Friday, June 19, 2009

Impact

I've had some new bloggers stop by this week to post. What a blessing it always is to meet new writers or others who just happened to connect with something I've written. The whole blogging concept still amazes me some days. Relationships are made from writing some words in a box like I am now.

Does that make you think even more how powerful our words can be? It does me.

I think that's why I've been dragging this week with my revisions on my WIP. In the past, I wrote a book and sent it off after only a quick look through. Spelling, punctuation, etc. and I figured it was good enough. Wonder why I've gotten a few rejections?

Now I'm seeing there is a while skeleton to be numbered and counted underneath that body of what I call a book.

I've had some success with short stories. With those, I'd spend days editing the 750 words or so until every word and line did what it should. What made me think I wouldn't have to do that with a book?

When it's done, I hope my story will move someone as they read it. Like I want with everything I write. And that will take effort.

How about you? Are your words making the impact you hope they will?

17 comments:

Kathleen said...

I sometimes wonder if words don't captivate us because of The Word. When I ponder how Jesus spoke the worlds we know into existence, and how He cloaked Himself in human form to give context to His words ... well, let's just say I'm mystified.

Words are such a powerful creative vehicle. They create. Create what? Now that's the question.

Be blessed, my friend. I'm eager to read that new book!

Kathleen

Greg C said...

I think I need to inspire people more with what I write. I know I have it in me and sometimes I get emails saying that what I wrote made an impresson on someone. That makes me feel special.

Kristen Painter said...

I hope so, but I won't really know until my first book comes out and I get reader responses.

Great Grandma Lin said...

it's a matter of faith and lots of work revising then waiting and hoping for a good response. kind of like life...

Jody Hedlund said...

Words do impact, don't they! I'm so grateful for the wonderful writing friends I've made through cyberspace!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

I've also written non-fiction short stories, devotionals, etc. When someone tells me a piece encouraged them, made them cry, or inspired them, I'm struck by the great responsibility of writing.

Words, whether written or spoken, can change a life.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Wendy Paine Miller said...

You've written about one of my greatest goals--to leave an impact with my words, to have people think differently after they've read my writing.
Have a fantastic weekend!
~ Wendy

Melissa Amateis said...

Sometimes I think I need to go back and edit my novel - again. I don't know if my words are strong enough. But then again, you have to let it go at some point. You can revise and revise until you're blue in the face and I've found that I can edit my voice right out of something. That's why I wasn't nearly as heavy-handed on this particular novel's edits because on my last novel, that's exactly what I did.

Ginny said...

you know, people tell me that my words impact the way they think, or feel. I hope so. I think blogging is a wonderful resource to minister to others.
Hoping your book is a SUCCESS!

Sandi K said...

The words we use do have an impact - if not immediately, it may often be in a more subtle, sub-conscious way. Just as it is with The Word, the words we use may be seeds planted to grow later on. If we are lucky, we may get to see the fruits of our labor; if we don't get that opportunity, perhaps our children or their children will.

Cheryl Wright said...

What a concept - type a few words in a box, and VOILA! friends.

Jill Kemerer said...

I know I want to read your books! And it's so hard to analyze a book as opposed to a short story!

Alleluiabelle said...

Hi Dear Friend,

I love what Kathleen wrote,

"I sometimes wonder if words don't captivate us because of The Word. When I ponder how Jesus spoke the worlds we know into existence, and how He cloaked Himself in human form to give context to His words ... well, let's just say I'm mystified."

I am so in agreement with her. I have always loved to write, straight from the heart and my heart was created from Him so...I hope that whatever I've experienced and written about will absolutely touch someone out there, even if it's one person...then I know that I have fulfilled what He wanted me to do and what I love to do.

I, too, can't wait to read your new book.

Love you dear friend.

Hugs, Blessings, Peace & Prayers,
Alleluiabelle

Unknown said...

I love e-friends! And I think the physical distances between us only strengthen the power of our words. It's always an adventure!

When my stories are hot of the press, I've found it helpful to let them cool for a while. Often, I don't really see a story objectively until I've finished the next one.

BeckyJoie said...

Wow, Terri. I blogged about this subject and then came into your blog this afternoon to find an echo-sort of. I agree with this thought about the power words can have. I also think that we need to be careful at downing ourselves with words, too. You are an excellent writer and just because you receive a few rejections does not mean that the words you wrote are not good and powerful. It could be however that you haven't found the right words to sell it or the right publisher whose words align with yours. Just a thought. Love ya!

Angie Ledbetter said...

You have a blog award on my post from Saturday! Congrats. :)

Kathryn Magendie said...

I have been overwhelmed (in a good way) by the emails I receive about tender graces - how my words have touched someone in some way - and it makes my day - it makes my month - my year - my life! *smiling*....