T.L. Gray's Blog, page 74
February 13, 2012
Writing Vs. Reading
Why does there have to be war between the two, when you can't have onewithout the other. It's sort of like the battle of the sexes, while bothare different, they complement one another. What good is a book if there is nowriter? What good is a writer if there is no one to read?
Some people are excellent readers. They can skim through a book,retain all the rich detail, broaden their understanding of the world createdfor them on the page, and then leave the experience of the adventure in aspecial place in their hearts and minds. Then there are poorreaders. These are the people who struggle with color with their abstractminds. The story before them doesn't fit their idealistic molds,therefore leaving them confused, languid, and empty. Then, afterfrustration, rarely venture to pick up another book - often thinking themtrivial, abase. But what of these same types of readers pursue to write -will it make much a difference?
Absolutely! Within two or three paragraphs of a book, regardless ifits fiction or non-fiction, I can tell the type of reader. It's likeknowing if a kiss comes from someone who loves or loathes you - there's adistinct difference.
Not everybody can write, regardless of how much they read. The gift ofa writer is essentially that - a gift. It's not earned or learned,and it's given without consent before the taking of the first breath. While some may learn the rules, characteristics and anesthetics of the craft -they can't manufacture the gift - no matter how much they try, wish or pray forit. As for those who have the 'gift', the differences lay in how muchthey practice, hone and apply their understanding to their talent. Thereare many LAZY writers who never practice, nor apply themselves to learn, shapeand sharpen their gift - therefore frustrating it and becoming bad stewards ofwhat they were freely granted. One of the best sharping tools a writercan have is READING.
Reading is equal to a student learning from the teachers who have gonebefore them, giving reverence and honor to those who've blazed the trails.There are lessons learned in reading that can't be taught in a classroom, witha guide or reference book. Reading is more than grammar, punctuation andtense. Its voice, pacing, structure, weaving, plot, passion andadventure; it is silent instruction by example. It's like love - it mustbe experienced to receive, not taught or explained. You know it and becomeaware of it, because it becomes part of who you are.
So, if you dream of being a writer - my biggest advice is first be anexcellent reader. Besides, you might actually enjoy some great adventures alongthe way. For those who do become writers, never stop reading.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Some people are excellent readers. They can skim through a book,retain all the rich detail, broaden their understanding of the world createdfor them on the page, and then leave the experience of the adventure in aspecial place in their hearts and minds. Then there are poorreaders. These are the people who struggle with color with their abstractminds. The story before them doesn't fit their idealistic molds,therefore leaving them confused, languid, and empty. Then, afterfrustration, rarely venture to pick up another book - often thinking themtrivial, abase. But what of these same types of readers pursue to write -will it make much a difference?
Absolutely! Within two or three paragraphs of a book, regardless ifits fiction or non-fiction, I can tell the type of reader. It's likeknowing if a kiss comes from someone who loves or loathes you - there's adistinct difference.
Not everybody can write, regardless of how much they read. The gift ofa writer is essentially that - a gift. It's not earned or learned,and it's given without consent before the taking of the first breath. While some may learn the rules, characteristics and anesthetics of the craft -they can't manufacture the gift - no matter how much they try, wish or pray forit. As for those who have the 'gift', the differences lay in how muchthey practice, hone and apply their understanding to their talent. Thereare many LAZY writers who never practice, nor apply themselves to learn, shapeand sharpen their gift - therefore frustrating it and becoming bad stewards ofwhat they were freely granted. One of the best sharping tools a writercan have is READING.
Reading is equal to a student learning from the teachers who have gonebefore them, giving reverence and honor to those who've blazed the trails.There are lessons learned in reading that can't be taught in a classroom, witha guide or reference book. Reading is more than grammar, punctuation andtense. Its voice, pacing, structure, weaving, plot, passion andadventure; it is silent instruction by example. It's like love - it mustbe experienced to receive, not taught or explained. You know it and becomeaware of it, because it becomes part of who you are.
So, if you dream of being a writer - my biggest advice is first be anexcellent reader. Besides, you might actually enjoy some great adventures alongthe way. For those who do become writers, never stop reading.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
February 10, 2012
Fiction Vs. The Bible
As I'm running around in a frenzy to get ready for the launch of my book tour today, which it's an absolute assurance I'll forget something when I get there (no matter how much preparation has been done), there's something that just keeps rolling around inside me and I can't let it go. I've tried to toss it out of my mind, crush it beneath my feet, let it roll off my back - but it's got my hair prickled and I just can't let it go.
