Evaluating My Writing Path & Moving Forward in 2022

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
The writer’s path is a journey of a lifetime—one fraught with discovery and discouragement. We can avoid some of its pitfalls if we define that path early on. Today, I want to share some insights into my writing journey and the markers I look for to help me stay at least in the vicinity of the path.
This time of year, between Christmas and New Year's, my thoughts turn backward. I use this time to evaluate the past year and prepare for the next one. I've given up New Year's Resolutions completely and find the freedom from those expectations (and failures) a major relief. 
Instead, I spend some time looking back at our spiritual markers for the past year. I evaluate them over all aspects of my life—including my writing life. 
This is particularly helpful since staying on the writer's path is difficult. We can loose perspective if we compare ourselves to others because each of our paths are so unique and varied. In the past I've had trouble evaluating my progress because I was comparing my journey to someone else's. I’ve come up with some questions to help me process where I’ve been and where I’m headed. 
Questions to Get Me StartedWhat were some of my writing successes this past year? (Not necessarily the most lucrative, but the most rewarding) What were some of my writing setbacks this past year? What writing advice stands out in my mind because it seemed to have been aimed directly at me? What brought me the most joy? (Writing related) What were the most frustrating writing experiences this year?As I map out these spiritual markers, the path God has had me on becomes quite clear. And, by knowing where I've been, it becomes clearer where to go next. 
The other thing I do this time of year is to choose my ONE WORD and SCRIPTURE for the next year. I've been choosing a Bible verse for the upcoming year since 1996, but I only began choosing a single word to go with it since 2012. My close friend and author, Beth Vogt started me on it and the practice has proved invaluable.
I use this one word as a filter, a path marker and a reminder of where God is focusing my attention during the year. And every year it has helped clarify my journey when things get murky and confusing.
ONE WORD
This year, the ONE WORD God has whispered to me is RETREAT.
I have to be honest, initially I did NOT like that word. When that word slipped into my soul my response was immediate—I’m not a quitted and I do not give up! I could almost feel God’s laughter at my response. 
Turns out, running away & giving up is not the meaning He wants me to focus on. Instead He wants me to draw close to Him, to let Him heal all the wounds the past couple of years have inflicted. 
As soon as I accepted this word, I was faced with an opportunity. I could say yes, or I could choose to use the time this opportunity would require to draw closer to God. I said no, and chose God. It turns out, as I’ve investigated this opportunity, that it would have been a situation fraught with stress and temptation. So not only has this word already helped me stay on the path God has, it’s provided protection. 
I never thought of RETREAT as a form of God’s protection. But now I’m re-evaluating the word and finding all kinds of cool things that God has for me. 
The verse I feel like God has led me to go along with this is:
And He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. Mark 6:31 (ESV)
I'd love for you to share your ONE WORD and/or Bible verse for the year, and hear some of your answers to these questions. 
Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,Edie
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Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and on Instagram.