I am currently writing a book on my different experiences with ministry and my struggles through depression. The first rough draft was written quickly. I just got my story out on paper. Now, however, I am trying to fine tune it and make sense out of the story. As I am trying to do this, I easily get discouraged. It’s so much work and I wonder, is it really going to help anybody? I sure hope I’m not doing this in vain because it’s really tedious.
How do I truly know whether to press on or let it rest? I think I feel God prompting me to move ahead so I am doing so. I suppose when I am done, people can decide for themselves whether or not they want to read it and if God so chooses, He will speak to others through me. I just wish I was done already!!!
8 responses so far ↓
Al // May 6, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Hi. Hang in there and trust your inner voice to move forward. Have a blessed week.
Alligator // May 6, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Thanks for your encouragement Al!
Al // May 7, 2009 at 11:50 am
You’re welcome. Please trust your gut, and allow that scripture somewhere about leaning not upon your own understanding but letting the Heavenly Father direct your paths be your guiding light. You can do it, Alison, and with apologies to Nike, “just do it”!
Alligator // May 7, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Yeah, I’m slowly working at it. It just seems like each time I go back I find more things to change and fix. Will I ever be happy with what I’ve written? It takes hours. I have to do it though because people are waiting to read it.
It’s a lot easier to write a column and be done in 20 minutes. I’ve been doing that for four years. I don’ t have practice in writing a book.
Al // May 7, 2009 at 2:45 pm
Sounds like you may be simply putting too high expectations upon yourself–we ususally are our worst critics sometimes. With your background experience in writing to draw upon, please let me suggest that you trust yourself and simply allow your thoughts/words to flow freely–there’ll be plenty of time later to weed out/edit a final draft. As far as practice goes, try to remember that even the Greats, in any profession/endeavor, all started their journey by taking the first-step…so keep those creative juices flowing, Alison, and you’ll be just fine. How many pages so far? How many projected chapters?
Have a wonderful weekend.
Alligator // May 7, 2009 at 3:25 pm
It’s 49 pages typed. I’ve gone through it once now and will go through it again. I’m having a hard time with chapters and transitions in some spots. Maybe that’ll come with the second or third run through. It will be a short book. I have to leave lots out to protect the people involved in my story. Depression affects lots of people around you.
Alligator // May 7, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Al, I put the Prologue on my blog for you. I’m calling the book, “Then Sings My Soul.”
Have a little taste. This may be edited yet.
Al // May 7, 2009 at 9:12 pm
Hi Alison,
Thank You! Stay with it and listen/trust your inner voice and make the transitions as smoothly as you can–sounds like you have natural gifts so don’t be afraid to let your thoughts/words simply flow…it’s admirable of you to share your story while respecting the privacy of others–high-five!
I like your title too. Thumbs up, Alison!