I meet all kinds of people. I'm out in the world, networking, making new friends, meeting new readers, and hopefully inspiring new writers. Not everyone is going to like me or agree with me, and it would be crazy for me to expect them too. It's a good thing I don't depend on other people's acceptance and support of me, or I'd never leave my house or write a single line. What genuine support someone gets in this life is usually found within a small circle.
I want to start by saying, I'm responsible for what I write, what I say, what I do and what I think. However, I'm not responsible for what other people get or take away from they read of what I write, how they repeat it (whether correctly or incorrectly), how they react, or what they hear and think concerning me or what I write. THEY are. It's not my job to correct them. Erroneous interpretation seems to be a natural human flaw. I know, I'm guilty of it myself on many, many, many occasions. It's MY responsibility to work out the truth for myself.
A few days ago, while talking to someone about my latest book release, they made a comment that, at first, I just pushed to the side and somewhat ignored, but it has stuck with me. I may not have heard them correctly, I know that's a possibility in the midst of my human-flawed status, but this is what I believe I heard:
This person doesn't read fiction because they believe it isn't real, it promotes lies and a sense of deception, and is a vehicle that leads to vain imaginations. They will only read non-fiction and the Bible.
As an author of fiction, I immediately dismissed the ridiculous notion, and a feeling of sadness washed over me. I pitied this person, but I quickly squashed the pity, right along with their statement, and tried to focus on something else. But, in the quiet times over the next few days, those words came back to the surface along with many, many memories of my childhood and how the fiction stories I read affected me, and they made me smile.
THIS is some of the things I received from the fiction I've read, and think is the biggest reason why I write fiction today.
I believe in heroes. I believe that everyday, ordinary people have the potential inside of them, no matter where they came from, who they were born to, or what circumstances they were from or for, greatness is there inside them; they only need to reach for it. This seed (idea) was sown in me through fiction.I believe in the supernatural, the exceptional and the miracle. I believe that before I could even entertain the thought of a man who could walk on water, I read about one who could fly. Before I could open my mind to the idea of the parting of an ocean, calling down fire from the heavens, mysterious plagues, battles of angels and demons, people rising from the dead, miraculous healings, prophets and disciples, and a Savior - I read about dragon riders, seekers, boy wizards, mysterious strangers, valiant princes, magic and mystery, good vs. evil. While none of these fictional ideas were 'plausible', having been exposed to the seeds of those ideas with a mind wide open - implausibility turned into possibility - (that which is seen is temporary, but that which is unseen is eternal). These were the seeds of my faith. I can't imagine a close-minded imagination believing much at all. It's utterly insane to expect me to believe in something so big, so beyond my imagination if I haven't already filled that imagination with such possibilities. It makes me think of that person who won't read fiction and wonder if they truly believe all the wonderful, exciting, and supernatural occurrences that appear in their Bible. It was these wonderful imaginative stories of the supernatural that drew me to the Bible in the first place and introduced me to the supernatural God. Him, I believe - and Him, I love.
Part of me understands this person's devotion. I really believe (I could be wrong) they do what they do because they believe, or were taught, reading fiction will offend the God they love, and they don't want to do that. I respect their devotion. I do what I do and write the fiction I write, because I believe it pleases the supernatural God I know and love. I'm not saying they're right and I'm wrong, or I'm right and they're wrong; I just wouldn't want to live in a world without fiction, so I don't. I LIVE to sow the seeds of a fantastic imagination, just like the ones that were sown in me. Perhaps it will lead someone down the same path as me, perhaps it won't. I'm only responsible for the seed I sow, not the results.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
I meet all kinds of people. I'm out in the world, networking, making new friends, meeting new readers, and hopefully inspiring new writers. Not everyone is going to like me or agree with me, and it would be crazy for me to expect them too. It's a good thing I don't depend on other people's acceptance and support of me, or I'd never leave my house or write a single line. What genuine support someone gets in this life is usually found within a small circle.
I want to start by saying, I'm responsible for what I write, what I say, what I do and what I think. However, I'm not responsible for what other people get or take away from they read of what I write, how they repeat it (whether correctly or incorrectly), how they react, or what they hear and think concerning me or what I write. THEY are. It's not my job to correct them. Erroneous interpretation seems to be a natural human flaw. I know, I'm guilty of it myself on many, many, many occasions. It's MY responsibility to work out the truth for myself.
