“People who say they write for themselves write for no one. The reader is the spark that makes your work explode into being.” — Mary Karr
Christianity
Why You Need a Writing Rhythm
When it comes to creating online content, the word “rhythm” sometimes seems to connote consistency. “You should publish content regularly,” says the great and mighty they, “so that you’ll rank, readers will visit, et cetera, et cetera.” I don’t necessarily have a problem with the statement — publishing content on a consistent basis helps with SEO and creates audience expectations — but I think of “rhythm” in a different way.
Make Good Tables
What the Church should be telling [the carpenter] is this: that the very first demand his religion makes upon him is that he should make good tables. — Dorothy Sayers, “Why Work”
Good Writing Takes Sweat
(and maybe some blood and tears)
It’s surprising how many parallels exist between high-grade athletics and top-level creative work. There are strategies that will help optimize, improve, cultivate…but the main ingredients are always the same.
The effort — focused positively and generously — is what matters. The time. The energy. The willingness to try — over and over again.
The readiness to exert, to sweat.
— Death to the Stock Photo, “Sweat”
Gifts versus Talents
Similarly, we are each given different gifts and talents by our Master. The thing that matters most is how we use what we have been given, not how much we make or do compared to someone else. What matters is that we spend ourselves. — Francis Chan, Crazy Love
This Matters: Church Community
“Committing to a local church is all about love.” — Tyler David, The Austin Stone