Tuesday, June 13, 2017

6 Things to Remember When Words of Encouragement Wane

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

Meet writing discouragement head on!
Writing is hard. Even worse, to most of our friends and family, it’s a fleeting dream and unimportant in their busy worlds.

It’s a mystery why the average Joe doesn’t see writing as a career. They consider it . . . a hobby.  We get the occasional pat on the shoulder or a “That’s nice,”  followed by an inquiry about our day job and questions on how we get paid.

Despite ourselves, we drag into our offices, open the laptop and continue to pound away at the words buried deep in our souls. Every word that hits the page seems only to be appreciated by ourselves. Where on earth do we get encouragement?

Writers are a breed all their own. Our imaginations run like horses across the plains. It’s hard for others to see the depths of a hard-boiled egg exploding in a pot. But we do. We see the story around the explosion and our minds begin to twist and turn a simple incident into a full-blown murder mystery. It’s just who we are.

It breaks my heart at conferences, when I see a writer tear up explaining how unsupportive their family is. I can see the excitement rise when I gently take their work from their hands and begin to read. They even lean over, craning their neck to see if they can figure where I’m reading. To some it wouldn’t matter if I acquired their work. Simply reading it gives them hope.

Regardless of who you are or how accomplished at the writing craft you become –everyone needs encouragement. The question looms again. Where do we get this encouragement?

Look over these ways to seek out encouragement and take hold. Your writing is important and your stories need to be told.

Remember These 6 Things
1. Encouragement begins on your knees: I’m a firm believer prayer makes a difference. Our gifts and talents are given to us long before we were hidden away in the secret place. God specifically chose you to do the work you do. Your encouragement begins at the feet of the One who wants you to write. Take time to offer your work back to God. Ask Him to work through you, be it fiction or non-fiction. Christian or secular. Ask for Him to fill you with a pure confidence to work when others do not see its importance. There is encouragement in prayer.

2. Attend a writers conference: No one knows a writer better than another writer. There’s nowhere else on earth we can go and find hundreds of others who see the plot behind the exploding hard-boiled egg. Conferences offer you the opportunity to network and find others who are like minded. In the presence of these like-minded folks, you can share your worries, lift others up, and be lifted yourself.

3. Don’t fall into a pity party: When you feel yourself dropping into the depths of despair, take a walk. Carry a pad with you. Jot down ideas and when you re-read them, give yourself credit for a good idea. You are, after all, a writer. Better yet, begin to write. Some of your most emotional words and work come from despair and hardship. When you scratch these scabs until they bleed, you’ll weave words together into beautiful sentences that touch lives. Rather than letting sadness get the best of you, turn the tables and get the best from it. Be proud of that and remain determined as you walk your writing path.

4. Study to improve your craft: There is great encouragement in writing a paragraph and then rewriting it into perfection. The more you study and learn the art of writing, the more confident you are in the work you do – the better the quality of work you turn out. AND the more apt you are to be published.

5. Build your tribe: Gather those around you who love the work you do. I have a friend I can send an article to and ask her to read through. “Could you let me know if this has any value?”

And she does. Her comments are genuine, even if some of it is criticism. Criticism given in love is encouraging. It tells us we’re on the right path. So build your tribe and surround yourself with those who appreciate your effort.

6. Continue to write: Even when you feel as though there is no hope of being published, keep writing. Keep in mind the feelings of frustration are normal. As I said earlier, writing is hard. It sometimes takes years for us to see real success. Keep at it. Persistence in something you believe in brings you joy and encouragement.

When encouragement wanes and discouragement tries to beat you down, meet it head on with ways to overcome. Remember, you are special. You are good. You are a writer and your words literally change lives.

TWEETABLES
6 Things to remember when words of encouragement wane - @CindyDevoted (Click to Tweet)

Meet #writing discouragement head one with these 6 tips - @CindyDevoted (Click to Tweet)

Cindy Sproles is an award-winning author and popular speaker. She is the cofounder of Christian Devotions ministries and managing editor of Straight Street Books and SonRise Devotionals, imprints of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. Cindy is the executive editor of
www.christiandevotions.us and 
www.inspireafire.comShe teaches at writers 
conferences nationwide and directs The Asheville Christian Writers Conference - Writers Boot Camp. 

She is the author of two devotionals, He Said, She Said - Learning to Live a Life of Passion and New Sheets - Thirty Days to Refine You into the Woman You Can Be. Cindy's debut novel, Mercy's Rain, is available at major retailers. Visit Cindy at www.cindysproles.com and book her for your next conference or ladies retreat. Also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

31 comments:

  1. Thank you, Cindy for your wise and encouraging words.

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  2. Another way for a writer to stay encouraged is to regularly read a blog such as this one. :) I hope it encourages you to know the LORD used your words in answer to a question I prayed about last night. Thank you for starting my day on a positive note!

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    1. Awesome. Hang tight. Trust. You'll see things turn around.

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    2. Great idea. And you're welcome. Thank you

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  3. A good reminder to be an encourager to our fellow writers, and not just look for our own. Thanks Cindy

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    1. So true. We gain inner strength when we encourage others.

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    2. Remember the golden rule. It works. And when you practice that, it comes back to you ten fold

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  4. Beautifully said! Thank you for sharing this supportive advice!

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  5. Cindy, you are a gifted teacher. I'm always learning from you. You are also an encourager who inspires. With today's message, I hear your voice. Thanks for the short visit and the life long difference it will make.
    Teach on!

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  6. Write on, Cindy! I have found that reading what I have written in my journal helps because sometimes I see something and think, "Did I write that? Where did that come from?" Had to be God, sure wasn't me. Reading what he has said to me in the past helps lift me back up.

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    1. Thanks. And so true. Sometimes the things I think that aren't so good, turn out to be the most help.

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    2. Yep. I've experienced that too.

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  7. "Encouragement begins on your knees", I love it. Thank you, Cindy.

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  8. working on #5 - any suggestions??? 'cause i'm floundering over here...

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    1. Start with those you know and trust. Them work your way out. Your tribe consists of more than those who read your writing. It's those who bring you strength. Those who make you smile through hardship.

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  9. As always, Cindy, wise and encouraging words. :)

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  10. Cindy, I'm printing this out and keeping it nearby when I write. Thanks for the encouraging words.

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  11. "Encouragement begins on your knees", I love it. Thank you, Cindy.

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  12. Cindy, I'm new in this fellowship of kindred souls. I know how it feels to see a story where others see; well, egg particulate and nothing more. Thank you for the inspiration to write the story anyway!

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