I’m officially calling it. I’m pausing on writing my novel. I have quite a bit on my plate right now, which I’m loving, but having a huge looming project like writing a novel over my head isn’t helpful at the moment. BUT, I know summer will be here sooner than later, and instead of waking up super early to take my daughter to school, I can instead wake up super early to make myself some tea and get to writing and editing.
I think I’m learning not to strive for perfection. I’m learning that it’s okay to hit “pause” and to realize what season I’m in. And I’m also learning a lot about myself as a writer. I love reading fiction, and I’ve felt convicted to write a few novels for the Lord. But I feel there might be a shift in what I write after my next book. I think maybe instead, I’ll be thinking about writing a nonfiction book. I have no clue what that will look like, so can you do me a favor and pray that God confirms my next steps?
May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.Psalm 90:17
I did want to mention I finally have a schedule down. Monday (blog posts), Wednesday (diary episodes), and Friday (updates like this one). Planting away and watching God grow this thing!
P.S. – If you’re wondering where you can listen to my diary, you can do so on YouTube.
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This week’s posts.
Making changes, finding routine.
Finding faith through parenting.
“In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
– Psalms 4:8
© 2023 by Ericka Clay
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Ericka Clay 
This writing thing can be so daunting at times. I am finally back home after a rough week away and playing catch up. We are at different stages in life. My daughters are grown and I am somewhat retired. So at 52 I am starting my career as a writer/novelist.
I will keep you in my prayers and prayerfully be following your journey. How do I subscribe to your podcast through apple?
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I’ll be praying for you, too, Karen! Keep me updated on what you’re writing. You’ve got my email. Do you have the Apple podcast app? You can search for it on there and then just hit “follow.” Thanks so much! 🙂
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I will download it. Do you offer an emailed newsletter?
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I send one every Friday through this website, so you should receive it if you receive my other posts in your inbox. I used to use Mailchimp but really like having everything here on WP.
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So your newsletter comes over as a post? Which means Mailchimp isn’t necessary if I choose to use WordPress and send as a blog post. Is this correct?
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Yes, I publish it as a post. Just a heads up that if a person who subscribes to my blog to receive my newsletter signs up by email but they already have a WP account, I’m not able to download their email for later use (in case I do want to do a Mailchimp newsletter again). This is the only downside. But honestly? I’ve been enjoying just doing everything through my site. I feel God’s asked me to “downsize” and just focus on the writing, so this is where I am right now. I know other writers do it differently, so by no means is this the only way. It’s just what’s working for me right now.
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It seems counter-productive, but this is a wise thing to do. I’m a new follower of your blog, and I’ve been wanting to tell you about an author named Allen Arnold. His book Eden Option was life-changing for me as a writer. I followed it with Chaos Can’t, which was equally as earth-shattering. I just started The Story of With, and I’ve been in tears once already.
Pushing pause is essential, because you fill yourself back up when you pause.
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Thank you, Natalie! You’re the second person to recommend him to me this week! A friend of mine attended a writing conference he was a part of and sent me a podcast interview of his. I’ll have to look into his books. Thanks so much for following and mentioning his work!
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Hi Natalie. I am new to blogging and in the learning stage. Thanks for sharing the book suggestions. I will be following your journey as well. I love the power within your words! Karen
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