We recently connected with Alicia Searl and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Alicia, thank you so much for making time for us today. Let’s jump right into a question so many in our community are looking for answers to – how to overcome creativity blocks, writer’s block, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts or any advice you might have.
Writing has always been a passion that has generally brought comfort and peace to my life. As a young girl, I carried around a journal everywhere and was often found doodling in class (rather than “listening”), as I believe it actually helped me to learn. Handwritten notes were also given to family and friends as my language of love, and a way to share what was on my heart.
Not much has changed, but now writing has also become a journey towards healing. I find that when I place my hands on my laptop keys, God has a way of meeting me there. Honestly, it’s a precious time that I deeply cherish.
However, it’s not always this tender time where the words flow, and my heart naturally pours out upon a page. Sometimes, there are moments where I go to write a devotional, article, or creative writing piece and my brain just doesn’t want to connect with my fingers. When that happens, (while I generally grow a bit disgruntled), I will usually do one of three things, (if not all of three things), when I’m left staring at an empty page.
First, I pause and pray. I will sometimes step outside, but I will always step away from my work and seek God’s help, guidance, and wisdom. I try to be specific and humble in my prayers. But, when I surrender my all to Him, there is a sweet place He meets me and grants me peace.
If the words still aren’t coming, I take a break. I will close the laptop and go for a walk or simply take the day to rest and unwind as writing as much as I love it, takes a lot of mental and emotional energy.
Finally, after prayers and a break, if words still aren’t forming, I will change up my writing space. Sometimes, I just need a change in scenery. So, I will go sit on my porch to write or grab a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Honestly, I am just your ordinary mom on an “extra” ordinary mission that recently became near and dear to my heart. After the unexpected and sudden loss of my own momma in 2022, I saw the need to live out her legacy with my three daughters. But furthermore, I felt this tug to share my mom’s story with others, offering many more daughters (maybe including you) a way to live boldly for Christ.
Writing has always been a passion, but by encountering unknown seasons and riding the choppy tidal waves of grief, this “hobby” slowly began to morph into this sweet place where healing met hope. Somehow God used my broken heart and pain for His purpose. And He is still doing it today. He does this for all of us. Our hurt, grief, and sorrow, and even our beautiful places of victory become a beautiful story. It essentially shows others how our God takes the pen and writes our testimony for His glory. So, I write not just because I absolutely love it, but because I love how God transforms me when I place my hands upon these keys, and He whispers to the nature of my weary heart.
Currently, I write for a variety of faith-based sites, including iBelieve, Crosswalk, Christianity, and Your Daily Prayer. I share my heart through articles, devotionals, and prayers. I also have the honor and privilege of sharing my writing and speaking services with several churches, always bringing a dose of reality while wrapping it in the hope that Jesus offers us!
Books, Bible Studies, and Writing Services
I have written three books; two devotionals and a children’s book. Wounded, is a devotional written for the mom that truly struggles to remember her worth, craves meaningful connections, and longs for peace. Chasing After Jesus, offers young ladies growing in their faith a way to discover what it really means to be a priceless treasure. Mimi’s Note, is a journey through a young girl’s grief and how she find hope through the kindness of others.
As of right now, I am eager and excited to announce my new Bible Studies! Women in the Word, just published and is available on Amazon (link on my website), Hopelessly Devoted: Becoming a Godly Wife, and God’s Promises for Mothers should be out by the fall or early part of 2026. These interactive studies will make a great resource for women to help grow in your faith.
Freelance writing services, such as ghostwriting, editorials, or creative content pieces are also offered to individuals, groups, or churches in need of a special writing pieces to promote spiritual growth and wow their audience.
Speaking and Upcoming Events
It is also always a pleasure to come alongside a faith-based affiliation (or individual) and share on the topics of faith, family, or friendship, working together to provide a memorable experience for all to remember. A few upcoming events are:
The Able Mom Com Conference – I will be speaking on finding our identities as moms through promises God gives us in His Word.
“How Do You Hear God?” – I will be featured in a documentary on how we all hear from the Devine and how He meets with us in unique and personal ways.
You can find more information on my personal story, my writing services, and speaking events at www.aliciasearl.com.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Oh goodness, there has been so much I have learned on this writing journey and still continue to learn. I am usually found in awe at the wonders of our God as He continues to humble and grow me as a writer and speaker. However, if I could encourage future faith-based writers in any way it would be to:
1. Be Patient with Yourself and the Process
Your writing will slowly emerge, but this takes time. No matter how discouraged you may feel at times, just keep writing! In order to get better and grow in this craft, you must start by placing your hands on the keyboard – as much as possible. Pray and invite God into that intimate time and let Him meet you there, directing your words. Be authentic and search for your voice by tapping into Your unique story. Your mess, but His message.
2. Seek God’s Reward Not Worldly Standards
It can be discouraging watching other authors succeed, having millions of followers, and landing big time book deals. I get it. I’ve been there; still there actually. I understand that you may feel like you’re a little fish in a big pond, continuously swimming upstream. But we must hold a different perspective as faithful followers of Jesus. Just remember that you aren’t writing to please others or even yourself (while that may be a nice benefit), you are writing and sharing your words to give honor to God, making His name known!
3. Don’t Allow Fear Hold You Back
Imposture syndrome and fear of criticism or rejection is real. However, when we bend to the emotions these carry, it can prevent us from producing our best work, or any work for that matter! Your writing is personal and unique, embrace that! You have a story that nobody else can write or share. Hold on to that truth, tuck it in your heart, and remind yourself that God has called you to this journey, He has equipped you with the gift to write and speak, and He will empower you to carry it out and share it.
That said, if you have a trusted friend or editor that you can share your work with, their valuable and informative feedback can only improve your skill and make you better! So tap into those valuable resources!
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
As a mom of three daughters, one that is about to go off to college, and quite honestly has given my husband and I a bit of grief over the past couple of years, writing and the obligations it brings can sometimes feel like a daunting task.
What I have come to learn is that if writing isn’t bringing me joy and I am feeling frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s time to take a “mini” break. Last year, I stepped away for the entire summer. And quite frankly it was a welcomed reprieve and desperately needed. When I returned in the fall, I felt refreshed and eager to get back to work.
However, in order to come to that place, I first needed to recognize the signs of overwhelm. For me, it generally manifests in my body and comes with mental, emotional, and physical fatigue.
When I pull up to my laptop and I just can’t seem to get the words out and my mind feels a bit mushy or unable to process even simple or generic thoughts, I realize that it may be more than merely writer’s block. Then my emotions usually follow as I get snippy with my family, or I grow easily sappy and sentimental. Finally, I feel depleted, worn out, and exhausted in a way where my neck, shoulders, and back continually ache.
So, when my body is telling me it’s overwhelmed and writing might be the culprit, I “try” to heed those warnings and listen. First, I tell my editors that I am stepping away for a bit. Then, I do not add any other clients or events to my schedule, and I just take time to reclaim my peace.
That could look like tending to things (like my family and home) that have become somewhat neglected. Spring cleaning, spending quality time with those that I love, or catching up over coffee with a dear friend in a usual go-to spot.
In the end, iff I shrug off the sense of overwhelm and keep going, pushing on, and forging through, it’s not only a detriment to my own body and health, but it wreaks havoc on my close relationships. So, while this is still an area of growth for me, I am trying to be more aware or how I feel and take a break when needed.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.aliciasearl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aliciasearlwrites/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AliciaSearlWrites
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-searl-8051b6104/
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