Follow:

Project Inspire {encourage others in their writing journey}

This is something I’ve had on my mind for a while. 

Something that I think would spread inspiration and encouragement to writers across the blogosphere.

This is kind of like a tag, but it’s a little different. It’s not so much like a fun series of questions. It’s an opportunity to take part in a mission to appreciate, inspire, encourage, and simply spread love to writers everywhere.

Did someone inspire you to write the book you’re writing right now? Was someone the sole cheerleader for that one project? Did one person (even without knowing) provide encouragement and motivation for you when the going got tough? Do you have a message to give to other writers that will help them avoid a mistake you’ve make in the past?

Then join me. Join Project Inspire and make a difference in someone’s life today. Even if it’s just one.

Here’s how it works…

It works pretty much like a tag. You answer the questions, then invite anyone else to join. 🙂

The rules…

1. Thank and link back to who’s blog you first saw the tag on; link back to the creator of the tag.

2. Answer the questions given (when you mention a person in your answers, link to their blog/website if they have one)

3. Include 5 of the biggest things you’ve learned about writing, and how they’ve change you.

3. Don’t tag anybody. 😉 We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to take part in this. So at the end of your post, leave the open invitation to any of your readers that wants to do the tag.

And the questions…(and my answers 🙂 )

 

01. Who’s someone who’s inspired and motivated you to pursue writing?

Back in the beginning, when I was 7 and just beginning to discover this wonderful thing called storytelling, I remember my mom encouraging me to keep writing. She read my stories, laughed at the (attempted) funny parts, and proofread for me. So, thanks Mom. You’re the best. <3

And then, when I became serious about writing in 2017, I started looking for other teen Christian writers. And I came across Jane Maree. She was the first teen writer blog I found. Her posts on writing were so helpful, easy to understand, and infused with her awesome sense of humor, that I felt so pumped up to begin this serious journey of writing. Thank you, Jane, for being an epic person. 🙂

 

02. Who encouraged you when you felt like giving up?

My best friend, Alyssa, has always been there and listened to me rant about my stories. When things seem hard, she always tells me that she knows I can do it, and that I just have to keep trying. After talking about writing with her, I always feel super excited about my stories and ready to write. 🙂

 

03. Was there a person (or even a blog post) that came at just the right time to give you the boost or motivation when you needed it?

Oh, there are so many. And probably more that I can’t remember. But so many times, Chelsea has posted blog posts that gave me just what I needed, answered a question that I couldn’t find answers for, or gave a gem of inspiration about Christian writing. Thank you for your awesome posts, Chelsea.

And I’d also like to add Abbie. She’s just such an inspiring person, and she’s helped me in so many ways with her blog posts; motivation, mental health, boosts of inspiration, writing craft, and just creative wisdom. Thanks for doing what you do, Abbie. 🙂

 

04. Who’s always been there for you, through thick and thin with your writing?

My family and this amazing community of young writers I’ve come to know. I know I’m surrounded by wonderful people, that I can turn anywhere and know that there’s someone to offer an encouraging word, give me a boost of motivation, or just be a listening ear.

 

05. Who’s helped you make your writing better, wasn’t afraid to give you honest feedback, and helped improve your craft?

My family. Not all of them have read my writing. And usually the ones who did were just the victim of my fangirl squealing and shoving snippets at them. But the thing is, when I asked for honesty, they gave it. They know my books are personal to me, but they aren’t afraid to give me the feedback that I need. 🙂

And also the epic website, Kingdom Pen. This was my dream site; I’d been looking for a website that helped Christian young writers, and they’ve helped me in so many ways to improve my writing. Sadly, they are no longer running, but I’ll never forget them; you have a special place in my heart. <3

 

06. Who’s given you doses of healthy laughter that brightens your day and brings a smile to your face?

So many people, but Danielle comes to mind. So many times I’ve left reading her blog posts smiling and laughing. She is the master of GIFs and memes. 😀 I always get so excited when her posts appear in my inbox, because I know I’m about to get a dose of relatable laughter and expert humor. Keep being you, Danielle.

 

07. What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

“A professional writer is an amateur who didn’t quit.” -Richard Bach

Honestly, this was hard to answer, because there are so many quotes that are just so good. But this one has always stuck in my memory. Sometimes we can forget that that best-selling author was once where we are. Just beginning. Trying to navigate this whole writing thing. But they didn’t quit, and we shouldn’t either.

