10 Entrepreneur Quotes to Motivate and Inspire Writers

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I've always been inspired by success stories from famous entrepreneurs--Jobs, Disney, Hershey, George Washington Carver, etc. It's amazing how these men had a passion, a dream, and were determined to press forward, despite the obstacles. 
Aspiring authors can learn a lot from successful entrepreneurs. Just as the path toward launching a business is not an easy route, the path toward publication is often long and filled with discouragement. As we strive to achieve our dreams, let's learn to mimic the traits that successful entrepreneurs possessed, such as ... ambition. Drive. Passion. Perseverance. Discipline. And patience. 
I've gathered entrepreneur quotes that will hopefully inspire and motivate you to develop these very traits. If there's one in particular that inspires you, I recommend writing it down on a sticky note at your computer; that way, you'll have a constant reminder to keep going.  
Here are 10 entrepreneur quotes to motivate and inspire writers:

“I’m convinced that about half of what separates the successful entrepreneurs from the non-successful ones is pure perseverance.”  Steve Jobs

“The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low and achieving our mark.”  Michelangelo 

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"Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant."  Robert Louis Stevenson 

“Done is better than perfect.” Sheryl Sandberg

“A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new.”  Albert Einstein

"If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced." Vincent Van Gogh

“The price of inaction is far greater than then cost of a mistake.”  Meg Whitman

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"I would rather die of passion than of boredom."  Vincent van Gogh

“Waiting for perfect is never as smart as making progress.”  Seth Godin

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." Walt Disney 

~ ~ ~ 
What's your favorite quote on this list? Are there any that you'd like to add?

Tweetable:

10 Entrepreneur Quotes to #Motivate and #Inspire Writers http://bit.ly/2BdBTYS @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife

"I would rather die of passion than of boredom."  Vincent van Gogh http://bit.ly/2BdBTYS @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife #motivational

Defeating Self-Doubts: 10 Quick Reminders for the Perfectionist Writer

Whew! I recently completed the second book in The Purple Moon Series, titled FALLEN LEAVES (scheduled to release October 26th with IlluminateYA). This was not an easy feat, to say the least!


In fact, it was probably the hardest project for me to tackle so far in my writing journey. I was tempted to give up multiple times. Why was it so hard?


Because it was a continuation of the story in my first book, PURPLE MOON. Because I didn’t want to disappoint my readers. Because it’s not easy to develop a plot structure in a character-driven story.


And simply because of self-doubt.

Self-doubt, I’ve noticed, often plays a big—yet sneaky—factor in procrastination. It’s the reason why many writers don’t reach their publication dreams.


With each book I’ve written, I’ve doubted my writing ability. I’ve imagined the negative reviews I could receive. Not intentionally, of course. However, my desire to produce quality content often results in me being my own worst critic.


This can be both good and bad. Good when we use our perfectionism as a way to challenge ourselves to rise to the next level; bad when we use self-doubt as a reason to hold off on finishing a project and furthering our dream.


Sending FALLEN LEAVES to my editor felt like an amazing accomplishment—not just because I completed another novel, but because I was able to keep going despite the self-doubts that begged me to give up.


So how can writers resist these doubts and strive forward to reach the finish line? Here are 10 quick reminders for my fellow perfectionists wrestling with self-doubts…


1 –  Every writer has both strengths and weaknesses. Focus on your strengths.


TIP: You might want to ask beta readers, critique partners, or writing friends where your strengths lie as a storyteller. Keep in mind, though, that you do want to be aware of where your weaknesses lie so you can strive to strengthen those areas as well.


2 – You are your own worst critic.


TIP: Allow yourself to write a sloppy first draft. Then you can criticize your work once you reach the revision stages -- but only if your criticism help you rise higher rather than paralyze you. 

3 – Your book isn’t going to be for everyone, but it is for those who will enjoy it.


TIP: If you receive negative feedback, take it with a grain of salt. Everyone has their personal taste and opinion. However, if more than one person has given similar feedback, then consider revising your work based on their critiques.  


4 – You aren’t a perfect writer, but you will grow with each project.


