by Beth Vogt @BethVogt
The writing life is one of constant evaluation. We all set goals for ourselves, most of them familiar:
- Finish a manuscript.
- Attend a writers conference.
- Pitch a book idea to editors and agents.
- Land a contract.
- Win an award.
After we’ve set our goals, we do the work needed to achieve them. And that’s when we constantly ask ourselves the question, “How am I doing?” Sometimes we’re successful. Sometimes our dreams even happen faster than we imagined. Other times? We do the work … and we wait. And then there are the times when our success shifts, seemingly disappears, like when our publishing house closes or an anticipated follow-up contract doesn’t materialize.
We may not have everything we’ve hoped and dreamed about as a writer. Reality is, most of us are always striving for something else, something more.
Today, let’s stop for a moment and consider this question: What do we have?
Our dissatisfaction with what we don’t have can cause us to overlook all the things we do have.
Maybe we’re one of those writers who hasn’t landed an agent yet.We’ve yet to move from “pre-published” to “published” author. What we do have is time. We’re not under deadline pressure, so we have lots of time to work on our craft, to attend conferences, to finish our manuscripts and to, yes, rewrite our rough drafts.
Maybe we’re one of those writers who has heard back from an editor – and the answer was “no, thank you.”What we do have is opportunity. We get to try again. We get to step back, catch our breath, and to reevaluate what we’re doing to make our writing better.
Maybe we’re one of those writers who hasn’t finaled in a contest, who hasn’t won an award.What we do have is a choice. We can choose to celebrate others when they win. We can choose to remember “Contentment does not come from achievement.”(Paul Henderson (1943-), Canadian former professional hockey player) We can settle in our hearts – now and in the future – what our hope and our contentment is anchored to. Let’s choose wisely.
TWEETABLE
Learning to be Content with the Writing Life We Have Right Now - @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Award-winning author Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” Having authored nine contemporary romance novels and novellas, Beth's first women's fiction novel with Tyndale House Publishers, Things I Never Told You, released May 2018. Moments We Forget, book two in the Thatcher Sisters Series, releases May 2019. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Novel Rocket and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. Visit Beth at bethvogt.com.
Life is all about perspective! Thanks for your inspiring post, Beth.
ReplyDeleteMary Ann: I agree with you! Perspective is so, so important. The right perspective helps balance my emotions and adds fuel to my efforts.
DeleteThe post I needed to read today after reviewing my slow progress.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth!
Hi, Ingmar: Slow progress is still progress. Things are still happening in the waiting. Everyone, absolutely everyone, waits.
DeleteAnd...having won acclaim will nothing ever again taste as sweet? Great posing!!
ReplyDeleteDMCarnes: Having won acclaim ... great question. Sometimes winning awards or accolades vaults our expectations even higher, and if we enter a season of slow progress or waiting, well, things can be challenging. This is yet another chance to remember what we have now -- not then -- and to lean into God, who is always, always with us.
DeleteAmen Ms. Beth! For me, it's remembering whose glory I'm writing for. If it's mine, then I sink into disappointment. If it's God's, then I endeavor to become better, more effective, more willing to let Him lead me to go where He wants me to be. What a blessing this morning in your gentle reminder ma'am.
ReplyDeleteGood morning, J. D. Your words are so wise and encouraging. To be willing to be led by God's will for us, and for his honor, allows so much emotional and spiritual breathing space into our lives.
DeleteI needed this today!! I'm stuck in the seemingly purpetual pre-agent/pre-published realm and it gets very discouraging. Thank you for this reminder!
ReplyDeleteKristen: I'm sorry you feel stuck. The industry is tough right now, especially for pre-published authors. I'm glad you were encouraged by the post.
DeleteWhat great ways to think about disappointments. Not seeing them as failures but opportunities. Great perspective
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. Seeing disappointments as opportunities, not failures. I especially like the idea of having time to hone our craft.
Hi, Ellen: Perspective changes things, doesn't it? I know how talking with other writers (and praying with them) helps me see things more positively.
DeleteThank you for these reminders of how different stages can have special benefits and to be thankful for these blessings God gives us at those times.
ReplyDelete