Annie finished off an email she sent me on January 1st of this year with these 5 words: “2011. We will make art.” I shared those words with you back in January, thinking that one post would be all there was to say about it. But then the art started seeping in from every crack in the wall, from every eye and hand I daily encountered, from every prayer and tree and common meal.
And much like Tuesdays Unwrapped opened my eyes to the hidden gifts in the daily minute, Annie’s email has opened my eyes to the art in the living. It is literally everywhere I look. Sometimes I share what I see here, and sometimes it’s just too much to put into words.
But even in all this talk about art, there have been some heavy and most difficult days. I would never want to give the impression that art is effortless. While seeing the art has been somewhat easy as of late, creating the art has not been. Living the art is one thing, making it has been entirely another.
I have finished one book to be released in September. But I am still working on it, waiting to receive the page proofs so that I can sign off and hand it over with one final period. Even though you can go to Amazon and see it there with it’s cover and it’s finished-looking self, I am still working on it, after a two years.
Meanwhile, I’m half-way through book 2, a book for high school girls similar to Grace for the Good Girl, but unique in style and form and voice. It is due the day book 1 releases. And a year from now, I’ll still be working on it — edits, re-writing, more editing, more re-writing.
Some days I feel like the most blessed girl in the world, the girl who gets to do what she’s always wanted to do and didn’t even know it, the girl who has everything like the humans in The Little Mermaid. But other days? I think I might collapse from the pressure of it all. I signed up for this, I know. But it’s a lot of work, and I think I’m beginning to feel the weight of writing two books back to back.
I’m training myself to be thankful for the deadlines, because the deadlines mean work, and the work means I’m writing, and writing is my art. Still, making art requires discipline, sacrifice, and white-knuckled resolve. And that is any kind of art, not just writing. You have to believe it’s worth it. You have to keep the big picture in mind. You have to know that you love it, that it’s your message, that it’s where your heart beats. If you wonder if you’re doing it for the wrong reasons, stop wondering and start working. The work will smoke the motives right out and you’ll know if this is right for you from whatever is left over.
“The book eventually sold about 360,000 copies. It was an incredible outcome for a book that almost didn’t get published. If I had known how much work the publishing process would require—both in writing the manuscript and in promoting the book—I am sure I would not have signed up.”
Michael Hyatt, CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers
To read more of Michael Hyatt’s perspective on making art through pursuing traditional publishing, check out his recent posts: Why Real Creativity Requires Significant Work :: Part 1 and Part 2.
I love the drafts, your honesty about the work of writing. For me, writing is one of the most tiring tasks, but also one of the most enervating, and somehow I guess that effort makes it all the more rewarding in the end. I love that I can say “I hear you” to your words. Thanks, Emily!
Alie´s last [type] ..A speedwalk through nine cities
You just described my life! “Some days I feel like the most blessed girl in the world, the girl who gets to do what she’s always wanted to do …. But other days? I think I might collapse from the pressure of it all. ”
School is so hard – there is a reason we are supposed to do this while we are young and carefree!!
Under the weight of the end of the semester, wondering HOW am I going to finish on time with a quality project that isn’t just thrown together… I, too, am thankful for the deadlines, because it means I am moving forward.
This morning this is my gift – that I am not alone in this struggle to create. We can do it!!! <3
Joy @ B-Joyful´s last [type] ..making more mess and a prototype
Yes! Sometimes knowing we aren’t alone is the only thing we need isn’t it?
Emily´s last [type] ..the work of art
Yes, I feel the same way about my children’s book illustrations. The finishing feels much more like work than art most days. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the beginning. The rough drafts. The dreaming. The first scribbles and could-bes. But the refinement of the artwork — and even worse, the changes and revisions — definitely takes all the resolve and grit I’ve got in me. Lots of late nights filled with non-glamourous, make-myself-do-it moments. But in the end, holding the book, is pure bliss.
shelley.´s last [type] ..she speaks
So I will tell you a secret (kind of). At the response of several requests this past couple of weeks for the bible study that I wrote in 2003 and then quickly hid away in the back of my closet after hearing from 4 publishers “no” or “not yet” or “write a book instead” … I pulled the study out this weekend and reformatted it. Every time I think of someone’s fingers holding the book, my throat catches, my ears get all warm, and my eyes fill up with tears. Jim Johnston at Lifeway encouraged me to “write my own story” into it… Terry Glaspy at Harvest House told me almost the same thing… this weekend as I was editing, the Lord got ahold of my heart and I sensed that it was time to start sharing my story and I just don’t know if I can do it.
Emily, HOW do you do this thing called writing, and sharing your story? It is SO sacred… it digs out from the depths of who you are and then opens your heart up to the world to say “this is me, all of me, here, I’m sharing”
It’s so scary, this thing called Art, because of this statement: “You have to believe it’s worth it” … and this one “I have to believe I am worth it” and this one “I have to believe God is worth taking the risk”
Gulp.
Jenny´s last [type] ..Seen Around Town Photog’in Around
Oh, this. If it wasn’t terrifying, I’m not sure it would be any good. Great art has to terrify the artist before it will inspire anyone else. Sounds like you are off to a brilliant start, Jenny. Hang on tight, friend, and let the fear work for you.
I might have to email you on this one !!
Emily´s last [type] ..the work of art
My friend and i were just talking yesterday (i introduced her to your blog) about how much you inspire us. I’ve begun to see art where I would normally see everyday life. It’s refreshing. It’s such a wonder to look at the beautiful world around me and know that it’s cursed, that this beauty is far below it’s original beauty.
God is just SO amazing like that.
Chelsea´s last [type] ..Adopted into Sonship
“Still, making art requires discipline, sacrifice, and white-knuckled resolve.”
I am always a little afraid that this means I shouldn’t do it, you know?
Kelly Sauer´s last [type] ..Photography 3 • From Here & There – “strength”
Really? Why?
Emily´s last [type] ..the work of art
I’m the same way. I guess I feel like it should come easily if it’s what He has for me. I know that’s backwards. But, I am so insecure in my own art that any resistance makes me feel like giving in. Of course, I haven’t yet, which also must mean something. {sigh}
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..God Made a Mistake
Oh Emily,
Your thoughts and fears mirror my own. I’ve recently signed a contract with Harvest House, for which I thank God, yet the days right after I signed I felt a weighty responsibility and almost overwhelming fear. I guess I’m on the right track! LOL
I only know to continue holding Jesus’ hand, and that surely He knows what He is doing, even on the days when I feel like I don’t.
(((Hugs)))
Congratulations, Julie! When I got my contract in the mail, I didn’t read it for 5 days. It sat there on my table, untouched like the plague. Before you get it, you anticipate the excitement and celebration, but I wasn’t prepared for the debilitating fear and responsibility. Yes, it sounds like you are right on track indeed!!
Emily´s last [type] ..the work of art
Well, look at your neat spread! You do not want to see my workspace in edit mode.
Caroline Starr Rose´s last [type] ..Fast Five- On the Nightstand
Writing is hard. All art is, yes, but I think in many ways writing is the hardest. Because it takes so much time. And so much heart. A book is thousands and thousands of words. It is rewrite after rewrite after rewrite. It is your heart and soul on pages for all the world to see.
And it seems like it is sometimes the hardest to break into. The world of publishing is scary and difficult to navigate. There is so much competition and not as many people willing to take risks on an author.
But. Like you said, it is not for the publisher that a person writes. It is because it is the message that needs to be shared – the one that beats in place of your heart.
Leslie Knight´s last [type] ..this is where the old is ending
Yes, the creating of art is hard work! I’m wondering how much art has been left un-done, never created, because I get to the hard part and get too scared to keep creating.
I often leave your site with butterflies in my stomach. Reading the truths about making art and wondering what step is next. Thank you for your encouragement and your honesty. I’m inspired to press on through the hard.
Jamie @ Six Bricks High´s last [type] ..Gift Counting Continued 21-40
I appreciate your honestly through this process Emily. It is helpful to know that others struggle with creating their art even though it was given by God. I am at a different place with mine, but struggling nonetheless.
Bernice
Living the Balanced Life´s last [type] ..Speeding through life
I’m so glad I found your blog!
Yes, yes, amen and I adore you. That is all.
Holley Gerth´s last [type] ..Still
Lately God has shown me all of the opportunities He’s placing in front of me that I’m allowing to slip past. Fear, insecurity and doubt have kept me back from grasping them & soaring. He told me that I keep asking for a chance, and ignoring what He’s giving. I’m scared…but I’m done with that. I’m ready for what He’s got ahead.
Melissa Brotherton´s last [type] ..God Made a Mistake
I’ve loved this series on art, and I really enjoy you sharing your own experiences with writing. Thanks, Emily.
Amy Sullivan´s last [type] ..Almost Sleepover and a Way Cool Idea
2012: Emily will write art book. Just sayin’.
Bonita´s last [type] ..What is Writing Success
I love how your writing is always, always full of fresh honesty. You don’t feed us just candy and sweet tasting stuff, you give us the food that is also good for us but sometimes a little harder to swallow. Thank you for always keeping it real!
Kristen-Chasing Blue Skies´s last [type] ..Mom Song Monday
Thanks for persisting . . . just your video on the book jumped into my heart. (one phrase). I cannot wait for the whole book.