TIP: Try to focus on mastering one new area with each project (such as description, dialogue, voice, characterization, etc.)  

5 – Someone might be waiting for your book to be released. Write it for that person.


TIP: Do you have a friend or beta reader who has previously shown interest in your writing? If so, invite that person to read your book as soon as it's complete. Keep their enthusiasm in mind when you face self-doubt.


6 – You’re the only person who can write your book using your unique writing style, experiences, voice, etc.


TIP: Analyze your writing and the type of stories you like to write. What makes your work stand out amongst other authors in your genre? How is your writing unique?


7 – Your book can improve through edits, rewrites, and critiques. You’re allowed to make mistakes. 


TIP: Write your first draft for your eyes only. Then, with each revision, try to focus on improving and editing one element at a time (such as dialogue, description, interior monologue, pacing, character, arc, subplots, etc.)

8 – Often self-doubt is a tool from the enemy to keep you from furthering your calling.


TIP: Keep a list of compliments you've received on your writing. Then, when those whispers of self-doubt tempt you to give up, take out that list of praise and remind yourself of why you feel called to write.

9 – Ultimately, we have an audience of One. He wants us to be faithful with the gifts we've been entrusted with.


TIP: View your writing session as an act of obedience and worship. Then, your focus will shift; writing will no longer be about you and your success; instead, you'll view it as an opportunity to glorify your Father (see 1 Peter 4:10-11).


10 – When you love writing, it doesn't have to be a drudgery. In fact, it's supposed to be fun -- so enjoy the process!


TIP: Remind yourself of why you fell in love with the craft to begin with. When you first started writing, did you do it for fun or to receive praise? Most of us started writing simply out of pure joy for storytelling. Forget the "rules of writing" during that first draft, and give yourself permission to remain passionate during the process!

~ ~ ~

How do you defeat self-doubt as a writer? Are there any reminders you'd like to add to this list?

Tweetable:


Defeating Self-Doubts: 10 Quick Reminders for the Perfectionist Writer http://bit.ly/2EMhsRk #amblogging #writerslife @TessaEmilyHall

The Value of Patience For the Aspiring Author

Waiting isn’t an easy task when you’re striving toward your dreams—especially in an industry that moves like a snail pace. And yet, it’s probably one of the most important attributes an aspiring author can have.

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If you’ve followed my blog for any time now, then you probably know I love to encourage young writers to pursue their writing dreams. I don’t think teens should let their age hold them back from pursuing publication, especially if their craft is quality. But even so, if we make a rushed decision in our writing journey simply out of impatience, then we’re withholding ourselves from the reward and growth that result from waiting seasons.


If begin to struggle with patience this year, remind yourself of these 5 reasons why impatience can be harmful:


1 - Impatience makes us discontent.


If we long to hurry and rush into the next season of our writing journey, then we fail to enjoy our current season and appreciate the progress we’ve already made. We’ll never be satisfied until we reach the next milestone—then once we reach that, we’ll be restless until we've achieved the next one, and so on.


2 – Impatience makes us rush into decisions that we could cost us down the road.


This is why I encourage teen writers to develop as a writer and study the industry first before they dive in. Preparation for the journey ahead is key to understanding the road we’re setting out to navigate.


Sure, you might long to become an author and see your story in print—but is it worth rushing the quality of it? It might take a while to study the craft and receive feedback from critique partners, but trust me: You’ll be grateful, in the long run, that your name will be tied to work that’s quality rather than sloppy.


3 – Impatience keeps us from the best.


What if your story idea could develop over time and eventually become a #1 best-seller? That’s an exciting thought—however, this pursuit doesn’t necessarily happen over night. Every bestselling author has had to walk a long road of growing as a writer, writing drafts of their book, editing, receiving feedback, implementing feedback, etc. before they could see this success. What would’ve happened if they had rushed into publication prematurely?


4 – Impatience takes away the joy of working hard, seeing the fruit, and knowing it was done with excellence and carefulness.


I love the various publishing options that us writers have today. Even a six-year-old can see their work in print! Yet even though it’s exciting to think anyone can write a story and load it onto Amazon, the reward is much more thrilling when it’s a result of hard work, excellence, and patience.