A few days ago, while talking to someone about my latest book release, they made a comment that, at first, I just pushed to the side and somewhat ignored, but it has stuck with me. I may not have heard them correctly, I know that's a possibility in the midst of my human-flawed status, but this is what I believe I heard:
This person doesn't read fiction because they believe it isn't real, it promotes lies and a sense of deception, and is a vehicle that leads to vain imaginations. They will only read non-fiction and the Bible.
As an author of fiction, I immediately dismissed the ridiculous notion, and a feeling of sadness washed over me. I pitied this person, but I quickly squashed the pity, right along with their statement, and tried to focus on something else. But, in the quiet times over the next few days, those words came back to the surface along with many, many memories of my childhood and how the fiction stories I read affected me, and they made me smile.
THIS is some of the things I received from the fiction I've read, and think is the biggest reason why I write fiction today.
I believe in heroes. I believe that everyday, ordinary people have the potential inside of them, no matter where they came from, who they were born to, or what circumstances they were from or for, greatness is there inside them; they only need to reach for it. This seed (idea) was sown in me through fiction.I believe in the supernatural, the exceptional and the miracle. I believe that before I could even entertain the thought of a man who could walk on water, I read about one who could fly. Before I could open my mind to the idea of the parting of an ocean, calling down fire from the heavens, mysterious plagues, battles of angels and demons, people rising from the dead, miraculous healings, prophets and disciples, and a Savior - I read about dragon riders, seekers, boy wizards, mysterious strangers, valiant princes, magic and mystery, good vs. evil. While none of these fictional ideas were 'plausible', having been exposed to the seeds of those ideas with a mind wide open - implausibility turned into possibility - (that which is seen is temporary, but that which is unseen is eternal). These were the seeds of my faith. I can't imagine a close-minded imagination believing much at all. It's utterly insane to expect me to believe in something so big, so beyond my imagination if I haven't already filled that imagination with such possibilities. It makes me think of that person who won't read fiction and wonder if they truly believe all the wonderful, exciting, and supernatural occurrences that appear in their Bible. It was these wonderful imaginative stories of the supernatural that drew me to the Bible in the first place and introduced me to the supernatural God. Him, I believe - and Him, I love.
Part of me understands this person's devotion. I really believe (I could be wrong) they do what they do because they believe, or were taught, reading fiction will offend the God they love, and they don't want to do that. I respect their devotion. I do what I do and write the fiction I write, because I believe it pleases the supernatural God I know and love. I'm not saying they're right and I'm wrong, or I'm right and they're wrong; I just wouldn't want to live in a world without fiction, so I don't. I LIVE to sow the seeds of a fantastic imagination, just like the ones that were sown in me. Perhaps it will lead someone down the same path as me, perhaps it won't. I'm only responsible for the seed I sow, not the results.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
February 6, 2012
The Seeds We Sow
Every story has a message, and every message has a story. A story is never just a story, but sometimes its depth is only one layer, with one meaning. Sometimes a story has many layers and many meanings, filled with symbolism and metaphors. Confused yet?I've heard many authors say their stories are just stories, there's no hidden message, had no particular agenda, or that they've sewn any sort of seeds, either negative or positive. But that's a lie, even if they believe it to be the truth. Every story has a message. Every tale is filled with seeds of ideas and thoughts that one day will produce a harvest, whether or not intended by the writer.
This is the reason I call myself a scribe, more than a writer. A scribe is a recorder of what they've seen and heard. We can't write what we've never seen, even if we've only ever seen it in our imaginations. When I was younger, the seeds of ideas implanted in me from the stories I read, music I listened to, or the tales I heard from others (including education and instruction from parents, teachers and others in who I met throughout my life), took root and together helped formed my way of thinking about the world around me, and influenced my reactions to it. In the middle of turmoil, it was often a line from a book I read, or a verse from a song that helped inspire a feeling or a thought, which in turn became an action.
This happened in both positive and negative ways. I didn't choose which seed produced fruit at which time, but fruit was produced nonetheless. I'm more careful these days what I put in my super-computer called a brain, because I understand the concept of sowing and reaping seeds. I've learned that I may not be able to control which seeds produces which fruit at any particular time, but I can moderate the types of seeds that are sown. I think it's almost impossible to be able to keep all the seeds I want to avoid from being planted, but I can do my best to minimize my exposure.
