Tuesday, December 24, 2013

The Writer and Anticipation

Photo by Master Isolated Images
freedigitalphotos.net
The emotions of the writer run the gambit. We get excited over new story ideas. We get frustrated when we get writer's block. We are ecstatic when we get a request for a full manuscript from an agent or editor. We wallow in the depths of despair when we receive a rejection in our email box. Up and down, up and down, our emotions ride the roller coaster.

But there is one emotion in the writing journey that we tend to overlook because it is subtle.

Anticipation.

When I hear the word anticipation, I am reminded of Christmas Eve long ago. While a pregnant woman was being settled by her husband into a stable, heaven awaited with baited breath for the coming of the Messiah on Earth.

Anticipation.

While a baby lay in a manger, shepherds were hurrying to find the Christ, King of Kinds and Lord of Lords.

Anticipation.

You know the feeling....it is the hopeful expectation of things to come. The longing for something better. The desire for something new and good to come our way. The hope of having our dreams fulfilled.

Writers await with anticipation on a daily basis. We hope for a completed manuscript. We desire contest wins. We anticipate publication. Anticipation keeps us going.

While we write with the expectation of having our dreams realized, so often we let fear and comparison cloud our view. It is like fog creeping across the land, clouding our path and slowing us down. We must learn to slow down and focus on the path. Just keep writing and enjoy the journey, letting the words flow from the heart. The fog will soon dissipate and the way will grow clear once again.

Kindle the fire of anticipation. Just as we should always anticipate the return of our King Jesus not just at Christmas, but all year long, we must keep the anticipation of our writing dream alive.

There is much to anticipate in the coming year. What are you anticipating?

****************************************************************************

This post is brought to you by
 Sherrinda Ketchersid

Sherrinda is a minister's wife and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.

8 comments:

Joanne Sher said...

Beautiful post, Sherrinda! Anticipation can be so sweet. And so frustrating. Anticipating new writing adventures and friends and lessons and directions, straight from the Lord. And praying I pursue each, rather than going my own way. Merry Christmas, Alley Cats!

Angie Dicken said...

Perfect post for today, Sherrinda! Anticipation is a constant in my life...I just need to keep it in check so it doesn't grow into impatience! Merry Christmas!!

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Merry Christmas, Joanne! I pray your new year if full of anticipation realized in your life! You are awesome!

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Merry Christmas to YOU, Angie! Impatience is such an annoying byproduct of anticipation, isn't it? I pray you new year if a blessed one, with many writing HIGHS!

Amy Leigh Simpson said...

Oh, just so lovely Sher! And so true. But if you think about it, there are ups and downs in every anticipation. Right now I am anticipating the arrival of my baby girl in a few short months... Having three kids 4 and under, no longer being miserably pregnant, but expire mixing the joy and exhaustion of a newborn with toddlers in the house.... And finically getting to have another girl in the house. Nerves, excitement, trepidation. :) what a wonderful reminder in those difficult times of antipation... There is always an upswing on the other side. Merry Christmas!

Amy Leigh Simpson said...

Wow, sorry... Gotta love autocorrect! ;)

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

Ha! Amy, I DO love auto correct! My son was just laughing at one of my texts to him today. They do provide quite a bit of entertainment at times. I think having a baby is one of the best examples of anticipation. Yes, there are trying time...uncomfortable times...but the anticipation of holding that sweet smelling bundle of joy in your arms makes it all worth it. I'm so excited for your new little feminine bundle! ;)

Karen @ a house full of sunshine said...

"Kindle the fire of anticipation.... keep the anticipation of our writing dream alive." <- this really spoke to me! Thanks, Sher. xo