Sometimes the creative road gets long and tiresome. There will be delays in carefully planned schedules (my writing schedules are in the shape of a knotted ball of yarn), parts of your creative work that you thought would be easily done turn out to take days, and often must be redone more than once. Then there are the parts that no matter how much you work and sweat and do your best, those parts do not turn out to match the vision in your mind. There will be days you planned to write, but life interfered–there was the PT appointment, and the mountain of laundry, and the child who needed your attention. Or you were simply tired and the mind absolutely refused to focus, the body even to sit in the chair.
The creative life, like all parts of life, is filled with challenges. The fact of challenges must be accepted. I came to this truth afresh yesterday, at the same moment that I realized clearly my tendency is to avoid challenges. I turn from them, duck and swerve faster than an Indie race car driver. That avoiding is not going to get me over or through the challenge. Only facing the challenge will move me forward. So eventually, I come back to showing up, facing the challenge, doing the work, and I always, without fail, find some bit of joy in doing that work.
It occurred to me yesterday that cutting the time that I’m avoiding the challenge would be helpful to save a lot of wasted energy and wear and tear emotionally and mentally.
I saw an interview with three inspiring members of the University of Oklahoma Women’s Softball Team. Now, I’m not a sports fan, but learning of this team has me impressed. They have a winning streak of 51 games. These women explain that whether or not they win or loose–and they admit failing challenges is inevitable–they have joy, because it is the joy of Jesus Christ.
Team member Alyssa Brito explains that you will see the members signal to each other when on the field, the signals meaning “eyes up.” They remind each other to look to Christ for all they do, for there they find the joy of the Lord.
“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ~ Nehemiah 8:10
With renewed energy, I have prepared the manuscript of According to Carley Love for proofreading, and I am in the midst of making one final quick edit. I’m another step closer to release day–which is not yet set, because making a schedule is a great challenge for me. I’m one step closer to doing it, though!
And I’m keeping my eyes up.
Dear friends, it would be a great help if you leave reviews of my books on Amazon or Goodreads. The higher the number of book reviews on Amazon, the more the company will publicize the book on the platform.
Cold Tea on a Hot Day Tate’s a firm believer in the little things that make life worthwhile: overripe peaches, a good dog, a passionate kiss. The kinds of things he thinks Marilee needs to rediscover—with him. Problem is, she’s already engaged. Not about to let a little thing like a fiancé stand in his way, Tate sets out to win Marilee’s heart, little by little, starting with cold tea on a hot day.
“A delicious read for a lazy summer day.” ~ Publishers Weekly
Eyes up, people!
Grace and peace,
Curtiss Ann Matlock 
6 responses to “For Writers and Other Creatives: Eyes Up”
I read another blogger’s post a while ago and her words really resonated with me, as I also have a tendency to run fast and far from challenges: “It doesn’t get easier.” The time I spend avoiding hard things does not make them easier; in fact, it is more likely to make things harder! I try to keep that thought in my head when I want to procrastinate or pretend that a challenge isn’t there for me to face.
Lovely post, as always. Can’t wait to see the book in print!!
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Dear Mandi– thank you so very much for sharing your wisdom about facing challenges! You write a wonderfully encouraging mini post for me and all who read it. As scripture tells us: “for God gave us a spirit not of timidity but of power and love and self-control.” We have no need to shy from challenges. Love, CurtissAnn
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I love you and your writing style, CurtissAnn!! Anxiously awaiting the new one!
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Thank you, Patti, for the precious encouragement.
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I was raised in appalachia and relate to the foods and fam ties you write about. Have had to move beyond some relatives who had goals in life that were too hurtful and destructive. Your stories remind me of my fav author in past, LaVyrle Spencer. Have re-read “Years” and “Bittersweet” many times. Same with your Driving Lessons!
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Jen, I also so very much enjoyed LaVyrle Spencer’s novels. What wonderful hours they have given me. You pay me a high compliment indeed.
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