For example: When I was younger, I was angry a lot! What teenager aren't these days? Having spent an afternoon judging entries from a high school writing competition lately, I'm reminded just how sensitive teenagers are. They're at the stage of metamorphosis between being a child and an adult – and change is always filled with chaos. I'm much more settled now that I'm forty and don't feel like I have to save the world anymore; that I've passed the mantle down to the younger generation – along with all that energy. I'm much more careful of what seeds I allow to be sewn in my life, opting for peace, happiness, inspiration, victory and joy. So, I'll pass up books, movies or music that is filled with anger, bitterness, blame or degradation – not because I don't think there's any merit to what the author has to say – but because I've already been there, already done that, already have the tee-shirt and all it ever got me was a few gray hairs and a lot of UN-necessary stress.
Do I still want to save the world? Yes, but I've chosen to do it one little positive seed of thought, idea or concept at a time; one idea of inspiration; one word of encouragement at a time. Will it lead to world peace? Who knows??? So, what seeds are you planting? Are they the seeds of a garden you'd like to live in?
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
This is the reason I call myself a scribe, more than a writer. A scribe is a recorder of what they've seen and heard. We can't write what we've never seen, even if we've only ever seen it in our imaginations. When I was younger, the seeds of ideas implanted in me from the stories I read, music I listened to, or the tales I heard from others (including education and instruction from parents, teachers and others in who I met throughout my life), took root and together helped formed my way of thinking about the world around me, and influenced my reactions to it. In the middle of turmoil, it was often a line from a book I read, or a verse from a song that helped inspire a feeling or a thought, which in turn became an action.
This happened in both positive and negative ways. I didn't choose which seed produced fruit at which time, but fruit was produced nonetheless. I'm more careful these days what I put in my super-computer called a brain, because I understand the concept of sowing and reaping seeds. I've learned that I may not be able to control which seeds produces which fruit at any particular time, but I can moderate the types of seeds that are sown. I think it's almost impossible to be able to keep all the seeds I want to avoid from being planted, but I can do my best to minimize my exposure.
For example: When I was younger, I was angry a lot! What teenager aren't these days? Having spent an afternoon judging entries from a high school writing competition lately, I'm reminded just how sensitive teenagers are. They're at the stage of metamorphosis between being a child and an adult – and change is always filled with chaos. I'm much more settled now that I'm forty and don't feel like I have to save the world anymore; that I've passed the mantle down to the younger generation – along with all that energy. I'm much more careful of what seeds I allow to be sewn in my life, opting for peace, happiness, inspiration, victory and joy. So, I'll pass up books, movies or music that is filled with anger, bitterness, blame or degradation – not because I don't think there's any merit to what the author has to say – but because I've already been there, already done that, already have the tee-shirt and all it ever got me was a few gray hairs and a lot of UN-necessary stress.
Do I still want to save the world? Yes, but I've chosen to do it one little positive seed of thought, idea or concept at a time; one idea of inspiration; one word of encouragement at a time. Will it lead to world peace? Who knows??? So, what seeds are you planting? Are they the seeds of a garden you'd like to live in?
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
February 3, 2012
Pom-Pom Parade
It's not hard to promote, talk about, create a buzz or cheer for something you love and fully believe. In fact, it's hardly any work at all. The praise comes naturally due to your personal admiration. But, how would you feel if you had to promote and support something you didn't necessarily love or particularly believe? It's no walk in the part, let me tell you. There's nothing more depressing than a dull "Rah!" I had to do it for over a year, and I wouldn't ever choose to do it again. It's left a really bad taste in my mouth, and wrinkle in my cute little cheerleader outfit.
I could never do something if my whole heart wasn't fully invested, not any more. I don't believe in cheering - for cheering sake. If I did, I think I'm a pretty good cheerleader, and I'd be rolling in victory with an over-abundance of associates and acquaintances. However, I've turned a point in my life where I no longer have an ignorance of the game being played behind me, but an inward purpose and a load of self-respect, and a pom-pom full of true Spirit.
What I mean by that is this: If I support you, it's because I believe in you. I don't even have to like you to respect your work, what your doing or what you want to accomplish in this world. On the other hand, I might just like you as a person, but not quite support your work. I try to find something in each person that I can love and support, so that my cheers are genuine. I really have developed a high intolerance for false appreciation and false modesty, as well as developed a high appreciation for people being real, open and honest. Believe me, I KNOW when someone sends me false accolades.
I won't always share your opinions, your likes, your dislikes, your taste, or your vision; but what I can share is respect. As long as you are honest and speak the truth - whether I agree or disagree - you'll have my respect. With my respect, you'll have my support and praise. Maybe not always for all your opinions and issues, but I'll find some common ground and a way to inspire you. This might not lead to world peace, but it has created a peaceful world within me.
