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My (nearly) Non-Existent Writing Life + Missions Trip

11/18/2015

5 Comments

 
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Well, I've had a few requests for a writing update...I don't really have much to update you all on, but I'll give it a shot!

As the title of this post suggests, my writing life has been (nearly) non-existent. On one hand, it's been a good thing. On the other, it's been very frustrating.

But after really struggling to find time each day to sit down and write, whether it be a blog post or book, I decided to only write if I felt inspired to and that has relieved a lot of stress the last month or so.

I know by the book you are supposed to make time to write every day and I tried that for awhile, but in the end, I feel it hurt my productivity because I felt pressured into writing. And if you feel pressured, not inspired, we all know what happens then.

Hence the reason for a recent lack of blog posts.

And the lack of new material to share with you :)

I tend to write best in the winter months, not really because I have more time, but because I feel more inclined to snuggle down with a soft blanket, a cup of coffee or tea and stare at my computer screen. (Do any of you other writers out there find the same to be true for you?)
Although, I may not have all that much time for writing this winter, more on that in a minute.

First, I'd like to share with you an image I put together with a snippet from one of my favorites parts to date from Be Still My Soul.
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I love writing about Sarah...she's so sweet and sincere. Here's a very short humorous excerpt:

As I started to pull away from the cleared window, I found myself nose to nose with a face on the other side.
          Screaming, I stumbled backwards, tripped over something under the snow and landed flat on my back in a huge drift. The snow caved in over me until I was completely buried.
          I floundered around, sinking deeper into the drift. The snow was cold and heavy, making the dampness seep even further into my clothes.
          Finally, I managed to get some leverage and pushed myself up and out of the drift. As soon as my head cleared the snow, I yanked off my gloves and wiped the snow out of my eyes so I could see.
          I raised my eyes to the window and saw Sarah's little face framed by one of the panes, tiny hand pressed tightly over her mouth. I was certain her shoulders were not shaking from the cold. I was cold, wet and exhausted, but I couldn't help laughing with her. I must have looked ridiculous.


This is unedited, so excuse any errors, but can't you just see city girl Adah floundering around in that snow drift? I chuckle every time this scene comes to mind :)

With my recent lack of inspiration, I am disappointed to announce that I will  not be able to meet my goal for a December publication.

I have, however, reached my goal of 40,000 words! It's looking like this novella may turn into a novel :) I'm not getting my hopes up, but I am aiming to have this book published by spring. I don't have too much more to do, so even with everything else going on that should be plenty of time. I am very jealous right now of you writers who can turn out a book in a few weeks.

Now, on to some more exciting news...
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I am very excited to, Lord willing, be headed to Guatemala for two weeks in February! A group from the Dunkard Brethren church here in Michigan is going there on a missions trip and I will hopefully be tagging along!

I am very excited, and very nervous! I've never flown and  never been out of the country except into Canada, so this will be a very interesting experience. I do not any Spanish, but am trying to learn a few words and phrases so I'm not 100% lost :)

I don't have an itinerary, but I know we will be going to several cities leading crusades (revival meetings). Please be in prayer that getting the tickets goes smoothly, along with all the other planning that needs to happen before February 16th.

I don't have many details right now, but I will share more as it gets closer to the date.
I am also attending the Dunkard Brethren Bible School in Ohio in January. This will be my third year attending and I am very excited!

On Nov. 28th and Dec. 5th I will be taking my books and framed photos to craft shows...I've had great success with live events in the past, so hopefully the results will be the same :)

Do any of you other authors/writers experience a writing slump this time of year? What do you use to motivate yourself? How do you find inspiration when you are feeling uninspired?

Until Friday...adios!
5 Comments
Jessica S.
11/18/2015 10:11:21 pm

That is exciting that you get to go to Guatemala! Our youth group is going to Guatemala also in February, for a little more than 2 weeks! :) We are going to be at a couple different missions, but the main one will be Jungle Breezes Youth Ministries. Which is maybe like a 13 hour drive from Guatemala City. Just thot it was interesting that you were going the same month. =)

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Bonnie Matthews
11/19/2015 02:02:12 pm

Not being a writing, I don't know what is expected. In general, my productivity is higher when I can view the end result and work towards it.
Glad to hear about your mission trip - Lord bless you as you plan for it.

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Rebekah link
11/19/2015 03:00:32 pm

There are times in every authors life when writing takes second place. It doesn't sound like you are sitting around doing nothing. ;) Thanks for sharing an update.

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Kate link
11/19/2015 04:25:55 pm

Cool! I just got back from a week in Costa Rica with my school and it was soooo awesome. February will be hot in Guatemala though. Its rainy season down that way and was about 91 feels like 108 a lot.

Also you might like duolingo to work on spanish. My week was spanish language immersion so the entire week was in Spanish. I cant imagine going away (It was my first flight too and I loved it) and not knowing the language.

First words: I am a Christian/ Soy christiana.

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Rachel
12/7/2015 07:18:18 pm

As an artist, I have been rejuvenated lately and done more art, but after a spell of creating I often feel "spent" and then slack again. I think that's normal to go through phases and spurts of creativity.

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