Relatable Voice Magazine published an interview on me regarding my latest book, The Rekindler, and my writings. Click here for a FREE copy of the magazine online.
You can find my interview on pages, 35-37!
Author, Wife, Busy Mom, A Woman after God's Heart.
Relatable Voice Magazine published an interview on me regarding my latest book, The Rekindler, and my writings. Click here for a FREE copy of the magazine online.
You can find my interview on pages, 35-37!
I’m humbled and honored to be “Author of the Week” via https://brand.education/
It was a great honor to share my writing journey and inspire others to live purposefully the way God intended for you.
Hello friends,
I had the pleasure of being a guest on Kristena Mears website. You can check it out her page here. She allowed me to post all things writing and my books.
See below.
Was it a coincidence or divine intervention?
The other day I happen to hear on the radio the song, “It is well,” twice by the same artist. Some would say, “Doesn’t the station have other songs to play?” I might have agreed, but this time, the song has come during a perfect storm in my life. I was moved to heed the nudge from God.
Music has always been my therapy and encourager. Facing this difficult family medical season, I felt comforted in knowing that God is in control even through my sufferings. I hummed the melody all afternoon and suddenly wondered who sings this beautiful song. I first looked up the singer, Kristene DiMarco. Her voice is so soothing. Please watch the video.
Secondly, I’ve often heard the Biblical expression, “It is well with my soul”. Was there any connection with the song? So, I looked up the phrase. What I found was an amazing story of faith in the midst of trial and one woman’s perseverance to overcome her adversity. The story of the Shunammite Woman’s Suffering in 2 Kings 4:8-37.
Here are two resources that break down the meaning behind the story.
A. The Shunammite Woman’s Faith
What I didn’t expect to learn was how the words “It is well with my soul” became lyrics to a song. The author of the hymn was Horatio Gates Spafford. Mr. Spafford was a wealthy Chicago lawyer with real estate holdings along Lake Michigan. He was influential in elite circles and he and his wife, Anna, were also close friends with D.L. Moody, preacher, and founder of the Moody Bible Institute and Moody Press, publications of religious books.
Even with all his wealth and fame, tragedies struck the Spafford family. First, losing their only son, Horatio Jr. to scarlet fever in 1870, his real estate holdings were destroyed in 1871 by the Chicago Fire, and then losing all four of his daughters in a ship collision set for England in 1873. Fortunately, Anna was saved and found floating in the ocean on a plank of wood. After being rescued, she would write her husband a telegram, saying, “saved one”.
How much sorrow can one human endure?
Mr. Spafford later boarded another boat to England to comfort his wife. As the ship sailed across the Atlantic, the captain passed over the same area in which the boat that Anna was on sank, killing his daughters and all 226 passengers. Grief-stricken, Horatio penned the words, “It is well with my soul”.
Read more about Horatio’s life:
Famous hymn composer, Philip Bliss (1838-1876), was so moved by Horatio’s prose, that he composed a peaceful tune to accompany the words. The song was published by Bliss and Sankey, in 1876.
No family is without tragedy. Jesus said…
These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
May your hearts be lifted, your smiles never fade, your generosities never run dry, and your walk of faith never tire. In the end, we will meet our Maker, best be ready when asked…It is well?
Resources:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Kristene+DiMarco&view=detail&mid=19312F40AFB65606DD7419312F40AFB65606DD74&FORM=VIRE&msclkid=f05be8c8c4f611ecb4ca5aeb9b9c69f9
https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/2-Kings-Chapter-4/#8
https://unlockingthebible.org/2019/10/can-say-it-is-well-with-my-soul/?msclkid=ebe82f68c4f711ec9879d55848fcacf0
https://www.compellingtruth.org/DL-Moody.html?msclkid=c5173a4cc4fb11ecb09d4c7245de1bae
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It_Is_Well_with_My_Soul
https://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1801-1900/horatio-spafford-it-is-well-with-my-soul-11633070.html?msclkid=802fdac9c4fd11eca7e8f242f1a9a907
https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/it-is-well-with-my-soul/?msclkid=4e9b92b7c4fe11eca3729fb325ff8659
Do writers retire from writing? I know people retire from their jobs, but can writers stop writing?
These questions have gotten me thinking about my writing future. I’ve published four books in six years, but the actual story-writing time for each novel has spanned a couple of decades. The fruits of my labor have often been delayed, but I still managed to get it completed and in print, that’s the best achievement in my passion for tale-telling.
