A writer’s problem

“When we take pen to paper we embark on a journey for only the stoutest heart. Our existence is a constant state of wandering. Like knights of old, we are questing for our own grail, battling the dragons within us. Always searching, never quite finding.”

- Billy Coffey

(get used to seeing that)

Congratulations. And really – you got this spot on.

I so get this. Beautifully said.

You’ll just have to trust that the words are exactly the way they need to be…

First- How exciting. How I want what you have. It some how seems so impossible yet you talk of how I feel, what I wonder, and of how I doubt. It give me hope that I may someday be feeling as you do at this moment. You’ve climbed that mountain, the peak is in sight. You have been given a gift. Have faith in it.

This is an advent of sorts, and I cannot wait patiently.

Quoting Buffett, Twain, & Hemingway in a single post? You are a human casserole, Mr. Coffey.

Nope, can’t wait.

How cool is that?

Your first book. Congratulations, Bill.

Your thoughts are beautifully written today.

Jean
http://www.jeanmatthewhallwords.blogspot.com

“Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart” – William Wordsworth

The really great books can be read by many through the prism of individual experience, and then they take away the part with the greatest meaning FOR THEM.
I paint,
I find that what I am trying to say is often altered by the person viewing it.
Which is what makes art so wonderful.
I think you will end up shocked by the multiplicity of things in your books that people find, that you had no idea was there.
Good luck with your book. I hope it excells.

Billy, there was a time some months back when I introduced your writing to a friend as “profound truth plain and pure.” That opinion hasn’t changed.

Much love,
Annie

Your words are beautiful, Billy. I’m sure you said what you meant to say, and I’m even more certain you’ll find more to say in your next book. I’m counting on that. Congratulations on reaching this milestone! I love that look into your writing life.

Congrats on being another step closer to finished!
Thanks for the encouragement! As a writer miles away from holding an almost-finished manuscript in my hands, its nice to know others struggle to get the words on paper also.

Billy – this was beautiful!

“To have your readers feel as though the experience is their own”…isn’t that what God wants from us every time we read His living word?

You do it beautifully Billy – with grace, honor and sincerity of heart!

May the final reading give you peace and trust that it is perfect as God would have it for all of us to read!

Blessings,
Jill

Beyond lovely.

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Appreciated the comparison to knights of old. Strong one.
My kids have a snow day from school. Know what that made me think of…your book. Nice title.
~ Wendy

I CAN’T WAIT!!!

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I have loved that quote by Mark Twain for a long time.

I’m looking for lightning. If I am lucky, I just might get struck.

Fantastic post, Billy. God’s driving your car, so no need to worry.

A portrait of a writer. Funny how the same words can apply to so many different kinds of people personality/interest/background-wise. But on these points, as writers, we can ALL get it. I agree. With everything. Write on!

Well said, sir. I know exactly what you mean about the “done” with an ellipsis and the “done” with a period. I believe the best books are like fine wine. The seed, the stalk, the fruit, the juice, and then the cellar. Done, for now. That “for now” is the difference between Welch’s and Cabernet Sauvignon. Both are wet. Only one dances on the tongue.

The final “done” is a moment worth savoring. Enjoy yours. Can’t wait to taste the results.

So excited and proud of you….

I know you said that “A book is never as good as it’s author thinks it could be. Should be. ”

well, I pray that you are as proud as you should be with your novel…..that your heart is beaming, almost bursting with pride. I know you are so humble, but you deserve to feel honor and satisfaction in your heart. Consider it a gift/reward from God, the ultimate Author.

What an exciting position to be in, Billy. I’m thrilled for you. And somehow, I’m absolutely certain you’ve said just what you meant to.

The most difficult thing for those of us who write is letting go.

I’ve been on both sides, as the writer who has to meet deadlines and as the editor-manager who has to impose them. Without the deadlines. . . well, we all know what happens without the deadlines.

Even God set himself some deadlines. . . one the first day, etc., and then He let go and rested. What He created is a joy to behold.

I’m sure what you’ve created will be a joy to hold, too, because it comes from that place where He resides in you.

Congratulations on stringing together 53,647 words into the masterful sentences into a book!

“It will make you laugh and cry and believe and—most of all—open your eyes to a world that exists just below what your eyes and ears cannot perceive but what your heart most certainly can.”

My fave — Your aim to do this is found behind the heartbeats behind your words, Billy.

I hope you have peace in closing those final edits — trusting in the Voice behind all that Coffey. I have come to find it echoing in your humor and your stories. Can’t wait!

You expressed my turning and tossing about words so eloquently, as I reflected on the gift journaling yesterday —
http://www.faithbarista.com/2009/12/the-journal/ — Thank you.

There’s a God-ness in that quest for perfection, isn’t there? A holiness? I sense it. It’s why I’m left frustrated at the piece that’s close but not exactly what I want to say. It’s also why I feel so deeply satisfied that I have a way to create at all.

Can’t wait to hold this good read in my hands, to turn the pages.

I really like that Mark Twain quote!

That’s so exciting, Billy! Congratulations on working so hard and seeing God do amazing things. I haven’t written an entire book (yet) but I know what you mean. As I’ve made worship albums, I try to get them right so that they sound “perfect” but it never happens. I’ve thought that if I had more money or time, it would be just right, but I don’t think that’s true. All you can do is struggle to bring it out of you then send it on its way.

Can’t wait to read it!

It’s DONE!!!!

Awesome!

Great post, but I’m excited that it’s DONE!

As always looking forward to seeing your book on the New York Times best seller list! Yours is bound to be great!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Billy,
Well said. I can totally relate with the desire to keep on trying to get the words right. When I sent in my rewrites just a couple of weeks ago, I kept turning the pages and I always found something I wanted to change. Finally I just had to say, enough. And I’m praying my editor will now take the story and turn my glitches to gold.

Beautiful and SO full of truth, Billy. Haven’t been there yet, but getting closer all the time. Blessings! (and I thought of you today too when the kids had school cancelled!)

This post, especially the last part, made the air in my trachea get all thick and soupy, like it wouldn’t move right. This post spoke words that I could never express so beautifully, but resonate in my heart. I. Can. Not. Wait. to get a hold of your book!

Billy, the really cool thing about this is that even when you’ve made your final-final correction, there’s always the next book. I have heard it said that every writer has basically one story to tell, and you will find that story told in many different ways, but at bottom, the same message is there. So, if you didn’t get it perfectly this time, you can keep telling your story, though differently, next time around. You won’t run out of words until God says, “It is finished.” And at that point, words will not suffice. Blessings in the journey ahead!

Beautifully written. I wouldn’t worry too much if I had your way with words…if only.

“Like knights of old, we are questing for our own grail, battling the dragons within us. Always searching, never quite finding.” Wish I’d thought of that. I love it.

Billy,
Ernest said, the writer changes, the world changes, the problem remains the same.
Finding the truth.

I can see you have found the TRUTH. And you share that Truth using your God given gift with grace.

A man’s gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men.Proverbs 18:16

God Bless as you continue to share your Christmas-all-year heart.

Thank you.

Merry Christmas.

What a wonderful time in your life, Billy. I’m so very happy for you!

Looking forward to buying your book!

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Very well said. So excited to read your book when it comes out. And like others have said, get used to seeing yourself quoted, because you’re just that good!

I’m new to your blog, but you are a master of words, that I can tell. Congrats to you on your journey thus far. Your book, I have a feeling, will be brilliant!

PS: Great Twain & Hemingway quotes. I have a thing for quotes & will be using these as mantras in the future.

all i have to say is… i can barely stand the wait!!! i’m so excited to read your book… spring, please hurry!!

ps. i’ve already been saying “my friend billy coffey said…” for a year now!!

I join the chorus of rejoicing. Well done, friend.

happy scream with much jumping up and down! can’t wait to get my hot little hands on it!

just. breathe. deeply. that’s gratitude exhaled.

Okay… why did I think “Snow Day” was non-fiction?

I cannot wait to read your book!!

Melanie

Congrats, Billy. I hope to join the ranks in a few years.

And as usual … beautifully said.

~Brenda

Beautifully written, Billy. Always such wisdom, truth and heart in your words!