Serious Wednesday: The Break Thru...

I saw online today where a woman felt God called her to write on a certain subject, but the words wouldn't come. She was struggling whether to give it up and questioning whether she'd mistook her feelings. 

Should she give up the idea? What to do?

Much like my post last Wednesday, most, if not all, writers, come to that stage at times. It's called a plateau where nothing comes, no next word, no next idea, no next scene, and so and so. It's a most miserable place to be. 

But you can...

Here are a few ideas of what may help you break free from that plateau:

• Reread what writing you've done. Sometimes that will prompt you on to another thought.
• Talk to another writer, your critique partner, or your editor. If they have the experience, they'll be able to provide the encouragement you need to move on. They may even have a suggestion or two that will get you through the tunnel of darkness into your writing light.
• Take a break. If you're overwhelmed, tired, stressed, etc., some rest will renew your strength mentally and physically. 
• Try going at that writing project a different way. Do some research on a particular topic you're bringing into your writing. Make a list of different items in your work. What about the plot? Check to see if it's progressing the way you need it to go? Check out your characters and see if they're holding true to your initial creation of them. Do they need improvement? There are all kinds of ways to go through your work. You'll find it will be stronger.
• Try working on something new. Sometimes when you come back to the original work, you'll feel more relaxed and stronger to have a go at it.
• Allow yourself to take a break. Life happens, and nothing is more important than keeping your sanity and health, both physically and spiritually.
• Last, pray. Trust God when you don't know how to proceed, what to write, which way to turn. He has your roadmap, and will not leave you stranded. You'll get through this just as I did last week. You'll be all the better for the pause in your writing life! 

The Sun Will Rise!

Nerves!


Upset stomach.
Trembling hands.
Dread.
Fear.
Unknown people.
Anticipation.
Excitement.
Traveling.
Money.
Meetings.

It's time to talk conference. Writing conference, that is. Registration begins this week and already my stomach is feeling the effects.

Some may very well ask: Is it going to do any good, spending the money and all that time?

Yes.
And no.

More exposure.
A chance to talk to editors again. There were five that showed interest enough to ask me to submit last year. Sigh. And although I've not heard from any I've submitted to -- yet! Remember, it takes them several months (years?) ususally -- if I poke my face in their faces enough, maybe I'll catch their attention. If my writing is good enough. Sigh. Again.
A chance to check out agents again. I might not be quite ready for one, but who knows when I could use a good one. . .
A time to pow wow with other writers. To strengthen my ties with people of my calling. To learn from those in the know--whether editors, agents, authors, or just the unpublished. To receive encouragement and confirmation that, yes, I am doing what I'm suppose to be doing. To wait on God's word to me . . .

Money? Time? Hard Work? Yes to all of it. But is it worth it? Uh huh. Yep. Sure is.



ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1. Watch for Teresa Slack's interview coming up next week -- June 8th. She's got a new book coming out soon.
   
2. Big Father's Day contest June 12--15th. Keep those eyes peeled!
   

Want to do more, Dad? Here's a few ideas that will make you a definite part:

1. Remember she has to look after the child nearly all day long, and the strain of this can get her down if you don't lend a hand when you get home.

2. Make a point of listening carefully to what your partner has to say about the child and discussing the child with her.

3. Take an equal interest in parents meetings, and in the books and pamphlets that are available.

4. See that you have plenty of family outings so that your child has interesting things to talk about.

Today I'm asking you a "writing" trivia question. See if you know what it means:
POV What do these letters stand for in a writer's world? Here are three answers. Choose one.

1. Person over vexed. (Person -- writer -- stressed out way too much.)
2. People over valued. (Using characters too much.)
3. Point of view. (The way a character reacts, etc.)



Quote:
Persistent people begin their success where others end in failure. -- Edward Eggleston


Blessings