Monday, October 14, 2013

The Urge to Write by Becky Lyles



Becky Lyles
What is writing to you? And how does God fit in? Join Becky Lyles today as she shares some encouraging words to begin your writing week. ~ Annette

The Urge to Write
by Rebecca Carey Lyles

Some of us call the itch to put pen to paper (or fingers to computer) a hobby. For others, like my friend who’s a corporate writer, writing is a business. Many, if not most, writers fit into my category, which is a bit different. We write to make money, but we don’t make enough green stuff to quit our day jobs.

I’m privileged to serve as an editor for my day job. Helping authors improve their manuscripts is challenging and fun. However, as I edit, a nagging voice at the back of my mind says I should be writing the next book, creating a blog post, sending out a newsletter, ordering bookmarks, setting up a giveaway...

The same voice kicks in when I tackle other non-writing projects. This summer, I helped our daughter plan her fall wedding, played hostess to summer visitors, took on a new volunteer responsibility, and traveled. I also fielded contractor questions and made color, fixture and dimension decisions as workers remodeled a small area of our home.

While all that fun activity was going on, I formed a marketing plan to launch my latest book, Winds of Freedom, which I thought would debut in June. And then it was July. Finally, all the pieces fell into place in August. But now that it’s early autumn and additional duties have kicked in, I don’t have time to hit the marketing hard or write. Yet, God is in control, and time is in his hands.

He has a plan for me and for the book—and for you. Psalm 138:8a says the Lord will work out his plans for our lives. Several psalms tell of God’s delight in the details of our daily steps. He even rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Although I provide the feet for God’s plan, his Spirit is the engine and the guide. All I have to do is pray for guidance, listen to his response (which can come through his Word, circumstances, the advice of others, or a Spirit nudge), and follow his leading. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

I’m not a theologian, but I have a feeling the “committing” is what makes God’s plans our plans. As a result, those plans will succeed. “Prayer is aligning ourselves with the purposes of God.” (E. Stanley Jones) “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

By God’s power and purpose, I will conquer—and so will you. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV) Lord willing, I will carve out time to market the current “Winds” book. And I’ll begin writing the third book in the series as soon as my daughter and her new hubby leave for their honeymoon (well, shortly thereafter J). “Do not despise these small beginnings. For the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10a NLT)

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Rebecca Carey Lyles grew up in Wyoming, the setting for her Kate Neilson novels. She currently lives in Idaho, where she serves as an editor and a mentor for aspiring authors and as a coach for women transitioning from prison to life on “the outside.” Winds of Freedom is the sequel to the award-winning first book in the Kate Neilson series, Winds of Wyoming. Learn more at www.beckylyles.com.

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Winds of Freedom


Winds of Freedom

Winter storms blast across the Whispering Pines Guest Ranch, and a cold wind blows through Kate Neilson’s soul. Despite her pain, Kate’s well-being takes a backseat to the needs of loved ones: her best friend, who’s been ensnared by evil; her failing great-aunt, whose dementia care keeps Kate guessing; and Laura and Mike Duncan, whose ranch and livelihood are threatened by a land-grabbing neighbor.