Writers, Take Off Your Mask by Marie Wells Coutu

Due to the pandemic, many of us are wearing masks these days when we must go out in public. Others resist the idea of mandatory mask-wearing or are simply unable to cover their face due to conditions other than COVID-19 that make mask-wearing unpleasant or even dangerous.

But I’m not about to get political here or to criticize those who do or those who don’t.

I’m talking about a different type of mask—the kind that we put on to keep others at a distance. Not “social distancing” or physical distancing, but emotional distancing. To prevent people from actually knowing us, our fears, our weaknesses, our insecurities.

I saw this humorous face mask: Beneath a handlebar mustache were the words, “If you can read this, I mustache you to step back.”

Many people could relate to this sentiment even before the pandemic. At times, we simply don’t want others to get too close. We are unwilling to be vulnerable, to reveal our true selves.

To write fiction—or nonfiction—that connects with readers, the mask must come off. It’s easier with fiction, since we can deal with our own issues through our characters, especially since no one needs to know they’re based on real life.

Someone once said, “Writing is easy. You just open a vein and bleed.”*

It means if we remove our “masks,” we can deal with our own issues through our characters. In other words, as we “bleed on the page,” we face our own struggles, too.

For example, if you feel guilty, then find forgiveness writing a character’s journey out of her guilt.

Struggling with anger? Help your character learn how to manage his anger, and you may learn new ways to manage your own.

Facing a desperate situation? Write until your character overcomes those seemingly impossible obstacles and discovers hope. You may even find a little of that hope along the way.

So take off your mask and inspire your readers to live an authentic life.

When we remove the mask, open our heart, and bleed onto the page, our stories become real @mwcoutu @MaryAFelkins #amwriting #masks #authenticity

Once we writers remove our “masks,” we can deal with our own issues through our stories. @mwcoutu @MaryAFelkins #amwriting #authenticity #writermasks

Writer's Paralysis By Katie Powner

All of us authors have faced writer’s block at some point. We’ve hit a wall in the middle of our story, or lost focus, or maybe we received some feedback that stopped us in our tracks and we struggled to continue.

But what about writer’s paralysis? Writer’s paralysis is like writer’s block except with a global pandemic, national unrest, record unemployment, social upheaval, and weeks of isolation piled on top of it.

Anybody have any tips for that one?

I’m not going to lie. For the past couple months, I’ve been struggling. Struggling to post on my blog. Struggling to finish my WIP. Struggling to even write a tweet without paralyzing self-doubt and over-analysis.

Jealousy: A Common Emotion We Deal With as Writers By Sondra Kraak

Jealousy.

It’s messy, hot, uncomfortable and, well, ugly. 

It eats at the bones. It smolders in the chest. It exhausts the heart. We see another writer get a contract, or another’s book get praised, and jealousy flares within us, and that leads to a sense of competition, and into a spiral of comparison that makes us doubt our calling and gifts. 

Friends, how can we adequately dive into the struggle of jealousy in a 700-word post? We can only play around in the shallows of it, but maybe that will get us looking deeper into our motivations, our fears, and our struggles as writers—as they relate to jealousy.

It's All About Discipline by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

My writing time—those moments when I can sit in front of my computer and completely lose myself in my characters my stories—is limited.

Only by acts of supreme discipline, by making sure I commit even a small part of my day—every day—to my craft have I been able to keep moving forward as an author. There are no tricks. No secrets to share. All I have is this, and it’s truth: Long-term writing requires discipline. 

If you find yourself in the same boat as me, keep three words in mind: Sit, plot, type. 

Some of what you produce will be garbage. Some of what you produce will be beautiful, and take you (and maybe even your story) by complete surprise. But at the end of the day, in order to succeed, you have to log the word count. You have to commit yourself to task of sticking to your scheduled writing time even if you’re exhausted, even if that blinking cursor just keeps blinking at you. Push forward, even if you write no more than a few words, a few scene ideas, a few plot twists. 

Also, don’t limit yourself. If you’re trying to write chapter 3, but developments in chapter 5 are calling, write chapter 5. Don’t waste precious time agonizing. Write the scene that’s living in your heart and mind, then save it to be inserted later. Or, outline that plot twist and save it. When I create, I write fresh, and then re-read it the next day when I continue my story. This gives me an opportunity to polish and tweak, to add layers. I review again and again as my story grows, so I don’t hang myself up on writing perfectly the first time. Round one? I simply want to write from the heart. 

The holidays are coming, and there is so much for which to be thankful, so many blessings to rejoice in and to share. As an author, try to remain dedicated to the stories you have to tell. Guard your time as best you can, and keep pushing forward. It’s all about the discipline. 

