Jeannie. As a priest, I can tell you, using your own words, Catholics have to do the faith "shit" every day. People who are either new or very superficial in their thinking think that believing in God is all about consolations and feeling good. Faith is about the cross. It is about believing in God's love and presence when you are so tired, angry or fed up with God, the church or others that you want to just give up. Faith is the awareness, recognition and acceptance that God is with you especially when things are empty and you are falling behind or getting beaten. I would recommend having a crucifix nearby when you are writing. God is using the world to write on your soul, and your soul is not paper that will take lead or link. It is stone that has to be chiseled. Hope to talk to you on DRIVING HOME THE FAITH SOON. Fr. Rob Jack
Yes! I was thinking how this concept translates into all areas of our lives. The point is that we show up every day. That we don't give up when things get hard. I hope other readers will take away that message, too.
How true. Letting go of the end goal and focusing on the joy of the process (in painting as in writing) was a game changer for me personally. But you're right- it's a routine like anything else, like working out... It's work.
Well, I don't have an agent so I just pitched the independent presses I wanted to work with. As you say - grit and tons of hard work. No secret formula!
Jeannie. As a priest, I can tell you, using your own words, Catholics have to do the faith "shit" every day. People who are either new or very superficial in their thinking think that believing in God is all about consolations and feeling good. Faith is about the cross. It is about believing in God's love and presence when you are so tired, angry or fed up with God, the church or others that you want to just give up. Faith is the awareness, recognition and acceptance that God is with you especially when things are empty and you are falling behind or getting beaten. I would recommend having a crucifix nearby when you are writing. God is using the world to write on your soul, and your soul is not paper that will take lead or link. It is stone that has to be chiseled. Hope to talk to you on DRIVING HOME THE FAITH SOON. Fr. Rob Jack
Yes! I was thinking how this concept translates into all areas of our lives. The point is that we show up every day. That we don't give up when things get hard. I hope other readers will take away that message, too.
How true. Letting go of the end goal and focusing on the joy of the process (in painting as in writing) was a game changer for me personally. But you're right- it's a routine like anything else, like working out... It's work.
I'd love to hear what worked for you in securing a publishing contract for your memoir, Julie!
Well, I don't have an agent so I just pitched the independent presses I wanted to work with. As you say - grit and tons of hard work. No secret formula!
That's great to hear!