by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted
Well, that's an odd subject. Isn't it? I realize I'm a bit unorthodox, but seriously, it's a question all authors need to examine. When does a writer cry?
As I've grown older, I've become increasingly reflective. Perhaps that's just what aging does, and though I cannot really complain about my writing career, there have been times when I've "had a moment." If I've experienced these "moments," then perhaps others have as well, so we should probably address the tears of a writer and consider whether they are tears we need to shed.
When Does a Writer Cry?
1. I can't land an agent: If I were going to place a number value on writer's tears, I'd say this one rates at the top. There are times it's hard to separate our desires and dreams from the reality of the publishing world. I often think that at conferences, we should put a star by the items in the appointment list according to timing or need. Do not make an appointment until… So many times, new writers walk into the publishing arena expecting that step one is "get an agent," when in all actuality, this is one of the last steps in the writing process. New writers often lack this information, and honestly, many times, the average writer knows but refuses to acknowledge it. So, when a writer leaves a conference without the blessing of an agent, disappointment sets in along with frustration and sometimes tears. What's the answer? Plain and simple. An agent cannot sell what you have not yet written. Not only that, but what you have written must be publication-ready. The agent's job is to sell a finished product. They can't do anything for you until that step happens. Their job is not to make your work ready for a higher level of publication. That is your responsibility. Learn the craft. Hire content or developmental editors to help you polish your work. It should be as "clean" (error-free, and not just in spelling and commas, but also free of plot holes, character inconsistencies, and hold a solid plot arc and character arcs) as possible. This work is on the writer, and it's hard work. Do the work. Produce the best finished manuscript you can, and then begin to seek an agent. Done in this order, there’s no need to shed tears.
2. I'm never going to see publication: Yep, guilty. I've pulled this one (without the tears, but wholeheartedly with the self-pity). True story. I stood at a conference in 2016 with my sweet friend Dee Dee Parker. Now, if you don't know Dee Dee, then be aware that her spiritual gift is good, solid common sense, encouragement, and truth. After receiving my final rejection on my first novel while I was at the conference, I looked at Dee Dee and said, "I don't think I'm ever going to be published. I guess I'm not good enough to make the cut." Dee Dee took me by the shoulders and looked me square in the eye.
"You don't seriously believe that, do you? IF you do, you aren't the child of God I thought you were."
Wow, what a moment. Philippians 1:6 (ESV) came to mind. And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. I guess Dee Dee showed me that 1) my sights were misfocused, 2) I was impatient, 3) I didn't believe God had begun a good work in me that He would complete in His timing. I'll always be grateful for her gentle yet firm wake-up call. I straightened up and continued the call God had placed in me. Three months later, Mercy's Rain received a contract, and the book is still selling. We claim to believe in God's ways and timing, but we refuse to wait and allow HIM to bring His work in us to completion. Like Paul said (paraphrased, of course), keep on trucking—no point to waste good tears over what God is in control of.
3. God told me to write this, and it's gonna publish: Okay, I never doubt God's inspiration to a writer, but what I do sometimes doubt is the author's interpretation of that inspiration. Now, before you hang me, hear me out. Yes, I wholeheartedly believe that God calls us to write. Of course, He does. What I think happens is we hear that call, but we fail to ask Him for definition and guidance. We just jump on the horse, kick it, and run like a wildman with whatever incident or event we are in at the moment. Our lives are not easy. Christ assured us that when we choose Him, there will be hardships. Often, we cry out to God for help and expect His help to be a fix, when instead it's a way through the hardship.1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us (and I may take a little liberty here but I don’t think it’s out of context),
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted (tried) beyond your ability, but with the temptation (trial) he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
Temptation, hardship, or difficult decision. It doesn't matter, God will not let you suffer it without providing you a way of escape so that you may be able TO ENDURE it. Sometimes what we are called to write is the way of escape for us, so that we can endure the difficulty. Many times, what we may feel we are called to write is not for publication but to get us through. Oh, and along the path, He prepares us (allows us to learn the craft of writing) so that the bigger picture can emerge. Tears might be appropriate here since we do need to fall at His feet and place every hurt, need, and desire in His hands. You may be offended at my words, but trust me when I say, pray over every work. Ask God for His hand of guidance and for clarity over what this piece is to be used for. He may surprise you. And by the way, if God means it to publish, it will publish in His timing, not yours. When we stop trying to do His job, step to the side, and do what we are called to do—WRITE! God manages the rest. He is, after all, very capable.
I realize this may seem a bit harsh. Please don't walk away feeling as though I'm mean. I'm not, but I never want someone else to feel the pains that I have felt in the past. I may not have shed tears over some of these things, but in my writing career, I have cried a river—things like disappointment, frustration, loneliness, fatigue. I'm not sure that there's a writer alive who hasn't experienced these things in some shape or form. However, if I can redirect your expectations, offer you some experienced advice, and then be there as encouragement. The criticism I'll take for this post will be well worth the effort.
My point is, tears are a valuable emotion. Use them in your writing toolbox. Trust your work into the hands of the Lord and not into the hands of man for the final decisions. He has called you to write, not to cry. He has gifted you with the talent of a writer. Now, take His gift and use it to the best of your ability.
TWEETABLE
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