Two years ago this very month, I was working away on a book proposal for a book I was sure was a bad idea. I had convinced myself in the dark of night that me getting a book published was about as likely as finding a lighthouse in a forest. Still, I kept working – one third because I was crazy, one third because I was too proud to quit something I started, and another third because I truly believed I had something to say. That last third was really what kept me going during the times when all I wanted to do was crawl under my coffee table with a bag of Oreos.
One afternoon when the task at hand was feeling particularly impossible, I emailed my friend Lysa who was the first person who told me I should write a book. Well, she wasn’t the first person who told me, but she was the first person I believed. So I sent the email and a few minutes later, my phone rang. It was Lysa.
I began to share with her about my doubts and struggles in writing this proposal. I had questions, and lots of them. She very graciously answered them, and also told me she thought Mary DeMuth had a stellar non-fiction book proposal e-book (I bought it, and it is). I can’t remember every detail of what we talked about, but there is one thing she said that has continued to encourage me in this writing journey:
“None of this is a waste. I know right now you are wondering why you’re doing this, wondering if anything will ever come from it. It may turn out the way you hope or it may not, but the things you are learning now in the process will not be wasted. I can promise you that.”
So many of you have voiced in the comments that one of your biggest fears in pursuing your art is that it will end up being a waste of time. I. Hear. You. Maybe there is a passion that is beginning to wake up within you, but you worry that it is silly or childish or worse, irrelevant. Maybe you are longing for something so badly that it nearly hurts – motherhood or career, travel or discovery – but to work towards it feels foolish, because there are so many factors out of your control.
Allow me to introduce you to the bigger picture. Let’s use writing as an example, just for conversations sake. Is getting your book published in the traditional way your only measure of time well-spent? If so, there are a lot of writers out there who are wasting their time. There are no guarantees to publication. But? Isn’t there so much more? Isn’t there a higher, more beautiful dream?
Redefine success. There is a reason why you are feeling pulled toward your art. Success could simply be for you to finally believe it, no matter if a publisher does or not. Give yourself permission to dream beyond the obvious. Believe that God gives good gifts. Believe that you have a part in his story. Believe in something bigger, someone bigger, than yourself.
Embrace brokenness. There is beauty in humility. Anything we pursue that brings us to a place of recognizing our smallness is not a waste of time. And as a wise friend of mine once told me, Don’t despise the days of small beginnings.
Look around. Is there someone who believes in you? Is there someone you have inspired with your art? There is courage in connection. If pursuing your art brings you closer to someone else, if it allows you to be vulnerable in ways you weren’t able to before, than your art has not been wasted.
Pursue thankfulness. It’s a beautiful thing to believe you have something to say, something to offer the world. But it can be easy to get swallowed up with the desire and focus of it all. I can’t think of a thing that draws me into this present moment more than a wild pursuit of thankfulness. Any art that cultivates the soil of a thankful heart is not a waste of time.
Redefine failure. This thing we so try to avoid could actually be the art itself. ”Have the ability to fail, often and with grace—and in public! The only way . . . to grow is to ship risky things, to create change, to make art, to change people. And yet, shipping risks failure. And so we demand you fail.” – Seth Godin
***
Lysa recently wrote a post on her blog about her own writing journey. She talks about failure. She talks about naysayers. She talks about doubt, embarrassment, and fear. And she talks about success. Her recent book, Made to Crave, hit the New York Times Best Seller List a few weeks ago. But she wrote many books before this one that didn’t.
If you would like to know more about Lysa’s book, Made to Crave, there will be a free webcast tonight at 8 pm EST. All the details are here, including times they will re-broadcast. I watched last week and loved every minute. It was like a real TV show. And it definitely made me re-think the whole “crawling under the coffee table with a bag of Oreos” thing.
well i am so thankful that you write
that you encourage all of us little people
i’m so thankful you did find that lighthouse in the forest
i think you are wonderful!
paige´s last [type] ..stressed
Thank you for these words of advice! They come at the right time and I am absorbing words of wisdom like this like a sponge.
