by Mary A. Felkins, @MaryAFelkins
The assault of white screen and blinking cursor can freeze dry creativity. Biochemically, our frontal brain defers to the control of the midbrain and our thinking capacity is not unlike that of a sheep.
And like a sheep, we wander … physically, mentally. Suddenly, the Bath and Body Works sale that appeared in our (okay, my) inbox can prod us to rise from our writing chairs, reach for our keys, and head out the door. #candledaysale
Writers know how important it is to put our backsides in the chair—and do the hard work—but how do we stay superglued to it?
1. Personal conviction.
Writing is an unpredictable and highly competitive business (shocker, I know), and if we’ve been called to it, we must take the responsibility seriously.
As for me, I’m all in.
In The Emotional Craft of Fiction: How to Write the Story Beneath the Surface, Donald Maass takes our overused word “calling” to a deeper level and refers to writing as a mandate: An official order or commission to do something.
Accepting this mandate will strengthen personal conviction and give it sticking power.
2. Write anointed.
Once we’re metaphorically glued to our chairs—or out raking leaves while dictating, it’s important to first pause to pray.
“Lord, I’m here. What do you want me to write?”
If we skip this step, the time we’ve spent filling in our planners (you too, digital girls) won’t matter. Even if we’re sufficiently glued to our seats and committed to do the work writing requires, we won’t have much to say. Our words will be one dimensional, monochromatic, impotent. Soon enough, our chairs will lose their adhesive capacity because our minds and souls aren’t rightly inspired and, like sheep … #candledaysale
3. Find an accountability craft partner.
I commit upwards of 3 hours weekly to talk to my story craft partner. During that time, I don’t schedule appointments or take outside calls unless they’re urgent or time sensitive. If either of us is firmly glued to our chairs on our scheduled chat day and can’t afford to break a productive writing streak, we give one other the freedom to reschedule and send periodic accountability checks. Otherwise, the writer’s glue dries and, like sheep … #candledaysale.
4. Reevaluate writing goals.
Picture two ladders. The rungs on the right ladder are few and set far apart. At the base of the ladder is a writer straining to grab hold of that first rung but can’t. Soon, they become defeated. The work of writing to achieve an unrealistic goal becomes too much.
But the left ladder has multiple rungs which are set a reasonable distance apart. Near the top is the writer who took one step at a time, pacing themselves on their way to an achievable goal. They’ve reapplied writer’s glue when needed and are experiencing success.
Are our writing goals realistic? If not, let’s adjust the rungs of our ladders. Otherwise, we’ll become overwhelmed and discouraged and, like sheep … #candledaysale
5. Teach your people (and silence your phone).
Four of my siblings are happily retired. I am not—nor is one of my sisters who’s co-owner of an accounting and law firm. Among the 6 of us, who do you think is not texting during the day? Big sis doesn’t let screens distract her purpose. A few years back, I texted to let her know I was crafting a CPA heroine for a series and that I had accounting questions I needed to ask her.
Sis: April 3 at 2:00.
Sheesh! My own flesh and blood had to schedule me in? A month out? Yes.
By not responding to sibling group texts during firmly established work hours, she’s taught her people that she’s a woman firmly glued to her chair, committed to her goals. What an excellent example of establishing priorities! #whatcandledaysale?
Releasing our books into the world is the glorious result of sticking to the process, muscling past obstacles, establishing accountability partnerships, setting realistic goals, and teaching your people the significance of the mandate.
What keeps you glued to your chair?
A pastor with a dark past looking for a second chance.
A determined jeweler looking to restore favor.
A secret that won’t be silenced.
Former bad boy drummer Pastor Michael Chandler has managed to keep the darker parts of his past a secret while faithfully serving his church in Wild Rose Ridge. If found out, his church might declare him unfit for ministry. When he encounters the woman he abandoned years ago, his day of reckoning blows in like a blizzard.
Custom jewelry designer Leilah Grant doesn’t hesitate to push her business aside so she can manage her parents’ jewelry shop during the Christmas season. She’ll do anything to restore favor in their eyes. But when her world collides with Michael—her ex-turned-beloved-town-preacher—the past threatens to destroy her future. Worse, the town’s meddling mothers conspire to create another heavenly match.
Will Michael’s confession from the pulpit free his heart or cost him his reputation—and the only woman he’s ever loved?
It’s the season of miracles, and the meddlers are determined to give the gift of a second chance romance.
Mary A. Felkins is an inspirational romance author whose novels include a happy smattering of hilarity, passion, and truth. She is a blogger at https://www.maryfelkins.com, contributor to writer’s blogs, and a member of ACFW, My Book Therapy, Novel Academy, and FHLCW (Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers) Upon introduction, if she favors your first or last name, expect to see it in one of her upcoming novels. Gardenias, Peanut M&Ms, happily ever afters & Jesus, please.