The Seven Deadly (Writers’) Sins by Rebecca Seaton

 

The Seven Deadly (Writers’) Sins by Rebecca Seaton

Pride

There’s nothing wrong in enjoying our achievements. But when we focus on them too much we can forget that it’s God who has given us our gifts. This can affect our relationship with Him as it gradually becomes easier and easier to attribute success to ourselves and not need anyone else.

Greed

Focusing on ourselves can lead to us amassing things for ourselves. The greedy writer sees every event as an opportunity to gain things (book sales, followers, likes) they want with little thought for ways to bless others.

Lust

It’s not wrong to have dreams. But when the desire for a thing takes over, it’s time to check ourselves and ask, why do I want this so much? The motivation behind the desire is often where things have gone wrong.

Gluttony

And when we get what we want? We need to know when it’s enough.

Envy

When we don’t get what we want, it’s easy to envy other writers. ‘I wish I had their agent/publisher/book deal/social media profile’ is a common thought but don’t let it take root. God gave you what’s right for you at this point in your life and what’s right for them in theirs.

Wrath

When we don’t get our own way and see others getting theirs, seemingly with ease, wrath is a common reaction. It’s largely born out of a feeling of ‘It’s not fair.’ No, it isn’t but getting angry about it won’t achieve anything.

Sloth

Anger and frustration eventually burn out and if we haven’t dealt with the wrong we believe has been done to us, we can be left feeling slothful. ‘Why bother? I’ll never be like them. There’s no point.’ Sometimes when we think we’re procrastinating out of habit, it’s worth looking into the root of it.

All the above are temptations everyone faces but writing has its own unique pressures. There is an element of comparison and there will always be people whose achievements outrank yours. It’s natural to experience some fear in an industry where job security and decent payment are far from guaranteed.

 

We all have good intentions but it’s easy to be swayed when under pressure. I know that when I sin it’s often been a result of not thinking before acting. If we remember to put God first, our circumstances may not change but our reactions to them can.

 

Good news – next month I’ll be writing about how the fruits of the Spirit counter these temptations.

#amwriting #amwritingfantasy #ACW     

 

Rebecca earned second place in the 2017-18 Pen to Print Book Challenge with her first novel, A Silent Song. She is currently working on a fantasy trilogy involving a prophet, a dodgy queen and a powerful relic.