5 – Impatience often gets us out of God’s perfect will for our lives, especially when we’re determined to make things happen our way and in our timing.


If God has given you the desire and gift to write, then don’t you believe He has a plan for your writing journey? You might have an idea as to how you’d like for your writing career to play out, and that’s completely fine—but there’s no safer place to be than in His will. Let’s be faithful to use the gifts He’s given us and give Him control over the steering wheel of our dreams. His timing might be different from what we hope it’ll be, but you can be assured that it will be perfect and well worth the patience.

~ ~ ~

So as you make your New Year resolutions and strive toward your writing goals, keep in mind that it’s okay to have a big picture goal in mind—as long as this goal doesn’t cause you to make rash decisions along the way. And be prepared to wait. A lot. Even as your writing style and skills continue to develop. Just remember that time, hard work, and patience are necessary ingredients to producing lasting fruit in your writing career.

What’s the hardest stage in the writing journey for you to cultivate patience?

How to Manage Your Crazy Workload Without Going Crazy Yourself

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Happy 2018, everyone! I recently visited my friend, Stephanie Kehr's blog to share advice on how you can manage your crazy workload -- without going crazy yourself. (If you're a writer, and a student, and you have another job, then you probably know this isn't exactly as easy as it sounds!) 

I thought this would be the perfect post to share so you can kick off the new year with a clean slate. ;) 

Click here for the post. 

Don't forget to let me know your thoughts/questions in the comments below!

Staircase to Somewhere: Writing with the Steps in Mind - Guest Post by Caroline George

Caroline George, author of The Prime Way Program and The Vestige, resides in Nashville where she spends the majority of her time in hipster coffeehouses, sipping lavender mochas and undertaking over-the-top projects. She is a two-time Georgia Author of the Year nominee, speaker, blogger and writer for teen magazine Pursue. Caroline studies publishing and public relations at Belmont University and works as a publicist for local artists.

People love victory. They cheer when their favorite sports teams win. They give medals to those who cross finish lines first, who perform better than their competitors.


Writing functions with a different set of rules. For example, writers do not have a finish line, only the chance to take another step. In fact, writing shouldn’t be viewed as a race, rather an infinite flight of stairs. Each time someone writes a piece of literature, they climb higher. Whenever they post on their blog, enhance their social media, they rise another few inches. This reality of pursuing an author career shouldn’t be discouraging—it gives one the incredible chance to try again, move forward, and have options regardless of their steps’ successes.

I have climbed three full steps in the past five years. My first two books in The Prime Way Trilogy taught me how to take large strides, while my latest book, The Vestige, showed me how to scale my staircase like a professional. I love strategizing my next steps. I value the opportunity to grow stronger and fitter during the process of reaching new heights.


The sooner a writer begins their journey up the staircase, the more steps they’ll be able to climb. Many creatives don’t take a step until their mid-adulthood. However, young people who are determined and passionate about words can take more leaps, develop their skills, and ultimately, use their gifts to not only reach high stairs, but also set an example for those hesitating below.


Encouraging Facts:


You are equipped and able to climb your staircase.


There is room for you in the publishing industry.


What you write matters.


How you climb your steps will inspire others to begin their journey.


Age and time are not against you. Whether you are fourteen or sixty-four, you are capable of taking strides toward your goals.


The trek can become exhausting. There are moments in my writing career when I lose endurance and stall on certain levels.


During those times, I find others who share my passions. Together, with locked arms, we help each other reach new heights.



Takeaway: Writing isn’t an easy process, but you have every opportunity at your feet. All you have to do is take the first step.



Question for you: What does your "staircase" look like currently? Where do you hope it will take you?

Can Age Keep Us From Pursuing Our Dreams?

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I'VE ALWAYS LOOKED YOUNG FOR MY AGE.

At twenty-three years old, I'm often mistaken for a teenager. A fifteen-year-old. Fortunately, this doesn't bother me as much as it used to, especially not in the way it did when I actually was a teen. But growing up, I often felt older, more mature, than my peers; perhaps it's because I'm the youngest in my family and the youngest of thirteen cousins.

