Today, I didn’t write. Instead I took in the wisdom of other writers at the Oregon Christian Writers’ one day conference. It was a day of reflecting on what I want my writing to say. I was encouraged to be see-through as an author. To let others see who I really am. I was given some steps to make compelling characters which I will use to round out my eighth graders and the professor in my current work. I was given some thought provoking advice on writing and being an author. Rachelle Carter of Ellechor shared how success seems to involve accolades, money, deserved or earned privileges, and only a few get there. In reality, it isn’t about what awards your story earns, but what impact does it have? Did it make someone’s day? Did it encourage someone? Did it bring joy to a young person? If you can say yes, then your story has had success. A successful story isn’t earned, it is all really by grace. Our stories are given to us. It’s a choice of how we choose to share it. You see everyone has a story. It is your story. You are the only one who can tell it. Will you?

You see our hearts are an empty page. We can let the author of life write His story on our hearts. Will you let Him?

I finished my day at a concert. The first song sung made me think of those accolades mentioned earlier. The words said, “I don’t need my name in lights,I’m famous in my Father’s eyes. Make no mistake He knows my name. I’m not living for applause, I’m already so adored.” What is your reason for writing? Is it to gain acclaim or are you content knowing God knows your name? He calls you to be His child. What story do you have? Will you tell it so others can learn and grow and change? I know I’ve been challenged today to tell the stories inside of me not for the praise of people, but so people will be strengthened.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=eKcImiTxqKg

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=haLkLDfLBok

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuJWQzjfU3o

I define a hobby as something that is done in my spare time that I enjoy doing. It may be reading, drawing, sewing, quilting, crocheting, or any number of activities. For me, I have time for one hobby. If it is reading, then in any spare bit of time I have, I read the book I am currently engrossed in. If it is drawing, I pick up my pencils when I get home, while I’m on hall duty at school, or any other opportunity I have. The same is true of any of the other hobbies I have.

When you view writing as a hobby, it means picking up the pencil, the tablet, or the keyboard at any opportunity that you have–on break at work, out on a photo shoot, while the kids are down for a nap, etc. During that specific time, you write. You don’t let life ruin your opportunity. You write. The story that is bottled up inside of you pours forth onto the page. When you are done, the tale lies complete before you. It doesn’t matter if you plan your way through the story or let the story tell itself. When you have writing as a hobby, the novel comes out.

There is a danger though in viewing writing as a hobby. It is the idea that it doesn’t take work to write. It’s like in the photography realm. Just because everyone has a camera on their phone and can snap a photo doesn’t mean that every person with a camera is going to have the eye to see, the know-how to do it, or the guts to snap the perfect picture and then put it on canvas, metal, or in a frame. Writing is the same way. Even though it is my hobby, it is also my craft. I have learned how to make the words flow together to sound the best. I have practiced dialogue; I have studied my editor’s and proofreader’s corrections and am learning from them to become more professional. I still believe that anyone can write–just as anyone can snap a photo. The difference will be those who decide to write and make a difference. Write to tell a story. Write to show a new world to a new audience. When you write like that, your hobby has become your passion.

So, this November, as NaNoWriMo comes closer, write as a hobby. Tell the story that is brimming inside of you. Do a little bit of research and let those characters come to life. Write to be read. Who knows, maybe you will have a story that is ready to be told.