by Kristen Hogrefe Parnell @KHogrefeParnell
As I’m writing this post, I’m eight months pregnant. Our active little boy is transforming my belly into a wave pool, and I’m gingerly massaging his foot to encourage him to stop poking my ribs.
This miracle of life is due shortly after you’ll be reading these words. He is an answer to my husband’s and my prayers, and it’s been a journey to get to this place. Our son is a beautiful example of the truth that good things take time, and that timing is something God controls, not us.
The same can often be said about our writing journeys. We might feel “ready” to pitch that project or receive that long-sought contract, but instead, maybe an editor or agent tells us our proposal isn’t ready or the dreaded rejection email lands in our inbox instead.
Today, I want to share some perspective on the wait, because friend, I’ve been there, and I’ll be there again. Waiting is one of the waves of life we can either learn to ride or let it crash over us. Be encouraged to ride it well.
The Wait in the Writing
#1: Redeem the time during the wait
When I was waiting to get pregnant, I kept up my practice of going to the gym and running several times a week to stay in my best shape. I read books on optimal diet and purged makeup that wasn’t considered pregnancy safe. In short, I wanted my body to be the best place I could offer my baby when that day came.
As writers, we need to make the most of the waiting too. Ask yourself: How can I best use my “in-between” time? Maybe it’s diving right into the research and writing of your next book. Maybe it’s reading books on building your platform or books on craft. Maybe now is the time to give your website that facelift it needs or seek out guest opportunities on blogs and podcasts. The waiting can be a rich season of development and progress if we have the right mindset.
#2: Practice celebration for others
Being grateful for what you have while wanting something else is not easy. When I was waiting to get pregnant, many of my friends were sharing pregnancy announcements. It felt as though everyone was getting pregnant but me. I decided that celebrating their good news was a much happier alternative to self-pity.
When we’re waiting on a book contract of our own, it may seem as if every Facebook friend of ours is announcing a book deal, agent signing, or new release. Resist the temptation to compare or covet, friend, because it will only eat you from the inside out. Instead, celebrate with them! Go a step beyond that by sharing their good news, buying their book when it’s available, and reviewing it.
#3: Remember God has good plans for you
If there’s one lesson I’ve learned in this life, it’s that God writes our stories differently and better than we ever could. His timing doesn’t follow our calendars, and His answers to prayer often don’t look anything like our original requests.
Thank God. If He gave us what we asked for when we asked for it, we would miss out on His best. As Isaiah 30:18 says, “Therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you; And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of justice; Blessed are all those who wait for Him” (NKJV).
Remember, good things take time. How can you make the most of your current season?
TWEETABLE
How to Manage the Waiting Part Our Writing Journey, 3 tips from @KHogrefeParnell on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Featured Image: Photo by Denys Argyriou on Unsplash
Lovely post. Best wishes with the baby!
ReplyDeleteThank you! He actually arrived early!! We are doing well.
DeleteWonderful news about your new family member. Your message is inspiring and encouraging. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!! Glad this post was encouraging. Blessings to you!
DeleteBetween contracted projects feels like wearing a wool suit in summer. Appreciate your words. And congrats on that new arrival!
ReplyDeleteA beautifully inspiring post, Kristen. Blessings to you, your husband, and your new baby!
ReplyDelete