Theresa´s last [type] ..You are beautiful
More fabulous, arty hope from Emily.
Thanks.
Susie Davis´s last [type] ..Have Faith Hold Hope
I’m certainly glad you write too.
you said “as likely as finding a lighthouse in a forest.”
Well, that is actually kinda likely.
One night, many many years ago, when i was in my late teens, i was feeling worthless and forgotten so i went for a drive up the coast.
A ways up the highway i turned off onto a road that runs down to the park above the beach. This road winds through a forest. Trees on all sides, thick and tall. It was dark. Kinda spooky.
Then, just as i was thinking about turning around and going back, a ray of light moved past, shining through the trees from on side of the road to the other. The light would change colors, blue, red, green…repeating itself over and over, splashing through the trees like a dance.
It was the lighthouse that sat on the cliff. They had put colored lenses on it, and the light would change as the lamp turned.
Totally amazed me. It was beautiful.
So, yep, there is a possibility of finding a lighthouse in the forest.
So, there ya go.
I like this post very, very much. And Lysa’s too. She is just awesome. I’ve been working on something for over 2 years now that has been rejected and rewritten a zillion times. Holding onto hope.
Writing is so not for the faint of heart, is it? I always love hearing your voice over here, Marla. Hope to hold the fruit of your labor in my hands one day!
Emily´s last [type] ..5 ways to guarantee your art isn’t a waste of time
Well, I can’t possibly articulate how I feel about all of this, but thank you for this Monday morning gift.
Flower Patch Farmgirl´s last [type] ..All Four Love
i love all of these suggestions, emily!
i do have to say that in pursuing creativity in my life, the growth in my own heart has turned to be as important as any success i’ve had. it’s hard and vulnerable but i’m so glad for the things that God is working in my heart.
ellen´s last [type] ..february sweetness and beauty
thank you Emily. I loved this (as usual:). I especially loved everything you wrote in ‘Look Around’ b/c I’ve been stalling on a book project/dream that I am writing with my twin about being twins. And if we gain nothing else, while we remain 1000 miles apart and will be an ocean apart soon, we will be preserving and growing our relationship as we write our story. So, thank you for all of your priceless encouragement this morning!
Abby´s last [type] ..incourage and grief
“but the things you are learning now in the process will not be wasted.”…AMEN Lysa and thank you, Emily, for continuing to hit the nail on the head by “introducing (us) to the bigger picture.” i am continually astounded how Aslan is on the move!!!
adornedlife´s last [type] ..rest
needed this today. i wonder why i feel compelled to write. what do people care about my thoughts? for whose glory is it? why can’t i stick with a book? i finished two. published (self) one. i’m too scared to fully attempt another….glad i’m not alone with the questions.
kendal´s last [type] ..when the cape unravels
I love this. Isn’t the power of a timely word of encouragement amazing?
Hi Lisa!!! I’m so glad you like…
Emily´s last [type] ..5 ways to guarantee your art isn’t a waste of time
all i can say is wow. thank you SO much for this. i struggle with these very things. i know that satan has a way of bringing on the lies and after a awhile, we start to wonder if it IS all a waste of time. but, we can’t let a little thing like fear stop us from doing God’s work. John 14:1, Don’t let your hearts be troubled, put your trust in God. My word this year is TRUST. After all we’ve been through in the past 2.5 years, I have to TRUST. Thank you, Emily.
Blessings, cat
Cat from Constant in Chaos´s last [type] ..Guest Weeks Scripture
I was just telling my stepmom yesterday that this current writing I am working on is harder than anything I’ve ever written, and I didn’t know why it was so frustrating. Words usually come so easily to me. She said that I should expect it to be frustrating because she believes I have something to say that women need to hear and Satan will try to stop that. I mean, duh, of course I knew that in general, but I hadn’t thought about it with this writing thing. So I am asking God for perseverance to push through and depending even more on Him. And I am SO getting Mary DeMuth’s book!
