Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. When it visits creative writers, we sometimes begin to doubt. We can even get downright depressed.
Am I really called to write? Maybe I’m no good. Maybe I never will be. Maybe I’ve missed God’s will for my life. I’m just so weary, Lord.
I’ve been in that pit of discouragement. I’ll never forget the Spring of 2012 when I had signed up to attend the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. I’d heard it was one of the best for connecting with writers and editors and the atmosphere there usually stirred with God’s Presence. I couldn’t wait to attend, even though I knew few of the people who were going.
The discouragement began several weeks before. First came a family crisis that necessitated a visit to another state. Next came a visit to my son in yet another state to bid him farewell. He faced a dangerous deployment overseas and I wept and prayed he’d return home to us safely. (He did)
A few days before I packed for Blue Ridge, fatigue and sadness crept in. I emailed a writer friend and told her I didn’t have a clue what to do at the conference. I had a few ideas for books but didn’t know what to do with them. She encouraged me to put together a single piece of paper (called a one sheet) that explained briefly who I was and an explanation of a book idea.
Why not? It couldn’t hurt. I’d invested my time and money in this conference and I might as well take advantage of the opportunity. I ran off several copies of these one sheets, packed my bags and, once again, went to yet another state. I was weary from traveling.
By the time I’d dropped my suitcase in my dorm room in Blue Ridge, I plopped on the bed and wanted to cry. Why am I here Lord? I just want to go home.
Talk about discouraged.
By God’s grace and strength, I fought back at those negative thoughts and prayed for the Lord’s leading in the next few days. Lord, I prayed, use my time here for Your will.
The upshot is, I had the best week at conference, met dozens of writer friends and was ministered to by the incredible praise and worship music. It was a balm to my weary soul.
Oh and, remember those one sheets? Both of those book ideas are now published. They’ve both won Selah awards at Blue Ridge. God is gracious and uses even the weak among us, including yours truly.
If you’re feeling discouraged in your writing and too weary to type yet one more sentence, take a break—a prayer break. Ask Jesus Christ for His guidance and proceed in the strength of the Lord.
Discouragement happens to everyone at one time or another. #writerslife #novel Click To Tweet(Old Typewriter image courtesy of Thaikrit through FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
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5 Comments
Thank you SO much for your encouraging post.
Linda, you are very welcome. I’m always happy to encourage others who share the writing trench! Blessings on your work. Elaine
What a great post, so encouraging. Sharing. Have a blessed weekend.
Thank you, Debbie! So happy it blessed you!
Thanks Elaine, I needed to read this. I am so scared to get started writing. I have been writing a book for over 10 years but never have finished it. People keep asking me for it but I just keep dragging my feet. Now I will be losing my source of income and I have to either jump in both feet to this writing thing or get a “real job”. I have written plays for our church. I wrote newsletters for Iowa Sunday School Association, I wrote for Pat Roberts 700 club. I’ve written for years for many non-profit organizations. I was a public speaker where I wrote all my own materials. So I am not a virgin to writing but I have never depended on it for my livelihood and this is scary. If you wouldn’t mind I would sure appreciate some prayer for my writing. Thanks.