Reaching Success at Your Own Pace - Guest Post by Tabitha Caplinger

I didn’t know I wanted to be a writer until I realized I had always wanted to be a writer. It happened in college. All dreams of paleontology, veterinary medicine and archeology faded when I, seemingly out of nowhere, chose to major in creative writing. Suddenly all those childhood years of making believe and getting lost in my imagination made perfect sense.

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I didn’t become a writer after college though. After I spent two semesters taking all creative writing classes (except that one physics and one fencing class, the latter of which has come in handy with the whole writing gig) I left it all behind to pursue youth ministry. (I feel equally called to student pastoring but how those two parts of my life all work together is a story for another time.) I didn’t start writing until ten years later. I wanted to write but just couldn’t. I thought it was because I didn’t have the time. I later found out it was because I was writing the wrong thing.


See, I had this notion that pastors had to write nonfiction. If I was going to write and get published it would be with a devotional for teen girls. (I self-published a collection of essays about women in student ministry but it was a hot mess because I didn’t know what I was doing.) I was in my thirties before God told me that He never told me that whole nonfiction thing. That He gave me a big imagination and He was going to use it. He has been true to His Word.


In the past eight years I have written and published three Christian Urban Fantasy novels. I’m working on two new projects this year that I hope to find publishing homes for. To some that might seem like I’ve arrived, I am an author…but not to me. I don’t feel like I’ve arrived at anything. I still feel like the rookie who doesn’t know what she is doing most of the time and who is never cool enough or popular enough, who’s books never get enough attention to make all the time put into them worth it.

That’s the thing with writing, and just about anything we pursue in life, it doesn’t always feel like we are succeeding at it. Sometimes it barely feels like we’re good at it. I mean, we think we know what God wants us to do. We know the gifts and talents He’s given us and we’re trying to use them to walk in our purpose on purpose. But it doesn’t seem to be happening. It’s happening for other people, why isn’t it happening for me?


Here’s two things I’ve learned thus far on my writing journey that perhaps will offer you some encouragement on yours…

“Don’t judge your chapter one by someone else’s chapter ten.” 

- Paul Scanlon

We look at people around us, other writers, and we see the level of success they’ve reached and we compare our own story to their’s. They seem to hit all the right lists, get noticed, have fans, win awards and we, well, we’re sitting in our pajamas drinking our fourth cup of coffee for the day and pretending to write while we are really just getting lost in the vortex that is Pinterest (maybe that’s just me). We start to think we’ll never get where they are. We begin to think we aren’t as talented as they are. We doubt ourselves. We doubt our gifts and purpose. We doubt God a little.


But maybe you are just on chapter one and the’re on chapter ten. Maybe your pace is just a little slower. That’s not a bad thing. We all run our own race, at our own pace. We can’t compare our lives or our success with someone else’s. Keep focused on your own path.

“Most of us do not allow God to develop us because we are waiting on man to discover us.” 

- Christine Caine

Often frustration comes because I’m not seeing success from man’s perspective. I’m not getting the sales numbers or mingling with the most popular bookstagrammers. I want someone, some person, to validate me. I don’t need that. Validation is nice, and good reviews or an email from a reader always make my day but I can’t live from one nice word to the next. They are too few and far between most days. I have to remember that while things may not seem like they are happening as quickly as I want or the way I want doesn’t mean that God abandoned me or that I’m doing the wrong thing. Sometimes the outward results I’m looking for aren’t happening because God is working some inward things that are much more important.


I don’t know where you are on your writing journey but I’m sure there are days where it’s not what you thought it would be. Don’t give up. Don’t compare yourself to others. Covet the times of inward growth because they will make the outward success all the sweeter and all the more lasting.



About Tabitha:

Tabitha Caplinger is a wife, mom, youth pastor and professed tv addict. It's seriously a problem but she doesn't plan on getting help anytime soon. Mostly because she loves the stories. She can't help but get lost in the worlds created and invested in the lives of the characters. She brings that same passion for the story to her own writing. The first two books in her YA trilogy, The Chronicle of the Three, are currently available with the third book releasing in 2018. Aside from writing and watching tv, Tabitha can be found singing off key and dancing in the kitchen or car with her two adorably sassy daughters and awesome husband who she thinks is kind of cute.

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Question for you ... How do you deal with discouragement as a writer? Let us know in the comments!
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What’s Your Purpose Behind Writing Christian Fiction?

