The My Fair Lady Journey of a Writer

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by Lindsay Harrel

I’m a total musical nerd. I. Love. Musicals.

It’s not just the fact that they’re always full of a variety of characters that make me laugh, cry, and everything in between. Or that everything is set to music (though that’s a major plus!). It’s also about the journey characters make – yes, much like in novels.

My Fair Lady is one of my favorite musicals, because it is such a fun – and inspiring – story that reminds us that hard work and the right focus can get us what at first seemed impossible.

Today I thought I’d have a little fun with the Act I song titles from My Fair Lady and show how they not only depict Eliza Doolittle’s journey toward success, but also reflect a writer’s journey toward the same.

Wouldn’t It Be Loverly … if I could write a book?
We begin our journey with a seedling of something, inspiration found in the ordinary – and not so ordinary. Maybe we’ve felt the call on our lives to write, but we’re scared.

With a Little Bit of Luck … I’ll get this right.
When we finally decide to write, hope is born. Sure, we have no clue what we’re doing, but that’s okay. Our words flow from our hearts and they’re flawless. Or so we think.

I’m an Ordinary Man (or Woman) … what do I know?
There comes a time when every writer has to acknowledge this fact: there is so much to learn. We may have passion and we may have some knowledge of writing, but to hone our skill and learn about the publishing industry and figure out this social media thing – well, that takes time.

Just You Wait … and wait and wait.
We’ve finally submitted our work – whether to a critique partner, a contest, an agent, or an editor – and just know it’s our best. It should only take a few weeks, tops, before someone acknowledges our hard work. *snicker*

The Rain in Spain … I’m feeling pretty drenched myself.
Rejections are part of the writing life, but they never feel good. The key is to revel in the rain – we’ve all been there – then shake it off, and grab your umbrella. You’ve gotta get back out there, even if your shoes get wet again.

I Could Have Danced All Night…when I found out I semi-finaled in a contest! Or got a request! Or got a book deal!
Success – in whatever form – may come when you least expect it.

As you can see through my silly singing – er, babbling – this journey is one of ups and downs. Our emotions can go haywire. It happens to me sometimes on a weekly basis (my poor husband!).

That’s why, above all, we MUST be anchored in something – Someone – larger than ourselves.

That’s why, as Christian authors, we MUST do this writing thing for a larger reason than seeing our names in print.

It’s so easy to focus on me, me, me when I look back at my writing journey. To focus, like Eliza Doolittle, on saying the right words and doing the right things in order to reach our goal.

But it wasn’t until Eliza found a purpose behind what she did – to not only be perceived as a lady, but to actually become one – that she achieved her dream.

In the same way, let’s embrace OUR purpose – to glorify God and bring people to Him – and get to dancing, all night, even before our dreams come true.

Lindsay HarrelLindsay Harrel has a bachelor’s in journalism and a master’s in English. She is a 2013 ACFW Genesis Semi-Finalist (Contemporary Category) and is published in the Falling in Love with You anthology from OakTara. She works in marketing as a copywriter and has worked in the past as a business writer and curriculum editor. Lindsay lives in Arizona with her husband and two golden retriever puppies in serious need of training. Connect with her on her blog or via Facebook or Twitter (@LindsayHarrel).

Comments 0

  1. Now I have the My Fair Lady songs in my head! It’s a loverly movie. 🙂 I also love that, like Eliza, we can all start out as “hopeless causes” and discover the true writer in all of us. All it takes is hard work, dedication and a little polishing.

  2. My Fair Lady is my favorite musical!!!

    Love this truth:

    It?s so easy to focus on me, me, me when I look back at my writing journey. To focus, like Eliza Doolittle, on saying the right words and doing the right things in order to reach our goal.

    But it wasn?t until Eliza found a purpose behind what she did ? to not only be perceived as a lady, but to actually become one ? that she achieved her dream.

  3. I totally agree with you, Lindsay! To realize true joy and satisfaction in our writing we must write for a larger purpose – to bring the Lord glory through the work He’s placed before us. Thanks for your post!

  4. Jeanne, thank you for your encouragement! 🙂

    Gabe, I always think of you because isn’t one of the songs something your hubby sang to you? And YES, I love your analogy. God takes the hopeless cause and makes it worth something.

    Karla, yes, I’m a total Broadway nerd too. Anytime I see a musical, I want to get up on stage and just dance and sing my cares away. 🙂

    Lisa, it’s one of my faves too. Clearly. Hehe.

    Becky, I love your words. Too often I find myself missing that joy, and it’s because I’ve started focusing on myself.

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