 

08. Is there someone you just want to take a moment to thank, for anything?

Rather a group of people, instead of one person in particular. The staff behind Story Embers. This site is a light in the darkness of this confusing world. They are such an encouraging resource for Christian storytellers, and I appreciate them beyond words. Keep up the great work, guys. 😉

And also, God. 🙂 He gave me this love of story, and I will be forever grateful to Him for this. I wish I could adequately show my appreciation, but I’m just going to keep writing stories for Him. 🙂

 

09. What author and/or book inspired you to write better stories and motivate you to strive to give your message to the world?

Nadine Brandes. Her books, especially the Out of Time trilogy, made such an impression on my mind. The themes and messages in those books…I will never forget them. She portrays struggles so real, and faith so strongly. I want to be able to give my messages to the world as effectively as her stories. Her protagonist was so relatable, she felt real. Every time I think of it, I just feel this determination to write my books with bigger purpose, braver themes, and stronger stories. Thank you, Nadine, for crafting great teen fiction.

 

10. What piece of advice do you want to give to other young writers?

Don’t give up. Just like the quote says, professionals are amateurs who didn’t quit. Learning how to write, it’s a long road. And guess what? It doesn’t end. You’ll never stop learning things. There will always be something you can improve on. But isn’t that exciting? The joy and wonder of discovery will never end and you’ll always have something new to try. Love the learning process and embrace it.

 

Five big things I’ve learned…

  • In the beginning, my writing is going to be terrible. This seriously is so obvious but took me so long to accept. One day, as I was struggling with comparing my writing to others, I had this realization. I’m just beginning. Beginnings are always raw and rough. Sure, my writing isn’t that good, but it’s getting better. And ass long as I keep working at it, it will continue to do so.
  • Nobody has mastered writing. Some may disagree, pointing out all the well-known authors that have their wonderful books circulating the globe. But they’re not perfect. If you ask them, they’ll probably tell you that there are things they still have learn, and areas they need to work on. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be perfect, because that’s unattainable. Instead, just do your best. Because that’s all anyone can ask of you. 🙂
  • Find other writers. Writing can be a pretty solitary hobby. I didn’t realize how badly I needed other writers until I met them. Each one changed my life somehow. We need communities of people that just get us, and understand writing, and can be there for us.
  • Read like a writerI didn’t realize how much I could learn from one of my favorite hobbies. 😉
  • Have an open mind. Open to new concepts, ideas, people, inspiration, and (especially) openness about your stories.

 

And so there it is. The beginnings of Project Inspire. And now I invite you to join me and do this tag on your own blog. If you’re feeling bold (and in a non-introvert mood 😉 ), contact authors and other writers via their contact pages to invite them to join the project. Go out there and inspire, encourage, and motivate! 😀

 

Write on,

blog signature new (2)

blog signature new (3)

Do you want to take part in Project Inspire? What author and/or book has inspired you? What’s your favorite inspirational quote?

project inspire-PINTEREST GRAPHIC.png

Previous Post Next Post

You may also like

38 Comments

  • Reply Aberdeen the Authorosaurus

    Aw, I love this post so much! 🧡 It’s inspiring, thought-provoking, and makes me just want to wrap my arms around it in a hug. 🤗

    January 19, 2019 at 8:14 am
    • Reply Jenna

      Aw, I’m glad that you thought it was inspiring. 🙂

      January 19, 2019 at 9:32 am
  • Reply R.M. Archer

    This is a fabulous idea!

    January 19, 2019 at 12:03 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Why, thank you! 😀

      January 19, 2019 at 1:51 pm
  • Reply Eliza LeBlanc

    I love this!! I’ll have to do it sometime.

    January 19, 2019 at 3:00 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      I’m glad that you like it! You should; it’s a lot of fun. 😉

      January 19, 2019 at 4:01 pm
  • Reply Merie Shen

    I love this idea, Jenna! Project Inspire is definitely somewhere on my to-do list. 😀 <3

    January 19, 2019 at 6:57 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Glad to hear it! 😀

      January 19, 2019 at 7:56 pm
  • Reply Penny Wood

    Love this post and tag!!! It’s perfectly wonderful!! I should definitely do it one day!!! Amazing idea!!! 😄😄😍
    Love your blog, by the way!!! ❤❤❤

    January 20, 2019 at 2:24 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Aw, thank you! <3 I look forward to seeing it on your blog in the future, then. ;)

      January 20, 2019 at 6:08 pm
  • Reply Livy Jarmusch

    I absolutely love this tag, what a great idea!

    January 21, 2019 at 12:16 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Thank you, Livy! 😀

      January 21, 2019 at 12:16 pm
  • Reply Audrey Caylin

    I love this idea, Jenna! 😀 I’ll definitely try to do it soon <3

    "No one has mastered writing." So true!

