mercedes hold the clue to her whereabouts? When Lesley speeds into Meadowvale, she immediately captures the attention of the sheriff, the pastor, and a handsome war veteran with secrets of his own.
When these two join forces, will they discover something greater than they could ever have imagined?
Join the adventure with Matt and Lesley as they navigate romance, mystery, adventure, and cutting edge issues ripped from today’s headlines—all within the pages of an inspirational novel with heart and humor celebrating faith, family, and love.
THEE WILL I HONOR is the highly anticipated second book of The Treasured Vow Series by USA Today Bestselling Author JoAnn Durgin. She is also the author of the beloved, bestselling Lewis Legacy Series, The Wondrous Love Series, The Starlight Christmas Series, Catching Serenity, Heart’s Design, Gentle Like the Rain, The Valentine Verse, and Whisper to My Heart.
THE TREASURED VOW SERIES:
Thee Will I Cherish (Available Now)
Thee Will I Honor (Available Now)
Thee Will I Love (Coming Soon!)
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| JoAnn Durgin |
