Writing

THE UPS AND DOWNS OF WRITING


Yes, the title might say ups and downs of WRITING, but it’s not necessarily specific to writers. It could be anything. Sports, work…you name it.

For me, it was specific to writing. And here’s my story.

Months ago, I walk to post office, four copies of the first thirty pages of my project in hand. Hours of sweat and tears poured over it. Critiques shredding the writing to help make it better. Fine tuning until it was time to send it out.

With shaking hands, I carry the treasure to the counter. Checklist checked. Four copies of the first thirty pages. Double spaced. Times New Roman font. One inch margins. Entry fee. Return envelope for the results.

Wait, did I remember to make it 12 point Times New Roman?

Ahhh, yes, I did.

The postal worker weighs my precious parcel and I watch with nerves churning my gut. Will the judges like it? Will they laugh? I’m not good enough to be a writer.

My total is tallied and my debit card slides from my slick hand onto the counter as I try to pay.

“So, I see this is a contest. What’s it for?” the postal worker asks.

“It’s a writing contest,” I answer.

“Oh, good luck.”

I meander out to my car sending up prayers to God asking that His will be done and that I be happy with the outcome. Thankfully, over the next weeks the contest leaves my conscious and I go about my writing, even pound out a new manuscript.

Now, if that’s not a God thing, I don’t know what is.

Then, yesterday, the email came…..

I had the day off work and I was goofing around on the internet when the familiar sound of my new mail alert dinged.

Hmm, who’s Keri?

The subject read: “Fiction from the Heartland Contest”

Wonder what that is?

I click on the email and it opens.

“I wanted to let you know that your entry, Light of Truth, has made it to the final round in the 2008 Fiction From the Heartland Contest. Your finalist letter will be mailed this week with further information.
Congratulations.”

Tears streamed down my face as I forwarded the message to my husband the nanosecond it registered with me what the email meant. I sent praises up to God, then forwarded it to a few of my friends, both writing and non-writing friends.

You might be thinking, “Well, what’s the big deal, you didn’t win, silly?”

True, I didn’t win, but it’s more than that. It’s one of the first contests I’ve entered my work in and to have someone think it’s good enough to make it to a final round…..that’s almost more than a win for me. It’s an affirmation that I’m on the path God wants me to be on, for now.

So, I will press on, writing the stories God puts on my heart, and we’ll see where this path leads.

8 Comments

  • Patti Lacy

    Loved your site, Lynn. On those discouraging days, the Still, Small Voice whispers in my soul, “Isn’t it enough for you to write for Me?”
    And oh, Lord, yes, it is.
    Patti

  • gzusfreek

    lynnrush, I am sitting here tears streaming down my face. I am overwhelmed by a feeling of happiness for you! If your book is as compelling as this entry, well . . .we can see I’ll be here, tears flowing.
    It’s great to see that you made it to the final round. I am on the edge of my seat waiting to watch this unfold. I will keep an eye out for every morsel you put out. Write on, sister lynnrush!

  • Pam Williams

    Hi, Sheri (Lynn)! Under your picture you said you wanted to let us know about us. Well, I thought it was interesting that you and I have some similarities. Not in our names but our husband’s names are both Charlie. How fun is that? We have been married for much longer though, 33 years now.
    We’re also outdoor junkies and spend much of our time on our road bike. He drives, I ride. We’re very active in our Church but it isn’t mega, it is very small. We work hard around our neighborhood for the ministry.
    I’m so excited to know an upcoming author! I saw you in the chat with Michelle last night and here you are in your blog where I can see your picture. Glad you are keeping on writing. I’m gonna LOVE reading your books!