A New Feature for Our Blog by Sandi Somers

After I posted my late August blog in which I thanked a number of other writers who inspired my thoughts, Wendy Macdonald asked if I would post at the end of the month. This idea had crossed my mind, and I sensed a confirmation from the Lord.  Doing so gives me an opportunity to synthesize and summarize our writers’ various angles of the theme.

When I read Lorrie Orr’s post last week, I thought it could have been a fitting conclusion, as she described the necessary rituals for her productive writing—themes other writers echoed (a place, a deadline, a walk, little delights, and grace to herself when she can’t write—a must reread). 

I will, however, complement her points by adding several other rituals and habits garnered from our writers.  

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Needing a Special Atmosphere. For many, this is important for setting up a dedicated writing space, regardless of whether it's in our office or home, or whether we occasionally go out to a coffee shop and write.

Writing in our “genius time”, the most productive time of day to write, when our minds are fresher, our thoughts flow more easily like a river, and we can hear the Spirit's voice more clearly. Others write in a flexible time rhythm following the flow of the Spirit’s inspiration.

Writing in the cracks of time. Most of us aren’t full-time writers, but have primary jobs, family and household priorities, and/or retirement responsibilities. And as such we may need to write in the few minutes of time that come to us.

Taking Mini-breaks. Several mentioned the effectiveness of using the Pomodoro method—write for 30 minutes (or 45 or an hour), and then take a break. Walk around, do a little task…It refreshes and relaxes our minds and gives us a burst of energy. (Wendy Macdonald wrote that mini-breaks also refill our creative well)

Being near Nature is important to many of our writers, whether to look out the window as we write, walk out in nature to help stimulate the ideas as they pop into mind, or restore peace and calmness.

Finishing what we start. (We'll discuss finishing more thoroughly in October, where our theme is, "Stalled in the Middle".)

Depending on the Lord. “Pray, pray, pray. Immerse ourselves in Him and He will fill us with ideas and guidance,” wrote Sharon Heagy. Then “surrender to Him…Each project, each day, each hour…Jump in with both feet and allow the creative waves of the Holy Spirit to carry you. He always ALWAYS knows the best way to accomplish any task.”

I leave you with wisdom from Julia Cameron, who wrote, "Small rituals, self-devised, are good for the soul." They nourish us. 

And wisdom from the Word:

“Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3).

“And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).

With this end-of-the-month addition, my prayer is that you will be encouraged, affirmed, and inspired.

God bless you as you continue your faith and writing journeys.