Until next month friends—be thankful, share richly, and be blessed!

~~~~~

Dustin Farrell is expected to succeed. He’s gifted with the means and ability to take the world of business development by storm…and he’s doing just that, right on plan. 

As Christmas approaches, he’s called home, to Hope Creek, Tennessee. He’s been given a slam-dunk objective from his investors: Take a small, local art shop and expand it into the retail mainstream. 

Lillianna Bennett, Dustin’s former high school classmate, is part owner of Purple Door Art Market. Long ago, her shy sweetness captured his imagination, but nothing came of the affectionate flame between them. 

Until a reunion at Christmas Inn. Dustin presents his offer, realizing the wallflower of his youth has bloomed into a confident, talented woman with the kind of free-spirited heart for which he always longed. And he wonders: Is a life of expectation, and ‘more’ what he really wants? Will his professional quest end up compromising Lillianna if her gifts and business become part of a wider view? 

Most of all, will love be lovelier...the second time around?

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” 

Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. 

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

I've Got Lake Hair and I Just Don't Care by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

My happy place as a spirit, as a person, as a writer…this…this is my happy place. Lake Avalon, in the tiny, picturesque hamlet of Hillman, Michigan. Avalon, to me, represents a half-century of my life. From the time I was born, it’s been a touchstone to all that I’ve become.

 Many is the time I laid on the dock at my grandma and grandpa’s “cabin,” gazing up at an unpolluted sky glittering with stars, constellations, galaxies, and dreamed of romantic stories full of hope, and joy, and time, and place. I’d putter around the kidney-shaped perimeter with my grandpa in an aluminum fishing boat, watching people, imagining their stories…

This sandy-bottom, spring-fed lake is a precious part of my life. When I’m not here, I literally dream of its radiant shades of blue, it’s cool, clear water. I can always find beauty here. I can always find simplicity here. I can always find who I am, and who I want most to become here. The scent of pines, water, foliage, calls to me.

During a recent visit, in less than a few hours at its shores, I watched grandparents play on floaties with their grandkids. I watched brothers and sisters, friends and family, gather to splash and horse around in the shallows. I found myself thinking: This is life as it should be. So much of the world’s ills could be solved right here, in these moments. For these are more than simple summertime memories, these are precious slices of time that define a sense of self and connection.

 

So, thank you, Avalon, for all the ways you enrich my soul and inspire my God-given call and gift to create, to write, and to honor Him with all of my days.

Where do you go to find rejuvenation? What time or place calls you home—to your best self? I’d love to hear about it! Want to know more about Lake Avalon? I’ve written a book wherein it stars. 

How could I not?

Until next month friends—blessings!

~~~~~

Then & Now

Aiden Balfour has always craved stability, independence and security. He’s led a rocky life but always treasured his summers in Northern Michigan with his best summertime friend, Olivia Masters.

Olivia is dedicated to preserving the life she’s known and always treasured at her grandparent’s home high on a bluff overlooking the pristine waters of Avalon. With their blessing, she’s turned the expansive piece of property into a quaint, restful bed and breakfast.

But developers are circling—and they’re led by none other than Aiden Balfour.

Now an ambitious businessman, he’s determined to turn the lake into a tourist mecca. A successful business owner, Olivia is equally determined to stop him...no matter what his hold on her heart.

Can the innocent joy and love of their youth be reclaimed? Can Then…and now…ever be reconciled to a future overflowing with love, and hope?

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.”

Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. 

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

Orlando Bound by Marianne Evans

Marianne  Evans

Orlando, Florida. In late July.

Yep, it’s going to be steamy – literally and figuratively. Romance Writers of America is invading the Disney Swan & Dolphin Resort, playing host to over 2,500 authors of every genre in the romance industry. Talk about a melting pot. Yes, there will be authors of erotic fiction seated next to authors of Christian fiction at the 200+ author-strong event to raise money and awareness for literacy, at workshops, at networking events, at agent/editor appointments.

Which brings me to my point this month. I intend to be an active part of the ACFW national conference next year, but RWA is where I got my start over twenty years ago. RWA is where I learned my craft, where I spent numerous years on the board of my local chapter, Greater Detroit RWA. But most of all, I feel strongly that Christian romance needs to shine its light, and maintain its presence in the secular publishing world. We count. We matter. Our stories positively matter…especially when it comes to love. I’ll be honest though, and I’m sure it won’t come as a shock to know our exposure (and therefore our numbers at conferences like RWA) are dwindling.

