Creative Best Series: Nine

Annette M. Irby

Good Monday, friends! We've come to our final post in our Creative Best series. How are you doing with the elements we've discussed so far? I've been challenged! I hope you've been encouraged. I'd love to hear from you in the comments below. 

Okay, on with it! Here is the passage we've examined over the past several Mondays, from Galatians 6:4-5 in the Message Bible: 

Make a careful exploration of who you are

and the work you have been given, 

and then sink yourself into that. 

Don’t be impressed with yourself. 

Don’t compare yourself with others. 

Each of you must take responsibility 

for doing the creative best 

you can with your own life.

Today's focus is on the phrase: (for doing the creative best) you can with your own life

Consuming

Writing can consume your life, can’t it? Ideas come in the strangest places. In the shower, for example. Now, how practical is this? “That’s just what would fix that scene! Where’s a pen?” Shampoo is running into your eyes. Not exactly the best place to scribe a chapter revision. ;-)

The writing life is just that—it’s your life. It’s your focus. But that's not all bad.

Writing is a calling. From God. As He was knitting you together in your mother’s womb, He knew your calling. I imagine Him looking ahead to the days when you would realize your life’s purpose. And the day you’d accept it. The first time you would take pleasure in doing what He created you for. Do you remember those moments? Cherish them.

But, like other areas of our lives, this can go sideways. Writing can become an obsession. That’s not what God wants. He is our everything.

Writing can offer so much affirmation and acclamation, that we fixate on our books, our next project, positive reader letters, good reviews, rewards, contests. Careful. It’s going sideways.

The Overflow

Writing can bring us so much joy we forget to draw what we need from the Lord first and write out of our overflow. We turn to the act of writing or editing or blogging in order to fulfill a deep need for communion, accomplishment, success, or affirmation, rather than to God who longs to fill that place inside us. 

Of course, the flipside is the pain of a bad review, or a rejection, or difficult contest results. If we've sunk all our hope (for our future, for a fulfilling life, for joy) into our writing career, and things don't go according to our plans, we might be devastated. We might even give up. That would be tragic.

Our Original Message

Another aspect is we can write from our own experiences in ways that will minister to others. Our testimonies may help others through their pain or trials. In this way we use our lives to be our creative best.

So, this writing thing is about your life. It is the focus of your life’s calling. It cannot be your top priority—God is. It cannot take first place in your activities, (to the detriment of family, for example). But it must be a high priority. It must be a cause you’ll spend your life on.

Are you doing the creative best you can with your own life?

 

~~~~~

Annette M. Irby is a published author who runs her own editing business, AMI Editing. She is also an acquisitions editor for Pelican Book Group. See her page here on Seriously Write for more information.

Creative Best Series: Eight

Annette M. Irby

Happy Monday writers! We’ve spent several Mondays delving into Galatians 6:4-5 from the Message Bible, and we’re nearing the end of our series. Today, let’s look at the next portion of our phrase from last week:

Each of you must take responsibility  
for doing the creative best

When are you at your best? First thing in the morning? After the kiddos are down for the night? Right after your day job? Or maybe before? How about Saturdays? Or Sunday afternoons? Maybe at 3 a.m. when everyone else is asleep?

Our critique group has just changed to an earlier time so we can hopefully better serve each other. We used to meet late on Mondays. I don’t know about you, but after a full day of work, or family, or anything, I can be rather fried by the end of the day. So, since many of us were feeling that way, we decided to give late morning a try. Hoping for clear thinking so we can be most effective.

If you don’t already know your own most creative hours, I recommend trying different times until you find it. When you discover it, put it on your calendar. Ask for help from your family to guard the time. And try to finish other tasks ahead so you can zero in.

Permission

I once knew an author who, because of her day job, had to be very intentional about scheduling her writing time. But just because the time was scheduled, didn’t mean she always felt free to use those hours for writing. If, for example, there were other tasks that needed doing (because she couldn’t do them during her workweek), those took priority. Blogging, e-mails, errands.

She worked most creatively when she had full permission to do so, even from herself. Does that sound familiar? I’m like that. If there are errands or other obligations, it is very difficult for me to give myself permission to get lost in my fictional world and write.

Writing Takes a Backseat

Why does writing sometimes slip down the to-do list? During this series on being our creative best, we’re giving ourselves permission. Say this aloud: I give myself permission to write. And I take responsibility to be my creative best.

If you’re like me, you can be creative in a few different ways—maybe in painting, sketching, crafts, scrapbooking, sculpting, music, writing, poetry, songwriting (some of these are applicable to me, some not so much ;-). And you could take those artsy endeavors in a few different directions. For example, you could paint something that glorifies God or something that doesn’t. But what glorifies God, lasts forever.

Our church believes in creative worship and encourages folks to glorify God during our worship services through painting or dancing, in addition to singing along. Then, the large canvases are put on display, sometimes for weeks. Left up to glorify God and to show that worship can be expressed in many ways.  

It's about Doing

He gave us creativity, it’s up to us what we do with it. We have an invitation to commit to pursuing God’s best in our use of His gifts. That’s what will last eternally. That’s what will minister to the most people.

That’s how to be our creative best.

