Image Credit: Peter&UteGrahlmann/PhotopinCC
Writing is a subjective thing.
While there are rules, styles, and formats to follow, at the end of the day the writer’s heart still remains a mystery.
We can’t explain it, rationalize it, or put it in a box.
Because it’s impossible to measure creativity, the depth and breadth of talent is unpredictable. What makes sense in the traditional vein might very well pigeonhole another Mozart, Picasso, or Hemingway.
For instance—not everyone’s a fan of the highly acclaimed, but it’s difficult to deny brilliance (whether or not we appreciate how it’s used.)
Since I fear a bunny trail, I won’t even get started on the obvious in-our-face talent that passes for “art.” Or maybe it’s the other way around.
The creativity’s there. The potential’s there. But because of perceived success, expectation, or maybe even the thrill of the taboo, the original intent becomes skewed. But like I said—I won’t even get started.
And no–this isn’t a post about the poor, misunderstood writer who struggles to be heard.
Today’s thoughts are simply that—thoughts.
Years ago I sat in a writer’s meeting with thirty writers of similar genres. We came from all walks of life with varying degrees of skill.
The speaker was a gifted writer. A published author. An all-around nice person.
What she was not was a polished speaker.
She was, however, an encourager. (I loved her immediately.)
The polish she lacked in a public arena, she made up for in her call-to-action.
The author spoke from the heart. She adored her craft.
She enthralled. She energized. She encouraged.
She possessed that intrinsic, unnamed thing that’s hard to put our finger on—mystery.
When she concluded her presentation, our group sat spellbound. Her words left us dizzy. Breathless. And hankering for more.
In the forty-five minutes it took her to finish, she’d forever touched the heart, mind, and soul of every writer there. She’d tapped our creative wells and primed our passion for the craft ardently pursued, but so not easily understood.
Today, friends, if you doubt your calling and you’re tempted to throw in the towel, please remember this story.
Don’t let others steal your joy, wreck your day, or undermine your gift.
The mystery of your writer’s heart comes from the Maker of it.
***
Thoughts to encourage you today:
A Little Pep Talk for Your Writer’s Heart
10 Triumphant Truths of Who You Really Are
I’d Love for You to Share:
We can’t explain it, rationalize it, or put it in a box. This is why:
When the author finished her presentation, her words left us spellbound. What we learned:
Does your craft make you crazy? Encouragement you can use:
How do you view the writing process?
What’s something you’ve learned along the way?
Here’s to YOU as you accomplish your goals! *Clink*
Blessings Always,
Comments 3
I feel like letting go of the writing, sometimes. Every day.
Most days, waiting for responses to agent queries that never come, I get the feeling that God simply doesn’t want me to have the material success in writing that would justify the time I spend on it.
But I haven’t quit yet, and maybe that’s the key.
Author
Andrew, the wheels in this business grind very slowly, and it’s a true lesson in diligence—but of course you know that. While preliminaries leading to traditional publication are time-consuming (and discouraging), every milestone reached is an affirmation to press on. All of us feel like quitting sometimes. That’s why it’s important to step away for a while, recharge our batteries, and then go again. I’m learning to do this more, too.
Ask yourself, “What happens if I quit?” Yes, you might have more time. And I agree—time is precious. But…will it fan the flame the way writing does? Will it quench that insatiable hunger?
Don’t quit, friend.
When the temptation comes to quit … a new idea usually comes. I have found that I love to write … man! I wish I had known this years ago. But I’m definitely in a learning phase … 🙂