I read a most excellent post by ‘The Write Practice‘ this morning titled ‘Henry Miller on How to Finish Your Novel‘. While the entire post is definitely worth a read – especially the 11 Commandments for writing – there stood out a section of the post which… well… moved me.
‘What Books Do You Want to Write Before You Die?‘
Oh my. What a question? In fact, it is so powerful a motivator that I question why it had not been asked before, especially when I know of so many power writers who passed before all of their projects were completed.
Someday, I will die, and all the novels I dreamed of writing will die with me. Therefore, what books must I complete to die satisfied?
That was the realization Joe Bunting had, Joe being the owner of ‘The Write Practice’. That stands as the statement which made me realize that we, as writers with a calling, should create a ‘Bucket List’ of the projects we feel pressed to complete before we die. Maybe we need to fan the flames of desperation to get these projects to the front of our minds? Similar to the imperative nature of evangelizing, there should be a drive within us to finish these projects. After all, aren’t we participating in another aspect of the Great Call? Aren’t we a witness to our audience?
Writing practice (Photo credit: Global Lives Kazakhstan)
So, I ask you, as Joe asked his readers, what books do you want to write before you die? Are the projects you currently have on your To-Do list worthy enough to be added to that list? I know a few of mine are not. This blog article has completely altered my perspective, rightfully so. Now faced with the prospect of redefining my projects, I am reminded of the Smarter Goal List Carol Peterson encouraged us to put together in her post New Year; New You. I am also reminded of the wise saying, ‘Quality, not Quantity‘, which is not something that I have been focused on at present….
Perhaps now is the time to start?
Prayer: “Lord, I ask that you open my eyes to the end goal You have in mind for me. Fan the flames of my creative passion so that You may be glorified, others might be saved, and my heart fulfilled. Thank You for Your patience and Your grace. Amen”
Of course, the hubs and I also conspired together to begin plotting out the last book in the series. Much as I would love to give you a bit of a peek inside the conflicts and angst of that book… I am practicing discretion and keeping my fingers away from those particular keys.
