Qualities of a Successful Productive Writer by Sandi Somers

Often writers are guided in developing good habits, but this time I’m focusing on the qualities of writers themselves. 

Become quiet before the Lord and listen is our first priority. “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10), is a theme that’s been on my mind lately. Often my thoughts are busy with projects on my to-do list. But God drew my attention to take time every day to shut the door to all that clamours and listen to how He speaks with tenderness, graciousness, and power. 

I was reminded of A.B. Simpson’s wise words: 

As I listened, it became to me the voice of prayer, the voice of wisdom, the voice of duty, and I did not need to think so hard, or pray so hard, or trust so hard; but that ‘still small voice’ of the Holy spirit…was God’s prayer…was God’s answer to all my questions, was God’s life and strength...it was the living GOD Himself as my life, my all.[i] 

Dare to trust God. He often calls us to tasks that are beyond our ability. Know that He goes ahead of you. I’m reminded of what God said to timid Gideon, “Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you?” (Judges 6:14). As we go in His power, He strengthens us step by step. 

Face your excuses. We’ve all sabotaged ourselves. We’ve procrastinated, succumbed to feelings of inadequacy. We've been afraid that our writing isn’t any good. Or we suddenly realize that the laundry needs attention. Bring your excuses out into the open, be honest, confess, and ask God to help you overcome what’s holding you back.    

Invest in yourself. Staying healthy maintains our stamina and inspiration. Walking helps us think through a writing issue. At times we need to take a big breakaway from a sea of words. Nancy Rue, one of our former Fall Conference speakers, takes two weeks off after finishing a book to relax, rest her mind, and go for long walks before she tackles the next book.  Follow the rhythms of life, and you’ll become refreshed in body, mind, and spirit.  

Persevere. My niece once gave me a fridge magnet with the message: “When the going gets tough, the tough keep going.” Like the turtle that won the race, persevere especially when the going gets tough. The writer of Hebrews advised us to run the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, who initiates and perfects our faith (12:1-2). Even if your drafts end up in the recycling bin, you’ll have gained experience and expertise for the next attempt. In persevering, you may discover a new wellspring of creativity and decisiveness in yourself, and you’ll submit more of your work for publication. 

…and finally, give God the honour and glory He deserves. It’s not just for ourselves that we write. God has placed in us the dreams, abilities, and ideas that will be part of His story to meet the needs of the world around us and beyond. Let the Lord shine through to your readers, to inspire them with His limitless power to transform.

Image by Pivotal Moments

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[i] A.B. Simpson, In Mrs. Chas. E. Cowman, Streams in the Desert, (Los Angeles, CA: Cowman Publishing Co., 1925, 1950) June 30.   

What Is Your New Writing Challenge for 2016? by Sandi Somers

Happy New Year to everyone!

Prompt: As you look ahead to your writing/publishing goals for the year, what is a new challenge or risk you want to take in your faith and career? How do you hope to hone your craft, expand your sphere of influence, s.t.r.e.t.c.h.?

New Challenges

The year is fresh, like a newly paved road before us. As I write this blog, my Christmas and New Year’s season is still filled with family and friends. I haven’t thought through all my writing goals for 2016 yet—I plan to take a few days in early January for a writing retreat—to pray and ask God for insight and wisdom.

However, at this point I know I want to tackle these major challenges.

·        A new action plan is the first challenge. My writing has developed a lot over the last year, and I need a new plan.  I’ll look over what I accomplished in 2015, what didn’t get finished (and why). From there I’ll continue with developing an action plan.

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·        Write Nonfiction in November is another challenge I’ll pursue. I tried it for the first time this last year and it challenged me to focus on just the one project.

·        Using social media more. In the last few years I’ve focused mostly on developing my writing skills. I’ll look at my long range goals for publishing, and what I can do now. Elaine Ingalls Hogg’s article, “A Timeline for a Successful Book Launch” in our 7 Essential Habits of Christian Writers is a valuable resource.

How Gideon’s story can challenge us

This morning I was preparing a Bible study on the life of Gideon (Judges 6-8). I was surprised at how well his story dovetailed with taking on new challenges, and so I share some of my notes with you.

God took Gideon from being a fearful man to one filled with the Holy Spirit. In the beginning, he didn’t know God very well, and fighting against the Midianites seemed impossible. But by the time he faced his enemies, God had given him encouragement, miracles to develop his faith, and strategies to win.

 “(God) calls us to step beyond our capabilities and attempt the impossible, trusting in His all-surpassing strength. If He has called us, He will enable us.” ~ Lloyd John Ogilvie 

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. ~ Albert Einstein

“There are two great words—claim God’s fullness…Dare to act in faith, stepping out in the assurance that you have just what you have claimed. ~ FB Meyer

 Our adequacy “is gained solely as the Spirit fills us and uses our resources for His plan and will.” ~ Bryan Norford

 Scripture provides us with confidence and encouragement. Read and ponder God’s promises as we step into new challenges this year.

 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “The One who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

Judges 6:14: “Go in the strength you have…Am I not sending you?”

Proverbs 16:9 “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.”

2 Corinthians 3:5: “Our qualification comes from God.”

2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Isaiah 43:19 “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wastelands.”

Questions For reflection:

·        Meditate over the question Jesus asked: “What do you want Me to do for you?”

·        In what ways do you want God to empower you? Often these are the points at which the Holy Spirit is pressing you to go beyond your capabilities.

·        What would you attempt if you were sure the Holy Spirit would fill you and enable you?

·        What new steps of faith will you take? What will you risk?

·        Be alert to any unique strategies and life lessons God will give you as you proceed.

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