Finding Inspiration by JoAnn Durgin

Mark Twain Riverboat

Finding Inspiration 

Some of the world’s most notable authors have found inspiration for their literary success in interesting (and sometimes peculiar) ways. Here are a few examples. 

Making a Difference by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

As we move into the new year, we may contemplate specific goals we want to reach in 2013. Some may relate to our writing careers. What is it that we really want to accomplish? For years, I’ve experienced a drive—a need—to make sure my life has purpose. Those feelings spill over into hopes and dreams pertaining to writing. Today on Fortifying Friday, author Anne Elisabeth Stengl shares what she’s learned about making a difference as a writer. It’s a lesson I want to embrace. How about you? ~ Dawn

Making a Difference

by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

“It's a big scary world. And I am one small girl. What difference can I make?”

This question is such an exciting one for fiction writers. The whole point of fiction, after all, is to take unprepared characters and throw them into a scary situation, be that a murder mystery, an epic quest, a romance, or a coming-of-age. But stepping out of the literary world back into this place we call "reality," the question becomes much more frightening.

When I began my writing career, I didn't realize just how frightening this question was. I was inexperienced and enthusiastic. I assumed that of course I would make a major difference and everyone would notice and be wowed.

Six manuscripts, four novels, two contracts, and two major awards later, the question, “What difference can I make?” has become a lot more difficult to face. With each novel I produce, I face the overwhelming frustration that is negative reviews . . . people who simply do not get my work, who don't understand what I'm trying to say, who dislike my characters. I face reviewers who will vehemently argue that fantasy has no place in the Christian market and shouldn't be encouraged in our publishing houses. I face bloggers who declare the omniscient narrative—my style of choice—a “publishing travesty” and will do everything they can to sling mud at my work and discredit me among my peers.

Literary awards, critical acclaim, and a majority of favorable reviews do nothing to counterbalance the hurt of each of these negative digs. Every time I write a novel, I place my heart on the line, offering it to those who will read. And every time, there will be those who turn up their noses in disgust, leaving me to wonder again, tearfully, “What difference can I make?”

And of course, the answer is, “None at all.”

Because this career is not about me making a difference. I am too small, and I am too weak. Even the story ideas ultimately don't stem from a source of inspiration inside me.

Year by year, manuscript by manuscript, God has used this career of mine to illustrate to me that this work is His work. Not mine. These ideas, these bursts of creative inspiration . . . they are a gift of His divine provision. Just as He provides my daily bread, He graciously bestows upon me His daily inspiration. This creativity, which is such a vital part of my existence, is not self-sprung or self-maintained. It is by God's grace alone that I am a storyteller.

Every day He reminds me that I can make no difference. But He can make all the difference. He can prepare the hearts of those He means to touch through my fairy tales. He can whisper the inspiration into my heart, the words that readers--His beloved children--need to hear.

So in this truth be fortified, fellow storytellers. You will never make the difference. And, as it turns out, that is good!

Click to reach Amazon.

Anne Elisabeth Stengl is the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, a series of fantasy adventure novels told in the classic Fairy Tale style. She is married to the handsome man she met at fencing class and lives with him, a gaggle of cats, and one long-suffering dog in NC. Her novels include Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, Starflower, with Dragonwitch due to release summer 2013. Both Heartless and Veiled Rose have been honored with Christy Awards.

To learn more about Anne and her work, please visit

Blog- http://anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com/

Facebook- Anne Elisabeth Stengl (author)

Twitter- AnneElisabeth Stengl

Rejoicing In Closed Doors by Jennifer Slattery

Do you ever struggle or get frustrated when doors leading to opportunities slam shut? Our guest today is Jennifer Slattery. She’s here to share what she’s learned about doors closing on her own journey to publication. Thanks for offering encouragement this Fortifying Friday, Jennifer! ~ Dawn

Rejoicing In Closed Doors

by Jennifer Slattery

I've got your attention with that title, don't I?  A while back I read an article discussing the use (or, according to this writer, the underuse) of writing gifts in the church, and her comment in many ways reminded me of some bemoaning I did a few years ago.

