Hallelujah Anyway!

How do you begin? The answer is simple: you decide to. Then you push back your sleeves and start writing–I.e., scribbling words down on paper, or typing at a computer. And it will be completely awful. It will be unreadable s*#t! You won’t have a clue how it account to anything, ever. And to that, I say, Welcome. That’s what it’s like to be a writer. But you just do it anyway. At my church, we sing a gospel song called, “Hallelujah anyway.” Everything’s a mess, and you’re going down the tubes financially, and gaining weight? Well, Hallelujah anyway.

-Anne Lamott, recently on her Facebook page

This endearing part of a recent Facebook post by Anne Lamott only cements me further to her. No one speaks to my inner author quite like Anne.

Despite the swear word and a few teensy typos, I decided to run this quote as is because it motivates me. I want and am seriously ready to venture beyond my weekly blog posts, book reviews and such and write something of quantitative value.

Anne Lamott and Me! On the occasion of my most recent birthday!
Anne Lamott and Me! On the occasion of my most recent birthday!

For the last couple of years, I have wanted to write a non fiction book about Grace and my coming into the Light. A fellow blogger friend of mine has a book release TODAY and I am so inspired by this! (Go Heather!). Can I say it? To write a book and get it published is a really big dream of mine.

Anne is right. The best thing to do is just get started. This can apply to any dream- a new job, new contacts, new life- you name it. Just get started. And as Anne said it may be awful but so what! At least we got started.

Is there something you have been procrastinating about? If you’re interested, we can tag each other in our dream project. Tell me about it in the comment section below and we’ll cement our commitment. I am going to write my book and you are going to _______________.  If you’re overwhelmed at the moment and can’t take on another thing, just offer a few words of encouragement or your favorite quote about energy, motivation or desire.

Seriously, let’s do this together….xo

It's nice to share. Thank you.

19 Replies to “Hallelujah Anyway!”

  1. My dream is the same as yours! I have actually started 3 of them and was getting close to finishing the first one (mine are all fiction) when my world was turned upside down. My 4 precious grand children have been placed in my care and I have so very little time to write now. I figure that, worst case the baby will be starting school in 2 years and I can get back to it then, ha ha!
    I would be honored to edit your book when you write it! (The first one is free!)
    You have talent and inspiration,,. go for it!! Self publishing ebooks is not hard at all and I also know a couple of cover artists if you are interested!
    I would wish you luck, but you don’t need it…your talent will see you through!
    ~Cathy~

    1. Cathy, My heart goes out to you as you care for your grandchildren. I will take your words to heart and begin a book! (I am honored you will edit it!)
      I hope the day will come when you will carve out more time for yourself and we will be at author events together!! xo Joanne

    2. Joanne, just start writing! My first 2 barely resemble what they started out be. I have many author friends who say the same thing. Just get it out and you can fix it later. The one I am currently working on, Just a Matter of Time, barely resembles the first draft! I will send you the first chapter and see what you think!

  2. Joanne-one of the main reasons why I turned to a blog was ,due in part, to my having always wanted to write–I just haven’t had a good central starting point as there is so much, very different things, I write about—so we shall see—I am happy that you are jumping in with both feet–ready to go—I’ll be here on the sidelines cheering you on!! Julie

    1. Julie, thank you for your encouragement and support. I began blogging because I heard it was a great way to build an audience. Plus my blog has given me some good writing practice. And I have met the greatest people! (just like you!) Thanks again, Joanne

  3. We’ll look forward to seeing what you write – use us as a test audience if you like! I wish you all the best – don’t let go of the moment and give up – you will have a lot of support here in the blogosphere! XOXO

  4. Sounds like a perfect book for Hay House Publisers 🙂 Do it, Joanne.

    I have so many things in progress. I’m looking forward to the day I don’t have to go into a job which takes all of my energy, so that I can concentrate solely on my inspirations. Let the Blessings keep coming, and Hallelujah!

    Blessings for your successes,
    Marianne xo

    1. I am trying to relish the time I am taking to be with my mom. I don’t miss my full time job because my days are so packed. I hope the day comes sooner rather than later, for you to work solely on your inspirations! xo Joanne

  5. Hello my friend. Just thinking I wanted you to know, I am standing in your corner, my hand is on your shoulder…………by reading your comment section, you have quite a few hands on your shoulders. Can you feel the weight? Can you feel the goodness? I for one, am voting for you to write your book! Yes please, use us your audience and friends as a test group.
    I have been toying with the idea of writing a children’s book. Even if I have to type it on typing paper and sew the binding on my sewing machine, I will write it for my grandgirlies!
    You inspire.
    I want to be one of the first to place an order for your first book. Count me in the two thumbs up group!
    You go girl…………….may we all continue to be bathed in your words of Grace.
    Hugs from the left coast.

    1. Well, now this almost makes me cry. Thanks for your wonderful vote of support! I just have to sit down and do it. I hope you write your children’s book. Let me know when you start and we will encourage each other! Many blessings to you today!! xo Joanne

      1. Hey and you gave me the boost I needed to try out my video making skills; you can see my ‘decide to do it” attitude in my latest post. Thanks for helping me to get there. 🙂

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