Fondly,
Glenda
Glenda Childers´s last [type] ..Susan Branch- Gladys Taber and some tax week fun
I’m trying to get to the place where fear motivates me rather than paralyzes me. I have fear of failing, of not being “good enough”, but then again, I’m the first one to argue that art is subjective and to agree whole-heartedly that art is everywhere. Why am I so conflicted when it’s MY art? Is it just easier to be the cheerleader on the sidelines and not the player hashing it out on the field? If so, then that’s something I want desperately to change. It’s such a journey…an unexpected one.
Heidi M´s last [type] ..What I Learned This Week
You blessed me with your comment. Truly.
Tammy@If Meadows Speak…´s last [type] ..we have days stacked against us
I don’t often comment here but I always love your blog. Just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate these posts about making art. They are inspiring and comforting. Your art-making courage gives me courage. Thank-you!
Jess´s last [type] ..Wendell Berry- A Place on Earth
You (Emily) and your commenters, totally inspire me. If nothing else, to believe in the art of living. And living it loud. {{grateful hug}}
Tammy@If Meadows Speak…´s last [type] ..we have days stacked against us
This is so helpful Emily. I think far too often, for me, there is this romantic idea of art.: I will write, it will magically get published; all will be well. Somehow the hard work part gets left out of this notion. Those form rejection letters I received all those years ago sort of knocked the “romantic” right out of me!
Linda´s last [type] ..Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Such a timely message for me here today. I was wondering if I wanted to pursue my art? I could return to my previous career, or not. This will make me think.
Dana
So, I am really excited for you book to come out…if it’s anything like your blog, then I am sure that I am going to love it! I am even more looking forward to reading your book for teen girls…that’s my age group!
I absolutely loved those posts from Michael Hyatt; I read them yesterday. And you’re right about the work involved in all this. I’m so reminded of it now as I start working on my second book proposal now.
Sometimes I think, “Yay!” And sometimes, “Am I crazy to go through this all over again?” But what else can I do–it’s my message and my mission. So I’ll do it again tomorrow too.
Love reading about your journey, Emily. Blessings on you and your work.
Jamie ~ Simple Homeschool´s last [type] ..Help! My 5-year-old won’t “do” school!
Maybe the struggles are there expressly to make those more glaringly obvious moments of great contentedness stand out. In any case, your admitting your struggle and the reality of being devoted to something that’s important to you in spite of the not so bright spots, is positively inspirational.
Emily, if your words only touch one person, then it is worth it…the hard work, the long nights, the stress. God has great plans for you and your art…your words have always spoken to me and meant so much to me (and I am sure many others)…let that be the fuel to help you keep at it!
Hugs,
Sarah
Sarah Antweiler´s last [type] ..In the blink of an eye
Great post, Emily. Opening the door to your home, or your heart, leaves you feeling vulnerable. But once you do, you quickly realize there are a host of kindred spirits out there. That within itself is a rich reward. And I like what you said about motives.
Dayle´s last [type] ..The Boy Who Played Baseball
I absolutely love your honesty. This post is refreshing and I appreciate the fact that even blessings can be a lot of work. It’s such an important reminder–as I sit at my computer, reading other successful writers’ blogs instead of working on my proposal (ack!). Thanks for this great post.
Your thoughts about art inspire and encourage me so much. Its good to be reminded about the discipline we need. And I need to stop asking me why I do it – I am sure most of you know this question…
Thank you for your honesty! Love, Martina
Thank you for those encouraging words. Although your art is writing my is teaching. I am a student teacher to a group of wonderful third grade kids. Last week my job was angelic and today I wanted to throw myself our the window. But I know that I am were I am supposed to be. This is has not been an easy ride (2nd time going back to the program after being told I was not good enough).
You words have truly helped me. I do not know what inspired you to continue to talk about art but thank you. I never thought I was an artist but I now know it is more than painting, sculptures, photgraphs, drawings, writing and more. Art is the life that you live and lead each and every day. So thank you so much!
Also thank you for writing your book. It isn’t even out and I am just waiting to read it. There are so many books out there about grace for those who have faltered and made mistakes. But there are no books out there for those who feel that they have to be perfect to be loved. I struggle with that and will always struggle with that (hence counseling for my perfectionism). So I want to thank you and can’t wait until it comes out. ]
You are an amazing writer and want to say you are doing such an amazing job.
I am not very good at writing, but I paint occasionally and this is the way I express my mood and state of mind (and heart…). Therefore I understand how much satisfaction creating something with your own hands can bring.
@Kiersten: I wanted to tell you that you do not have to struggle to be perfect, but to struggle to be how you are, not the way the others want you to be.
Regards,
Anna
Anna´s last [type] ..Start der Charter-Saison zu Ostern