2020 and the fight for NaNoWriMo by Lisa Phillips

Sounds like a pretty good story premise. Our intrepid dark, unpredictable hero who is prone to bouts of moodiness and a tendency to put people in timeout for 14 days ventures out to conquer the city of NaNo, a friendly neighboring locale he hasn’t seen in a while but would quite like to see again.

The only problem is, this NaNoWriMo hasn’t remained that familiar spot from previous ventures—the place of victory it once was. Though it might be the same mountain with its steady and relentless climb to the top, victory doesn’t look quite so sure this time. That hill looks a little steeper. The path looks a little more treacherous. Occasionally a boulder labeled, “lockdown” or another labeled, “online school” rolls across the path. Snow clouds gather, and the air seems to hold a little more chill the weather man calls, “you’ll have to wear your mask inside Starbucks even though you didn’t finish your drink yet.”

So what is this weary traveler known as 2020 going to do?

He’s going to prepare.

Yeah, yeah. He does that every October to get ready for his journey. He’ll scribble in a notebook, and have inspired plot ideas in the shower. He’ll dig out those long (but mostly useless) character questionnaires, and then remember to read the craft books and actually dig into the character’s real, inner journey—the one that encompasses real change.

Same old October NaNo prep.

Or is it?

This year looks a lot different for our intrepid traveler. He’ll have to find new ways of working. New places that are distraction free. Life probably looks a whole lot differently this year, and assuming things will fall into place may not work. 2020 has to see a few boulders start to roll before they even get close, and make a side-step out of the way.

Can he still achieve victory?

Sure.

Will he?

Maybe. Maybe not. And isn’t that the real story of 2020? Kind of like this:

A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps. (Prov 16v9)

Right now it feels like he’s directing 2020 through a minefield. The word, “unprecedented” comes to mind. “Never before” has x,y, or z happened in our lifetime. Who knows what will happen next? I’ve found myself homeschooling for the first time. Writing a chapter a day – at seven in the morning – and taking longer to write a book. Everything was canceled for a while, and yet it felt like I was busier than ever. Now that things seem to be coming back online, I’m wondering what will happen next.

So if you’re looking forward to NaNoWriMo out of a sense of nostalgia for years past…I’d caution you. Be VERY careful to measure what you’re able to commit to. This year is so wildly different from any other that it could blindside you, and all your plans get tossed up in the air like confetti.

If you do sign up, whether things go well or poorly, give yourself GRACE. Celebrate your accomplishments, and for the rest of it—toast your favorite beverage to, “doing a little better next time.”

Last year I thought I would do double NaNo. I ended at 75,000 words. Not bad at all—maybe even fantastic—but that would never happen this year. Not only am I homeschooling, I’m also attending a week long intensive conference mid-Nov.

But I’ll be on the sidelines, cheering everyone on…and then about the 13th, I’ll realize I need to write that 55k word book before I go on vacation Nov 27th. *shrug* 2020. Am I right?!

So if you’re looking forward to NaNoWriMo out of a sense of nostalgia for years past…I’d caution you. Be VERY careful to measure what you’re able to commit to. This year is so wildly different from any other...

Need some more info about National Novel Writing Month? Click here. Lisa Phillips has a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

She’s a contributing author in the DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS boxed set that released this week. The set is aiming to be a USA Today Bestseller, so if you’ve got a dollar and you adore Christian Romantic suspense then head on over to Amazon and snap up your copy now!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086WP9LX9

Back to school…like never before By Lisa Phillips

Back to school…like never before. 

Wow, this has been a crazy year, hasn’t it? I mean, it’s pretty much done at this point. Right? Right?? 

Had you told me six months ago that I would be watching a llama do math I’d probably have laughed at you. But here we are.

Early on in quarantine, my dad (in the UK) mentioned the news broadcasts there kept using the word, “unprecedented” to describe what was happening. And that word might’ve been seriously overused, but it wasn’t untrue.

After the endless summer to end all endless summers, the one that started before spring break and ended when public school started (kind of) a few weeks ago, the fight was on for “back to normal.” I have a 4th grade boy who is a steady blur of chatter and motion who wants to stay home forever and never go anywhere, and an eighth grade girl desperate for social interaction. But why settle for normal? I’ve never liked, “normal” anyway.