After nearly a decade of almost full-time ministry, we moved and I suddenly found nearly every door closed. As one moved turned into another and yet another, I grew anxious to teach! Eventually, we attended a home church while we search for a church home—with no outreach events to plan and launch, no dramas to facilitate or classes to teach. Honestly, I felt like God was through with me. And it broke my heart...

Now, as I look back, I realize what a blessed gift that brief desert period was because that was when I picked up my keyboard. I believe that was my island of Patmos—a time when God stripped away everything else to free my time for writing. Although I wrote upon request for our old church—writing curriculum, newsletters, dramas and short stories for Sunday school programs—I never took my writing seriously before.  It was one of those "fill-a-need" things.

Once the ministry doors slammed shut, I needed an outlet for all the "lessons" and ideas swirling through my brain. My love for writing was born and now, three years later, I look back on that painful time with gratitude, realizing it was all part of God's big-picture plan.

What about you? Are you standing before an open door, looking back at all those "training" steps God led you on, or are you perhaps trudging through the valley? When trudging it can be easy to think God's forgotten us, that maybe He's done with us, but in Scripture He promises to fulfill His plans for us. He promises to carry His plans to completion. Even now, as you hover between the disappointments and rejoicing, God is at work with one eye on the goal. Which means, you can rest in whatever stage of the journey you're on knowing God will do what needs to be done in you to prepare you for His big-picture plan.

 I use that term, big-picture plan, a lot. For me, it's a reminder of how completely other God's plan is from mine. I might angst over a promotion, a move, a house...God angsts over lost souls. I often get distracted by today, but God's worried about eternity. His came to seek and save the lost. He also is at work conforming us into His likeness, which means He will do what it takes to strip away inferior priorities, pride and selfishness so that we can be cleansed and open vessels ready to do His will.

Whenever we find ourselves fighting against His will, we know His work in us is not complete.

Jennifer Slattery writes for Christ to the World Ministries, (http://www.christtotheworld.com) The Christian Pulse, Samie Sisters and Reflections in Hindsight and is the marketing representative for the literary website Clash of the Titles (http://www.clashofthetitles.com). She's also written for Afictionado, the Romantic Times Review, The Breakthrough Intercessor, The Christian Fiction Online Magazine, Bloom, and is a frequent contributor to The Barn Door Book Loft. You can find out more about her and her writing at her devotional blog, JenniferSlatteryLivesOutLoud. (http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com)

My Journey to Publication by Laura Hilton

Every author’s journey to publication is a little different. That’s another thing that makes us all unique. God has an individual plan for each person. On Fortifying Fridays, we enjoy sharing the various ways God has opened doors for fellow writers. Today’s guest author is Laura Hilton. Enjoy! ~Dawn

My Journey to Publication

By Laura Hilton

I’ve always dreamed of being a writer. I know I was “born” reading. I could read full-sized books in kindergarten. Unfortunately, I had a teacher who forced people to read “in their grade level,” and she made me put older books back and pick out The Cat and the Hat and such. I was sooo happy when we were finally allowed to go into the rest of the library to pick out books. In third grade, my teacher assigned a short story for us to write. I wrote and wrote and wrote.  My story was not so short when I finished it! I’m sure it wasn’t worth reading, I was an eight or nine year old, but that fueled my love of writing.

I’d been married for a number of years and had three children when I decided it was time to get serious about my writing. I considered myself a good writer, and well, of course, publishers would be beating down doors to publish my books! I found a magazine in the library, read it, learned about American Christian Romance Writers. and joined.

Well, I learned that publishers weren’t beating the doors down for my books! They sent form letter rejections. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with them—after all, my mother thought they were good. (Smile) But ACRW (now American Christian Fiction Writers) offered writing classes and I think the best help, critique groups. I also discovered book reviewing, which helped me study the craft and see what worked and what didn’t.

I was able to find a great agent, and she was really encouraging. My rejection letters turned from form letters to actual letters that explained why they were rejecting me…which I learned from. My agent gently made a suggestion toward genre when my particular genre became unpopular. I considered it, knowing I have Amish blood in my ancestry, and I love reading Amish stories. I wrote a proposal—three chapters, a synopsis, and short blurbs for two more books. Sent it off to my agent and didn’t think about it again until the phone rang.

