TITLE: My Writing Foes By james ealey 11/30/09 |
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I’ve studied many books on writing. I’ve pounded my brain with techniques, plots, styles, finding your voice, punctuation, endings, hooks, figures of speech, and everything else in between.
I've read so much fiction and nonfiction to gain inspiration from others I could burst like a pinata!
Finding the time and overcoming the desire to do something else is my greatest dilemma.
The hardest part about writing is writing.
Procrastination and inconsistency are my greatest foes. These beasts get the better of me most times and prevent me from writing when I have the opportunity. Carnivores of ages, they’re set on devouring my dreams. They are ruthless hunters and not easily conquered. Sometimes I hear their laughing as I desperately try to outwit them. I imagine many don’t escape their wiles and lay decaying in a sepulcher of defeat.
Stalking my motivation with precision and purpose they pounce, tearing into my zeal with talons of slothfulness and excuses. Their breath is repulsive as gaping jaws move toward my throat to suffocate me and silence my voice forever.
I fight. I resist. I kick with all my might. Their weight is unbearable but my passion to live keeps me upright. I know if I fall they will gorge upon my enthusiasm. My goals will become as rotting bones scattered in their hunting grounds if I give in.
I feel myself weakening. Panting. Almost out of breath.
I will not die! I will not loose heart! I must fight!
The Spirit of God encourages me.
I was created to walk among the great. I am more than a conqueror. I’m destined to graze the lands of success and drink from the fountains of prosperity. Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. I can’t give in to these monsters. I will not be their prey this day!
“Loose me”, I shout with expectation.
With a mighty buck I sling them off my back. They stare in awe, realizing the source of my strength had been underestimated. Hissing and grinding bloody teeth they circle me again in an attempt to reestablish dominance, but my spirit is revived and my heart beats with confidence.
I lower my head presenting the deadly horns of faith and perseverance. With a snarl of my own I invite them to try again. They roar at my defiance, still encompassing me trying to find a better angle to attack. They will not accept defeat. The taste of my blood has teased their palate. They want more!
One musters all his strength and makes one final leap not knowing I've anticipated his move. I drive my horns deep into his belly. He howls in horror, and I slam his broken body to the earth. His wounds are fatal, but mine will heal and toughen my hide. His accomplice flees knowing it’s impossible to defeat me alone.
This is neither the beginning or the end of my struggles. As I endeavor to use my writing as a platform for the gospel of Jesus Christ, I realize I will walk in a plain filled with predators.
The lions are out there. Always prowling. Always searching for an easy meal. I am a not afraid. I am like the mighty Water Buffalo of the Serengeti. Underestimated, but the most dangerous animal in the plains of Africa.
In Him, We will not be eaten alive by any beast of the field.
I pray that you, through these few words, will be inspired to keep pressing, to keep dreaming, to keep writing. Halleluja!
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