As soon as public school got out, we pretty quickly took the “optional” busywork and tossed it out. We rolled straight into summer skills books, and those grade level review books you get at the grocery store. Daily bike rides to walk the dog, and as much family fun as we could muster. My daughter managed to go to a youth girls retreat, and even got baptized. Our family headed to the coast for a vacation with restrictions that was still a peaceful time away. It was great…until it felt like it would never end. (The white planet at the bottom of the solar system is Pluto, because we didn’t want him to feel left out.)

Then came the call: the public school start date will be delayed another month so they can be ready. I had one child, my son, already determined to homeschool for the first time this year. I was researching and figuring out that, as I tend to do every summer just to consider all my options. Then my eighth grader jumped on the bandwagon also, to avoid online learning and all the back and forth that was bound to happen as the school district figured things out. I found her a group Spanish class with youth group friends so she can be social. All that to say…I’m now a first time homeschooler and full time writer.

So how do I do both?

Everyone’s schedule is different. Everyone’s career is different. Everyone’s life situation is different. But here are three tips to help you out if you’re finding yourself doing double-duty in this new season of back to school. Or maybe you’ve been a writer and homeschooler for a while, or a writer and a full time career person, for years and you just need a reminder.

1. Breathe.

In researching homeschooling, I’ve come across several consistent themes. Especially with the start of school. You can’t do everything at once. Don’t try to pack all your subjects into the first day. Start slowly. Let there be a transition period between the old way (in our case, school) and this new season. Something wonderful is on the horizon, but if you’re stressed you won’t enjoy it when it comes. You may even dismiss it as a distraction. Hit the essentials (math and English – and for my son, Science) and add other subjects layer by layer.

In my writing business, I crammed to finish a book at the end of August just so that I would have September open as a brainstorming, new pitch, and revision month. I have done what I could, picked up what I wanted, and maybe not achieved as much as I thought I would (or should have) but I’m constantly moving toward my goals. Baby step by baby step.

In the next couple of weeks I will start a new book, but only when I’m actually ready to start writing it. For the first time in a long time, I’m purposing not to rush myself.

2. Plan

Even if all you do is a simple list on lined paper, figure out what the kids need to achieve. Figure out what you want to work on, if you get some time. Every year I make a schedule for the next calendar year. There’s a list of things I’d like to do, and usually it’s impossible. Then there’s a “slow” schedule of things that’s the bare minimum of what I need to achieve to keep my writer business going.

Life falls somewhere between those things, in a way I’m content with what I got done and always looking for fun ways I can improve productivity. Years ago, when my kids were little, I worked during naptime. It might last fifteen minutes, or it might last three hours. I never knew. But I worked during that time, and I was grateful for it. I never did laundry, or tidied the house during my writing time. I could do those things with little kids at my feet. But writing, in the quiet time that I had, was a precious thing.

Now I write early in the morning, or during dance classes. I take the kids to Ancient Egypt exhibits and try not to have more story ideas. I write in the car at the park, or outside someone’s house waiting for the activity to end. I write early on Saturday morning, or on Sunday afternoon. Thursdays during youth group. On a walk. Watching a movie.

Whether I’m thinking about my book, making notes, or typing, it’s all moving me closer to my goal of a finished book. I can check my ads, or update my website. Format a book for the print version, or chat with readers.

(And honestly, it’s easier to have this continual stream as much as I can. Coming back to my notes or my draft cold – not remembering where I left off – is so much harder to get back into the flow.)

3. Give yourself grace

I have to remind myself this often. If I don’t, then I miss the enjoyable moments because I’m too stressed out to stop and just be present where I’m at. My life isn’t one where I can get away for hours at a time, let alone a whole day, to work on writing.

Sometimes it’s forty minutes. Sometimes it’s a two and a half hour dance class. I have grace from God to get work done, and grace from Him to rest. But what I don’t have is condemnation or guilt. Those aren’t welcome. I have far too much to do to waste time feeling sorry for myself, or getting dragged down by the enemy.

My other penname (JL Terra) isn’t going to get a lot of love this school year. I just don’t have time. Facebook drama isn’t going to get a lot of airtime. I’m going to have to be particular about what I take the time to read. What I’m writing. What series I focus on. How long my books are going to be. Because I can’t afford to spend time doing all the things, so I have to be very laser focused.

Homeschooling is hard. It’s also beautiful.