Fiction is powerful—in good ways and bad. This is the main reason why I don’t read many secular YA novels. Lots of the recent contemporary YA novels are filled with lots of trash, and I'd rather not open myself up to that kind of influence. This is also why I love Christian fiction. Because these stories can help people see the consequences of their actions and reach people right where they are in life. Christian fiction can show people that God offers love, forgiveness, mercy, grace.

When Jesus was on earth, he was aware that stories were powerful. That’s why he told parables—because he knew there were those who needed the illustration. He knew that some people would need to be told the truth through a story in order to fully grasp the message he was trying to deliver.

Luke 8:10 (MSG) says~

“You’ve been given insight into God’s kingdom—you know how it works. But there are others who need stories…”

Recently I’ve been going through the round of edits for my first YACF novel, Purple Moon. And I’ll be honest—there have been times recently when I've had doubts. Times when I start thinking “My writing is not strong enough. Why did I write this? No one's going to like it.” And sometimes, when I read bad reviews on other books, I imagine all the horrible things people might say about Purple Moon.

But every time this happens, God reminds that I’m not writing to glorify myself. I'm writing to bring glory to Him. I have to remember that this is the story God has laid on my heart. My purpose in writing Christian fiction isn’t so people can give me praise—if it was, I probably would’ve given up already. When doubts are flooding my mind, I try to remember: not everyone is going to love my book. But I’m not writing for those people. I’m writing it for the girls who will be able to connect with my main character. For the girls who might be going through similar situations as she is in the story and could really be ministered to by reading Purple Moon.

Yes, there are people out there who might be needing to read your book. As you write, God already knows what guy or girl is going to be touched by your writing, perhaps even feel as if they’re reading the story of their life. And yes, it is possible that a non-believer can become saved through Christian fiction. It’s happened many times before. One of my best friends is proof. She asked God into her heart a few years ago while reading the Christy Miller Series by Robin Jones Gunn.

It isn’t easy, the process to publication. And there will be times when you want to give up. But please, for the sake of your future readers, don’t quit. Especially if you really feel as if your story could minister to people. Keep going, because there are people out there who may need to read the book you’re tempted to throw away right now. Go back to the reason you first fell in love with your story. Robin Jones Gunn—the author of the Christy Miller Series I mentioned above—was rejected ten times before the first book in the series was published. She now receives letters from readers all over the world, thanking her for the book series and telling her what an impact they've made on their life.

Ever since I was a kid, I've always been very ambitious. But what's the number one dream I have that basically sums all of them up? To reach people. That through the gifts God has given me, He will shine through me and touch lives. That people might come to experience His love through the fiction I write, through a part I may play in a film, or through the words I may write in an article/devotion. And of course, through my every day life.

