More than Writers

I'm continuing with my Lent word-a-day challenge and today's prompt is 'voice'. When I told my husband Adi that I had a blog post to write on the word prompt 'voice' he laughed. 'Well that shouldn't be a problem for you, should it? The problem is getting you to shut up.' Cheek! But he made me think. I talk freely and easily, arms waving. Yet sometimes when I sit down to write, I find myself writing what I think I should be saying rather than what is in my heart. If I pause to listen, I then hear the Holy Spirit's quiet prompt to 'just write'. Not to be so focused on the perfect opening sentence but to simply jump straight in there with what is on my heart. When I take those few seconds to listen to Him - usually with a slightly sheepish grin on my face because this is a regular occurrence and you'd think I've have learned by now - and follow His wisdom, then writing flows. And sometimes I'm amazed at what has c...

Today is the deadline for me delivering my manuscript to the publisher. I began this week full of enthusiasm after the brilliant ACW Writers’ Day in Birmingham. However, I also knew I had an almost insurmountable amount of work still to do to meet the deadline so there was some trepidation mixed in with the enthusiasm. I began the week by reading the Bible and in prayer, seeking God’s inspiration and anointing to help me finish off my book. I was bowled over by the verses for Monday in the devotional I am working through, particularly this one: ‘I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.’ (Psalm 32:8) I immediately had a vivid picture of God watching over me in love as I write, helping to give me direction. Yes writing is a struggle. It is difficult and takes so much out of us. And yet God loves to see us being creative, using the talents he has given us. In the last few weeks leading up to t...