Monday, September 26, 2011

It All Adds Up


When I started my new job, the learning curve seemed overwhelming. I took copious notes to use as cheat sheets. Within a couple of weeks, the notes sat in my inbox untouched. What sent my mind on tilt when I began was now second nature. While I'm learning more advanced procedures, it no longer cramps my brain. I'm building on the knowledge I already possess.

We look at the elements that go into professional non-fiction and fiction and wonder if we'll ever get to the point where our work is publishable. Then, one day we submit a piece, and it's accepted.

Each step we take to improve our craft and learn the business side brings us closer to our goal of publication. Keep building upon the foundation you've laid. It all adds up to success.

Don't get discouraged or despair. Most of all, trust the Lord to help you absorb what's necessary and applicable to your writing life and to open the appropriate doors. Everyone's journey is different.

Do you have a word of encouragement for other writers? Let's make this a day of supporting those still in the newbie/intermediate stage.


16 comments:

JD said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JD said...

I'm a newbie myself and can attest to receiving nothing but encouragement from other writers. Their support and guidance have emboldened me to continue at times when I second-guess my choice to embark upon this looong and slooow journey. But they're right--what's worth having is worth waiting for.

And, what you say is on point, Susan--we master new skills by building on prior knowledge.

Thank you for all of your positivity and support.

Blessings for the coming week.

Linda O'Connell said...

Believe in yourself, but put your work aside for a day before hitting the send button or sealing the envelope. The next day you will revise again, and you will be amazed. Be patient as you wait for an editorial response. Waiting, not writing is the hardest part.

Karen Lange said...

Good advice, Susan! My advice would be to keep learning - always - for as much as we think we know, there are always things that can help us grow as writers. Hang in there and keep going forward!

Sarah Forgrave said...

Thank you for this post, Susan! One of my favorite quotes from the ACFW Conference this weekend came from the keynote speaker, Tracie Peterson. She said something along the lines of, "How can we encourage others unless we're in tune with The Encourager? How can we love others if we're not in tune with the Lover of our Souls?" That really spoke to me and challenged me to seek the ultimate source of those things.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Janette - Celebrate the small victories even before publication. You'll have plenty of "aha moments" along the way. :)

Hi Linda - Excellent advice. As a newbie, the temptation was great to hit the send button. Putting work aside for a day or two gives you fresh eyes. It's also good to have a critique partner. They pick up things I'd never see.

Hi Karen - Yes, learning and applying what we've learned is a lifelong adventure.

Hi Sarah - The Lord is the source of creativity. Leaving Him out of the equation reduces our work to mere words devoid of life.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Diane said...

I am cheering each writer friend on and can not be happier than when I learn of their representation or contracts signed! I am eager to see who will be next!!! :O)

Anonymous said...

To quote Dora from Finding Nemo, "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming."

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Susan .. you're so right - but we need to evaluate too .. there's no point in just swimming, just swimming as Stephen's Dora says .. each piece adds to the path ahead .. and as Karen says .. learning is the key - adding something new into that mushy grey mass and we'll slowly improve and achieve! .. cheers Hilary

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Stephen - Thanks for stopping by. Persistence is a necessary element in life and in writing.

Hi Hilary - There are so many pieces to this puzzle, and learning is one of them. As we put the pieces into place, we get a complete picture.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Jeanette Levellie said...

What a wonderful idea, to have an encouragement day for newbies!

Everyone has a different path; don't try to copy anyone else's, or you'll end up frustrated. Take one step at a time, always listening for the Lord's direction, so you don't get out ahead of Him. It's easier to play catch up than clean up.

Love
Jen

Rhonda Schrock said...

I like what Jeanette said. Everytime I think, "But I can't write like (So-and-So)," the Lord reminds me: "No, I can't. I'm not her/him. But he/she's not me, either."

There's a place for every gift, every person, so don't limit the Lord's ability or creativity.

Waving and smiling, friend,

Rhonda

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Jen -

I like that line: "It's easier to play catch up than clean up." So true!

Blessings,
Susan :)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Rhonda -

I can't sing like Sandi Patty or write like Francine Rivers, but I can do those things like...me. :)

Blessings,
Susan

Kristen said...

I like what Stephen said. "just keep swimming." Sometimes that's all I can do!!
Thanks

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Kristen -

Ha - even when the sharks are circling!

Blessings,
Susan :)