It amazes me how authors can pump out a book a year, like James Patterson, Danielle Steele, David Baldacci, Jodi Picoult, etc. I’ve heard, and I can’t confirm, that some of these talented published authors have teams of writers. If so, that is terrific, their name and style of writing is an attractive niche for many readers.
I don’t know how I’d handle the pressure of producing a book every six months to a year, never having experienced it. Some will tell me to suck it up and say, writing for publication isn’t a hobby, but a real business with money-making potential. I believe that too, however, what I’ve learned is that real story successes start with an awesome storyline and a good backing by agents and publishing houses. One of my favorite success stories of independent publishing is on William Paul Young, author of “The Shack”. What began as a Christmas gift to his kids, ended up being passed along to friends and then strangers, and then publication. Watch the interview here.
I’ve been writing since I was fourteen years old, and professionally as an adult the last ten years (blogging, book reviews, short stories, etc.), including my first publication in 2014. As an independently published author, I don’t have agents or publishing houses giving me deadlines. This can be good or bad depending on how you look at it because I have to manage my own time.
I’ll digress a moment, in my previous profession as an Instructional Designer; I also trained corporate employees on Time Management. I’ve incorporated those tools I taught to keep myself accountable when I’m writing; it’s not an easy task. So, my writing pace is slower, as my priority is raising my children. Would I like to dedicate more time to writing? Heck, yes! And include more reading time too!
Life has a way of throwing curves. I’ve had a few changes in the past and present that have stopped me short of moving beyond the roadblocks. When it happens, I question my dreams and aspirations. I’m not one to give up easily, but when my burdens become bigger than what I can handle, I wonder if it’s time to reevaluate the road I’ve been traveling on. Which brings me back to the second question at the beginning of this post? Can a writer stop writing? Some will argue that writers are born with the gift of writing; others will disagree and say that it is a learned passion. In both cases, if the writer stops, aren’t they squashing their devotion for the written word?
“I have two addictions/passions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.”
Without my writing gift, I believe I am nothing because the world says so until I read a scripture verse in the Bible about gifts. The three greatest gifts are Faith, Hope, and Love. Love is the greatest gift of all to another. See 1 Corinthians 13:13.
I am more than my writing because God says so in the following scriptures:
Luke 12:7 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.
Mathew 10: 30 – But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
1 John 4:16 – And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.
1 John 4: 19 – We love Him because He first loved us.
I guess the question is… Would it matter to ME if I didn’t write anymore? Hmm… only I can answer this.
References:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A13&version=NKJV
https://outreachmagazine.com/interviews/20995-the-shack-movie.htmlhttps://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/the-story-behind-william-paul-youngs-best-seller-the-shack-video
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+13%3A13&version=NKJV
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shack
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood from Pexels
Today, I’d like to share a post for all authors desiring to share their work to the world. This includes those writers who are new, experienced, and hobbyists.
Brian Feinblum has over 30 years of book marketing experience, and having helped thousands of authors, one earns an appearance on the YouTube channel of The Toronto Business Journal!
Kick back and get 60 minutes of book marketing advice and strategies, book publicity tips, and insider insights into book publishing from someone who has helped several mega best-selling, celebrity authors –and many first-time, self-published, unknown authors.
Wait no further, click here for the informative interview.
For more info on Brian, his blogs, or how to get in touch with him, click here to go to the BookMarketingBuzzBlog page.
The worst thing that can happen to a writer is becoming “blocked” in their writings. If you do a search on “overcoming writer’s block” on the internet, you’ll find almost five million results.
What about writer’s burnout? I did a search and found over thirty-nine million results. That’s extraordinary. In my author circles, being blocked seems to supersede burnout. It looks like I may be wrong according to the web or maybe nobody wants to talk about “burnout” because that would mean you’ve failed or are a quitter.
Thinking of the difference between blocked and burnout has led me to do additional research.
I bring this subject up only because I needed to find the distinction between “blocked” and “burnout”. I’ve written about writer’s block, see:
This however is different. I’m coming off my 4th book release, “She Made It Matter”. I did blogs, podcasts, interviews, and then the holidays hit, and now here we are almost at the end of January, and I’m utterly exhausted. I’m at a loss and desire to reinvent myself with other writing projects, and I’m struggling in finding other means of promoting my book.
