Practice

As a teenager I wanted to be a rapper. I think most kids my age wanted the same. I was able to write lyrics but I couldn’t write hooks or titles at the time. I became frustrated with my inability to write “catchy” songs.

Fast forward to about 15 years ago when I first wrote Lezur. Telling the story was simple enough. It required very little effort as I was simply writing towards an ending as the beginning and ending were apparent from my recurring dreams. At every point when a new chapter was needed, I struggled to come up with a title. As a writer I knew I was changing chapters but was unable to manufacture a title. So as a solution, I would put “***” to let me know I’d changed chapters.

I started my final rewrite in October 2018 and continued to struggle with chapter titles. My mentor, Herb, informed/instructed me to title those chapters during my final reading and I did so.

Initially the process was frustrating, just like writing hooks for my songs as a teenager. As I continued through the process, each chapter title started becoming evident. Before I’d complete reading the chapter a title would present itself.

This post is similar. My first ones didn’t have titles but today before I write my list, I write the title. Herb says, “Write to your title.” I agree.

The more I did it the better at it I became. It’s like exercise. At first it’s challenging, sometimes painful. Yet the end results are worthwhile and apparent to not only yourself but others as well. And so it is with faith.

Faith is a muscle. It must be used. It must be strained and stretched in order to grow. The process is painful and seemingly impossible at times yet emerging on the other side one is much stronger. The circumstances(chapter titles) come with little effort as that muscle has grown.

Today, Saturday, October 5, 2019, I am grateful that:

I push forward. It’s difficult to see any progress at times. I know others may see said progress before me but I will continue to take action and leave the results in His hands.

I continue to “practice” in multiple areas. From this list to dictating my next novel to hiring employees and contractors to strengthening bonds in new and existing relationships, it all requires practice.

I reached out and had a conversation with Marianne. A talented, young artist I met a couple of weeks ago. We’ve spoken and I’ll commission her, if possible, to design the cover for Lezur.

My fear of doing the unknown subsided so I could contact Marianne. I’ve thought about hiring an artist since before I came here almost a year ago. An illustrator was on my least of personnel I needed when I decided to make the trek here. Fear is a subtle foe at times. Glad that it subsided long enough for me to take action and move forward.

Practice Your Faith. Be Impactful!