Stay the [Creative] Course! Here’s How:
I wasn’t in a good place with my manuscript—a story I have false-started several times. Seven thousand words in, I began questioning everything I had written up to where I had stopped for the night. Will readers care about my characters? Is a time slip the best approach? Should I even be writing this story at all?
These are good questions to ask, but I knew they had the potential to fuel my doubts and sabotage my project prematurely. I needed to beware, be wise, and be open.
I went to bed that night in a wrestling match with two dastardly opponents: Discouragement and Uncertainty. Tossing and turning, I muttered this brief prayer before finally nodding off: “Lord, should I abandon this project or press on or what?”
And then, the sun came up.
As I lay in bed the next morning, before opening my eyes that begged me to let them stay shut, three simple words entered my mind and filled my heart:
STAY. THE. COURSE.
Mere seconds before, in my morning stupor, the only words on my mind were: Caffeinated. Medium. Roast. But those other words—wow! I did not expect them. They weren’t audible, but they were clear. I knew, without a doubt, they were the answer to my half-hearted prayer from the night before.
Ok, then. Let the writing resume!
This little hiccup turned inspiration served as a reminder of what I know to be true not only when it comes to writing but any creative, long-game endeavor. Maybe you could use this today as you strive to create.
Three Things to Remember to Help You Stay the Course:
Recognize and accept the fact that what you are doing is hard. Are you called to do it? Then you'll be equipped to do it. God will help you. So summon your courage and commit to being steadfast. Expect some challenges along the way. Seek wise counsel to help you work through issues. (Thanks, Kristy H.)
While you’re engaged in your long-game, sprinkle in some less time-consuming yet satisfying creative endeavors. Writing a historical fiction novel with a time slip is a long-game endeavor. With my schedule and bandwidth, we’re talking years. My creative bent also needs to engage with some other activities that give me more immediate results. For example, my need to create was satisfied the other day when I spent an hour collecting items I had on hand and using them to decorate a shelf for our guestroom. A few days later, I used acrylic paint to make a “Happy Birthday” sign for my nine-year-old grandson. I also created a handmade card with Pokémon cut-outs I printed off the computer. It was a very satisfying way to spend 57 minutes. Sometimes, I make up sonnets and scribble them in a notebook I keep for that purpose. They’re not great, but I enjoy this quick writing exercise. For some fun-and-done craft ideas, I go to andrea.nelson.art on Instagram. Check her out—she’s a hoot. You'll laugh and be inspired, which is a delightful combination.
Just Do It Already! (Thank you, Nike people.)
If you’re waiting to be in the mood or for the weather to be perfect or to feel well-rested, you may never get around to, say, writing that book you’ve had on your mind since you were fifteen. It’s fine to take it slow, but just do it and stay the course. To quote Anne Lamott quoting her dad, take it Bird By Bird. It may take you ten years to complete your desired project, but those years will go by either way. Why not have that novel–or whatever it is–to show for it?
Andrea (andrea.nelson.art) said on one of her posts, “Time spent making things is valuable.” I agree and, for me, it’s an expression of worship to the One who gave me whatever talents and abilities I have in the first place. It’s also an expression of love to those who may benefit somehow from what I create.
And so…I will stay the course and write my *second novel. How ‘bout you? What creative endeavor needs you to stay the course?
(*Necessary plug for an unknown author: LaDelle and Jubilant, my debut novel, comes out this fall.)