My agent said “I think it’s happening. These two publishers asked for the whole.”  The next morning the phone rang again—my agent. “She said this other publisher asked for the whole, but Whitaker House offered a three book contract.” Okay, I was floored. But, very blessed.

God is good.

Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom, and she home-schools her children. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past from Treble Heart Books; a devotional in a compilation from Zondervan; and the first book Patchwork Dreams in her Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House will be released in April 2011, the second book, A Harvest of Hearts in September 2011, and the third in April 2012. Laura has her business degree from Ozarka and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

To find out more about Laura, please visit

http://www.lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/

The Outsider’s Long Road to Publication by Ann H. Gabhart

Have you ever been told that the story you’ve written just isn’t marketable? It’s not what’s “hot” right now? Has that discouraged you? This Fortifying Friday, author Ann Gabhart is here to offer encouragement on just that subject. Don’t throw those manuscripts in the trash. Tuck them away. You never know what will happen down the road on your own journey, whether it be your first or tenth book published. God has his own timing. Ann’s story is a wonderful example of what happens when you don’t give up! Next Friday, Ann shares more about her ups and downs in publishing.  ~ Dawn

The Outsider’s Long Road to Publication

by Ann H. Gabhart

I wrote The Outsider in 1979. Received my first rejection for it in February 1980. A very discouraging reject. At the time, Warner Books was in the process of publishing my first two historical romances. The Gift of Love (my title for The Outsider) was their option book. That means Warner Books had first chance at the story, but they turned it down. Said the story was “too soft.” That the historical market was “tight.”

My agent didn’t give up. That’s a great thing about having an agent. They don’t break their pencils and quit when some editor writes a “so sorry” letter. She sent it back out. I got more rejection letters. The best one—if there is such a thing as a best rejection—came from Harlequins in November 1980. They said they’d “love to publish” my book. If it wasn’t so long. If it wasn’t a historical. If, if. Sigh.

I gave up on the story after that. My agent kept trying to sell the book for a while, but I lost hope. I had loved Gabrielle and Brice while writing their story. I mourned that no readers would get to know them, but by then I was deep in a new story that was giving me new hopes. Eventually my agent gave up too, and the manuscript found a spot on a closet shelf where all good books go when no editor loves them.

Fast forward to 2005. My first inspirational novel, The Scent of Lilacs, was published by Revell Books. I was ecstatic and felt privileged when my editor, Lonnie Hull Dupont, came to see me out here on the farm. After our visit as she was going out the door, she asked about the Shaker village not far from my home, then said, “I love the Shakers.”

In an offhand way, I mentioned I wrote a book about the Shakers once. In no way was I pitching the book, but she wanted to read it. So after she left, I dug it out of my closet. Writers are often told it’s good to set aside our work a few days in order to have fresh eyes when we begin rewriting. Let me tell you, set aside a book for twenty-five years and your eyes are really fresh. So I rewrote, polished, and eventually sent it off to Lonnie.

Fast forward most of another year. I’m talking to Lonnie about my second Hollyhill book, and I ask if any decision has been made about that Shaker book. She mentions concerns about my character’s visions in the book. I say I can’t edit out the visions. We compromise. Compromise works.

In 2008, The Gift of Love finally ends up in readers’ hands with a fantastic cover and a new title, The Outsider. In 2009, The Outsider was a finalist for the ECPA Gold Medallion Fiction Book of the Year. It’s time had come. Finally.

As a special treat, we’re sharing that The Outsider is being offered on Amazon as a free Kindle download.

Ann H. Gabhart has published over twenty novels for adults and children including her bestselling Shaker novels. Ann lives on a farm in Central Kentucky with her husband, Darrell who sings bass in a Southern Gospel quartet. They have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann’s latest releases are her fourth Shaker novel, The Blessed and Angel Sister, a novel inspired by the stories her mother told her about growing up during the 1930’s.

