I'm just coming to the end of a long stint at revising and editing a contracted story. At this point I am feeling drained and finding the story I've loved since I first started plotting it not so lovable. This is common for all authors at this point in the process, and I know I will love it again at the end of the entire process.
I just came across this prayer for writers that I wish I had found a few weeks ago and kept by my computer. It helps me to remember what this writing process is all about. It's not about me, but about the One who gave me the ability and desire to write stories.
One of the continuing classes at the recent ACFW Writers Conference was presented by Alan Arnold. I didn't attend it, but after hearing about it from several who did, I wish I had. One thing Alan stated that was quoted to me has stuck. We don't write for God but with Him. Here's the prayer
The Writer’s
Daily Prayer
With all my heart, I thank you for the opportunity
to write for You, Lord. Please grant me the talent to do it with clarity
and fresh style that my words will stretch deep into my readers’ souls and make
a difference for eternity.
Reach into my heart, Lord, and grant me
sensitivity to understand my characters—their soul’s deep core, their wants and
needs and dreams. May my sensitivity make my characters come to life for
my readers and, in turn, touch a chord of emotion that will draw them into the
story.
I long to write from my heart, Lord, so that I may
communicate Your love and goodness to my readers. Fuel my imagination
with vivid ideas and vital insights that my words will flow and I will have no
doubt that You are working through me.
Teach me how to trust You in those moments when
the creative juices slow and my mind grows weary. It is for You I write, so
please awaken and energize my senses with fresh insights so that my readers
will go in search of Your truth in the midst of my fiction.
Empower me with Your Holy Spirit, God, that I may persevere in discouragement, trust in times of fear, hope in the midst of despair, believe when the doubts settle in, and rely solely on You for my strength and inspiration.
In the name of Your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.
A native
of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, author Pamela S. Meyers lives in suburban Chicago
with her two rescue cats. Her novels include Thyme for Love, which has
recently been rereleased on Amazon and her 1933 historical romance, Love
Finds You in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. When she isn’t at her laptop writing
her latest novel, she can often be found nosing around Wisconsin and other Midwestern
spots for new story ideas.
Just what I needed today--thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. Definitely a keeper.:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pam. That's a wonderful prayer. I pinned it so I can save it and read it often.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, Pam. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me that God is my writing partner, and with His help, all things are possible. Even editing!
ReplyDelete