What My Westie Taught Me About Writing by Terri Weldon

While trying to decide what to write my blog post about I noticed my Westie stretched out on the floor enjoying a nap. It suddenly occurred to me that Crosby was quite the writing instructor. In fact, he has taught me several things.

1. NEVER Give Up. When Crosby wants something he never gives up. And guess what? The majority of the time he gets what he wants. I’ll give you an example. We purchased new living room furniture. No one stays in the living room. We spend all our time in the TV room. So, I decided Crosby could only get on the ottomans. That way my new accent pillows would look plump and attractive longer. He played along at first. Then one day I walked through the living room and he was on the love seat stretched out across my beautiful new pillows. Of course, I made him get down. Was that the end of it? No way. He kept going back to those pillows. And now there is one member of my family who ignores it when he’s on the pillows and my resolve is weakening. How does this relate to writing? Be persistent. Keep going after what you want. There are a lot of talented writers out there, but it’s the writer who refuses to toss away her keyboard that succeeds.

2. Know Your STRENGTHS. Crosby is cute and he knows it! I don’t know how, but from a young age he knew if he stood on his back feet, put his front paws on the arm of my chair, laid his little chin on his paws, and looked at me with those big dark eyes he could pretty much write his own ticket. CAUTION do not try this with editors and agents. That is absolutely not what I’m saying. But know what you’re good at and write that. Colleen Coble is a master with setting. Sharon Srock, Women’s Fiction Author, writes about friendships between ladies that will make you want to be a member of their clique. Find your strength in writing and work to master it.

3. ENJOY All Aspects of Your Life. Crosby loves to ride in the car, eat, be petted, play outside, and go walkies. Make sure you have balance in your life. Don’t let your writing take over your relationship with God or your family. Go on a date with your spouse, take the teenagers to the latest Avenger movie, or go shopping and have lunch with your sister.

Do let writing come before activities you don’t enjoy. When I first started writing I wrote fast and had a blast. I couldn’t wait to get those words on paper. There was no internal editor looking over my shoulder. Write your first draft with that abandon.

Create a writing schedule and do your best to follow it. Tailor the schedule to suit your life. If you work at a day job you aren’t going to have the hours to devote to writing that a fulltime author will. Don’t compare yourself to others. I can guarantee you Crosby never compares himself to another puppy on the street and finds himself lacking.

Do you have a pet? Have they taught you anything about the writing life? I’d love to hear your story and see a picture of your fur baby.

Terri Weldon feels blessed to be a full time writer. She enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in the Heartland of the United States. Terri has two adorable Westies – Crosby and Nolly Grace. Terri is a member of ACFW and RWA.

Readers can connect with Terri: Website: www.terriweldon.com or Blog: Seriously Write or Facebook