Not Second Best
by Steph Beth Nickel
I’ll write a book when…
I’ll write my next book when…
There are countless numbers of people who would like to write a book “some day,” whether it’s their first or thirty first. In fact, you may be one of them. I know I am.
I have numerous ideas for books I’d like to write and self-publish, but will I get around to it? We’ll see.
For now, my life is filled with editing others’ manuscripts, assisting my hubby as we prepare to renovate and sell our home of over 20 years, planning for our move west, serving as Contest Coordinator for InScribe—and yes, tweaking and submitting the manuscript I wrote with my coauthor.
Are these things keeping me from completing other manuscripts I’ve begun and those floating around my mind? Are they getting in the way of writing and publishing picture books, women’s fiction, devotionals, etc., etc., etc.? Are they second best?
To be honest, I have several hours each day that I could dedicate to writing. And while you may not, there are probably 15-60-minute blocks of time you could set aside for writing multiple times per week.
But does that mean that if we don’t “straighten up and fly right,” for whatever reason, we should view our day-to-day responsibilities and even our socialization and relaxation as second best?
We’ve all heard a lot about mindset these days, but how we view our endeavours has a lot to do with how we spend our time. Plus, our mindset has even more to do with our attitude and emotions.
Let’s look at how we spend our time, maybe even keep track for a few days or a week of how we spend each hour of the day.
We can’t be “the best” at everything, but we do have to prioritize our tasks. Too often, downtime and writing are at the bottom of the list. And too often, we resent our “evil day job” and/or other day-to-day responsibilities.
What if we began to give thanks for the opportunities to earn an income, care for our aging family member, play outside with our children or grandchildren?
What if we reminded ourselves that blessing even one other person is a privilege—even when it’s draining?
What if we gave ourselves the grace to watch a TV show, listen to a podcast, or read a novel without guilt?
Would there still be time to write?
In my case, I know the answer is an unequivocal yes. And you might find the same is true for yourself. But if not, maybe now isn’t the season to write that book. That doesn’t mean, however, that it will never be the right time. And if you can carve out those few minutes even two or three times per week, we may be celebrating with you in the next year or two that you’re ready to press Publish or send off queries to agents and/or publishers.
Wishing you all the best (not second best) today and always!

As an editor, Steph Beth Nickel has the honour of coming alongside writers to help them polish their work. As the coauthor of Paralympian Deb Willows’s memoirs, Steph has been blessed to work with this amazing woman. And as a future self-published author, with the Lord’s help, Steph has taken brave steps toward publication.
If you would like more information about her services, you can contact her at stephbethnickelediting@gmail.com.
You’re invited to visit her website: http://stephbethnickeleditor.com/.
You can join her Editing Tips Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418423519384351.