By Kate Angelo, @thekateangelo
When people ask me what it’s like to be a writer, I like to reply with a punchline from a popular comedian, “Imagine you’re drowning. And someone hands you a baby.”
It’s funny, but it’s true. The day we’re handed a deadline, we smile to ourselves and think how many months we have to do something we LOVE.
Ah! Writing! I’ve been dreaming of the day I would get paid to be creative. Six months for a manuscript? Piece of cake.
But then there’s life. Kids, family, weddings, illnesses, technology problems, car problems, sick pets, and newborn babies to hold! And if that’s not enough to keep you distracted, now comes the questions. Why did I think I could do this? How will I finish in time? Fear. Doubts. Anxiety. Fatigue.
It’s overwhelming just typing it all out right now! And this overwhelm isn’t exclusive to writers. Most creators struggle to be creative when so many other things are occupying their mind. This is what Ecclesiastes 9:9 is referring to when it says, “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life that God has given you under the sun—all your meaningless days. For this is your lot in life and in your toilsome labor under the sun.”
It’s the grind. Day in and day out we toil. So then what? What do we do? How can we overcome and turn in our very best work every time?
Let me give you my secret recipe to foster spiritual growth in the midst of the grind. It’s the three F’s of Faith, Focus, and Fortitude.
Faith – Invite Jesus into the Grind
Even the Apostle Paul understood the grind and in 1 Corinthians 15:10 he says, “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me”
How often are you inviting God into the writing process? God is not surprised by your circumstances. He’s well aware of the issues in your life. And it’s possible God is using this season to stretch and grow you as a writer. He wants to be with you in the grind, so go to him!
It’s only by the grace of God we’re writing and publishing, so why shut Him out? Talk to God about your story. Vent your worries to Him. Ask him to be a co writer and by relying on God, you’ll build your faith in the midst of the grind.
Focus – Harness Mindfulness in the Grind
Every author feels like they have too much to do. You’re not alone there. Some days writing becomes one more thing to check off the task list. But writing should be our joy!
Not something we are forcing ourselves to do. Ephesians 5:16 says, “Making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”
Here are 3 quick tips to do just that:
- Clear your tasks from your mind by writing them down. Each task that pops into your head should go on paper. Real paper works best because you’re less likely to…I don’t know…pick up your phone to type a task and somehow end up on Instagram for 45 minutes. (Not that I’ve done that…)
- Find the not-to-do’s and strike them from your day. What are the time wasters you indulge in? Go ahead and cut them. Social media will be there when you finish your word count for the day.
- Just get started. Have you heard of The Flywheel Effect? It says there’s no magic button, no miracle moment, no super program, or single action that will produce better results. Instead, slowly push the flywheel and build momentum. Eventually you’ll find the breakthrough!
I talk about more productivity and tips and insights like The Flywheel Effect over on my website under “Writers”. Remember, it’s not about having all the time in the world; it’s about making the best use of the time you have.
Fortitude – Fight the Grind with the Mighty Force of Fortitude
As the writer’s journey unfolds, obstacles may seem to multiply like wildfire. Doubts, fears, and the ever-elusive imposter syndrome can creep in, threatening to extinguish your creative fire. But don’t let them snuff out your passion!
God is with us! Embrace the power of positive affirmations found in God’s word. Here are a few I keep handy:
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” –Ephesians 6:10
“And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling” –1 Corinthians 2:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” –Psalm 56:3-4
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” –John 14:17
When the going gets tough, remember why you started writing in the first place. Reconnect with God and ask him to ignite your passion, and let it propel you forward. Embrace each challenge as an opportunity for growth, knowing that you have the fortitude to endure and flourish.
Remember, you are not alone on this path. Invite God into your writing process and allow His grace to guide you. Embrace mindfulness to stay focused and present during your creative endeavors. And above all, cultivate the unyielding fortitude that will carry you through the challenges and elevate your craft to new heights.
Attacked in the mountains—with no memory of why…
She’s the only witness to see the face of a killer, but a deadly attack leaves Belinda Lewis unable to remember even her own name. She’ll have to rely on her rescuer, FBI special agent Jonah Phillips, to survive repeated attempts on her life—but she doesn’t know he’s in hiding because his description matches the killer’s. Can they unmask the true criminal to clear Jonah’s name and save both of their lives?
Kate Angelo once sold a lion to a circus in Shreveport after her mom realized lions weren’t great house pets. Growing up, Kate was a bookworm, dog groomer, exotic pet wrangler, horse trainer, cowgirl, and teenage pool shark. After aging out of foster care, Kate cultivated her inner computer nerd and worked as a web programmer. During a visit to Australia, Kate encountered Jesus and left the corporate world to pursue a life in ministry.
From her home in Southwest Missouri, Kate serves alongside her husband, strengthening and encouraging marriages and families through their nonprofit ministry. And after raising their 5 children, they are now fluent in both sarcasm and eye rolls.
Kate is a romantic suspense author, a coffee addict, tech guru, productivity enthusiast, expert knitter, avid boater, dog lover, prayer warrior, and known klutz. With Willow, her long-haired chihuahua taking up half her desk space, Kate writes thrilling stories with flawed characters who encounter hope and healing while ducking danger along the way. Connect with Kate at https://kateangelo.com/