Keeping the Long-Term Goal in the Short-Term Stress

by Pepper Basham | Mar 6, 2015 | Fiction Book Reviews | 8 comments

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been a lifelong writer. I can’t remember when I wrote my first ‘story’, but I do remember my Granny Spencer presenting me with my very first typewriter when I was ten. She said “because a writer needs one”. From that point on I’ve written…something. Whether the creativity resulted in novels, songs, children’s books, or poems, I wrote.

After 11 years of pursuing publication, I’m entering a different side of writing with a new set of stresses, rewards, and challenges (mainly deadlines and scheduling…with a little worry about what people will think). It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and listen to insecurities about the stories I’ve kept in secret now coming out to the world! Will people like them? Can I continue to be published? How will I be able to manage my family, my job, and writing on deadline?

Rachel Hauck gave me some FANTASTIC advice this week that really helped me refocus…and reminded me of the calling God place on my heart when I was a little girl. To write stories!!!

Here’s what Rachel said:

Decide in your heart and mind you’re in this for the long haul and don’t worry about temporary things like awards, reviews and even sales numbers.

Just decide you’re in it one story at a time for the next 20 years. 🙂

One story at a time! God started creating stories in my heart as a little girl and He continues to grow them now. My focus and pleasure remain in the beautiful act of creativity…. story crafting!

If you’re struggling with the stress, fears, expectations, and uncertainties in this writing gig, remember God started a story IN you to be a story-creator! And if our ultimate goal is to write stories for His glory, then our calling is secure 🙂

8 Comments

ediemelson on March 6, 2015 at 8:46 am

I love this! These words apply directly to what I’m struggling with right now. Thank you Pepper for sharing Rachel’s advice!
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- pepperbasham on March 6, 2015 at 5:35 pm
  
  Totally with you, Edie! Wow! talk about a ‘word in due season’. I’m so thankful who’ve been on the path before us who can help us regain our perspectives. Praying for you in all your crazy stuff, friend!
  Reply
ediemelson on March 6, 2015 at 10:39 am

I love this! Thank you, Pepper for sharing the insight you got from Rachel, it couldn’t have come at a better time for me!
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rachelhauck on March 6, 2015 at 2:32 pm

🙂
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Janice Boekhoff on March 6, 2015 at 5:20 pm

Great post, Pepper! Such wise words from Rachel! That is what I cling to when all the fear and stress threatens to overwhelm me–the love of the story (and I’m still on the easy pre-publication side of the path with no deadlines but my own). God’s blessings to you on this journey, Pepper!
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- pepperbasham on March 6, 2015 at 5:34 pm
  
  Thanks, Janice! I so appreciated those words to help me gain back some perspective. It’s a little scary and daunting when all the crazy starts crashing in – whether it’s on one side of publication or the other.
  Many blessings to you as you continue enjoying the beauty of story
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pamelakoefoed on March 6, 2015 at 11:52 pm

Pepper, I appreciate the wisdom that you share here, and especially embrace…

“Decide in your heart and mind you’re in this for the long haul and don’t worry about temporary things like awards, reviews and even sales numbers.
Just decide you’re in it one story at a time for the next 20 years.”

Blessings to you,
Pamela
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- pepperbasham on March 7, 2015 at 7:32 am
  
  Thanks, Pamela. It was some good wisdom from a lady who has been in this business a while and knows how to encourage!
  Reply