Every time I begin a new writing project, I panic. Can I do this again? Do I have the necessary skills to carry another
book through to completion? Will my readers like the characters? Is my plot credible with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing? Will my critique buds keep me accountable?
Then I remember who’s my Boss.
I bet many of you thought writing would be free of the worries and hassles of a boss. No clocking in. No staying late and arriving early. Then you discovered all the demands made on your time and effort: publishers, agents, editors, copy editors, publicists, critique partners, readers, social media, and family responsibilities. But did you stop to consider your real Boss?
book through to completion? Will my readers like the characters? Is my plot credible with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing? Will my critique buds keep me accountable?
Then I remember who’s my Boss.
I bet many of you thought writing would be free of the worries and hassles of a boss. No clocking in. No staying late and arriving early. Then you discovered all the demands made on your time and effort: publishers, agents, editors, copy editors, publicists, critique partners, readers, social media, and family responsibilities. But did you stop to consider your real Boss?
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Stress . . . Deadlines . . . Beat the clock |
The One who called you into the writing ministry?
If you’ll think back to the time when writing began as a dream, the urge and passion to communicate through the written word became so powerful that you didn’t know what to do with it.
It was power.
It was passion.
It was alive.
It was undeniable.
A realization began to grow deep inside you that this newfound urgency came from outside the realm of your own being. Writing had become a calling from God, and you had a responsibility to learn the craft.
With the understanding that God purposed you to write, I can assume He didn’t include a timetable as to when you’d be published. If He did, please forward me that e-mail.
I can also assume the techniques and tools of the craft weren’t immediately drop-shipped into your brain. If so, I want that e-mail too.

This wild, sweet gift of writing is a lot like the road David walked in the Bible. He discovered his Boss at a young age, and he clung to Him all the days of his life.
David didn’t take the throne immediately. He had much to learn.
David had to learn how to be a king.
David battled lions and bears to build strength, courage, and endurance.
David’s family probably didn’t understand who he was or what he was attempting to accomplish.
David fought Goliath - the world of publishing - by using his skills and trusting in God.
David faced rejection from Saul, his wife Mikel, and those he thought were his friends, and family.
David made mistakes and had to ask for forgiveness.
David never gave up. He had hope, which means he waited for the Lord to fulfill His promises. What about you? Where is your hope and commitment?
We use our words to entertain, inspire, and teach. That’s what God wants for His writers. Like David we can dream, learn, obey, and reach our purpose.
So I ask you, who is your Boss?
David had to learn how to be a king.
David battled lions and bears to build strength, courage, and endurance.
David’s family probably didn’t understand who he was or what he was attempting to accomplish.
David fought Goliath - the world of publishing - by using his skills and trusting in God.
David faced rejection from Saul, his wife Mikel, and those he thought were his friends, and family.
David made mistakes and had to ask for forgiveness.
David never gave up. He had hope, which means he waited for the Lord to fulfill His promises. What about you? Where is your hope and commitment?
We use our words to entertain, inspire, and teach. That’s what God wants for His writers. Like David we can dream, learn, obey, and reach our purpose.
So I ask you, who is your Boss?
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A finished book is a read book |
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels.
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers; the 2015 president of the Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love chapter; a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, and International Thriller Writers. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
Love this post, DiAnn. Spending time conversing with The Boss always fuels my day and adds inspiration to my writing.
ReplyDeleteA timely reminder for me, DiAnn. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks, DiAnn. It's reassuring to know that even YOU get the jitters! Love the reminder to fall back on God, too, and the examples in David's life. Great post.
ReplyDeleteDiAnn,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful thing to read first thing in the work day. Thank you! All too often, I sit down to write--and do all the other things writing demands--and forget Who I'm writing for. Thanks for the reminder.
Best wishes,
Carrie
Thanks to all of you for your encouraging comments. To me, losing track of the boss leaves me wandering around in the dark. Have a blessed day!
ReplyDeleteDiAnn, A well-put reminder of who we really are and what we really do--or, at least, should be doing. Thanks for this reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks Richard!
ReplyDelete