You can keep up with Ann on her website, www.annhgabhart.com; her blog, One Writer’s Journal, www.annhgabhart.blogspot.com; Facebook author page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ann-H-Gabhart/132862247566, or follow Ann on Twitter, user name annhgabhart.

My Journey to Publication by JoAnn Durgin

Fortifying Fridays at Seriously Write are devoted to giving authors opportunities to share their paths to publication and at the same time, encourage other writers in their own journeys. God loves and has a special plan for each of us. No story is identical, but we can relate to things that other writers experience. Our guest today is author JoAnn Durgin. She shares how God opened doors for her to publish her debut novel when the time was just right.

My Journey to Publication

by JoAnn Durgin

I’m probably one of the few authors published with only an e-mail query followed by the manuscript. No detailed synopsis, no sample chapters, not even an outline. Unbelievable, right? That was back in January 2009, and on May 1, 2010, I received my first contract. However, please know my journey to publication did take more than a decade. After my early attempts at writing novels garnered a bit of attention from a publisher and several literary agents, I set aside my manuscripts. But I never lost the passion. Why? I knew it wasn’t my time. It was time to raise our three children.

In November 2008, I dug out my old manuscripts from under the bed and blew off the dust bunnies. The last stand-alone novel I wrote, Awakening, was a contemporary romantic adventure set in San Antonio featuring a man named Sam Lewis and a woman named Lexa Clarke. I could only find the second half of it. I read it with fresh eyes and told my husband, Jim (the inspiration for the character of Sam), “This is the one, the story I feel the Lord wants me to try and publish.” I envisioned a series based on the characters and my fictional TeamWork Missions organization. Loosely-based on my love story with Jim, Awakening is the book of my heart. A lot of the strength of character, unwavering faith and goodness in Sam is based on Jim. Some of the feistiness and stubbornness in Lexa Clarke is based on yours truly, but also her resourcefulness and resilience. We finally went to our knees and asked the Lord – if it was in His will – to give my story back to me. Not only did He give it back to me in a dramatic way, but He confirmed it was “the one.” If you’d like to read more, please visit my website at www.joanndurgin.com. Wave to the armadillo!

My best advice to aspiring authors is to first pray and commit your words, and your story, to the Lord. He’s your partner and co-author. And then, simply write your passion. If you love your characters, your story will shine, and those characters will jump from the pages of your book into the hearts of your readers. If you’re persistent, and keep your focus on sharing the stories the Lord has given you to share, He’ll open the doors of His choosing, in His timing. You have a story to share, and He wants you to share it! It’s such a blessing to witness the marvelous ways He’s working to get Awakening in the hands of His choosing. It might not be the most literary, well-written or well-edited book on the market, but it has heart and shows the love of Christ through my all-too-human characters. Readers are responding, and it’s a true honor and blessing to be able to answer this unique calling.

Thank you for inviting me to share with you today! Blessings, my friends. Matthew 5:16

A full-time estate administration paralegal, JoAnn Durgin lives in southern Indiana (near Louisville, Kentucky) with her husband, Jim, and their three children. She is a member of the ACFW, the Indiana ACFW, and the Romance Writers of America. Her debut novel, Awakening, released in November 2010 and has reached the Top-Rated lists in several categories on Amazon. The second installment in her series, Second Time Around, releases on or before September 1, 2011. She was a finalist in the long contemporary romance category of the 2010 RWA/FHL Touched by Love contest, and is a regular blog contributor with Reflections in Hindsight and Hoosier Ink.

To find out more about JoAnn, please visit:

Her author site at www.joanndurgin.com 

Reflections in Hindsight (every other Wednesday)

http://reflectionsinhindsight.wordpress.com/

Hoosier Ink (third Monday of every month)

http://www.hoosierink.blogspot.com/  

Glory to God Alone by Ann Tatlock

How many of us have longed for the day when we’d walk into a Barnes and Noble and see our novel on a shelf? We’d feel like we’d made it. Right? (Dawn here.) I’m so pleased to have Ann Tatlock as our guest author this Fortifying Friday. I love her honesty and willingness to share her struggles before and after her own journey to publication. I found her words so helpful, and I think you will too!

