Keep Calm and Write On…The Writer's Life

To begin again…

I'm sure since I haven't posted in quite some time now, some of you think that perhaps I have quit writing altogether. I have written since my last post but admittedly, very little. I don't know that I can even say what has been holding me back, but I do know that I must begin again. God has called me to write and I cannot quit.

Quitting is just not an option. But instead of stubbornly saying, "I won't quit", I choose to say, " I will persevere in this call to write!"

The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't. - Henry Ward Beecher

It helps to know that there are those in my life who believe that God has given me this charge and this gift to write.  I want to thank you for encouraging me to step fully into this calling. You know who you are. 

And yet, I still...

• struggle to call myself a writer.
• struggle with the writing process.
• struggle to step into this calling.
• struggle with the question, 'Am I equipped for this?' 
• struggle with the fact that, yes, sometimes writing is just hard work!

"Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something that this thing must be attained."  - Marie Curie

I am in agreement with this quote by Marie Curie in that I do believe I am gifted for this writing journey…therefore I cannot just quit. I must press on. But my confidence comes in knowing that, because God has called me to this, He will provide the means, the strength, and the way to make it happen. Frankly, I am relieved to know that I don't have to rely on my own strength in this endeavor.  

It would seem that most writers have struggled with the doubts about who they are and even seem reluctant to say, "I am a writer."  There is comfort in knowing that I am not alone in my struggle.  Here are just a sampling of quotes I have collected from successful writers who understand the struggle.

Every Writer I know has trouble writing. -Joseph Heller, author

I am irritated by my own writing. I am like a violinist whose ear is true, but whose fingers refuse to reproduce precisely the sound he hears within.- Gustave Flaubert

Writing is easy; all you do is sit staring at a blank sheet of paper until the drops of blood form on your forehead. -Gene Fowler 

Prose is architecture, not interior decoration. - Ernest Hemingway 

I can't write five words but that I change seven. - Dorothy Parker

And then there's the quote from Jerry B. Jenkins, of Left Behind fame. In his book to writers, Writing For The Soul, he was asked the question, "Why write if you don't like writing?"

It's not that I hate going to the keyboard, but I put it off, dreading the encounter, especially getting started. Then the story draws me in, and I'm off and running. I don't know anyone who sits at the computer with a grin thinking, This is the most fun I've had all day. I'd rather do this than play.  

 That's me! I put it off. The getting started part…yeah…I get it. It's like there is this invisible force field around the keys of my computer holding me off. It's like…do-do-do-do...There is a fifth dimension, beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone  Writing Zone.  That's it! Thank you, Rod Serling!! 

Created with Keep-Calm-O-Matic, Gay Idle

But seriously…there are so many other things I have on the to-do list. Even the laundry is calling my name…wooing me away from the keyboard. What?!! I don't even enjoy doing laundry! Who does?    

But here's the thing. I am a writer. I have made the decision to pursue this writing life. The pursuit of anything worthwhile is often fraught with obstacles along the path. But I am committed to this path, so write I must!

I believe this writing gig to be one of the instruments through which God will fulfill the greater calling He has placed on my life.



When God calls us to something, it never means the road will be an easy one. (Tweet this). But I know that with surrender to Him comes peace and joy. And that, my friends, will be worth all the struggle! 

What about you? Have you been called to something that seems insurmountable? I'd love to hear what you are doing to overcome the obstacles. Join in the discussion in the comment section below. 

"Now to Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that works in us,"

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Writer's Life Update:

While I haven't posted on the blog in a while, I did manage to get an article written for The Kingdom Life Now, A women's online magazine about belonging and becoming in the Kingdom of God. Check out the magazine and subscribe! You'll be blessed!

2020 UPDATE: Since the time of the publication of my article The Kingdom Life Now has dissolved and is no longer available. I will be reissuing the post at another site and will update the new link when it goes live.