We all have some degree of busyness cramping our writing.
And yet there are others who can barely find a moment to rest and sleep, let alone write. Maybe they’d really like to finally finish that story after adding a word or two here or there for the past three years. Maybe they’d really like to pursue writing as a side career. But they just don’t have time. Even if they can’t change their busy schedules, they feel guilt for not “writing every day” like they see the experts suggesting.
If this looks something like your life, this letter is for you…
What is this I see approaching on the horizon? *squints into the sun* Why, yes! ‘Tis a new series!
That’s right folks, I’m testing out a new series. Let’s call it the “A Letter to…” series. I might think of a better name later, but the title isn’t that important. It’s what these letters will hold. In this series I hope to write letter of encouragement to writers who might be struggling with one of the many problems that plague storytellers.
Today, we’re talking about being too busy to write…
Dear busy writer,
Take a deep, slow breath. I think maybe you forget to do that sometimes. Maybe life is knocking you breathless. Maybe it’s piling responsibilities on your schedule, squeezing out any time to craft stories. Maybe you haven’t even touched that story in months, or years.
And that’s okay. Really, it is. Everyone goes through different seasons, times when things changes. You don’t have to feel guilty because your writer friends are writing every day and you’ve written three words this week (and deleted five). Your lives, your paths, your journeys are different and winding through unique tunnels and curving over unique mountains.
Seasons change, sooner or later. Maybe someday you’ll be able to write every day. If that’s not right now, that’s alright. And remember, any progress is still progress. Even if you’re just snatching five minutes to write before you go to bed, or a few second between bites of your lunch. That’s progress. And guess what? Daydreaming is progress. Yup, daydreaming, thinking, forming those stories in your mind is progress. It’s feeding your creative soul and letting those ideas run wild in your head.
So even though you may not be able to write every day like you dream of, it’s okay. Give yourself time. Let life flow and see where it takes you, see what changes. Keep typing those bits of sentences in tiny slots of time. Keep daydreaming.
Write on,
Jenna
Is this letter for you today? For a friend? Feel free to share with anyone you feel like needs to hear its message. <3
20 Comments
Love this, girl.
~Katja
https://littleblossomsforjesus.wordpress.com
Thanks, Katja! <3
Love this, Jenna!
Seriously, you and Katja are the best friends to have here.
And this letter is so for me! I don’t have the time to get my books looked at that are already written,much less find a publisher, and I haven’t worked on actual writing in months because I am so busy with college and piano. So this was so refreshing to see! Love ya, girl! <3
You’re so sweet, Abby! <3 I'm so glad this was encouraging for you.
💗
Jenna, this speaks to me today! Thank you so much! 🙂
I’m so glad you liked this, Grace! <3 Thanks for reading!
I love this post so much, Jenna! The past few months have been crazy and I really haven’t had much time to write. But you’re absolutely right!
And I’m really excited to see this series!
😀 I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Nicole! I’m looking forward to continuing the series. 🙂
Thank you Jenna, I love this! This letter feels like a hug. Your too-busy-writer definitely describes me. I used to have tons of time to write! Then my husband got sick and stayed chronically ill, and I’ve barely had time to create these past 2 1/2 years. Thanks for the lovely reminder. ❤️
I’m so glad this post felt like a hug for you; that makes me happy <3
You’re welcome, and yay!
I’m really busy since I started college this year, so this was really helpful. Thanks for the inspiration!
You’re so welcome, Becky! 🙂 Best wishes for college!
Thank you so much for this letter! Up until a week ago I had time to write every day, yet it seems now I barely have any time and when I do I just stare at my screen, lost for words because I’m so drained. Thank you again, it really encouraged me and reminded me to just breathe and let this season of busyness come and go and then I can write again. I look forward to more letters in this series! 😀
I’m so glad this encouraged you, Jen! Have an awesome day! <3
Thanks! You too! <3
Oh my goodness, this letter is so beautiful, encouraging and so true! I am definitely going through this season, but I have learnt to be okay with what little I have done this year. Thanks for the reminder that it is really okay and for sharing such a letter. I hope you keep up with the series! <3
I am SO GLAD you liked this, Miranda! Thanks so much for the support <3
[…] A: Sometimes I have to evaluate to see if I’m pushing myself too hard, forcing creativity (which never works) or working too long/hard without breaks. Even though I don’t like doing it, sometimes a break is necessary to reconnect with why I create and love it. If it’s something like writer’s block, then I might try to reignite my excitement for a current book, give myself space and take a break, or refill my creative cup. If I don’t have any time to write, I tell myself that’s okay too. […]