I AM A WRITER--OR AM I REALLY?

I AM A WRITER--OR AM I REALLY?
Thursday, January 1, 2015 by Patti Shene

I’ve claimed to be a writer for a number of years now. After all, I have the business cards and the web site to prove it. I even have a pen name, so of course, I’m a writer...

RIGHT???

Lately, I’m not so sure. When I look back on 2014 and recall all that I’ve written—well, it’s just not very much. I didn’t submit a thing to a single publication, don’t believe I wrote a guest post for even one blog, and barely managed to eek out less than 10K for the NaNo challenge.

I managed to string together a few paragraphs for my own blog posts on my web site during the year, scratched out a few words of condolence or well wishes on sympathy, get well, and birthday cards, typed out a couple of short articles for the church newsletter that I edit, and composed the annual Christmas letter. Other than that, my creative thought processes have produced very little in the literary department.

I’m beginning to believe that maybe God hasn’t assigned me a place in His great library of inspirational works. Rather, I feel He’s assigned me the responsibility of encourager. My three blogs were created with just that goal in mind—encouraging other writers and advertising their work.

This year, I’ll be hosting a blog talk radio show with a broader goal in mind , to encourage those who manifest the truth in God’s creation through imagination. Some of us were born to take center stage, whether as great novelists or inventors or musicians or artists or ministers. People are naturally drawn to these great creative geniuses and they spread the word of God in magnanimous ways, sometimes reaching millions.

I’ve accepted the fact that when my life ends, my name will only be known to a relative handful of people. That’s OK. The important thing is that I use my imagination to get the word out about those who are meant to touch the millions.

I’m not saying I’ve given up on the writing, because I believe writing is something a person is driven to do. I’ve hosted any number of writers on this blog who didn’t even begin writing until they had completed decades of a totally unrelated career. Some of them didn’t know how to turn on a computer or what POV meant, yet they published their first book when they were older than I am. (Yes, I definitely qualify as a senior citizen!)

However, for this year, my main emphasis will be to fulfill the goal of serving as an encourager. I’ll gladly work behind the scenes as I prepare the displays that showcase the inspired messengers of God’s word. Perhaps, in the process of promoting others and exploring the ways they use their imagination, it will energize my own.

I may be approaching the sunset of my life, but I truly believe God has a purpose for every second He will grant to my future.

Comments

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 1/17/2015 5:30:29 PM

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment on this post, Elaine. Yes, God is always good and He has only our best interest in His plans.

Elaine Stock From NY At 1/17/2015 4:22:44 PM

I've been meaning to comment on this post for days?but chasing my own writing dreams, encouraging others on theirs, and working has kept me busy. I finally have 2 short stories pubbed in print, yet still struggle with the Am I A Real Writer? You know? sunsets are pretty gorgeous & God is good!

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 1/4/2015 7:39:17 PM

Thank you for stopping by and sharing your heart, Brenda! That is one of my greatest fears, that I will leave this world without doing whatever it is God wants me to do with all the ideas He has given me. Have a blessed 2015!

BK Jackson From Arizona At 1/4/2015 7:33:53 PM

but...I can't believe I've been given this drawer full of plots to let them die with me. But my goal is to find a way to restart creativity, no matter how many obstacles are thrown in my path. The absolute worst thing that could happen is to die and those ideas dying with me.

BK Jackson From Arizona At 1/4/2015 7:31:57 PM

Over this holiday season I have wrestled a LOT with whether I am a writer--and to be frank, I still have no answers. I didn't get a single word written in 2014 though I read thru one of my ms. Unfortunately, everything about my life, job, efforts to change jobs, is the antithesis of creativity. But

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 1/2/2015 3:16:06 PM

Wow, Peg, this means a lot! I treasure your friendship as well. How many times have I mentioned that you are one of the writers I admire the most for your perseverance. I still remember the time I was in Las Vegas and you drove clear across town to have a lunch with me. Have a blessed 2015!

Peg Phifer From Wisconsin At 1/2/2015 12:18:27 PM

Pat, I love this blog post. I love your transparency and your heart for others, to encourage and cheer us on. God bless you, my fried. I'm so glad God granted me the chance to meet and know you in person.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 1/2/2015 9:56:13 AM

Hi Frances! Thank you so much for your support and encouragement I always appreciate you stopping by. Have a blessed 2015!

Frances Brown w/a Claire Gem From Massachusetts, USA At 1/2/2015 6:15:07 AM

Patti, we all have different goals in this world of writing. I believe yours is a precious one - you provide courage to plunder on. It's not easy to keep writing & stacking up rejection slips, especially at our age. Thanks for your encouragement & support.

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 1/1/2015 11:01:06 PM

Sherry, thank you! Your comment brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I will be there on 2/27, and I'm the one who feels honored! Bless you, my friend! May the Lord shower you with blessings throughout every day of 2015!

Sherry Carter From Texas At 1/1/2015 10:37:44 PM

Patti, when Jesus looks at you and says, ""Well done,"" He won't care how many people know your name. He'll rejoice at the number of people who know His name because of your influence, directly or indirectly. I have guest post on my blog the last Fri of each month. How about 2/27? I'd be honored!