Aspiring Writers: Have you asked yourself these questions?

10 Questions Every Writer Should Ask Themselves

I have comprised a list of questions I believe every writer should ask themselves before launching out into the writing industry.  Being truthful about your answers to these particular questions will make you more aware of your strengths and challenges, and help you zone in, and work towards improving in those areas where you aren't fully confident.

I have answered these questions on several occasions, and my honest answers always reveal my true passion towards my writing career.  Hopefully, they will do the same for you.

1.      Why do I write?

2.      Who do I write for?

3.      Do I take myself seriously as a writer?

4.      What are my short and long term goals as a writer?

5.      Because a writing career requires discipline, am I self-disciplined enough to set and reach goals on my own? If not, what am I willing to do to become more disciplined?

6.      Am I passionate enough about being a writer to motivate myself during rough patches?

7.      Can I handle rejection?

8.      What am I willing to do, and/or sacrifice, to grow and develop as a writer?

9.      Am I committed to being a writer for the long haul, or am I just exploring a hobby?

10. Do I have a writing mentor/coach?

Let's chat!  Do these questions make you take a serious look at your desire to become a writer?  

Aspiring Writers: Overcoming Fear

What if no one likes my work and I fail as a writer?

Fear was the #1 factor holding me back from stepping out into the world of writing. Although deep inside I knew the gift and the desire was within me, I was so afraid of failing and not being accepted, that I didn’t write anything for a long time. I was aware that the Lord had given me messages of hope to share with others, but fear told me that no one would want to read anything I had to say. And for years I believed just that. But I really had to grasp the words of 1 Timothy 1:7, which say “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power…” Every time fear came knocking on the doors of my mind, I had to remind myself of its truth, and sometimes, I simply had to do it afraid. I made up in my mind that although I hoped my work would be received by others, I’d write whatever the Lord placed on my heart, and leave it at that.

See, you have to learn to be okay with the validation the Lord gives. At the end of the day, His is only one that truly matters. Yes, we all want to be accepted, but even in rejection, if you’re doing what you’ve been called to do, there’s no way you can fail. Fear is not real – or maybe it is – but it doesn’t have to control you and stop you from reaching your destiny as a writer. Give fear the boot, and trust that you’ve been empowered with all you need to be one of the Lord’s successful scribes.

Do it afraid!

Writer’s Affirmation: The spirit of fear no longer has rule over me, and I am empowered by the Holy Spirit to operate in the gifts the Lord has given me. I am free to write, and from this day forward I will do so to the glory of the Lord.

*Excerpt from "3 Mental Hurdles to Bulldoze from Your Mind", LRC Editing's FREE resource for aspiring writers.

February Savings!

I am in LOVE with helping those who are grammar-challenged reach their writing goals and assisting authors in perfecting their written work. Here's a special discount from LRC Editing for the month of February!

FREE Resource for Aspiring Writers!

Stepping out into the world of writing can be a bit scary.  Feelings of fear, insecurity, and inferiority flood your mind and give you every reason why you're not good enough and don't have what it takes to be a successful writer.  But that's just not so.  If you have the gift, the desire, and the call upon your life to pen words that pierce the hearts of others, whether to the masses or a small group at your church or community center, then everything you need is already within you.

I've written an inspirational resource to help you drive out the mental hurdles that come to paralyze you as you endeavor to journey out into Writersville.  I promise, it's really not as frightening as it seems. It's available for FREE download on my site at LRC Editing.

Read 3 Mental Hurdles to Bulldoze from Your Mind and be inspired to release your inner scribe.

Happy Writing!

Free Editing Service Giveaway!

It's LRC Editing's birthday month! On January 16th, the business will celebrate its 1st year!! YAY!!

To celebrate, I am conducting a FREE EDITING SERVICE Giveaway!! If you have completed, or are working towards completing your FIRST book, you may enter the drawing. Here are the guidelines:

Submit a ONE-PAGE QUERY LETTER to me via email (LCollins@LRCEditing.com) by JANUARY 16th. The letter should should include a description of the book, your inspiration behind writing it, and a short bio.

There will be three (3) winners:
1st place - FREE full editing service.
2nd place - 20% discount on full editing service.
3rd place - 30% discount on full editing service.

Winners will be announced January 30th!

Holiday Sale at LRC Editing!

Thanksgiving Giveaway

I love Thanksgiving!  Although it's often overshadowed by America's favorite holiday - Christmas - it is my personal favorite.  Thanksgiving always puts me in a mode of reflecting upon the many things I am so grateful for, like life, good health, strength, a sound mind, my family, and the list goes on.  Aside from that, I enjoy gathering with my family around the dinner table, enjoying delicious food prepared with love -- and good seasoning!

While I am blessed to have all of the fine fixings that make up a great Thanksgiving feast, I am burdened by the fact that many families simply aren't able to afford such luxury.  And since Acts 20:35 tells us that "It is more blessed to give than to receive", it is my heart's desire to give a family the blessing of enjoying a Thanksgiving meal together.

As followers of Christ, it is our duty to be Jesus' hands and feet, and extend His love to our brothers and sisters.  We may not be able to physically help every person in need, but as Matthew 25:40 says, "when you did it to ONE of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!" So as an extension of Christ's love, this holiday season, LRC Editing  is giving away up to $100 in groceries to a family in need.

Here is how you, or a family you know, can possibly receive this gift:

Between now and November 16th, send a one-time email to LCollins@LRCEditing.com with "Thanksgiving" in the subject line.  Include your name (or the person/family you are submitting), address, phone number, family size, and the circumstances surrounding the need for help.  I will review all submissions, and as the Lord leads, contact the family selected on Monday, November 19th.  All submissions are confidential, and the family selected will not be publicly announced.

*Rules & Regulations*
1.  Must be a resident of Mobile, AL or surrounding areas of Mobile County.
2.  No cash, gift cards, gift certificates, checks, or anything of monetary value will be given. Groceries ONLY.
3.  Family cannot be directly related to any affiliates of LRC Editing.

Please, serious submissions only.

I look forward to being a blessing to you!

In Christ's love,
LaKeisha Rainey-Collins