Monday, October 20, 2008

Monday's Manna

Not even sure if I spelled manna correctly--but you get the jist. It's Monday and today each of us could hear great news about our writing or not so great but I am preferring to think optimistically.

Because of some recent events in my life--I've learned to focus on each day and what I can do to make that day complete and fulfilling.

I start with being thankful I have today to pursue my dreams and goals. Then I get really concrete and write them down. This week I'm working on an article for a magazine that I've never submitted to before--and is more difficult to get into. It will be a stretch but I feel motivated to give it a shot. The familiar adage "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" is usually my push for writing--as it is also for most areas of my life.

Are you a doer or a watcher?

When it comes to writing and getting published--my own opinion is you have to be a doer. Or those dreams will stay buried deeply in your journal.

Let today be the day you pull out that story you've been mulling over in your heart and put it on paper--but go the next step--submit!

11 comments:

Pat's Place said...

I love your words of encouragement. I think I will take your advice--I have been thinking about gathering some of my stories and self-publishing. Perhaps I should also send some of them "out there" and see what happens!

Linda Hoye said...

As always, I appreciate your words of encouragement, Terri.

Angie Ledbetter said...

"Can't win if ya don't play." Hope all your rolls of the writing dice pay off big dividends!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Well...ok...let me see about my "to do list"...

~finish reflection questions for the 5 writings I finished last week for a chapter in a new book.
~write 3 new reflections for the next chapter.
~finishing touches on tomorrow night's concluding session of Fall Bible study.
~Decorations for Saturday's fall festival.
~another blog post.
~begin to look at a piece of writing for possible publication with a magazine.
~Pray about everything, especially our country.
~Have lunch with the "ancients" tomorrow per usual.
~Exercise outdoors.
~Spend time loving my family via my time and my words.
~Remembering to seed my soil...my soul...with all things eternal, and leave the rest to God.

peace~elaine

Janna Leadbetter said...

You did spell manna right, and I so love this post's theme.

You're such an inspiration, Terri, and I thank you for that. You make me want to be a better writer.

Kasie West said...

Definitely a doer. Hey Terri, will you do a post about how you find all these different places to submit work to.

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

As always, another great post full of ideas, support and encouragement!

BiPolar Wife said...

I'm a doer with everything else in life. I seem to put my writing last, somewhere after "clean out utility closet" and "alphabetize spice rack." Yet another change to make on the horizon!

Tracy said...

So far I'm a watcher - but as I gain more knowledge and confidence (from wonderful people like you), I hope to be doing more doing soon! Thank you for always encouraging, inspiring and motivating the rest of us!

I have two new blessings for you over at my blog! Come by when you can and check them out!

Rachel Eggum Cinader said...

Terri,
I love your spirit!
I suppose an agent is the way to go--where does one start???

Vickie said...

Teri you really are an encouragement and an inspiration. Just reading your blog these past few weeks has been challenging me to get my writing out there.

Charles Stanley said recently that God wouldn't give us gifts if He didn't want us to use them and the advice and insight you give here honestly makes me want to do more with what God has given me.

One of the things I did today was to sort out in my mind exactly the kind of writing I want to focus on. Even though eventually I will try some other areas, today's decision will help me to get a focus and then improve on it.

Thank you.
Vickie