Lately, of all things, I've been comparing stairs to our experience as writers.A few steps up as we learn a swag of information to hone our craft. Then we get to the landing. Hmm. That's where we come to a dead stop. At least that's what it feels like. We seem have stalled in our efforts to learn more, we make the same old mistakes and, apart from the warm enc0uragement of our fellow writers, nothing seems to be happening.
Then a flash of insight and we take the next step. Yes, we have learned something that has really given life to our efforts. And you writers all agree that putting words to a page is a hard slogging effort. At times those ideas seem to flow, then you read what you've written and you realise you can, and must, improve it. Hah! This happens not once but many, many times.
Yet we see those stairs ahead that we still need to climb. By that I mean publication. Our words in an actual book, magazine, or online so that others will read them. Then comes a writers conference and wow! As the good old cliche goes, the penny drops on something we haven't grasped before. Good. Up a few more stairs. Then another landing.
Maybe a rejection. Discouragement seeps in, enough that we retreat down a few steps. One agent contacted me and admitted she felt disillusioned about the direction of the industry. She said she was going to let go of things awhile and see where God leads her. That could be a wise step as we all need to take a break every so often to refresh our souls.
But you know, faith has nothing to do with our feelings. It's time to hold onto some of God's wonderful promises. One unusual verse among others that I stand by when I feel it's too hard is this: "The God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were." (Romans 4:17b)
Let me encourage you to keep at it. Keep writing until the Lord directs you to go in another direction.
Yes, it's a challenge. And you who are willing to learn, be sure to take those important steps. The ACW competition will be a great learning curve. Stretch yourself and take that big step up.
I knew without a doubt it was time for me to go into Indie Publishing. I have been blessed with a friend who is keen for my novels to come to publication. It's not easy, but so many people are out there to help you along the way.
In a few days, I am expecting to receive the galley of this third book in my Victoriana series. You can check my site to see the others and a trailer of The Tie That Binds at:
www.ritastellapress.com
He is an aristocrat. She is in service. Will they dare cross that invisible line?