This should be every Christian fiction author's purpose behind writing too, as well as his/her motivation to keep going. No, not so they can bring glory to themselves. But to reach people. Even if it’s just one life that will be touched by your story, I'm sure it'll be worth it.

~~~Why do you write Christian fiction? Have you ever had doubts along your journey to publication or become tempted to give up also? What helps motivate you to keep writing?

Keep Moving Forward

It's 2012.

The year I graduate high school and start college. The year my first book is scheduled to release.

I have a feeling this year is going to bring my changes into my life. And to be honest, I'm a bit - actually, way more excited about my first book getting published than I am about graduating high school. The day I receive my copies of Purple Moon in the mail is going to be so surreal for me... it's what I've been dreaming of for years. And it's actually going to come true!

Every new year, I try seeing where it is I want to be, where it is that I'm going. And where I've been.

Right now, I'm sort of in between the two. Literally. In between my past, and getting ready for my future. Graduation. The official start of my writing career.

Don't allow yourself to become overwhelmed or intimidated at the size of your goal. Ever since I was very young I wanted to get published early in life. I had a lot of faith as a kid, so I don't think I realized how unlikely it really was. But with God's help, the dream is coming true.

Think about a car. If it's not going forward, then it's either staying still or moving backwards. It's the same with us. We must keep our eyes focused on the goal ahead. Whether it's an addiction you're trying to get rid of, a level you're trying to reach in a relationship (including your relationship with God), or a dream you're trying to achieve. Yes, we may become tired, impatient, have doubts. But remind yourself that God is with you and can help you. No, it may not come easy or quickly, but as long as you keep taking the necessary steps and focus on Jesus, you will reach your destination in God's timing.

It's not easy reaching for a dream. At all. And it takes way longer than you had anticipated, too. But what I've learned is this: if God has placed the desire in your heart, you will get there. As long as you keep moving forward.

Focusing On Strengths Rather Than Weaknesses

During my spring break last week, my friend and I went to go see “Soul Surfer” in theaters. This new movie is based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a teen surfer who lost her arm in a shark attack but eventually reached her dream of becoming a professional surfer. It was an incredible movie, to say the least.

One of the many things that I took away from this movie is that it’s so easy to sometimes focus on your weakness rather than your strength – what you don’t have in order to succeed rather than what you do have in order to succeed. Bethany could have simply given up her dream of becoming a professional surfer because of the fact that she lost an arm. But how horrible would it have been if she had allowed that one weakness hold her back from her dream?

I think all of us can learn something from this story. We should quit looking at the disadvantages we have - whether it’s age, height, lack of talent or knowledge. It’s your decision if you’re going to allow that weakness to keep you from reaching your dream.

“You may not realize it now, but your DNA is filled with strength, courage, ability, favor and determination. You are full of can-do power. It doesn’t matter what your current condition looks like… you may not think you have what it takes to succeed, but that doesn't change what God put within you… God has already crowned you a champion.”

~Joel Osteen

If you haven’t seen this movie, I encourage that you do. Bethany was able to reach her dream of becoming a pro surfer, despite the fact that she had only one arm. How? Because she focused on the one arm that she did have rather than the one she didn’t have. Because God was on her side – and she kept reminding herself that she could do all things through Christ who gives her strength. (Philippians 4:13)

"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight - it's the size of the fight in the dog."

~President Dwight D. Eisenhower

~~~

Have you seen the movie “Soul Surfer” yet?

If so, what’s something else that you learned from it?

Why do you think it’s so easy to focus on our weakness rather than the strength we have in God?

Take A Break From Your Creation & Spend Time With Your Creator

“Each one of us is God’s special work of art. Through us, He teaches and inspires, delights and encourages, informs and uplifts all those who view our lives. God, the master artist, is most concerned about expressing Himself - His thoughts and His intentions - through what he paints in our character… He wants to paint a beautiful portrait of His Son in and through your life. A painting like no other in all time.”

~Joni Enreckson Tada

All artists need a little rehabilitation at times. Some refreshment. So much energy is poured out of us into our pieces of work that after a while this passion of ours becomes a tiring and dreadful task. At least it has for me recently.

Why not give yourself a break this weekend? Spend some time with the Lord. Refocus. Refuel. Allow God to do some changes through you before you try to make some changes to your current project. Take a small break from your creation to spend some time with your Creator. He's the one that you inherit your creativity from, anyway. We are his character. Let him continue to paint us before we continue to paint our characters.

Don't just take a break, though. Allow God's light to shine in you so that it will shine through your story and into the life of your reader. Spend more time with him than you usually do and replace the music that usually inspires your creativity with a few worship songs. You may not be finished with your current project, but God isn't finished with you, either. Allow him to mold you into a "beautiful portrait of His Son" before you continue to mold your story and characters. You must always put your passion for God above all other passions.

We may get weary from working on our creations, but God never gets weary from working on his creations.

“If we are to write fiction that will touch hearts & change lives,

we must be God’s.”

