by Mark David Pullen
Have you ever sat down to write and hit a mental roadblock? Maybe it was for your new manuscript, an article, or that guest blog spot that could change the course of your career as an author forever. In any case, writer’s block is never a welcome state of mind.
Most writer’s block cases can be divided into two main categories: Distraction/Motivation and Writing Anxiety. I have personally dealt with all of the above. In fact, this blog post is being written as I am in a very deep state of writer’s block. The inspiration to write and propel my stories to the next chapter and level hit me daily, but when it comes time to sit down and write… I’d rather not.
It’s not that I’m distracted or unmotivated, so that leaves the other thing. Writing Anxiety. I can see that. I’m not anxious to write. I’m anxious about what may come next. What if people hate it? What if people love it? What if it gains popularity overnight? Can I handle the pressure to continue producing good material that keeps people returning for more? How could I? I can barely handle my own self-inflicted pressure to sit down and write in the first place.
I once read in a great devotional that writer’s block is a tool used by our enemy to keep us from pursuing the call that God has placed on our hearts. It is, in fact, only fear and anxiety. So how do we overcome this fear and anxiety and, in the process, break down the barriers in front of us to get our fingers moving across the keyboard fluidly, with the fun and fancy-free spirit we should have?
Step one is to pray. Then, pray again. Then, pray some more. Pray for a clear head. Maybe a lot is happening inside there, and you need God to pull some of the weeds. Pray for direction. Perhaps you have a lot of ideas and don’t know where to start or where and how they fit into your writing. Prayer can fix that, too. Pray for courage. If you are afraid of what comes next, prayer is the answer. God called you to write, and he will not call you and leave you. He’s there with you.
That brings me to step two. Write with Him. Don’t write for Him, but with Him. Sit at the keyboard with your fingers poised and let Him work through you. As He is the potter and we are the clay, so is our writing. Let Him mold you as you mold your writing. Take yourself from the equation and let God do His work. Your story is His story, too.
Step three. Have confidence in your story. The world will tell you there is no originality left and that every story written is a small copy of something else. But I’d argue with that. The originality may not come from the story but more from the author. God made each of us special and unique in our own way. So, by that math, your story is new and unique because the world does not know your story. They will only know your story if you tell it to them. So, take the time to write confidently and embrace your story. God chose you to write and share the story he placed on your heart, giving you the authority to carry it out in His name.
Pray and seek him first; the rest will follow and fall into place. God chose you for your story, so sit down and write it with him!
Mark David Pullen is the author of “The Oasis Chronicles” series. He writes fast paced action and adventure stories that the whole family will love. His debut novel, “The Oasis King”, received the Pencraft Literary Award. His second book, “Freedom Through the Narrow Gate” hits shelves in September. Stir creativity and spark your imagination as you enter the world of “The Oasis”!
Comments 9
Thank you for the great advice, Mark. I have written for years but feel that my work is finally beginning writing Christian fiction. Like you, I write action/suspense stories, and when I recently looked at the “The Home Team,” the first book in my Home Team series, I had to wonder exactly where the words in that book came from and whether I could ever do that again. During the writing of the second book in the series, I got stuck again and again, not for lack of story but rather, as you suggest, by the anxiety of continuing; can I do it again? Just before I read your column, another Christian fiction writer also suggested praying before we sit down to write, and it sounded like great advice. Your blog came along at just the right time to emphasize that point, so thanks for that. I will be taking your advice as I finish the edit for the fourth book in the series and prepare it for the publisher. I love writing, I love that God is with me during the process, and I appreciate your advice to engage with Him when I craft my work.
I am so glad that this spoke to you in the season you are in. I wish you all the best and am praying for you as you finish up your fourth book!
Best,
Mark
Mark, thank you for this post! I needed to see it today. Obviously, God is working through you. 😊. Very wise words.
Thank you for the kind words of encouragement. It is something that was laid on my heart in my own writing journey. Best to you!
Mark
Wonderful post, Mark, with great advice!
Thank you so much, Priscilla! I wish you all the best.
-Mark
Such timely words and necessary advice. Thank you.
Sharon,
Thank you for reading and the kind words of encouragement. I wish you all the best.
-Mark
Great post, Mark!