What Encourages You?

[justonevoice]

We are all encouraged by diffrent things. What blesses me may not bless you. What do you need to keep you writing?

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

I write because I have ideas in my head that need to be put to paper, or my head will explode from all the pressure!
If I ever got my work published that would be very encouraging, I like a good critque and I don't know what a bi-line is. (foolish me?)

Seeing it is so hard to get published these days it would be good to self-publish if you have the money and see the market for your book.

God provides encouragement.

[FireFeet]

...when I share with someone a rough-rough rough draft, or just the idea of an idea...and they respond in tears because it touched their heart so deeply...

That encourages me to remember that my writing is a MINISTRY...a gift from my Father...and that the only power it will ever have to change lives will come through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Also...

visualizing that Day...when I'm going to run and leap into my Father's arms...and hear Him proclaim..."Well done good and faithful servant"...and then having the opportunity to see how every single word I ever wrote...from the magnificent tomes of eloquence to the hastily scribbled note...had an impact on someone's life.

[justonevoice]

I wrote an article titled " The Obese Christian Woman" the e-mails I recieved encouraged me so much. To hear others say, I read your work and it touched me where I live, excites me. I know by the letters or e-mails that something I've written blessed the person sending the note. Then i know it's worth while. I know I have to keep writing. !thumbsup!

[firstacts]

I recently had one of my dramatic scripts used in locations as diverse as Tanzania, China, Indonesia, England and mutiple locations in both the US and Canada.

This obviously is an encouragement, but the most important encouragement I have received by email happened not when I received confirmation that my third book was accepted for publishing, or when a magazine picked something up for publishing, but when I received an email that one of my dramas was used by God as a tool to bring a lady in Australia to see her need for Jesus. her acceptance of Christ led each of her immediate family to the same conclusion.

That was the most awesome encouragement I had ever received and it was exactly what I had been praying for since I started writing.

Thank you, Jesus,

Glenn !thumbsup!

[wgjones3]

Wow, Glenn. That's amazing. Puts this whole deal into perspective. !thumbsup!

[Turtle]

Hello,



What encourages me is the fact that the dream that God has given me will some day come to pass. It's big one too, and I have no doubt that on His time he'll bring it to pass. This fuels my writing and my creativity.

[humblegyrl]

I am encouraged by men and women of faith who continue to serve God with the talents given to them. Being a Christian myself, I know how hard it is to persevere in a world of filth, driven by lust and selfish desires. I cannot say that I have resisted every temptation that comes my way, but knowing that I'm not alone is more than enough encouragement to pick me up when I feel doomed to failure.

I am also encouraged to write to vent my frustrations. It's so therapeutic. It also helps me cope with the urge to cut myself. I have never done this, but have been tempted on numerous occasions. Writing is a positive way to deal with anger. I've written poetry to get me through numerous breakups (friendships and romantic relationships), my mother's bipolar schizophrenia, and other dramatic incidents that I've dealt with over time.

[momwitness]

New ideas encourage me to write. sometimes I have to write them down to get them out of my head. But without a little positive feedback now and then, I would quit. I need to hear a good word to Know that the ideas really are coming from God.

[sister Lillian]

Greetings:

I am encouraged, when I see that myself and the brethren, are all working towards the same goal, and that is to be an asset to the kingdom of God.
:)

Sister Lillian

[b-a-berean]

It seems apparent from all of our responses that God uses a variety of ways to keep each of us encouraged and motivated to write -- that is, a variety of ways for each one of us. Several things can encourage me (sometimes I need a whole lot of things!). If God didn't use several things with me, then frankly I might just fail being the good steward of the gift (and burden to write) that He's given me. Not that I'm being good at it now, but at least I know that (by His grace) I'm not failing at it.

Of all the writing I've done in my life, writing for ministry has been the only kind of writing that I feel that burden or passion to do. It's also the only kind of writing that, with me, the devil seems to work hardest against.

Oh, but when people respond to my God-given gift, as some of you have already described for yourself, that's the most encouraging because it's God's way of affirming us as His vessels for ministry and evangelism.

