Last Friday our blog featured a wonderful video called “Be More Dog.” My dad had introduced it to me a couple weeks ago.
As I watched it, I realized what great advice this is for us as writers. In your writing, in your career, be more dog! How, you ask? Simple…
Meet each day—and each challenge—with abandon. Jump at the day, ready to take on whatever comes. Live in the moment. Embrace the joys and challenges. And remember, each new day is a gift.
Delight in the simple things. For the cat/dog, it’s chasing its tail. For writers, how about:
A phrase well crafted
A hot cup of coffee
A kudo from your editor or agent
A funny video someone shares with you
A neat pen or pencil
And on and on the list goes!
Write—and Revise!–with passion. Do you see how that cat tears into the paper? Pure passion! That should be us! Tearing into our stories or messages. Getting it down on paper and then ripping it apart where it needs to be ripped apart. Forming, reforming, crafting, recrafting, until every word on the page is the very best word it can be.
Dig for truth! Talk about focus and determination! Dogs—and this cat—are masters at digging. I swear one dog could tunnel all the way through the earth. We need to develop that kind of determination when it comes to finding the core of God’s truth in what we’re writing. Don’t stop digging. Keep seeking God’s guidance and counsel. Don’t be upset if you realize the real story or message lies hidden beneath the layers of what you think you’re writing. Instead, rejoice in the discover, and then get down to the work of putting that on the page.
Look at the world! Amazing! The joy in the “cat’s” voice is contagious. Is yours? Do you realize how many wonders are around you? Do you look for wonder each day? Do you know how lucky you are to be called to write? This is a great way to share God’s truths. Never lose your sense of wonder.
Grab the Frisbee! Seize the opportunities that comes your way. Did an editor at a writers’ conference ask you to send your proposal? Did an agent email and ask you for the full manuscript? You’d be amazed how many people don’t jump on those opportunities. Remember the to be more dog, and carpe diem!
Enjoy your pack! Always remember, you’re not alone. There are other writers, family, friends, your agent, your editors…they’re all rooting for you. Let them encourage and uplift you, let them guide and challenge you. God designed us for fellowship. The pack is a gift!
So give it a go. Be more dog. You—and your readers—will benefit from it!
