How I Know I’m Meant to Be a Writer

My story is like that of a lot of authors: I knew I wanted to write since I was a little girl.

I’d fill pages and pages with my stories (and pathetic stick art too!). I dreamed. I crafted. I created.

Along the way, I lost my vision for writing fiction and pursued journalism instead. But about five years ago, I could no longer ignore the call of the fiction world. I just knew I had to be part of it, because it was already part of me.

I had a few years of a sort of “honeymoon” period–that time when the words came easy and I allowed myself to swim in the ocean of possibilities, to soak up all the learning, to imagine everything coming my way. I just knew in my heart that I was going to be published one day. One day soon! That all the hard work would pay off and I’d get there earlier than most do.

Oh, Lindsay. *pats the Lindsay of five years ago on the head*

Let’s back up a bit. School and other academic endeavors always came naturally to me. I say that not to brag, but to help you understand–I was used to success.

And when I dove into this writing journey, I expected the same.

So imagine my surprise when just recently–after nearly five years of learning and immersing myself in this land of fiction writers–I get back critiques from my craft partners that demonstrated I still didn’t “get it.” Not that they said it that way…they were so encouraging and helpful!

But that’s how I felt. I couldn’t believe I STILL struggled with character arcs and plot. I mean, come on! What was wrong with me? Why wasn’t my hard work paying off?

I remember praying and asking God, “When am I ever going to get to the point when I won’t need their help? When I won’t need YOUR help?”

And oh, man.

That’s when it hit me. I will never get to the point when I don’t need God. Or my craft partners. Or just help in general.

That was pure pride talking.

You see, for me, writing is a humbling experience. It’s something I can’t possibly do on my own. It’s something that draws me closer to God, if I let it. It’s something that’s truly a challenge for me. That doesn’t come easy. That requires ALL of me…and a little bit more.

That’s how I know: I’m meant to be a writer.

Whether you’re a writer or not, I pray that you can find that thing–the thing you’re meant to do, that puts you constantly at the Lord’s feet asking Him for help.

*Photo courtesy of stocksnap.io

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