Piano was my major when I first went to college. Before you get the wrong idea, it was not at a school known for its piano prodigies. I didn’t have to try out or take a music theory test or send in an audition video to get in. I simply declared it, and it was. For a while.
It wasn’t long before I realized how very much practice was expected of piano majors. The bottom line was that I didn’t love it enough to get better.
Now I’m writing. And writing. And writing. I have designated writing days marked off on the calendar. On those days, after getting the kids off to school, I head to my chair and I sit. I never know what is going to come out.
Writing this book is humbling, overwhelming and even a little bit lonely. I pray. I think. I procrastinate. Sometimes I cry. But before the time is over, I write. And something always happens, because I love it enough to get better.
So this is me, saying hello from beneath the weight of a deadline. And thank you for your kind support.
***
Tomorrow I will be posting another Glimpse of Home, a simple photo project. Join me?
You can do it. You and God.
I think I’ve finally figured out what it is that makes my life light up a bit, when you post. I read your words and I feel so overwhelmed with this “she gets me” sort of feeling… I just wish we could meet for a cup of tea, or coffee and chat. Just talk because sometimes (often) you say something that is exactly the kind of thing I’m wishing to say, or wishing someone understood.
thanks for that.
And this is me cheerleading you with a, “Go, go, go! You can do it, divine Ms. Em!”
So sweet of you to stop in with an update:) Praying for you!
we’re all cheering you on emily & can’t wait for the final product!
for some reason, reading your post brings something i recently heard john bevere talk about. he failed in english, but God told him to write a book. he laughed and said really God? but God kept pursuing.
obviously, today John’s written numerous best sellers … {and here’s the part that comes to mind when reading your post}, when john is writing and writing, immersed in a book, he’ll come up for air so excited and say “man that’s good!” he says he’s not the writer, but he’s the first one that gets to read what’s being written.
anyway … i just thought i’d share that. God is working through you and i think it’s just so cool to see what comes from that!
again … we’re all cheering you on!
i cannot imagine the pressure, the agony, and the joy of what you are doing. I am a runner. I am a writer. I love both. Both fall under the category of I don’t always want to do it, but once I do, I’m so glad. My running? just a jog around the neighborhood. And my writing? just a lame old blog. Can’t imagine how you’re feeling but just know so many of us love you, are cheering for you and can’t wait to celebrate with you and read your words when you are done.
i love that… you simply declared it and it was. there are a few things i’d like to declare… like “the house is clean!” but i am adding my voice to your prayers… the the words will flow and the lonelies might be banished!
I can imagine the agony over writing. It certainly doesn’t come naturally to me. I wish you the best of luck in your en-devours!
Thinking of you and praying for you as you weave your part of His story.
praying for you this morning, Emily. …praying that you write from the overflow of what God has put in your heart. He will make this deadline for you.
Love this post, girl! You can do this!
Praying that the Holy Spirit will write through your hand. Keep up the good work!
Love you, my friend.
I’ve been writing a ton more lately (no book contract, unfortunately), and I really know what you mean about the loneliness, the frustration, the tears. I used to teach writing to college students and I always told them that writing is not a gift–it’s good old fashioned HARD WORK. Plain and simple.
Hang in there. I can’t wait to read the words God has put on your heart.
Wow. I know SO well what you mean. And I actually know what you mean with your specific example of the piano. I played for 10 years, went to every contest, sang in every choir, did everything MUSIC I could. And then I went to college and did NOTHING. I think a big part of that change in my life is exactly what you describe. It’s not that I wasn’t talented enough to continue (I think!), but I just didn’t love it enough. Hmmm. That’s giving me a lot to think about today!
(And I know that wasn’t really the point of your post, and I think it’s so awesome that you are loving writing enough! But it IS what I am walking away with this morning…)
love you, friend. and i love that you’re writing…and praying…and thinking…and procrastinating…and sometimes crying. xoxo
Cheering you on Emily. It is true – we have to love (whatever it is) enough. It is taking the gift and making something of value of it. You are doing a great job!!
adapted wisdom of Dory in “Finding Nemo”:
Just keep writing, writing, writing, writing…
My mom’s best friend is an author and writing coach – check out her writers blog if you like:
http://institutechildrenslit.net/Writers-First-Aid-blog/
You’re right. I never knew ‘what’ I wanted to do with my life, but thought i loved being around kids, so I started school to be a teacher. not long after, I realized i only love being around certain kids, and so i quit. now, too many years later, my creativity has been stirred and awoken, and though i have no ‘training’, i am learning how alive and ‘me’ I feel when I’m sewing or taking photos, or even writing(not that I do that much anymore).
but do you love it enough?
i’m thinking you do.
Praying that the words come freely and easily for you today!
Keep going!!! You’re gonna do it.
And I’ll say, “I knew her when…” 
I feel the same way. I could blog ALL. DAY. LONG. And by blog, I mean write posts, research posts, read blogs, I love it all.
Unfortunately there is housework to be done and no one offering to publish my rubbish so I just fit it in whenever. 
But good for you for setting that time aside and keeping your nose to the grindstone. I can’t WAIT to read your first book!
Thank you for taking precious time out to come visit and leave me encouraged, Emily.
I can only imagine how breath-taking that moment will be — when you see your “baby” in print, take him in your arms, look to the sky, and smile at the beautiful gift God’s given you.
xxoo…
i find it hilarious that your linkwithin for this post has my chicken legs.
standing on the sidelines, cheering you on.
-elizabeth
Do you still play piano? Want to do a duet with me?
I never went to college for it, but I’ve played since K-5. I can understand that if you didn’t really love it you wouldn’t want to spend hours practicing.
Of course, I have to leave you a video link. Here’s me playing Blessed Assurance like I do for church – http://simplevloggingtips.com/2010/03/vlogging-link-up-1-minute-videos/
I like to do many different things but there are only a few things that I love enough to get better.
And when God blesses your passion, the one that you work hard to improve? That is beyond amazing. You can do it!