God as Business Manager and Writing Partner by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Kimberly Rose Johnson

Have you ever noticed that the scripture verse you cling to changes, depending on where you are currently at in your life? During the years I was seeking publication for the first time, my verse was Jeremiah 29:11. Now my verses are Proverbs 3:5–6. I tend to quote this passage to myself at least every other day.


I am twenty books into my career as a published, hybrid writer, and I find that I’m closer to the Lord than ever. I feel incapable of not only writing but also dealing with the daily grind of life without Him by my side. I trust Him to guide my words and my career. One of my critique partners says He is her business manager. I love that!


I loved the idea of the Lord being her business manager so much, I gave Him control in that area of my life too. After all, who knows me better, and who could possibly guide my path with perfection like He does? Granted, it’s not always easy to know His will, and there are times I feel like I’m floundering while I wait for direction. The funny thing about that is He has often told me, and I wasn’t listening. It’s only in hindsight that I realize I missed His guidance.


I see His hand in all my books. I had a blast writing my latest release, The Sleuth’s Dilemma, but it wasn’t without its challenges. I’m so thankful He’s not only my manager but my writing partner as well.

~~~~

The Sleuth's Dilemma

Anna loves her job as a high school English teacher until everything goes sideways. The one bright spot in her life is Titus Gains, the school counselor, who is there for her at every turn. Titus’ boss complicates his ordered world when she tasks him with running a meeting that changes everything. How had he not noticed Anna earlier? Someone is out to destroy her, and he can’t let that happen.


As the head of the English department, part of Luke Harms’ job is to make sure everything runs smoothly. Things went haywire when Anna was put in charge of the big writing contest. Entries are missing, Anna appears to be in danger, and her job is on the line. Luke is investigating and wants to make things right for this woman he’s starting to care about. Can a trio of school officials along with Nancy Daley, the town sleuth, stop the saboteur before it’s too late? And will Anna choose the right man, or lose them both?

~~~~~

Award winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers.


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Website: http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

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Who's in Charge?

Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers

“In his heart a man plans his course,
but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)

Are you a planner?

I am. It’s good to make plans. Without some kind of plan, not much would get done.

As a writer, I’m a plotter. I need to know how my story will begin, how it will end, and how I’ll get from one point to another. When I go to a writers conference, I prepare my pitch and one sheet, and I decide in advance what editors or agents I want to meet.

When I started my freelance editing business I didn’t just quit my day job and jump in. I spent months networking and asking questions. I took online classes to learn more about both editing and business. My husband and I took our finances into consideration; we thought through the feasibility of me working from home.

Having a plan makes me feel comfortable. I know—or think I know—what to expect. I hold onto the illusion that I have control over what happens.

The reality is that God is in control. I can plan a desired course, but the Lord will still determine my steps.

In my heart I wanted to be home doing what I loved. My husband and I wanted more balance in our lives, which included more time for each other. Leaving the day job was a way for that to happen. My husband and I originally planned for me to leave the day job at the end of this month. That was our plan. Last March, some things fell into place, we felt led to move on our decision sooner, and my husband told me to give my notice. So, instead of leaving the end of October, I left the day job the beginning of April.

I know what I want to accomplish in my heart for my business, but it’s not only my business—it’s the Lord’s. He’ll continue to bring the right clients for me at the right time.

My heart has desired to see my novels published and I work hard toward that goal. It’s up to Him how and when. It could be next year, or it could be years from now.

I am a planner. I do have dreams. But, I’m also sure relieved that God is leading the way!

Without Him determining my steps, I’d stand a good chance of tripping in a pothole, or worse yet—falling into a sinkhole. ;-D

Dawn