I recently got some great advice from an editor friend of mine, and now I’m totally re-writing the first chapter of the book I’m working on. As for the rest of the book – I don’t know yet. Revision 11 is looking meaty. What revision will be the final one, 22?
When will this book be finished? I’m three months away from the seven year anniversary of the day I started working on this book. Whether I ever publish it or not, I sure would like to finish it someday. I’m getting impatient. I want to be done with it. Here I am, still getting up each morning way before sunrise, just so I can have an hour or two to write before going to work. Seven years now of the same routine, and the end still looks far off and blurry.
This morning I was praying about all this, again. And thank you Jesus for reminding me what’s important.
It’s not finishing the book that’s important, at least right now. The focus may shift to finishing at some time, but right now it’s all about writing. What gets me out of bed each morning is the joy of finding Jesus in my writing. When my words are His words – this is what I chase after each morning. And when I’m able to empty myself enough to let Him write through me, those are the best moments of my day. Well worth getting out of bed before the crows. And I’ll keep at it until Jesus says it’s done.
February 19, 2015 at 9:49 am
Writing for me is a process of healing. When I can put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard), that means that I have the Holy Spirit speak truth into my situation and my life. In this sense, I will never be done writing “my book,” nor do I want to as there is always the next chapter with God. (BTW: my background is engineering too!) Be sensitive to when (and if) God tells you to finish the book. Remember, it is not about perfection, but rather about hearing God and recognizing that His timing is always perfect.
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February 20, 2015 at 6:55 am
Thank you so much for your encouraging words. Take care, CJ
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February 19, 2015 at 11:07 am
So true! It’s such a beautiful moment when you find Jesus through your writing. In fact, that’s one of my favorite ways to spend time with him. Thanks for the post.
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February 19, 2015 at 1:55 pm
I’m learning to write a whole new way with God’s help. I want my writing to be pleasing to Him first and foremost. He has tried to teach me this lesson over and over, but I think I finally got it! And it doesn’t even matter to me now if I never get published again, just that I serve God in any way I can. Thank you for the reinforcement!
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February 20, 2015 at 6:57 am
And thank you for your comments. I really appreciate and relate to your experience.
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February 20, 2015 at 8:26 pm
Writing a book is such a rewarding process.. Good Luck and God bless
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February 21, 2015 at 6:10 pm
I could not agree with you more, C.J. I too have an unfinished book I still have not gotten done after many years, but like you I have been working on other pieces of writing right now that I have given priority to, because they focus more on the message and importance that Jesus has given to me to write right now. Finishing the book manuscript will come only when the Lord tells me it is time, and when he gives me renewed inspiration to get back to it.
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February 21, 2015 at 6:41 pm
Hi Joyce,
Thanks so much for sharing. It feels good to know others are experiencing the same types of things.
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