 |
| Shawn Lamb |
We don’t often hear about true overnight success in
publishing. It seems to take most authors a number of years to see their work
in print, which can feel daunting if you’re not prepared to face a possible
marathon. Discouraged today? You’ve come to the right place. You’ll find
encouragement in what author Shawn Lamb
shares about her personal journey to publication. ~ Dawn
Waiting
for God’s Reason
Writing is something I started around ten years old. I wrote
short stories and poems. I also wrote plays that my sister and I would perform
for family and friends. Writing was a drive that I couldn’t ignore.
After I became a Christian at age 14, I realized God gave me
the gift of storytelling, but still didn’t know why? I only knew I had to keep
writing. It took almost 40 years for God to reveal the reasons.
When my 13 year-old-daughter requested I write her a fantasy
story I didn’t know what to do. Historical fiction was my genre. However, God
has a way of linking the past with the present. Among my writings from
childhood, I discovered the beginnings of a fantasy story. I had the map, all
the character names and even a completed first chapter. I joked with my family
that I felt like Moses, who waited 40 years before returning to Egypt to
fulfill God’s calling.
From my daughter’s request, and decades old writing, emerged
the young adult series Allon. These
stories point to God by using Biblical allegory. Shortly after publication, I
learned the reasons went beyond a request. God wanted me to fill a surprising
void: the need for clean reads aimed at teens and kids. This is not something I
expected based upon my experiences as a young, avid reader. Back then books
were safe. Things are much different today, not just in reading, but also in
life.
With instant messaging, constant contact and immediate
gratification, Christians often become impatient. We start a ministry and expect it to take off
within the first year. We want God to bless us with quick success, and are
easily discouraged when it doesn’t happen. I experienced this with my first
book. God reminded me that such expectation is opposite of what Scripture says.
Psalms 1:3 - He is
like a tree planted by streams of water that yields fruit in its season.
Catch the last phrase fruit
in its season. It can take up to
3 years for a fruit tree to bear fruit. The same is true of grape vines. It
takes careful pruning and diligence of the vinedresser and husbandman to make
the vine/trees fruitful. God has a purpose and time for everything. Our task is
to be obedient and not rush ahead of Him.
I realize it’s hard to wait. Praying for patience is exactly
what you’ll get—patience! I’ve
learned in my 55 years of life, that it is better to wait for God’s plan then
to push on with my own ideas.
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I
know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans for welfare and not for
evil and your future and a hope.
The
Kingdom of Allon was once an idyllic paradise, protected by the mighty immortal
Guardians of Jor’el. Legend tells of a Great Battle and defeat, leaving the
mortals defenseless against the Dark way.
The fulfillment of ancient prophecies brings hope of Jo’rel’s promise
prince, and the return of the Guardians.
Shawn Lamb is an
award-winning author and former Hollywood screenwriter for children’s
television. Her books range in age from 8 years old to adults, and feature
fiction along with non-fiction study guides. Shawn is also an event speaker and
workshop leader.
To learn more and connect with Shawn, please visit:
Author website: www.allonbooks.com
The Kingdom of Allon Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Kingdom-of-Allon/153435971408175