Glory to God Alone

by Ann Tatlock

Thirteen years. That’s how long it took me to get published. And now I’ve been a published author for 13 years. In the 26 years of Before and After, my greatest struggle has remained the same: avoiding the temptation to define my worth by my writing.

That’s the spiritual danger inherent in any career we might have in this world, even if the work is devoted to furthering the Gospel of Christ. It’s a trap that spills over from our culture and I find myself wrapped up in it: even my “heavenly work” must succeed by worldly standards or else my life is meaningless.

As though by my accomplishments, I can become Someone of Value.

But there’s a problem with this sort of logic. Once you’re published, the temptation simply takes on new dimensions. It moves from If only I can get my novel published to a host of other targets: If only I can write a best-seller….If only I can win an award….If only my novel is made into a movie….

The if onlys are endless and the bar continues to rise and it’s only too easy never to reach a place of satisfaction. Oh, sometimes I feel like I’ve accomplished something. But the vast majority of the time I feel as though I’ve barely scratched the surface of success.

Before I was published, I remember standing at a bookstore window, staring at the books on display inside. When it came to authors, I was literally and figuratively on the outside looking in. I thought I would never join their ranks; it seemed little more than a pipe dream. Lord, I thought, why did you give me the desire to write? Isn’t this a good thing that I want to do?

Yes, it’s a good thing. But it can be undertaken for bad reasons. It can even become an idol, if one isn’t careful.

I have to be constantly careful and remind myself of this: My talents is from God and for God. Period. To believe that the talent is there to feed my own sense of self-worth is to believe a lie.

God didn’t put the dream of writing in my heart so He could crush it. Neither did He put it in my heart so it would become an idol. He gave me both the dream and the talent so that, through my small stories, I can reflect the Grand Story of His love.

I will never find my worth in my work because it isn’t there. My worth as a person is found only in Christ. Now that I’m published, I’m the same person I was before I first picked up my pen to write. It’s both humbling and liberating to realize that I will never be either more than or less than this: a sinner saved by grace.

Soli Deo Gloria. Glory to God alone.

Ann Tatlock is the author of eight novels. Her newest book, Promises to Keep, was recently named among the Top Ten Historical Novels of the year by Booklist magazine. Ann lives with her husband, daughter, three Chihuahuas and a guinea pig on the side of a mountain in beautiful Western North Carolina. 

You can read more about Ann and her work at http://www.anntatlock.com/

Lessons I’ve Learned as a Writer by Annalisa Daughety

Welcome to Fortifying Friday! Offering encouragement to writers has been a big part of our mission here at Seriously Write. We believe sharing our journeys to publication can help writers see that although paths may be different, there are similar things we can all learn on the way. Today, author Annalisa Daughety shares what she’s learned as a writer on her own journey. Enjoy!

Lessons I’ve Learned as a Writer

by Annalisa Daughety

I guess my writing journey began when I learned to hold a pencil. From that day forward, I was a writer. I even kept a diary starting in the first grade. Some of those early journal entries are pretty funny to look back on, detailing everything from events in the news to things I watched on TV. Joanie and Chachi’s wedding on Happy Days got lots of coverage in my journal. Guess I was a bit of a romantic, even as a seven year old.

I never seriously considered going after my dream though. The idea of people reading my words terrified me. It still does sometimes. Would they identify? Would they think I was stupid? There is a certain amount of vulnerability that comes each time I send something out into the world. Those moments before I hit SEND on a new proposal are scary. And once a completed manuscript is turned in—although there is a lot of relief—there is a lot of fear. Will my editor like it?

But that doesn’t even touch the fears that come when the book is actually released. When my characters—who have become my friends and who each have little pieces of me in them—no longer belong to me. They belong to the reader. Some readers will love them. And some will not. And that is not always easy to deal with. I’m still working on growing thicker skin.

The biggest lesson writing has taught me has been to go after my dreams. If I let fear hold me back, I’d never get a word written. Just like in life. I look back over the past ten years and there have been so many times when I’ve had to take a leap of faith. Times when the easy thing to do would be to stay in my comfort zone and not take a risk. Sometimes those risks work out and sometimes they don’t—but I will always be glad that I tried my best.