~Karen Kingsbury

~~~

Do you often feel as if your creativity gets drained from working so much on your current project?

How often are your "artist rehabilitations" and for how long?

What are some ways that you enter into the presence of the Lord so that he can mold you into the person he wants you to be?

Refining Your Manuscript & "Refinding" It's Magic

Writers appear to have a fairly relaxing life. We sit at our desk (or comfy couch) and make up stories while sipping on coffee. There's a thrill that approaches - a thrill that most other jobs lack.

You're in love with writing. And you realize that this is the job you want to do until the day you die.

Until you've reached the editing process.

Now it's starting to seem like work. The magic of your story fades away as you chop off some of your favorite scenes. Your hopes of how great the story was when you were writing grow dim as you focus on the flaws of your manuscript and receive criticism from others.

Writing is something that I love to do: Getting to know my characters, allowing God to speak through me as I type a story that will hopefully touch the hearts of others. It's exhilarating... until it's time for the editing process. Until I read back over my story and find the many mistakes that causes the doubts to begin to creep in. It makes sense that this would happen, considering that editing involves focusing on your manuscript flaws - and possibly the flaws in your own talent as you pick apart the amazing work of art that you used to be in love with.

So how can writers "refind" the magic our story brings while refining it's impurities?

• Keep it simple

. Create a process to go by. I started out by writing down different layers in which to edit my manuscript. Layer one involved scanning and focusing on the big picture. Each layer after the first involved focusing on more and more details. Of course, there are many ways to self-edit and this is probably not the preferred way to go - but it's the way that worked best to me. Try to create an organized plan that works for you from the onset of the editing process and stick to it.

Keep a binder/folder that includes the essence of your story,

in case you ever lose touch of it's magic through the picking apart process. In this binder, place pictures that have inspired this story, pictures that look like your characters, quotes on the art of writing, and possibly a few of your favorite scenes.

Listen to your story's "playlist" as you edit,

the music that inspired you to write this story or that could be considered as it's soundtrack.

Be inspired

by getting back in touch with your artist-self.

Don't just edit everything on the computer - print it out. Read it as if you were reading this story for the first time. It looks different on paper, and it is sometimes easier to edit by hand rather than on the computer screen.

Don't edit your manuscript to pieces. If you do this, the magic is guaranteed to disappear. Make sure to stick to your voice and allow the story to flow naturally on it's own. There is a such thing as over-editing.

Don't accept all of the feedback you receive from others.

Trust your instincts and go with your gut. There isn't anyone who knows your story and characters better than you do, so you should know which advice to accept.

Try not to over-analyze every detail.

This can become frustrating. Again, go with your gut. You've researched this industry, so you should know how this writing thing works by now.

Take breaks and treat yourself every so often.

Writing is fun, but editing is work. Which is why it can become exhausting at times. And if you over-work anything it can become a mess, so the only way to keep going is to take breaks and treat yourself as you meet your goals.
Editing doesn't have to be such a dreadful process. Take Mary Poppins' advice and keep a positive attitude to make your work fun. This may seem silly, but it's possible - especially if your career is something that you already enjoy doing. Eventually the hard work of refining your manuscript's impurities will pay off and it will be almost as shiny as gold. =)

"Editing might be a bloody trade. But knives aren't the exclusive property of butchers.

Surgeons use them, too."

~Blake Morrison

~~~

What are some tips you refine your writing and "refind" your story's essence?

Is editing an exhausting or exciting process for you?

What are some ways that you make self-editing seem like fun instead of work?

Author Versus Writing

I can hardly believe that Valentines Day is just around the corner. I'm sure that many of you will soon be buying your special Valentine flowers, cards, and candy. Perhaps now is a good time to start renewing your relationship with each other, especially if you've had a few rough patches with this person lately. Or maybe it's a good time to renew the relationship you have with writing.

Of course, I'm not married, nor am I considering getting married in the near future. But recently I've noticed many couples who are one day in love with each other, the next day at odds with each other, almost to the point of giving up.

Writing is very much the same. It's a love/hate relationship. One day you could be in love with the art of writing, the next day you're completely at odds with it and don't even want to think about facing your manuscript. Things just don't seem to be going the way you first thought they would. What are a few "therapy exercises" that can make the relationship strong again?

1. Go back to the time you fell in love. Why did you first decide to get "in a relationship" with writing? What attracted you and made the "sparks first fly" - was it the fact that writing allows you to create different worlds, or maybe because you're able to make up stories that brings God glory?
2. Focus on the positive, not the negative. Sure, writing may take up huge chunks of time in your schedule, and you may have to work extremely hard for a long period of time before finally receiving your first small paycheck. And if you aren't willing to pursue writing wholeheartedly, then maybe your lack of dedication is enough to cause you to change your mind. But if you only concentrate on the positive - likewise with the positive in people, you'll find that the good things completely outweigh the bad things.
3. Take a break from each other every now and then,

especially when things start getting tough. Usually when you take a short break from each other, you'll be energized, refreshed and ready to move ahead in the relationship once you get back together again.

Go on dates.

Obviously this is impossible, considering writing is not a person. But what I mean is, take your inner-artist out on dates. You could do this while taking a break from writing. Visit places that inspire you, watch inspiring movies, etc. Click here to learn more.

Last but not least, keep God first in the relationship and do not give up.

