Weekly Writing Inspiration

Writing is not for the faint of heart. Writing is an arduous, toil-filled activity. But a writer/preacher from the past, Charles Spurgeon, gave me encouragement today. I think his words will encourage you, as well.

What will you do when someone says YES to your writing? I’ll tell you what I do. I get nervous. I doubt. I struggle with believing I have something to say. Do you long for someone to say YES to your words? Prepare for the YES now.
And believe it’s on the horizon.

One of my literary heroes is Walter Wangerin, Jr. He answered an important question of mine that I think might encourage you.
I asked, “Does it bother you that you don’t have control over the story that sells the most or what people will remember you for?”
I believe the answer will send you back to the page.

I’m excited about some of the things we’re offering as we pass the 1-year mark of Hey, You Can Write! You’ll be seeing interviews and conversations with people as well as on-screen tutorials. All of this is designed to help you gain momentum.

You only need so many words. Others are useless or redundant. Join me as I uncover pleonasms in my “past history.” I’m hoping I can quell the fear you have about making this mistake—you will make it. Will you catch it before you hit SEND? That’s the important question.

I received a gift at Christmas that has been a real kick in the pants. Part of the strength of the book is how universal “Resistance” is to those who want to write, paint, sing or do any creative act. Perhaps a few thoughts from the book will encourage your writing today.

Your words are gifts that others open. They can give life if you’re careful to wrap them well. I’m hoping that will happen with some words I discovered in the process of saying them on a video.

You never know when the words will come or when an idea will gel. The recent loss of my father in law provided an opportunity to search for words to use to honor him and God. Here’s a story that will encourage you to allow the words to come in their own time.

I had an experience on my radio program from December 11, 2019. I followed my own advice about telling a story and I let the story do the work. And the response received made me more committed to using the power of a story.

Several losses have reinforced something important about my own writing this past week. You must believe you have something worthwhile to speak into the world. But you also must be kind to yourself when life intrudes and steals your creative momentum.