Inspired by Another, I #AmWriting!

It feels so good to be back at it! I truly love writing. Always have. In past posts, I shared a lot about why I put off getting back to the other book for so long. That's right--I have started a new story! And I love it. Not that I didn't love the other one, but it needs so much revision since I've turned in a new direction. The old story is still a WIP, but on the back burner.

In my last post, I told you about Terri Tiffany.
She has been such an inspiration...er...motivator...um...drill sergeant! I say this jokingly, but in all seriousness, she has provided a much needed push to get me going. I guess I can call her an accountability partner. Best. Thing. Ever.

When I told Terri I had an idea for a new book, she told me when she expected the first chapter. I sent her the first chapter. I love her.

Terri sent me a wonderfully detailed critiqued that will help me mold that chapter into the best it can be. I've already sent her the revision!

I love technology. Today, we have so many great writing tools at our fingertips via the internet--a dictionary, thesaurus, style handbooks, maps, images--but none can take the place of someone that holds you accountable to your writing. Terri tells me that I WILL finish a book this year. I believe her.

Do you have a critique partner or writer's group that keeps you directed toward your goal?

Struck by the Proverbial Lightning Bolt!

It's been almost a year since I wrote this post about the dilemma I face with my WIP. Since then, God has been busy with me. Funny thing is, I didn't even realize how much He was doing!

Does this verse from Psalm 25 hit home for any of you?

 Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by our truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.

I prayed continuously for God to show me what He wanted me to do with my book. But I didn't just pray about my writing...

God has led me into working in children's and teen ministry. I enjoy it tremendously, and love watching the seeds grow! But He put on my heart that there was another purpose for which He was calling me, and I just couldn't put my finger on it. I prayed and prayed for wisdom and enlightenment. I had lots of ideas, but no clear direction...

Seek God's will in all you do, and He will show you the path to take. Proverbs 3:6

In His Word, He promises to show us the path...right? 

I was constantly looking for the illuminated road sign. 

When I found my path, I would know it...right?

I've been taught that God will give you affirmation.

He will make sure you know that you know...

So I waited for clarity.

And I waited.

Until...clarity knocked me over.

Forgive me for all the back-story I'm about to share, but it's important.

 If you follow my blog, you know that I'm a fan of Jody Hedlund. You also know (if your 
memory is better than mine, or if you clicked the above link for a past post) that I avoided reading Christian fiction for a long while. I don't know if I shared how I came to read Jody's books...

I won her debut novel in a contest I don't remember entering.

Let's switch gears from Jody to Terri. 

Through blogger, I became friends with Terri Tiffany, another inspirational writer. Terri had been published many times in the Chicken Soup books, along with various publications including Sunday school papers, but had yet to have a novel published. Somehow, I ended up teaching her how to do a little something with images and text on her blog, and from there I ended up being a beta reader for a book she wrote titled The Mulligan. (I think my next post might be a review. Hint: 5-stars. Buy it!)

I have also read her next-to-be-published book that landed her an agent! So let's just go ahead and call her a profession author. A real honest-to-goodness author.

More than once, she offered to read my WIP, so I nervously sent her some chapters. The feedback I received brought me to tears!

No, it wasn't that bad. Though, she did offer some constructive advice for which I am thankful, she said she saw talent. She asked me why I wasn't writing. I remember how I felt when I read her reply. This real author liked my writing! She encouraged me so much! 

 

 

Switching gears again...

On Tuesday mornings, I attend a ladies' Bible study. I can't even begin to tell you how much our in-depth studying has sculpted my life. God has revealed so much to me through my homework...

We are currently doing a Beth Moore study titled Children of the Day on 1 & 2 Thessalonians. In our homework this past week, the focus for one day was on how to figure out what God has created you to do. Hmm...I need this. I leaned forward in my chair. After reading that God made us with our own unique DNA for a purpose, and that we just need surrender to Him, her very next paragraph said:

"If you're a writer..."

I honestly cried.

I'm sitting there, ready for this illumination--'Beth, tell me what to do!' She could have started this section with any other example... If you're a teacher; if you're a prayer warrior; if you're a singer--but she didn't. She wrote, "If you're a writer..." Why? Why would she choose those specific words to start this point? This is a Bible study--not a writer's conference. She had just been talking about missionaries and foster parents--people really doing godly work--not creative thinkers.

"If you're a writer..." I just can't type it enough!

And if that's not a bright enough light for the trail, two pages later, Beth instructs us:

"OK! It's your turn! Testify in this space to ways God has used others to encourage, train, or direct you in your works or your calling. Get specific, using names..." 

I didn't have to think about it. My instantaneous answer started with:

'Terri Tiffany asked me why I'm not writing.'

 If you randomly asked me, "Who does God use to encourage you?" my answer might list some of the mature ladies at church or a best friend. But in that moment--when the proverbial lightning bolt came right through the ceiling of my dining room--I thought of Terri. And Jody. And Beth Moore. And the many other Christian authors to whom I have made connections online and through books.

Let's do a super-condensed time-line of events...

1. I won a Christian novel in a contest I don't remember entering. (And I didn't mention that I rarely--almost never--enter contests.)
2. I became good friends with a contemporary author who lives over a thousand miles away.
3. Beth Moore wrote, "If you're a writer..."

Well. 

Tell me why I was looking for confirmation. All this time I have questioned whether my book should be secular or inspirational. All this time I have wondered what special ministry God has planned for me since before I was conceived. Anybody have any idea what I'm supposed to do?

The answer was right there all along.

Some of us just need a two-by-four to the side of the head.

Or a lightning bolt.