Photo Credit: celestinechua/Creative Commons
Who doesn’t love a big, ol’ dose of encouragement when the doldrums strike? Let’s be honest. We all do!
Since writing is a solitary career, I’ll use that as an example.
Writers face unique challenges that others who work outside the home may not. Our vocation is a rather unconventional calling.
We rarely keep regular hours.
Our computers are our co-workers.
Lunch? What’s that?
Sore necks, backs, and bottoms are often the order of the day.
Our characters nag us until we let them speak.
Other days, silence overwhelms. (Oh, the dreaded writer’s block!)
Regular paychecks aren’t part of the gig.
We adore writing, but it’s work. Hard work. And a craft like no other.
Sometimes, there are a lot of closed doors. It may take a while to recognize the open ones. But God is so good! Open doors can happen when we least expect them.
Until then, how can you encourage a writer-friend?
Here are 10 suggestions:
- Give chocolate. In copious amounts.
- Offer a walk. Companionship and exercise. Two great stress-reducers.
- Deliver lunch. We might not fix it, but we’ll stop to eat if someone else does!
- Send a note of encouragement. Words of affirmation carry us far.
- Arrange a play date. A movie. Nails. Hair. Shopping. It’s all good.
- Make us laugh. Tell us a joke. Show us a comic strip.
- Whisk us away for a Starbucks break! (And an afternoon scone.)
- Lend a listening ear. Sometimes we need to vent. …Or hear your voice.
- Pray for us. Because life still happens while deadlines loom.
- Grant patience. We may become crabby when our blood sugar drops. (Junior Mints help.)
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How has someone encouraged YOU lately?
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Photo Credit: celestinechua/Creative Commons
Blessings Always,
Comments 8
I am always encouraged by those unexpected “I just finished reading your novel” notes that show up on my FB page or in my inbox. They put a smile on my face!
Author
Beth, sometimes the smallest act of encouragement can buoy us through the day! I thank God for my encouragers, and may I always be a light to someone else along the way!
Have to agree with Beth–any note on FB or Twitter or wherever letting me know someone enjoyed my story makes my day.
That and time…I think I finally realized recently that my “love language” is quality time. Which is funny because I so often feel like I don’t have any. But when family members or friends make a conscious effort to spend quality time with me, it encourages me like nothing else. 🙂
Author
Melissa, quality time is one of life’s biggest blessings I think. It makes us feel “loved” in a way nothing else can.
Happy Friday (((HUGS))) to you!
I love to get random texts from friends that make me laugh or have a scripture tacked onto it. And of course when someone reads my story and made a connection, that is always encouraging. 🙂 I’ll take chocolate too.
Author
Jess, passing a round of chocolate over your way!
Tell them they can do it.
Author
Jennifer, yes! What a difference that makes.