I’ve always been the stubborn type. I refuse to give up on supporting my passion, the genre of my heart and soul. I'm half introvert, half extrovert, but I'm determined to share Christian  romance with the book-loving world as best I can.

So, I’m on my way to what I’m sure will be a humid—and utterly fantastic experience. There’s a lot to think about and prepare for prior to my flight taking off in a couple weeks. One sheets for promotion, deep-dive research of publishers, editors, and agents, swag for the famous “Goody Bag” room, tallying a list of author friends I’ll get to see again, or see and hug for the first time, divvying up free time for coffee dates, lunches, dinners, informal chat sessions.  Did I mention? My dear friend and Seriously Write compatriot Mary Manners will be bunking with me!

Conferences of this scale are high octane, but it feeds my writer-side to be in the company of such creative people. When you gather thousands of authors in one space, there’s an energy level you can’t describe until you experience it. We’re diverse and we pursue separate avenues to publication, different passion and interests, but we’re bound by words, bound by storytelling.

For me, understanding like that is where life, and love, begin. Happy writing, all!

~~~~~

Country music bad boy, Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up-and-comer, Pyper Brock and instantly sparks ignite.

Despite her rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation and soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. No way will Pyper make the mistake of falling for a man whose done battle with the bottle.

What happens when Chase’s quest to win Pyper’s love breaks down chains of resentment and eases the long-buried wounds of her childhood? And what happens when Pyper’s father shows up in Nashville, clean, sober and seeking a chance to apologize? Can Pyper follow a pathway to peace when it comes to her father? Can she fully trust Chase?

Above all, can a sin-damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness?

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

Embrace The Journey by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

In this latest season of my writing life, I’m forcing myself to embrace the truth that not all writing is linear. Sometimes the process of crafting a book isn’t A-B-C-D. Sometimes it’s more like B-D-A-C. Sometimes stories piece themselves into existence like a jigsaw puzzle of sorts, scenes connecting and blending into a smooth and ultimately beautiful whole, but not in any kind of neat and immediate sequence.

It used to be that when I sat down to write, I’d pick up where I left off, re-read to add polish, layers and any needed corrections. From there, I’d continue to create a story in a very straightforward manner. Now, my writing time is more scatter-shot, and I find I can’t force myself to sit and write what simply isn’t “there” for me yet. It took a lot of writer’s block and coaching to get me to realize my writing has had to shift and evolve—yet remain continuous of flow and most of all true to its story/character arc--due to restricted time at the computer.

What have I learned? How can I encourage you if you face the same issue?

Write the scene you’re called to write. Craft the book you’re called to write. Let passion and your writerly joy of creating drive the process of bringing your characters to life. Breathe to life those three key elements by infusing your book with heart, because what you're called to write comes straight fro)m there. For me, whatever scene (or project) I'm called to create, whether it comes to me in any kind of logical sequence or not, is a nudge from God that moves me forward.

As I type this blog post, I’m in a plane, on my way to Italy (future blog posts on this journey, I’m certain!) with my precious sister Mary. She’s in the process of crafting the book of her heart, about the man of her heart, and it motivates me even further to hold on to the passion and the joy writing has always given me. Don’t be afraid to move from D to A to B…the roads we all walk are never straight and tidy, are they? They’re full of ups and downs and thrilling dips--twists and turns as powerful as any rollercoaster ride.

Embrace the journey. That’s been a mantra of mine since I began writing. It’s great, at times like this, to gain an ordained reminder of why that phrase means so much to me. The journey is the goal…not just the destination. Hope that encourages you!

Until next time, friends.

~~~~~

Nobody's Baby  But Mine

Noah Talbert just lost his twin sister—his closest living relative—to a horrific automobile accident. Her death brings him straight to Angel Falls where he claims guardianship of his five-year-old nephew, Dylan.

Elementary school counselor Charlotte Latherson is focused on Dylan's case for reasons both personal and professional. His mother was Charlotte's best friend, and the loss has transformed the once joyful and engaging little boy into a reticent, downtrodden kindergartner.

Charlotte is well aware of Noah's history. Other than a close relationship with his sister, Noah's life has been solitary; he keeps to himself and builds strong walls of protection around a heart. Can he provide what's best for Dylan?

At times they butt heads over the youngster's life, but as they struggle, God opens a loving pathway in their hearts. While Noah fights for a child he feels is nobody's baby but his, Charlotte wonders if the feelings they share can't create the bridge to a miracle.

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

Time by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

Time. It’s the most precious commodity we have, and we each have it equally. 365 days in a year, 24 hours in a day, 60 seconds in each precious minute. Spend it wisely. With purpose. With love and gratitude for all you’ve been given.