~~~~~

Annette M. Irby has two published books and runs her own editing business, AMI Editing. She is also an acquisitions editor for Pelican Book Group. See her page here on Seriously Write for more information.

Creative Best Series: Seven

Annette M. Irby

Hey everyone, Annette here. We've spent the last several Mondays focusing on the amazing passage of Galatians 6:4-5 in the Message translation. Today, let's see how the following phrase applies to being our creative best: 

Each of you must take responsibility

Our calling to write came with a mantle of responsibility. There's a temptation to sometimes see writing as a hobby we can “get to when we want.” But, the Lord calls us to take it seriously. Still, it's not all hardships, is it? Check out the sometimes “fun” responsibilities we have as writers:

~ Feed your creativity. What inspires you? Movies? Reading? A walk on a late spring day? Take the time to do that. This is your responsibility. No one either 1) knows when your creativity needs refreshing and/or 2) can refresh your creativity for you. But what fun! Enjoy this one.

~ Know your craft. There are so many “no-no’s” in writing. Sometimes so much so that our words can get stifled in the telling of our tales. After we know the rules, when we’ve proven yourselves, we can break the rules. But we have to prove competence first. Get your hands on the books and tools that will work for you. We can’t skimp on this responsibility.

~ Read your genre. We have to know our genre(s) well enough to determine if we’re meeting readers’ expectations. They pick up a Christian fantasy, you want to give them what they want. It’s your responsibility to know your genre.

~ Know what’s out there. Reading in your genre will also make you aware of what’s out there. When you’re assembling your proposal, you’ll need this information. If you’ve actually read the comps you’ll be able to compare your work with them intelligibly rather than relying on summaries.

~ Commune with God so you’ll have something to give your readers. Your relationship with God needs tending, like a garden. We can’t get so busy with our to-do lists we neglect spending one-to-one time with the Lord. As writers (just like in any position in the body of Christ) we must serve from our overflow. It’s our responsibility to get into a position to be filled up, then as we sit down to write, we work from the overflow.

~ Love your reader. As Christian writers, we are ministers. The most effective ministers love their flock. Let’s be shepherds after God’s own heart, caring about our readers.

~ Pray for your reader. Part of loving our readers is praying for them. Who else will if we don’t? Ours is a unique perspective. The written word is powerful. God can use us to change lives. What a privilege. If we pray for our readers, we’ll better address those needs, point them in the right direction, encourage them, offer hope.

Called to be a writer? Write! If God asked you today if you’ve been responsible with your calling, taken it seriously, how would you answer? There’s grace, both to cover us in our weaknesses as well as to empower us for the future. Avail yourself of that grace.

