As a writer, I am always taking classes and trying to learn more about my craft. I examined the teaching list of a recent writer’s conference ad and laughed out loud.
I know most of these folks. I know they probably don’t consider themselves to be experts. Still, someone else did and my friends simply answered the call when asked.
How did _________________ become an expert in how to sell a manuscript?
Why is ____________ teaching about how to edit a novel?
And however did ______________ learn how to query an editor?
What does ________________ know about self publishing?
It is said that an expert is X, an unknown quantity, and that a spurt is a drip under pressure. Most of our so-called writing experts stumbled into their leadership roles by surviving and thriving through their own painful life experiences.
What is happening to your writing this minute? Are you stuck somewhere? Will you see your sticky stuck-ness as an opportunity? Will you ask for help? Will you take a class on your necessary topic? Will you dare to share your painful learning experiences?
What do you need to learn to improve your craft as a Christian writer? God offers classes in patience, self-discipline. and prayer. In fact, He gives us learning opportunities for every area of life. Are you willing to step up and become an expert in God’s chosen field so that your writing becomes really useful to others?
Or will you linger in the background, murmuring that . . .
- I just can’t get the next chapter to work?
- Grammar is too hard?
- My editor hates me?
- I have writer’s block?
Or will you take the opportunity to grow? Will you step into God’s plan for you to become an expert in _________________?
“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I, (Lord). Send me!'” (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)
Brenda J. Wood is a motivational speaker and author.
http://everydaychristian.com
http://heartfeltdevotionals.com
www.facebook.com/brendawoodspeaker
So true, Brenda: “Most of our so-called writing experts stumbled into their leadership roles by surviving and thriving through their own painful life experiences.”