I felt older, yet my appearance gave the false impression that I was younger. And because of that, I resented my youth. I wanted to be older. To be treated with more respect. 

Especially when it came to pursuing my passions.

{Continue reading on my new blog for readers!}

Keeping On: Persevering Toward Publication - Guest Post by Jodie Wolf

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA) and has been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Live the Adventure Letter. She's a contributor for Putting on the New and Stitches Thru Time blogs. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, walking, and being a Grammie. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

God called me to write at a really early age in my life. I started writing poetry and short stories as young as second grade. I still remember my first poem and the little stories I wrote. I typed those on a typewriter and stapled them together, drawing my own cover. :) I knew I wanted to be a writer when I grew up.


In my early teen years, God gave me an idea to create my first full-length novel. It took me several years to finish writing it, but I kept at it. I persevered even though I had family members that doubted whether or not I'd ever be a writer. I had high school teachers that believed in me. One even encouraged me to submit my novel to a writing contest. I didn't win or place.

College years were filled with writing papers for classes, but nothing fun like I enjoyed writing. Immediately following college, I married my sweetheart and we started our life together. Again, I started writing novels and sent them off to a couple places. The rejections continued to pour in. So when I became pregnant with our first son, it didn't take much for me to put my writing in a drawer and forget about it for a season.


The next eighteen years were filled raising our sons and homeschooling them all the way to their high school graduations. But toward the end of those years, I distinctly felt God calling me back to writing novels. I remember it like it happened yesterday.


I had gone through a particularly rough season in my life and had flown to visit a friend. The day before I left, she took me touring and we went to see a local lighthouse. I am very scared of heights, but still climbed the winding steps to the top and stepped out onto the catwalk. I clung to the wall, too afraid to go to the railing. As I looked out at the ocean, it was there that God gave me three separate story ideas about lighthouse keepers.


I went home and started researching and eventually writing one of those stories. The words flowed and I was back in my element again. Over the next seven years, I went on to write several more full-length books, a few novellas, and a multiple of story ideas to pitch. God dropped an agent in my lap. Many times I was so close to getting a 'yes' answer from publishers, but I didn't sign my first contract until last year at the age of 51. Since then, I've signed two more contracts.


What would have happened if I had given up at my first rejection letter? I would have never stepped into the roll that God has called me to do - to spread His hope and encouragement through the words of my novels.


Don't give up. Keep pressing on. Trust that He will bring things about in His timing. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks for stopping by, Jodie!

Readers: Have you ever been tempted to give up in pursuit of your publication dreams? How do you remind yourself to persevere in spite of doubts and struggles?

Why I Refuse to Relent in Pursuit of My Dreams {+ Amazing Giveaway!}

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Write fiction books. Write non-fiction books. Act in Christian films. Work behind the camera of a Christian film. Screenwrite. Become a literary agent. Become an acquisitions editor. Launch a Christian magazine/ministry for teens. Own or work at a coffee shop.
I recently found a couple of old journal entries and blog posts of mine in which I gave the above list in response to the question, "What are your greatest dreams?" Although there is no definite destination along the path to pursuing dreams, it's crazy to look at this list and strikethrough the dreams that have already become a reality. Especially since I imagined the process of pursuing would take much longer than it has. (Side note: I am not yet a literary agent, but I work at a literary agency as a Jr. Agent.) Being an author was my absolute #1 dream; the others were simply ideas. Possibilities. Yet I've refused to settle for less. I've refused to relent in pursuit of my dreams for the sake of having a predictable and safe lifestyle. 

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Friends and family members often tell me that how amazed they are that I've been able to "achieve my dreams". But why is this so crazy? It's as though dreams were simply meant to remain just that: a dream. A wish. An idea. It's never made much sense to me to pursue a life that's anything less than a life I love. To pursue occupations that don't suit my gifts, talents, and strengths.
This is why it's a desire of mine to instill within the hearts of teens a determination to pursue the calling God has placed on their lives. Because when they become who God has created them to be, when they develop their gifts and talents -- all the while seeking Him first -- then the direction of their future may become more clear. 
This is my heart behind creating PURSUE Magazine. When a teen reads this magazine, I hope she will have a longing to draw closer to God. I hope she will be challenged to view herself the way He sees her. To embrace her uniqueness. To pursue her God-given purpose. To rise to new levels with her gifts and learn how she can use them to minister to others.