Writing books and getting paid a living wage for it is hard. It’s also beautiful in its own way, and I’m so blessed that readers enjoy what I write.

I get to spend time watching my kids be inspired by history and science. I’ve been a guest on a podcast, and I’m back here. In November I’ll be participating in a conference with Donald Maass, where I’ll get personal feedback. How crazy is that??! I’m blessed to have a group of author friends who drag me out in the evening to chat – one of whom I’m collaborating on a miniseries with.

And I’ve been so fortunate to work with fantastic authors in the Dangerous Deceptions boxed set. This set releases in just 3 weeks, and for 99c it’s a STEAL. Eight full novels you won’t want to miss.

You can find out more at www.dangerous-deceptions.com

Or click on the image below to preorder this set on Amazon now. 

A British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London, Lisa attended Calvary Chapel Bible College where she met her husband. He's from California, but nobody's perfect. It wasn't until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Since then she's discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after. Lisa can be found in Idaho wearing either flip-flops or cowgirl boots, depending on the season. She leads worship with her husband at their local church. Together they have two kids and an all black Airedale known as The Dark Lord Elevator.

His Grace is Sufficient by Robin Lee Hatcher

Robin Lee Hatcher

I have been writing novels for the past 34 years, and I have been writing as my full-time job for the past 25 years. During those years, both my personal and professional lives have experienced highs and lows, and I have continued to write through them all.

But in 2005, I began a journey through grief and loss unlike anything I’d experienced before. I was in a period of deep mourning for over a year. The Bible tells us that God collects our tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8). The bottle with my name on it must be very large because I shed buckets of tears in those many months.

This was a wretched time for me as a writer as well. Trying to be creative was difficult and sometimes impossible. But even with an understanding publisher, deadlines still had to be met because the mortgage still had to be paid. So I wrote whether I felt like it or not, and I trusted God to take care of the words I put on paper.

While I couldn’t seem to focus on reading fiction during that time (a difficult confession for a novelist), God placed in my hands three stories of women who walked through dark times in their own lives and came out on the other side: When I Lay My Isaac Down by Carol Kent; Broken on the Back Row by Sandi Patty; and In Every Pew Sits a Broken Heart by Ruth Graham. These books touched my heart and were definitely part of the healing process.

In the fall of 2006, I attended a Women of Faith event. Two of the authors mentioned above—Carol Kent and Sandi Patty—were featured speakers. I cannot point to anything in particular that was said or that happened while I was there, but when I came home, the cloud had lifted. The deep mourning was over, and I began to mend, to find my way in the “new normal” of my life. I had personally experienced the truth of 2nd Corinthians 12:9 which says:

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

(NASB)

Not only is His grace sufficient, but nothing a child of God experiences is wasted in His economy. A number of years later, God took those darkest days of my life and called me to write a novel that would take all of the emotions I’d experienced and use them to encourage others. A Promise Kept became my work of praise and thanksgiving to a God who answers prayers in unexpected times and ways.

None of us can know what dark waters we may be called to pass through in our lives, but we can hold onto the promise that His grace is and will always be sufficient. Amen.

About the Author

Robin Lee Hatcher is the best-selling author of over seventy-five books. Her well-drawn characters and heartwarming stories of faith, courage, and love have earned her both critical acclaim and the devotion of readers. She has been honored with Lifetime Achievement Awards from both Romance Writers of American (2001) and American Christian Fiction Writers (2014).

Robin is a 2015 RITA® Award finalist for her novella, Love Letter to the Editor. This is her tenth RITA finalist nomination and two of her books have been RITA Award winners. In April 2015, A Promise Kept received the Reviewers' Choice Award for Best Inspirational Novel from RT Book Reviews. Her numerous other awards include the Christy Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction, Romantic Times Career Achievement Awards for Americana Romance and for Inspirational Fiction, the Carol Award, and the 2011 Idahope Writer of the Year Award.

Robin enjoys being with her family, spending time in the beautiful Idaho outdoors, reading books that make her cry, and watching romantic movies. She and her husband make their home on the outskirts of Boise.

