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Crystal Stine

Home / 31Days / Five Minute Friday: Write

Five Minute Friday: Write

31Days, FMF

Five Minute Friday



Linking up with Lisa-Jo Baker and the Five Minute Friday gals today. Will you join and read some of the most beautiful words on the web? And yes, I did actually “reserve” spots in my #31Days series for this link up, because I needed a reason to write live & not schedule the whole month! We’ll see how it works!



I was bouncing in and out of the Five Minute Friday party tonight because I was writing. Not a blog post – thanks to #31days most of my posts for the month are done. Not for work, though I do plenty of that. I was writing one of the most terrifying things I’ve ever attempted. As an English major who could knock out a 12 page paper in two hours, I have never considered myself at a loss for words. Until I had to commit to writing a book proposal. 
And now? I have no words. 
I’ve forgotten how to write in a way that it’s simply … me. 
I’ve been paralyzed by the sheer amount of work that it will take – and totally unsure how to even begin. Until a random email conversation turned into a joking banter with another amazing writer about how we should be accountability partners. And she said ‘yes, we should.’ So we did. 
As much as I fear starting this proposal and what it means, I’ll be darned if I won’t meet the challenge and do everything I can to make sure I’m holding up my end of the bargain. So we’re writing – in community. A small one, just two of us sharing this moment in our lives. And isn’t that what community is all about anyway? Joining together with like-hearted women who walk the same road – whether it’s one, or one-hundred. 
So in this season of writing ABOUT community, I’m so blessed to also be writing IN community for the first time. It makes me braver, somehow. 

October 3, 2013 ·

Previous Post: « When You Don’t Have It All Together
Next Post: When Community Hurts »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kimberly A Edwards says

    October 4, 2013 at 4:01 pm

    That’s awesome Crystal. Being in community also helps me write too. I’m so happy that you were able to find someone to be accountable with for writing. I think we all need this. Happy Friday!

  2. Holly Solomon Barrett says

    October 4, 2013 at 1:45 pm

    I feel your pain. I always seem to have plenty of words but a book proposal was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to write. And now I need to rewrite it to submit to other places. Yikes! But we’ll get through it…because we have to keep on writing, keep on using the words, keep on letting others read them!

  3. Amy @ Coffee with the Mrs. says

    October 4, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Love it! Crystal, you inspire so many. God bless those writing hands of yours.

  4. Anita says

    October 4, 2013 at 11:41 am

    You can DO IT! I found a handy how-to from Mary DeMuth, and I actually wrote a proposal in March. The problem I have is that I’m scared to do anything with it now that it’s done (I’ve edited it five times and had others critique it…what am I waiting for!). But, YES, you CAN write a book proposal! Go for it!

  5. Kris Camealy says

    October 4, 2013 at 4:32 am

    Here’s to bravery and obedience to our calling! You can do it.

  6. Alia_Joy says

    October 4, 2013 at 1:18 am

    Whoohoooo! Can’t wait to see what comes from this, friend. And so glad you’ve got someone to do it with. I must say, I’m pretty excited to see all my friends in print. God’s doing big things with all these writing warrior women. Big things.

  7. Wendy Jenkins says

    October 4, 2013 at 12:46 am

    Excited for you Crystal! Can’t wait to read it….:)

  8. Shell says

    October 4, 2013 at 12:25 am

    “Joining together with like-hearted women who walk the same road – whether it’s one, or one-hundred.” Community is what it’s all about. Be brave. Be bold. Be you.

  9. JulieJordanScott2 says

    October 4, 2013 at 12:00 am

    Hi Crystal! I haven’t done five minute Fridays for so long and I miss everyone. I saw your name on the personal endeavors list and it made me so happy! One of the things I adored about fiveminutefriday were the lead-in parties. I remember when I was new and thought no one cared but everyone did. I’m so glad to be reading some of your #31days posts now as well. Brava!

  10. Jessica says

    October 3, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    It’s amazing how fear can paralyze even the surest of gifts. And, like you, I find writing in community is so much richer. It brings a whole new dimension to it. Thanks for sharing your gift of words and encouragement with us. 🙂

  11. Ashley Skillman says

    October 3, 2013 at 11:49 pm

    Good luck with the proposal! You will do great! And I love the community aspect to this!!

  12. Karrilee Aggett says

    October 3, 2013 at 11:24 pm

    Yay… here’s to being braver… and being together… and being braver together!

  13. Kelly says

    October 3, 2013 at 11:06 pm

    So proud of you! You’ve got this! Whether on you blog or in a book, you bless!

  14. Amy Boyd says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:47 pm

    I am so excited to hear the you are writing a book proposal. Your heart for community is so needed now and for us to pass down you our little ones. I pray that He give you the words to write and the peace to be still when you need to.

  15. Tonya says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:40 pm

    So glad friend… and can I just say I can not wait to read your words!!! You go and get ’em girl and I’ll be praying for you!

  16. Sarah says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:36 pm

    So happy you’ve found a partner in accountability. Someone is waiting to read your book. I know it.

  17. Paula Claunch says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:33 pm

    Awesome! So glad you are doing this!

  18. Angi Pratt says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:24 pm

    Girl. If you write a book, I will SO be first on the list to read it. You have words of wisdom my friend. xoxo

  19. Peggy Spencer says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    We all need that push sometimes!

  20. Kim@onerebelheart says

    October 3, 2013 at 10:21 pm

    Funny how those words seem so elusive when we need them most! A book proposal? Awesome! I love being part of this FMF community with you!

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