Digging Wells that Demolish Writers’ Blocks

Digging wells is important, I have discovered, for dispensing living water that refreshes thirsty souls. When I first received the prophecy concerning God’s Word pouring out of me, I experienced a flood of inspiration. It bubbled up in the form of poems, skits, humor, stories, and profound Biblical insights. Drops of truth few others had dug up shone like gems inside my mind. I couldn’t wait to share them.

Then the Philistines came along and sought to plug the writing wells I dug by faith, while I following in the footsteps of Abraham, the man of faith. The Philistines, fathers of giants, used destructive criticism to dump dirt on the golden nuggets that sprang forth from my well. I had barely started digging but they wanted me to stop. Their intimidation tactics made me want to give up.

“After all, why write something nobody cares about?” they whispered in my ears.

“What if no one reads this novel you’ve been working on for years?”

“This isn’t right. You’re too obsessed. This work consumes you.”

“It’s an idol, not a gift.”

Their taunts, though true, hit my ears like clashing gongs. Forget the “diamonds  in the rough” I had unearthed. All they chose to feast their eyes on was the mess. As I listened to their digs, my pile of unpolished gems turned into a mountain of a writer’s block: huge, overwhelming, and impenetrable. With that as my focus, I’d never get anything to drink!

Let’s face it: Digging wells isn’t easy, but it’s the only way to move that writer’s block – because sometimes you have to move more mud out of the way to reach the water. Besides, that mud is packed with gems of inspiration. The more you dig, the more you’ll find.

For example, the first few gems you unearth may contain bits of dialogue. Later on, you may see some characters take take shape. Moreover, despite the fact  that  digging wells can be a years-long process, you’ll eventually hit water – but only if you keep digging.

Inspired by the story in Genesis 26:15-22

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Mustard Seeds of Multiple Ideas: Book Blogging

I. Mustard Seeds of Inspiration Lie All Around

 

Mustard seeds of inspiration lie all around,

Which in your search for insight you have suddenly found.

But is the knowledge tree they’ve formed too much for you?

Because there’s good and maybe evil in it too.

 

Despite the saying, “He who hesitates is lost,”

To publish involves counting up the cost.

What is the wisest way to use each word?

Without the Lord, your focus will get blurred.

 

When many mustard seeds of faith bombard your mind,

Do you have strength to type them in one at a time?

Or do they seem to lack all reason and all rhyme?

The sorting process does not feel sublime.

 

You feel impressed to type them right away,

But as you do, why not close your eyes and pray?

Ask God for wisdom, let Him show you how,

Instead of sowing those mustard seeds “right here, right now.”

 

II. So Many Mustard Seeds of Faith

So many mustard seeds of faith spring up,

But which ideas go inside each cup

Of the tale you have such fervency to share?

Does each idea belong? If so, then where?

 

You wish you knew where each idea should go,

But sorting through ideas can be slow.

Plus, if they clash, they’re sure to rock the flow,

And who wants to get caught in the undertow?

 

For the author who would not remain obscure,

It helps to have a writing stream that’s pure

And doesn’t feel like rapids hitting rocks

With spray that blinds your eyes and soaks you socks.

(It’s like a quake. You feel the aftershocks)

 

For seeds of thoughts that make your mountain move

Can also make you trip and lose your groove

Unless they’re forged with wisdom from above,

Tried in the fire of God’s perfect love.

 

And though book passion may be easy to ignite,

A novel may take many weeks to write,

But if learning to discern is your delight,

Then God will surely help you win the fight.

 

Cry out for wisdom, cry out for knowledge, cry out to Jesus.

 

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