Time. It’s on my mind because 'time' is where I’ve been most besieged recently. Let me set the stage. Over the past few months, I’ve been polishing up my WIP, a Christmas novella I intend to deliver to my editor in a couple of weeks. However, each and every time I come upon the freedom to work on my writing and devote full focus to my book, life happens. Meaningful, important events, circumstances, obligations, that nonetheless encroach on the mission I hold most precious. My writing.

Time. Rationing time is always a choice. I have the freedom to choose how I allocate those hours, minutes and seconds. That’s the beauty, and pain, of time. I have a family to care for, I have a full-time job, I have publishing contract deadlines, I have a grandbaby I want to spend time with and spoil. Juggling time has become a monumental issue for me of late, and I came upon a quote that lent me some peace, and I hope it does the same for you. It comes from an actor I respect and admire very much, Jim Caviezel. Jim says: "Freedom doesn't exist to give you the right to do as you'd like; freedom exists to give you the right to do as you ought."

That's my conviction recently when it comes to writing and finding time to write. I have the choice to do as I wish - to forsake many important things in life, or I can do as I ought, and trust God to bring me where He wants and needs me to be with the time and energy He allows. It's not easy, but I'm going to try my best to always--always
 choose God's way.

How are you facing and handling time management issues? I'd love to hear about your journey, and your words just might encourage others.

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Hearts Communion earned a win for Best Romance from the Christian Small Publisher's Association. Then & Now and Finding Home both won the Selah award for Best Romance and Best Novella Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably in the Greater Detroit chapter where she served two terms as President.

~~~~~

Country music bad boy Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction, and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up and comer, Pyper Brock, and instantly sparks ignite.

Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation, so despite a rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, she soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. Decades ago, her father, in a drunken rage, tossed her and her mother onto the streets. No way will Pyper make the mistake of falling for a man whose done battle with the bottle.

What happens when Chase’s quest to win Pyper’s love breaks down chains of resentment and eases the long buried wounds of her childhood? And what happens when Pypers father shows up in Nashville, clean, sober and seeking a chance to apologize?

Can Pyper follow a pathway to peace when it comes to her father? Can she fully trust Chase? Above all, can a sin damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness?

Releasing 11/1/2016 ~ Available for pre-order now at Amazon.com in PRINT and E-BOOK formats

What is True Royalty? by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

What’s the message? God, what do You intend as You author the pages of the book I’m writing?

Those are important questions to ask, and usually I feel a solid Spirit push once I create a story. In general terms I know the conflict, the theme, character arcs and resolution. That’s not meant to imply the message God puts on my heart is easily expressed, or drifts from my brain to the printed page in a perfect free-flow…no way, and don’t I wish!

But then came The Fairytale. I recently clicked ‘send’ on this manuscript and delivered it to my editor. The Fairytale centers on a princess and the commoner with whom she falls in love. Crafting this story was quite different for me. The words and scenes flew from my fingertips, and that was a joyful surprise. Usually there are points where I struggle to finesse the plot, or properly align conflict with a realistic resolution.

Here’s what startled me as one scene built and flowed into the next: I had no idea what was coming to be until the book was finished and I began to read it through with a stronger editorial eye. It was then that I realized there was no physical villain. No bad man or woman bent on causing chaos within the lives of my protagonists. Rather, the villain of The Fairytale is modern culture. The crux of its conflict comes from invasiveness, from societal perception, pressures and expectations that are often in direct opposition to my hero and heroine’s Christian perspectives.

That’s a heavy conflict to overcome, and here’s what else struck home. You don’t have to be in the public eye to feel the weight of those burdens, which makes the story relatable. After all, I’m nobody’s royal—although I readily confess to a love affair with sparkly tiaras—however, I feel increasing and hazardous pressure from the world around me to conform, ‘play nice’ and ‘go with the flow.’ Many times as a Christian I’m expected to deny my beliefs and follow culture’s secular lead. If I don’t, I run the painful risk of being marginalized as judgmental, bigoted or self-righteous. If I don’t support ‘this’ agenda or ‘that’ idea, I’m wrong, intolerant and way out of step.

The only way I know to change that tide is to live my life honestly, but in a manner that demonstrates the power of God’s loving redemption and grace.

So those realizations I stumbled upon as the result of writing The Fairytale aren’t just for future readers. They’re for me, too. After all, Jesus was royal to the highest power—yet he was common. He served. He had no armies, no official governance, yet he became a leader who turned a handful of followers into billions. He gave himself away out of unconditional, perfect love.

Therein resides my most powerful and enduring barometer of true royalty.

