First of all, is tempestuous even a word? I'm pretty sure that it is, but some part of me wonders. Oh well. If not, it will be after this post.
Anyway, about the title. Quite an alliteration, don't you think? But it describes perfectly the flurry of words as I pound out three pages of my current wip (work-in-progress).
For the past four days or so, I've been in a panic about my story. Have I limited my descriptions? Brought my characters to life? Kept the tension? (This is the one I stress over the most. No tension -- no story. Characterization is usually easy, but holding the precarious thread of action is much harder for me.)
Tonight I just wrote. Prayed for my work (something akin to "God, please, help!!), then dived in. I shut off my inner editor (who I think is related to Monk the way I notice grammar errors and badly constructed sentences) and let the words flow as they would. And wouldn't you know I actually completed three pages and my latest chapter?
Writing is something I enjoy doing, feel called to do, but can spend hours beating my head over. Most days I can tell myself that the rotten parts will get edited, but others I only see the mistakes, the failing, the unpublished pages...
Sometimes I struggle with this in my faith, too. In my heart I know I'm forgiven, that because of Christ's life in me, God doesn't see the mistakes. He only sees His Son. But my mind points out the failings, the petty angers, the fears.
The solution? Pray. Alot. God is my editor -- He's refining the work, honing me into someone more like Christ. I just have to trust Him. Otherwise, I just have to push through those bad moments and focus on His righteousness, not mine. (After all, it's alot nicer looking at white linen than filthy rags.)
Okay, I know this post was kind of serious, and I'd promised funny ramblings. Sorry about that. But this subject was on my mind.
Does anyone else struggle with this? In writing or their Christian walk?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Whether tempestuous is or isn't a word, I guess I'll start using it with my friends. Actually, yes I do struggle with writing. I love it... at least when I am the one reading it. You see, my writing seems queer and difficult to read to other people. While something makes complete sense to me, other people are scratching their heads. That's why I prefer to keep my writing to myself, with God, and in my heart. Well, Ciao - I'm quite sure that's good-bye in Italian!
Hi, Gwen! Glad you chose to stop by. Sometimes people struggle reading my fictional stuff too. (I've even had people laugh at dramatic scenes!) At least God enjoys our attempt to honor Him with written words.
P.S. I just found out -- tempestuous is a word! It'll probably be used even more in my vocabulary now...
Post a Comment