My home life has been a bit chaotic too; my kids are doing both eLearning and hybrid (in-person learning), and there has been many stressors affecting my creativity. So, I thought I had writer’s block, as I’ve been having difficulty writing anything. But now, I realize it might be burnout.
“Burnout can be defined as a loss of enthusiasm, energy, idealism, perspective, and purpose; it has been described as trying to run a marathon at full speed.”― Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Ph.D.
So, I made a list of my issues plaguing my creative juices:
I found that that the biggest factors were #1 and #5.
I was having trouble saying “no” and accepting things when my plate was overflowing, and therefore wasn’t doing what I really wanted to do, and even take care of myself. Too many distractions and noise was crowding my life.
One of my favorite quotes is this:
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” ― Henry David Thoreau
I’m feeling I need to go into the woods right now and do a little living deliberately. I often tell people that my two biggest addictions are reading and writing. I explain it this way…
“I have two addictions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.”
So, what can I do to re-energize myself?
I also need to give myself grace to slow down and not always be doing things to please others. And maybe, just maybe, I can get into writing again.
I ran across something interesting: “give my busy mind a vacation.”
That sounds really good right now. A mind vacation. I think that’s what I need. Hmm…no need to reflect on it further.
Have you felt burnout in writing? What did you do? I’d love to hear your best practices.
Until next time…
Be well. Be safe. Be happy.
Resources
How to Overcome Writer’s Burnout (thewritepractice.com)
4 Effective Ways to Beat Writer’s Burnout | Positive Writer
Burnout for Writers | Psychology Today
Burnout Quotes (102 quotes) (goodreads.com)
Writer’s Burnout: Causes, Conditions, and Cures | Two Drops of Ink: A Literary Blog
Writer’s Burnout—it’s really real – BennettInk.com
18 Tips to Overcome Writer’s Burnout | WTD (writetodone.com)
Donald J. Trump wrote “The Art of the Deal,” I’m a writer whose penned tall tales while trying to stay real and true to my writing.
We can agree that this 2020 year has been interesting. For those of us publishing books whether it’s been via traditional publishers, or like me, indie publishing, things have certainly been more challenging.
Reading is up. Statistics will tell us. See References below.
I’ve been reading a lot more too while preparing my latest release, “She Made It Matter”. An Inspirational/Christian drama about one woman’s fight to regain sobriety, find salvation, and earn forgiveness after years of guilt from being abandoned by her mother and then losing her brother to cancer, a struggle to vanquish the demons of her past and make her life right again.
And, since I’ve had the time, I’ve also been experimenting with a lot more tools and resources to get exposure for my book. Will it help? I don’t know. Time will tell.
Any published author will also tell you that promotion and marketing are the most challenging of responsibilities when it comes to publishing. I’m normally a shy person, but I’ve had to dig really deep to find my courage and push myself beyond the limits to “seize the moment”.
Here are a few takeaways and things I did on my social media platforms that may help a fellow author or two:
I’ve talked to myself and to my computer camera more than I’ve wanted to. Lol! But, I believe the best conversations are with yourself, anyway.
So, I’ve put myself out there. I’ve tripped up and stumbled on those videos, but I’ve still kept them true to its form because I’m not a “Hollywood” star, or a renowned bestselling author. “… I’m just a ‘nobody’ who uses storytelling to encourage others to find their purpose and save their souls.”
The reality is, like my characters who are flawed, and because I write realistic drama with an inspirational/Christian flare, I too, am flawed and broken. I want my readers to know that I’m a real person. And, writing is not glamourous work. For me, it’s dutiful, inspiring, life changing, and adventurous.
I often tell people that I have two addictions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet for my communication with imaginary friends.
I am the communication tool to share and showcase my characters. If they influence readers to be better versions of themselves, then why not? If my writing directs someone to open up their Bible, then so be it. If my writing only touches the few, then I’ve done my job. I write for an audience of ONE, my savior, Jesus Christ. He gave me the gift of storytelling, and I am obliged to honor that.
So, if anything I’ve learned during Coronavirus and quarantine is that I can take chance. I can RESTART just where I am. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.
So, fellow writes/authors/readers don’t be afraid to be REAL. The world is full of fakes and falsities already.
If only everyone WOULD BE real.
Music inspiration for this post: Mandisa, “What if we were real”.
