The Last Post by Jane Walters

This is my final post as a MTW blogger – other than the times I’ll pop up within the Green Pastures group on the 17th. So I thought I’d share some thoughts about what I love about being a writer - plus it gives me chance to share a picture of a lemur playing a sort of bugle, which is nice.

I have the privilege of counting writing as my main occupation and each day is so different – which is a blessing in itself. Last week consisted largely of editing, of an individual project and a collaborative one (both are now complete, hallelujah!). Today, I’ve written and recorded a short video clip to promote an event I’m involved in. I followed it up by writing another short devotional for my latest project and am now turning to this blog. I’m never bored…

I attribute a few things to keeping me freshly inspired. First, I read a lot, typically three or four books a month. I’ve got books scattered around the house, so the urge to pick one up is pretty much a constant. At the very least, it stimulates my imagination and develops my love of word-play. How many phrases have I wished I’d come up with! (Not to speak of ‘how many bestsellers’!)

Second, I write down all sorts of snippets that pop into my mind. It might be just a word, or a potential book title. Sometimes I re-visit a scrap of paper and wonder what I even meant; but mostly it serves as a prompt of what to write next.

Third, people know I’m a writer. (If you’re still not telling people, get over your nerves and do so!) That means that projects come my way. They’re not usually on a grand-scale, but an article or opinion piece every now and then keeps the cogs turning and the fingers typing. (My mum had a quote pinned up in her kitchen: ‘Everyone is entitled to my opinion’. It’s a good one for writers.)

Of course, inspiration is only the start. What comes next is both the most satisfying and grimmest part of the job: you simply have to keep yourself at your post and see the thing done. None of us will ever finish anything if we keep wandering off in search of coffee or peanuts. So here’s a final tip: fast forward in your mind to the end of the week. What do you want to be able to look back on and feel pleased you’ve done? Then spend your time working towards that hindsight-inspired goal. It works a treat for me.

Jane Walters is Chair of ACW and leader of Green Pastures Christian Writers. She has two books coming out in 2026 and is currently working on a new devotional.

www.janewyattwalters.com

Insta: @readywritersretreats