Angela @ Homegrown Mom´s last [type] ..Morning Routines Homeschooling Girls Day 1
As I read these words I’m following a star, a dream, and it does seem ludicrous – and far away – and impossible. But I have prayed – God’s will over mine in this dream. There’s comfort in that – the wanting what I want but wanting what he wants more.
People who believe? Some – but it’s mostly a solitary journey so far.
Thankfulness? Every. Single. Day
Failure? An old and well acquainted companion – but teacher as well.
Thank you for putting these three things on display so I can look at them, hold them, ponder them.
Every day the Oreos and the precious spot under the table call. But no. Now is the time to pursue with a vengeance – God at my side – words as worship – his will be done.
God Bless and Keep You
and Yours
Craig´s last [type] ..Love trudges through weariness- weakness and doesn’t give up
Emily,
I so appreciate these posts about art that you are writing. I am struggling where you were over 2 years ago, although not necessarily with a printed book. And I know exactly what you mean by the Oreos!
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..The Gifts of Imperfection- Giveaway
Emily,
I’ve appreciate the series you’ve been writing on art, especially this one about it not being a waste of time. These thoughts roll through my mind and then I read your posts and it’s exactly what I’ve been thinking about. The Lord has used it to confirm things for me. I love your blog!
Christine Hoover´s last [type] ..Dum Dums
Just the encouragement I needed today. I’ve been at a stand still lately with my writing.
On top of that, there just seems to be so much sadness around me these days: a friend gave birth to her baby girl yesterday, only to see her make her journey to heaven a little over an hour later; friends losing job; sickness and death……I could go on. Not to mention this gloomy feeling of discouragement I can’t seem to shake today.
I think we all see sadness so often that it seems to drag us down with it at times. But there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years – putting my emotions down on paper (or viewed from a monitor – lol) always helps me sort through things and see the blessings.
Thanks for reminding me of why I enjoy using what I think is a gift from God – regardless of whether I ever get published
Lynn´s last [type] ..Making a Move
Emily,
Thanks for the encouragement today! I’m so thankful for a husband who believes in me, when I don’t believe in myself. And I’m thankful for a Big God who uses the weak and simple people of this world.
I cannot wait to read Lysa’s book, “Made to Crave.” I’m thankful for her words to you that are such an encouragement to the rest of us struggling with discouragement as well.
Emily Joyce´s last [type] ..National Marriage Week
So helpful.
Thanks Emily.
I’m going to print this out and put it on my inspiration bulletin board. I’ve just resigned myself to really, truly, actually dedicating myself to my book. The ideas just won’t stop picking at me and even though I have no idea if it’ll go anywhere, I know that the writing needs to come out. I know that I will need to keep those 5 ways front and center, reminding me of why I’m doing this in the first place. Thank you, Emily.
HopefulLeigh´s last [type] ..A New Kind of Valentine
Really!? I’m so glad this has encouraged you today!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..5 ways to guarantee your art isn’t a waste of time
I love this. Thank you so much. Lately these types of words are all I need to keep writing…just one more day….one more post…one more scribble in my journal. When my mind tells me I’m being foolish but the whispers from God tell me to keep going….sometimes all I need is a word from a sister in Him to help me believe that I am not wasting my time.
Thanks!!
this is my theme song this year, whatever i do is part of my journey. we can fail at so many things, parenting, marriage, relationships, business… but that doesn’t mean they are not worth doing. it’s all a gift.
melissa stover´s last [type] ..Ruffle skirt
Love this. It is, indeed, all a gift.
emily freeman´s last [type] ..5 ways to guarantee your art isn’t a waste of time
I loved the 5 points, Emily, until I got to #5 that is. Fear of failure and IN PUBLIC? Makes me run and hide just thinking about it. Does that ever get easier? If I practice failing (starting to crack a smile here) will I get better at it? Seriously. More gracious…and not just externally where I can put on a good show for a short time, but gracious internally where it gets really tough?
