Weekly Writing Inspiration

There’s only one thing that will hold you back from writing what you’ve been given to write. There’s only one force in the world that can keep you from doing the hard work. And it’s not out there. And you can conquer it today.

As I held the letter in my hand, something happened inside. A published author took the time to respond to me. Someone whose words had touched a nerve inside had communicated personally. What might happen if you do the same to an author who has given life-giving words in print?

But there are times when something bubbles to the surface that you just have to follow. Here’s my story of that for your encouragement. Follow the good.

Are you concerned about what others say or think about your writing? Are you held back by the possibility that someone will criticize you or think you’re a hack? It takes courage to do what you are supposed to with your words.

What do you do when you don’t take your own advice. Frank, honest, real-life writing advice when you don’t do what you wanted to do and when you are tempted to beat yourself up for it.

What if there were a time in the future when you will look back and wish you could be where you are right now in your writing? What if today is “the good old days?” Let that thought free you up and write with abandon today.

You want to run from fear and uncertainty in your writing. You want all the answers, all the plotlines, all the gaps filled. The questions and doubt can be your friend.

What happens when you don’t make your goal? What happens when you fall short of the word count you need? I have found that grace is a gift you give yourself when you don’t meet your expectations. And that grace will spill over to the next writing day.

A few lines from a new subscriber encouraged me today. Are you going through a river? Are you going through a fire? Remember the “when” in your life is there to give you momentum.

One of the recurring truths I talk about to those who want to write is to work incrementally. Start small and work up. And an email from a friend brought the truth home. I want you to celebrate with her and thereby learn to celebrate your own, incremental publishing victories.