I WAS WRONG!–When Life Gets in the Way of Writing

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by Lillian Duncan

I am not a drama queen. In fact, I am the anti-drama queen. My life is calm-some might call it boring. And that’s okay with me. But all of sudden, it seemed as if my life was filled with drama-and not the good kind.

Since my last release, DECEPTION (Harbourlight Books),came out in December, my husband had a very unexpected triple bypass surgery along with other serious family emergencies, not to mention a death in my family that I was still grieving. The same week I found out about my husband’s surgery, I was told I might not have a job next school year.

Oh, yeah. You probably want to hear what I was wrong about and why. Right before my husband’s surgery, I found out I had a blog post due for this blog.

I panicked. I had no time to write and my mind was reeling from the news about the surgery but several people told me to write about what I was going through at the moment. It seemed like good advice so I did.

If you’d like to read it go to: https://www.acfw.com/blog/?p=2600 The gist of it was that no matter what, a writer should write since that’s what makes us writers.

After all that is one of the BIG RULES that established writers always give to wannabe writers. Write every day no matter what. Right? I’d been through other crises and always managed to keep writing.

In fact, sometimes writing was the only thing that kept me sane so I assumed that’s the way it would be this time.

Two months later, I admit I was wrong! Boy was I wrong. Yes, writers need to write and develop the habit of writing through all sorts of circumstances but I also learned there are times when it isn’t the right choice

Reason number 1…After taking on all the household chores driving for an hour to the hospital and another back, being worried and anxious, I’m tired. No, more like exhausted.

Reason number 2…My mind and my emotions are all over the place. I can’t stay focused on any one thing long enough to let my creativity flow.

Reason number 3…when life happens and problems pile up, the last thing anyone should do is add more pressure to their life.

Here’s my new advice when life gets in the way of writing, GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK!

Take time off to renew your energy, your spirit, and your creativity-stay in the moment and do what you need to do to take care of yourself and your family-the writing will be there waiting for you when the time is right!

By the way, my husband is doing amazingly well. Thanks to all of you for your prayers and support.


As an educator, a writer, or a speech pathologist, Lillian Duncan believes in the power of words to transform lives, especially God’s Word.
She writes the type of books she loved to read-suspense with a touch of romance. To learn more visit: www.lillianduncan.net. Her most recent releases are PURSUED (White Rose Publishing) and DECEPTION (Harbourlight Books).

Comments 0

  1. So true, Lillian. We can so easily get our priorities out of whack. God is first, second is family, and then everything else. There’s a reason He says to seek His kingdom and righteous first – we have trouble getting it right from there. But, if we put Him first, He’ll help us get it right.

  2. Oh, Lillian – I can SO relate to this! When I was in the midst of my husband’s serious illness, every bit of creativity – and energy – I had was used SURVIVING. Such an encouragement, I’m sure, to many. It’s okay. SO glad your hubby’s doing better.

  3. I’m glad to hear your husband is doing better. I’m also glad you are not beating yourself up about what you can not do. It takes courage to accept the things you can not change – such as death and illness and wisdom to know when to let go of the rules and regulations of writing and what worked before. I’m sure this will help free many others, so thanks for sharing. God bless and give you strength and heart-peace.

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