To learn more, visit her website at http://www.robinleehatcher.com

Whenever You Come Around

Whenever You Come Around
by Robin Lee Hatcher

 Charity Anderson turned her back on Kings Meadow years ago, with good reason, and has avoided visits to her hometown whenever possible. But with her house in Boise damaged by floodwaters and a book deadline bearing down, staying in her parents’ empty home seems her only option. However, being in Kings Meadow dredges up a painful secret, and old fears threaten to overwhelm her. Charity’s former high school classmate Buck Malone never left town, instead sacrificing his dreams to take care of his family. Now he enjoys an uncomplicated life as a wilderness guide and confirmed bachelor. The last thing on his mind is settling down. When Charity’s dog causes an accident that leaves Buck with a broken ankle and wrist at the start of prime tourist season, Charity has little choice but to render aid while he recuperates.  Soon Buck becomes the inspiration for Charity’s hero, both on the page and off. Can he also help her face and overcome her fears so they might find their own happily ever after?

"Hatcher hits the reader’s Achilles’ heel right in the gut with her plot twists, showing us God’s ability to offer grace and forgiveness ... You will be sharing this book with your friends." RT Book Reviews TOP PICK

Requirements by Angie Arndt

Two of my orchids, blooming last winter.

So many people are afraid of orchids because they have certain requirements to thrive. The temperature can’t get below 69 degrees. They do best in a South-facing window. They should be watered every ten days and fertilized every twenty days.

Even moth orchids have a reputation for being picky and they're the easiest to grow. So it amazes me that I have six living (okay, five-and-a-half because one is half-dead) Phalaenopsis orchids. Of those, four are blooming. And I love them when they bloom, because I think they are exquisite. The bonus is that the blooms last a full two to three months with proper care. But here's a secret you'll never read in an orchid magazine: if your plants won't bloom, don't water them. Let them dry out, almost to the point of dying, and they will almost certainly send up a bloom stalk as a survival response.

Just like orchids, I have my requirements to write.

1. I need to have quiet. 
2. Having my Writer mug (given to me by fellow Seriously Write host, Dora Hiers) full of my favorite coffee beside my chair helps.
3. So does having my notebook full of bits and snatches of conversation and ideas written in that obsolete font called cursive.
4. The temperature has to be just right -- not too cold or too hot.
5. I'm not sure if I've shared this lately, but I'm chronically ill and most of the conditions involve some level of pain. Getting the right balance of medications that dull the pain but not my mind is another requirement.

If all those requirements are met, I may be able to write.

Last week I had a migraine that lasted three days and during that time I was snippy with my recently retired hubby (see requirement #1 above). In fact, I could fulfill none of my writing requirements during those three days. So as I was feeling sorry for myself, I poked my lip out and started writing anyway. A couple of days later, I took a look at the scene I'd written and it actually worked. Granted, it needed a lot of editing, but it was a good start.

So what's the real reason I grow orchids? Because they're a perfect example of grace – unmerited favor. They're the one thing in my house that's beautiful and simple. So if beds are unmade, the dishes dirty, or the floor in covered in dust wolves that have devoured the dust bunnies, those silly orchids send up a bloom stalk. Even when I’ve been neglectful, they'll bloom.

I get the same feeling when I’m writing and get fresh inspiration. I know it’s not of my doing, especially when I look back on it later and think, “when did I write that?” But one thing I’ve noticed is that those inspired sessions are more likely to happen when I get down on my knees – literally – before I start to write. That's the only true requirement I have to write.

What do you need before you feel you can write? Do you have any routines that help you? I'd love to hear about them. 

Just leave a comment below. I'll moderate and answer as fast as I can. 

Angie Arndt was a corporate trainer before health issues sidelined her. These days she’s active in her local church, ACFW and as a regular Weekly Spark contributor on MyBookTherapy. She’s a team member of Seriously Write and her personal blog, Joy on the Back Roads.

Angie is represented by Joyce Hart of Hartline Literary Agency and is currently working on a series of mystery novels set in small Southern towns. She and her husband live in the middle of a big wood outside a small town in South Carolina.

If You Don’t Try by Jeanette E. Levellie

Jeanette E. Levellie

Although I know it's rude, I always want to laugh when a non-writer says, “You should write a book,” like they’d say, “You should eat another chocolate.”

For several years, sweet, loyal readers of my newspaper column told me this. I usually answered, “No, I shouldn’t.” Then I’d say, “It takes a galaxy of work and time to write a book, and attempt to get it published.” They’d smile and nod. But I knew they didn’t understand.

Then my son joined the campaign. After reading a column I wrote about the culture shock of moving from L.A. to the Midwest, he said, “Have you ever considered creating a book from some of your best columns, Mom? People seem to like your stories.”

