The 15 Habits of Great Writers: Declare!

I am a Writer!!

How can I be so bold? There are many signs from my past and present that tell me so...here are a few:

I felt compelled to keep a diary during Junior High, which continues, albeit sporadically, to this day. Even if the time and opportunity doesn't present itself, when an "ah ha" moment occurs, I say to myself, "I MUST write this down!"

I often think of quirky titles, or plot scenarios, that would work well as a children's picture book. Sometimes I jot down the idea, and sometimes it gets lost in the busyness of my day. Thankfully, owning an iPad, and carrying it around like an extension of my arm, allows me to record most of my inspirations.

As I read through the Bible (which I do each year), I am constantly tempted to write the "inside scoop" on an unnamed character, who's past is not mentioned in the text. My mind begins to "fill in the blanks" of his or her life, so that someday, the story will "come alive" for my readers. That, in a nutshell, is my passion.

When someone mentions that my writing has inspired them, whether by reading my travel log, and feeling "they are there", or, by my devotionals, saying they have been convicted to change a behavior and see God in a different light, my spirits soar! It's not about fame and fortune, or even seeing my name in print that matters. It's about making a difference in people's lives, and inspiring them to love God and His creation more fully.

As I continue to write my stories, devotionals and articles, and receive positive comments about the content, I think, "What an honor and a blessing, Lord, to be a writer!"

So, why am I making this declaration?  I've decided to become a part of the "15 Habits of Great Writers Challenge", hosted by Jeff Goins, author of "You are a Writer", an e-book which is inspiring me to continue with the passion God has given me.

Here is Jeff's Challenge:

"Ever since I wrote "You Are a Writer", I wanted to do a series about it on my blog.
People would ask me, "What does it take to build a platform?" Or, "How do you get up every day and just write?"

We're going to answer those questions together in a 15-day writing challenge"...Jeff Goins

Here is a lineup of his 15 challenges for this three week period:  

 1. Declare
 2. Believe
 3. Initiate
 4. Practice
 5. Prepare
 6. Steal
 7. Start
 8. Build
 9. Connect
10. Share
11. Declutter
12. Provoke
13. Publish
14. Brand
15. Serve

Follow me on the journey, or, join yourself here. I'm a week behind, but, I'll be catching up during the next few days...hang on tight!