Until next time…
Be well. Be safe. Be happy.
References:
If you are interested in buying the book, click here. Available wherever books are sold.
https://www.amazon.com/Trump-Art-Deal-Donald-J-ebook/dp/B000SEGE6M
https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/july/state-of-bible-reading-coronavirus-barna-abs.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-52048582
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/movie-maker-10-free/9mvfq4lmz6c9?activetab=pivot:overviewtab
She Made It Matter book trailer
I almost passed it up driving south on Oak toward downtown Bartlett. Turning back, I pulled onto a blacktop drive and parked in front of the Bartlett Coin Shop.
The Booklady’s Book Attic was situated on the corner of a house which was also occupied by a women’s fashion boutique, Little Shop on Oak.
At the entrance, I hesitated a bit before turning the knob. You see, I’m a sucker for bookstores and even though I couldn’t resist going in, there was this exciting apprehension surging through my body of discovering the unknown behind the steel-framed door.
When I pulled open the door, a long, brown staircase greeted me. To the right, stood a black rolling cart with numerous books, all organized by height. A colorful sign announced that the books were $1.00 each. On my left, there was a bronze stand with three rows of books. These were the free copies.
I placed my booted shoe on the first step. It creaked as I began my ascent up the stairs. The walls were painted an egg-shell white, and brightly colored sticky notes of testimonials and customer signatures, provided a warm accent in the vestibule.
At the first landing, hand-crafted fishing signs hung from the wall. And, when I reached the top floor, a small, dark brown and beige-topped wooden desk stood in front of crowded shelves of books, toy figurines, and store advertisements.
The surroundings felt familiar and homey to me. Having worked at a Barnes and Noble bookstore, the smell of wood, leather, and cardboard boxes filled my senses. A radio played light rock music in the background.
My heart began to beat with excitement. This was my territory. Books, books, and books.
A memory suddenly materialized in my mind. It was the summer of 2002, and my husband and I had taken a long weekend vacation to San Francisco. While exploring Fisherman’s Wharf, we ended up walking onto Columbus Ave. to experience the many Italian restaurants and sit “al fresco” for a double-shot of espresso. Dizzy from people-watching, we continued our trek further up Columbus where we happened to stumble upon a bookstore called City Lights Booksellers & Publishers.
Strolling into the retailer, it was as if I had been transported to another time period—a very different time. This bookstore has been a literary meeting place since 1953. City Lights is a landmark general bookstore, internationally known for its expert selection of books and for its commitment to free intellectual inquiry.
I later researched City Lights. It was founded by poet/author, Laurence Ferlinghetti and Peter D. Martin (who left two years later). Mr. Ferlinghetti is the author of many works, including, poetry, translations, fiction, theatre, art criticism, and film narration, but his most famous written work was “A Coney Island of the Mind”—a collection of poetry published in 1958.
City Lights also became a famous hangout for many authors but especially Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, and William S. Burroughs who frequented the establishment and started what became the “Beat Generation”. City Lights has also been named as one of the top ten independent bookstores in America.
The floors were worn and uneven, the air was dusty and I must have sneezed at least twenty times, but the place was filled with the most eccentric/eclectic books I have ever thumbed through. I shivered with pleasure.
Ah yes, when I close my eyes, I can still picture the dust particles dancing in the air.
But, I digress. Back at the Booklady’s Book Attic, my eyes glanced about, taking in this little book store in what resembled an oversized attic, hence the name.
There was so much to see, I didn’t know where to look first. And, I have to admit, I was the experiencing the same exhilaration of City Lights—beating heart and sweaty palms, and mind you, I hadn’t even browsed any of the books.
The cluttered hallway beckoned me. There were stacks of books: books on the floor, books in boxes, and books in different color bags.
The Proprietor, Ms. Pam, enthusiastically greeted me. We got to chatting. I told her about my published books. Pam is also a great supporter of all local writers. Thank you, Pam!
Here we are pictured together…
She’s been at this location for about two years. Previously, this space was formerly occupied by accountants, contractors, a flooring business, and meeting room rentals. However, prior to the various businesses, this property has had some history of its own. According to Pam and a little investigating on my own (watch out Magnum P.I.), this “house” currently located at 138 S. Oak was once referred to as Block 2, lot 9-10.