Take responsibility to be your creative best!

~~~~~

Husband Material: 99¢ e-book

 

Wyatt Hansen has no fears about commitment, but only three years have passed since his beloved wife died, and he can't bring himself to break their annual dinner date—that is until he meets restaurant owner, Lara Farr. Lara doesn't have time for romance; she has a business to run. At least that's what she tells herself so she doesn't have to admit that commitment scares her. But Lara's business is failing, and it just may take a miracle—or marketing analyst, Wyatt Hansen—to save it. Can Wyatt rescue Lara’s restaurant, help her overcome her fears, and prove he is good husband material?

Creative Best Series: Six

Annette M. Irby

Hey writers, Annette here! It's the beginning of another writing week. Are you geared up and ready to go? Today we're tackling one of those temptations we've all faced at some point: comparing ourselves with others. Join me as we peek at the next line in our Scripture study of Galatians 6:4-5 from the Message Bible.

Don’t compare yourself with others

Walking the halls at a well-attended writers’ conference is enough to give you an inferiority complex, if you let it. You read the nametags of those you pass and right away accusations come. “What are you doing here? Do you think you can write as well as ______? Who are you trying to kid?”

Ugh! 

What about contest entries? You know so-an-so's publisher will also be submitting his/her latest, greatest novel. Why even bother? 

Reading can bring the same hazard. Pick up a book by your favorite author. She writes in your chosen genre. And she’s fantastic! You don’t read her books, you savor them. You devour them again and again. Her prose inspires you. But accusation comes: “I could never write that well! And I call myself a writer?”

Comparison's Results

See how destructive comparison can be? Devastating.

Comparison could result in:

~ Insecurity, which leads to defeat

~ Pride (if you think you’re writing better, which is rather subjective and therefore unsubstantiated)

~ Writer's block. If you can never measure up (to this arbitrary standard comparison invents), why try? Creativity doesn't thrive under harsh criticism. 

~ Defeat. If we compare our timeline with someone else's we may feel so discouraged we give up. But who knows when our big break will come? Hang in there and focus on the path God has laid for you.

If we remember we're just as valuable as the multi-published, award-winning authors, we'll more easily battle the temptation to compare.

The Flipside

Sure, learn what you can from others’ work. Learn the craft. Study what they’re doing right and perhaps even investigate things you think they did wrong. But compare yourself with them? Not a good idea. The following verse advises against it too:

Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original. (Galatians 5:25 MSG)

An Original

"Each of us in an original!" Yes!

Just as you differ from others, your calling differs from another’s calling—even if they are called to write for God. Plus, you’re uniquely you, with your own voice, your own message, your own style. You’d be comparing apples to oranges if you held up your work against theirs. It’s folly.

God knows what He’s doing. He calls us to all run this race of our Christian walk. But all faithful servants of God win! Don’t waste emotional energy on comparison. Shake off those bonds and just be your creative best!

Your turn: Can you think of times when comparing yourself or your work helped? Can you recall a time when comparison stifled your creativity? And how do you keep from giving in to the temptation to compare yourself with others? 

~~~~~

Husband Material: 99¢ e-book

 

Wyatt Hansen has no fears about commitment, but only three years have passed since his beloved wife died, and he can't bring himself to break their annual dinner date—that is until he meets restaurant owner, Lara Farr. Lara doesn't have time for romance; she has a business to run. At least that's what she tells herself so she doesn't have to admit that commitment scares her. But Lara's business is failing, and it just may take a miracle—or marketing analyst, Wyatt Hansen—to save it. Can Wyatt rescue Lara’s restaurant, help her overcome her fears, and prove he is good husband material?

Creative Best Series: Five

trophy

Hey everyone, Annette here. Happy Monday! We've spent the last few Mondays going through Galatians 6:4-5 in the Message, focusing on being our creative best. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to serve my Creator by using the creative gifts He placed within me. Aren't you? Writing is a gift and a calling. Let's peek at the next section of this fantastic passage and see what nuggets we can pick up to fortify us this week. Our next line reads:

 

Don’t be impressed with yourself

Wow. Holds nothing back, does it?

Years ago, I joined fellow writers at a conference in Seattle. We sat down to eat and one of the authors said he always signed with this “code”—1cor47. We determined he meant 1 Corinthians 4:7, what we didn’t know was what that verse said. I’ll never forget the impact of these words as he quoted them to the five us:

For who makes you differ from another?

And what do you have that you did not receive?

Now if you did indeed receive it,

why do you boast as if you had not received it?

(1 Corinthians 4:7 NKJV)

Does God inspire our writing? Then, how can we take credit for it? We cannot. That author’s “code” for book signing is a great code for Christian living. It’s humbling and true.

