My trip to Colorado was electrifying. Being amongst the breathtaking backdrop of mountains, rivers, and vast skies while learning about becoming more intentional with my writing was a dream.
I attended a Writers Boot Camp led by Margaret Feinberg and Jonathan Merritt for three chock-full days. I learned oodles of information about the world of writing and the publishing industry. It was exactly what I needed to hear! God has been so faithful and amazing to lead me into wondrous learning environments.
In 2013, I attended Proverbs 31’s She Speaks/She Writes conference. It was the first time I had ever been in an environment full of writers. Being able to talk and bounce ideas off of other like-minded individuals was a dream. Throughout the conference, however, I felt this need to “catch up” to the other attendees.
Waves of doubt and comparison started rushing in.
“Should I have a book proposal already? How do I create a website that will attract subscribers? Do I have a platform to stand on that others will want to engage in?”
I had to step away for a brief moment. It was there in the quiet that I heard God gently telling me to just take it one blog post at a time.
If I’m writing just to climb a ladder of success, then it will be a stressful quest.
If I’m writing to reach out to others and encourage them, then a mindful pace is best.
I have found that there is distinct beauty in each level. Then, I was a novice.
Now, exactly two years later, I have a pretty sweet website, have become a freelance writer thus increasing “my audience,” and have been growing in my “platform.”
I’m not where the big-wigs are, but that’s ok with me.
Going to the Writers Boot Camp in Colorado, while being engulfed in the beautiful landscape of rolling hills and colorful skies, gave me the necessary “marching orders” to step up my writing to the next level on my path.
The mountainous backdrop was symbolic of the never-ending highs and lows that a journey like writing will take you on.
Oh, how beautiful is that journey!
Now, I am no longer that novice writer. It’s amazing to look back and see how faithful God has been at introducing people into my life, at just the right time, to encourage and lead me along the next level of my path. I am so grateful and excited to see what’s ahead!
If you have a dream, breathe into it. Don’t get freaked out if you are not where you perceive others to be. Social media is dangerous at highlighting a person’s achievements without showing all of the grueling time and work it took them to get there.
So keep walking on your path. You never know what could be on the other side of that mountain.
Mandy as usual I enjoyed your blog. You have evolved over the past few years into a true author in your writings. Your thoughts and insight into life is a help to everyone. Keep reporting your travel experiences. Where ever you go your readers go also! Love you sweet lady. Who knows what is on the other side of that mountain. ❤️
Thank you so much, Aunt Sandra! I will definitely keep reporting my adventures 🙂 I know, I just can’t wait to see! Love you!
Mandy, It was an incredible 3 days, overflowing with information, direction, and respect.
Hey Terri!
Yes, it most certainly was. I had to give my brain some time to “digest” it all! 🙂
Great post, Mandy! Very encouraging. It was such a great 3 days. I am ready to go back (with my family this time!).
Thank you so much, Scott! Yes, it was wonderful and the scenery was the icing on the cake!
So excited for you, Mandy!! You’ve pursued your dream of becoming a writer ever since I’ve known you. It’s very inspiring! It’s so fun to see the adventures you go on. I cherish our friendship and look forward to seeing what’s next for you 🙂
Rachael, thank you so much! That’s so cool that you’ve been able to see my writing journey the whole time we’ve been friends! Haha! I cherish our friendship too and thank you for your encouragement friend!
I’m so glad you had a great trip and writer’s workshop! I want to hear more details from you soon! What did you think about the scenery? I think that part of the U.S. has a really unique kind of beauty.
Erin! Thank you so much! Yes, we need to catch up soon! I thought it was so beautiful over there! There were no two mountains exactly the same 🙂 It’s def a vacation destination spot that everyone should take!
Mandy,
Your writing is so good and very descriptive. You have a gift of taking your readers with you on your adventures. We are so thankful God is blessing you with access to your dreams.
We love you ,
Mom & Pop
Thanks Ma & Pop! It’s a ton of fun and I am so thankful that readers are coming along with me! Love ya!