Sure, every relationship will go through it's highs and lows. But it can usually work out, as long as God is completely in the center. Don't give up on writing just because it becomes frustrating every now and then.

“I write when the fear of not writing overcomes my fear of writing.”

~Unknown

A couple may go through a time when they completely cannot stand each other - but that doesn't mean they don't still love each other. And when the fear of not writing overcomes the frustration that comes from being together, that's when you should write.

~~~

Does it often seem as if writing is a love/hate relationship for you?

Has there ever been a time when you felt as if you should just give up on the whole thing completely, it just wasn't worth it to you anymore? What are some other ways you try to ignore the negative and stick with the positive?

Endless Writing Journeys

A new year has begun.

Aspiring authors have their fingers tightly wrapped around their pens, ready to either begin or continue their writing journey.

You have new goals set, goals that you hope will actually be met this year.

You may have spent too many years facing rejection, or too many years wondering if you should just give up.

This time last year is when I began to brainstorm and write the first draft of the manuscript which I am currently editing. I have yet to reach the finish line of my writing journey, but I'm much more closer than I was this time last year.

As I look back at 2010, a lot has happened along my journey. I started this blog, began and completed my third manuscript, went to my first writing conference where I met a publisher interested in my project, was offered a contract from this publisher, researched the industry and read many books on the craft of writing. Some of my writing goals were met, some are still in the process of being met, and many were not met.

This year is full of endless opportunities, and we have the privilege to decide what we want to do with this year. That may mean beginning your writing journey or continuing along the path that God has designed for you.

Some of you, though, may have been stumbling along this path for years. Each January, you make a new set of writing goals. You write down more agents to submit your manuscript to, and research which writing conferences you hope to attend. But does it every feel like you're walking in circles?

Perseverance, rejection. Perseverance, rejection. The pattern is the same.

And when you've been travelling along the same road for too long, you become exhausted. You start to have second thoughts about God's promise for you just like the Israelites did on their journey to the Promise Land. They never reached the land God had promised for them because they started to complain along the way. (Exodus 3:8)

They didn't reach the Promise Land not because it ceased to exist, but because they chose to give up.

Caleb and Joshua, however, did reach the land, but only because they kept having faith that God would eventually lead them out of the wilderness and into the land that had been promised to them, despite how long they had been travelling.

Some writing journeys may seem to take much longer than others. Some may seem much shorter. But if God has placed in you the desire to write, then he has a plan to use it. Reaching your goals depend on your willingness to persevere and have faith, or whether you choose to complain, lose hope and just give up.

Whatever happens this year along your writing journey, trust that God is still in control. It is still in his timing. Sure, it may seem long and exhausting. But each year you're closer to your destiny than you were the year before.

Don't follow the Israelites' example. Follow Joshua and Caleb's example. Keep a positive attitude when things look hopeless, and don't quit when things look tough.

Just like the children of Israel, your destination could be much closer than you realize.

~~~

"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me..."

~Psalm 138:8

The Birth of Your Book

Many people long for the day when the copies of their first book arrive in the mail, including me. I’ll finally have in my hands the book that I’ve worked on for so long!

Just as pregnancy isn’t always an easy thing, the process of writing a book isn’t, either. Recently I’ve had to devote much of my time into finishing my manuscript. I’ve learned it’s a long process and involves much hard work. But in spite of all of that, it’s exciting. Anticipating the day that I will get my package in the mail is what keeps me going.

Satan will try his best to make this dream seem impossible, though—especially at the lowest point of your suffering. Doubts and fears of the birth of your book will come to mind. What if the “baby” turns out unhealthy? Or worse, what if it doesn’t come at all, and all of this pain and dreaming of being a mother is for nothing? What if I’m doing something wrong? It’ll be my fault if it doesn’t come out right. So why risk it?

The first days of the process may be exciting: planning your story and writing the first draft. I’ve never published a book before, but I’ve heard that the hardest part for most authors is not trying to find a publisher or writing the first draft—but actually having to go through the editing process with your editor, right before the book is published. Isn't that much like the birth of a baby? The pregnancy in general isn’t a comfortable thing. It may be fine at first, when you find out you’re pregnant and the idea of having a baby excites you. The dream of being a mother is finally going to come true! But then comes the nausea. Inconveniences. Doubts of being a good mother, and fears that the baby won’t come out right. Going into labor is the hardest part, but you’re so close to the baby being born that there’s no turning back. You have to go through it if you want your dream of being a mother—or author—to come true.

