Distracted, frustrated and anxious...how's that for the perfect writer-storm?With only six weeks left before my deadline, the butterflies in my stomach have become F-16 fighter jets.
My plan has always been to submit my first book project to Beacon Hill Press before my deadline. I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen. Which means staying awake past nine at night and learning to drink coffee like big people.
Peace is foreign to me right now. I could really use your prayers.
My manuscript is not ready for publisher's eyes, not polished enough. Each time I read through a chapter I cut and chop, add and tweak and wonder if this project will ever be good enough to warrant hitting my send button.
My book is going to be about twenty chapters long and will include approximately 50,000 words. My computer is a cluttered mess of documents and files. I'm swimming in a sea of books and magazines marked with quotes and references and never the one I want at hand.
Not a comforting environment for someone who is a disorganized perfectionist.
We came home last night from six beautiful days in Tennessee - a week long distraction. I lost six days of writing time and now the rest of my week is bulging with have-to's - two graveyard shifts at work, hosting a marriage study, a birthday party, soccer games, in-laws coming over...
Funny how the topic I'm writing on (the captivity of activity and the bondage of busyness) is what I'm having to battle myself.
18 comments:
I would LOVE for you to win the book... I'm positive you would like it :) BUT, a different blog is doing the giveaway
GO HERE:
http://themancheskys.blogspot.com/2010/09/bittersweet-review-and-giveaway.html
I hope you win :)
Thanks friend for the redirection. I'll head over there tomorrow after I get some shut-eye.
You are getting there! I'll add you to my prayers while you work hard for this next stretch!
Good Morning Joanne, If this posts twice, not sure what happened! Anyway; Thank You for the sweet comment you left me. That was so encouraging! My prayer is that God will be Glorified! with these words on the page! I have prayed for you this morning that God will be Your "Calm", and you will get it all done! Remember: He is Your very Source of STRENGTH! Have a Blessed Day of Peace!
Mari & Nana...thank you so much for your prayers.
I can feel them today. :O)
Sounds like there are many chapters you will be living these next few days. I pray that God grants you the peace to find your words, a margin of time and clarity to get them down, and rest and enjoyment for the company and events that will be taking place. Above all, leave it in God's hands. He's a greater writer than any of us can hope to become. I know your thoughts and your words will honor Him in your life and your path. Now slam that puppy out! LOL You'll be great!
I had to chuckle at the picture... I have wanted to do that to my computer too from time to time. LOL...
I'm praying for you. He will give you peace and time to finish your book.
God bless.
Joanne sweet friend, your book is going to be wonderful, powerful, fruitful. You will turn it in before deadline and we will celebrate its completion. I am praying for you.
God is with you.
PS: stress and Zingers are not good companions for deadline-approaching writers.
oh the irony....you've got this girl. I believe in you.
If you are down to editing, you are in good shape. Now you can finish the race with diligence and grace. As for the chores that get in the way, my one word of advice: delegate. You've come so far. How exciting to be so close to a published book.
What a great topic for you to write about...how we all need it, and isn't it ironic that you seem to need it too?
Stay focused. It will come!
Joanne, just in case you have forgotten how to do this thing, I thought I'd remind you . . . with your own words:
And, still my heart races, while the Lord confidently smiles and reaches out His hand for mine. Taking deep breaths, I attempt to settle my rising and falling chest. He softly pulls me by my hand, up against His side, tucking me safely under His arm.
I squeeze my eyes shut and feel Him begin to move me forward. Taking small steps together, I walk blindly by His side. My other arm wrapped firmly around Him, He whispers, "Lean against me. You can do this because I can do this."
Clinging to His robe, we walk through the open door together.
One blind step at a time, remember?
--Dawn
Will be praying for you; I am sure you will be fine. Be still and know that he is God!
http://youcanfacetodaybecausehelives.blogspot.com
Joanne, God has a way of meeting us at the end or our rope, strength, wisdom and stress. I am praying for Him to calm your anxious heart and give you a sound, clear mind to do the work He has called you to. He is faithful. You will get through this adventure and people will be blessed. Love you, Sue
Thanks so much everybody. Your words have been such an encouragement. I'm feeling much better.
God is patiently waiting for me to quit complaining and finish what He started.
Time for met to get back to work!
"learning to drink coffee like big people."...haha...this struck me as very funny...
Your book will get done...and it will be awesome...and you will be blessed and be a blessing...
I have faith in you sis, you can, and will do this. You have my love and prayers.
How are you doing today, my friend? Just know that I am praying for you! You can do this!
Sometimes we have to think of it as the action of activity and the blessing of busyness because sometimes there are just things that we HAVE to do, no matter how stressed out we are.
This is another example of God's faithfulness to us, meeting our needs when we are busy meeting other's needs and can't tend to our own.
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