Thanks to the Bartlett History Museum, here’s an abbreviated rundown of some its history…
Caption: Here’s a picture of the Stumpf family. Historical information and image provided by the Bartlett History Museum, Bartlett, IL. To learn more about Bartlett history visit, go to: www.villageofbartlettmuseums.org.
But, now it is Pam’s book haven. She is a connoisseur of novel genres who is putting her imprint on her own history and preserving a dying brick and mortar business of bookselling.
The floor creaks; it’s pretty tight—watch for the angled/sloping ceilings. There are secret doors, and maybe even some ghosts lurking around—ask Pam about “Mr. Poe”.
Above all else, there are books for all ages with shelves overflowing with stories that defy time. So many classics; new and old, and forgotten books, to peruse and enjoy. This place is for the book enthusiast….
Just read what some of the patrons have said about the Booklady’s Book Attic from her Facebook page (see link below under References).
The testimonials themselves speak volumes as to the care that Ms. Pam has taken for every author’s written word.
This store is everything I would want and more! Great service, awesome selection, great prices, and Pam gives back and helps others. I will always support someone with a heart like hers!
I finally stopped in at the BookLady’s Book Attic after driving past it everyday on my way to work. What an amazing shop!! A great selection of books that should appeal to everyone! I was particularly impressed by the large and interesting collection of children’s and young adult books. Pam is super friendly and was really great to talk to. I can’t wait to visit again!
Truly a charming and must-see little shop in downtown Bartlett. There are a wide variety of books in all genres and for all-ages available, all in perfect shape and at rock-bottom prices. The owner is probably one of the most friendly people you will ever meet.
This place is amazing!! I feel in love from the moment I walked in, I was in book heaven!!! Pam is super friendly and so easy to approach. My girls loved getting all their new books and can’t wait to go back.”
I hope you get to visit this place. If so, tell Pam I sent you.
Booklady’s Book Attic
138 S. Oak Ave.
Bartlett, IL.
Until next time…
Be well. Be safe. Be happy.
A few weeks ago, I launched my second book, Petrella, the Gillian Princess. A middle-grade fairy tale aimed at children between the ages of eight to thirteen. It was supposed to be what I call my “interim” book. A filler book before my full-length, Women’s Fiction, Make it Right; Make it Matter.
I thought this book would have been a three-to-four month project with a hired illustrator, and some minor tweaks of a story that I had written back in 2012 for an anthology book, but it never made the cut. Instead, it turned out to be much, much more.
In fact, I resurrected the story, late 2014, for my daughters—a little gem for them. I began working on smoothing out the storyline. I was bored. I had just launched my debut Christian Romance, Love’s Perfect Surrender, and was doing author events, but I was itching to write again.
And so, I started rereading it; several times to myself and then to my daughters, hired a professional editor, and put together a launch team of readers. Forty-seven versions later, I completed Petrella, the Gillian Princess.
During the last three weeks before the reveal, I worked well into the night, finalizing the story, sending out communication, setting up distribution channels, and marketing the release of the story.
(I can attest. This is the rigorous process of an Indie Author. Wearing multiple hats and handling all aspects of writing and promotion for each and every book, he/she wants to publish.)
Exhausted and fatigued, and sometimes delirious, I plugged away at completing this project to the best I knew how. I made a commitment to myself and my daughters, and I was going to accomplish it no matter what. So, why did I put myself through such emotional stress for a just a 96-page tale?
In a recent interview with Mundus Media Ink, whom I used to help me convert my book into paperback and ebook format, I had this to say about my writing passion:
“I write for the euphoric desire and need to transfer spiraling thoughts into words that move people emotionally, physically, and spiritually. I love taking everyday life situations and circumstances that people encounter, struggle and conquer, and turn it into creative storylines.”
On my website’s Welcome page, I say…
“People often ask me what it’s like to write. I tell them the effect of living and breathing your character’s lives is like immersing yourself underwater for an indefinite amount of time. Time being the key word. When I know I’ve captured all the details required, that’s when I come up for air. You got to have a good set of lungs to be a writer.”
On my About page of my website, this is the root reason for writing…
“I have two addictions: reading and writing. I feel restless and empty when I can’t read fiction, write my deepest thoughts in my journal, or even write down story ideas. Writing calms me, centers me, and provides a healthy outlet to my communication of imaginary friends.”