“No,” I nearly shouted, “it may take me ten years to find an agent and get my writing sparkly enough for a publisher to look at.”

He stayed calm. “Well, you’re going to be doing something for the next ten years anyway—you might as well take a stab at it. Then if you don’t find an agent or a publisher, you can self-publish. If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you can do.” I hated to admit it, but he had a point. What did I have to lose?

I began to consider it, even pray about it.

“But Lord,” I mused, “where do I start? I have no idea what to do, who to talk to.” No sooner had I thought that than a sweet lady who lived nearby came to mind. I knew Clella Camp had published a book of devotions a few years earlier. I gathered up my courage and called her.

“You have to go to a conference and meet people,” she said, “and learn to pitch your book idea.” She gave me the website address of a well-known publisher who helped newbies create proposals and pitches. I slaved from June to November, choosing which columns to put in my book, writing my proposal, and creating a one-sheet.

At my first conference, I met the director of a larger conference being held the following summer. I signed up to attend, and for weeks beforehand, I researched the editors and agents on the faculty, planning which ones I’d pitch my book idea to.

Several showed little or no interest, but one agent seeking new clients liked my ideas, and offered me a contract a couple months later.

That was three years, dozens of rejections from publishing houses, and three conferences ago. Last spring I finally published my book, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top with a small publisher in North Carolina. Although the sales haven’t broken any records, they’ve done well, and I’m planning a second book.

Yes, it was as hard—no, it was harder—than I’d originally thought. But I must admit my son was right when he said, “If you don’t try, you’ll never know what you can do.”

About the Author

“Nutty with a dash of meat” best describes Jeanette Levellie’s speaking, writing and life. She has published hundreds of humor/inspirational columns, articles, greeting cards, and poems. Her first book, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top released in April, 2012 from Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. A spunky pastor’s wife, Jeanette is the mother of two, grandmother of three, and waitress to four cats. Find her mirthful musings at www.jeanettelevellie.com

Two Scoops of Grace
by Jeanette Levellie

An Amazon bestseller in the humor category, Two Scoops of Grace with Chuckles on Top is an inspirational/humorous gift book brimming with amusing, and heart-warming stories of ditzy adventures and hellish nightmares. Laugh with Jeanette as she prays for a wife for the lonely new minister and ends up answering her own prayer. Squirm with her as she attempts to answer, “Can preachers have sex on Sundays?” Finally, grow with her as she seeks God’s face and some sanity through all the cow pies and chocolate éclairs of life in the real lane.

Two Scoops speaks to the average Christian woman or man needing reassurance of a God who is interested in their hectic, often-frustrating life. They need confidence in their value to God and His kingdom. They long to laugh more, at themselves and their crazy world. The humorous stories and caring suggestions in Two Scoops offer courage, hope and contentment.

Being Perfect by Rachel Olsen

Since we're halfway through January, I figured most of us have broken one or two of our resolutions - I know I have. I got great comfort from this devotional from Rachel Olsen. It was originally posted on the Proverbs 31 Ministries site and reposted here with permission, of course. Click here to receive daily devotions from Rachel and the other talented ladies at Proverbs 31 Ministries. ~ Angie

“Don’t live under the control of your sinful nature. If you do, you will think about what your sinful nature wants. Live under the control of the Holy Spirit. If you do, you will think about what the Spirit wants. The way a sinful person thinks leads to death. But the mind controlled by the Spirit brings life and peace.” Romans 8:5-6 (NIRV)

There’s a moment I dread at the doctor’s office. It’s not putting on that tissue paper mistakenly called a “gown.” It’s not having my finger pricked – though I’m squeamish about blood. It’s the moment right after the nurse finishes her questions, grabs her clip board, and announces the doctor will be in to see me shortly.

Pulling the door closed, she leaves me alone with it. I already know what it’s going to say about me; I’ve read it before. It’s going to tell me I don’t measure up. I’m not reaching my potential. I don’t equal my ideal. It’s the chart that declares the perfect weight for my height – and I’m several pounds away.

It extends no mercy, offers no grace. It makes no allowances for how old I am, how many babies I’ve birthed, or that my husband can eat three plates of food every night without gaining an ounce. It demands perfection.

