THE OPENING SCENE

That new computer file. It’s clean. It’s fresh. It’s scary.

As a writer, starting a new project is exciting. It’s filled with possibilities. Where will the story take me? What will my characters discover? What lessons will be learned by my character, by me, by my readers along the way?

It’s also scary. I have the story in my mind. It’s brilliant. The writing is clear and lyrical. The theme will inspire millions.

But am I the person to write it? Can I do the brilliance justice? Or will my attempt turn to dust, withering on the screen and falling into scraps at the bottom of my cyber trash can?

I have not encountered a single writer who does not go through this stage of self-doubt. Our first drafts are horrible. Our second drafts often little improved. But still we endeavor to persevere.

Because God gave us the desire and the ability to create stories; to inspire readers; to glorify Him through words.

This month I will be finishing up the last bits of a book I began several years ago. As that computer screen is closed, as cover letters and manuscript pages head out the door to agents and publishing houses, it's time to open one more new screen. This new story has been in my head for several months. There will be several more months of filling a computer screen with plot twists, world building, character development, theme, tone, voice notes. Then a new screen will be opened and the story will begin to be told. 

It all begins with clicking on that little white paper icon at the top of the screen. It all begins with the opening of the file. And the opening of a mind to fill it with words.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we are so grateful for the gifts you have blessed us with. For us writers, we love words and the talent you have given us to use them. All of us—writers or not—are often faced first with the thrill and later with the doubt—of not doing justice to the task you have led us to. Please remind us that the process for whatever task you call us to may be arduous but that it is the process you look to and our obedience to the call that causes you to say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Amen.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?  In what task or vocation do you see God leading you that you may need to open a file or a mind to begin the project?  

This post is part of the Christian Writers Blog Chain. Our theme for March is “open”—either an open topic or the meaning of “open” itself. Please click on the links to the right and see what my friends have to say this month.