So why do I refuse to relent in pursuit of my dreams? Simply put: Life is too short to not live a life I love. It's too short to not fully cultivate and tap into the potential God has given me and live out His perfect plan for my life. Because it's in the center of that perfect plan that I will have the opportunity to speak into the lives of others as well.
If you, too, want to become awakened to the dreams that have been birthed inside your heart -- if you want to learn how you can understand God's unique calling on your life and BECOME the young woman He has destined for you to be -- then I encourage you to consider picking up a Kindle copy of our first issue of PURSUE Magazine. 
The first issue of PURSUE releases on Amazon Kindle tomorrow, April 15th! However, it is now available for pre-order. {Click here to read the back cover or purchase on Amazon.} 
Giveaway!

In effort to spread buzz of this release, four lucky winners will receive one of the following prizes...

• free digital copy of PURSUE Magazine
• $15 Starbucks gift card
• $15 Amazon gift card
• your choice of an Erin Condren notebook

Enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Do you want to help us spread the word?

Do you support our vision and mission statement? If so, please consider helping us spread the word. You can start by entering the giveaway above. Then, open this "Marketing Plan" PDF and you'll have another opportunity to win a $10 Starbucks gift card! (The winner of this giveaway will be selected on May 1st. This is a separate giveaway from the one above.)


Blog Swap



Would you be interested in participating in a blog swap with me? (Blog swap = Guest post in return for a guest post.) If so, please email me at christiswrite (at) gmail (dot) com for more details!

Are you a believer in pursuing dreams as well? Why do you think some people choose to neglect their dreams and settle for a safe and predictable life? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Tips for Surviving the 6 Seasons of a Writer’s Life

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If you’ve been in the industry long enough then you probably know by now that the writer’s life is unpredictable, and your path will never look identical to that of another writer’s.

Writing is like no other profession. There doesn’t seem to be a typical day’s work because our daily work shifts as the seasons change.

Although there are surprises—both good and bad—along the path to publication, the writer’s life can be categorized into 6 seasons…

{Continue reading}

Re-Evaluate Your Writing Career by Returning to Your Author Dream

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Almost every aspiring author dreams of what their life as a published author will look like some day: Multiple best-selling novels. Lines that stretch out the door at book signings. A cabin in the mountains. Books made into movies. Fat advances. And, of course, spending every waking hour either typing up the next Great American Novel or responding to fan mail.

Obviously that picture is far from the reality of what the life of today’s average novelist looks like. In order to make a living in today’s writing industry, most authors don’t just write books. They also teach. Speak. Blog. Write freelance articles. Offer coaching, consulting, or freelance editing services to other writers.

Yet with all of the possibilities for today’s writer, how are we supposed to know which paths to pursue and what kind of business model to create? After all, being an author is equivalent to being an owner of a small business. Sometimes I can become distracted by all the ideas floating around in my head that I forget to remind myself of the Big Picture of my writing career—the reason I’m pursuing this dream in the first place. {Continue reading!}

{PS ... Two more submissions are needed for Monday's Minute Challenge Writing Prompt Contest! Click here if you'd like to enter.}

How to Navigate Today’s Publishing Industry P.1: What’s Your Destination?

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It’s a new year, which means it's time to set goals and make plans that will breathe life into our dreams. I love how the new year always reminds us that we won't see the results we hope for unless there is action involved. And how can there be action involved? By creating goals. But it'd be impossible to create goals without first having a dream.


Before we set out on our writing journey, at some point we've dreamt of becoming an author. Dreaming of having a book published precedes the actual publication. It’s this overall vision that keeps our fingers racing over the keyboard. Yet if we want our writing to become a career and not just a hobby, then it’s necessary to create goals. How do we do that? By first looking ahead to where we want to be, then asking ourselves: What steps can I take to get there?


