I’m working on a post, or possible series of posts, about relating with girls who are in high school. I don’t like calling them teens or youth so much, I think mainly because you will hardly ever hear a girl that age call herself a teen or a youth. Only old people call them that. And by old, I mean my aged people.
Anyway, I have this post I’m working on in my drafts and it looks almost finished, but I know it isn’t. There is more to be said, to be thought about and communicated. I wanted the post to be a microwaved dinner and instead it’s turning into a crock pot meal; slow cooked and day-long simmered. So I can’t hit publish yet because it hasn’t cooked enough.
In the past, that would frustrate me. I would want to be able to sit down, work on something, and be done with it. If I couldn’t work it out, it left me feeling dissatisfied and unsettled. Now, though, I have learned to trust my own intuition in writing, and that one sign of a maturing writer is knowing when you are finished. And also, when you aren’t.
Lots of writing is like that. Some ideas come easily and leave the fingers quickly, ready to be shared and discussed. Others develop over time and only with sufficient space and margin. Sometimes ideas that I think will take days to work out come easy and effortlessly, while others, like this post I’m working on about high school girls, turn out to need more time. I don’t ever really know which kind of idea I have until I sit down and start to work on it.
It is that way with all kinds of writing for me: journaling, blog-writing and, as I’ve been discovering in the past few months, book writing as well. When I uncover an idea or a thought that needs time to percolate, I can’t afford to walk away from writing all together and give it space. I have to keep on writing, sometimes leaving gaping holes in my manuscript or a nearly-finished draft in my blog dashboard to be filled in and finished when the time is right.
Writing can’t be forced, but it must be practiced. I can’t force an idea to finish itself, but I can continue to try to work out more ideas. I’ve never experienced writer’s block. I’m not even sure I know what that is. Perhaps it could have to do with a writer who is trying to cook a crock pot idea in the microwave. It won’t come out right and it could even give the impression that you are a lousy cook. And so, you give up for a while. You cannot afford to give up. Move on, yes. But don’t stop. Give it space to breathe, but come back to it. And in the meantime, keep on writing.
yeah, it’s that “writing” part I’m missing lately. today I hope I get to write, today… hope you had a lovely weekend.
.-= Kelly Langner Sauer´s last blog ..i ? faces – all about babies =-.
Speaking of writers block…i don’t even have words to write here, so will just say, thanks for this post, i think it may help.
.-= linda´s last blog ..Alaska =-.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a microwave writer, trying to crank out a journal or a thought or a post. But I’ve been frustrated by that approach lately, so I tend to give up and walk away. But as you said, writing is a discipline. One that – like so much else in life – requires time and effort and patience and dedication to get right. One that can’t be forced, but must be ingrained into you – heart and soul. So I suppose I’m now in the long process of learning when and how to let things simmer. Glad to hear some encouragement along the way.
.-= Imperfect´s last blog ..I Love Him More Today… =-.
I loved hearing more about your process. I just told my husband this weekend that I rarely end up writing about the thing that I sat down to write about in the first place. 9 times out of 10, I take an unexpected hair-pin turn, and end up somewhere different and new in the end. I remember my old boss telling me years ago that his writing required a great deal of “thinking time”. It made so much sense to me, and I was thankful to work in a place that allowed creativity to simmer, when necessary.
.-= Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last blog ..A Miracle To Me =-.
emily – LOVE that first picture. looking forward to reading the ‘girl’ post you’re working on, just know that when its done, it will be so incredible, insightful, impactful (and from a naming perspective, I’d still rather be called “girl” than woman or lady
. PS I see can name a celebrity look-alike in almost every stranger I see, too (though I don’t have the number/letter visuals that you do). Its fun! 
.-= Brooke Brown´s last blog ..Summer =-.
Thanks! I needed to read this kind of inspiration today. (BTW, I live in a house full of teenage girls. Let me know if you need any help!)
.-= Shelly @ Life on the Wild Side´s last blog ..Ready for Change? =-.
ahh… yes thank you for that reminder. your posts come across so effortlessly, I tend to think you just drip wisdom from your fingers. it’s encouraging to hear that all good writing really does come from wrestling with a thought until it’s good. all good things are worth working for, right? have a great day, and may you keep finding forward momentum with your book project. can’t wait to read it.
Emily,
A post well served. I loved the garnishes you placed on the side. I was in a snackish mood and enjoyed this one very much : )
Dana
So true, Emily. Sometimes it flows. Sometimes it doesn’t. And it always needs time to settle, or, as you put it, “breathe.”
.-= Dayle´s last blog ..Hope and Trust =-.
