Ericka Clay | My Writer's Diary

In this episode, I talk about how light is always edging the darkness we're struggling with, even if we can't see it. I also talk about my plans to continue to grow my literary imprint, Believable Books, and how I'm seeing growth as a writer on LinkedIn. Click play to hear my heart. A few more things. Get your free books. ⁠⁠⁠bit.ly/mybooksforfree⁠⁠⁠ Get in touch. ⁠⁠⁠erickaclay.com/contact⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠support@erickaclay.com⁠⁠⁠ Follow me.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠linkedin.com/in/erickaclay⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erickaclay/message

In this episode, I talk about having to put our dog down. The immense sadness of this reminds me of God's goodness and how He can be trusted even during the hardest parts of our lives. We aren't promised an easy road as Christians, but we are promised joy in knowing the truth: that Christ suffered and died for our sins and extends forgiveness to those who accept His free gift of salvation. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. linkedin.com/in/erickaclay --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/erickaclay/message

I've been on a weird journey, both writing-wise and life-wise. But what's remained consistent is the fact that God continues to put up guardrails to keep me from being my own worst enemy. If only I'd stop leaping over them. I've made it my mission to start paying attention and being obedient to his requests as I market my writing. It's tough not doing all of the "traditional" things an indie author is expected to do, but I've seen far more growth and purpose doing things His way and not mine. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. linkedin.com/in/erickaclay

Galatians 1:10 has been hitting home this week. From determining the best way to share these diary entries to deciding the intentional steps I need to take to be a true servant of Christ, I’ve been doing a lot of internal searching and a lot of external praying for God’s guidance. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

I had a rough weekend. My battle with depression, anxiety, and body dysmorphia reared its ugly head again, and I was caught spiraling. However, God is so good. Through His Word and His people, my heart healed quickly after this last episode, and I wanted to share the importance of being open and honest with our mental health struggles for the sake of the Church. Also, I talk about how this podcast is no longer a podcast, and how I’ll really need your help to keep sharing these messages with those who need them. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

I don’t have everything figured out. But as I study God’s word and remove distractions from my life to hear His voice, I’m met with absolute peace, including when it comes to my writing career. I share next steps for my books and also talk about the ways God has been moving through my life recently. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

I have problems. You’ve probably realized this by now. But I do think one of the greatest gifts God’s given me is the ability to self-assess my motives. Self-assessment leads to understanding God’s conviction, then to confession, which leads to repentance. It’s a hard act of uncovering the wrongs in our hearts. But it’s a crucial tool to feel Christ’s peace. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

I’m making a major life change that is making me feel better, body, mind, and soul. I also talk about routines. Why they’re important and how they’ve helped equip me mentally as a mom, wife, and writer. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

I’ve been letting go in all areas of my life. The hardest? Raising my daughter to know Christ. But I have faith that God has already marked out her journey and is guiding her by the hand. It’s up to me to love her fiercely and to squash any fear I have that she’ll stray. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

I used to think of submission as the “s” word. Now, I find peace in fully surrendering to the path God desires for me, and this surrender extends to my writing career. I’ve learned to let go and let God call the shots when it comes to my writing and marketing my books. But I’ve also learned how submission is fully embodied in Christ’s death on the cross and His resurrection. Why not embrace something so life-giving and honoring to others? Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

We often don’t keep the main thing the main thing. Our human flesh is always looking for bigger, better, more success. But when we don’t put the Gospel at the forefront of our mind, the redeeming path Christ has created for all of us, are we really creating art? Or are we just creating a future the world desires? Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

I’ve had a difficult time in my past dealing with body dysmorphia and over-exercising. It led to a lot of darkness. But fortunately, God’s grace has led me away from this misguided approach towards my body and to a new understanding of what taking care of myself actually entails. Healing your body is also a great way to heal the mind. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

My struggle is real with this one. Other than LinkedIn, I’m off social media. More accurately, God’s asked me to be off social media, and I’m finally giving it up. How do I do this writing thing without shouting it all over the internet? I share that today, plus what growing as a writer looks like from here on out. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

Lent starts today. It’s something I haven’t celebrated since I was a young Catholic girl. But now? I truly understand the importance of resting thoroughly in Christ. To do this? I’m greatly lowering my caffeine intake. You can probably tell by the sound of this recording how well this process is going lol. But I’m grateful for the opportunity to rest my body and to heal my mind. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

Today, I’m taking stock of all the things I enjoy doing for the Lord writing-wise and how I’m not your average bear when it comes to marketing my work. I also share my latest “scary” endeavor and why I’ve chosen to go this particular route with my books. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify

As an indie author, I can relate to the Temple artisans in Exodus 31, creating something so beautiful for God but for few eyes only. I’m dedicating my work to the Lord, but I’m also suffering from the withdrawals that come when you realize something is not about you but Him. I’m giving that old mindset over, allowing God to send those who need to read my books and blog to further their walk with Him. And these are my thoughts on the matter. Click play to hear my heart. A FEW MORE THINGS… Get your free books. bit.ly/mybooksforfree Get in touch. erickaclay.com/contact support@erickaclay.com Follow me. LinkedIn | YouTube | Spotify