So, what does a writer do when it feels like everything in your life is going wrong? How do you concentrate on the story you need to write? The past several months have been tough. It began when I lost Watson – my soul mate in doggy fur. It was devastating, and I’m still reeling. Next came the storms. First of all, the external storm. A tornado hit our town. When it was over, we needed almost $7,000 in repairs for our car, over $15,000 for a new roof, and some of our siding replaced. That still isn’t done. Then came the worst storm of all. Our son ended up in the ICU, and we almost lost him. Thankfully, God preserved him and after three days, he was released from the hospital. No sooner had that happened when another kind of tornado hit our family. We didn’t see it coming, and that damage can’t be fixed with any amount of money. While we’re dealing with that – trying our best to cope – I open the file containing book three in my Erin Delaney series, and instead of words, all I see are little squares. I’ve tried everything to get my manuscript back, but it appears to be gone for good. All I had left was a copy I sent to my email address when my hard drive had to be replaced. (Oh, yeah. There’s that too.) However, It’s only 20,000 words. Now, I have to recreate my entire story. So how do I keep writing when the truth is, I just want to crawl into bed, pull the covers over my head, and pretend the last few months never happened?
I tell myself on some days that all I have to do is put one foot in front of the other. Now, with my writing, I just have to add one word at a time while the Holy Spirit whispers ideas to me. I’ll get the story done, and then I’ll move on to the next, and the next, and… Well, you get it.
Have you been going through any storms? Remember that Jesus is in the boat with you, and He promises He’ll won’t let you drown. Just hold on. We’ll both make it, okay?
By the way, yesterday, I was scheduled to do a radio interview. After several days of delays, the roofers decided this was the day they’d show up and work. Hard to do an interview when it sounds like ten elephants are on my roof dancing the merengue. Had to cancel. I also have to finish proofing galleys for book two in my Erin Delaney series and fill out a long and detailed report for the book I lost. Both due on Tuesday. Guess what I’ll be doing this weekend? Help me, Jesus. Sigh.
Nancy
I often wonder what those who do not have Jesus walking with them do in situations like yours. So thankful you have Him beside you. Praying for the words to flow! And I have two copies of your book that I loved, so don't enter me in the drawing...
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ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Oh my! I am so sorry for what you have gone through. have not many words left for what you have gone through. Stand firm as you are already doing. This is why I pray for Christian authors because they are on the frontlines! Senind hugs and more prayers.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Diggs
Englishathone01@gmail.com
Sorry you have been going through all that. My family and I also have had some major storms as well and sometimes all you can do is pray and then take each day one at a time. cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful, Nancy! Tearing up and inspired by the way the Lord is carrying you at this point!
ReplyDeleteNancy, I'm so sorry you've been going through all of this!! That's a lot! We have been praying for you! Thankful for the reminder that when we do face storms Jesus is in the boat with us.
ReplyDeleteNancy, I'm so sorry you've been going through all of this!! That's a lot! We have been praying for you! Thankful for the reminder that when we do face storms Jesus is in the boat with us. (I changed the anonymous before but it obviously didn't take it. So just ignore the anonymous post above.) clhutson1016(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteWow, compared to the storms you have weathered and are weathering ours doesn't seem nearly as bad. We had a water leak at the main shut off valve to our home - it was in the wall and no one knew it was happening until the subfloor filled up with water it then came up into the house - what a mess we have had - remediation, all furniture having to be moved from all of the wood flooring so the ruined could be replaced and then everything sanded and redone to match. We found the water issue on Christmas Eve when our daughter and family were here staying with us - we all had to leave as the water to the house had to be shut off to stop more leakage. We're back in our home but we still don't have things back in shape - things like this happening when you are almost 70 wears a body out. All one can do is know that the Lord is holding you close and because He cares for us everything will be o.k.
ReplyDeleteSorry you're going through that. I've been going through some small storms via some anxiety triggers.
ReplyDeleteScottishphilly7689 at gmail dot com
One just has to be steady, and keep going somehow, with the Lord's help, of course. That's how we get through tough times. Thanks for the opportunity to enter a giveaway! Would love to win a print copy! Lual Krautter Email: krautter62520AToutlookDOTcom
ReplyDeleteI will be praying for you. I love your books. I have been through lots of storms, but God has been faithful. jenningsask@verizon.net
ReplyDeletePrayers lifted, specifically for the manuscript as it sure seems there’s someone who doesn’t want it published. Praying for God’s wisdom and direction (and protection) so this version will be an even more powerful testimony to His glory. Becca12901 at yahoo
ReplyDeleteHate to hear all you've been going through, but isn't it wonderful to know you aren't going through it alone. I don't know how unbelievers cope or don't get so depressed it just makes matters worse. I, too, have had times when things seem to pile up on top of me. That's when I've asked God does he really think I'm that strong. Then i shrug off my burdens and praise Him for having faith in me when I seemed to have lost mine.
