I also listen to music like Mariah Carey’s “Hero”, just for the lyric, “Lord knows, dreams are hard to follow. But don’t let anyone tear them away”. Corny, but it helps.

To help me stay “wholesome” I remember WHY I’m writing for the middle grade age group. To give them something good to read and occupy their time, tell a good story and maybe encourage some who are feeling bad about themselves. Maybe they’ll be inspired by my main character and her trials, decisions and strength and think to themselves that they can hang in there, too.

A little schmultzy, yes, but there it is.

You may need a season of rest, or you may have just begun a journey that you aren’t aware of.

Every time I put my writing down and walk away, I am a stronger writer when I return. My words are more fresh, my vision stronger, my desire more implicit.

You may need a fallow season, a long winter’s nap, a time to curl up on our Father’s lap and listen to His sweet whisper.

I find my greatest encouragement comes from knowing that I am doing what God wants me to do. Whether I become a published novelist or not. Writing is one of my callings and it brings me joy.

And I believe that my times of insecurity and discouragement make my next book better than the last. Through my pain, I am somehow connecting to the human condition that unites us all.

I am inadequate for the task at hand. But that will not stop me from the joy of the task.

I wasn’t into GI Joe, but in the first grade when we had Show and Tell, I wouldn’t show anything, but I would get up and tell stories. Mostly about men who came out of the tree roots down at out creek. Looking back, I’m sure the teacher must have been absolutely thrilled with some of my stories, but the other kids seemed to enjoy them.

You know the part that used to sit in the sandbox and make up stories why GI Joe was killing some dude.

I choose to look at the cup as half full. I choose to be grateful for what is, not for what is not.

I choose to say, “Blessed be the name of the Lord,” both in the land that is plentiful and when I walk through the wilderness.

I walk by faith and I believe He will work ALL things for good because of my great love for Him.

Ah, but in writing, when we reach that Dark Night of the Soul and contemplate that all is lost and there is no way for us to accomplish our goal, that is when the A story and the B story come together and the protagonist’s love interest helps him to find that second wind and a new way of doing things for that final push to the end, where he will either succeed spectacularly or go down in a flaming ball of fire. I wonder how many of us are simply persevering when we need to be picking up our towels and pushing with vigor for that happy ending.

I’ll give two reasons why I persevere at writing and seeking publication. But, first, let me say that I do sometimes become discouraged. I’m in one of those doldrums now where my manuscripts metaphorically teeter on the edge of a dumpster.

First, I’m not a type-A personality, extrovert, or even very people-oriented. But I do have a passion to share spiritual truth, sometimes written to the body of Christ and other times to non-Christian, unchurched, God-might-exist thinking folks.

Second, I need positive strokes to my ego. Frankly, all my life I’ve struggled with low self-esteem, thinking I have no talents or special gifts. Writing has provided the boost I needed, giving me a sense of accomplishment.

Although I may step away from manuscript writing for a time, I cannot give up. To do that would be to fail God and myself.

Decide to be upbeat for this next minute. Decide for purity in thought and action for the next minute.

When you hit the Dark Night of the Soul, in writing or in Life, just hold on, for that one more minute.

We’re still married. I love him, God placed us in one another’s path…for better or worse…

all just like my writing journey

I just sold an article that had been rejected 3 times before. But I finally found the right venue. So hooray.

Everyone – Keep plugging! And find a honest mentor who can tell you “keep plugging this one” or “needs more work.”

As the Apostle Paul wrote, I made the decision to “press in” so that I could press on. Brother Lawrence would call it “Practicing the Presence of God.”

Whatever the “language,” for me it’s all about keeping to Jesus and the the road of faith. I took that time, and now the fog has cleared tremendously. He has reaffirmed in me my giftings and his grace for this journey.

Sometimes, we all need to find the strength to be quiet before God (to be as nothing before man)so as to hear our Father’s applause above our noisy attempts at notoriety.

At the end of the day … at the end of this life … no other road matters. None. It’s our sacred privilege to pause with God. Perhaps some of you might need to allow yourself the freedom to do so.

There is strength and peace to be found in the silence. Mighty strength–mind and heart kind of strength.

Be still and grow. Be still and know that you are the penchant of our Father’s heart.

peace~elaine