All Too Much? by Bonnie Leon

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?

~~~~~~

Bonnie Leon is the author of twenty-two novels, including the recently released Return to the Misty Shore, the popular Alaskan Skies and bestselling The Journey of Eleven Moons.

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:

https://www.bonnieleon.com

https://www.facebook.com/BonnieLeonAuthor

https://www.bonnieleon.blogspot.com

https://www.@bonnie_leon

https://www.pinterest.com/bonnieleon/

Why Do We Write? by Bonnie Leon

Welcome to another Fortifying Friday at Seriously Write. This is the day we invite guest authors to share their journeys to publication, as well as encouraging words for writers.

Have you ever been asked, “Why do you write?” If so, did you have an answer? Author Bonnie Leon is here today to talk about that very question.

Why Do We Write?

When we signed our first contract, held our first book or took part in our first booksigning it was pure joy. However, over time, the adventure became a job and we wonder what happened to the wonder.

Creating characters and plotting story lines is great fun, but crafting a book is hard work. There are days when I’d rather do almost anything than plant my derriere in a chair and write. But deadlines and revisions wrestle me back to work. If I lose sight of the privilege I sometimes question whether I ought to do something else with my life. I’m sure God shakes His head at my fickleness, and with grace the Holy Spirit leads me to the truth. On one such occasion He reminded me of the apostle Paul.

Paul was an educated, respected man of status and power. But an encounter with God changed his life forever. He became a servant of the living God. While imprisoned his thoughts were with believers who needed guidance and encouragement, and though in chains he praised the Lord.

In I Corinthians 4: 10- 13 Paul wrote, “Our dedication to Christ makes us look like fools, but you claim to be so wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are so powerful! You are honored, but we are ridiculed. Even now we go hungry and thirsty and we don’t have enough clothes to keep warm. We are often beaten and have no home. We work wearily with our own hands to earn our living. We bless those who curse us. We are patient with those who abuse us. We appeal gently when evil things are said about us.” Verse sixteen says, “So I urge you to imitate me.”

Paul described a life of deprivation and affliction. Why would we imitate him? There is only one reason—to display the glory of God—not to make a name for ourselves or to earn a six figure paycheck.

One year after preparing our taxes our CPA asked, “Why do you do this?” I’m sure I appeared foolish to him. Some people who know how hard I work for modest wages shake their heads in mocking disbelief.

Though most writers make less than minimum wage, we’re not going hungry or without clothing, but we do live with tight budgets. Yet we persist. There are places in the world where writers give up their lives or spend them in prison because they’ve written the truth. I can attest to the weariness. Some work days don’t end until the wee hours of the morning. As to curses—I’ve had a few, and all my writing friends have had darts thrown their way as well.

So, why do we persevere? I can speak only for myself. God asked me to write, and I serve Him. But it’s not all drudgery. There are days when words flow onto the page like liquid gold and it is pure joy. When readers write to tell me how my words have uplifted them I feel divinely blessed.

Isaiah tells us, “Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.” Dear writing friends, persevere. The rewards are more than we can imagine or hope for. And it has been said, “The true test of a saint’s life is not successfulness but faithfulness.”

Be faithful. It is a privilege to uplift Christ and to glorify God.




Bonnie Leon dabbled in writing for many years but never set it in a place of priority until an accident in 1991 left her unable to work at her job. She is now the author of several historical fiction series, including the Sydney Cove series, Queensland Chronicles, the Matanuska series, the Sowers Trilogy, and the Northern Lights series. She also stays busy teaching women’s Bible studies, speaking, and teaching at writing seminars and women’s gatherings. Bonnie and her husband, Greg, live in Southern Oregon. They have three grown children and four grandchildren.

To find out more about Bonnie and her books, please visit:
http://www.bonnieleon.com/