I can’t explain it, but I got to think that the fastest Marathon runners like Dennis Kimetto and Emmanuel Mutai, Olympians like Michael Phelp, renowned scientists like Albert Einstein, and inventors like Steve Jobs, would understand about passion, going beyond to find solutions, experiencing hopelessness when something goes wrong, and wondering, where do you go next when you’ve accomplished the highest record achievable?
I can’t break world records in running or swimming; I am definitely not a scientist; and I really haven’t invented anything. But, I can personally understand “post-partum” emotion. Growing and nurturing something inside me, talking to it, feeling the heartbeat and kicks, and going through all sorts of sensations for nine months, not really seeing what that “final” creation looks like, but loving it, no less. Even though, seeing your baby live when it is born is the most awesome, blessed miracle; it’s just not the point here. Keep reading (wink…wink)
Which leads me to this…
Petrella, the Gillian Princess was released to the world on November 23rd, 2016, two weeks later from my original launch date. A story dedicated to my daughters who were the inspiration behind the main characters: Princess Petrella, King Hermas, and Finerd.
Oh, the many nights of conversation I had in my head with all my characters. And now, poof…Done. No more tweaking or changing the storyline. Conversations ceasing altogether because they’ve been documented, transcribed, and are now printed.
And so, right after the book launched, I felt myself plummet into a dark hole of isolation, realizing this ugly feeling of finality.
Going online, I did a Google search on “Writer Depression/Why Writers are Depressed?” I discovered there were over thirteen million hits on the key words.
I started reading up on well-known writers who have suffered depression during their writing career. A few are listed here.
I then started researching ways to overcome these dark feelings. And I learned the importance of …
We are in the last month of the year. Lots to do and accomplish. I’m a little burnt out of writing and have reluctantly decided to give myself time to relax (hard to do as I am a type “A” personality), celebrate having written and published two books, and do a little of selling/promo for Petrella, the Gillian Princess. Importantly, I want to focus on the Advent Season/Christmas.
I have two projects waiting in the wings. A short-story, a Dystopian-type tale that I had written back in 2007 which I want to resurrect again. And, a Woman’s fiction in which I have a ton of edits to work through. At this point, I am not sure when I’ll start those projects. Time will tell. I need to pause.
One of my favorite up and coming Country singers these days is Brett Eldredge. A fellow Illinoian and Cubs fan too, I had the joy of seeing him perform live in October with Keith Urban.
His song, “Wanna Be” is a perfect anthem for where I am with writing these days. It’s a song probably better suited for weddings, but none-the-less, I’ll make it my own.
It’s my muse to the Lord that I “wanna be” that messenger of words for Him. He has given me a gift of writing and I must surrender to accomplishing that task. I “wanna be” that writer for my readers—by writing stories about people who struggle with decisions and conflicts that arise in their lives. Things that we can all relate to. And, I “wanna be” that role-model for my daughters—tell honest and compelling stories, show them what it takes to work hard and persevere, and never give up for the right cause.
Because in the end…this is what sums it up. “When you’re standing in the moment, every life has a sound track…” Every character has a voice, an action, and thought.
I don’t know what the next chapter of my life is going to be, but I now understand (finally, after two books), that it’s okay to grieve when I finish a book, and that I can slowly begin to wean myself from the story and let it flourish—Just like a newborn baby, there is a need to let it become.
“Sometimes it’s the unseen experience that helps one understand the seen potential.”
If you or someone you love is experiencing feelings of depression or isolation, please contact:
Resources:
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=urgent_crisis_hotline
http://www.alternativedepressiontherapy.com/free-hotlines.html
http://www.depression-chat-rooms.org/depression-helplines.htm
References:
http://www.runnersworld.com/newswire/the-worlds-fastest-marathons-and-marathoners.
http://www.biography.com/people/michael-phelps-345192.
http://listverse.com/2009/02/24/top-10-most-influential-scientists/.
http://www.biography.com/people/steve-jobs-9354805
http://www.everydayhealth.com/depression/why-writers-are-prone-to-depression-6709.aspx
http://www.elizabethmoon.com/writing-depression.html
https://mythicscribes.com/writing-life/writers-and-depression/
http://www.writingandwellness.com/2016/11/08/why-writers-feel-depressed-and-how-to-deal/
https://mishaherwin.wordpress.com/2016/01/25/why-writers-get-depressed/
© 2024 Chiara Talluto
Theme by Anders Noren — Up ↑