How to write? Write passionately, from the heart, as if you are delivering a baby. "Just get that baby out"
David Yeazell gave me the best single piece of advice about writing, "When a woman is giving birth she isn't concerned about the baby being all cleaned up for presentation to the family, right? What is she focused on? Just getting the baby out. That's how it works best when you have something to say, just get it out. Don't worry about cleaning up grammar, punctuation, or even making sure that all of your sentences make sense or paragraphs are tight and succinct...just get the baby out."
The second best piece of advice was also from David, and is related to the first, "Go where your heart is when you write. You might start in the middle of the book, or the end. Go where your focus is and write where there is energy. Don't force yourself to write in sequence from the introduction to the final summary...just get it out. You can organize and fill in later. Trust that what is in your heart and mind has been put there by God, just get it out as it comes to you. Edit, sequence and organize later."
The most common barrier to writing that I've heard is, "I don't know where to start." David's advice answers that question. Start by getting out whatever is in your mind and heart, today. Trust that the rest will come. It's like building a puzzle. If when you look at the pieces scattered on the floor in front of you, there are several that are easy to fit together, go ahead and put them together, and go from there.
How to write? Write with passion, from your heart, with little concern about cleaning your baby up as it comes out. There's time for that later. The most important thing is to get it out. You can clean it up at leisure later, (or better, have someone help you).
Let's review:
Why write? - For others
When? - During "best-energy" times of your day
Where? - Wherever you are when God gives you a download, AND wherever you are comfortable/focused.
How? - With passion, and lack of concern about making it perfect while you are getting it out.
Next week is WHAT to write. "You mean I have something to say that others might want/need to hear?"
Blessings, Jeff
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Where to Write
"You're getting an idea of something to write about, aren't you? I know that faraway look in your eyes, and the telltale sign is reaching for a scrap of paper, a napkin, etc....now I know what it's like to live with a composer or some other kind of artist", Jill said.
Where to write? Answer #1 is: Wherever you are when you get a divine download about something that needs to be shared with others. Steward what God is giving you by making notes to remind. Sometimes it's a phrase or two, or several bullet points. I've stopped on my bike to pull out my phone to type a note, or to record the thoughts. The idea is to make notes that you can use later to more fully develop your thoughts.
Answer #2 - Wherever you are comfortable and most productive. My two favorite and best places are the love-seat in our piano room or the back porch; laptop on my lap, and feet propped up. No one in the room, as quiet as possible, with a view of woods, trees, or some other natural landscape to ponder while sewing thoughts together into paragraphs and paragraphs into pages.
A comfortable and private place lends to the discipline of writing, which is making the choice to put yourself in a position to download or develop divine downloads for others. After all, that is the purpose of writing, the good of others (i.e., inspiration, instruction, equipping, etc.).
How's it going? Where will you write?
Where to write? Answer #1 is: Wherever you are when you get a divine download about something that needs to be shared with others. Steward what God is giving you by making notes to remind. Sometimes it's a phrase or two, or several bullet points. I've stopped on my bike to pull out my phone to type a note, or to record the thoughts. The idea is to make notes that you can use later to more fully develop your thoughts.
Answer #2 - Wherever you are comfortable and most productive. My two favorite and best places are the love-seat in our piano room or the back porch; laptop on my lap, and feet propped up. No one in the room, as quiet as possible, with a view of woods, trees, or some other natural landscape to ponder while sewing thoughts together into paragraphs and paragraphs into pages.
A comfortable and private place lends to the discipline of writing, which is making the choice to put yourself in a position to download or develop divine downloads for others. After all, that is the purpose of writing, the good of others (i.e., inspiration, instruction, equipping, etc.).
How's it going? Where will you write?
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
When to Write
"When do you have time to write all this stuff?" It's the most common question from readers and aspiring authors. They realize from their own experience that writing is hard and takes time. The answer to their question is, "When you make the time."
Once you are convicted that God has given you something to say, and you become convinced that is essential to put it into written words to archive it for others making time is fairly easy; well, at least there is adequate motivation to make time to express your mind and heart through the written word.
My best time for writing is in early in the morning when my energy is high and my mind is fresh. Mid to late afternoon works well too. Often by then I've accrued some reflections about a topic, and feel ready to put the pen to the page (fingers on the keyboard, but pen to the page sounds more poetic, :). When is your mind most clear and creative? When is your high energy period of the day?
