The Needs of A Successful Writer

Every person seeking to do well in anything should prepare like an Olympian.

Yes, every person - especially those called to their endeavors by God.


Now that most contests entries have been turned in, we can focus on writing, editing, and learning new skills.

Ready?

Even writers need to prepare physically for their work.

1. Consider your body and mind a temple. God made us and therefore we should treat our body and mind with the best. 

Let's start first with some Scripture push up:

Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord not for human masters.

Isaiah 6:8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom Shall I send? And who will go for Us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send Me."

Read/recite your favorite verses. 

Rethink their meaning. 

Talk with God. 

Take a deep breath.

Feel you mind clearing of extraneous distractions? Good, now you are ready to work.

2. Drink water. This is my weakness.  Usually a coffee or tea cup is two inches from me. I try to remember to fill a glass with cool refreshing water, but often forget. Throughout my day I am thirsty. Drinking water, provides our body with necessary fluids. A multi-purpose system designed by God.

Get a water bottle, one with a good lid, fill it, and set it by your work area. Try to empty it before you stop writing. Refill and take to your next task. 


3. Relax your eyes. Computer work strains our eyes. How terrible it would be for us to have eye problems once our novels earn contracts. How could we do all that fun marketing? 

Every fifteen minutes look away from the computer screen and force your eyes to focus on something in the distance. This simple exercise is relaxing for the muscles. You don't have to stop typing if you know your home row, your thoughts can continue to flow as you look out the window. And maybe, just maybe, that look away may stir a fabulous thought!


4. Prepare vege snacks. Healthy snacks stimulates our brain. Sorry, gang, those cookies, quick grab chips, and sorry to say, yes, the chocolate is not helping you create great stories. The only function junk food has is providing unnecessary padding to the seat of your chair.

Take your first mind break and walk to the fridge. Go ahead, be brave, pull out the celery, carrots, maybe an apple or orange. Cut pieces and set them on a plate. The physical action of walking away from the computer will stir those brain juices. Cutting the veges and setting them in the bowl is stimulating. Stimulate those brain cells. And don't be surprised if the next sentence pops in your head while chopping veges!

5. If you have planned a long period of writing for a given day, take a physical/breathe deep break. Nothing wamby-pamby. If you can't go outside, run up and down the stairs two or three or more times. Your brain needs oxygen. Even if it is a ten minute quick workout, it will stir those creative juices. 

Go! 

Do! 

                                    Breathe!


6. When you feel you have finished a day's writing, take a pleasure break. Oh no you don't . . . don't sit on that couch or take a Calgon moment. 

Here are some ideas:

*Pick up your baby, grandbaby, niece/nephew, etc and dance with them. Watch their eyes dance side to side and their faces giggle. Go ahead laugh with them. 

*If the little ones in your house are taller/weigh more than you can hold, let them stand on the floor. Dance with them, something fun. Be silly. Twirl. Giggle. Move oxygen into both yours and the little one's lungs. 

*Play tag with your pet. Standing stationary while the animal fetches is NOT on this list.

*Put your coat on if necessary and go outside. For me a simple walk to the mailbox which is down our country road and across the street is enough to get me outside. From there, I'm ready to walk farther. Or drive to the mall and walk every corridor.


God designed our bodies to require healthy foods, water, exercise, and rest. Sometimes our busy schedules work hard to rob us of this important Olympic training. Honor the Lord with you best fruits.

Be strong and courageous for the Lord your God is with you, WHEREVER you go. Deuteronomy 31:6

Reader, what other ways can we keep our physical bodies sharp and trained to be great writers?



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photos above courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

This blog post is by Mary Vee

Mary has moved to Michigan with her husband, closer to her three college kids. She misses the mountains of Montana, but loves seeing family more often. She writes contemporary and romance Christian fiction with a focus on the homeless population and loves to pen missionary and Bible adventure stories on her ministry blog, God Loves Kids.

Visit Mary at her website and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter