Writing about Writing

Despite the fact that I am a published writer and a working editor, I don't talk about writing much here. It seems like the majority of authors write about writing on their sites. I guess that makes sense, but then again their sites seem more geared to other writers than to their readers.

Not criticizing that fact, just pointing out one of the reasons I've shied away from posting much about writing. The blogosphere seems a bit crowded already.

There's another reason though. I have an internal governor that points out to me things that could easily become idols in my life. (It's both handy and annoying.) Writing is one of those possible idols.

Why? Because I truly enjoying writing (when it's going well). I love the process. Plus, there's a measure of glory in it for the writer, when she does it well.  Not to mention the "writer's life" has long been glorified by our culture.

  So I could become quite caught up in the writing life, and most people would find that totally acceptable given my profession. But I'm not so sure God would.

I know my God is a jealous God, in the sense that He is perfectly willing to take away things that I make idols of.  I don't say that with paranoia - I live and enjoy my life and craft.  But this truth remains firmly planted in my subconscious, reminding me and checking me.

And so, I've not spent a lot of time musing or writing about writing here.

However, this year I'm sensing a relaxing of the internal governor in this area. Maybe because I've got a lot of writing projects ahead and God knows I need to keep my mind on, and further hone, my craft to steward those opportunities well. 

Or maybe, after years of living with this check in my spirit, God has effectively dismantled the few bricks I'd drug together to form an alter to words, creativity, and sitting in coffee shops with paper and laptop.

So with that said, you can expect me to post some on writing this year. Not about the rules of grammar so much as about the creative process. More muse than mechanics. Not about where to get published so much as where to get motivatied.  And how to get past your worst critic, who lives in your own home and walks around in your own shoes.

So I pray those future posts contain words that are helpful to us both - whether or not you write at all - as we seek to live satisfying lives using our gifts and passions to nourish others and please God.

Speaking of tapping into the creative - here's why Donald Miller suspects people today are less creative.

Off to write today, then to hear Marybeth Whalen speak tonight.