My Writing Swirls

It’s easy during the Christmas season to stretch ourselves thin—even in our writing.  

Here’s how it happened for me: I write mostly picture books and middle grade stories, and I’m actively working on submissions for some manuscripts and revising others. In the midst of passing critiques back and forth, I committed to writing the Christmas play for our youth to perform at church. This is a small production that I’ve helped to direct for a couple of years. I really enjoy it until…right before the production when I wonder if everything will come together.

This comes at a time of year when life is full on the cattle ranch where we live and work: fall immunizations, weaning calves, shipping, preg checking, cattle moves, etc. And somehow, it’s during these busy times that fantastic writing ideas come to mind.

*Pop!* a shiny new idea for a picture book! I must jot it down. But maybe this idea is better as a chapter book? I should sign up for multiple classes to find out.

Speaking of classes, there are so many good ones! Obviously, Write2Ignite’s masterclass! I need to sign up for a few more because I’d like to try a new genre…

Plus, I’ve got blog posts to write and a Substack to maintain…

Gaining Clarity

Those swirling thoughts seem logical in the moment, but as I step back, I realize how much swirling is the result of busyness and doubt. Then I question what, and if, I should be writing.

It’s easy to get busy because there are so many opportunities in life! Listening to doubt was sneakier. After praying, I realized much doubt came from the outcome of my writing looking significantly different than I thought it would. This led me to question what I was writing. Maybe I didn’t really hear God’s prompting with my original stories…

The Serpent's Lies

Unfortunately, my doubt reminded me of Eve listening to the serpent: “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” (Genesis 3:1).

Satan plants a seed of doubt, and he twists God’s words! In Genesis 2:15, God said, “Don’t eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” But Satan mentions every tree in the garden! You can’t eat from any tree?

Confession: when things have felt in the gutter with my writing, I’ve jumped to a similar all or nothing conclusion: “God must not want me to write at all.” Guess where that thought came from! A simple seed of doubt easily grows and can create all kinds of swirling!

My Takeaway:

Busyness will happen in life, but the swirling caused from doubt doesn’t have to be my norm. Not during this season!! Here’s what I’m learning from the Lord:

• Above all, quiet my mind by spending time with Jesus. He really does guide me as I read, listen, and pray! (Psalm 32:8)
• If I’m not sure what to write, I go back to the last thing where I felt God’s leading.
• If I get it wrong, it doesn’t mean I’m out. I try again.
• Writing takes a lot of practice, and the enemy will try to tell you, “Did God really say…” Don’t listen!
• When ideas swirl, creating lists works well. Those ideas might work in the future.  

We are all part of the greatest story ever written—God’s story—and whatever He has for us is good. I don’t have to swirl around fueled by doubt. This season is about God being with us—which includes my writing, and the Christmas play at church. Fortunately, kids are cute no matter what, and in all things, God always sees us through!

Marci Whitehurst is a former educator, theater and speech coach, a children’s author, rancher’s wife, and mother of three who lives on a cattle ranch in Montana. Her passion is sharing light and life through stories, poems, and blog posts. She can also be reached through her website at  www.marciwhitehurst.com. Find her on Facebook at MarciWhitehurst and on Instagram marci_whitehurst.