Editor’s Note: CWG member Leslie Lynch sent in this guest post to share on the guild blog. If you are a CWG member with a re-print or new article you’d like to share with the guild, send inquiries to blog [at] catholicwritersguild [dot] com. We look forward to hearing from you!
I’m between projects right now. I just finished the second manuscript in a two book series that, together, I have spent several years on. Please keep in mind that the first manuscript was my ‘learning’ piece, and it has been revised so many times I’ve lost count! But the second book didn’t take nearly as long, and thanks to my critique group’s input along the way, didn’t require as much revision.
But for the first time in a long time, I don’t have a work in progress. Typing the words The End was exhilarating…and terrifying. This is turning into another journey of faith for me, one I’m sure I don’t experience in isolation, though it feels that way. I must trust my creative nature to generate an idea for the next book (and I gotta say, I hope it generates really soon!)
But far more importantly, I must trust the Holy Spirit to lead me in a path that will honor God and fulfill His purpose for me on this earth, in this place, in this time, via this particular talent. For it’s through His grace that the drive, the passion, and the talent to write exist within me – and you!
What do you do when you’re between projects? What is your process for mining ideas and gathering the raw materials that will become your new story? How do you reinvigorate your creative self, refill your creative well? And what role does prayer play in the ups and downs of your creative life?
Lord, grant us the grace to write words of hope and healing. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
Leslie Lynch gives voice to characters who struggle to find healing for their brokenness – and discover unconventional solutions to life’s unexpected twists. She is an occasional contributor to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’s weekly paper, The Criterion. She can be found at www.leslielynch.com and is on facebook and Twitter.
Jennifer Fitz
Jennifer Fitz is the author of The How-to Book of Evangelization: Everything You Need to Know But No One Ever Taught You from Our Sunday Visitor and Classroom Management for Catechists from Liguori Publications. She writes about all things evangelization and discipleship at jenniferfitz.substack.com. For updates on where else to find her, visit JenniferFitz.com.
Hi, Caroline,
Thanks for stopping by, and for your kind words! I appreciate you sharing about your prayer time. It's vital and necessary for any Catholic Christian, but perhaps even moreso for those who influence others through words or art. I pray constantly about what I'm writing, and it's not always about success or getting published. It's more about putting down the right words so that someone who reads them (a contest judge, an editor or agent, a critique partner, or a family member) will be touched and brought to a closer relationship with Christ. I've gotten out of the habit of rising early for some quiet time; thanks for nudging me back into the practice!
Hi, Antonella,
You are an incredibly creative person! Something you might try on occasion is to let the writing go and create in other media. I made a quilt about a year ago instead of writing, and I think the totally different type of creativity required allowed ideas to percolate beneath my consciousness – and resulted in new ideas when I got back to the writing. Perhaps if you don't try to force it, the writing will come. Also, try collage. It may help you clarify what you, personally and specifically, are called to write. Plus, collage opens up some channel in my brain that allows words to flow. So don't give up! And most of all, be as gentle with yourself as you would be with a dear friend.
Wonderful post, Leslie~~
Makes me feel better that I'm not the only one who feels like a fish out of water when I’m between projects. My problem is I have more than several projects going at once so it’s not often I get to be in-between them, so to speak. LOL BUT, when I do find myself there, I relax. I enjoy. I relish the off time. That’s because I know it won’t be long before I’m back at the keyboard.
I have a prayer routine every morning that begins at 5:30. I’ve done it for many years and I’d be totally lost without it. Sometimes things pop into my head, even when I’m concentrating, and I have to jot them down not to lose the inspiration—because I believe that is exactly what they are.. 🙂
Thanks again for the insightful post.
May your Thanksgiving be joy filled and a delight.
~Caroline
I'm a painter, sculptress and restorer of antiques who discovered a passion for writing after converting to Christianity. I'm very frustrated right now, because I just don't have the energy to do both. I ask Jesus to show me the way, but it seems that He likes to have me swinging between a canvas and a computer! I had started a blog, but I don't know if I can keep up with it. I'll try to relax and see what happens!
Luke 1:37 …for nothing will be impossible for God.
Thanks for stopping by, Katie! My life is so busy sometimes that it becomes critical, not only for my writing but for my spirit, to seek quiet time so I can hear what God wants to tell me. Now, going to my bible to look up Luke 1:37!
Hi Leslie! I understand the frustration of searching for muse. To fill the muse, I read, watch TV/movies, pray, and spend time with friends.
Luke 1:37!