Emily,
love & need this encouragement deperately! I was just thinking about this today, how everything counts. Even my terrible pieces may lead me to another road. I love the idea of redifining success and failure. such food for my soul right now. Thank you!Erin
Emily, you just have a way of speaking directly to my heart. It’s almost scary. But in a good way.
Thank you.
Heidi M´s last [type] ..What I Learned This Week
This really spoke to me today. While I don’t subscribe to the “everything happens for a reason” philosophy of things- this feels a bit different… and even from our mistakes we learn (or should) so this is definitely different.
misty´s last [type] ..The Beatles totally got it
Emily … I love your art
Words, photography … YOU!
Thank you for sticking with it!
xo
Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer´s last [type] ..As Simple as a Leftover Piece of Cake …
Redefine success. This step made me immediately think of my grandmother who made things with her hands constantly. She never sold anything or was successful in the world’s eyes, but oh, how she made us all feel so loved with her little gifts made especially for us. That’s success. Loving, giving of ourselves whatever it may be.
Southern Gal´s last [type] ..The Circus
Emily, I loved this today. It was exactly what I needed to hear (complete with oreos under the table). I think we all have dreams, and sometimes they seem so far away that we are not sure if we should shoot for the stars, or change the dream to be more down to earth. I really appreciate your honest about your own experiences. Thank you for writing and for continuing toward your dream.
Pattyann´s last [type] ..The Treasure
The editing process is what’s made me want to crawl under the table with my drug of choice: ice cream. I hear you. I attended a wonderful writing conference with Karen Ball this weekend and she talked about this very thing. It’s never wasted. God honors our sacrifice. Even if it’s only for you, even if you’re writing and no one will ever see it…it’s still not wasted…
Love this, Emily!
Courtney Walsh´s last [type] ..Red Umbrella
Emily,
Don’t stop writing about art! I continue to come here for encouragement, and I love this series.
Amy Sullivan´s last [type] ..A Picture of Paradoxes
Thanks, Amy!
emily freeman´s last [type] ..5 ways to guarantee your art isn’t a waste of time
And it doesn’t matter who reads what you write or even if it never makes it to print. You are an author even if you only write in your tiny corner of the web – “for an audience of ONE” (Ann Voskamp).
I would write on paper if I couldn’t write with my keyboard… we’re so LIKE our Father who wrote His own story down.
Two books came to mind as I was reading your post. First, The Dip by Seth Godin. (I actually thought of him before I saw that you had quoted him.) Many people hit the dip with their art. They face the decision of should I quit or should I continue. If it is truly their art and they continue the will find joy in the mastery of it, or at least being really good at what they love. The second book that come to mind is The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie. I am reading this old gem right now. In it Mr. Carnegie makes the comment that the best way to be a better speaker is to speak. Practice is fine, but speaking in front of people is what makes you better. I believe that it is the same way with a person’s art. Doing it is what will make you better at it. Doing it makes it worth it.
David Willis´s last [type] ..Learning to be consistent In cooking and in life
I read The Dip a month or so ago – I’ll have to check out that second book. Interesting point: “Doing it makes it worth it.”
emily freeman´s last [type] ..5 ways to guarantee your art isn’t a waste of time
“Give yourself permission to dream beyond the obvious.”
love it.
stacey´s last [type] ..Multitude Monday
Once again you have “hit the nail on the head.” Thank you for the encouragement to keep going, keep creating, and keep being who we are! You are very brave and insightful, and it is nice, even though I don’t really know you, to be able to hear your words to all of us and apply them to our individual lives. God surely has given you a wonderful gift of writing, and dare I say, discernment. Thank you.
I’ve learned over the years that writing is not efficient. Sometimes I can sit and blow through revisions or knock out a couple of chapters. Most of the time, though, it’s a lot of thinking, deleting, and trying again. Last summer, I spent a month re-writing two picture book stanzas. Two! And that time was just as important and real as the times I feel I’ve climbed inside a character’s skin and have made major discoveries.
It’s all about learning, refining, an loving the process, even when you have little to show for it.
Caroline Starr Rose´s last [type] ..Someday
…and it’s about editing, too (as you can see, my fingers got away from me).
