by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
My friends, I don’t feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. Philippians 3:13-14
Publishing is a tough business.
It’s almost impossible to write anything for public consumption without feeling like you’re throwing your heart into the lion’s den. And I don’t know about you, but I give these negative comments a lot more credibility than the positive ones. The good ones I tend to disregard with the thought that the person commenting was, “just being nice.”
With the mind-set of living on past rejections it’s possible to shrivel up and die, at least as a writer. Feeding ourselves on what’s gone before forces us to a standstill.
And it comes with an entire travel trailer full of baggage.
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with doubt, insecurity and an almost overwhelming urge to give up. Instead, draw a line in the sand. Commit today, RIGHT NOW, to begin to live in the future, on the promises God has given you.
If you’re writing now, you know what I mean. You’ve heard that still, small voice call your name. You’ve gotten that confirmation you’ve asked for. Now it’s time to move forward. Believe God truly is big enough to make it happen. He doesn’t call us out, fully formed and ready. He calls us out when we’re weak—ready for Him to equip us.
[reminder]What have you done to move forward?[/reminder]
Edie Melson—author, blogger, speaker—has written numerous books, including her most recent, While My Child is Away. She’s also the military family blogger at Guideposts.org. Her popular blog, The Write Conversation, reaches thousands each month. She’s the director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference and a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. She’s the the Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine, Social Media Mentor at My Book Therapy, and the Senior Editor for NovelRocket.com.
The Conversation
Edie, I needed this statement today, ” He doesn’t call us out, fully formed and ready. He calls us out when we’re weak—ready for Him to equip us.” Thank you. I feel weak as I continue to edit my first book. I am right where God wants me.
Cherrilyn, I have to keep reminding myself of that! Blessings, E
On this Saturday, our writer’s guild – S.A.W. (Scribes at Work) will host an in-house training workshop – “Fear Not, Fret Not, Focus to Finish”. As the founding leader but not current leader, when the suggestion was made to offer a seminar or workshop on something, God struck a chord in my soul to organize one. The topic He relentless spoke to my heart was the aforementioned. We are a group most self-published, most retired, who seem to be flailing in our endeavors this year. We will be the speakers presenting to each other what God has taught us about these subjects. We are excited to get a booster shot from heaven so we can refocus and finish our current projects. We hope to attend next year’s Blue Ridge Conference.
Remain blessed, donna j ware