12 things they don’t tell you about being a writer

Published on by Sara Brunsvold4 Comments

Growing up, I knew I wanted to be a writer. I loved the very thought of such a career and ached to see my creations on bookshelves. My only frame of reference for what a writer’s life looked like, however, was what I saw in movies and television shows.

As I began pursuing a writing career, I soon discovered all the parts that are not pretty enough for the screen.

If I could prepare my younger, starry-eyed self for what a writer’s life really is, here’s what I’d say: Continue reading “12 things they don’t tell you about being a writer” →

If you’re scared, you’re ready

Published on by Sara Brunsvold6 Comments

“Jan. 21, 6 pm, my house. Tacos.”

This is what I texted a few twenty-something single ladies with the heartfelt hope at least one of them would actually show up.

After more than a year of feeling the Lord prod me to do more ministry for twenty-somethings and then proceeding to wonder if He was for-real serious, the day had finally come.

I told the few ladies I knew the date and time, and I told myself to leave the rest up to God.

Easier said than done. No bigger ball of nerves has existed than me on Jan. 21. Even after setting the date, I fretted if I should do this.

ACTUAL fears that plagued me: Continue reading “If you’re scared, you’re ready” →

Cupcakes for breakfast and other wise choices I’ve made recently

Published on by Sara Brunsvold7 Comments

“It’s Friday, Mommy. You sometimes get us donuts on Fridays.” My daughter looked at me with saucer eyes and pronounced pout. Her older sister lurked into the room, watching us carefully.

They sometimes team up. Almost always for the sake of a treat of some kind. It’s fun.

This was the Friday before Christmas, 8:37 a.m. Seven decades worth of winter break stretched out ahead of us, a tundra of off-routine children full of energy and laments.

The battle for my composure had only begun.

Sometimes we must fight with resistance. Sometimes we must fight with strategy.

In that moment, I opted for the latter. Continue reading “Cupcakes for breakfast and other wise choices I’ve made recently” →

Hug a Millennial

Published on by Sara Brunsvold1 Comment

To be clear upfront, this isn’t one of those posts. The kind that derides Millennials and all their Millennial-ist ways. Nope, no digs on stocking caps worn year-round or the word “savage” being applied to nouns that have nothing to do with uncontrolled violence.

This is a post that looks the other direction, square at us “old people,” and challenges us to view Millennials in a different way.

Because we need to. Badly. In the worst way. Continue reading “Hug a Millennial” →

5 ways to support the creative you love

Published on by Sara Brunsvold1 Comment

As a creative, I love what I do. I can’t help but do it. I’m compelled to write and tell stories to hopefully inspire others. Writing is as essential as breathing.

Most creatives are this way. Writers, musicians, vocalists, actors, photographers, illustrators, designers, food creators, etc. We create because we don’t know how NOT to.

The world would look anemic to us if we could not create.

After I released my self-published book Uncage My Brave, I found myself repeatedly astounded that friends and family actually paid MORE than the list price of the book and they promoted it on social media because, they said, they wanted to show their support for my work.

Why would I be astounded by this? Because, sadly, I’ve come to expect the opposite in this line of work.

The world respects our creations, but often it does not respect us, the creatives. Continue reading “5 ways to support the creative you love” →