As a writer, I have to make sacrifices. I work a full time job in addition to writing. My life gets pretty hectic sometimes. I think one of the other lessons I’ve learned through my writing journey is that I can always find time for the things that are important to me. If you walk through my house when I’m on a deadline, you’ll see that cleaning is not one of those things. J But there are ways to fit in the things that mean the most.

Another lesson I’ve learned as a writer is how important it is to have a support group. My family and friends are always quick to offer encouragement when I need it. And my critique partners are invaluable. It definitely takes a village to write a book.

No matter where you are on your writing journey—remember that everyone’s journey is different. Some will be published quickly and some not for many years. Don’t get discouraged. You have your own path and ultimately, those experiences will be part of your story.

My advice to budding writers is always the same: read and write and do both frequently. There are contests and conferences and books on writing—and those are great. But reading as much as you can and carving out time each day to write are vital steps in the journey.

Life as a writer isn’t always easy. It can be exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. But I wouldn’t trade it—even the tough parts—for anything.

Annalisa Daughety, an Arkansas native, is the author of five novels. She writes inspirational, contemporary fiction set in historic locations. Her previous work includes the Walk in the Park series, set in popular national parks, as well as Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio. Her next release, Love Finds You in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, releases in July. A graduate of Freed-Hardeman University, Annalisa spent the past ten years working in the non-profit sector in marketing and event planning. She is an active member of American Christian Fiction Writers and loves to connect with her readers through social media sites like Facebook and Twitter. She currently lives in Memphis with two spoiled dogs and is hard at work on her sixth novel.

More information about Annalisa can be found at:

Website: http://www.annalisadaughety.com
Blog: http://www.princessofpatience.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/Annalisa_  (Annalisa has a _ after it)Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Annalisa-Daughety/289321042323

Seeing Stars by Marcia Gruver

Negative comments are never easy to take, but since it’s almost impossible to please everyone, at some point in our lives we all need to deal with it. As writers, we face possible criticism every time something we pen is published. Today, author Marcia Gruver is here to share encouraging words on that subject and what she’s learned on her journey to publication. Thanks, Marcia!

Seeing Stars

by Marcia Gruver

A dear friend and fellow writer enters a chapter of her current project in a contest. After anxiously awaiting the results, they trickle in one at a time. Two judges give her a perfect score. That’s right … perfect scores with rave reviews. The final judge pens a very low mark followed by terribly unkind comments scratched in the margin with red ink. Ouch.

This got me to thinking. Three random people read the same 3,000 words. Two praise them profusely. One despises them. How can this be? Is it really a matter of divergent taste?

In our zeal to do a good critique or brilliant review, do we forget to enjoy the story? Are we caught up in ferreting out mistakes in order to show off our amazing eye for good writing? Maybe we’ve forgotten there’s a flesh and blood person connected to the work—an author who will read the harsh words knowing her peers may see them, too.

The first review of my debut novel was so brutal, I cringe today at the thought. At the time, it crushed my fragile new-author spirit. After a lot of soul-searching prayer, I decided to respect the woman’s right to her opinion, but I knew in my heart the book was better than she claimed. Since that dark day, the same novel has garnered wonderful feedback and a four star review from Romantic Times Magazine, whose reviewer called it a “charming tale.” Go figure.

My friend’s red-lined chapter grew into a wonderful story that also earned four stars from Romantic Times. She went on to become an award-winning author, producing numerous works of brilliant fiction. She refused to focus on the negative comments and pressed on to great success—with many more starry reviews from Romantic Times, Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other notable outlets.

I read an article reporting that Kathryn Stockett’s wonderful book, The Help, met with 60 rejections before becoming a best seller. Kathryn asked, “What if I had given up at 15? Or 40? Or even 60?” I can answer her question: The literary world would be short a gifted writer and one amazing novel.

What if my friend had tucked tail and scurried away to lick her wounds? What if I had? At some point in our careers, it’s possible, even probable, to run into rejection or a painful review of our work, but we can’t let it define us. More importantly, we can’t let careless words or red-lined manuscripts dampen our enthusiasm or break our spirits.

