Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Success Is A Prayer Away


IWSG is the brainchild of our awesome Alex J. Cavanaugh. If you want to become a part of this group or read posts by other participants, you can find the list here.

If you read my previous post, you know that I’ve been out of state cleaning out my mother’s home. I’m back now, and battling … something. Not flu—maybe a horrible cold. Headache, cough, wheezing; all I want to do is sleep. I have so much to do. I’m behind in everything but all I do is cough and sleep. Since I don’t want to be booted from IWSG for missing a post, here it is:
A thought for you:

No one stumbles into success. It comes through planning, preparing, and some of us believe, the favor of God.
Hope you’re all planning, preparing for success. If you need to study and learn, do it, but don’t quit writing even if you wonder if you’re doing it right. You learn by doing. If you believe in critique groups, then join one. If you don’t know one to join, then start one yourself: a person to person group or an online group. I believe it helps if you all write the same thing but other writers disagree. I also believe you should have some members that are a little more experienced than you are in that critique group. They can pull you up, help improve your writing, and teach you, but don’t hang your hat on them. Don’t be spoon fed. Make sure you study and educate yourself too.

My two cents except for this: there’s nothing wrong with praying for your writing. God created you. He gave you any talent you have. He also gave us freedom of choice so whether you use your talent to glorify Him is something else entirely—between you and Him.
Nothing happens by accident. You aren't going to stumble into that three-book contract. Tell me, what are you doing to achieve writing success in your life?

 

10 comments:

Luanne G. Smith said...

The luckiest people are those who work hard, right?

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

What super, great advice. I don't pray for my writing, but I do work hard at it.
Hope your cold gets better soon.

Kathryn Neff Perry, PhD, MA, LMHC said...

Jess,
Great advice. I'm praying for your health. Sounds like you've had quite a time my friend.
Keep writing....and thanks for all the encouragement!
Hugs and Blessings my friend.
BTW I just subscribed to you!
Katt

Unknown said...

Hi. I'm writing, sending stuff to contests, and praying you get to feeling better right away!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the encouraging words. I'm sorry about all the coughing and wheezing. Feel better soon! :-)

Misha Gerrick said...

Oh yeah I definitely pray for my writing. I ask for God to bless my writing and editing and for Him to find the right home for the book I'm querying and submitting to editors.

Feel better soon. Shot up a quick prayer for your health too. :-)

Charles Gramlich said...

In this business, there are good reasons to.

Tyrean Martinson said...

Love this, planning, preparing, and praying . . .good advice, good words. Thank you!
(I sadly often feel selfish about praying for my writing, but you're right - thanks for your wisdom)

I hope you feel better soon. I have some kind of bug too.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Success isn't by chance - it's by choice!

June Shaw said...

Love your post! This weekend God decided I'd get offered a three-book deal and also have the book-of-my-heart come out. How great is that!