Write What's in You

They say we should write what we know. But I know about a lot of things I don't care about. We all know stuff. The world and the internet is full of facts and stuff.

But when it comes to writing something that will bring about change or hope or revive a lost dream, we need to write what's inside of us, not just what we know. Like drawing water from a deep well, we must pull up those thunder-clapping, heart-stopping emotions, and make the memories and feelings live on paper. What heats up a subject in your spirit? What makes you laugh or cry or feel love or sorrow deep within you? What makes you want to jump out of your skin with excitement? Whatever that is, grab hold of it and never let go. Find a way to live in that delight as you write and weave its message throughout a story or essay or blog. When we draw from the deep desires of our heart to the point we're able to make it live through fictional characters and words, that's when our stories and writing will effect change, touch lives, brighten someone's day, perhaps, even save a life.

Wow! That's where I want to live and write. As a reader, that's how I want to be inspired. Please, touch my spirit. Make me want to change, to be a better person, a better wife, mom, and friend. To follow God in a deeper level because of how you inspired me in your writing.

If I get bogged down on what that central part of my writing should be, I can search my heart. What do I care about? What moves me? What's the last thing that made me cry? What would I give up everything for?

If the heart behind my story moves me first, it will surely touch someone else.

Write what is in you. Even if it isn't popular. Even if it doesn't make money. Write from the place where your spirit cries out to be heard. That's a story I want to read. And write.

You CAN

With effort and determination, you CAN do what’s in your heart to do.

I had a dream to write a book. It lingered in me for a really long time. I’d work on my book-stories for a season, then for one reason or other, get discouraged, and set the dream aside. I’d get all worked up again, polish my manuscript, send queries to agents, feel rejected, and set it aside again. The zing of failure zapped my heart.

A familiar tale?

If so, know this. You CAN be a writer. You CAN write a book. You CAN be an author. You CAN do what’s in your heart to do.

Sure, it's going to take some work. But it's worth it!

Don’t wait for an agent or a publisher or anyone else to say you’re good enough.

If you dream to be an author, write! Then edit, edit, edit. Give copies to friends—and strangers, if possible—and listen to what they suggest. Try not to take their comments personally. Each of those people represent a portion of the population of readers who will think the same way. Someone doesn’t like the ending? What can make it better? Someone doesn't get the protagonist? Use your imagination to fix it. Why not? You’re a writer, after all. Full of creative ideas.

If you can afford a professional editor, do it! 

Then google for instructions and testimonials about Indie Publishing. You’ll be surprised at what YOU can do. Yes, it’s a little scary to plunge into the deep water. But once you do, it’s a  dynamite feeling to get the chance to make all the decisions on your own.

It will be a dream come true.

You CAN.

And I hope you do!

Life is an adventure! (even after the kids are gone)

 

Do you ever wake up and feel like there isn’t any reason to get up? Who cares if I stay in my pjs all day? Why not veg in front of the tv, enjoying someone else’s life? How about devouring the whole pan of brownies or the carton of Moose Tracks ice cream? Where’s the purpose that drove you for so many years? Kids. A job. A house. A busy week ahead.

 

All these motivated me for three decades. Then things abruptly changed.

My house is now quiet. Seldom messy. I rarely bake. No pressing responsibilities—other than the occasional whiny dog needing to go outdoors. Meals are simple. The “umph” for getting up and getting going is gone.

Maybe I’m in midlife crisis. Maybe I really am getting O-L-D. (haha)

Remember the saying…”Life is a bowl of cherries, but this is the pits!”? Life changes—and aging—can be the pits.

Kids move out. The job ends. Dreams fade. Energy diminishes. What then? Am I done?

NO!!! (Well, I don’t think so.)

So, here’s what I’ve decided. I need ADVENTURE!

New experiences. Tasting things I’ve never tried in places I’ve never been. Seeing new sights. Having FUN just because!

Do you relate? If you’re over fifty, like me, I bet you do!

We all have a story to tell. A story to live. An adventure to find. Even still. Today. Now.

I’m ready to shake off the sadness over an empty house and live an adventure.

Fifty is my new fabulous! And my story is today.

What about you? What kind of adventure are you going to live this week?