For writers, there’s nothing worse than those “off days.” The ones that Wally Writer and Annie Author rarely talk about because their writing is just too picture-perfect. Everything they create is a masterpiece. Every word they write is beautiful and filled with deep, profound meaning. They don’t often admit mistakes, because…well…they just don’t make any!
And of course, Wally Writer and Annie Author love the craft so much that they never, ever tire of the writing. They fill page after pristine page with snappy dialogue and polished prose. Words come easy and writer’s block is the fancy paperweight that sits on their desks, not a state of mind. And they’re only too happy to share their first-hand experience because every experience is worth sharing.
Well, I’m here to tell you that if you’ve ever bought into any of that mouth-watering goodness, here’s a slice of cheese to go with that bullohnee. The bread’s a little moldy and the mayo a bit warm, but the tea’s cold and sweet, and it’ll wash that silliness sandwich right on down.
Let’s face it, every writer everywhere has known his (her) fair share of tough times. The words won’t come, the story dries up, or we grow weary from the process.
It doesn’t mean we no longer love what we do. It does mean that we can still love the craft of writing, but be exhausted from effort expended. Especially when life happens.
I’ve shared before some of my own highs and lows during this action-packed adventure called “writing.” Here’s a quick recap:
For years, I worked long hours in another career while I desperately longed to pursue my publishing dream. It was a hard profession and one that left me physically and emotionally spent.
Just when things began to look up, one of our children developed a life-altering chronic illness. We spent several years living in and out of hospitals. It was a grueling time, but I continued to write some.
Life got good again. I wrote more. I wrote better. Time marched on. Things began to click.
One day, after a lot of long hours, hard work, and determination, I got the call–the one from my agent offering representation. It was the conversation I’d played in my mind for years. It was surreal and everything I’d dreamed it would be.
The very next day, my daddy had an aneurysm. The bad news: he almost lost his leg. He could have died. The great news: he didn’t. God worked a miracle. Even the surgeon couldn’t explain it. He said he’d never removed a clot that huge. Where the patient still lived.
Additional life events have followed. Many good. Some unexpected. I’m still trudging the path for one reason only: because I absolutely, completely, unabashedly love the craft of writing. I love the creative process and the telling of the story. I sometimes grow tired of the writing, but I always love the craft.
That’s the difference that helps me connect the dots.
We should always love the craft despite our weariness with the actual writing.
Because we’re winners.
Because we’re writers.
******
What’s the most challenging part of the writing process for you?
How has God refined you during your journey?
Happy Friday~ Remember, keep pressing on! You can do it!
Photo Credit: luigi diamanti/FreeDigitalPhotos
Blessings Always,
Comments 20
Oh thank you, dear Cynthia, for these words of encouragement. I’m facing one of the busiest months of my life, with both writing and non-writing challenges ahead. Whenever I get ready to chuck something out the window, I’ll remember your words here. 🙂
Author
Sarah, I’ve sooo been there, and sometimes, I still am! I think we do a disservice to other writers and those who are pursuing the craft when we don’t tell it like it is. We’re all in this together, and I just love cheering folks on! Happy Weekend! Go, Sarah!
Fantastic post, Cynthia! Some months/years writing is just hard. I’m in a good place again, where I love the process. But I agree with you–it isn’t always this way!
Author
Jill, you are such an inspiration to me! I sometimes tear up when I think of those who’ve helped me along the way, and your name is one of those at the top of the list. Hugging you from afar this morning!
Keep on keepin’ on!
WOW. Fantastic post and so well timed. I keep wondering why I’m floundering about until I look back at the last year and realize all the life challenges combined with the non-stop back-to-back-to-back deadlines I thought I could sail through if I just produced at a certain rate. Sometimes the math doesn’t work! Thanks for your post. Just hit the right spot today.
Author
Theresa, we all have those times of floundering! Those are our “moments of seasoning.” Life challenges and writing sometimes make for awkward bedfellows, but I think the key is to keep it all in perspective and to remember that God’s got it all in control even we feel like everything’s an absolute mess.
Remember, think AWESOME! Don’t self-compare or be detoured. You’re already a winner!
Thanks so much for visiting!
LOVE this post! Sometimes I see writers who are writing all day and loving it, no problems, worries and I think, “Huh..” Does no one have neck problems, back aches, and carpal tunnel? Because I do and have for almost a year now. Some days I bawl like a baby and ask God, “Why would you not heal me? If you want me to write, then for the love do something!”
And I realized, God’s grace is sufficient for me. In my weakness, and agonizing pain some days, His strength gets me through several chapters. I push through the pain. I don’t like it. I still try medicines, herbs, massages, braces, exercise (which I hate), and I still pray for healing. BUT IF NOT…I will still write until He tells me not to. 🙂
Author
Jess, I love you for speakin’ the truth! Thank you for that today!
And yes, I hear you! I have neck and back difficulties myself. Yet, we plug away. Why? Because, as my DS likes to say, “I’ll rest when I’m dead.” And I always counter, “No, you won’t because we’ll be busy praising Jesus!”
We have to press on, because we’ve been called to do so. You worded it so beautifully. Sending a cyber chocolate and coffee over your way just now!
I’ve often said that being a parent is the toughest job you’ll ever love. The same could be said of writing.
Sure, there are days when the words flow and we marvel at the story taking shape before our eyes. But there are others when bouts of doubt overtake us, discouragement threatens to bring us down, and think what we’ve written is dreck. And then life intervenes with an osteoporosis diagnosis or your dad calling to say he’s got dementia, and you find yourself reeling.
But we writers pray, pick ourselves up, and put our fingers to the keyboard once again. The writing gig is tough–but we’re even tougher!
Author
Keli, yes! We learn we’re pretty tough cookies when life tries to bite us. It’s people like you who God places in our path to inspire and encourage. You’ll never really know how much you’ve blessed me in my life.
Write on, friend!
I have a full-time job…and I struggle during that job with NOT thinking all day about how I’d rather be writing. It can be soooo easy for the time to just get away from us and filled with a lot of other things.
This is my first visit to your blog, and I’m gonna keep coming back! It’s so cozy. 😉
Author
Lindsay, many years ago, I was where you’re at in your writing journey. The only way to stay encouraged on some days was to jot ideas down in a little notebook I used to carry with me. (I filled lots of those little notebooks, in fact.) Somehow, I always believed God had a greater vision for my life. I think that without the journey, success doesn’t taste nearly as sweet.
Just know that God’s perfecting His will within you, and when the timing’s right, He will move in a BIG (and probably most unexpected) way!
Thanks so much for taking the time to visit!
I can recall few times where I grew weary of writing (though granted if you revise something enough times that can wear on the nerves) but usually I grow weary trying to jam writing in between the highly stressful day job and a thousand other “got to be dones.”
I often think my life is backwards. The tiny few hours I get each week to pursue writing ought to be the time I apply to my day job. And the many many hours I spend at the day job currently OUGHT to be what I’m spending writing.
But until I learn how to turn that schedule on its head, I guess I’ll just have to keep slogging on.
Author
Brenda, having an additional career outside of writing can certainly add another dose of stress to the melting pot. I empathize with your position; I was at that same spot many years ago, and though it was a long season, I look back now and am thankful for that period of refinement. I think God permits those times so we can grow–personally, spiritually, and of course, professionally.
By all means, keep pressing on! When God plants a desire/dream within our hearts and it’s in accordance with His will for our lives, He’ll always see our vision to fruition. Perhaps, it won’t be the way we have planned, but it’ll be the perfect plan because it’s His.
Thanks so much for stopping by today~Blessings!
This is an encouraging post Cynthia. Love the heart image of pencil shavings! It’s good to know everyone has these moments. Life has gotten in the way once again, I need go get back to writing disciplines…just have a few more loose ends to wrap up.
Author
Patti, I can’t take credit for that photo, but I thought it perfectly captured the essence of this blog post. And yes! Of course, we all have those moments–challenging moments of one day melding into the next, wondering when times of testing and life’s pitstops will ever cease.
Be encouraged that life’s “loose ends” are God’s way of preparing you for victory!
Hugs, friend.
So true. It’s good to know that I’m not the only one struggling to write when life’s troubles get in the way. I’m very new on this writing journey, and appreciate your perspective.
Author
Karin, I think all writers have detours from time to time. Unforseen circumstances and life events are bound to overlap our writing careers when we least expect them, unfortunately. I think the key to moving forward is to concentrate on what we do have control over in the time being, i.e. our reaction to the situation. Don’t let discouragement consume you; seek out positive influences and writing mentors during your journey.
Also, I might suggest the Books and Such blog for helpful advice and insight into the world of writing.
Thanks so much for visiting!
Thanks so much for your encouraging words. Your differentiation between love of the craft and the actual writing helped me to understand myself better and to let go of the guilt when I’d really rather “have written” than do the writing.
Author
Janice, kudos to you for giving away that last piece of “guilt pie.”
I think it’s high time we tell it like it is: the writing life isn’t always fun, easy, or rainbows and butterflies. Anyone who writes knows that writing is a complicated world filled with additional responsibilities, long hours, and forks in the road. The reward comes when we realize our potential lies not solely in the writing, but also in our love of the craft and in the desire to create.
Thanks so much for dropping by! Happy, happy creating!