The Tortoise Teaches Writers Valuable Lessons

by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT

When God added writing to my calling, I should have known my progress would mimic the rest of my life—slow and steady. No one has ever mistaken me for the hare in Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare. While I’ve always been athletic and love sports, speed has never been my forte. But as we learned in that fable, tortoises have advantages.

Success in writing, like most things in life, is built upon the mastery and consistent performance of little things. Many of us recall our elementary days of doing drills. We practiced writing letters and words until we mastered the pencil strokes. We paced the floor, memorizing spelling words in a frantic effort to pass the Friday spelling test. As children, we discovered writing well required slow and steady practice and lots of it.

Becoming a writer for God is similar. Skills are required. While having something to say is vital, so is writing in a way readers enjoy. In my early days of writing, it was fun! My words flowed like water because I was oblivious to all my writing errors. As dreams of publication danced around my head, it became clear there was more to this writing life than putting pencil to paper or fingers to the keyboard. If I was to win this race that God signed me up for, more steps were required.

Yes, we all want to be the quick and agile hare and get published as fast as possible. But if we pause and remember how the fable ended, it was the persistent and consistent progress of the tortoise that won the race. What can we learn from the tortoise?

4 Tortoise Characteristics Writers Should Imitate:

1. A Protective Shell: Tortoises have a hard shell to protect them from harm. Writers, especially those in the Christian market, must develop a protective barrier to shield them from damage. God's word, paired with His unrelenting call to write and the support of fellow writers, form that shell of protection. A durable shell is vital to survive the emotional upheavals and piercings our tender hearts will encounter along the journey.

2. A Careful Walk: Tortoises walk carefully to avoid harm. As writers, we should place our words on the page with prayerful deliberation. We don’t want to step on feelings or mislead God’s children by writing without slow and careful consideration. In addition, an unwise selection of friends or business associates can lead us into danger and off God’s path for our lives.

3. A Retreat from Danger: When danger approaches, tortoises retreat into the safety of the shell and wait until it is safe to come back out. Writers should also retreat into safe places when necessary. Spending quiet time in prayer and God’s presence protects us from harm and strengthens us for the journey. These retreats protect our tender parts and prevent overexposure to the harshness of the world. Even Jesus retreated to rest and pray.

4. A Focus on the Task: Tortoises do not get sidetracked by emotions because they do not have feelings. While writers are tender and emotional, they must keep those emotions on the page. When we allow our fears and impatience to blur our focus, we get sidetracked and put ourselves in danger of missing God’s plan. Recall that the hare ran ahead and found himself asleep when it mattered. We want to win the race God has laid out for us.

As you journey slowly and steadily along the writing path God has for you, it helps to remember that God made tortoises slow and steady for a reason. Yes, hares get a lot of attention as they dart here and there. But the focused and undeterred tortoise won the race. On your hard days, remember this.

God’s plan is a long game and not for the impatient. We each have a divinely appointed purpose, and only God knows the location of the finish line. Writers must train themselves to stay on the path and prevent anxiety or jealousy of others to stop them from winning their race.

Did you know that the average lifespan of a hare is only three to four years? Compare that to the forty to sixty-year lifespan of a tortoise. It pays to be a tortoise. 

What part of the writing life is most difficult for you?

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Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT is a pediatric physical therapist, early intervention specialist, and award-winning author. Her writing encourages and teaches moms simple and effective ways to help their baby meet developmental milestones. In addition to writing, she enjoys hiking, reading, and camping with her husband. Find out more at ginnycruz.com, Instagram, or Facebook.

Featured Image: Edie Melson (www.EdieMelson.com)