It can be compared to the act of setting out on a road trip. We find out the address of our destination, plug it into our GPS, and follow the directions. (At least, that's how we do it nowadays! Thankfully I've never had to drive somewhere new without the use of a robot telling me where to go.)


Yet too many aspiring authors become caught up in the dream phase. They write here and there in their spare moments; however, their book is never finished because they placed publication in the same compartment as wishful thinking. They don’t, in a sense, find out the “address” of publication (research how to become published), plug it into their GPS (create mini-goals that may eventually lead them to their destination), and set out on the journey (perseverance).


I know the process might be complicated and a bit daunting for the aspiring author. That’s why I’m going to break down the steps for you in this new blog series titled, How to Navigate Today’s Publishing Industry.


Today, we’re going to discuss the destination. What's your overall goal? To become an author? If so, write this down in your journal or a Word Document. Then, make it even more specific. What kind of author do you want to become? Your response may be “to become a best-selling author of historical fiction” or “to make a living as a YA romance novelist”.


Then, take as long as you want detailing this dream of yours. How often do you want to publish a book? Will you write across genres? What kind of publishing model are you aiming for? Don’t be afraid to dream too big! There’s no harm in dreaming. In fact, this dream will provide you with the motivation you need to persevere, especially when you come across roadblocks. Remember that science actually supports the act of visualizing our dreams.


But of course the dream won’t come to pass unless we take the necessary steps to achieve it.


First, we need to understand how the publishing process works.


Let’s look at the big picture — our "map" from a bird's-eye view. In simple terms, how does one become an author in today’s publishing industry?

• Step 1: Writer writes the book. 
• Step 2: While the writer writes the book, they also make an effort into building an online presence. Today’s writer must understand the importance of platform when it comes to attracting attention from agents, publishers, and readers. They could also network with other writers on social media and on the blogosphere during this time. 
• Step 3: Writer spends necessary time editing, revising, and rewriting their manuscript. They may join a critique group during this time and/or send their manuscript to be critiqued by their critique partner.
• Step 4: When the book is ready, writer pitches it to agents and/or publishers. They might also attend a writing conference during this time and pitch to agents/publishers face-to-face. 
• Step 5: While the writer waits for a response, they continue making efforts to grow their platform and hone their craft. They then set off to work on their next project.

Now that you have your Address (publication goal) and understand the basics on how to get there, your next step is to break down the above steps by creating mini-goals that will help you reach this Destination. That’s exactly what I’ll help you do in next week’s post. =)


Meanwhile, if you have any questions about the publishing process, please let me know in the comments!

~ ~ ~

Questions for you… 


What’s your writing-related goal for this year? Do you believe that visualization plays a key role in seeing a dream come to pass?

Tweetable:


How can writers navigate today's publishing industry? Advice from @TessaEmilyHall #writingtips #writerslife http://bit.ly/2i8lbgW

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Getting Over First Draft Jitters - Guest Post by Katy Kauffman

They let me go first. When my dad won two tickets to the Delta flight simulator in Atlanta, Georgia, he chose me to go with him. After a tour of the facility and the stationary simulators, I was shocked at the size of the moving simulator. Mounted on hydraulics and the size of a small house, it stood ready for our rookie flight. I was the first one to try it.  

I nearly crashed my “plane.” As I descended, I came in either too steep or too fast, and before the simulator could portray a crash landing, the instructor hit a button and we were back in the air. Do over!

When I saw the runway once more on the screen before me, my stomach knotted. I was afraid of messing up again. On the second landing, the plane hopped once, and then all was fine. Steering the plane with my feet was another story.

When we write, we need “do overs.” Rarely is a first draft perfect. The comforting thing about rewriting is that even if we crash on the first draft, we get a second chance. Just as pilots can try and fail safely in a simulator, we writers can craft our books in a protected environment. The only draft that someone will read of our writing is the last one. So don’t let “first draft jitters” keep you from writing. Overcome your fears of not getting it right the first time, and rewrite to your heart’s content. (Or until the deadline comes!)