I could never do something if my whole heart wasn't fully invested, not any more. I don't believe in cheering - for cheering sake. If I did, I think I'm a pretty good cheerleader, and I'd be rolling in victory with an over-abundance of associates and acquaintances. However, I've turned a point in my life where I no longer have an ignorance of the game being played behind me, but an inward purpose and a load of self-respect, and a pom-pom full of true Spirit.
What I mean by that is this: If I support you, it's because I believe in you. I don't even have to like you to respect your work, what your doing or what you want to accomplish in this world. On the other hand, I might just like you as a person, but not quite support your work. I try to find something in each person that I can love and support, so that my cheers are genuine. I really have developed a high intolerance for false appreciation and false modesty, as well as developed a high appreciation for people being real, open and honest. Believe me, I KNOW when someone sends me false accolades.
I won't always share your opinions, your likes, your dislikes, your taste, or your vision; but what I can share is respect. As long as you are honest and speak the truth - whether I agree or disagree - you'll have my respect. With my respect, you'll have my support and praise. Maybe not always for all your opinions and issues, but I'll find some common ground and a way to inspire you. This might not lead to world peace, but it has created a peaceful world within me.
February 2, 2012
Milledgeville Misfit - Give-A-Way
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Goodreads Book Giveaway
Milledgeville Misfit
by T.L. Gray
Giveaway ends February 29, 2012.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
Enter to win
February 1, 2012
Milledgeville Misfit - RELEASED!
Milledgeville Misfit is now LIVE!
I've done my job. I've conceived her, nurtured her, gave birth to her, corrected her, dressed her, and presented her in the best light possible - now it's time for her to SHINE. While she explores the world, I'll do my part of being a proud parent (author) and support her, rave about her progress, and brag about her as much as I can.
I've done my job. I've conceived her, nurtured her, gave birth to her, corrected her, dressed her, and presented her in the best light possible - now it's time for her to SHINE. While she explores the world, I'll do my part of being a proud parent (author) and support her, rave about her progress, and brag about her as much as I can.
January 27, 2012
Listen to What I'm Saying
Don't you just hate it when you say something over, and over, and over, and over, and still find that no one has heard anything you've said? I think it's one of the worst common traits found over a majority of people on this planet, including me. I'd like to say that I always comprehend, consider and understand what everyone tells me, but I don't. I only hope that a majority of the time, I do.
Here is a case in point: Those of you who know me, follow my blog, work with me on various projects, sit next to me at church or is a part of my writer's club understands that (or at least you should) I've decided to become a full-time writer. I've said as much at least two dozen different ways. I've tried to make it plain that this isn't my "hobby", something I've decided to do in my "spare time", or something that's just a passing phase because I want to see my name on the cover of a book. I closed my business, sacrificed my material possessions, re-arranged my life and priorities to accommodate my decision and choose to walk every day among the uncertain to make it happen. Yet, it never fails that at least once a week I come across someone in one of my various circles who asks me what I'm going to do for employment, or if I could help them do something since I'm not working anymore and have all this available time, or if I have thought about what I'm going to do next. I feel like responding with a sarcastic remark in Bill Engvall fashion, followed by the phrase - "Here's your sign!"
I understand that most people's world revolves around themselves; I'm the center of my own universe too. However, just plain out ignoring EVERYTHING someone's said for the past couple of years is really pushing the edge of being extremely rude and condescending. It makes me think - "Wow, this person thinks about me for almost a millisecond, which is a few milliseconds too little to actually learn anything." Why do they choose to waste their breath asking me the same ole' dumb questions? They'd save a whole minute of their life just walking on by without saying anything. I don't even need a smile, a wave or a nod.
Being on the receiving end of such blatant disregard, has made me think about my own actions. So, this morning I say, "I'm sorry". I apologize to all those I have not paid attention or listened to what you've had to say. I can't promise that I'll always hear you, but I can promise I'll try.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
Here is a case in point: Those of you who know me, follow my blog, work with me on various projects, sit next to me at church or is a part of my writer's club understands that (or at least you should) I've decided to become a full-time writer. I've said as much at least two dozen different ways. I've tried to make it plain that this isn't my "hobby", something I've decided to do in my "spare time", or something that's just a passing phase because I want to see my name on the cover of a book. I closed my business, sacrificed my material possessions, re-arranged my life and priorities to accommodate my decision and choose to walk every day among the uncertain to make it happen. Yet, it never fails that at least once a week I come across someone in one of my various circles who asks me what I'm going to do for employment, or if I could help them do something since I'm not working anymore and have all this available time, or if I have thought about what I'm going to do next. I feel like responding with a sarcastic remark in Bill Engvall fashion, followed by the phrase - "Here's your sign!"