~~~~~

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Whatis true royalty?

There's a battle looming between Christianity and modern culture.

~~~~~

Aiden Balfour has always craved stability, independence and security. He’s led a rocky life but always treasured his summers in Northern Michigan with his best summertime friend, Olivia Masters.

Olivia is dedicated to preserving the life she’s known and always treasured at her grandparent’s home high on a bluff overlooking the pristine waters of Avalon. With their blessing, she’s turned the expansive piece of property into a quaint, restful bed and breakfast.

But developers are circling—and they’re led by none other than Aiden Balfour.

Now an ambitious businessman, he’s determined to turn the lake into a tourist mecca. A successful business owner, Olivia is equally determined to stop him...no matter what his hold on her heart.

Can the innocent joy and love of their youth be reclaimed? Can Then…and now…ever be reconciled to a future overflowing with love, and hope?

~~~~~

Then & Now is part of the Pure Amore imprint at Pelican Book Group. Pure Amore is a ‘book of the month’ subscription service featuring Christian romances centered on the concept of pre-marital purity and abstinence that doesn’t surrender one moment of the thrill to be found when two people fall in love. Check out Then & Now and the other wonderful Pure Amore titles at Pelican Book Group.

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is a multi-award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction with over twenty titles to her credit. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create.

Happily married and the mother of two, Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan who is active in a number of Romance Writers of America chapters, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President.

Connect with Marianne:

Website ~ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Amazon ~ Pinterest

They That Wait by Wondering Heart

There comes a time in every writer's heart when they doubt their calling. Today's post is a little different than most you'll see on Tuesday's. It resulted from a discussion I had with another writer, who chooses to remain anonymous, after a post on our blog recounted someone's journey to publication. So, after a long discussion, I asked this person to share those thoughts with you. I know there have been many times I've felt this way. Perhaps, this post will speak to you, too. ~ Angie

Words that pierce my unpublished heart: "I just signed a contract. The publisher wants my novel. I won the contest. I never wanted to be a writer, but God wouldn’t let me go."

I’m happy for those authors, I am. I know how frustrating the writing life can be, and by God’s grace, they’ve reached their goal. But each time I hear those words, my hope flakes like paint on a beach house abandoned by the shore. After too many years, I can’t voice the questions anymore, but they’re there, hanging in the silence between me and my Savior.

Why, God, why? When I feel the call to write so keenly, why do the doors remain closed? When I’ve longed for that moment, prepared for it by studying the craft, writing and rewriting, submitting my work to critique groups as I should, why do others cross the line while I lag behind?

When I hear those words, I offer my congratulations. It’s the right thing to do, even if doubt drenches me like a summer rain. I understand it’s a long process, and I know if something is meant to happen, it will in His time. I’ve been told so often, the phrase has lost its encouraging edge.

However, the question is no longer when but if. Does God really  want me to write, or have I misinterpreted my own desires as His?

Like others discouraged by the process, I once decided writing wasn’t God’s will for my life. I sold writing books and threw conference recordings in the trash. Not long after, I was drawn back and promptly quartered. Critiques were returned bathed in red. Judges’ comments arrived with barbs that hurt worse than a cortisone shot to the spine. Once again, the questions rose. I developed a rebellious attitude and said, no more! And once again, I was conscripted, and I found myself an indentured servant to a career that drives me batty and to a God I love, but whose plan befuddles me.

To those of you experiencing this angst, I’m sure you’re expecting encouragement at this point. But we’ve heard it all, and our heads know it even if our hearts are confused. The truth is none of us knows if we’ll experience that moment of conception when we sign our name on that line, and then, at the end of the publishing gestational period, we’ll hold our baby in our hands. To avoid the heartache, we can quit the business, even if we can’t stop writing. We can say no, Lord. It’s too much. We can’t take the pain anymore.

But if we find the call irresistible, we need to move forward with the understanding that if God did call us to this life, He’ll use our work as He sees fit. So let’s settle in for the long haul. This may take many more years, my friend. Press on. Keep the faith and keep writing. God may use us in ways we never expected.

Have you ever felt like Wondering Heart? Have you ever quit writing? What, if anything, made you start again? Comment below and let's start talking. 

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Wondering Heart's journey is similar to that of others in the field. At a young age, she felt the call and throughout her childhood, she wrote short stories, cheesy poems, and a better version, of course, of her favorite movie. The opportunity to focus on writing on a full-time basis arose during her adult years, and since that time, she has written articles and short stories, won one contest, almost won another one, and calls the rest a learning experience. She is a member of ACFW and has volunteered on occasion for the organization, and Christian Writers Guild.