Here are my nine writing lessons that I learned the day my husband and I attended our first Grand Prix race.

Lesson Number 1: Know the Lay of the Land

It’s important to know the lay of the land. Since this was our first time at the race, we wandered a bit before we found a great seat on Turn 2.

Lesson?

It’s worth taking our time to study the writing craft, agents, editors, and publishing houses to make the most of our writing time.

Lesson Number 2:  Don't Tap Your Brakes Before Turn 2

Unless you want to be lapped and come in last, don't tap your brakes before Turn 2. Every time a certain driver approached Turn 2, he slowed down before he proceeded around the corner.

Lesson?

We do that sometimes, don't we? We're not quite sure how to proceed. This writing life looks a little scary, so we back off the gas and slow down.

If we expect to win the race God set before us, though, we shouldn't back off when the track looks frightening. Or difficult. Especially when we've been around the same turn 33 times.

Lesson Number 3: Time to Clean the Track

Cautions are a time to clean the track. When the yellow flag comes out, the track cleaning trucks take over. They remove all the debris that fell off cars, blew onto the track, or flew off the walls.

Lesson?

There are times when junk gets spewed over our path that can do serious damage if we don't stop and remove it. Words from helpful others. Critiques that are more about the critiquer than they are about our writing. Scathing reviews. You know what I'm talking about.

Lesson Number 4: Today’s Win Doesn’t Guarantee a Win Tomorrow

Just because we come in first today, that doesn't mean we'll come in first tomorrow. Our current book, article, devotion, blog post, etc. may top the charts today, but that doesn’t necessarily mean our next one will.

The driver who came in first at the Grand Prix on Saturday, was the first driver to leave the race on Sunday after his car broke down on lap two.

Lesson?

It’s best not to rest on our laurels. The great things we accomplished yesterday are history. Today is the day we are given to keep doing the great things God planned for us. There's no guarantee we'll have a tomorrow. Do it today.

Lesson Number 5: Every Driver Needs a Pit Crew

Oh, yeah. This is extremely important. Can you imagine a Grand Prix where the driver has to hop out, gas up his car, and put on new tires before getting back on the track?

Lesson?

We all need a support group. Not only a group that assists us with improving our writing, but also a pit crew of prayer warriors who help us with the flat tires of life, and add gasoline when we're running on fumes.

Lesson Number 6: Don’t Give Up

Even when you're down 5 laps don't give up. Our cautious driver who slowed down every time he came to Turn 2 never gave up. Because of that, my husband and I eagerly looked for him and found ourselves cheering him on the whole way.

Lesson?

Don't give up. Never ever give up. Keep fighting. Stay in the race until the checkered flag flies. Write those words. Attend those conferences. Study those how-to books. Keep putting your work in front of readers.

Lesson Number 7: You've Got to Finish to Win

You won’t win the race if you don’t finish. Two of my favorite drivers both hit the wall and left the race early. One was knocked out by another driver on the final lap.

Lesson?

It doesn't matter how many times you're in the lead going around the track, if you crash and burn before crossing the finish line, you won’t win the race.

Lesson Number 8: Watch the Wall

As I mentioned earlier, my two favorite racers, except our driver from Turn 2 who came in last, hit the wall and didn't finish the race.

Lesson?

Watch out for those pesky walls that pop up and threaten to knock us out of the race. Discouragement. Disappointment. Procrastination. We need to keep our distance from those walls. Especially when others try to shove us into them.

Lesson Number 9: Everybody has a Fan

At the end of the race every car and driver that passed the grand stands was greeted by cheering fans. Not one driver went past a silent crowd.

Lesson?

Even when it may not feel like it, we've got a fan. And our greatest fan, Jesus, claps and cheers us on every second of every day.

Your Turn

So, there you have it. Nine writing lessons from my Grand Prix adventure.

I’d love to know, what helps you stay on track in this race we call writing?

I wish you well.

Sandy

You might also like this post on similarities between axe throwing and the writing journey.

Here’s what you can expect from me. In my posts, you’ll find words of encouragement for writers, book reviews, and discussions on the craft of writing. I am a former elementary school teacher, regular contributor to Guideposts devotional books, and a conference speaker. I write articles, devotions, and stories for adult and children’s publications. You can find me every Tuesday and Thursday at www.sandykirbyquandt.com. Please stop by.

Photo courtesy Pixabay.