God. Just that one word calms me, reminds me why I write, and that He is in control, even when everything is spinning the other way. When I worry about what others will think of my book, I remember I am writing for an audience of One. When I worry about juggling work, family, and writing, I remember how many times I have placed my work in His hands and that He has always provided time for me to write without neglecting family or job.
Lately, I have found myself praying to God more about my writing. I now have deadlines, edits that need to be done, marketing, interviews, and websites to set up. Panic starts to set in and my heart beats faster. How am I going to do all this? Then God calmly whispers and reminds me that its not my book at all, it’s a gift He has given me to share with others. I do my best and He will accomplish His will through my work.
I don’t know how other authors do it without God in their lives. How do they face the pressure, the critics, and the self-doubt? I know tough skin is an attribute writers need to develop. But going to my Heavenly Father with my burdens and fears gives me more peace than facing it on my own.
How about you? Are you facing pressure right now as a writer? Or perhaps disappointment? How does God factor into your writing life?
“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Peter 5:7
Well said, Morgan. He is the only one I answer to, especially when criticism or doubt hammer at the door. When I come up with a story idea, I find myself shooting off a quick prayer: “What do you think?”
Right on, but I can’t say I am always aware of what He is doing. Lord, make me more aware of Your mission in my writing!
Bo, I can totally related. Even as a now published writer, I still don’t know what plans God has for my writing. I just try to be faithful with what I do know and leave the results up to Him.
A couple years ago I wrote a post about “writing in the dark”. It was how I viewed my writing. I couldn’t see where my writing would lead, I just knew I had to keep going. I hope to repost that blog sometime in the near future, as an encouragement to others who are feeling the same way 🙂
Thank you Steve. Some days are easier to hand over to God than others. It’s a learning process for me. But when I look to Him and tune out the other voices, I find my confidence again.
“I remember I am writing for an audience of One.”
That’s it right there, Morgan. I framed it and put it on the wall. 🙂