Ughhh writers block! But I loved your fresh perspective on it, very refreshing as always-
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Piggies! =-.
I am anxiously awaiting your perspective on those teenage girls…I have one who is a beautiful daisy opening right before my eyes. Some days stormy and rainy, but mostly sunny and bright. I see sides of her come out and am constantly amazed at her poise and grace. How did I get this gracious girl…from God of course! In a house full of boys, the daughter and I are the only touches of feminine around here. (with the exception of the dog!) I also agree with you that some things weren’t meant to be “microwaved”! God didn’t make the world in an instant and babies are not born at the moment of conception. Good things take time to “finish”…looking forward to seeing what you “finished” product looks like!! Have fun letting it “brew” in your head!
Emily, what encouragement! And practice is one I could be more purposeful in. Of course, writing a blog may give plenty opportunity for practice but I’ve been wondering this very thing. So very grateful for your thoughts and it gives me something to think about.
.-= Tammy@If Meadows Speak…´s last blog ..I’m Baffled By You, Writers & Bloggers =-.
Lovely, and the photos of the opening flower are perfect.
You’re so right. Good stews need time.
I definitely understand that process. It can be frustrating for me at times, because I want a finished product and can get impatient with the creating aspect, despite the fact that I enjoy it. Love that first picture too, btw.
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..A Little Bit of Lovely | Hydrangeas =-.
Your words are cherished. Thank you!
Thea´s last [type] ..A Princess Party
I love to read what writers have to say about writing. It is always wise and encouraging. Thank you Emily – for your generous words and for your beautiful writing.
Linda´s last [type] ..Simply Abiding
I can’t wait to hear what you have to say about teenage girls. I have a daughter (my only one out of 4 children and she is the youngest) and I am really struggling with how to communicate with her. When I think back to my own childhood it is a reminder of what NOT to do. I look forward to any insight you have!
I LOVED this, Emily. I am a big ol’ crock pot writer (and user!) more often than not. I sometimes wish I could serve material faster, but that just doesn’t seem to be the way He wired me!
Have a great night!
Kristen-Moms Sharpening Moms´s last [type] ..Clean Stalls or Messy Kids
I would like to link back to your Tuesdays Unwrapped for this week, but it seems to be hiding from me, that Mr. Linky can be a sly one…so I will try again next week…
have a good day,
glenda
I am trying to write something for work tonight that I have ZERO passion for. That is problematic as well. “Have to” writing is the WORST. I’m here stalling because I don’t want to finish, but don’t want my husband to know I’m stalling so am staying on the computer! ACK! Going to be up all night!!!
Thanks for this lovely place to avoid my work…
My PhD professor was a wonderful woman with a wonderful Argentinian accent and she taught me this very principle with the same illustration a couple years ago: (Can you read this with the Argentinian accent?) “You have a lots of ideas but now ees like a stew — you need to put them in and give them lots of time to simmer together before it’s good to eat.” I love the way you put it, because it is easy for me to abandon ideas that don’t come easily. Our generation — the ones who pace in front of the microwave — could learn a lot from taking the time to enjoy some all-day simmered stew.
Caroline@carolinecollie´s last [type] ..Mercy Rising Giveaway
This is awesome. So often I try to microwave the writing process. You know, household demands, kids to love and take care of, an actual paying job to do…I feel myself and my writing being crunched into a smaller and smaller space. I should heed your advice: move on but don’t stop. Thanks, Emily!
Michelle at Graceful´s last [type] ..By the Lake in the Woods
Emily, you reminded me of the importance of cultivating. I know the word well in my professional life as a “development officer” raising money and “cultivating prospects,” but I skip over it when it comes to me. I have this undeniable thirst for the written word, and so many pent up words. Yet, I hardly write. When I do it sometimes appears rushed, yet other times it comes easily like you mentioned. I don’t write much at all, and in fact I only seem to write when I really think it’s going to be easy; when there is something right there all together on the tip of my tongue that I just have to let loose. You inspired me to cultivate the desire for writing that is within me and just write. I love Nike for their slogan, Just Do It. Don’t worry, don’t seek perfection, don’t let fear hold me back, just do it. Just write.
Thanks. [smile]
love love love it! well said {thanks}
I’m also a youth pastor’s wife who spends an awful lot of time with high school girls. My small group this year has been all freshman and I love them dearly. Some of them are so mature in their walk with the Lord, it really challenges me to stay a step ahead of them. I’m looking forward to reading this crock-pot post whenever it’s ready.
Diane´s last [type] ..Time for Rest?
I feel ya.
Marla Taviano´s last [type] ..happy 8, ava!