Isn’t it worth it, though? Going through the “pregnancy”? Every time you start to have fears during the process or if you find yourself about to give up, go back to the dream and God’s promise to give you the desires of your heart. The “pregnancy” won’t be easy. But I’m sure that when the stork brings your baby in the mail, it’ll all be worth it.

John 16:21-22~

“When a woman is in labor she has pain because her time has come. But when she has given birth to a child, she no longer remembers the suffering because of the joy that a person has been born into the world. So you also have sorrow now… But your hearts will rejoice, and no one will rob you of your joy.”

Read Reviews Before Your Novel is Published

No author enjoys reading bad reviews on their novel. I've never had to experience that since I'm not a published author, but I'm sure it's not encouraging to have worked so hard only for people to give one star and say how much they hated reading your book.

If you watch American Idol, I'm sure you're familiar with Simon's cruel, sarcastic remarks. Although most people disagree with his comments, he's giving criticism for the singers to grow in their weakness. Yes, he often goes too far with his negative reviews, but I think that's what pushes those on American Idol to keep going and to prove him wrong.

We will never be able to please everyone. It's rare for all of the judges on American Idol to have loved the performance. The "idols" may have thought they did perfect in their performance, but Simon still says something like "it was like watching a cat die".

While you work on your manuscript, keep in mind that there are many Simons out there. Not everyone will give you a five star, but you have to give it your best anyway. I haven't had anything published yet so I don't have any reviews to read and grow by, but what I do is read other's reviews. Obviously it's not my work that they're judging, but many of the comments give detailed reasons on why he/she liked or disliked the book.

You can go to www.goodreads.com and type a book in the search bar that is within the genre you want to pursue and start reading the many reviews. While you're at it, add my new account that I just created: http://www.goodreads.com/tessawrites

Here are two reviews I found on Good Reads that can be useful for all authors. The first person gave this book four stars, and the second gave it three stars. They reviewed the same YA Christian fiction novel, but I will not give the title or the author of the book.

Four stars:

"All in all a beautifully written Christian novel that is uplifting and heartwarming with out being heavy handed. In fact the author is so subtle that I had to double check to see if the book was listed as "Christian fiction" which is great because sometimes kids think these kinds of books will be corny. They will never guess...they will just read a well written, very engaging, positive story about a teenage girl who learns to lean on God and her family when dealing with her problems. "

Three stars:

"This was an interesting book, but I wanted more details and descriptions. I didn't feel like I knew the characters very well and I thought the plot could have been more developed, it was a short book. I thought ___ was an intriguing character, but I never fell in love with her and her life, I wasn't anxious to see what would happen to her next. The book also could have ended better. I probably wouldn't recommend."

Now, pretend like those critiques were reviews of the manuscript you are currently working on. How can you use that criticism to polish what you're working on now? Are you characters developed enough? Are you being subtle with religion, or are you being a little too preachy?

The people on American Idol study the judge's comments and work hard at trying to use that criticism to grow as an artist. You can do the same even before anyone has a chance to give you a one star. So go and prove all those Simon Cowells out there wrong! Remember, don't try to please everyone. That's impossible. Just read the reviews, relax, and write!

~~

"I think you have to judge everything based on your personal taste. And if that means being critical, so be it. I hate political correctness. I absolutely loathe it."

~ Simon Cowell

For more funny Cowell quotes, visit: http://thinkexist.com/quotes/simon_cowell/ :)

Facing Your Writing Giants

Have any of you ever seen the movie Facing the Giants? The storyline is based off of David and Goliath, which happens to be my favorite Bible story. Facing the Giants illustrates how we must face our fears and failures, no matter how big they are, because with God all things are possible.

Have you ever sat down to write a novel, article, or poem but gave up after writing just three words? I have. Sometimes when you think about how difficult it is to get into a writing career you can't help but have doubts about your strength and your writing.

But God doesn't want us listening to Satan's attempts to make us quit. What if David quit when he saw how huge the giant was compared to his strength? He didn't even consider his strength, though. He knew that God was stronger than any giant.

This is how you need to think when you work on your writing. He gave you this desire for a reason. He's going to help you get through. Don't be afraid! Trust him.

"The key question in life is not 'How strong am I?' but rather 'How strong is God?'"

-Max Lucado

(*Watch -- Facing the Giants Trailer)