Devotion: Musings from a Dot in the Atlantic Ocean

by Sherma Webbe Clarke | @sdwc8181 

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.
3 John 2 (NKJV)

Inspiration and Habits 

Some writers stick to a fixed schedule. First thing in the morning before the birds and children are moving around. Two o’clock at the same café every other afternoon. Ten o'clock to midnight every evening. Others write when inspiration prompts them, hastily recording their thoughts onto napkins, scraps of paper, or into electronic devices.

One famous writer visited Bermuda many times and considered the Island vital to his health and creativity. Between 1867 and 1910, Mark Twain (born Samuel Clemens) frequented the Island as an escape from his routine life in favor of the natural beauty and slower pace that he enjoyed during his residences here. His famous quote, “You can go to heaven if you want to; I’d rather stay in Bermuda,” floats around the Island like a longtail (white-tailed tropicbird) soaring over the ocean. I liked the idea of a connection between the Island and this revered literary figure, but the statement never settled well with me. As beautiful as Bermuda is, it can't compare to God’s heavenly paradise.

Digging into the context of the quotation, however, I discovered that Mark Twain’s intention is opposite to the message that is conveyed as popular understanding. Or misunderstanding. Whether convalescing at one of the local hotels or enjoying the eerie beauty of the Crystal Caves, Mr. Twain experienced a revival in his health after the doctors had pronounced their grim prognoses. As a man defying his ailments and infirmities, he declared to those who seemed poised to make funeral arrangements, “You can go to heaven if you want to; I’d rather stay in Bermuda.” In other words, “Don’t write me off yet; I’m not going anywhere.”

In one particular way, he was right about staying in Bermuda. Bronze statues of Mark Twain dot the Island, giving him a permanent presence, albeit in an immobile form. I recently worked in an office building that boasted a statue of the author at its entrance. His bronze likeness also sits on a bench at the hotel he frequented in the City of Hamilton.

What inspires you? 

As writers, we receive inspiration from many sources, and we pour these experiences into words, sentences, novels, a series. What inspires you? Is it a long, scenic walk? Camping by a lake? Or playing with your grandchildren? Jesus connected with people through stories crafted from situations in ordinary life. Seeds and sowers. A woman sweeping. Lost coins. Vineyards and grapes. A traveler who helps an unfortunate man without expecting a reward.

Some of us may not be as prolific as Mark Twain. And having multiple statues built in our honor? Probably a long shot. Maybe we have one book in us. One book that will fulfill our purpose. One book that will touch the heart of someone who will experience God’s love and grace through our story. As the words of a favorite hymn say, You may have this whole world; give me Jesus.


Let's chat: Where do you live? Has any particular place, close to home or far away, inspired you on your writing journey? I'd love to hear about it!

About Sherma . . . 

Sherma is a contemporary fiction writer, amateur photographer, reading enthusiast, and wife who often takes her husband by the hand to explore nearby and far-flung areas of the globe. This wanderlust has its perks. She credits many of her story ideas to these adventures, which provide great opportunities for research for short stories and the novel series she is currently working on. Quiet, early-morning walks along the railroad trails on her home island of Bermuda provide inspiration when she is homebound.

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Clearing the Decks! (I mean desk...)

Okay, I admit it, I'm not super great at organisation. I like to think I am, I do sticky notes really well, but sometimes my desk area gets a little scary. See evidence here:

It's not ideal, but sometimes life has a way of getting ahead of my good intentions, like in recent months, when I have had to polish my fifth book for a submission deadline, edit my sixth book for beta-readers, work on marketing for book 4, and prepare for the upcoming launch of my third book, with all the elements of marketing that involves. Oh, and prepare for several conferences. AND be mum to four and wife to one (😀) and all the other things life throws at me.

I get messy, and a bit disorganised, which tends to lead to stress. Trying to write or edit is a challenge when my notes are several stratum beneath the surface, and where I need them.

Clearing the decks/desk really helps me stay less stressed. Here's some things I've been learning to help in this department:

* Work ahead of schedule - procrastination only leads to pain. (It's a bit like that random sock that stays in the hall for days while people walk past it. Pick it up the first time and it won't bother you.) When you have a spare few hours (ha ha!), use them to get up to date with blog posts or those looming deadlines (you know, the ones that wake you up in the middle of the night as another thing 'to do' on that never-ending 'to-do' list). To quote a famous sportswear company: 'Just do it.'

* Sticky notes are my friend - yes, I have a lot, but having them in eye level helps me stay focused so I'm working to schedule and making sure I'm doing what needs to be done. And there's nothing like crossing another task off the list!

* Wall planners are cool - helpful for book deadlines but also for making off holidays, conferences, birthdays, etc. Again, one glance and I know where I'm at.

* Priority Placement - I keep the resources I use most on my desk, everything else lives (or is supposed to) in my not-so-little bookshelf of writing and Regency resources, or in the filing drawers assigned to each book.

* Clutter is the enemy - which is hard, as I have hoarding-type tendencies. Blank walls make me feel calmer, despite my love for inspirational grand English estate postcards. Sometimes I just have to put the loud music on and sort the treasure from the trash, then toss the latter into the circular file.

I'm still a work in progress (aren't we all?), but I'm finding these tools help me clear the decks, physical and mentally.

What works for you?

Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. Together with her husband she has pastored a church for ten years, and worked part-time as a public high school English and Learning and Support teacher.A longtime lover of romance, especially that of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer’s Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novels include The Elusive Miss Ellison, The Captivating Lady Charlotte, and the upcoming release The Dishonorable Miss DeLancey, published by Kregel, and available from Koorong, Amazon, Book Depository etc

Connect with her:  www.carolynmillerauthor.com    pinterest  facebook twitter