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Monday, June 13, 2011

Drifting Along

Isn't this a peaceful scene? I can almost hear the water lapping against the rowboat. There's one drawback to the picture. The boat isn't going anywhere.

Sometimes I get all dreamy about my writing, but I've left my oars in the boathouse. Oh, it's not deliberate. Other things capture my attention. They're all good, but my writing boat isn't moving toward its goal.

It doesn't take much to stop writing. No cataclysmic decision need occur. Distractions, neglect, and busy-ness rob us of our momentum.

If we want to go somewhere with publication, it takes effort and attention. Are you drifting or are you fully engaged in moving toward your destination?

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20 comments:

  1. Terri TiffanyJune 13, 2011 at 8:33 AM

    I loved what you said about your article being too sad! LOL And it was on grief:)
    I am drifting right now but only for awhile-- just formulating a plan.

    ReplyDelete
  2. NancyJune 13, 2011 at 1:29 PM

    I must be drifting. I'm sure I'll "get to shore" and find a focus soon.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Karen LangeJune 13, 2011 at 4:53 PM

    I get stuck in the boathouse sometimes, or find myself paddling around in circles. :)

    Speaking of buckling down and getting stuff done, I did a post today about deadlines. Great minds surely do think alike!

    Blessings,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  4. Melanie N. BrasherJune 13, 2011 at 8:17 PM

    Well, I'm reading books on editing right now and then I hope to tear my ms apart. In the meantime, I'm still writing articles and blog posts to keep my writing brain active. :)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kathleen June 13, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    It's certain: I'm drifting! Then again, it's by design. Summer's here, and our boat is now getting some use. What a blast!

    Blessings,
    Kathleen

    ReplyDelete
  6. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 13, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Hi Terri -

    There's a difference between recharging and drifting. The former is deliberate, while the latter results from neglect or distraction. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  7. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 13, 2011 at 9:34 PM

    Hi Nancy -

    Sometimes it takes a little while to discover your niche. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  8. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 13, 2011 at 9:35 PM

    Hi Karen -

    LOL! I'll try to get over there tomorrow. It's already late here.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 13, 2011 at 9:36 PM

    Hi Melanie -

    Sounds like a plan. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  10. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 13, 2011 at 9:38 PM

    Hi Sassy -

    Summer draws me outdoors into the garden, for walks, and country rides. It's hard to stay cooped up in the house. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  11. Rhonda SchrockJune 14, 2011 at 9:25 AM

    I'm rowing! It feels like the menial, normal stuff, but I can't fit anything huge and - well, "abnormal (??)" in right now, if you know what I mean. Hopefully, week after week after week of steady rowing will get me where I want to go.

    ReplyDelete
  12. DenaNethertonJune 14, 2011 at 10:27 AM

    Sometimes we need to keep the goal right there, in front of our eyes, like the greyhound chasing after the "bunny."
    But sometimes, distractions are good.Sometimes God calls me away for a time, for ministry, for family business, for refreshment, for focus wholly on Him.When I come back to my writing, I return with fresh insights, more objectivity, renewed energy.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Chatty CroneJune 14, 2011 at 11:22 AM

    I've been drifting for quite awhile I'm afraid.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 14, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Hi Rhonda -

    Good for you! I'm sure the deadline for your column helps keep the writing oars in the water. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete
  15. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 14, 2011 at 8:08 PM

    Hi Dena -

    I've had those occasions in my life as well. As long as we're diligent and the slowdown doesn't become permanent, a break can yield much fruit.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 14, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Hi Chatty -

    You're focused on your blog. Maybe a little fine-tuning and submitting to periodicals would open new opportunities.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Carol J. GarvinJune 15, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    I like your comment to Terri, that there's "a difference between recharging and drifting." I've been drifting when it comes to submitting to periodicals, and recharging for more work on novels, while spending time gleaning support from my blogging friends. :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. KristenJune 15, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    I'm moving, it's just slower than I'd sometimes wish. The Girl can be a mighty tiny distraction (as she jumps into my lap!) The trick is to make sure I seize those quiet moments when I have the chance!
    Have a fantastic day, Susan!
    Kristen

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jan ClineJune 16, 2011 at 12:01 AM

    Actually, Im moving faster than I thought was possible right now. I thought I was drifting before but now I see that it was a resting period to prepare for God's perfect order. I only hope I can bring honor to his plan.
    Blessings
    Jan

    ReplyDelete
  20. Susan J. ReinhardtJune 17, 2011 at 8:19 AM

    Hi Jan -

    Yes, sometimes those "down" periods are preparation for a wild ride! I'm wondering if that's the case for me. :)

    Blessings,
    Susan

    ReplyDelete