Writing and Steep Inclines

As writers, when the writing way is steep in front of us, and the challenge hard, do we concentrate on the steep incline of creating, believing it insurmountable, or do we keep putting one foot in front of the other, and conquer the mountain one step at a time?

Several years ago, my husband and I hiked in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. For this flatlander who lives at sea level on the Texas Gulf Coast, the climb was STEEP.

Being familiar with the trail, my husband led the way. Because the trail wound through the trees, it was difficult for me to tell just how steep the climb was until we were already on it. Too late to turn back.

Brief Plateau

Each time we reached what I assumed must surely be the summit, I discovered it was merely a brief plateau, with still more mountain left to climb.

At one point, I stopped to catch my breath and gazed upward. The path seemed insurmountable to my exhausted legs. And lungs. I told my husband I didn't know if I could make it. He said to take it one step at a time.

Well, the higher the climb, the closer together I placed my feet. I continued climbing in this manner until my feet were barely one inch in front of the other. The climb was daunting. It was arduous. I doubted I would make it. But I did.

When I arrived huffing and puffing at the top of the mountain, face redder than red, I looked back. I had conquered the climb which I previously thought insurmountable.

Writing’s Steep Incline

The life of a writer can be a lot like my climb, don’t you think?

The writing way is steep. At times it looks insurmountable as we face one obstacle after another.

We doubt we can possibly take one more step forward. We're weary. We're tired. The trail winds through the trees and switches back on itself, obscuring just how steep the climb truly is until we’re already on it.

This is the point in our journey where those of us familiar with the writing trail encourage others. We tell them to keep putting one foot in front of the other. Baby steps.

This is also where those of us unfamiliar with the writing trail reach out to those who’ve climbed the mountain before.

Writing Plateau

As writers, there may be times during our writing climb where we need to place our hands on our knees, bend forward, take deep breaths, and rest.

We might need to set our writing aside for a while until we can push our self up the incline once again.

After we renew our hike, we may only be able to take a few baby steps.

Perhaps we're only able to put a few words on a page at a time. No matter the size of the steps, we’re moving forward. That’s cause to celebrate!

As the One who directs our steps and leads our way, God tells us to keep our eyes on him. Not on the steepness and difficulty of the climb.

He's familiar with the trail and reminds us he will lead the way. God reminds us to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

After we reach the summit and look back, we realize that, with God's help, we conquered the steep writing climb we thought was insurmountable and lived to tell about it.

Your Turn

When the climb you’ve embarked upon as a writer seems insurmountable, with steep inclines and switchbacks that leave you gasping for air, keep your eyes on God.

Put one foot, one word, one line, one page, one poem, one devotion, one article, one book, in front of the other. And press on toward the prize God called you to.

Give strength to hands that are tired and to knees that tremble with weakness. Tell everyone who is discouraged, “Be strong and don't be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…” Isaiah 35:3-4a (GNT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

You can find an encouraging post on Working With Deadlines here.

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.