A Writer's Garden

Even if you don’t have a “green thumb,” it’s very likely that on occasion you’re drawn into a local garden center or nursery by something that catches your attention. Brilliant colors and lush greenery. Earthy or flowering scents. The melody of a waterfall or wind chimes.
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There’s so much to take in--from flats of flowers to racks of packaged seeds to sweet little bushes with root balls nested in burlap. So many varieties to choose from. Plants that thrive in dense shade. Others in full sun. Moist soil required or well-drained preferred.
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And then there are the tools... Shovels, rakes and hoes. Trowels and pruners. Plant stands and caddies. Trellises. Shepherd’s hooks and hanging baskets. Ceramic pots.
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For me, spending time at a local garden shop is akin to Disneyland on a miniature scale. The happiest place on earth. It’s a magical world that stretches the imagination as I envision my patio, porch or garden space along the side of the house as a riot of color, butterflies and hummingbirds dancing happily among the blooms
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But alas, despite the cool tools to admire, the varieties of vegetation to select from and all the dreaming in the world, it’s not going to happen if I don’t get my hands dirty. (Ever notice how even if you wear protective gloves that still manages to happen?)
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Writing toward publication is very similar. From the moment that vision first captures our heart to put words on paper for a reading audience, it will lay dormant--only wishful thinking--if we’re unwilling to do “the dirty work.”
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And what does that involve? Just as with plants, our writing seedling needs attention--plenty of TLC. That requires discipline to “work the soil” of a regular writing schedule, not waiting for “inspiration.” It’s watering and enriching the soil as we endeavor to learn more about the writing craft and the publishing industry. Self-editing prunes away the lifeless scenes, pinches off purposeless dialogue and cuts away dead words that slow down pacing and brings yawns to a reader. Weeding removes negative thoughts that choke our seedling’s progress. Sometimes transplanting is needed--from one genre to another. And always we need the warm sunshine of connecting with those who will encourage us not to give up.
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All of the Seekers are now published. But that’s just the beginning. Our dreams have barely sprouted above the surface, have just started that stretch toward the sky. The possibilities for growth are endless. But now more than ever we must be mindful that to consistently bloom, to bear fruit, we must continue to get our hands dirty. Just as we did when “pre-published,” we must keep learning the writing craft and applying what we learn. We must be diligent to use the “tools” we’ve discovered. One of the great beauties of being a writer is that there’s always room for growth. It’s a never-ending adventure.
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Please share with us what YOU are doing TODAY to nurture the seedling in your writing garden. What’s your next step? To finally put words to paper for the first time? To establish a regular writing schedule? Set a word count goal? Better master dialogue or pacing or deep point of view? Enter a contest for feedback? Whatever it may be, commit to that area of growth with all your heart--partner with God, be willing to get your hands dirty, and watch what happens!
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Glynna
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If you’d like to be entered in a drawing for a copy of my August 2011 release “At Home In His Heart” and a Paperwhite Indoor Growing Kit please mention it in the comments section -- then watch our Weekend Edition for the winner!
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Don't forget...we're giving away a Toshiba Netbook (loaded with Microsoft Office) at the end of the month from a random drawing of all our visitors. Mary Connealy has increased your odds by adding your name in the randomizer for the monthly drawing EVERY time you comment.

Glynna Kaye’s Love Inspired “Dreaming of Home” was a 2010 finalist in the “Carol Award” and “Maggie Award,” as well as a first place winner of the 2010 “Booksellers Best” and “Beacon” awards. Glynna’s most recent release “At Home In His Heart” (August 2011) garnered a 4 ½ start review from national magazine “RT Book Reviews.” Her “High Country Hearts” debuts in March 2012, the fourth set in the mountain country community of Canyon Springs, Arizona.