Tools That Help Us Write Through Life's Devastations

by Tim Suddeth @TimSuddeth

Devastation. We all face periods of devastation in our lives. One of Merriam-Webster definitions is to reduce to chaos, disorder, or helplessness.

Many of us are experiencing this on a whole new level after being hit by Hurricane Helene. The Big Wind Bag. The storm left unimaginable destruction in its wake over multiple states. Although, five days after the storm, we are still out of power; we were some of the fortunate ones. Four of the six homes across from us have huge trees lying on their roofs. And we are all saddened bu the stories we hear about some of our communities.

Devastation to such degree and on such a tremendous level is, thankfully, a rare event. But in a writer’s journey, one often runs into times of disappointment, rejection, or failure. And we feel helpless. The amount of devastation is different, but that doesn’t make our feelings any less real or painful. The coping skills required to get through what the storm left are the skills writers need when encountering tough times.

How To Write Through a Storm

• 1. Reach Out to Others

After the wind had passed and the rain stopped, people throughout our neighborhood came out of their dark homes. The roar of the wind was replaced by the sounds of chain saws. They walked around the neighborhood, checking out the severity of the storm, the fallen trees, and on each other. Sharing phone chargers and candles. But most importantly, people talked with other people. Somehow, that lightens the mood.

Here on The Write Conversation, we talk a lot about the need to find your group, people who are writers like you, your peeps. Other writers to share your journey. Whether your writing exceeds your expectations, or it’s like slogging through knee-deep muck, sharing the journey with other writers helps us excel.

• 2. Watch Out for the Envy Bug

Now that we have been without power for a few days, the feeling of adventure and this being an opportunity for glamping is wearing off. The app that informs us of where power is being turned on has become a place for people to, as we used to say, show themselves. ‘Why aren’t we getting power?’ ‘We should get it before them.’ “That’s not fair.”

The envy bug loves to jump on writers, too. Whether you’re a beginner or a season pro, there is always a reason to feel resentment. Maybe a friend gets a contract before you. Or you feel it’s so simple for them. Why is it so hard for me?

I don’t know if you ever get rid of the envy bug. It seems you can always find opportunities to feel resentful for someone. But envy doesn’t have to control you. Make yourself cheer for your friend. A great thing about writing is it’s a place where we can all win. NASCAR has a saying, “If you ain’t winning, you’re losing.” But that’s not how it works in writing. There are enough opportunities for all of us to win. As a better old saying goes, “A rising tide raises all ships.” 

• 3. Don’t Give Up Hope

Whatever you’re going through, it’s only for a season. Finishing a story when a character acts up, querying for an agent, waiting for the power to come back on. Someday it will be over. But it’s easy to get so caught up in the now that we can’t see past the struggle.

In Deuteronomy 31:8, Moses told the Israelites before they entered the promised land, “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Hebrews 11:1 tells us, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Our faith doesn’t see us through on its own, it’s Who we have our faith in.

Whether it’s disappointment in your writing desires or recovering Helene, God is the reason for our hope. In the Bible, you’ll find his promises to you to see you through.

The faith and hope we have are because of the love God has for us. Abundant love that never runs out.

I want you to know that wherever you are in the journey of writing and the journey of life, we at The Write Conversation care about you. We want all of God’s good plan for you. You are not alone. Our hearts and prayers are with you. And we know our Father is with you no matter what you are going through. 

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Tools That Help Us Write Through Life's Devastations from @TimSuddeth on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Tim Suddeth is a stay-at-home dad and butler for his wonderful, adult son with autism. He has written numerous blogs posts, short stories, and three novels waiting for publication. He is a frequent attendee at writers conferences, including the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and a member of Word Weavers and ACFW. He lives near Greenville, SC where he shares a house with a bossy Shorky and three too-curious Persians. You can find him on Facebook and Twitter, as well as at www.timingreenville.com and www.openingamystery.com.