Monday, March 3, 2008

Confession

You were supposed to read this newest post and find a fun, interactive, new blog game I was going to have ready for you. That was my plan, at least. It's coming but will have to wait.

There's something else on my mind today. No, it's not as serious as it sounds! I just need to get it in writing.

And that's what it's about: writing.

I started this blog last August for fun and for a way to experiment. I didn't realize then how much it would rekindle a passion that's been re-growing for the last couple of years.

I've mentioned before that's it's been a long time since I've done much creative writing to speak of. It was always a private hobby, just for my enjoyment. Most of you who've read this blog for a while have been very encouraging of my small attempts at restarting this habit. I've written more than I've shared online-- still keeping most of it private--but lately I've been writing almost every day.

God has been speaking to me about this the last few months. He has told me that He wants me to practice, learn, and work on writing a lot more. ...And to take more risks. Why? I'm not really sure. I'm working little by little on short stories and poetry, along with articles/devotionals for submission to small Christian publications--maybe He wants to use me somehow in that way. Maybe He wants my blog readers to have better quality reading material when they visit! =) Maybe He simply wants to change me as I write, growing closer to Him as I take an extended vacation from my comfort zone. Whatever the reason, I'll be obedient.

So why is she sharing this with us? you might wonder. Well, mostly to make myself accountable. It certainly feels more real as I type this! I need to put myself out there more, getting myself good and uncomfortable. And I must admit...it's pretty exciting, scary, and peaceful, all at the same time.

If a part of this whole thing is inflicting more writing on you all-- on this blog and some of you personally-- and it's not great (I know writing is about trial and error), just remember: it was you who encouraged me! =)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sweets, I think I speak for everyone when I say that we all can't wait to see the public results from your extended vacation from your comfort zone (nice imagery). You are a very creative person, and I think God wants to use more of that creativity to show how cool He is. Your writing helps do that.

Plus, if you're writing to impress us, that's not a problem because you will. But if you're writing in obedience to God, then it doesn't matter if it's "not that great" (but it will be great).

So, post away! (and everyone encourage her to finish the first installment of a short story this week so she can submit it to a writing contest)

Travis said...

You won't mind if I don't call you Sweets, I hope.

Ahem. I think you should stop writing, and you should stop right now.

Okay, this is a purely selfish request. Once the world figures out how talented you are, they will realize just how untalented the rest of us are. So, it's in my interest for you to be complacent and disobey God.

See what I mean? When I re-read what I just wrote, I realized just how miserable of a writer I am, especially when you compare the brilliant accountability you thrust upon us.

All right, I'll quit horsing around. I hope the be the first to see your new short story work. I can only imagine what the story line will be, and I'm a little concerned that your story will be too good. Never the less, getter done!

Christi said...

Yay!!! I love hearing this!!! I love reading your writing and am so excited that you are pursuing this. (((hugs))) smiles...

Christi said...

oh, I didn't read the other comments before I posted...yes, get to work on your short story. Is this the one that we'd chatted about or is that a different piece? ...and LOL @ Travis/Will... smiles!

Anonymous said...

Do you remember a conversation we had about 15 years ago about the direction the Lord was leading you and I said "I'm not surprised"? Well, now, I'm not surprised. MD

Anonymous said...

I agree with Travis and won't call you 'Sweets'. So, I'll call you Smacks. (Sorry to others for the inside joke reference.)

Smacks, chop chop on the short story for the writing contest. You really do have quite a talent for writing. Your blogs are easy to read, entertaining and yet thought-provoking.

After the past few months of reading your posts, I've thought how I'd love to see read a daily devotional book by you.

I think the key aside from being obedient is to continue to enjoy writing and not let it turn into 'work.'

So, keep us posted...hahaha...sorry for the pun!

p.s. I finally figured out who "MD" is!

Anonymous said...

You have a wonderfull gift of writing that the Lord is alreasy using.

Travis said...

Okay, everyone has spoken. Now get to work.

Anonymous said...

Daniel, alreasy?

Maybe we should pray for God to use your writing skills.

Anonymous said...

(brain fried from 2 much writng - no more skool pleas)

Anonymous said...

btw - you missed wonderfull

Dave said...

Man, I know how you feel. I can't believe we're both back in school right now. And you're doing a ton better than me, so spread some of that discipline my way, eh?

Alison Bryant said...

Thanks for the comments; y'all are great!
Christi, yes, this is the story that I mentioned to you, but it's a prequel. The part you know about won't be in this episode.

Christi said...

oooooh, sounds fun!

Dave said...

It's a great story too. Alison did a great job on it.