Monday, September 26, 2016

Three Reasons to Let Life Interrupt Your Writing by Tyrean Martinson


Interruptions - we all have them. What's the best way to maintain balance and keep writing? Author Tyrean Martinson is here to share her insight on this universal challenge. She's a multi-published author, busy writer, wife, mom, and homeschooler, so she knows a thing or two about managing time.

Speaking of sharing, I'm guest posting at Tyrean's blog for her Five Reasons to Write series. If you have a minute, would you hop over and see us there too? 

Three Reasons to Let Life Interrupt You and Your Writing


By Tyrean Martinson

I know it seems counter-intuitive to let life interrupt our pursuit of our dreams. I mean, haven’t we heard that we should stick to our goals above all else? Shouldn’t we create a sacred space and time for writing that all other parts of life should regard with respect?

Writing routines are great! Keeping our eyes on the prize is good.

But . . .

1) If we don’t let life interrupt us, we might miss something.

I have a story I’ve told a few times: On a day when I was feeling at a loss of purpose, I was stopped at a traffic light in the rain with dark clouds above, and I looked up to see a bird land on the traffic light post. My gloomy thoughts were interrupted. I felt purpose seep into me. For if God knows and cares for the birds, he knows and cares for me (and you).
(Matthew 6:26 paraphrase)

Recently, I was interrupted from my writing time to talk with a friend who is traveling to Hungary with me so we can cheer on our daughters at the Olympic Hopes Regatta. I found a library book on Budapest, and I took notes. I had never thought about writing a story set in Budapest before, or a story about traveling. 

2) We can find new direction in a small detail of our circumstances.

Now, the ironic thing is that after the story about the bird on the light post, someone will ask me: was the bird a dove?

And, my answer disappoints them – it was a crow. But for me, this is more powerful, because I think God cares for crows and doves alike, and I’m more like an average, crabby-sounding crow than a sweet, cooing dove. Thank God that He knows and cares for me as I am (and you, too). (1 Peter 4:10)

In my writing life, I’ve been feeling like the plots I’m working on are all “not me” – like I’ve been trying to write like I’m someone else. Yes, some of that was on purpose to challenge my writing skills, but it may be that I’ve been a crow trying to write like a dove. 

3) Sometimes we need to start something new, so new that we didn’t expect it.

While I do need to maintain a purposed course, I also need to listen to God’s call (John 10:27), and to the call of creativity (I think this is God, too), to find the right story to write.

As I write this, I’m still preparing for my trip to Hungary. By the time this post goes live, I’ll be returning. I’m taking notes on a new idea that’s still in the infancy of imaginative creativity. I’m listening first, and writing second.

Do you ever find new purpose in life’s interruptions?


Tyrean Martinson is an every day writer who lives on the Washington State peninsula – so close to the Puget Sound that she can smell the salty sea, but far enough away that her view contains cedar trees, blackberry brambles, and everything green. She writes fantasy, speculative, adventure, devotionals, historical, contemporary, homeschool curriculum, writing prompts, poetry, and random lists. She loves to read, spend time with her family, daydream, and believe. She has a random grouping of books out, available at most online stores.  Visit her at her blog, Every Day Writer.
 




I love Tyrean's observations! Her inspiration is contagious. Don't forget, if you have time, stop over at Tyrean's blog for my post, Five Reasons to Write Nonfiction. Thanks a bunch! 

I'll leave you with Tyrean's question:

Do you ever find new purpose in life's interruptions?

Happy writing, 
Karen


28 comments :

  1. If we don't let it interrupt us, we'll be stuck in a rut.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Karen and Tyrean! I was just on a huge blog break, where many things I didn't expect to happen, did. I think if I didn't have that time away, I'd have missed SO much. It takes a lot of trust to let go of writing, we get so used to doing it. But I liked your third reason, we may be called away to start in a new direction. It all works for good.
    Nice to meet you Tyrean!
    Ceil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nice to meet you, too, Ceil! It tdoes take a lot of trust to let go, but it's always good to be given a new direction.

      Delete
  3. Alex,
    Now this is true, isn't it? And things might be rather boring too. :)

    Ceil,
    Glad you got to meet Tyrean. She's a gem! :) It does all work out for good, I agree!

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thank you for such an inspiring post, Tyrean and Karen. I feel blessed for having read this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ps. Appreciated your article over at Tyrean's, but I couldn't see how to leave a comment. Great post.

      Delete
    2. Thanks for stopping by, Joylene! I messed up on the comment section and had to re-post the post . . . my apologies to you and Karen!

      Delete
  5. Interruptions can be very useful!

    Karen, your post over at Tyrean's was great, but I couldn't comment. Non-fiction is a good to get your brain simulated in a new way.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so sorry, H.R. This was my fault. I had issues with connectivity in Hungary and made a few mistakes.

      Delete
  6. Joylene,
    You are welcome! Loved Tyrean's thoughts on this topic. She's so right. :) Thanks for hopping over to see my post too. Much appreciated! I think she's just getting back from overseas and may have not enabled the comments because of that.

    Holly,
    They can be, and rather than get frustrated, this is such a great way to keep a good perspective. It helped me a lot. :) Thanks for reading my 5 Reasons post. Glad you liked it. As I mentioned to Joylene, I think Tyrean's just getting back from a trip.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  7. Yes to interruptions. Times away from writing are often times I get the idea for how to write my way out of the hole I created the day before. Excellent post!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Karen and Tyrean - gosh I hope your daughter and her friend loved their time and made some friends. Wonderful to read it was a crow - they can be special ... but they can be thugs!

    I bet you look on life differently now after that trip - something triggers in us doesn't it .. .and takes us off with new thoughts ...

    We cannot sit in a rut of life ... cheers Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Both of my daughters had a wonderful trip, despite sickness. They did meet new friends from all over the world and my oldest was invited to visit a few places, like Croatia and Switzerland.

      And yes, life is definitely looking different now that I'm home.

      Delete
  9. Loved your post on Tyrean's blog, Karen. But I didn't see where to comment. I've actually made the leap to nonfiction writing and found a niche where I write for a living. Not for good pay, but I do support myself.

    So agree with Tyrean too about the need to allow those interruptions.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry about that Natalie. The lack of commenting was my mistake.

      Delete
  10. Lee,
    Now there's a good point! :) Interruptions can be that much need perspective break.

    Hilary,
    A crow can be a thug - this is true! lol I'm looking forward to hearing about Tyrean's adventures overseas. I think her girls did well. :)

    Natalie,
    Thanks so much! Appreciate you taking time to read it. :) Hopefully you'll get a raise soon! Glad you enjoy your work.

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  11. I think sometimes I allow life to interrupt me too much! It is a fine balance for sure, but when I trust that He's got me planted in this time for a reason, I grow more peaceful with myself and time. Sounds like a great series over at the other place. Will check it out!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I think not missing something is a great reason to interrupt one's writing!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Writing something so new that we didn't expect. Love this and it's so true! Thank you, Tyrean. That may be right where I'm headed. =0)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lynn,
    I can let it interrupt me too much as well. :) Appreciate your input.

    MS,
    I know, right? Love the point Tyrean makes here. :)

    Susan,
    Keep us posted as to where you're headed. You owe it to us fans. :)

    Tyrean,
    It's always a pleasure. We have to do this again! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

    ReplyDelete
  15. Excellent post. And yes, time away from writing is essential for the creative well to get refilled.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. Have a blessed day!