-Laurel

[RoseD]

I find each new thing accomplished encouraging. :) Finishing a chapter, discovering a new plot, finding just the right little bit of information for a historical background, getting a delighted response from someone who read part of my work, etc. :D

[JCsAngelPen]

i love getting a good critique..but since i've only gotten 2 acceptances..they have been the most encouraging!

[TemlynWriting]

As much as I love getting paid for doing what I love (writing/editing), I am most blessed when I know that my words (given by God) have blessed and/or encouraged someone. That lets me know I am doing God's will.

I also love a good critique. My college creative writing professor said that a good critique will have several good things to say for every "bad" thing. I loved how he'd pick out something and say "I want more of this," and encourage me so. The markings didn't deter me, knowing I was on the right path. :)

And of course I love to see my writing in print, as well. Don't we all? ;)

[writegirl1949]

While getting published, getting a good critique, and getting a byline are great and help encourage writers to continue writing, I think it's the knowledge of touching someone that means the most. My desire is to use this gift God has given me to move people -- I want them to feel, envision, hear, and taste all I'm writing. I want them to experience whatever the message is I'm trying to convey. Whether it's laughter, tears, introspection, forgiveness, or hope, my prayer is that they have experienced something unique that might bless their lives.

[ellenjames]

Hi Writing Friends,

What encourages me is a friend who will take time to read and comment (whether good or bad) on my manuscript, and an editor who accepts my writing, and when I have a new, fresh idea for writing that I just can't put aside.

Best wishes to all of you in your writing endeavors. :D

Ellenjames

[Shekinah Glory]

I am encouraged by life. When things happen I notice and no one else does...I have an overwhelming desire to tell others in a creative way. I always say I wish someone would have told me this or that so instead of wondering why I learn the hard way...I help others so they may not have to go through to much of this life without proper knowledge.

Shekinah

[edmmom]

For so long, I was silent. I prayed for a voice. God gave me that voice through the written word. Now, I write to share His love with others. Although, I have yet been published, my hope is that at least one person who reads my meager attempts at writing might see His love shining through. That is what encourages me.

[Diannecp]

What encourages me is knowing that God's plans for me are bigger than mine, and He will use my dream & talents in a way that best fits His plan for me.

[lionsforjesus]

I love to write and always since I could remember. My favorite classes in school was creative writing and music. All my life I have been writing something whether it be music, poetry, lyrics or encouragement for better sales techniques when I was Sales leader.
I get encouragement when people read my work and it hits them right in the heart it helps them to look at themselves to open their eyes to the wonderful arms of Jesus.
My Pastors encourage me everyday and are giving writing ideas and bible studies on things I should write about. I also love when people critique and give me better ways to write articles. Also when they help me with grammer or a better way to write a sentence or a paragraph. Reading, writing music, and speaking encouraging things to people shows me God's love in me. I so love my Lord Jesus.

Richard :D :D :D :D

P.s. I still need help where to send my articles to keep me working and pray for me to get an Apple G4 laptop. !thumbsup!
P.s.s. What is a bi-line?

[Botim]

Writing to some may be a hobby and to some, a great deal of burden.
If it is squeezed out of vision, could have it pains, but really do have it gains if the due course is followed. Recognised and appreciated works are very therapetic in nature. you get stirred up,if you just meet a need in far or near neighbour's lands. Its really doesn't matter if you played the strings with just little fingers or you had to pluck those strings very hard, peace and joy do come from appreciated works, just as Glenn did testified to.

To publish volumes of works with no mean impact is a great waste of resource and time of readers, after all, they do not have the inspirational fun that impact their beloved souls to the height they thirst after committing those long hours, and precious resource to such work.
However, getting published could be appreciation of the work. But I know it is really hard to bear, after you had got sunk in the work, and quite much of the work is greatly mutilated by someone, however, i have found out that right right attitude of response to 'fair and Unfair " comments about our works that we have given much time, energy and resource will only bring the best out of the work.
I think good Writters to be , should Not be afraid of what men will say about his or her work. I found out that First attempts Job are not always the best, if , You have not improve on the last attempt.
For those who have articles on queue either uploaded the same day or hours, you'll noticed that they will receive and attract different audience, just becuase needs differ.

