Thursday, October 30, 2008

One is enough

I was moved and excited to read your comments yesterday and see how many of you out there are involved in a new writing venture.

What a blessing to see God working in so many lives. Can you imagine what kind of impact we can make by submitting one small article or our manuscript that we have languished over for months or years?

I know writing is a discouraging business. I have my own drawer full of rejections but many of you can relate when I talk about that awesome feeling we get when we hold in our hands a printed copy of a story we designed with our heart. Best of all, we know someone else out there will feel our words and maybe, hopefully, be struck by something we took the time and effort to put on paper.

It's pretty amazing.

Sometimes I like to imagine that there is one reader out there needing to hear what I have to share but when I am too discouraged or tired or fed up to put it on paper . . . well, you know what I'm about to say. I bet you say it to your self too just as I did last week and just as I will the next time I begin to wallow in my day-to-day wallows.

I'm glad we have weeks and moments when we rest from writing--those valleys sure make the mountaintop veiw so much better.

Are you thinking about writing? Are you thinking about submitting? Try thinking instead about the one individual who's waiting to read your words.

10 comments:

Stonefox said...

I love your positive attitude, Terri. I really hadn't thought of there being someone who might need to read my "stuff." It makes sense, but really, I think my stuff is boring and low caliber!

Angie Ledbetter said...

Terri, I think a lot about "that one person" out there too. It's great motivation for those down or low-productive times.

Jessica Nelson said...

That's a great way to think of our submissions, that they are part of a larger plan than just our getting published.
I was so disappointed to miss the ACFW meeting but that was the only weekend I could go to Kentucky to see my little sis and her new baby. The foliage was incredible. I miss all the changing leaves/colors.
As for what I'm working on, cont. romance. :-) I got a request for a full on another, which I just sent in, plus I've been querying my historical. Whew. So, lots of eggs in the basket. Though I think I'm going to cease querying until I hear back on the full.
What are you working on?

Tracy said...

Right now (in the beginning of my writing journey)I try my best to write for me, and for One other. God spoke to my heart about writing for Him and not worry about whatever else may or may not happen, so that's what I've been trying to do. Of course, at this stage of the journey, it's probably much easier than if I were further along, but it has taken an enormous amount of pressure off of me, that I had put upon myself. Now when something I write touches someone I'm like, "Wow, thank you Lord!" You've done a great job in writing, imho. :) Blessings, my friend

Janna Leadbetter said...

I can do that. I can focus on one who may need to see my words. Thanks for the uplifting perspective, Terri!

Pat's Place said...

You said, "Try thinking instead about the one individual who's waiting to read your words" and that is EXACTLY what my husband said when I asked him if my collection of stories sounded too "dorky" to gather and publish. He said he would have LOVED to have a collection of stories written about HIS grandmother's growing up days. That is the thought that keeps me working on my project!

Barb Davis said...

I think any writing should contain at least one kernel of truth or wisdom. You just never know who needs it.

Renee Collins said...

That is a really awesome way to think about it, Terri! I love that. There is one person out there who needs me to keep going and try to get that book to them. :) Cool.

Melissa Amateis said...

Your last line is great! I'm so glad you're feeling "up" again instead of the valley. But you're right - we need to experience those valleys to understand how truly rewarding and wonderful writing is.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Not had much discipline this week. My routine has shifted some, and any time that happens, I get off track! Thank you for feeding us your encouragement and stories via this blog. You always energize me with your words.

peace~elaine