Sharon ReneA few weeks ago, my agent told me that a publisher wanted to see three of my young adult manuscripts. I quickly polished them to the best of my ability and sent them on their way.
I also panicked a little.
Panic is my natural reaction to most things. My mind never stops spinning and it started with “what if she hates my books, “what if she likes them,” “what if she wants to publish them?”
I’ve had an elementary middle-grade book published, A Mixed Bag of God’s Grace, but my YA books are much bigger and more complicated. I may not be up to this writer thing!
Then God laid something on my heart. I don’t know if it was a whisper or a shout, but He said,
“These are my books too.”
Yes, Lord, how could I ever forget?
Every time I write a word I feel Him with me. He guides me and gives me inspiration. Not that every word I write is great. Trust me, my first drafts need a lot of work, revision and polishing, but He helps me with that too.
If you’re a writer, I’m sure you understand. God give us ideas, phrases, motivation and strength. It takes a lot of strength to keep plugging along in this crazy writing universe. Sometimes it takes a little quirkiness and a lot of bravado.
Have you ever wondered if your imagination just lost its mind? I have.
Each of my novels has a special place in my heart. When I developed my “Divine Destiny” YA series I felt God leading me every step of the way. There is no doubt that these books belong to Him every bit as much as they belong to me.
So, it doesn’t really matter if this particular publisher wants Hesitant Heroes, Relentless Rebels, and Defying Destiny or if she rejects them.
God has already made up His mind what should happen.
He knows if, when, and who should publish my YA series. He will make the right decision in His timing. I don’t need to worry because these are His books too.
Trust me. God is the greatest writing partner.
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Gretchen Carlson
Michelle Kaderly Welsh
Yay! So excited a publisher is interested in your wonderful series. And such a good point about God’s guidance. Of course, He’s with you on this. There’s no better partner!
Thanks Robyn. This may not be the right publisher but it is certainly a lift for me to know that someone is interested. I’d appreciate your prayers that God’s will be done.
Hello! 🙂 That is a great reminder that we’re not writing to be recognized, but more to spread the love and presence of God. He will help us get through it.
That is so right. God can use every word we write. It doesn’t matter if one person or a hundred people read it, God still gets the glory.
I love this reminder and needed it! I get the same way too. Thank you Sharon.
Glad you liked it. I just wanted to share my heart about this. It’s hard being a writer but comforting when we remind ourselves that He is with us.
Congratulations, Sharon! Praying God uses your writing!
Thanks so much Tracy.