Three Ps for Writers


By Andrea Merrell


“Do you have what it takes to be a writer?” the speaker asked. There was silence—and a lot of raised eyebrows—as everyone in the room processed the question.


“Don’t answer,” the speaker continued with a grin as one person timidly raised her hand. “Just think about it.”

What exactly does it take? Creativity? Desire? Skill? Just as in everything else in life, when God calls us to write for Him, He equips us. He gives us the ability, but He expects us to develop and expand that ability. That calls for three things: passion, patience, and persistence. Let’s take a look at each one.

Passion

They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. Most writers will say they write because they “can’t not write.” Words burn in our heart. Words that are given to us to bless, inspire, encourage, and entertain. Characters interrupt our days, and stories play out in living color.

Patience

Getting our words on paper or safely tucked in the computer is the easy part. Learning to do it correctly according to guidelines and industry standards is a different matter altogether. It requires patience as we learn and perfect the craft. We attend conferences, take classes, learn from critiques, and practice, practice, practice. Then we learn to wait as we look for an agent, submit our proposals, and wait for those doors of opportunity to open. Being a successful writer is a process, not an event.

Persistence

Being persistent means not giving up. With passion driving us and patience keeping us steady, we continue to move forward regardless of rejections, disappointments, and closed doors. We keep learning and growing. But most of all, we keep writing.

With the three Ps in mind, do you have what it takes to be a writer?


(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and FrameAngel.)



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Comments

  1. Yes, yes! As a writer, we need passion, patience and persistence. Also, lots of prayers. :-)

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    Replies
    1. Yikes! Can't believe I left that one out. Yes, definitely lots of prayers. Thanks, Melissa. :)

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  2. Thanks for the encouragement! I need passion, patience, persistence and prayer. I will post this on my computer monitor.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That sounds like a great idea. Thanks for sharing! :)

      Delete

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