    January 21, 2019 at 7:04 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Awesome! 😀
      Yup. It makes me feel a bit better when I’m struggling with my writing. 🙂

      January 21, 2019 at 7:20 pm
  • Reply Danielle D. @ Snapper

    I love this idea. It’s such an encouraging, inspiring and supportive post. I’ll be sure to share the movement on my blog soon. <3

    And thank you for the shoutout. I love to laugh, so I'm happy to share. 😉

    January 22, 2019 at 5:55 am
    • Reply Jenna

      I’m so glad you like it. Thank you! 😀
      You’re very welcome. 😉

      January 22, 2019 at 11:00 am
  • Reply Emily

    This is a great idea!
    Emily | growingintofriends.com

    January 23, 2019 at 7:30 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Thank you! 😀

      January 24, 2019 at 10:23 am
  • Reply Jane Maree

    Aww, this is such an amazing idea!

    I’m so honoured that I inspired you; that made me so happy but also almost cry at the same time. 😭 I’m seriously so proud of how far you’ve come since we first met. You’re a blessing to so many people around you. Keep loving God and others. Keep being encouraging. Keep being who you are, Jenna. 💕

    January 24, 2019 at 7:58 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Oh, Jane! Your comment made my day. <3

      January 24, 2019 at 8:07 pm
  • Reply Abigail Harder

    I am so doing this!! Thank you, Jenna for contacting me!! 😃

    January 24, 2019 at 9:31 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Yay! You’re so welcome! 😀

      January 25, 2019 at 10:27 am
  • Reply Faith Blum

    […] friend of mine started this tag challenge called Project Inspire. Jenna is such a sweet person I have gotten to know […]

    January 31, 2019 at 10:12 am
  • Reply Sarah Baran

    If I could hug a post, I’d hug this one. It deserves it.

    January 31, 2019 at 7:01 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Aw, thank you. <3

      January 31, 2019 at 7:18 pm
  • Reply The Project Inspire Tag | An Ordinary Pen

    […] Now, today’s post is part of a new project launched by the amazing Jenna Terese. […]

    February 6, 2019 at 12:54 am
  • Reply Project Inspire // appreciating some pretty cool people – The Sarcastic Elf

    […] you first saw the tag on; link back to the creator of the tag. Which would be… *drum roll* Jenna Terese! Thank you for creating such a lovely and positive […]

    February 14, 2019 at 2:07 pm
  • Reply Project Inspire – Windy Writes

    […] 1. Thank and link back to who’s blog you first saw the tag on; link back to the creator of the tag (aka Jenna Terese). […]

    February 16, 2019 at 10:26 am
  • Reply Amelie

    Jenna, thank you so much for contacting me!! I love this tag so much, and I can’t wait to publish my answers! 🙂

    July 9, 2019 at 3:25 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      You are so welcome! I wanted to include you on the fun. 😉 I can’t wait to see your post!

      July 9, 2019 at 5:50 pm
  • Reply Jenna Terese - One-Year Blogiversary Q&A|Part 1 | Jenna Terese

    […] Most popular post: Project Inspire {encourage others in their writing journey} […]

    July 13, 2019 at 6:01 am
  • Reply the Project Inspire award! – project inspire

    […] created an award! I am super excited to have the Project Inspire Award along with the tag. What’s different from the tag and the award, you say? Well, with the tag, one of the rules […]

    July 25, 2019 at 9:42 am
  • Reply interview w/ Jane Maree – project inspire

    […] excited for today’s post! It’s the second interview of an inspiring blogger/writer for Project Inspire. To check out the first P.I. interview with Chelsea R. H., just […]

    July 25, 2019 at 9:45 am
  • Reply interview w/ Chelsea R. H. – project inspire

    […] you haven’t heard about the mission/blog tag I started, you can check it out here. Basically, it’s a tag to spread inspiration, motivation, and appreciation for the people […]

    July 25, 2019 at 9:46 am
  • Reply Tagged in Project Inspire – Written In The Ink

    […] all from me! A huge thanks goes out to Jenna Terese and her blog for inviting and challenging me to write a piece for Project Inspire. (Check out her […]

    August 28, 2019 at 9:54 am
  • Reply Jenna Terese - Share the Love Tag | Jenna Terese

    […] am all for spreading love in the writing and blogging community and showing appreciation for those who have inspired and helped […]

    March 10, 2020 at 10:01 am
  • Reply Katja Labonté

    I love this so much and am totally doing it.

    January 7, 2021 at 6:09 pm
    • Reply Jenna

      Aw, yay! I’m so glad 🙂 <3

      January 9, 2021 at 10:11 am

    Leave a Reply