ReplyDeleteMay things start to fall in place for you - in God's timing. Know you aren't alone because those that believe are praying for you.
2clowns at arkansas dot net
I’m so sorry for what you’ve been going through. I’ve been going through some storms of my own, but God is with me, so I know I’ll be okay. atime2live at hotmail dot com.
ReplyDeleteIt’s so hard to get through those storms sometimes. Hold on to your faith always! He will get and help you through this!
ReplyDeleteSherry Brown
ozdot4@sbcglobal.net
Good morning Nancy, wow, life is pretty hard sometimes , but God Always has our back. We just have to remember to take one day at a time and one step at a time moving forward. God is Very Good all the time and He will never leave us. Just remember after a storm a rainbow comes through. God Bless you my sweet friend. Take care of yourself. Alicia Haney. aliciabhaney(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
ReplyDeleteNancy, my heart goes out to you. Satan wants us to give up, get angry, and forget God. BUT, we know God is with us. If He brings us to it, He'll bring us through it. Know that you are in my prayers constantly. ceedee1958@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI have thought of putting my unique stories in print but it feels to overwhelming to go through. Positive.ideas.4youATgmail
ReplyDeleteOh, Nancy! You are such a strong and determined person, and you won't back down!! That's right, God is always there for us, have our backs, in good and bad times. Lately, I have heard some less-than-cheerful news about my friends and neighbors, and that kinda deplete my enthusiasm and energy; but I know God is always there, and I have faith in Him to guide us through. God bless you and your family. - cwkuen(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeletealways have faith
ReplyDeleteI always try to find something good in the bad
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds amazing. I would love to read it. Sending you love, hugs and prayers. dpruss@prodigy.net
ReplyDeleteNancy, this was a heartwarming post about what trials and tribulations you’ve been doing through lately. I totally sympathize and thank you for sharing. When life sometimes gets in my way and I’m ready to scream and pull my hair out, I take a deep breath and turn to prayer. I always say never underestimate the power of prayer. 🙏
ReplyDeleteYes I have and sometimes they feel never ending. But thank you for your kind words. Dreadrake1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAfter reading these comments, you are blessed with all these people praying for you including me. You've been through a lot. Me too. Had water line from upstairs toilet go out and flooded both stories of my townhouse. My son got Bell's Palsy twice from Covid shots and was forced into retirement from Fire Department. He went into state of depression and anxiety. We were against those shots. He had a heart attack in his sleep and passed away April 2024. I'm still in disbelief and expect him to walk through my door. That got me in the hospital with anxiety and I couldn't breathe. Had to be intubated twice. After that, a physical discovered Cancer in my uterus and I had a complete hysterectomy. Recovered, I then fell down February 10th after feeling faint and fractured my femur bone and hip. Had to have an eight inch titanium rod inserted. I'm still recovering from that using a walker. I thank God for my daughter who is my angel caring for me everyday before work and after work. I have to get better because I still love to ride roller coasters. I'm 78 years old. My insurance required me to have a Dexa Scan. Found out I now have osteoporosis in left hip and osteoporpenia in lower back and arthiritis in right knee. I'll never forget Jesus was and is with me always, since I was five years old when my mother was murdered. God blessed me with a wonderful son for 57 years, but He needed him back for reasons I do not question. Prayer and music have gotten me this far. I'm writing a Memoir for the past ten years but life kept getting in the way. I must get back to finishing it. God bless! Respectfully, DJ Smith
ReplyDeleteWow! It does seem as if a lot of storms/stress has entered your life. But, you are right--Jesus is there with us in the midst of every storm. I pray things will be calmer in the days/months ahead! Can't wait to read Shattered Sanctuary!
ReplyDeleteThis last Anonymous was me: Martha Robinson @ smartrobin2003@yahoo.com.
DeleteSo sorry! It's hard when it all hits at once.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your struggles. And what a blessing to be held in the Savior's hand. Sending prayers your way... L cisson @ gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThank You for sharing all your struggles Many Prayers coming Sarahbaby601973@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWonderful reminder! Thank you!
ReplyDeletekykla99ATgmailDOTcom
Oh, man! That is A LOT of "storms!" I am so sorry! It makes me think of the song, "In the eye of the storm, He remains in control..."
ReplyDeletePraying for a supernatural filling of your heart and mind with comfort and peace through these storms, and also for the words to flow!
Heather Mitchell crhbmitchellfam@duck.com
It amazes me how writers are able to get everything they have to do, done.
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