My Life as a Writer–Or Not
Honestly, I feel a little guilty about that title. Because lately, I don’t feel much like a writer. But several of the authors on this blog agreed to share their writing routine just so people would know what it’s like to be a writer. And I was one of them.
For me, writing has had to take a backseat in this season of my life. I’ve had several books published in the past and have several works in progress. But real life has overtaken my writing time for the most part and it’s all I can do right now to get a post written for this blog twice a month. I’ve had to tell myself that this is OK. That I will have more time for writing when I’m not caring for elderly parents while still parenting my last child, getting rental houses ready to re-rent, and keeping up with the revolving door of hospitality that my husband and I love to keep open.
To me that’s what writing is: Living life in the moment. Caring for those you love. Sharing God’s rich blessings with others who step into the comfort of our home. Being a blessing by loving others deeply. How is that writing? you ask.
Because to write in a way that’s believable and affects your readers you must live abundantly. Everything that happens in a writer’s life, all the emotions felt (both good and bad), all the sensory details and conversations spoken are fodder for the writer’s mind. They come back as you sit at your keyboard and write—for instance, that scene where a parent must say good-bye to their loved one. You remember the sounds that were around you and the way the room smelled and the sharp crack of your heart breaking. That ache in your throat as you swallowed tears and inhaled roughly trying to keep tears at bay when you were in the store the next day. It all comes from living deep and loving much, sharing what you have, and then releasing it into God’s generous hands.
So even though I don’t have a set time to plop myself down and write every day, or even every week, I’m writing in my mind. I’m remembering, taking notes, storing memories, and taking pictures. I know God will redeem the time I’m spending doing His will in this season of life. And when I do start a regular schedule of writing again, life will come pouring forth on the page, full and vibrant.
And I know I’ll have no regrets for the days I couldn’t write.
Oh, Linda…thanks for being so honest. I thought I was the only author who felt most unlike a writer on this site. It’s been such a hard year with demands on my time from every member of my family–young and old–that any free time is far from creative. But life as it is lived–all of it’s emotions and sense-filling experience–is our muse. All of it. And sometimes we just need to live it before we can digest it and share the meaning of it all with the world.
Wish I could reach out and hug you!
Hugging you back, Dawn. You have had such a hard year. Even when I don’t have as many demands on my time, I struggle with finding a regular writing routine. I’m more of a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants writer, whipping out pages in snatches here and there. It’s hard when I don’t have a deadline to work towards. But it gets done eventually. Thanks for your encouragement.
Hello Linda,
Thanks so much for sharing this. I too find myself in one of those “Non-Writing” seasons. Thanks also for the reminder to write from the depths of our hearts/emotions, and to keep Christ in the midst of all we draft. My writing has been given new meaning today, and perhaps soon I’ll be able to pick up my pen again in the near future.
Love and Blessings,
Ashley
Ashley, life is a balancing act, isn’t it? But if we follow our hearts and God’s leading, it all falls into place. Praying you’ll come through this season with grace, remembering God’s mercies are new every morning. Let me know when you pick up that pen again. I’d love to read what your heart tells you to write. Bless you!
Yes, it is.– AMEN! Everything is made perfect in its time. Thank you for your prayers. You’ll be in mine too. I’ll be sure to keep you posted.
Sending you hugs and prayers, Ashley.
Same Here.–Thanks! 🙂
I loved this post, Linda.
Honest, real and very true. Thank you.
Thanks, Penny.
This is a sweet post, Linda. Thank you for writing it. I know you have more writing seasons ahead!
Thanks for the vote of confidence, Diane! I certainly hope so!
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