Write Well In Spite Of

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells
Writing comedy and suspense, Rene Gutteridge is the author of 24 novels, including Misery Loves Company, Possession, Listen, Never the Bride, The Occupational Hazards Series, The Storm Series, The Boo Series, My Life as a Doormat and the novelization of The Ultimate Gift. She writes screenplays and her books have been made into Hallmark movies.
She recalls the memorable career advice she received.The best piece of writing advice came as advice for something else. I was at a writers retreat. In the wee hours of the night, I sat in my hotel room discussing with a beloved and godly writer friend the difficulty of relationships. We were laughing and crying together.
 “Rene, remember:” she said, “love well, in spite of.” 
That phrase has carried me through hard times, and I have applied it in my writing. 
Write well, in spite of. Write well, in spite of my doubts.Write well, in spite of the odds. Write well, in spite of the unknown. Write well, in spite of hardship, fear, discouragement, disappointment, criticism, pain. 
I’ve also come to understand the deep significance of loving well my fellow writers. In a competitive industry full of fiery arrows, to love and be loved by those whose journey you understand is invaluable. One friend is like a spiritual microscope. My writing world can get fuzzy. With anointed words of wisdom, he is able to bring everything into sharp focus. Another writer friend is my champion. Another is my confidant. 
I remember leaving my city on a plane for a writers retreat and thinking with great relief, “I can’t wait to get there, to where all the normal people are.” 
I laughed out loud at my thoughts. Nobody else on earth would consider writers normal. But that is where the beauty is, to be understood. There is nothing like friendship with a fellow writer. 
There are a vast number of things that can steer us toward not writing well. Not loving well. By God’s power, we can rise above it all, be blessed, and be a blessing.
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Tropical island votary and history buff, PeggySue Wells parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Writing from the 100-Acre wood in Indiana, Wells is the bestselling author of twenty-eight books including The Slave Across the Street, Slavery in the Land of the Free, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, and Chasing Sunrise. Optimistic dream-driver, PeggySue is named for the Buddy Holly song with the great drumbeat. At school author visits, she teaches students the secrets to writing, and speaks at events and conferences. Connect with her at www.PeggySueWells.com, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and Twitter @PeggySueWells.