When we get bogged down in the business of writing, such as promoting our books or querying agents and editors, it's easy to forget what got us in this crazy business in the first place. The spirit-numbing onslaught of daily tasks can overwhelm us. In fact, I've known several people who have given up a writing career because the business tasks ultimately defeated their passion.
Many people start a writing career because they feel a divine calling; they believe God has given them certain gifts that need to be used and shared. If this is the case with you, how do you stay focused on your higher calling? How do you remember what launched you on this adventure, and how do you keep from turning back to shore?
One resource that might help in this regard is the recently revamped Web site from TheHighCalling.org called The High Calling of Our Daily Work. The mission of TheHighCalling.org is:
to be a resource for people seeking to understand and live out the eternal significance (the high calling) of their daily activities. We help lay people see their lives as an opportunity to serve. Service is ministry—wherever God has placed us. We encourage each other to do the best we can for the glory of God.
Each week, this great site publishes one audio message and two articles built around one of the following themes: work and family, gifts and talents, leadership, excellence, integrity, attitude, professional relationships, and service. Those messages remind us, that even when our work is purely secular, we have a higher calling to follow.
You can review their large archive of items, or listen to or read these items to get a better understanding of their concept:
Audio Message: Tim McGuire
Bible Study: When Smart Decisions May Not Be Right Decisions
Personal Story: Where's My Job and Where's My Work?
I personally liked this article on the need for a burning bush (I'm constantly in search of clear signs for my daily work) and the audio message on selling what you love (an important reminder when it comes to book promotion). If you like the audio messages, you can also get them through podcasts.
Check it out. If you like what you see, you can become a member of the service here. TheHigherCalling.org is currently conducting a blog tour, so you can also check out what other people are say by going to these sites:
Gordon Atkinson, L. L. Barkat, Gina Conroy, Craver VII, CREEations, Milton Brasher-Cunningham, Mary DeMuth, Karl Edwards, Every Square Inch, Green Inventions, Amy Goodyear, Marcus Goodyear, Al Hsu, Jennwith2ns, Charles Foster Johnson, Mike McLoughlin, Eve Nielsen, Naked Pastor, Ramblin Dan, Charity Singleton, Stacy, Camy Tang, Writer… Interrupted
Here on the tour...
Yes, it takes a special blend of talents and interests to be a writer... because no one really comes knocking on our doors begging to read our work (well, until we get famous perhaps, but that is a long road and not one that everyone ends up traveling!) I enjoy the promotion side and the social interaction as much as I do the writing, so I'm hoping that means I never have to get famous to sell a book or two.
Posted by: L.L. Barkat | April 24, 2007 at 02:31 PM
Interesting point about writers getting burned out on the business tasks of writing. I guess you could say that has happened to me. Certainly my own writing (except for my blog) is on permanent hold for awhile.
But maybe that is a cop-out on my part? Maybe I just need to recognize the high calling of receiving form rejection letters and still plugging away with new submissions...
Posted by: Mark Goodyear | April 24, 2007 at 05:20 PM
Hi L.L.! It's nice to see you here. I've been lurking in on your comments at Mark's sight for a long time now.
If you enjoy the promotion side of things as much as the writing, then you sure have a leg up on most of us. That obviously is part of your calling, and I'm sure it will take you far.
Personally, I'm counting on fame not being a requirement. Even if that was likely for me, I'm not so sure it's all it's cracked up to be!
Posted by: Patrick Borders | April 24, 2007 at 05:52 PM
Nice to meet you, Emdashery. :) Enjoy the blog tour. I've bookmarked your site as well. It's a great resource for writing.
On another note, you have a wonderful tribute here to VT. I'm so sorry and sad about all that has happened. We are in Taiwan, and get this news a little later than folks in the states, but it has been on everyone's hearts over here as well. Our prayers are with VT!
Posted by: Stacy | April 24, 2007 at 05:54 PM
Thanks for the review of the site. What can become difficult is to write about something you feel passionate about but try to find new ways to communicate the same ideas.
Posted by: Ramblin' Dan | April 24, 2007 at 05:59 PM
Mark, sometimes I think part of our higher calling is knowing when to say yes, and just as important, when to say no. You may sense that God is saying "not right now" in regards to a writing career.
If you sense that God's will is not in it at the moment, then I don't think it's a cop out. I think it's courageous. Your family, your work, your blog, and all the many other things you do to serve others--certainly these are callings of the highest order.
Posted by: Patrick Borders | April 24, 2007 at 06:15 PM
Hi Stacy! Nice to meet you as well, and thank you for the bookmark.
Also, thank you for your prayers for Virginia Tech. We tend to personify those places we hold dear, and I've grieved over this tragedy in so many ways. It is such a special school and a special place. I guess the one tiny silver lining in this is that many other people know that now.
Posted by: Patrick Borders | April 24, 2007 at 06:20 PM
Your welcome Dan. It sure can be difficult to keep the thoughts original and fresh, but you've sure accomplished that on your site. Nice job!
Posted by: Patrick Borders | April 24, 2007 at 06:24 PM
Good post. I find what keeps me focused on what I'm called to is the gospel. When I see clearly the grace given to me, it brings focus to everything I do. When I don't ... well, it isn't always a pretty sight.
Posted by: Every Square Inch | April 25, 2007 at 03:47 PM
feeling a little negative today, are we? what's got you so jaded?
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