Remember these 5 things to get over first draft jitters and to see rewriting as a safe place to try and keep trying:

• Even bestselling authors have editors.
• If you demand perfection from yourself in the first draft, you will likely limit your creativity and the writing may come out stiff or dry.
• Aim for the quality you want, and keep flying in that direction until you get there.
• Editing is your friend, not your enemy—it makes anyone’s writing better and better.
• We grow as we write and rewrite—we learn, we imagine, we stretch, we discover, and we improve.
• What do you do to get over first draft jitters? Tell us in the comments below. No one else has your voice, your imagination, or your take on life. Hop into the pilot’s seat—or computer chair—and keep writing!

Katy loves to read novels late at night and write Bible studies by day. She is the award-winning author of 2 Timothy: Winning the Victory and Faith, Courage, and Victory. She is also an editor and a designer for two online magazines, Refresh Bible Study Magazine and Broken but Priceless: The Magazine.

She loves to connect with writers of all genres and enjoys looking for new contributors for Refresh. If you’re interested in writing for Teen’s Corner in the magazine or choosing from a list of writing topics, e-mail her at adventurewriter@hotmail.com for more information. You can also connect with Katy at her blog, Life with God, or on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Goodreads.

~ ~ ~ 

How do you get over the "first draft jitters"? Let us know in the comments!

Tweetable:

Getting Over First Draft Jitters - Guest Post by Katy Kauffman @katykauffman28 #amwriting http://bit.ly/2aO5eOm

Is It Possible to Make a Living as an Author?: Choosing a Life of Writing - Part 1

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You're probably aware that being an author does not guarantee a steady income. In fact, most published authors write books in their "spare time" -- in other words, they write in the evening and pay the bills through a day job. It's only those who really hit it big that receive those mega paychecks. 
However, the publishing industry has shifted over the past decade. Authors these days have several avenues through which they can publish their books, and these new avenues have given writers opportunities to develop multiple streams of income.
So should you, an aspiring author, pursue a career in writing? It depends on these factors:  

• Do you have hobbies, interests, and skills besides writing? Is there another career you could pursue as your day job that could help "fund" your writing career?
• What type of author do you aspire to become? The answer to this question will help to develop a business model for your writing career. For instance, do you want to solely publish one book per year through the traditional route? Or would you like to produce multiple books per year and take the hybrid or indie route?
• Do you have a creative yet self-disciplined entrepreneurial spirit? Are you willing to take risks and invest time and effort into building your writing business for the sake of your dreams?
• Or, do you have the type of personality that would prefer a steady, dependable career? 
• Do you work best with a team and in an office? Or are you more productive in your own space and as your own boss?

Although it's not likely to "hit it big" in the traditional market, it is possible to make a living with a writing career.  

When I was a senior in high school, I sought career advice and direction from multiple people in my life -- those who were in the writing industry, and those who were not. One person's advice in particular resonated with me and confirmed what I'd already believed. 
This woman -- who is a very respected professional in the industry -- asked similar questions to a few that I listed above. She then told me that, personally, she'd much prefer to make less of an income and work at a job she loved rather than become rich but only work for the sake of money.
If you, like myself, don't have a passion to pursue a career that doesn't involve words -- then please, don't settle. I've seen far too many people unhappy because they did not choose the path of their calling. If you believe that God has called you to a life of writing, then you can trust that He will provide. (This is yet another point that my writing mentor mentioned.) 

If you neglect to do the work He has called you to do, then you risk making an impact on the lives of others and missing out on what He could have in store. (No, following God's will for your life is not always going to be safe, easy, predictable, or even make the most sense logically.)  
If you're at the point of having to make a career decision for your future, here's my advice: Spend time with God. He's created a specific and unique route that only you should take. 
Ultimately, the path I chose wasn't a direct result of someone's career guidance, but a response to God's guidance for my life. Ask Him to give you the vision He wants you to have for your future. Remember that nothing is impossible with Him. Then, ask that He'll show you your next step. 
So is it possible to make a living as an author? Yes. That's not to say it's easy, or that your income will come solely from the books you write. But if you like to work with words/books in general, there are several opportunities for you to potentially develop multiple streams of income. 
In the next post, I'll share a complete list of how you can make a living as an author.


{PS -- I'm taking a blogging break next week to enjoy my week on vacation. I will, however, continue MMC on Monday.}
Tweetables:
Is It Possible to Make a Living as an Author?: Part 1 http://bit.ly/1P8utDf #amwriting @TessaEmilyHall

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Does the idea of pursuing a career in writing scare or excite you? Would you prefer to pursue to write as a part-time or full-time career?

Write the Story of Your Heart: Encouragement for Christian Writers

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Only you can write the story on your heart.

Release the fear that tries to hold you back. The monster of anxiety that paralyzes your fingertips, whispers into your ears that you're no good, that the story will never see the light of day. The lies trying to convince you you're wasting your time, because writing isn't a profession to place faith in.

Instead, remind yourself of when you first fell in love with writing. Remind yourself of when the story on your heart first came to life in your imagination, the rush you experienced when you brainstormed and wrote that first chapter. 
Remind yourself of why you believe God has given you this gift of writing. To weave sentences together in a way that evokes emotion, paints a picture, brings a film reel to a reader's mind. Remind yourself that, through this story, you could potentially minister God's love and offer healing to wounded souls.

Only you can write the story on your heart.

You have been given the gift of words. To glorify your Father. To partake in the act of creation you inherited from Him. To use this gift as a means of worship and ministry.

Only you can write the story on your heart.

Every writer knows their characters must go through turbulence before a smooth landing. But as we write their scenes of hardship and trial, we wish to reassure to them everything will turn out all right. That this isn't the final chapter of their story. If only they could see the ending, then maybe they would have the motivation to keep going through this chapter.

God is telling you: If only you could see the lives you will touch. The ways He can use your writing gift as a tool to spread His kingdom, or to shed a beam of light into a dark world. 

If you could skip a few chapters in your story, you might be amazed what you'll find. 

But the only way you will get there is by finishing your book. Taking that next step. Writing the next scene. Risking rejection by entering your manuscript into that contest, or sending it to that agent. 

The only way you will get there is by faith and trust. Faith that God will not use this time in vain; trust that He has a plan and a purpose for this gift of yours. Even if that plan is simply to bring healing to your own wounds.

Only you can write the story on your heart.

But the only way it will come to completion is if you write with that goal in mind. If you write with the vision God has implanted within you at the forefront of your mind, knowing that, whether or not you become published, you are writing out of obedience, you are worshipping God through the paintings of your words.

Only you can write the story on your heart.

That's why this time is precious. Guard it. If you can't find the time, create it. 

Then, look forward to this writing time with excitement rather than anxiety, because you know it's the bridge between having a book idea and seeing that book in print. It's only through these writing sessions that the story on your heart will eventually come to life through the hearts of your readers as well.

So make the most of it. Find your favorite writing spot. Light your favorite candle. Sip on your favorite coffee or tea. Listen to your favorite writing music. 

Open your manuscript and pour your heart and soul into those words. Even if it's messy. Even if the words are nonsensical. And even when the lies and the fears creep into your mind, threaten to put an end to your writing session. 

But you'll keep writing until they leave. Because you're reminded that the antagonist in your stories will always try to throw an obstacle into your protagonist's path when they feel threatened by their journey. When they see they're on to something great. 

You'll keep going, because you know it's when the protagonist perseveres in spite of roadblocks that they develop endurance, strength, and eventually reach their goal.

Just like David against Goliath--it's only when we run toward the giant that he decreases in size and ultimately becomes defeated.

So keep going. Keep your fingers moving, writing until the fears and lies have vanished, until they've become drowned out by the clicking of your keyboard. 

Because God has a plan for the story on your heart. 

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Has anxiety/fear held you back from writing your book? If not, are there other obstacles that have prevented you from moving forward? Join the convo in the comments!


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Write the Story of Your Heart: Encouragement for Christian Writers @TessaEmily Hall #amwriting