This writing journey is, for many of us, a challenge. There are so many obstacles to doing what we believe God has asked us to do through our writing. Everyday distractions, family issues, illness, grief, and on and on the list goes. Things that we can’t control come charging in to derail our work and efforts. So what can we do about it?
Here’s one thing—in fact, I believe it’s the most important thing of all–we can hit back at distractions and obstacles with Truth. God’s truth. So over the next several weeks, I’m going to God’s responses to the seven most common obstacles many of us face:
- Being too busy
- Weariness and Fatigue
- Fear
- Discouragement
- Lies
- Jealousy and Comparison
- Worry and Anxiety
First, though, because I want to be sure I’m helping you as best I can, let me ask you…are there other obstacles besides these seven that you face on this writing journey? Struggles you need to face down with God’s Truth?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Fake News and the Christian Author
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Technical difficulties! THey are the bane of my existence!
Oh, amen! I think those fall under the whole interruptions/distractions topic.
So many responses! You definitely struck a chord, ma’am. From all I’ve read, these obstacles aren’t peculiar to Christian writers; they are obstacles to all writers. Yet I can’t help believing that we must be a peculiar subset of writers because we are a peculiar people.
For me, I struggle most chronically against jealousy and comparison and discouragement. I’m ashamed to admit it, but it’s true. More than distractions, lack of time, fear, or fatigue, those particular obstacles are the worst impediments to me focusing my creative energy and effort on writing what I feel the Lord has for me to write, rather than writing what I think will sell or be praised by the literary community.
Only God knows the long game, and He always seems to be playing the long game. At least, that’s what I tell myself.
Thank you, Karen, for starting this series. As you can clearly see, it helps us to be reminded that the temptations we face aren’t ours alone. They are common to all writers.
God bless you and everyone here who’s trying so earnestly to follow the Holy Spirit’s lead.
Thanks so much!
In my many years of writing, I’ve faced all of those, and most don’t bother me anymore. Health and not being able to write when I wanted to led to great frustration. When I was battling cancer, it was all I could do to get out of bed some days, but the stories and ideas still danced in my head. Not sure where frustration would come in the list, if it should be a new one.
Impatience might be another one. Our impatience can be an obstacle in waiting for God’s timing, waiting on replies from editors or agents, waiting for sales to go up while we spend money on promotion.
I’m a procrastinator as well, so that would be a good one to add as mentioned by others.
Karen, I think you have hit them all- sometimes we are too busy but it is for the right reason, such as caring for our children, but it still boils down to being too busy…..
I allow myself to become “distracted”, believing that if I just clean this bathroom or straighten up the kitchen or empty out the inbox or peruse social media for a ‘sec’…I’ll have a clearer head to write. What, in fact, is really happening is that I’ve allowed the demon of distraction to re-direct God’s intentions for me to be disciplined. The goal is to be in God’s word, meditate on it, pray thoroughly and then put all creative energies into the first part of my day. After I’ve given my best with that, then the other activities can be addressed. Also deal with fear of success. What if I really do have what it takes??
Thanks for the ideas, Mary.
Karen,
Thanks for your willingness to tackle these. I’m eager to hear God’s answers.
My case is probably unusual in that I quit my job due to physical/emotional issues. I have a lot of time to write, but I do need to look for another job. When I get another job, that’s going to rearrange everything else–time for writing, working around the house, etc. I have a lot of unknowns right now.
The unknown is definitely an obstacle.
I have NO reasons, NO excuses–yet I’m pretty darn good at using all of the above, and then some. And I even say, “I just don’t want to write!” When deep inside I’m fairly certain I truly do. Oh Well!!!! You and the Rogue Riters ‘n Yadas have been with me for so many years and know me well—it just doesn’t matter because it’s all about timing. Since I am all about God’s timing, it’s good. And that’s okay. Eh?
Yup, it is.
I’m sure it will be covered under too busy, but interruptions are my big bugaboo.
My family has no concept that when I’m writing, I do not want to be interrupted unless the bleeding will not stop or the bone is protruding through the flesh.
Early on, I found myself between 9-5 jobs and told friend-husband I wanted to be a writer. He was totally supportive. So back in the day, I’d get the children to bed; friend-husband would be getting ready for bed; and I’d drag the card table to the living room, bring out the Smith-Corona, and start writing.
Within 15 minutes, friend-husband would be looking over my shoulder. “Are you about done?” or “What are you writing?”
It took about two weeks before I figured out that this wasn’t working at all.
It’s better, now, but I still get the interruptions – about every 15 to 30 minutes.
Good gravy. Why do our sweet hubbies do those kinds of things??
Really looking forward to this series, Karen. 🙂
Thanks, Dineen.
Discouragement if things you’ve submitted didn’t sell.
Well, this will prove to be an interesting series!
Karen,
Thanks hugely for this line of thought and for understanding.
For me, it seems several of the causes intertwine and form a strong enough rope that I am discouraged from trying to unravel or cut it, so discouragement seems to win. Then I pray and try to resume trusting, and try once again.
Elena Corey