A reflection . . . by Dee Kincade

Dee Kincade
CWOW VP

Last Saturday, January 30, Karen Ball, from Steve Laube Agency, spoke at CWOW Mini-Conference. First, I must say I was impressed by how down-to-earth Karen was, then by her knowledge, energy, and her humor. But, more importantly, her love for the Lord.

 

At the conference, Karen shared information about POV characters and show not tell. We also completed a character building chart to help us “get to know” about our characters better. As authors, we need to know every aspect so our characters will act and respond true to who we made them be. 

 

In my opinion, Karen saved the best information for the end of the day.

 

I’m sure that I’m not the only one who has been disappointed at some point in our writing career. Many have received negative comments from a reader or an editor, or maybe no response from a publisher, it might be a lot fewer sales than you hoped or possibly unfavorable responses from beta readers or critique groups. It is, sadly, part of being a writer. 

 

I’ve read articles suggesting writers to toughen up. Some advise us to ignore uncomplimentary comments from readers; others tell us not to read reviews. But, how do we get our hopes up when we are already in that place? 

 

At the conference, Karen reminded us that we are NOT writing for ourselves, our agent, publisher, or even our readers. We are writing because God wants us to write. He has given each of us something to share with others. 

 

I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that I needed to hear that. God places people, websites, and articles in our lives to help us navigate through those things that drag us down. However, ultimately, and hopefully first, we turn to God for help. When we are right with Him, He will lead us down the right path of “our writing career.”

Happy writing!

               Dee Kincade

P.S. Go to www.writefromthedeep.com