Ask the Author: Rachel N. Cleveland
Answered Questions (6)
Rachel N. Cleveland
I really didn't face writer's block with this current book, but when I am writing papers for my doctoral program I deal with writer's block by drinking a glass of red wine. Typically my writer's block comes from trying to be amazing the instant I start typing, instead of just typing and making it amazing as I go. So having a glass of wine, makes me a little more forgiving with myself and the process of writing a bit more fluid.
Rachel N. Cleveland
Knowing that someone can relate to my story or see it as encouraging, that is the best thing about being a writer. I've been writing since I was little. Have journals since kindergarten actually. But something about putting your story down on paper, about sharing your heart, your life, your world with someone you may never possibly know- that's just amazing. I love it!
Rachel N. Cleveland
Just start writing. Seriously. I never thought "published author" would be something on my resume. EVER! But here I am with a finished product that for some reason people are actually paying money for. That's crazy! My second piece of advice is don't try to get it perfect the first time, that is what editors are for. If you get so tied up in making it perfect, you will often lose the ideas or concepts you had for other pieces. So just keep moving forward, the rest will work itself out.
Rachel N. Cleveland
Currently I'm working on a book that examines this wartime mentality we are called to have as Believers. How if we are really living as if this is not our home, how then does that affect the way in which we live, our finances, our relationships with others, etc. So hopefully, it will be a book of a journey to understanding more of how to live a life worthy of the calling placed on us.
Rachel N. Cleveland
So far it comes from my own life. I get inspired by things people say, sermons I hear, music I listen to. I often times find myself writing in the middle of the night at the end of a very long day for the whole purpose of clearing my head so I can finally sleep. Those chapters or thoughts are typically my best.
Rachel N. Cleveland
Honestly, I wrote the book for myself. I had just gone through some very trying times in my life and I needed to be reminded that in all that seemingly bad the Lord was still at work for my good. So the idea came from reflecting on the trials I went through, the pain I suffered, and seeing God's great love and mercy through it all.
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