A writer should build themselves to meeting needs than creating catalogue of works they have to show case. Needs met, determine the appreciation of a work. Even if not well presented, people will tend to understand or defend, once needs are met.

IF WE MEET NEEDS, OUR WORK WILL BE APPRECIATED AND SURELY, WE BE PULISHED AND EVERY OTHER THING WILL JUST FOLLOW.

Apart from the former schools of writing, One very unique things about christian writers is that , we've got to learn how to get inspired and write inspiringly, because letters have the Killing grace, but it is the spirit that gives Life.
there will be peace and reward when our works are inspired rather aband of show of gift!

[battinsis]

While getting published, getting a good critique, and getting a byline are great and help encourage writers to continue writing, I think it's the knowledge of touching someone that means the most. My desire is to use this gift God has given me to move people -- I want them to feel, envision, hear, and taste all I'm writing. I want them to experience whatever the message is I'm trying to convey. Whether it's laughter, tears, introspection, forgiveness, or hope, my prayer is that they have experienced something unique that might bless their lives.

I couldn't agree with you more. I enjoyed reading what all the folks here had to say, but yours was closest to what I feel about why I write. Thanks for sharing and encouraging me along the way. It's always good to be reminded what the goal is, and that serving God by using the talents he has blessed us with is key.

[NuWriter]

I love it when people cray after reading my poems!
This is because most people don't like to cry in public so when they do I know it is really sincire
Also, I learn about the person I give the poem to because I ask them what made them cry and why. It helps me know more about that person's temperment

[lionsforjesus]

Battinsis,

thank you also for the encouragement, I had writers frustration block and God just used your message to confirm to me the topic he wants me to write about. I love my family.

In Christ

Richard :D

[dublinheart]

:cool: What encourages me is the next thought, whether it be a word, a sentence, and idea, or a concept. That, to me means that God is still at work in my life fulfilling what He wants to transpire in my life.
Being published is great, and critiques are welcome. A by-line is nice, but if I can lay my head down at night in my bed knowing that I wrote or spoke what God gave me that day-then I am at peace.
Realizing that someone was changed by what I wrote is awesome. It has happened, and I am thankful, but I'm just the writer. The story came from the lips of God, and that is my encouragement. Being one who has always had a low self-esteem, I tend to become too involved in what others say about my writing. I have to fight that, knowing that I deserve none of the credit. How can I become arrogant when God put the concept in my heart, developed the story, and brought it to completion? I am just the messenger.
That's the beautiful part of being a Christian writer. God knows how we are inside. He knows that if praise is heaped on me personally, it will go to my head, so He allows only what reward I can handle.
"My tongue is the pen of a skillful writer," and that Writer is God. I am just the tongue He uses to write with.

[gdoubleu]

I write mostly poetry. Some of my material comes I believe directly from God waking me in the middle of the night for He has something to say to me. These are far above the best of my writings. When these are shown to someone and I see their tears, joy,feelings of calmness, I know beyond a shadow of doubt that I am being used as an instrument for the Lord.

What greater encouragement and blessing could possible be granted me.

[KO'Leary]

Wow!

Thank God for all of your Christian attitudes. Sharing with writiers like all of you is encouraging in and of itself. I have to admit that getting acceptance letters is a thrill too. Best wishes to all of you with your writing. God bless.

Karen !thumbsup!

[jeannie]

I get encouraged when I read or hear about a powerful story of a real-life person overcoming the odds. I am encouraged when I talk to other people and know that I have encouraged them.

[carlsonl]

I normally enjoy a bad critique more than I enjoy a good one. Discovering an element that will strengthen my writing helps with my ultimate goal.

Sometimes, the vehicle is the project instead of the end result. A lot of people at my work know that I write, but few know what I write. Most would never think of buying a Christian novel. But they don't know that I write Christian fiction. Until they ask.

As soon as I mention Christian fiction, their eyes glaze over and they gives polite nods and smiles. I start telling them about the books, and they start listening. I've had conversations with non-Christians that lasted two hours, all focusing on my stories and the meanings behind them.

So, as great as it feels to have someone praise my writing, it feels even better to see the passion God has given me lead to the opportunity to share the gospel.