Writers & Writing in the New Year & in a New World

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Last night I sat on my sister’s porch visiting with my three-year-old great nephew. He’s the cutest little boy and talks incessantly. We all sat around, properly spaced, in our masks and enjoyed getting to know each other. 

Sitting there on the brink of a new year I realized this sweet three-year-old faced 2022 just like he had every other year of his life, wearing his mask and air-hugging those he loved. To him, things had never been any different. It was perfectly fine to keep our distance, watch every breath our loved ones took by the in-and-out movement of the mask, and look forward to the day we can have him sit in our laps while we read to him.

Even though three-years-olds probably never think about the differences in our world today, those older spend time every day wondering when the pandemic will end, how it will affect our lives and family, and when can we get back to normal.

But what about you and me. 

How will this pandemic continue to make a difference in not only our families, but also in our writing?

1. Things are not changing quickly. We had hoped watching the news every night and getting reports of those who had become sick, rules for wearing masks and distancing, and why we should avoid crowds would soon end, we are learning that‘s not happening. No sooner than one strain of this pandemic seems to abate, another variant pops up. It seems we will be following new rules of health right into a new normal.

The good news is writers can do their work from home and it is more important than ever to get the message God has given us out to the world. Our world needs hope and writers can be used to point their readers to the One who can give them that hope.

2. Being without people is hard. We miss hugging our loved ones and close friends. We miss being able to gather as we used to.

However, our words can go anywhere without a mask and reach those who feel alone and isolated. Never forget what great encouragement just a few words can provide to those who are hurting.

3. Many people are struggling with loss of jobs which also creates a loss of purpose and focus. When they are ready to go back to work, they sometimes must take a different job where they feel less than productive and fulfilled.

Writers, on the other hand, are free to pursue their calling whenever and wherever they are. When God calls you to be a writer, he also calls you to be a marketer, an interviewer, and many other things. So you can do your job no matter what is going on in the world. You just have to work a little harder to find new markets.

A new year, a new opportunity. What are you going to do with 2022’s blank slate in your writing life. Do you have a plan? Perhaps today would be a good time to spend some time praying and asking God for His direction.

I’d like to invite you to join us at the Carolina Christian Writers Conference, March 11-12 in Spartanburg, SC. All the details are on our website at fbs.org/writers. Our faculty would love to encourage you and help you find direction for your 2022 writing. What a great start to the new year!

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Writers & Writing in the New Year & in a New World from @LindaGilden on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Linda Gilden has coauthored 11 books with 5 different coauthors and has #12 and #13 coming out in 2022, adding a new co-author to the list. She loves every one of her coauthors and enjoys collaborating on interesting projects with them. She also has written many books on her own and realizes what a treasure and blessing a good co-author is.

Featured image: Photo by Nayanika Mukherjee on Unsplash