From Edie: Ginny Cruz answer the question about what to do after a writers conference. Discover why Christian writers should pray first, avoid panic, and take the next right step.
What to Do After a Writers Conference: Pray First, Don't Panic
by Ginny Cruz
If you’ve attended a Christian writers conference and absorbed incredible amounts of new information or perhaps been fortunate enough to get an editor, agent, or publisher interested in seeing more of your work, then it’s likely you’ll be asking yourself what’s next.
Having attended many conferences, I know how confusing it can be when you return home. The thrill of being around fellow writers is over. The laundry calls your name, and all those plans that seemed doable not long ago now seem overwhelming. Where should you begin?
Begin with Prayer
The one thing you should do after a conference is to pray. It seems counterintuitive to be still when you have so many things you could be doing. Yet, I’ve always found that the best thing to do after a whirlwind week of activity, fellowship, and inspiration is to follow Psalm 46:10 (NKJV) and “Be still and know that I am God.”
When open doors await, I’ve found that all those open doors are not necessarily ones I should pass through. Or when wonderful ideas overflow, my experience is that not all of them will move my writing brand forward. I’ve learned these lessons the hard way, which is why I’m sharing them with you.
Begin your early days after your writers conference with quiet reflection and deep prayers asking God to make your next step clear. Pray for clarity of purpose and peace if He tells you to turn down super interesting opportunities. And most importantly, be appreciative of your calling, your path, and your readers, no matter how many there are.
It helps me to recall that Jesus began with twelve disciples. He didn’t need thousands of followers to seed His message's impact. God can work a similar miracle with the message He has for you to share. Trust that God is God.
Don’t Panic
I’ve never thought of myself as one to panic. But life’s challenges have taught me that I can, especially when feeling out of control and lacking a clear path forward. When I return from a writers conference, it’s easy to be overcome by feelings of rejection, imposter syndrome, and a sneaky suspicion that I misheard God.
For me, walking by faith is unsettling. Stormie Omartian’s book titled “Just Enough Light for the Step I’m On” says it best. God will light your path, but His light is like that of a lantern, only illuminating your next step. He does not offer enough light to show you the entire path you’re on.
I’ve learned to love Him for that limited light because if he’d shown me where I would be today, it’s likely I would have panicked. Not because these weren’t opportunities I dreamed of, but in those early days, I suspected deep down that it wasn’t yet time.
The one thing you should never do after a writer's conference is to panic and freeze in place. Take baby steps, if necessary, but keep moving forward. Lift the work of others, celebrate their awards, and be a good teammate for all the other writers on God’s team. Be active and don't get stuck.
Your Next Right Step
If you’ve been asked to send something in, such as content or a proposal, begin with prayer. Is this the opportunity He wants you to take? Just because you knocked on a door and it opened, does not mean that door was one God had for you.
But if you do feel He’s leading you to submit content, then don’t panic. Send it! Take some time to polish that baby so she shines. Then, hit the SEND button and trust God. If He told you to send it, then follow His leading. What happens next is all in His hands.
The Christian writer's path is one of faith. Taking the next right step as He directs is how this walk works. Continue to show up and do the work because tossing in the towel on a divine call to write is not an option. No matter the season you’re in, He has something for you to do. Be still and seek His direction. And when He shows you, do not panic. Step out on that water and keep your eyes on Him.
What steps are you taking today?
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