You don't have to be published to call yourself a writer. Writing comes in all forms. Each day, I write a quick note in my journal--usually a prayer request or a praise or maybe just a quick update on something significant that happened.
What I've found myself doing during these turbulent economic times is posting a blank sheet on the refrigerator. I call it my Blessing Sheet and no matter what the day brings--I write something good on it that happens. Now it might only be something as simple as I got out of bed that morning without any aches or pains. But it might be as exciting as I heard back from a publisher on an article.
The point of writing things down for myself is to keep focused on the positive--especially with my writing.
It's really easy to listen to the negative and convince yourself that you will never be any good--been there many times. But then one day, you will find your efforts have not been in vain--someone really thinks your work is publishable.
Getting the mail is a big event around here. Yesterday, copies of two of my articles in two separate magazines arrived. Teachers of Vision and Cross and Quill. It's motivating to see your work in print even if you expected it.
This morning I received an email about the yearly contest ACFW holds. I remember a friend of mine placing last year and her success emboldens me to try this year.
That's what this writing journey is all about. Do you have success stories to share to encourage someone else to keep trying?
16 comments:
What A great Idea! I love the blessing sheet! Hmmm.. I think i'm gonna steal that so my kiddos can see how blessed they are! What a great post!
Nice to have gifts from the postman besides junk mail!
There is so much "gloom and doom" out there in the publishing arena right now. I'm exploring the idea of self-publishing and would welcome any thoughts you have on the matter...maybe a post about it. I've always shuddered at the idea but am now wondering if it's a viable route for those of us whose name isn't, well, you fill in the blank.
peace~elaine
For as far back as I can recall I've been penning this or that. When I was 30-something, I began journaliing in earnest - mostly in sync with Bible study/prayer. I've found it to be a HUGE blessing, if for no one's benefit but my own. It really helps to clarify thoughts & feelings, not to mention a backward glance at how faithful is the Lord, and how far He's brought me.
I like the blank sheet idea. Truly every day holds a good many blessings!
Kathleen
That's a wonderful idea. It's so easy to sink into negative feelings - this "business" means rejection and that's never easy.
But there are acceptances sometimes and you should feel great about those!
And, to me - A writer writes -- publishing something doesn't make you a writer, the passion does -and it sounds as if you have the passion for it *smiling*
Great idea on the blessing sheet! What a fantastic visual to keep before you. As for encouragement, I don't have a specific story, just this. I am continually amazed at where God has and is leading me with my writing, now that I'm actually doing it and not just thinking about doing it. He is good! Blessings!
The blessing sheet IS a great idea! Thanks for the kick of encouragement.
I love the idea of the blessings page. You're right - we have blessings every single day, no matter how big or how small.
And I'm so glad you had some fun stuff in the mail. :-)
Congrats on the writing scores! May you have to add another sheet to your fridge. :) Blogging the whole year of 08 on Gratitude sure helped me focus on counting my blessings.
Hi, I just popped over from Sassy Granny's..... and I'm glad I did.
Congrats on seeing your very own articles in print!
Your blessing sheet is a grand idea.... I kept a small journal of blessings a number of years ago. The idea was from the book Simple Abundance.... to write 5 things every evening of what you were grateful for. I found that a very inspiring and deeply nourishing exercise. Although I don't do it in quite the same way, I do like cataloguing the blessings that come my way.... in super abundantly above what I can dream or even imagine....
I'd be pleased to have to stop by my place sometime. Joy, joy!
Brenda
Parents can do something similar for their children. They can make a "Brag Box" for each child and put notes on good behavior for the day in them. Then they can read them at bedtime to the kids and smile.
Hey, Terri, come check in at my blog, quick. *wink*
Congratulations, Terri. You've won my 10K customer contest! Email me and tell me your preference in gift cards -- Starbuck's, WalMart, Barnes & Noble, or feel free to suggest others. Yay!
Even little success stories bolster our spirits. Two people contacted me yesterday and wanted to buy one of my books. I was walking around much lighter it seemed!
Such a neat idea Terri. One that I think I am going to copy.
Congrats on your accomplishments. The blessings of the Lord making rich and adding no sorrow with it.
Blessings,
Vickie
Terri, I like the blank paper on the frig idea.
As a child of the King I live with great expectation that GOD's divine will is always at work in my (our) lives and in His timing and with our faith in Him and our faith being put into action, we see those 'things' come to pass.
I agree with Elaine that there is a lot of things going on in the publishing industry right now. A few friends of mine published books last year. I'm FINALLY at the writer's table myself to actually complete ONE of the several that I've been working on for years by God's grace and I am also considering different avenues of publishing prayerfully and carefully considering.
Thanks for your message today.
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