The Themes They Are A-Changin' by Lynn Dove

It started during the night as a tightening, then a squeezing pain in my right calf.  I knew right away I had another blood clot, a DVT.  I hobbled down the stairs and broke the news to my husband that he'd better take me to the emergency room. 

He groaned, "Are you sure?"

"Quite sure," I winced while struggling to put on my shoes. 

Having a family history of DVT's, cancer, and diagnosed with another clotting disorder, the odds were in my favour to get blood clots at some time in my life, and sure enough, I have experienced deep vein thrombosis three times before this one.  As we drove in silence to the hospital, I could feel the anxiety well up in me.  Times had changed in our world.  We were still in the middle of a pandemic, and I wondered what new protocols might be in place to address my current situation and also to keep me safe from contracting the virus.  I wore a mask, as has been my new normal while I've been out and about the last several weeks, but I was given a new one the instant I walked into the emergency department.  The nurses were in full PPE (personal protective equipment), but their eyes seemed friendly enough.  Both my husband and I were told to sanitize our hands, and wait, keeping socially distant from anyone else in the waiting room.  At least the waiting part was very familiar to us.  It was a full day spent at the hospital, waiting on medical tests to confirm what I already knew, I had a DVT in my right leg.  I was sent home with my prescription for blood thinner pills and a new referral to the Thrombosis Clinic. 

All last year, I had documented my battle with endometrial cancer on my blog, Journey Thoughts.  I certainly had not intended at the start of 2019, that the theme of my writing for most of that year, would be focused on my personal journey with cancer, but life events have a way of determining what I write about.  When my kids were teenagers, I wrote about bullying, based on what they were experiencing at school.  When I was teaching, I wrote about my classroom experiences.  As a grandmother now, I write about my growing family.  My personal walk of faith with God has always been a part of my writing, interwoven throughout like a reoccurring colourful thread.  As life has its ebb and flow, or in my case giant U-turns, my writing gives account to all the highs and lows of daily living and walking with God through it all.

It is no wonder that the last several months, my writing has documented some of the challenges I've faced living through a global pandemic.  Three months ago I never used the terms, social distancing, cohort family, or global pandemic.  I never wore a mask, nor imagined a time when people would be forced to stand two metres apart, or unable to hug loved ones, or discover no toilet paper on grocery store shelves.  I thought I faced a "new normal" after my battle with cancer?  I'm still trying to figure out how to follow arrows in supermarkets to ensure we can pick up milk in a safe and orderly manner!

In the last two weeks, I have seen demonstrations held world-wide, to bring awareness to the systemic racism that pervades our society.  It has sensitized me on how I can write in such a way that shows my empathy without offending anyone.  It hasn't been easy.  I want to stay relevant in my writing, but admittedly, there are just some themes and topics I am uncomfortable in tackling.  So I pray instead, and hope my Saviour groans and intercedes on my behalf, hearing my heart when words fail me.

I've spent the past week with my leg elevated, waiting for the blood thinners to cut in.  Only today have I been able to sit at length in front of my computer to blog.  As I reflect on all the events that have occurred world wide, as well as process my own personal experiences over these past few years, I know my writing is in perpetual metamorphosis.  What I write about today, will not be what I write about a year from now,... maybe not even a week from now.  I'm okay with that.  I do pray I will be writing less and less about my ongoing medical issues, because it's a pain.  Literally.  All I can say with great certainty going forward is, "The Themes They are A-Changin'".

  
Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com   

Redeem the Time by Lynn Dove

It has been nearly ten weeks since Alberta, and the rest of Canada, went into imposed lock down due to the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic.  My husband and I have been sequestered away in our home, following all the health and safety protocols, and taking even extra precautions due to my compromised immunity after my cancer treatments last year.  The first week of quarantine, I actually luxuriated in the isolation.  I enjoyed the no-guilt feeling of not needing to do anything.  Nothing was expected of me, there were no schedules to follow, no activities to attend, and my time was my own.  I did what I suspect a lot of people did during the first couple of weeks of isolation; I thoroughly cleaned every nook and cranny of my home!  I had to reacquaint myself with my vacuum cleaner, but was thankful the lady who had faithfully cleaned my house while I underwent chemo and radiation, had stockpiled enough cleaning supplies so I could clean my home again at my own pace.  I was grateful that I had my energy back to do the cleaning tasks once again.  I did a little bit each day, going room to room, cleaning out closets and drawers, and re-organizing everywhere.  When I got tired, I stopped, knowing I had the luxury of time to complete whatever I had started the day before.  There was no need to hurry because no one was expected to visit, so the house could be in a state of uproar, and I felt no panic to set it all aright for company.  In those first two weeks, I enjoyed the freedom of time.  There was no pressure, nothing on the calendar, and I enjoyed the slow-down.  I had planned to spend a little time each day to write, but I got so involved in the daily cleaning tasks, I procrastinated with writing.  There would be time for writing after the cleaning was done, I told myself.