Being “impressed with yourself” leads to boasting. How can God bless the prideful ones? He detests pride. Jesus Himself is our example of humility, serving others and loving them sacrificially. That directive is wrapped up in our calling. 

Any successes we have aren’t our own. They are a grace of God. We can’t take credit for them. It’s like the elders in heaven who throw their crowns at the feet of Jesus—they know their accomplishments were only possible by the grace of the One who dwelt inside them, making them succeed. So, how can they retain the crowns bestowed on them? No. They must throw them at His feet, giving credit where it's due.

Ever had to endure a long, one-sided conversation where an author spoke only of his/her accomplishments? Me too. Isn’t it better, more gracious, when an author takes interest in those around him/her? Offering support and encouragement?

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,

but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests,

but also for the interests of others.

(Philippians 2:3-4 NKJV)

We didn't get to where we are today on our own. It was the gracious work of God. He sent mentors into our lives, and teachers. He helped us discern our areas of weakness so we could address them. God gave us the calling, the resources, the support we needed as we sought Him. We certainly couldn't manufacture any of that on our own. And we definitely can't take credit for it. 
 

We can cheer the successes. Enjoy the process and the ride. But we cannot become impressed with ourselves.

Give glory to God and be your creative best.

We're halfway through our series. So, tell me: how do you nurture your creativity? How has God met you in writing, preparing, gathering resources? How has He shown you His faithfulness as you write for Him?

Photo credit: freedigitalphotos.net: metal trophy by Nutdanai Apikhomboonwaroot.

Creative Best Series: Four

Annette M. Irby

We’re building on our study of Galatians 6:4-5 in the Message Bible. Today let’s consider the third line:

Make a careful exploration of who you are

and the work you have been given

and then sink yourself into that

It’s time to lose yourself in your calling. Once you know what you’re called to do, God gives you permission to lose yourself in that calling. To become immersed. Learn everything you need to learn. Commit to being successful. Put aside things that might hinder your full pursuit.

Pruning.

God has often pruned me—led me to cut back on areas that weren’t profitable in my life. He is determined that my time be used wisely. And He knows if I am stretching my limbs to work on too many things at once I will be moderately helpful in those areas, but never truly over-the-top successful at any one of them. Those seasons are about prioritizing, even at the risk of other people’s disapproval. But when God begins pruning your activities, it’s best to learn how to humbly say no to those asking you to take on more and get back to what’s highest on His priority list for you.

So what can stop you from sinking yourself into your calling?

Doubt. “I thought I knew how to write. Judging by this chapter, I was wrong!”

Accusations. Setting up materials at a book signing with a fellow author who is bestselling and award-winning, thoughts come: “Who do you think you are?”

Fear. Not just fear of failure, but fear of success. There’s comfort in the familiarity of anonymity. What happens if we succeed? Our books become bestsellers and suddenly there is a greater demand on our time? More visibility?

Let go.

God knows your dreams. He called you. He knows what you need. In fact, the closer you’ve gotten to the Lord, the more His aspirations for your life have become your own (Psalm 37:4). Let go of your own hold and let yourself sink into His perfect plan. Let go of control and striving. To turn our analogy a bit, did you know that the best way to float on water is to let go? You go limp, letting your legs rise. If you strive to float, you’ll tighten up and sink. So, to get where you want to go, let go. Give your dreams, your calling, your writing to God. Let Him make of it what He will. Let yourself sink into His plans. Don’t panic. Just relax into God’s purposes.

Give yourself permission to sink into the calling, the work, God has given you. No more excuses. And no more guilt.

Be your creative best!

~~~~~

Jordan Ambrose is looking for passion. From her husband. And, as Randy Ambrose will tell you-she's great at pushing his buttons. The problem? He's hiding out from intense emotions, like passion. So their love life is lackluster. Well, except for those letters. 

Jordan discovered a box of love letters in her husband's home office closet. Why doesn't he act like the "R" from the letters, so clearly written to "J"? If she can drag him away from his writing desk, they can talk about it. But will Randy stop hiding and love with abandon?

This series first appeared on Seriously Write in 2009.