Take care to heed constructive criticism, but the next time you’re faced with an overly harsh commentary on your work, don’t take it to heart. Hold your head high instead, and set your sites on the stars.

 

Marcia Gruver’s southern-comfortable roots lend touches of humor and threads of faith to her writing. Look for both in her Texas Fortunes and Backwoods Brides series. When she’s not perched behind a keyboard, you’ll find her clutching a game system controller or riding shotgun on long drives in the Texas Hill Country. Lifelong Texans, Marcia and her husband Lee have five children. Collectively, this motley crew has graced them with a dozen grandchildren and one great-granddaughter—so far.

To find out more about Marcia

and her books, please visit

http://www.marciagruver.com/ www.yieldedquill.blogspot.com 

Trusting the Author of All Things by Jennifer Erin Valent

Welcome to Fortifying Friday, the day here at Seriously Write when guest authors share encouraging words and pieces of their personal journeys to publication. Dawn here. I’m excited to have Jennifer Erin Valent with us today. Her article, “Trusting the Author of All Things,” spoke to my heart. I have a feeling it will touch many of you, as well. Thanks, Jennifer.

Trusting the Author of All Things

by Jennifer Erin Valent

There are a lot of books out there about how to write and get published. If you’re a writer, you’ve probably got a stack of them on your desk. And while they can provide a ton of useful information on anything from composing query letters to executing strong manuscript formatting, there’s one thing you’ll never find on the shelf at Barnes and Noble… how to find and follow your specific path as a writer.

Each of us was created with individual personalities, ways of communicating, and abilities; and, all of that was put together by a Creator who knows exactly why He made us the way He did, why He placed us here, and what we’re meant to do while we inhabit this planet.

It’s easy, when we love writing as we do, to search for our niche rather than to pray for it. We become so actively involved in this business of writing that it’s difficult to keep our focus on why we’re pursuing it in the first place.

But just like anything, when we don’t focus on the important stuff, the little stuff gets blown all out of proportion and we begin to rely on ourselves for things we aren’t capable of. And that leads to burn-out.

And trust me, in the six or so years it took me to get my foot in the door of publishing, I had plenty of experience with being burnt out! There is nothing easy about becoming a writer. In fact, there’s nothing easy about staying a writer. There are endless disappointments, frustrations, rejections and doors slammed in the face. It’s part of the package.

But what kept me ticking (and still does!) was refocusing on why I was writing in the first place. I was led there, plain and simple. I didn’t grow up wanting to write. The desire came to me out of the blue in my twenties and pestered me until I had given up full-time work—and my own personal goals—to throw myself into an entirely new field, because I knew it was what the Lord was leading me to do.

What I can tell you from experience as an aspiring author is that each move I’ve made because I felt led by the Holy Spirit has developed into some form of progress in my career or personal growth. But the things I’ve pursued because I felt I should, or because someone else said I should, did nothing but waste time and energy and end in frustration.

So my encouragement to all of you who are trying to break through that publishing barrier is to take this journey and place it at the Lord’s feet. Ask Him to provide you with His vision each step of the way. Spend time in prayer, and when you don’t know for certain how to act, don’t. Just wait. “The LORD is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him” (Lamentations 3:25, NAS).

In a world where it seems your life is at the whim of faceless editors, harsh critics, and economic impact, remember that it’s not. Your life is in the hands of the One who breathed it into existence. What better place to go for guidance than the One who calls, directs, equips, and never breaks His promises?

Jennifer Erin Valent is the winner of the 2007 Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest and a 2010 Christy Award. A lifelong resident of the South, her surroundings help to color the scenes and characters she writes. She has spent the past 17 years working as a nanny and has dabbled in freelance, writing articles for various Christian women's magazines. She lives in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

To find out more about Jennifer

and her books, please visit

http://www.jennifervalent.com/
http://www.jennifervalent.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jennifer-Erin-Valent/61553893146
http://www.tyndale.com/Jennifer-Erin-Valent/bio