35 Comments
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Christiana Peterson's avatar

So so good, Shawn. Thank you the ways you lead us through.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Christiana.

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Meadow Rue Merrill's avatar

My thoughts exactly! I was about to post the same first three words. (:

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Jeannie Prinsen's avatar

This is so helpful and encouraging -- thanks!

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for reading, Jeannie. And for writing!

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Dixie Dillon Lane's avatar

I'm intrigued by these thoughts on patience.

Indeed, time is needed not just for the actual writing part of this work, and for revision, and for seeking publication, but for the thinking that precedes and surrounds these -- the interior and exterior experiences and the marination of those experiences into something rich to then communicate.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Yes!

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Cara Meredith's avatar

"It’s the audience you have, not the audience you wish for, that you should be serving." Yes, yes, yes. Thank you, Shawn. This is exactly what I needed to read today!

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for reading, Cara!

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Abigail's avatar

This whole post. Thank you. But especially the Bluey meme at the end. Bluey really is the best. I can't tell you how much it's changed my parenting for the better. Sad, I've gotten more encouragement from, felt seen by, and been gently corrected by that show than any Christian (or secular) parenting book. Also, it's good storytelling. It's one of a handful of kids shows I can watch without my brain melting. So yeah, thanks. :)

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

I feel the same way about Bluey. His parents are the absolute best. My kids are getting a bit annoyed with how often I say, "I'll tell you that for free!" :)

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Meadow Rue Merrill's avatar

Last night, before bed, I wrote in my journal, "I give up." But giving "it up" is a much, much better idea. So many changes in our family and life write now, it's hard to keep my head in the long story I've been working to revise. Feels impossible. Thanks for pointing the way home.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

I hear you, Meadow. I think a lot of time there is plenty we SHOULD be giving up. Or maybe "could" is a better word. And doing that allows us to continue the important work.

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Tatiana's avatar

I hear you too about keeping your head in the story. I wish I were someone who could just hop in and out but life distracts and then it’s like unpacking the whole suitcase to begin again. I’m hoping to remedy this… eventually

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Sam Scott's avatar

Lovely Shawn.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks, Sam.

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Julie's avatar

Very beautiful. Yes, to write, for the love.

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Lore Wilbert's avatar

Yep! Was just thinking a lot of this today too!

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Kristine Neeley's avatar

I was *JUST* writing in my journal the other day about tending to my own garden. It was an overflow of some time spent in John 15 and 1 Corinthians 12, but ultimately I was reminded that everyone's work and life can bear similar fruit that takes different shape.

Some things grow well in the soil of my garden (and life) and others simply don't -- sweet potatoes that don't grow to full size and yet my strawberries have inexplicably taken on a life of their own in another bed.

When I've got eyes on what others are able to do or not to do with their literal and figurative gardens I miss the unique challenges and joys of caring for mine. Of being grateful for the fruit that does inevitably come.

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Tatiana's avatar

Shawn I’ve really loved your recent posts about your writing process. Thank you for letting us in!

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Thanks for coming along on the journey, Tatiana.

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Michelle DeRusha's avatar

I wrote a blog post back in the day about "tending your own garden," and I know JDL has talked about it/written about it too -- so you are correct on both! :) Good post, Shawn.

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Kimi Harris's avatar

Thank you for this thoughtful response! I love how you always direct others back to the basics- which are the things we can control.

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Karen Anderson's avatar

Not everyone will like my writing and that's a good thing. I strive to find my niche, those trying to make sense of some of the same things as I am. Thank you for this well-written post. I found it very encouraging.

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Sara Bannerman's avatar

Can I push back on the ranking of audience? It seems like we have to balance our own enjoyment with those of others, much like how we create hospitality by tapping into both our own tastes and what would appeal to our guests. It feels like they have equal weight and we are always considering both simultaneously. Maybe that’s what you’re saying already.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

Sure! Push back! And every writer has to operate in a way that works for them. But I actually think it's impossible, in the moment of creativity, to be thinking of two separate audiences. I think as we go about our revising we can begin to consider them, but for me, trying to keep track of what the audience wants, in that moment of writing, has led to a lot of junky practice and poor writing.

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Sara Bannerman's avatar

Would you say that even in your above response, though, that you were thinking of yourself (the point you wanted to make) and me as the reader (a clear, thoughtful explanation that would help me to see your side?) I don’t think an audience’s personal tastes should ever carry much weight, but I’m wondering if our consideration of the audience is just more subtle. Once a piece of writing leaves the pages of a diary (or any medium that isn’t private), otherness or audience shares a front seat.

I *think*

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

My reply to your comment? I think writing a comment or note *to* someone is very different than writing a novel.

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Sara Bannerman's avatar

You’re right. But I think the whole point in writing a novel is for someone else to experience a story that’s only ever been in our own heads.

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

I don't disagree with that.

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Erika Tovi's avatar

Your first point really resonates. Thank you for sharing your perspective. Also, I’ve loved that Lamott quote for a long time now. :)

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Shawn Smucker's avatar

It's such a good one.

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