By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

Writing causes angst, yet we are driven to the keyboard. We know God called us to pen our thoughts and stories, but how do we overcome our fear, doubt, worry, and the dreaded platform building?

Recently I posted on the Blue Ridge Conference Writers Facebook page. I wanted to know what you need to see on this blog. I received great responses. I can tackle some of your questions with one or two sentences, and others inquiries take a lifetime of learning, I will try to provide a concise answer for each. I’m using initials just in case those people don’t want to be identified.

K.W. “How to follow Gods calling to write when life requires you to pay bills?”

Many of us struggle with finding time to write. My suggestion—find fifteen minutes in your day and schedule time to write. Whether you get up fifteen minutes early, write during lunch, or stay up a little later, fifteen minutes a day equals one page. In a year you will have a book.

You can also research and write articles to submit to paying magazines. It may take you a week to write an article, but the check and obedience to God will be your reward. The Christian Writers Market Guide is a valuable tool when you need to find places to submit your work.

https://christianwritersmarketguide.com/

M.L. “I would like to see a blog on how to balance writing, research, and platform development.”

Schedule, Schedule, Schedule. This is the only way most writers can do it all. Many writers consider research part of writing, so we just combined two of your tasks. YIPPEE! Research is critical, yet be careful of rabbit trails that rob your time.

When it comes to platform, these articles will help you.

Writer, Your, Platform Includes More Than Social Media

https://www.blueridgeconference.com/writer-your-platform-includes-more-than-social-media-2/

Encore Episode Platform Building for Writers

https://www.blueridgeconference.com/podcast/encore-episode-platform-building-for-writers/

B.C. “How do you keep writing when you don’t event feel like writing?”

Great question. I have a few answers for you.

• Pray and spend time with God. Nourish your soul in His presence.
• Find an accountability group. There are a few who schedule times on Zoom to meet and write. I love https://540writerscommunity.com/ They meet Monday evenings and every morning during the week.
• Remember, writing isn’t always sitting at a keyboard. Jerry Jenkins, a best selling author and founder of The Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, says, “thinking about writing is writing.” Research is also a vital part of writing.
• Call a writer friend and brainstorm about your writing ideas. This will get you excited to write.

F.C. asked about self-doubt and “when you have an idea but can’t figure out what to say.”

F.C. Welcome to the club. Even best selling authors doubt their ability and calling. Ask any writer. As Christians, we understand God does not want us to live in doubt.

Mark 11:23

“… and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”

James 1:6

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

So, how do we overcome self-doubt? If I may be bold to say, “Take self out of the equation.” Christ in you can do anything, especially if He’s called you to it. When I relinquished my strong will to the Holy Spirit’s power, my fear of failing God and my feelings of inadequacy dissipated. Yes, they rear their ugly heads from time to time, but when they do I remember these verses.

2 Peter 1:3  “His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.”

1 Thessalonians 5:24 “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.”

Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you.”

And the verse I believe all Christians memorize,

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When doubt floods your soul—turn to His Word for strength and focus.

F.C. Ideas are a great starting point for writers. I have a folder filled with ideas I still need to flesh out. Some of my thoughts are just one word. When you can’t figure out what to say, brainstorm and find numerous approaches to express yourself. Your first written idea does not need to be perfect. Ask yourself, “How would a cowboy express this idea?” “How about a young child?”  Have fun with it.

C.C. “How about the comparison ditch that’ll drag you in every time, if you let it.”

I think you answered your own question. “If you let it.” I often compare myself to others. “Why did he get the contract and not me?” “Why does she get to teach when I’m an expert too?” I want to share this post with you because it helps me when I begin to drive toward the comparison ditch.

Three Powerful Ways to Combat Writing Discouragement by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D.

https://www.blueridgeconference.com/three-powerful-ways-to-combat-writing-discouragement/

My friends, these answers are short, but I pray I presented information to help and encourage you on your writing journey.

Remember, the Blue Ridge Writers blog has many posts on all aspects of writing. If you can’t find your answer after searching, join us on the Facebook page. We’d love to help you.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/BRMCWCwriters

Cherrilynn Bisbano is a coach, editor, and partner at The Write Coach Team.

As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.

Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ACFW.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah nominated, Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.

Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 21 years.

Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats.