Awaken your inner-writer

Most people are afraid to write. I know that I was for many years. I suspect that most of us have an inner-writer buried deep inside of us that is dying for his or her voice to be heard. That was certainly the case for me. I had stories and characters floating around in my head for decades before I finally released some of them. I wasn’t sure if I would ever introduce them to anyone else; I would have to overcome a different kind of fear before that would happen.

I told myself that I didn’t have time to write. Raising and homeschooling my children certainly took much time and energy. Realistically, I was embarrassed to. I thought that my family would think that I was ridiculous for taking the time to write words that no one would ever want to read. The truth was, I didn’t figure that anyone would want to read my words either.

I began in secret, snatching up bits of time when no one would miss me or wonder what I was up to. I’d had a dream of writing a novel since I was in high school. I’m not sure why. I didn’t even like to read then, but God put this desire in my heart for a reason, I suppose. As an adult, I never tire of reading, which probably is what stirred my inner‑writer to life.

I wrote for a couple of years before voicing my desire to my husband. When I did, something totally unexpected happened: he supported me. He was so excited that he began to think of ways to make time for my writing. On several occasions, he rented hotel room for a night so I could have hours of uninterrupted writing time. He often would get discouraged when I came home with only a few pages of content. He couldn’t understand why it takes so much time to create a story. However, it was his constant questioning me about when I would finally be finished that allowed me to complete my first novel, Among the Reeds.

Lack of time is just one excuse to delay writing. For many, I imagine fear is the bigger deterrent. The pen, or keyboard, is a direct connection to the innermost parts of the mind and heart. Many times, I don’t understand my thoughts or feelings until I put them on paper. I avoid writing about certain subjects because I’m afraid of what inner demon I might have to face. But, face them I will.
I’ve only just begun allowing the writer inside of me her voice. I’m sure that God has placed many stories, characters, and ideas in there somewhere for me to discover. I can hear him speak the words of Isaiah 41:10 to my heart as encouragement.
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                                                                Fear not, for I am with you;
                                                       Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
                                                                     I will strengthen you.
                        Yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

With pen in my right hand, or both hands on my keyboard, I will face my fear. Stay tuned; this is only the beginning.