A Writer's Bucket List
By Andrea Merrell
I’ve heard a lot of conversations lately about “bucket lists,” and it’s not just because I’m getting into that older crowd where this is a lively topic. My daughter—who is in her mid-thirties—just jumped out of an airplane for the first time, along with her father-in-law. Evidently, this was something she had always wanted to do, and it was definitely on her father-in-law’s to-do list.
Skydiving is not something I would ever consider. I have a hard time on rides at the fair and a fear of heights. My list includes simple, peaceful things like a Mediterranean cruise, a trip to New York at Christmastime, and an excursion to Pennsylvania that ends up at the Hershey factory.
As a writer, I have other goals and dreams, things I would like to accomplish in this lifetime. I’ve already had a few achievements I never thought possible. Other possibilities are still out there waiting for me. Will I ever accomplish them all? Maybe. Maybe not. But the Bible tells us that without a vision, the people perish. It’s those goals and dreams—the desires of our heart—that keep us motivated and moving forward.
What’s on Your Bucket List?
So, writer, what’s on your bucket list? Do you have one? If not, maybe it’s time to think about what you want to accomplish. It might be something as simple as building a creative blog or website to writing a best-selling novel. Maybe there is a certain writers’ conference you would like to attend or a famous author you would love to meet. Perhaps your desire is to have a weekly column in a local newspaper or be published in a popular magazine. You might even have a dream to teach classes, mentor new writers, or speak at events all across the country.
In my last post, we talked about going out on the limb to reach for the fruit. The possibilities are endless, but sometimes our dreams and expectations are too small. God is a big God. For Him, nothing is impossible. To encourage you today to dream big, here are a few Scriptures for you to consider:
- And yet the reason you don't have what you want is that you don't ask God for it. James 4:2 TLB
- Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
- Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4 NIV
- Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of-infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes. Ephesians 3:20-21 TLB
Writer, God has a plan and purpose for you. Let Him help you with your bucket list. Tell Him what’s in your heart, and don’t be afraid to reach for the stars.
What are some of your goals, dreams, and desires as a writer? We would love to hear from you.
(Photos courtesy of morguefile.)
TWEETABLES
To publish my own book of my own poetry and to have my poetry published in Ideals Magazine. And I always wanted to write for Highlights for Children. :-)
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great plan, Marcie. Keep taking steps toward your goal. Thanks for sharing. :)
DeleteI've dreamed of attending ACFW for the past four years. I'm finally going to make it this year, and I even get to fly first class with a best-selling author to get there and back! I've never flown first class before!
ReplyDeleteAnd, of course, there's always the dream of making the NY Times Best-Seller List... (I'm not afraid to admit it.) And that dream of movie rights for my novel - once I finish writing it and my agent is able to sell it.
So happy for you, Alycia. I know this has been your desire. And first class??? What a bonus. Congrats! :)
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