Hi friends and happy Wednesday. I’m super excited to introduce my friend Kelly Goshorn. Kelly is a super gifted writer and I’m honored to have her guest posting on the blog today. She’s written a wonderful post. Hope you enjoy, and be sure to comment to be entered to win her beautiful debut novel.
What My Dog Taught Me About the Writing Life
by Kelly Goshorn
by Levi Goshorn
by Kelly & Levi Goshorn
I’m definitely a dog person.
What’s not to love about fury, adorable creatures that make you feel like a princess on her wedding day every time they see you?
My Welsh corgi, Levi, is my baby. He’s not only sweet, but he’s also savvy about a lot of things. Today I thought I’d share some simple truths Levi has taught me about the writing life.
Sometimes, You Gotta Walk Off-Leash
We stopped walking Levi on a leash years ago. He never strays far ahead of us or lingers more than a house behind. Nose down, my little fella stops and investigates random stuff, zig-zagging all over. Levi enjoys the journey.
Yes, writing for publication is a business, but if we’re not careful, endless deadlines, revisions, and marketing tasks will siphon our creativity. Write something that makes you laugh or cry. Fall in love with your story and your characters. Play with the words on the page until they sing the perfect melody. Text your best writing bud a line of dialogue that made you think, “wow, I wrote that.”
It’s Not All About Westminster
Levi is not an AKC registered corgi. His markings don’t bear the breed standard—no white fury ring around his neck, his nose sports a pink blemish where it should be black, and his right front paw is crooked.
Just like my sweet boy, most of us will never win Best in Show. While it can be tempting to covet the big dogs who are winning all the blue ribbons, comparison will only rob our joy. There are many adorable mutts in the world, and they are dearly loved, too.
Listen to Your Master’s Voice
Levi can do a variety of standard dog tricks—sit, shake, high five. But my favorite is his response to the word “mine.” I can put steak in the palm of my hand, position it beneath his nose, tell him “mine,” and Levi won’t touch it until I say, “Ok.” And what’s truly amazing, is in that moment, no matter what else is happening, his eyes are intently focused on me—waiting, listening for my voice alone.
I know that I’ve been called to write, that it’s my ministry. It’s also the most challenging thing God has ever asked of me. If I’m not careful, the voice of doubt creeps in and tells me I’m not good enough, that I can’t do it, and cripples me with fear. That’s when I need to be still, focus on God, and listen to my Master’s voice.
“I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13, NIV
Wherever this writing journey leads, I know Levi will be nearby, helping me make the most of the adventure.
What lessons about the writing life have surprised you?
More about A Love Restored
With pert opinions and a less-than-perfect figure, Ruth Ann Sutton doesn’t measure up to society’s vision of a perfect lady. When she accepts a position teaching in a Freedman’s School, it threatens the only marriage offer Ruth Ann is likely to receive. She’s forced to choose between life as a lonely spinster or reinventing herself to secure a respectable proposal.
Determined to rise above his meager beginnings, Benjamin Coulter’s reputation as a fast learner and hard worker earn him the opportunity to apprentice with a surveyor for the railroad—a position that will garner the respect of other men. After a chance encounter with Ruth Ann Sutton, Benjamin is smitten with her pretty face, quick wit, and feisty personality.
When others ridicule his choice, will Benjamin listen to his heart or put ambition first?
Purchase a copy here.
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Loved your (corrected twice) byline, Kelly. And this post! So much wisdom there. A delight to have you on the blog today!
Thanks, Deb. It’s fun to be here on a blog that has meant so much to me over the years. And I appreciate Dani giving me the opportunity to share some insights Levi has taught me!
I love your lessons from Levi, Kelly! I agree with them all. Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Hi Deena, Levi is tickled to make his blogging debut with me today! I’ll make sure to pass on your compliments to him!
Levi is one smart pup! (and adorable too!)
Thanks, Joy! Between you and me, he might be a tad bit spoiled as well!
There is a lot of practical wisdom here and a hint of your humor shines through. I love the fact that you accept and share that we can’t all be Best In Show but we can do our best to be our best where God has placed us.
Thank you, Vickie, but I think you summed up the point better than I did!
Delighted to have you guest posting on the blog today, Kelly! I’m a dog person, too. Their companionship adds so much to the writing life. 🙂
That is so true, Becky. I’m pretty extroverted for a writer so his companionship is my lifeline. He also gets me up and moving a few times a day.
I just love how you have shared these lessons about not only writing, but our daily walk as well. And who better to teach us about a walk, than a dog. There is something about the concrete in our lives that makes those lessons stick so much better. Thanks for sharing your marvelous pup and your powerful words.
Thank you, Kathleen. I always find devotionals that come from practical life applications so imapactful.
Levi is so adorable! Great blog post, thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Megan! Levi is my baby.
Thanks for sharing! Love Levi’s insights!
Thanks, Renee! Levi is far more insightful than even I had realized! LOL!
Wonderful post! Several years ago, after my dad passed away, I took his senior Corgi to live out the rest of her life. She was a treasure for sure.
Your book looks fantastic 🙂
Aww, that’s sweet. I think corgis are pretty amazing little dogs. They’re smart, so they’re easy to train and clearly know how to give good writing advice!
What a fun post! Who knew Levi was such a writing genius. Thanks for sharing your wonderful tips. (I have a copy of your book so don’t pick me in the drawing).
Shhh, don’t let Levi hear you say that. Next thing you know he’ll want to consult with me on all future stories. LOL!
Hi, Kelly! So good to “see” you hear! Levi is a sweetheart and one wise pup!
He certainly is but I can’t let him see all these comments or his head will be too big for his doggy door!
Great lessons, Kelly and Levi! Thanks for sharing! Zoe gives you 4 Paws Up.
Hi Carol, that is high praise indeed considering Zoe is an Instagram star in her own right. People have told me in the past that I should make an Instagram page for Levi but I don’t think I could handle him having more followers than me!LOL! But I think your 3 Dogs and their Authors idea is pure genius! It’s a fun IG account to follow! I wish you much success with that.
Love me some Levi! He is one smart puppy. My own little fur ball of distraction has taught me sometimes ya just gotta chase the cat… meaning sometimes we need to do something for no other reason than because it’s fun and makes us smile. Sure, it annoys the cat, but that the price it pays for being a cat.
Bahahaha! I love that! As always, you seamlessly blend wit and wisdom, dear friend!
Fun post! Great insight.
And our pets definitely make our writer’s lives more interesting, don’t they? 😉
Yes, they do. I often explain things to Levi and my husband says, “you know he doesn’t understand you, right?” I just grin because I think he does on some level.
Great post and so much truth in your writing tips!
Good luck and God’s blessings to you and Levi!
PamT
Thanks so much, Pam!