The bottom line is that if God has given you something to say that it will require time and energy to say it. Start small to develop the habit of writing as a discipline in your life. Set aside 30 minutes to sit at your keyboard every day, or 5 days/week, or 3 days/week...whatever. Just do it. Get started. See what God does during that time; what He inspires you to put on the page. Go where your heart is at the moment. As you write, day after day, the message you've been given will take shape. Sentences form paragraphs, and paragraphs form articles or chapters. Develop one thought at a time, one after the other, expressing what is in your heart for that writing period.
When to write? Whenever you set aside best energy time to write. Now, writing on deadline is a different story, because you might have to keep writing into periods of the day that you aren't at your best. When this happens, take breaks. Change the channel, as Tony Schwartz instructs in his book, "The Power of Full Engagement". After 45 minutes to 75 minutes, get up, take a break, get something to eat, exercise, read something else, etc.; whatever rejuvenates you. Then, if you still need to get something out per a self-imposed or external deadline, you'll be able to keep going for another period.
When to write? Today. In faith, make the time, then ask God to give you the words that He wants others to hear.
I'm looking forward to reading what He gives you to say!
Jeff
Once you are convicted that God has given you something to say, and you become convinced that is essential to put it into written words to archive it for others making time is fairly easy; well, at least there is adequate motivation to make time to express your mind and heart through the written word.
My best time for writing is in early in the morning when my energy is high and my mind is fresh. Mid to late afternoon works well too. Often by then I've accrued some reflections about a topic, and feel ready to put the pen to the page (fingers on the keyboard, but pen to the page sounds more poetic, :). When is your mind most clear and creative? When is your high energy period of the day?
The bottom line is that if God has given you something to say that it will require time and energy to say it. Start small to develop the habit of writing as a discipline in your life. Set aside 30 minutes to sit at your keyboard every day, or 5 days/week, or 3 days/week...whatever. Just do it. Get started. See what God does during that time; what He inspires you to put on the page. Go where your heart is at the moment. As you write, day after day, the message you've been given will take shape. Sentences form paragraphs, and paragraphs form articles or chapters. Develop one thought at a time, one after the other, expressing what is in your heart for that writing period.
When to write? Whenever you set aside best energy time to write. Now, writing on deadline is a different story, because you might have to keep writing into periods of the day that you aren't at your best. When this happens, take breaks. Change the channel, as Tony Schwartz instructs in his book, "The Power of Full Engagement". After 45 minutes to 75 minutes, get up, take a break, get something to eat, exercise, read something else, etc.; whatever rejuvenates you. Then, if you still need to get something out per a self-imposed or external deadline, you'll be able to keep going for another period.
When to write? Today. In faith, make the time, then ask God to give you the words that He wants others to hear.
I'm looking forward to reading what He gives you to say!
Jeff
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Why Write?
Three friends called on three consecutive days with the same message, "You need to write, Jeff." What was happening? My work as a traveling salesman for a national association wasn't very satisfying at the time, and I was searching for direction. Little did I know that guidance would come in a series of three brief phone calls from three friends who didn't know each other. The last one was the most memorable and compelling.
Bill's voice was unmistakable due to his Jersey accent, "You need to write young man." Bill (Dr. Secor) was one of my graduate school professors. His advice had always been on the mark, so I paid attention, "I don't get it, sir. I love books and respect books. There's nothing new to say!" I protested. "Well, I don't agree with that, but let's suppose there isn't. Still the way you say things is unique. So, if you say old things in a new way, it might be for someone that needs to hear it that way." Hmm, he had me. Writing for the good of others, not fame of money could compel me to write. Still it was another year before I actively began stewarding what I'd learned by penning it for posterity. It would take another "intervention" from a different group of friends to activate me.
"You need to write, Jeff" six friends almost said in unison one summer evening on our back deck. "Your writing, even inspiring emails have helped us in our relationships (i.e., marriages), and with God. You've been given a gift, and you need to use it for others." "That does it" I thought. I need to pay attention. "Okay" I said. I will. The rest, as they say, is history.
