Enjoying the Journey

a guest post by Rebecca.

If you've ever known the thrill of beginning a new story, one you've planned out, one that's become so alive in your head it's begging to be written, you know what it's like to take the first step into a world that is entirely in your hands. You mold it, you make it all that it is – or isn't. Every house in every city, if it is to be there, is up to you to build it. Every creek, every tree is only there if you put it there. To have a whole world in your hands is a pretty big job; it takes thought, careful crafting, and attention to detail. But all of this comes only secondary to the biggest job we have: leading our character on a journey that is going to change him, for better or for worse. A fresh character is like a child – he needs our careful guidance and our input to make him all he needs to be. He knows not what the future holds, but trusts us with utmost trust that we will bring him through the journey safely (which, if he's the main character, he's got a pretty good chance!).
 

This is a difficult job. It bogs us down. It troubles our brain so that some nights, we can't sleep until we figure out just what we're going to do with the mess so-and-so's in. Sometimes we want to call it quits on this whole writing-thing.
 

Through the process of writing a book, it seems hurdle after hurdle is thrown at us to keep us from reaching the finish line that shines happily down at page three hundred and three. Something isn't historically accurate, our main character is behaving like a piece of cardboard, the one-year-old unplugged the computer in the middle of an intense scene... If you think you can have a book written in a certain amount of time, you'd better double it, because undoubtedly you're going to run into problems.
 

But I have no goal of discouraging you. In fact, I hope to do just the opposite. I want to share what I've learned (and still am) and it's merely this: Writing is a journey that you can enjoy!
 

I need this posted on my wall for every time I sit down at the computer desk with a frown and a mind empty of words. Maybe you do too.
 

After all, it's wonderful to be a writer! We forget the blessings. There's joy in making friends with other writers – ones who know you're deathly close to throwing a character off the side of a ship because he's causing too much trouble. It's a gift to be able to use twenty-six letters to create an entire paperback adventure. Those mornings you write with a baby on your lap, or juggle your scrambled eggs and the slaying of a dragon are good things – I mean, wonderful memories, and a lesson in multitasking!
 

My point is simply this: remember that as much as our characters are on a journey, so are we. We are changing through our writing. We're growing, learning, furthering our skills with every hurdle we run into. Whenever you can, remind yourself you're going to enjoy the journey! Because when all is written and done, it'll be worth it.
 

When you're having troubles, remember three things:

• The tough times shape up most.

• Whatever happens, we will come out of it alive. (Even a fight with a polka dotted panda bear.)

• Experience is a good teacher. Make note of the troubles you're having now, so you can have a battle plan in the future.

So yes you have a lot in your hands – yes you will have difficult times – and yes, there will be a time when the word joy is close to being removed from your dictionary – but yes, you can do it! Keep working hard, and enjoying the journey.

Thanks to Hannah for allowing me to guest-post!

Rebecca

Rebecca Rash is a Christian writer of young adult fiction. She enjoys being part of a large family and living in the beautiful country side. As well as writing, she also dabbles in photography, music, movie making, and reading. She loves most books classic, old barns, and walking without an umbrella on a rainy day. 
 

You can find her short-story collection, A Handful of Flowers, here on Amazon.com.