Image Credit: BK Symphony of Love/PhotopinCC
Do you ever have those moments where everywhere you turn God brings the same thing into focus—over and over again?
It’s like God’s trying to tell you something until you really get it.
Well, the last few months have been like that for me. In fact, recently it seemed like one word popped up on a daily basis.
As I prayed.
As I plotted.
On blogs.
With my friends.
In my faith circle.
The word was patience.
Whenever I tried to tamp it down and dismiss it as happenstance, sure enough there the word was again. I couldn’t seem to get away from it.
“Be patient” continued to resonate in almost every facet of my day.
Perhaps, it’s because I’ve traveled this road so long. And truthfully—I’m a little weary of the process.
As an encourager, I want to stay focused, upbeat, and positive. I find negativity and harsh attitudes a turn-off.
Still…
As a writer, I’m bound to have off days. The writing life isn’t for everyone, nor is it easy.
When new writers approach me and ask for advice, one of the first things I’ll tell them is “Prepare for the long haul” because things in the publishing world rarely move fast. And in this particular climate with scenarios changing daily, writers best get acquainted with the word “patient” early in their careers.
That’s not to say all writing paths are the same. Indeed, there are some authors who meet with success right out of the starting gate—but more often that’s the exception rather than the rule.
So—when I jumped back into writing after a lengthy hiatus, I didn’t think it would be easy. I knew better.
I polished. I studied craft books. I gathered new critique partners. Oh, yeah—and I wrote! All the musts for those who are serious about publication.
Writing is a fascinating and grand journey—many days. But on others… it’s a tad demoralizing. And certainly humbling.
I’ve finished lengthy projects only to see the landscape crumble.
I’ve written synopses to meet with not yets.
I’ve furthered my craft to discover new schools of thought.
And I’ve been told no when I was certain it would be yes.
I say all this not to deter you from a path you may be considering, but to give you some insight into the realities of the writing world. It’s hard. You must develop your sea legs. “Be patient” will be a mantra you’re likely to hear time and time again.
The writers who succeed are those who take this mantra to heart—not as a substitute for laziness, but as a stepping stone to the best just ahead.
Waiting, I’ve discovered, is sometimes the most proactive thing writers can do. It doesn’t mean we don’t continue to work. It means we’re patient until God’s plan unfolds.
Do we have to like it?
Nope. Not always. (Well, maybe you do. I don’t and I’m just being real about it.)
Isn’t it mind-blowing, then, how God knows us so intimately He provides what we need just when we need it?
When our strength ebbs, He orchestrates moments and events that increase our faith, as well as our patience.
I loved what my agent had to say last week about patience. (Read her wise words here.)
And friend and agent-mate Gabrielle Meyer summed up the writing process beautifully. For those who aren’t familiar with various manuscript stages and the journey after completion, this is a great post. Many folks (beginning writers included) have no idea what the process actually involves. It’s w-o-r-k and you will learn patience.
And along the way, there will be little (and prayerfully big) rewards that spur you forward and encourage you to keep going.
***
Have you developed patience or is it sometimes a struggle?
What are your tips while you’re waiting?
***
Speaking of pick-me-ups…
I had a pleasant surprise! My short story Words from the Heart advanced to the Top 200 (in Family Fiction’s writing contest) and moved into the second round of judging. Would you take a moment to read my story, and if you like it, please vote. (Directions on how to do that are at the top of that page.) A celebrity panel of judges will decide on the finalists, but the Reader’s Choice award is open to public voting. I sure would appreciate your vote of support, friends!
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The writing life isn’t for everyone. The key word is this: (Click to Tweet)
Blessings Always,
Comments 10
Great post!
One thing I’ve learned about patience is that the best parts of life generally pass quietly by while we’re waiting for something else to happen.
Author
Andrew, brilliant observation and spot-on.
Cynthia, this is just what I needed today. I’ve been in my own little secluded writer world, interviewing missionaries, for years. Then writing this fiction work … I started looking around for help. Seeing how hard the process is … I often feel like I’m spinning my wheels …. I hear “you aren’t a real writer” … “you aren’t good enough.” So … I just keep doing what I know God has called me to in other areas, pressing forward to make my WIP as best as possible, and praying for direction … new direction? And just have fun. We can’t look at it as a “let down” because God never lets us down … His path is always best.
Author
Shelli, so true.
Remaining focused and encouraged are two things I think writers (new and accomplished) struggle with at times. Writing is such a solitary profession, and while we’re learning craft and technique all the well-meaning advice can seem daunting. I try to use trusted sources as filters and take other tips and “must-dos” with a grain of salt. And a word about our inner voices and real-life naysayers who would discourage or use words of inadequacy to make us question God’s calling—we’re not in a race. We’re not on this earth to keep up with the Perfect Pollys or Dazzling Dans. We’re here to make a difference for Him. Honoring His calling—whether it be writing, nursing, homemaking or whatever—is no less noble.
Learning craft and technique are neverending for writers. Having fun during the process helps. And on those days where writing is not fun, (and there will be those), it’s important we step away, regroup, and get ready to persevere again.
Excited to see where God takes you, friend!
Patience…the dreaded P word. LOL! My mom once told me that patience isn’t just waiting…it’s waiting with a good attitude. That stuck with me. In some ways, I think we best develop patience while being forced to be, well, patient…because there comes a point where a person has to say, “Look, I have to wait regardless. So I can either bemoan it and complain my way through it…or I can embrace it, choose to believe that God is doing something behind the scenes AND in my heart while I’m waiting.”
Of course, that’s easy to say (or type!)…it’s another thing to actually live it out when the wait starts to drag. It’s definitely something I’m still working on.
Author
Melissa, I think all of us are a work in progress! =)
Love your mom’s perspective… Patience is waiting with a good attitude. I’m going to remember that–thanks!
Patience! Yes, the Lord is teaching me the importance of this word too. Some days I’m so thankful for the long wait, as I know once publication comes, I will be much busier–and then there are other days when it feels like the waiting is unbearable and I wonder if it will ever happen. The beautiful thing is that my children and husband are also learning patience with me. This writing dream has become a dream we all share. I hope and pray that my children are learning a lesson about patience by watching me wait. I also hope they are not afraid to wait for their own dreams to unfold.
Thank you for sharing my post from Monday! š
Author
Gabe, delighted to share your thoughts! Loved how you broke down the waiting process for those who aren’t familiar with how things work. It’s always enlightening to my non-writer friends. =)
Oh, how I hear you regarding “the wait.” What would we do without supportive families? I liked what you said about your husband and children learning patience with you because so much of what we do really is a joint effort.
(So sorry I’m unable to comment on most Blogger sites— Blogger and WordPress formats seem to have issues working together sometimes. The only way I’m able to comment is to switch to a different browser. Ugh.)
Hi, Cynthia! It seems like forever since I’ve visited your blog. Life is hectic right now, I’m looking forward to some down time–soon! Patience is a life-long course, isn’t it?
Author
Patti, great to see you back! Yes, patience is a life-long study and down time and rest are musts.