Inspiration to Keep on Keeping On - Guest Blogger, Karen Witemeyer

Writing is work. Sure, we authors like to pretend it's just a bunch of daydreaming and story crafting, but in truth, some days I feel like I have more in common with a dentist pulling teeth than an artist floating high on the creativity clouds. Stories can bog down. Characters can become uncooperative. Real life can steal time and energy away when deadlines loom.

So how do we keep on keeping on? A lot of prayer, a good work ethic, support from family and friends, and snacks (for me hot tea sweetened with honey and a handful of almonds - or a pile of peanut M&Ms if I'm in a chocolate crisis). But sometimes, the little things can make a big difference, too. I've done my best to surround my work space with items that encourage and inspire me to press on.

I have several Bible verses tacked up around me. They include:

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
 ~ Philippians 1:6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all you ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. ~ Proverbs 3:5-6

I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace. ~ Acts 20:24

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory. ~ Psalm 115:1

And then there is the one I cross-stitched and framed to hang on the wall by my desk. (Pictured at right) These are wonderful visible reminders of the attitude I should project and the excellence I should strive to maintain.

Then there is my desk. I keep little things around me here, too.
On the left is a copy of my latest book, a Bible, a lovely historical scene, and my writing mascot Henry the Hippopotamus to cheer me on from his cozy home in the mug that proudly states, "If I write it, they will read . . . "
On the right is a picture of my children in the Texas bluebonnets. Then I have my western decor in a pen holder and pencil sharpener (yes, the covered wagon). I also have a small collection of Willow Tree figurines, and of course I need to keep the one with the girl reading a book close at hand.

Finally, I have a lovely box that a co-worker gave to me on the occasion of my first book's release. She is a champion scrapbooker (truly - she has the fair ribbons to prove it!) and she created a gorgeous memory box with not only my book and promo items, but a lace handkerchief that belonged to her grandmother and several sewing notions that fit with my seamstress heroine perfectly. I treasure this and have it on the wall near the door so I can see it every morning when I come in.

What are some of the things you keep close at hand to inspire you to keep on keeping on?
Do you have a favorite snack that helps you keep going?

Leave a comment for your chance to win a copy of Karen's new book, Full Steam Ahead.

 

Christy Award finalist and winner of both the ACFW Carol Award and HOLT Medallion, CBA bestselling author, Karen Witemeyer, writes Christian historical romance for Bethany House, believing the world needs more happily-ever-afters. She is an avid cross-stitcher, and makes her home in Abilene, TX with her husband and three children. Learn more about Karen and her books at: www.karenwitemeyer.com.