Living with Joy as a Writer By Judy Christie

Since writing my first novel at age 50, I’ve learned that living joyfully is a choice. Some days the path may be challenging, but I’m certain God doesn’t want me to whine, worry and be swamped by fear.






A few guidelines I try to live by (with gratitude for shoulders to cry on when I falter):

• Don’t give in to Murphy’s Law, the negative mindset that says whatever can go wrong will go wrong. Expect good things, and know you’re strong enough to deal with disappointments and setbacks.

• Sit down and write. One of my biggest joy-stealers is beating myself up for not writing – and then doing everything but writing. Embrace a schedule that works for you. Work steadily toward your writing goal, blending it with other priorities in your life.

• Be thankful. On our worst days, we have many blessings. While I haven’t heard from Oprah yet and folks tell me the publishing world has been turned inside out, I am grateful for all that’s going right in my life and for encouragement from many.

• Say “no” to certain things on your schedule to say “yes” to others. Slow down. Distractions are a dime a dozen, and they suck joy right out of you. Choose carefully what you put on your calendar.

• Encourage others. Send a note. Read a friend’s book, and let her know how much you enjoyed it. Do something nice for someone God puts on your path. Whine less, and praise more.

• Keep your writing in perspective. I remind myself that the plumber who was in our attic in August, the guy who repaired our roof and the waitress at my favorite café have hard jobs, too.

• Have fun! Enjoy life, instead of slogging through each day like you’re in quicksand. Make time for things you enjoy with people you love. Give me a flea market, a movie with my husband or a couple of hours in the porch swing, and I’m refreshed.

• Know that tomorrow is a new day. God’s compassions never fail.

I’d love to hear about your writing journey.
May your days be filled with joy!




Judy Christie’s new novel, The Glory of Green, comes out this week. Book 3 in The Green Series, it is about a big-city journalist who runs a small newspaper in the town of Green, La. Judy also writes the nonfiction Hurry Less Worry Less series, and her first YA novel, Wreath, will be released in fall. For more, see www.judychristie.com or visit with her on Facebook.


Today Judy is giving away THREE copies of The Glory of Green. The Glory of Green officially releases today and is book 3 in her series by Abingdon Press. Book 3 follows Gone to Green and Goodness Gracious Green.

Just leave a comment to be considered. Winners announced in the weekend edition.


And don't you just love Judy's writing tagline?

Hurry less. Worry less fiction.