January 19, 2007 @ 5:13 pm | Filed under: Books
I swallowed a healthy dose of self-discipline each and every morning this week. Between that and the super-glue that I applied to both my backside and my desk chair, I somehow managed to write my daily word count, even on days when I had classes. I’m thinking a party’s in order, what do you all think?
Here’s the kicker. Now that I *know* it can be done, I’m having to deposit all my really great-sounding excuses right where they belong – in the proverbial trash can. No more blaming homework, or laundry, or projects, or grocery shopping, or… (Are you getting the picture yet?)
Beginning a story for me is like trying to decide how best to eat an elephant. It’s overwhelming, and feels nigh near impossible. You’d think the fact that I have six more completed novels behind me that I would have figured out by now that the new story is, not only possible, but very probable.
But there is just something about a big ‘ol blank page that sends me reeling every. single. time. This week was no different. So I did the only thing I knew to do. I talked to God and told Him how I felt about it all. I know I’m supposed to write. I know I’m supposed to write THIS story. And in the way that only He can, He gently nudged me forward.
I began to type. I allowed the story to form in my mind and then did my best to capture it on my keyboard. Soon that blank page was filled and a new blank page scrolled in. By the time I had hit page five or six I no longer viewed or thought of the pages as empty. My God truly amazes me.
Today is Day Five of Finding Faith and the word count for this week is 5252. While this is still the very beginning, my heart is rejoicing tonight. I’m also feeling a little sheepish. ‘Cause it’s official, folks – I’ve been a slacker!
It turns out that I CAN do a couple loads of laundry, write, attend a few classes, write a couple of papers, and be a loving wife, mother, daughter, and friend.
I think my guys are in the other room right now wondering if I can add COOK to this list. Who do they think I am? Wonderwoman?
Oh, all right. I’ll see what I can whip up…
Staci–I’ve caught up on your blog, and I am so impressed with all you are accomplishing!! Your new book sounds great and you’re making wonderful progress. Best to you!
Posted on January 19th, 2007 at 8:10 pmOh my! I went through the same thing today myself. I even had the talk with God.
Posted on January 19th, 2007 at 10:35 pmYou are WELL on your way to another God-inspired novel. And don’t be too hard on yourself – last semester was your first semester back to school! But you can do it! You are doing it! And doing it very well, I might add! I’m proud of you!
Posted on January 19th, 2007 at 11:22 pmWay to go on the word count! Keep going!
Posted on January 20th, 2007 at 7:09 amKaty! It’s so good to “see” you again! I promise, I can never enter a Starbucks without thinking about YOU! Are you gearing up for the wedding? I know you’ll have some great wedding blog stories for all of us and I, for one, can’t wait to hear them!
Posted on January 20th, 2007 at 11:05 amRochelle & Carey, thank you both for always encouraging me! The two of you are keeping me on the straight and narrow with my WC and I NEED that! You both rock, in my book!
Posted on January 20th, 2007 at 11:06 amHi CeCe! Just wanted to let you know that I loved the Mona Lisa story! I’m looking forward to seeing what book you’re reviewing on Wednesday – you have my attention!
Posted on January 20th, 2007 at 11:10 amYou are an amazing WonderWoman!!!! It’s called ULTIMATE ORGANIZATION and you are the queen of it!!! Love ya!
Posted on January 20th, 2007 at 4:59 pmI’m so proud of you! Mother, wife, writer, student, daughter, Nana, WOW leader, Sunday school teacher, friend, prayer warrior, information desk jockey and so much more.
Posted on January 20th, 2007 at 5:20 pmI love you!
So where does one get this “self-discipline” you speak of? I’m needing some badly.
Posted on January 22nd, 2007 at 2:51 pmDenise, you go way deep inside to that little child we all have in us and you THREATEN them within an inch of their life. “You WILL write or you will NOT play, do I make myself crystal clear?” Later, if it’s still not working for me, I have to pull out the ‘ol “Just what part of YOU WILL WRITE, did you NOT understand?” lol
Posted on January 22nd, 2007 at 4:38 pmAnd if that doesn’t work, then threaten yourself to another DC fast until the book is done…
Posted on January 22nd, 2007 at 10:02 pmOuch! Another Diet Coke fast? (Note to self: don’t EVER get to that spot again!)
Posted on January 23rd, 2007 at 2:06 pm