When You Get a Writing Sabbatical You Didn't Ask For

by Linda Gilden @LindaGilden

Many writers would scoff at the idea of a writing sabbatical. As soon as a viable and exciting idea comes into their heads, they are ready to take off and get the article or book finished while they are passionate about it. Your sabbatical, however, may not come through your choosing.

When are the times that you are forced to pull back and possibly even abandon your writing all together for a season?

1. Times of grief or family crisis. Many times you wonder what you would do if you had a crisis in your family or even experience the difficult time of losing a loved one. Before experiencing a crisis, you may think there is nothing in this world that would prevent you from taking the next step in your career. But as soon as something happens, you may wonder how you will ever want to write again.

So what do you do? Do you resign yourself to resting a few days then resume your writing? Do you go out with friends and try to forget the difficult path you are on? Or do you resign yourself to the fact that God has allowed this in your life at this time and you do your best to rest in Him?

2. A time of personal health crisis where you are not even able to sit up much less write. Or maybe it’s your spouse that is suffering in poor health and you become the caregiver. In either case, it’s reasonable to consider letting something go. Many times we just can’t handle everything on our plates and know that we need to cut something out, at least for a season. So do you struggle to keep all your projects going even if it means late nights and early mornings? Do you mope around the house thinking, “Why me? I just feel like I am getting a grip on my writing career.” Or do you once again recognize the hand of God in your life and feel His presence and peace?

3. A time of major life change. Your spouse has retired and you have made plans to move your entire family to the next county. Your spouse has promised to do most of the packing and moving while you continue writing. However, there are just certain things that only you can do or go through. So once again your writing takes a back seat to the other chores that must be done. You may be able to drop the writing pace a little but that actually feels more like you have given up your dream. Do you cry yourself to sleep and wish that your dream could continue just like other writers you know? Do you resolve yourself to fulfilling the retirement dream you have talked about for years? Or do you consider this just a bump in the road and trust that God is going to help you fulfill your dream at some time in the future?

God cares about your writing career. If He has called you to write, He is not going to let you just drop the mission He has called you to. There may be a few bumps or potholes in the road along the way. But He will carry you through them and bring you out on the other side, ready to resume your calling of writing to change the world.

Use your time to read good books in the genre you write. Enjoy the books as you study those written by masters in your genre.

You can trust God with your problems, your career, and your life. Keep talking to Him and building your trust. Read His Word every day and journal those verses that speak to you. Don’t let the enemy discourage you from following your dream but cling to God’s plan as you walk, especially through difficult times.

When He thrusts you into a writing sabbatical, thank Him for all He has done thus far with your writing and let Him know you trust Him and are ready to write again as soon as He gives you notice. Be faithful and spend your time drawing closer to Him so when you get back to your computer you will have lots of new things to say that will encourage others.

TWEETABLE

When You Get a Writing Sabbatical You Didn't Ask For, insight 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.