A few years ago I heard a verse that seemed to be the scriptural equivalent of the height/weight chart. A single verse to measure my worth against, and feed my expectations for perfection: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48, NIV 1984)

I figured this verse justified dressing my family in matching sweaters, in the middle of July, to take our Christmas card photo because I’d just gotten the perfect haircut. I figured it warranted pricey toothpaste because I drink coffee and tea, and it shows. And I figured it was my defense when I drove my family nuts about deep-cleaning the house because my new friend might stop by.

This verse helped me justify my quest for perfect photos, perfect teeth and a perfectly clean house. But it added to my disappointment, guilt and occasional loathing when my life, body or family didn’t match my ideal notions. Rather than fostering contentment and satisfaction, it fueled self-criticism. Surely this is not what Jesus intended!

In the years since hearing that verse, I’ve embraced a core conviction that goes like this: If God created life, He alone gets to define it. This conviction drove me to find out what exactly Jesus meant by “be perfect.”

‘Perfect’ used in the ancient Greek language in this verse means something a little different than Mr. Webster’s definition. The Greek word here is teleos: “complete, full grown, developing.”

The first two pieces of that definition indicate something already accomplished, while the third indicates an ongoing process.

So this perfection Jesus prescribes for us is already complete and yet still developing. Complete in Him; still at work in us. We’re allowed to be a work-in-progress!

All parts of this definition, however, refer to maturity of character, rather than a flawless figure, immaculate home, or the faultless execution of a task. Jesus doesn’t care so much if there’s dust on our mantle, stains on our teeth or a scratch on our car. He isn’t interested in how well our bedspread matches our curtains. He’s interested in our spiritual maturity.

Jesus teaches that our worth is only found in reflecting His character. To graciously give and receive love. As John writes in 1 John 3:18-20, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything” (NIV).

Now that’s good news for a recovering perfectionist.

Dear Lord, thank You for grace! Thank You for mercy! Thank You for empowering me to be like You as I submit to Your Word. And thank You for not caring about dust bunnies or stained shirts. Help me to care less about those things as well and focus my heart on You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:

Come to Rachel’s blog and leave a prayer request for victory over perfectionism.

If you enjoyed this devotion, you’ll want to get a copy of Rachel’s book It’s No Secret: Revealing Divine Truths Every Woman Should Know.

Rachel Olsen's passion is helping women see and savor God afresh. This engaging communicator, and author of It's No Secret, leads women to cultivate an invigorating spiritual walk - one that sustains through life's ups and downs. One that delights both God and self.

She has a well-earned reputation for providing quality women's devotional material. She serves as Editor in Chief of Proverbs 31 Ministries' online devotions Encouragement for Today. She also served as General Editor, along with Lysa TerKeurst, of the devotional book, God's Purpose for Every Woman.

Her devotions and articles have been published across the web on Crosswalk.com, Christianity.com, CBN.com, Oneplace.com, and Growthtrac.com.

Virtues of March: Self-Control

Virtues of March: Self-Control
Author's Character Series
Net's Notation Tuesdays

One of the greatest truths I’ve ever learned as a Christian is that God helps us live for God. I spent a lot of my young life striving to live for God and failing miserably. I didn’t know I could ask for His help. I wanted to prove myself to Him, to show my love for Him, but no one can live for God without God’s help.

Grace. When we ask God for help to live a godly life, He gives us grace. And the Holy Spirit enables us to live for Him. He enables us to defy our natural tendencies toward sin.

How does self-control relate with writing? One word: Discipline.

BIC – behind in chair. If you’re going to consistently log word counts, you have to sit at your computer and type. Kind of obvious, but this principal requires discipline to carry it out.

Goals—set word count goals, and submission goals (i.e. for queries and articles, etc.)

Planning—prayerfully decide where you’re going and what steps are needed to get there, then discipline yourself to achieve your goals.

No excuses!

Part of self-control is not letting yourself “off the hook” from your commitments, your goals and/or your plans. Perseverance is required to push through all the obstacles.

Would you say your level of self-discipline is strong? If not, or if you feel it could be stronger, ask God for His grace. Then, listen. He’ll give directions which we must follow if we’re going to succeed. Those directives will likely go against our natural tendencies, but if we obey, we’ll see results.

The more you practice self-control, the more you’ll succeed, and like a competitor in a race, you’ll see the fruit of your training pay off with success.

Self-control/discipline is a sign of a mature author’s character.