By Debb Hackett @debb_hackett

My writing career has been quite the journey so far, and I suspect there are more bends in the road ahead. We can skip most of the early details and fast forward to the most humiliating parts (aka the parts where I’ve learned and grown the most). 

Having completed (or so I thought) my first novel, I was encouraged to send my work to an agent. I didn’t know I wasn’t ready. The agent’s response forms part of a masterclass I will teach someday, entitled “How Not to Sign with an Agent.”

Prompted to seek the assistance of an editor, I pulled on my grown-up underwear and approached one whose work is the stuff of my dreams. What followed was content for a lesson I shall someday turn into a masterclass on how not to write a book. But from that, I learned a vast amount. Best of all, this editor, being stunning at her craft, made me feel encouraged and empowered to grow as a writer. I couldn’t wait to get started.

This is when the first shoe dropped. An unexpected house move. But with no house to go to. All my energy went into finding somewhere to live, as well as packing and (praise God) unpacking, for weeks. And the edits sat. Then several other unexpected things happened. The rewriting took forever.

Fast forward a year. Major revisions were done, and an agent was interested in seeing what I had to offer. Just a final polish left. Boom. Next shoe. A transatlantic move (during a global pandemic)–while directing a writing contest.

For each step forward, anther shoe dropped. An unexpected death, the whole family contracting COVID, homeschooling a child with additional needs when schools were forced to close. The list goes on. And this preamble is long enough. But, we are nicely set up to pose the question: how do I keep writing when another shoe drops? 

I’m glad you’ve asked because I wonder about that, often. How do I get to that place where I can keep going with my calling, when life stops making sense?

I have four steps that keep my feet on the ground when another shoe inevitably drops.

Be grounded in faith. Nothing. Not even 8kg of Reese’s minis quiets my soul like time with the Lord. That investment looks a little different for everyone. For me, this involves being quiet for a few minutes, reading scripture, a strong devotional, and a lot of worship music. Played defiantly loud. Disclaimer: I have tested the Reese’s part, it’s a close second, but definitely second.

Be grounded in people. In Hebrews 12:1 Paul reminds us that being surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses encourages the Christ follower to run with endurance, the race set before us. My people, my cheering section includes family, friends who write and friends who think I’m a little nuts. But when the shoes are falling, they send socks, buy me coffee and yes, ship Reese’s across the Atlantic.

Be grounded in story: If life is taking over my creative, working time, I find it extra important to remind myself of what I need to get back to. For me, that means two things. I make sure I’m reading an author whose work I adore. Someone whose level of skill I aspire to. Secondly, I make sure I’m reading a great craft book, even if I can only manage a page or two a day.

Be grounded in your life: Some people thrive in chaos. I am not one of them. Nor am I a type A personality (unless you ask my teenager). When elements of my life, beyond my control, hamper or halt my ability to write, I have learned the hardest way that a strong, achievable routine brings great results. Whether it’s to do lists, time blocking, a planner, or reminders on your phone, find what works for you and let order face off against chaos while you take a breath, take a sip, say a prayer, and get back to your calling. 

John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Writer, broadcaster and speaker Debb Hackett has been a radio journalist for more than twenty years. Married to a Royal Air Force test pilot, Debb has written a Bible study for military wives.

A regular contributor to the Advanced Writers and Speakers Devotional Arise Daily, she’s also been privileged to writer chapters for Write Well Sell Well. For now, based near London, England she’s having lots of fun working on a contemporary romance series and was an ACFW Genesis award semi-finalist in 2020.

When she’s not writing, Debb can be found leading worship, playing bass or skiing. If you can swing by her house while she’s making scones, that would also be a win.