The third and fourth weeks of self-isolating, I discovered there was not one thing in my entire house that needed dusting.  The kitchen was immaculate, and I lamented that no one could see it.  How proud my children would have been of me!  I have never been a Martha Stewart type, ask anyone!  I have literally had cobwebs on my vacuum-cleaner!  I don't enjoy dusting and vacuuming, and I have basically the same repertoire of tried and true meals I cycle through each month.  I don’t really have a great talent for cooking or baking, but during this season of Covid, I’ve tried some new recipes, and my husband has been greatly pleased. While I attempted new culinary fare, I continued to procrastinate with writing.  There would be time for writing after the cooking and baking was done, I told myself.

I fully intended to walk every day, weather permitting, during these weeks of quarantine.  I wasn’t going to let self-isolating get in the way of pursuing some fitness goals.  After all, I had all the time in the world now to walk and do some exercising from the comfort of my own home.  Here in Alberta, we have been in the deep freeze far longer than the rest of Canada, so initially it was easy to blame the weather to avoid exercising.  Then, I was caught up in the cleaning mode, followed by the cooking and baking mode.  The weather improved, but I still put off walking.  My best friend sent me a text on May 1^st that read: “I need to social distance myself from my refrigerator so I can flatten my curves!”  I laughed, but had to admit, my husband and I have accumulated some isolation ponch over these many weeks.  We’ve spent an inordinate amount of time watching T.V., binge-watching Star Trek mostly.  I dream of places now where no one has gone before, so I can go outside one day and not worry about physical distancing!  I still procrastinate with writing.  There will be time for writing after the binge-watching is done, I tell myself.

During the last few weeks of forced confinement, I have noticed that my house needs to be dusted and vacuumed again.  I find myself not motivated to take on the task.  My house is tidy and clean.  I can live with it.  There’s ample time to deep clean in this extended lockdown.  No hurry, I tell myself. 

What I wouldn’t give to go out to a restaurant again?  I complain.  Home-cooking is losing its appeal.   We order take-out for the third time in a week.  I scroll through the Netflix offerings again, and turn the T.V. off.  I’ve lost interest, or maybe I’ve seen it all now.  I pick up a book, but even that favoured pastime does not hold my interest long.  I try to write, but it is a tedious and frustrating exercise.  I blame writer’s block, but that would be false.  I am easily distracted, and I stare at a blank screen on my computer trying to find the words to express my thoughts and end up watching videos on YouTube, or playing mindless computer games, or immerse myself again in the daily news reports about the global pandemic.  The tedium of being confined to my house is wearing on me.  I miss my kids, I long for hugs from my grandchildren.  The weather may be improving, but I am still not taking advantage of it like I should so when my husband suggests going for a long drive, I am only too happy to go!  There will be time for writing after the drive, I tell myself.  

This morning (May 15th), I looked at my blank calendar, and suddenly I remembered I have a writing deadline!  I’m supposed to write a post for the InScribe Writer’s Online blog.  I cannot procrastinate.  I am running out of time to get it posted on time!  I don’t panic, I just start writing.  The words flow freely, and I am caught up in the joyous exercise of writing.  As I write, I think I have found the motivation I need during these remaining weeks of isolation.  I need deadlines, I need schedules, I need time-lines!  It is an epiphany for me, something I never thought I would be grateful for: the lack of time!

I must redeem the time!

Time is a gift from God, and none of us know how much of it we are allotted.  I realize I have wasted many long days doing things at home during this pandemic that have no lasting eternal value.  It is not a bad thing to want to cook and clean, or go for long walks or drives, but I confess none of those activities give me great, long-lasting joy.  Psalm 51 comes to mind: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me…” (vs. 10-12)  I realize I have lost my ministry focus over these past weeks.  I have allowed time-wasting distractions to determine how I spend my days, rather than embrace this time to draw even closer to God.  I realize, and I hope not too late, that I must be more purposeful to seek His direction with my writing, so I might encourage others, and share the Gospel during this time of Covid-19.  I may have pressed a “pause” button on my writing, the last several weeks, but I’m ready to resume now.

All I need now is more time!

“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”  Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”  (Ephesians 5:14-17)

Lynn Dove is the award-winning author, of the YA “Wounded Trilogy”- a contemporary Christian fiction series with coming-of-age themes.  A wife, mom, grandmother, and free-lance writer with articles published in several magazines and anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her blog, “Journey Thoughts” is a Canadian Christian Writing Award winner.  Readers may connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and at lynndove.com   

8 Strategies for Writing in the Cracks of Time by Sandi Somers

“There is a crack in everything. That’s how light gets in.”