In faith, I began writing a daily devotional for these six friends. Five days a week I invested 45-90 minutes on average in reflection, prayer, writing and re-writing of messages for these friends. Eventually the distribution list grew to about 400 people scattered around the globe. Prisoners, pastors, pro athletes and soldiers were among the readers. No one was more surprised by how God was using these words than me. The endeavor lasted for 18 months and generated almost five books of content. Eventually my childhood pastor insisted on sponsoring the self-publishing costs for book #1, "These need to be read by others" he declared as he handed me the four figure check. Surreal.
Now, almost weekly, I either receive an email or run into someone who quotes something from the book. It's stunning that the words written in obedience to the mandate of friends, family and mentors have inspired, encouraged and equipped others, but then again, it's not. Writing is one of the most powerful methods God has used to reveal Himself to humanity. Think about the Holy Bible. Words written by men many centuries ago come to life on a daily basis in the lives of millions of people around the world. Innumerable books have been written about that book, and quotes from it appear in innumerable other books. And the impact of the stories, principles and commands contained therein is incredible. It is the book that changes lives.
Why write? I write because it is a way to participate in God's divine plan to inspire and equip people for the life He created us to live; full life, abundant life, purposeful life. While the enemy seeks to kill and destroy, He wills us to live abundantly purposeful and meaningful lives.
YOU NEED TO WRITE! Does this sound familiar? How did you discover that God wants you to steward your life for others and to pen it for posterity? How has He already used it? What else does He want you to say?
Next week I'll write about when to write followed by where, what and how. By the way, I'd love to read what you've written, and perhaps help it to be read. Perhaps we could help each other, and thereby help many others....Perhaps you have written something that you would like to share; an inspiring story, something you've learned. Perhaps we could publish it here?
Blessings, Jeff
Bill's voice was unmistakable due to his Jersey accent, "You need to write young man." Bill (Dr. Secor) was one of my graduate school professors. His advice had always been on the mark, so I paid attention, "I don't get it, sir. I love books and respect books. There's nothing new to say!" I protested. "Well, I don't agree with that, but let's suppose there isn't. Still the way you say things is unique. So, if you say old things in a new way, it might be for someone that needs to hear it that way." Hmm, he had me. Writing for the good of others, not fame of money could compel me to write. Still it was another year before I actively began stewarding what I'd learned by penning it for posterity. It would take another "intervention" from a different group of friends to activate me.
"You need to write, Jeff" six friends almost said in unison one summer evening on our back deck. "Your writing, even inspiring emails have helped us in our relationships (i.e., marriages), and with God. You've been given a gift, and you need to use it for others." "That does it" I thought. I need to pay attention. "Okay" I said. I will. The rest, as they say, is history.
In faith, I began writing a daily devotional for these six friends. Five days a week I invested 45-90 minutes on average in reflection, prayer, writing and re-writing of messages for these friends. Eventually the distribution list grew to about 400 people scattered around the globe. Prisoners, pastors, pro athletes and soldiers were among the readers. No one was more surprised by how God was using these words than me. The endeavor lasted for 18 months and generated almost five books of content. Eventually my childhood pastor insisted on sponsoring the self-publishing costs for book #1, "These need to be read by others" he declared as he handed me the four figure check. Surreal.
Now, almost weekly, I either receive an email or run into someone who quotes something from the book. It's stunning that the words written in obedience to the mandate of friends, family and mentors have inspired, encouraged and equipped others, but then again, it's not. Writing is one of the most powerful methods God has used to reveal Himself to humanity. Think about the Holy Bible. Words written by men many centuries ago come to life on a daily basis in the lives of millions of people around the world. Innumerable books have been written about that book, and quotes from it appear in innumerable other books. And the impact of the stories, principles and commands contained therein is incredible. It is the book that changes lives.
Why write? I write because it is a way to participate in God's divine plan to inspire and equip people for the life He created us to live; full life, abundant life, purposeful life. While the enemy seeks to kill and destroy, He wills us to live abundantly purposeful and meaningful lives.
YOU NEED TO WRITE! Does this sound familiar? How did you discover that God wants you to steward your life for others and to pen it for posterity? How has He already used it? What else does He want you to say?
Next week I'll write about when to write followed by where, what and how. By the way, I'd love to read what you've written, and perhaps help it to be read. Perhaps we could help each other, and thereby help many others....Perhaps you have written something that you would like to share; an inspiring story, something you've learned. Perhaps we could publish it here?
Blessings, Jeff
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