I was hoping to refer back to a previously written post on the best writing advice I’d ever received. Unfortunately, if I wrote one, I wasn’t able to find it. Fortunately, I can still answer the question for this month’s prompt!
First, I agree with much of what’s already been shared by others here over the last two weeks, including (but not limited to) Alan’s, “keep writing,” and much from Brenda’s multi-point post. Carol’s “Do I really need those words?” reminds me of Stephen King’s admonition to “kill your darlings.” And I absolutely love Peggianne’s advice to “pray first.” So essential, though sadly I admit to often forgetting.
The best advice I received recently was in a response to my June 2024 contribution, R is for Retirement, where Alan shared, “I write regularly, but in a way that suits me. I know some of our dear writing friends write for so various hours per day, or every other day. I don't follow this pattern. I write according to my writing energy level on a particular day. There are days I can write for four to six hours, whereas some days only two or three. I am my timekeeper. If I have a deadline, say for our InScribe blog or something else, I make sure I meet the deadline with time to spare. The thing is, I do what I can and what I love in my writing.”
This model meets my needs in this current season as I am still providing 24/7 care to my elderly mom, whose birthday is today. I would tell you how old she is, but then she would have to kill me! I am not ready to stop writing for such a dramatic reason, LOL.
So, I aim to follow Alan's suggestions:
● I write as regularly as I can, “but in a way that suits me…according to my energy level.”I’m thankful that while God equipped me with the gift and love of writing and wants me to use it, Christianity is not a works-based faith. He knows what’s going on in my life and He knows my heart. He doesn’t want me to beat myself up over something outside of my control (my available time and energy level in these trying days). While I wait for a time when I am free to write more, I trust His good reasons for extending this period of shared suffering. His ways and timing are perfect, even when we do not understand.
● I aim to meet the deadlines for InScribe Writers Online, with time to spare.
● “I do what I can and what I love in my writing.”
If you are going through a hard time where you feel your life is on hold, what advice do you give yourself?
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You give such good advice here, Susan. There are times when writing must be put on the back burner to attend to other matters. May God give you his daily grace to meet each moment as you care for your mother. And wish her a most Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lorrie!
DeleteMy mom also thanks you for your birthday wishes!
Susan, It appears there are many of us who are in a season when we must "write according to [our] writing energy level on a particular day." That is me, too, at this time. Dealing with some of my own health issues, along with helping my elderly mom, not to mention trying to keep on top of daily things that need attending to, my writing has dribbled into a few posts here and there, which is far less often than it used to be. But we do what we can - it is what it is.
ReplyDeleteI was particularly drawn today to your comment, "While I wait for a time when I am free to write more, I trust His good reasons for extending this period of shared suffering." Particularly the last phrase, "this period of shared suffering". It truly is a period of shared suffering. There is something about those few words that really resonated... that it's a shared suffering. For the one who is dealing with declining health and aging issues and the one who comes alongside as the caregiver both share in that period of change and loss. Thankfully His grace is there for each of us every moment.
I'm glad you're still doing some writing, Susan. And I'm glad you could share another birthday with your mom. Happy belated greetings to her.
Thank you for this... blessings to you.
Thank you, Brenda, and I'm so sorry you are going through a similar season of shared suffering. It is definitely not a fun time. Yes, thank God His grace is there for us every moment. And we will keep doing what good we can for as long as we can, including in our writing life. Hugs and blessings to *you*!
DeleteDear Susan, I am humbled at such an honour for you to give regards to my words. Yes, write when you can and the Lord will bless your endeavours. May God continue to bless your life as well as your words when you have the energy to write.
ReplyDeleteMany blessings to you as you care for your beloved mother. Happy and blessed birthday to your dear mom. :)
Thank you, Alan, for your writing and for your encouragements. Thank you also for your blessings to me and my mom. I always look forward to your posts as well as your comments. Keep writing!
DeleteWonderful advice then, wonderful advice now. Praying for continued strength and wisdom in this challenging season of your life, Susan. Appreciate this blog post and the extra effort it took to get it done and to share it with us. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sharon.
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