Leonard Cohen

When I initially planned this blog theme last fall, I was thinking of how, along with our other responsibilities, we can discover cracks of time in which to hone our craft.

However, Covid-19 has shed a different light on our lifestyle and writing. With this in mind, I’ve given strategies from authors (including our own InScribe writers)-- strategies to inspire us and illumine God’s intentions for us during this time.

~ ~ ~

Cracks of time for writing may have narrowed as parents simultaneously homeschool children, keep toddlers busy, work from home, and live with more congestion in the house.

Jane Austin wrote at a table in the midst of a busy household and hid her manuscript papers when visitors arrived.  Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin with children on her knee.

Sometimes creativity involves adaptation. When important ideas come, “grab the moment”, and write in the thick of your congestion.

~ ~ ~

For other writers who are living alone, a restriction in normal activities may provide extended time and opportunities to write. Think of John Bunyan who wrote his famous Pilgrim’s Progress in prison. It was a gift to the world which at one time sold more copies than any other book except the Bible.  

In challenges we can discover opportunities. As Winston Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

~ ~ ~

Whatever our situation, small cracks of time may appear. A nineteenth-century doctor in Britain began writing short stories while waiting for patients. He later won success with his first novel, A Study in Scarlet in 1887. The author was Arthur Conan Doyle of the now-famous Sherlock Holmes novels.

Closer to home, Carol Shields wrote while her children were at school. She reflected: "The first novel I wrote entirely between 11:00 and 12:00 every day just before the kids came home for lunch…I set myself a little task which was to write two pages a day. Now it takes me all day to write two pages. Then I could squeeze it into one hour."

Success depends on quality, not quantity, of time to write. Your writing in small cracks of time may lead to your dream novel, memoir, or a collection on a theme.

~ ~ ~

Covid-19 has brought loss of privacy and routine. Greater losses include a loved one, a job, or even health. During this time, some can only journal, or maybe not even write at all. In my writing group, several members are journalling “pandemic diaries”, adding photos and drawings. They plan to resume regular writing later.    

Your journals contain valuable treasures. Processing your experiences and emotions will bring catharsis, clarity, and healing. You'll also have great notes for later articles. 

~ ~ ~

In a crisis, many people volunteer to help. Neighbours ask how others are doing—and volunteer to get groceries or run errands. The Calgary Fire Department is conducting a “Birthday Brigade,” driving a fire truck to a person’s home to celebrate a birthday.

One of my projects has been to write letters and cards to great-nephews and nieces who are now being homeschooled. In their letters, they tell me what life and homeschooling are like. This exchange also gives them practice in letter writing skills and written communication.  

Others are writing more on social media. In her blog, It’s a Beautiful Life, Brenda Leyland has been sharing excerpts from her book collection as “a contribution to create community in isolation.” 

Cracks let in beautiful light. Your life and spirits are lifted as you use your gifts to support and sustain others. 

~ ~ ~

Our spiritual welfare may suffer when life throws us out of balance. “The enemy has tried to rob us of time with God,” wrote Tracy Krauss in an earlier blog.

Tracy shared her advice: “Take back your right to time with God and you will be surprised at how 'balanced' the rest of your life will become…Honour God with the BEST of your time and He will honour you by multiplying what's left.”

~ ~ ~

We may also be renewed spiritually. As we spend time with God, He will give us directions for writing. Ruth Snyder dreamed of all she could accomplish if she could write full-time. But then she reflected, “What a luxury it would be to have no limitation on time spent reading my Bible, praying, worshiping, and just being quiet in God's presence. I think my writing would be more focused.”

Make writing and other life priorities an ongoing conversation between you and God, and let God guide you daily and weekly.

~ ~ ~

In our time when our focus shifts, can we surrender our writing to God? Sharon Heagy blogged, “Shall I surrender each project and each turn of phrase? What about the balls of wadded paper sitting in the trash basket and the bricks from the wall of writer’s block? Shall I surrender them too, hoping to glorify His name but also to allow Him to mould me into a vessel for His purposes?

As Sharon suggested: Surrender this moment in time, ourselves and our writing to God, and let His purposes “pour over (us) like a healing, restorative balm.”

~ ~ ~

Image by induced.info

As we surrender our lives and writing to God, we can trust His promise to, guide us, satisfy our needs and strengthen us (Isaiah 58:11). For this and for everything, let us praise Him. 

And as Brenda Leyland once wrote, “may spaces for writing open in those unexpected moments so that your writerly heart may flourish.”

For reflection:

What is your normal (non-Covid) system for writing in the cracks?

How is God challenging you to lean into writing opportunities during this pandemic?

What encouragement can you give our/your readers, both for this time and for the longer span of their writing lives?