General Discussion Any advice for getting back into writing after a hard year?

[Rio1064]

It's been a while since I've been back here. As some of you know, I lost my husband to leukemia in May of this year. It's been a hard year, but God has come through for me in tremendous ways. I find myself wanting to write again, but it's lost its spark a little. Has anyone else been here (or at least somewhere remotely similar)? How did you find your spark for writing again?

 

[Leithia Juarch]

I wish i had something more profound to say; never had much of a spark, but have had times of being very much out of it, yet all i can think of is pray and write, however small or little it is, and read and think of it all.

 

[robwitty]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine...

Your desire to write again is God's invitation.
Come closer.
Sit with me here.
Let's talk.

Pursue intimacy with him.
In that place, Life will flow into you.
Journal from that place.
There, the spark is lit.

Writing is a fruit, the expression of the Life you've found in that place of intimacy.

 

[seeker2000]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine...

Your desire to write again is God's invitation.
Come closer.
Sit with me here.
Let's talk.

Pursue intimacy with him.
In that place, Life will flow into you.
Journal from that place.
There, the spark is lit.

Writing is a fruit, the expression of the Life you've found in that place of intimacy.

Click to shrink...

Rio, our hearts are with you.
Rob, that was so very sweet. You always know just what to say.

 

[suspensewriter]

Just do it, @Rio1064, Once you get into it, the rest will come easy.

 

[carolinamtne]

Pray and sit and write. As Leithia said, little or much. Relevant to a "real" story or simply what you feel at the moment.

 

[Whendancer64]

Welcome back, Rio. I am sorry for your loss. When my beloved grandfather went to be with the Lord, my heart's compass lost its "true north". Whenever I miss him, I comfort myself by thinking or saying two words: "He sleeps". And, I am reminded that the only loss I suffer is my enjoyment of him in this life, and that an eternal one awaits us both in our Lord's kingdom of love, life, and light.

Rio, I agree with Robwitty. Journaling is an excellent way to rekindle the "spark" of writing. There is something about seeing our thoughts and feelings, written out, that inspires us to want to continue. A long time ago, I was teaching myself to crochet. Although I tried to make the hook go into a square pattern for a scarf, somehow, it went circular. And, instead of a scarf, I wound up with a really nice wool hat! If I had not made the effort to try and make one thing, I would not have the enjoyment of completing something better. Such is what journaling does, I think. It's just....writing in its simplest form, but something beautiful...inspiring...and healing can come out of it. Praying that it will do that for you, dear sister.

 

[dLLmor]

Feel. Be brave. Write through.

 

[P.M. Turner]

I'm so sorry for your loss, @Rio1064 ! I remember praying for you and your husband as you updated us about his treatments and such, but I didn't realize he has passed away this year. That must've been during the time I was inactive on the site. Again, words cannot express how sorry I am, and I will be praying for God's continued comfort in your life.

As for writing, I'm just getting back into it myself after a long slump. Since the beginning of the year, I went through some struggles wondering if I'd ever even go back to my novel. I'm not even sure exactly how it happened, but back in September I managed to write one scene that brought my rough draft over the 20,000 word mark, and I've been writing obsessively ever since. Sometimes these things just happen organically. Sometimes, God brings us to that point. When the time is right, I believe you'll find your way.

 

[lynnmosher]

Rio, I am so sorry about the loss of your husband. I pray the Lord brings you peace and a special touch of His presence. And in that Presence, spend time, as the others have mentioned. Creativity flows from the Master Creator and to tap into that creativeness, one must spend time with Him. May the Lord bless you with all you need.