I understand that most people's world revolves around themselves; I'm the center of my own universe too. However, just plain out ignoring EVERYTHING someone's said for the past couple of years is really pushing the edge of being extremely rude and condescending. It makes me think - "Wow, this person thinks about me for almost a millisecond, which is a few milliseconds too little to actually learn anything." Why do they choose to waste their breath asking me the same ole' dumb questions? They'd save a whole minute of their life just walking on by without saying anything. I don't even need a smile, a wave or a nod.
Being on the receiving end of such blatant disregard, has made me think about my own actions. So, this morning I say, "I'm sorry". I apologize to all those I have not paid attention or listened to what you've had to say. I can't promise that I'll always hear you, but I can promise I'll try.
Till next time,
~T.L. Gray
January 26, 2012
Milledgeville Misfit Give-A-Way - Hop
http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com/2012/01/young-adult-paranormal-activity.htmlI will be giving away a free copy of my latest young-adult novel "Milledgeville Misfit" as part of the Give-A-Way Hop hosted February 24th - 28th.Check back here for more details closer to the HOP start date.
Precious Time
One of the biggest misconceptions I've run across these past few years is that: people who don't punch the clock from 9 to 5 have what is known as "free time". The truth of the matter - those that work from home are usually time-pressed. They are go-getters, creators, inventors, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and world changers. Their day doesn't end at five o'clock, their on 24 – 7.
For me, when I made the decision to put writing as my top priority, my time devoted to my craft became precious; something to guard, something to treasure. There are all kinds of things, including "good" things, that want to steal that time. I have to protect it or else it'll get away from me. There is always a noble cause to support around every corner, but I'm only one person and can't do everything. There is only 24 hours in a day for me, just as it is for everyone else. I must prioritize those things that are most important to me and what I feel is the path laid down before me by God. If not, I can be busy doing "good" things, and miss what I was meant to do.
Working from home requires a lot of discipline. You can be easily distracted and lose your focus. It takes a disciplined person to wake up every morning and focus their attention on their destined target. It also takes a disciplined person to not allow their feelings to lead them, because feelings can waiver and get you off the path.
I exercise my body first thing in the morning. The first 15 min. is really more of a struggle between my body and my mind than anything else. If I only exercise when it felt good, I would never step on the treadmill. Yet I keep my target of good health and a balanced weight before me and push through my feelings. I must apply the same principles to my life as a writer, or it'll get lost by the wayside. The world as a whole doesn't understand this concept, because writing often doesn't produce the financial fruit of a 9 to 5, but it can. Thank God I don't have to please the world, because I'm at the point that I could never imagine doing anything else.
So the next time you ask me to do something and I turn you down, don't take it personally. It's not that I don't deem your cause worthy, I just deem my time more precious.
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
For me, when I made the decision to put writing as my top priority, my time devoted to my craft became precious; something to guard, something to treasure. There are all kinds of things, including "good" things, that want to steal that time. I have to protect it or else it'll get away from me. There is always a noble cause to support around every corner, but I'm only one person and can't do everything. There is only 24 hours in a day for me, just as it is for everyone else. I must prioritize those things that are most important to me and what I feel is the path laid down before me by God. If not, I can be busy doing "good" things, and miss what I was meant to do.
Working from home requires a lot of discipline. You can be easily distracted and lose your focus. It takes a disciplined person to wake up every morning and focus their attention on their destined target. It also takes a disciplined person to not allow their feelings to lead them, because feelings can waiver and get you off the path.
I exercise my body first thing in the morning. The first 15 min. is really more of a struggle between my body and my mind than anything else. If I only exercise when it felt good, I would never step on the treadmill. Yet I keep my target of good health and a balanced weight before me and push through my feelings. I must apply the same principles to my life as a writer, or it'll get lost by the wayside. The world as a whole doesn't understand this concept, because writing often doesn't produce the financial fruit of a 9 to 5, but it can. Thank God I don't have to please the world, because I'm at the point that I could never imagine doing anything else.
So the next time you ask me to do something and I turn you down, don't take it personally. It's not that I don't deem your cause worthy, I just deem my time more precious.
Till next time,~T.L. Gray
