I may have it figured out. Well, at least part of it.
In one of the writing workshops at the Relevant Conference (now Allume) last fall,
Lisa-Jo said to use your own words, speak with your own voice because “We don’t need another Ann Voskamp.”
Lisa-Jo’s words resonated with me.
For weeks.
Ok, I get that we don’t need another Ann. I couldn’t write like her if I tried, so that was an easy dream to release. Just open my hands and let it fly away.
Good! That feels better.
I went along fine for a while. My writing was going OK…or so I thought. Then I entered that dry, parched desert land without words.
It has been painful. And I have been thirsty. Desperately seeking words that were worthy of your time. Words that were worthy of my time to write them…or tap them out.
But nothing was happening. No words were coming. Maybe the sun was setting on my writing.
Then I read Nikki’s post and realize we all DO fall short. Over and over. She says something about getting back to basics. I realize that is what I need to do. Get back to the basics of writing. I know that writing wasn’t what she was thinking about when she wrote the post, but it struck a chord with me.
A VERY. LOUD. CHORD. And it might have been in a minor key!
I need to write. Just write. Then let it be. I don’t have to reinvent the prose or the blog post. I just have to write one.
If I needed further reassurance, Miss Emily came to the rescue. Emily P Freeman, that is!
In this post she writes…
i SO get this. i think it's a growing stage, and perhaps we all have to go through it at some point or another.
keep moving on. . . toward His purposes for you and writing what HE has in mind for you to write.
LOVE your pics. absolutely beautiful.
steph
Thanks for the encouragement, Steph.
Such encouragement and truth in your words…sometimes it does seem like everything has been said before and why bother. One thing I remember is when Helen Keller started writing she wrote a story that someone else claimed she had taken. She then decided to write from her experiences, because they were unique. Though I am not her, I do have my own unique life that I can write about. My own perspective as you said that no one else has. Such beauty and truth in that! And, I love that pic of the sunset – vibrant colors.
You are right, Dorie. We each have our own life and therefore our perspectives are unique.
Thanks for stopping by.
I know what you mean – the desire to write something new and earth-shattering (well maybe just small earthquake shattering) and yet nothing comes. There really isn't anything new under the sun, but the way we see it is always new, and therefore our thoughts can be unique as we write – thanks for sharing!
Marissa @ forfunreadinglist.blogspot.com
You are so right Marissa!
Mary–the sunset photo is beautiful. I just read the other day–"Be who you are, all the others are taken"–. I was not going to do a blog until I realized I could write just like I journal. Then I felt freedom.
Thanks, Nava. My photos are nothing compared to yours, but I appreciate your comment. Love the line, "Be who you are, all the others are taken"
so very true!
Thanks for the encouragement.
I'm glad you're starting to see that your writing is special. What ever you write is worthy of my time because you write to glorify the Lord.
Thank you so much Kathleen. I love you!
Loved this!
Thanks, Dianne!!
Oh Mary…THIS! Real, and raw, and heartfelt, and so resonating. I too remember Lisa Jo's words and I have struggled just like you. And when I read Emily's words yesterday, freedom. Just freedom. And it's amazing how universal this struggle is to write and feel like we matter, because our passion to speak into the lives of others is so compelling. Thank you for writing out these brave and bold words. And as we each share our unique vantage point from the experiences and gifts God gives, may He be glorified in our writing. Blessings to you!
Jacque, thank you so much. This comment brought tears to my eyes. I don't think anyone has ever said my post was raw – which I take as a compliment. It is really a stretch for me to write this. Thank you for your encouragement. Will you be at Allume this fall?
good image and reminder to refocus on the basics and be free to write and be who we are as individuals. Thanks for the encouragement and may God guide your writing!
Amy @ Missional Mama
Thank you so much Amy!
Mary,
You have a very unique writing style you know. There are those of us who prefer the clarity in which you write than the style of some of the more flowery writers (though there's room for them too). For me, if writing is too "flowery" it obscures the point the writer is trying to make. I get too "caught up" in the phrasing and lose the big picture. Your manner of writing is both beautiful and straightforward which is something I've always appreciated. You have a knack for drawing attention to the point you are trying to make and the message doesn't get lost in wordiness.
Just a thought 🙂
Oh Mary…I am humbled by your words. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I don't know what to say. What an encouragement you are to me!
I am always encouraged when I read your posts! God made us all different so we could tell the same stories from different points of view! Keep writing!!
Oh, Susan…this means so much to me. Thank you.
I have no words. I'm just so proud of you for seeking…listening…abiding. To God be the glory. Can't wait to see what God has in store for you, friend!
I loved your sunset picture.
I also love your honest writing and my 'something to think about' code on your readers list…(thank you) You are doing awesome.
We all have times where words are not easy.
JUST write. write from your heart.
No one can be another Ann…she is unique and gifted and ever so wonderful.
We need to use our own gifts… and be happy for them.
Thanking God for small things…always.
I like you, Mary, your voice and your friendship.
Hi Mary,
I know that feeling when the words won't come…that dreaded feeling! And I often wonder if it's because I'm trying to hard. Sometimes I just have to relax, take a break if necessary, and wait for God to speak to me. Those 3 things are hard for me to do, but I'm working on it. 🙂
Blessings,
Laura