Caroline Starr Rose´s last [type] ..Someday
I really enjoy your Seth Godin quotes. So much so I’ve started reading his blog and reserved some of his books at the local library. I can’t wait to pick them up. It is amazing how his thoughts apply to so many different areas of life.
But on another note, I can’t quite seem to find the words to tell you how I’ve appreciated this series on art, and especially today’s (well, yesterday’s actually) list. Redefining success and failure – most definitely failure – is something I need to spend serious time doing.
Impefect´s last [type] ..To Love- Be Sacrificial
It’s funny, Emily…I really have no clue what my own writing will lead to, but I know it’s a “must do” just as I must drink water often. Recently I’ve gotten this excitement bubbling up at the possibilities and it’s such an answer to incredible discouragement, fear and anxiety that this is wasted time. What you say is like air…so necessary to clean out the angst!
Amy´s last [type] ..a really crazy idea
You are such an encouragement and inspiration for me. I have loved what you’ve been writing about art.
Thank you for putting these thoughts out there. I just purchased Mary’s proposal and I’m attending the OC Writer’s Conference in April where she’s speaking. I feel silly about it all right now, but I believe God has something in my future so I need to pursue it whether I feel competent or not.
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..Pepper Jack- Food Network & Being Two
i am so excited for your book to come out – have I mentioned that in the last five minutes?!?
and I love that you are exploring art… those lost places of your heart that are clammoring to be heard and are getting their voice and opportunity to shine… it is a beautiful becoming that you are stepping into
praying for blessings for you today!
this series on art has just been a blessing, I stumbled upon your blog at just the “write” time
Thank you
Shannon@the inspired page
shannon´s last [type] ..Be the encourager
I’ve been stalking your blog since the 31 Days to Grace series last Autumn. Thanks for posting this – it is something I have longed to hear for a while, but didn’t know I needed to hear it, until I just read it right now. If that makes any sense.
Thanks for the perspective!
I love it…. crawling under the table with a bag of Oreos.
Had you tried to crawl under that table with those Oreos, you would’ve bumped into me…I’ve been in hiding for years. An incredible high school teacher – in our last conversation before she slipped into the deep silence of Alzheimer’s – extracted a promise that I would return to writing and pursue it doggedly. When I read this post, I thought of all the times I’ve looked up at my bookshelves and wondered, “What could I possibly write that hasn’t already been written…and better?” Now I realize even this musing isn’t original! So much here resonates. Thank you so much for sharing these thoughts.
Celeste´s last [type] ..do you want to be healed
Thanks for this today. I thought this was going to go in the direction of “how to write a winning book proposal so you achieve all kinds of success with your work.” I love that instead you took it in the direction of redefining success to fit the person and work God had given you.
Christine Jeske´s last [type] ..Feel-good factor 3- Creative real play
You know how in the bible – or in the movies – you can see pivotal moments in a character’s life where they made a choice to pray, to listen, to try….to ignore?
And, we can see with such clarity how that choice led to something else.
It’s only recently that I can see so clearly how God had a plan in September of 2006 when He woke me up and told me to cook. And, how on the next day, He persistently repeated it. “Lord, look, maybe you’ve got me confused with someone else. I’m Dana – I don’t cook.”
You post reminded me of how important the process is.
You just inspired a post…off to write.
Thank you, Emily!
Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D´s last [type] ..Is This Easy For You
Emily, I love your continuing encouragement to create art and to redefine success. I love the practical advice you gave here, the voice saying, “keep going, it matters.” This is huge for those of us creating in quiet corners of the web and world.
Thank you for being a positive voice in the process.
Laura@Life Overseas´s last [type] ..Community- Church & Power Lines
Hi Emily, I’m so glad I didn’t miss this post. It’s pure rain on my soul, the kind that I can let down my umbrella and just look up and smile at the sprinkles coming down on me. Love how you always speak from your heart and your soul. ooxx…
Faith Barista Bonnie´s last [type] ..Giving Myself Permission To Be Loved