Writing a story is NEVER what it seems or what we think we might know. It's not just making up things and throwing them all together and Voilà! You have a best-seller. IT'S A PROCESS! Well, sometimes it might be that, but that wasn't the experience I've had. * Insert awkward laugh here *
I love processes, instructions, and figuring out how it all works in writing - not in math or technical things like building a desk. Writing is - figuring out the process and how the story will come together.
BRAINSTORMING - Here Comes the Thunder
I've thought I disliked the idea of brainstorming because I'm a 'fly-by-the-seat of your pants' kind of girl. The "Let's Just Do It" mindset is how I can live especially with creative writing. When it came to my first book, Finding Sienna; I didn't do a whole lot of brainstorming. I just wrote what was on my heart. Now, did I have to go back and reread everything about a thousand times, of course. For the other two books in the series, When All the Leaves Fall & As the Arrows Fly, I sat down and thought through the stories. I thought about my characters and their personalities - which is some of the most important writing of a book, in my opinion. You have to get the characters right, plain and simple.
I brainstormed so much that napkins and sticky notes were my go-to. Until, a friend gave me a journal for my writing and it is close by my side because you never know when an idea will spark. So whatever you have around, use it! Write out all your ideas, the majority of the time the best ideas are on a sticky note in the tiniest writing so your entire thought fits on the little folded-up paper. Then you try to remember your idea later AND find your sticky note! It's the little things, literally and figuratively.
WRITING IT OUT - or - TYPING IT OUT? What's best for you?
Everyone has their preference...but I like my hands so I type. I enjoy hearing others' processes and how getting the story out whether on paper, a word doc, or even a tablet - whatever works. Write! Now, I have to be in a place both mentally and physically to write. I like to be in my comfy winged-back chair, wrapped in a blanket with my pillow desk (the portable desk with the pillow beads? I'm a writer, I should be able to describe this better...). With a CUPPA of something hot. My environment takes precedence because when I'm in a funky environment, my writing is not what it needs to be. I like it when it's quiet...noise, it's a no for me.
Clear your mind, make your space YOUR space because I have found that's where my best work comes from.
GIVE YOURSELF GRACE - Because you're worth it.
Don't be surprised when I tell you that I struggled with completing As the Arrows Fly. It was tough to come up with an ending to a story that I became attached to and one that completely CHANGED my life. There would be days that I felt like I was totally in the zone but my writing didn't reflect that. I would delete pages of work because it didn't read well, the moment wasn't right or it didn't fit. Whether the words didn't flow or the scene wasn't created that I thought sounded good in my head - delete, delete, delete. BUT. I took a pause and gave myself GRACE. I am reminded of the phrase "Everyone is their own worst critic", this would weigh so heavy on me because I felt that a published book had to be near-perfect and once those words are out you can't take them back - they are literally in print with your name on the cover. * Takes a deep breath here *
But...Grace resets the pace, restores the purpose of why I'm writing, and shows me that I can trust the process.
I love this scripture where Paul shares with the Corinthians, "And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 CSB When we follow through on what we've been given to share - for me it was writing about subjects that can actually happen - not just works of fiction - and how everyone experiences trauma differently the process is trusting in God who provides for all our needs and knowing that we will never be without. I lean on this, knowing that through it all, my writing is making a difference because God cares. And His grace is sufficient for me, which is more than enough.
WHO'S IN YOUR CIRCLE?
Now you may ask, what does this have to do with the writing process? Everything. Who you surround yourself with affects how you write. Keep people in your life who are encouraging you, share the progression of your stories with them, and ask for help when you need it. I'll share two stories of my own experience with faith-filled people who are genuine and care about my writing.
Story 1: I have a friend who is a huge reader like me and enjoys sharing book titles, exploring new libraries, sharing where she is at in her writing process, and having the heart to encourage. I recently told her that I am working on a project - yes! Something new. Something fresh, it's going to be good - I sent her what I had so far and just asked for her thoughts because she has a lot of wisdom and her response to me was, "Please finish this. I know it will be so good once it's done." When you question yourself and are unsure - ask someone who knows what they are talking about! Because when they know and get it, their feedback will mean so much more to you because you know that there is authenticity in what they are saying.
Story 2: When I first got started, in the process of writing, I reached out to a lady at my local church who I knew had a publishing services company called Barnabas Books. Rachel IS the real deal. When I first "pitched" my book idea to her, (I had no clue what I was doing, I should have googled first...) she was so honest and up-front in our conversation and told me to finish my book first (mind you I had like 10 chapters written) and then we would talk, that was in June of 2021. After the book was "done", the red ink hadn't touched the manuscript yet, by the way. So what I thought was "done" I wasn't even remotely close to being done. I sent her the first three chapters because I had some questions about the direction of the book, which was in December 2021...it was such a process (everything good is) but Rachel walked me through it and shared insight on things that were not even on my mind. I appreciated all the quality work she provides through her publishing services company. She knew that there was something there but I also had to buckle down and do the work of writing so she could do her part and bring the words to reality!
So if you have a story, and we ALL have one - reach out to Barnabas Books - Rachel has the tools to bring your words to a whole new level and they desire to bring glory to God's Kingdom through providing this service.
ENJOY!
The last part of the process is to enjoy.
Enjoy the moments that you have to pour your heart out for people to read. Enjoy what you've created. Enjoy the experience. Thousands of people have written books, I want to be one of those people who enjoy the process of it all - it's not always going to be pretty, but it will be worth it. Take your time to make your writing successful, develop your gifts and talents in writing, and choose to share your experiences with people who will celebrate with you. Embrace the journey and enjoy it for what it can be.
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