I wait for something epic.
Something worthwhile to share. When it doesn’t I’m stuck wondering what it is I’m supposed to write on the is screen.
Honestly, there is always something about which to write and more often than not, it’s not epic. Instead, it’s mundane. It’s the everyday that we remember–that draw’s us into one another’s lives with a call of “you too” and “It’s not just me.”
My only advice when this occurs is to pick up your head.
Spin around 360 degrees and make note of everything within ten feet of you. There will be something to write about.
I spin now and I see my work area, cluttered and full, replete with paperwork, projects unfinished and schedules. The white and wood island stands stately in the middle of the kitchen. I’m so proud of it because my neighbor set it out for free and I totally carried it across the road with the help of my babysitter. It’s a monument to the free gift of an island when I had prayed for one.
“You have to surrender to the act of writing, give up to it, trust that if you have anything, it will discover it for you.” – E. L. Doctorow
I scrawled that quote onto my wall smearing paint with “wipe-off” markers that are now indelibly engraved on my wall. To offer up, to surrender to write, to trust in our words–it can be so scary, but then again, any action that involves trust requires an action of bravery.
So today, ladies. Be brave.
Write.
Can’t think of what to write? Turn in a circle. Then tell me what’s inside your circle.
Kim Hall says
September 7, 2012 at 8:53 amGreat advice! My photography teacher had us shoot a 36 exposure roll of film (yes, film) in a 3′ radius. We had to sit or stand somewhere, and just shoot within that circle. You become a much more keen observer at that distance! He also told us to always turn around after shooting to be sure we caught what we had been missing behind us. Thanks for the reminder to look for my stories in the same places!
My friend Gloria, a missionary in Dubai, keeps a great blog you might enjoy called DomesticKingdom.com, where she and others write about applying the Gospel to the Mundane. She also has a book coming out through Crossway next spring: Glimpses of Grace: Treasuring the Gospel in Your Home.
Kristina Tanner says
September 10, 2012 at 9:05 pmKim! I love this idea!!!!! I may have to try this and then post the pictures! AHHHHH! i love it. I will have to check out Gloria’s blog. Thanks for the heads up and the comment. Have a wonderful week.
Mary Bonner says
September 7, 2012 at 9:14 amThis is great advice, Kristina. But, then again…you are always full of great advice!
Love you, girl!!
Mary
http://memyselfandmercy.blogspot.com/
Kristina Tanner says
September 10, 2012 at 9:04 pmLove you, Mary! Can’t wait to hug you at Allume!
Sarah Caldwell says
September 7, 2012 at 9:20 amYes, Yes, Yes! Oh how I needed to read this post – thank you! And so you know- this post is epic. 🙂
Kristina Tanner says
September 10, 2012 at 9:04 pmThanks, Sarah! So glad it spoke to you.
Gretchen Louise says
September 7, 2012 at 10:48 amI want to see a picture of your wall. And your island. 😉
Love the post. Because isn’t it always the mundane that we have the hardest time living, as well as writing about?
Kristina Tanner says
September 10, 2012 at 9:03 pmI think we can arrange that, Gretchen. Yes. The mundane is where we struggle.
Jami Leigh says
September 7, 2012 at 1:28 pmLove that idea Kristina! It’s so easy to get writers block, but really the things and people around us can be such an inspiration! I’m trying this next time 🙂
Kristina Tanner says
September 10, 2012 at 9:03 pmThanks, Jami! I struggle with wondering what to write all the time!!!