The true writer simply shows up. Ready to do the work. – Jeff Goins, page 21 of “The Writers Manifesto”
Today I’m showing up. I’m ready to write and I’m putting down words not because I have something to say, but because as a writer, I need to. I can’t really explain where my heart has been lately. I tried last week and you seemed to understand. Thank you sweet friends for offering your words for encouragement of mine.
But when words don’t come, you have to show up anyway. For a writer, that means to put down the line and to start moving fingers on a keyboard even when you are unsure of where they are going to roam. Will they reach deep inside? Will they scratch the surface? I don’t know. But words, when hidden have to be found.
Showing up says, “I’m here and I’m writing and I’m not going to give up. Writing, words, it is what I do. It is who I am.” I’m willing to wrestle the words out, not because I have the answers, but because I need them. I’m willing to work out the blank page because having it stare back at me simply will not work.
I used to think I wrote to encourage. And that is partly true. I used to think I wrote because I had something to say. That is also somewhat true.
But I’m learning, the real reason I write, is to wrestle out the message in my own heart.
Writing makes it stick. Words on the page, scribbled by my own hand plants it deep in my heart. This is my wrestling place. This is where I put my faith in action, give it roots, and make it mine. This page is where my heart says yes to what God is working out in it. So to leave it blank is not an option. Ever.
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What about you? Why do you write? How do you show up, even when you don’t feel like it? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
{linking up with my girls today}
oh yes. That is why I write too. To make sense of somethings. To find what it is in the everyday that leaves me feeling like there is more there to discover. To take in. I write because I am the memory keeper.
Love that Tara – “I write because I am the memory keeper.” It is so true that if I don’t write it down – I forget! Thanks for reminding me of that 🙂
Hi Stacey,
Your post really hit home with me today. Writing is therapeutic. It’s an outlet for my feelings, thoughts, and emotions. It gives them credibility and says they are real (not just in my head.) Writing clears my mind and makes more room for all the other ideas and thoughts crowding in. Writing is learning and refining myself as I study Scripture and spend time with God. Writing connects me with other writers who become friends and blogging buddies. 🙂 Writing is growth and stretching myself. Writing is something I have to do and I love it!
Thank you for hosting Write It, Girl with Katie!
In Christ,
Laura
Write It, Girl Link up: Pray for Strength (http://laurarath.blogspot.com/2011/12/pray-for-strength.html)
VERY well said, Stacey! You have given me food for thought here. Thank you!
I write because I feel led to do so. At the same time, I feel that I should write when I feel HE has something He wants me to say. Before Relevant last year, sometimes I would post something just because I needed to post. Now, I am comfortable if I feel that my words are not from Him, then I don’t feel compelled to write something…does that make sense?
Again, this is a great post and thank you to you & Katie for this Write It, link up!
Mary
Yes, you took the words right out of my mouth! So many days, I do not know what I will say. There are also many times when I think I know exactly what I’ll write, but the finished product looks nothing like the vision in my head. I take a step back and say to God, “Oh, that’s what you had in mind.” Surrendering the keyboard and the pen to Him makes the message so much more meaningful, doesn’t it?
I write because I believe He has given me stories to share with the message of redemption, the hope of tranformation, that make people think differently about life. I do it because I want people to know that they are not bound by their circumstances, that knowing Christ changes everything. It is holy ground that changes me too. And if he doesn’t give me words to share, I am okay with that too. Jeff gives good advice doesn’t he? So glad you just showed up today Stacey. You are blessing.
oh dear friend YES!! yes, yes, yes!! “writing makes it stick …” and everything else you said! 🙂
and i love tara’s comment … we ARE memory keepers!
This is good. Thank you. I need that encouragement. I’ve had times when I had no idea where I was going with a writing piece. I just felt there was something to be wrestled out. Great image! There have been other times when I’ve felt nothing…those are the tough times. But to show up still is the key. Thanks for that reminder and encouragement.
This –> “But I’m learning, the real reason I write, is to wrestle out the message in my own heart.”
So true. You may have given me my ‘aha!’ moment for the day. Thank you for showing up…it is honestly a blessing to see kindreds wrestling it out. Because, if we’re honest, wrestling is what we’re all doing in some way or another.
Loved this, Stacey! 🙂
Ashlie I love that we can all wrestle it out together this month with this beautiful community!
Stacey, your thoughts here about writing were just perfect. You explained so well why you write – and it really resonates with me. I love these words: “But I’m learning, the real reason I write, is to wrestle out the message in my own heart.” Life happenings, and things I am learning do not really become totally real, and totally a part of me – until I write them out. The act of writing is how I make them real, a part of who I am, and where the message sinks deep into my heart.
Oh, I am with you…
” But I’m learning, the real reason I write, is to wrestle out the message in my own heart.”
…still!
Stacey, amen! Thank you so much for your encouragement in this. So, so much of writing is showing up and wrestling with our thoughts. Such rest for this writer’s soul, friend.
I love this! Yes, I write to encourage and to share. But before I ever get to those words, the ones that encourage and share, I first write to articulate what is happening deep within me. To put words on a page is to give meaning to feeling, to give imprint to thoughts. I write, first and foremost, to discover. Then to encourage and share.
Bless you for your faithfulness to “show up.”
Yes, yes, yes. I write because I find revelation as my stories unfold. Sometimes, words come like sludge onto the screen, a halting narration but sometimes, just the act of showing up to do it proves worthwhile and the words flow and I can make sense of it all in the pages. Thanks for the encouragement to “show up.” I am loving the write it girl Tuesdays and all of the wonderful blogs I’m discovering.
love ‘I find revelation as my stories unfold.’
So true!
I can’t remember a time when I DIDN’T write. I love to write – either scribbling on paper or clicking on a keyboard. I write local newspaper features, novels, songs, Planning Commission reports – I just like to write. I should write when I can’t find the words, but I usually read instead (hoping for inspiration). Now I also write because I feel like it’s my time to transition into this as a career. It’s very different from anything I’ve ever done, but I love it!
OH yes! This inspires me…I can get caught up in the whole comparison game all too often and forget that I need to just DO, BE, CREATE because it IS who I am!
Thank you for this, Stacy, and for the way you so kindly and boldly proclaim it!
Love having you part of Write It, Girl Lindsey! I love your words!
I write to get stuff off my mind. If I get it down on paper or get up words on a computer screen, it’s like giving my brain permission to stop thinking on it and agonizing over it.
I’ve also found that I can see things more clearly when I write. I usually gain insight, which sometimes even helps me make better decisions.