Pardon my bitterness!

Dear Author-in-Waiting:

I know how you feel. I’ve been at this writing gig for a while. Like many writers, I’ve always written, but I start counting the “professional” years in 2002. So, all told, I’ve been attempting to write professionally and get a book published for 20 years. All along, I’ve worked hard to learn the craft of writing, which has been a huge challenge for me. I would hear writing teachers say, “You’re human. Therefore, you know how to write a story. It’s placed into us by God.” And I would sit back and think, “Then what’s wrong with me?”

Then came the many, many writers I knew from critique groups or social media who had only been writing for a few years before getting an agent and a publishing contract. And I’d sit back and think, “Then what’s wrong with me?”

Please hear me when I say, I was genuinely happy for these writers. But there is always that little part of me that says, “What’s wrong with me, God? I’ve worked so hard, written millions of words, and that book is still not in my paws.”

Well, in those 20 years, I have not only given blood, sweat, and tears to this craft we call writing, I have also learned something about myself and this journey. So, if you’re also still waiting, let’s chat.

1. It’s not about me! Shocking, I know. But there was a lot of “me” language in those opening paragraphs. If we’re Christian writers, then we believe God has called us to this writing life. That means He also gets to decide the timing, teach us what He wants when He wants to, and ultimately, we are writing for an audience of One, no matter where else our writing ends up. There’s nothing wrong with us. We are sons and daughters of the greatest writer of all time. He’ll decide the when, the where, the what, the who, and the how.
2. Clarity comes with timing. There have been many times where I have banged my head against the wall trying to understand a certain aspect of the craft, but then it all became clear. It clicked. And I can only believe that God hangs on to clarity for when I’m ready to take that next step forward. And while we’re waiting for that clarity, let’s be thankful for every step and moment of understanding that God has given us.
3. Stay in your own lane. There are many writers who create stories of breathtaking beauty. The words they splash upon the page brings readers to tears. It’s gorgeous. I, however, write somewhat goofy kid’s stories. They are about chickens in space, or spy squirrels. I’m not going to move the nations to action (most likely), I’m not going to win a major literary award, but perhaps I can make growing up a little easier for some kids out there in the world. Maybe I can teach them how to be friends, or to stand up for themselves, or to look at the beauty of the world around them. I must stay in the lane God has placed me in, because there is room for all kinds of writing and I shouldn’t desire or despair that I’m not a different kind of writer. There is a lane for everyone.

Above all, I must remember that during these 20 years, I’ve also gotten married, become a foster parent, then an adoptive parent, a worship leader at my church, performed in multiple musicals, helped my aging grandparents, lost people, and grown in so many ways.

As we wait for that long sought after novel, God is growing us into the people, and the writers, we’re meant to be. Waiting is hard, and it can be easy to fall into comparisonitis and become bitter when we see another post about that newly published writer, wishing it was us. But hold fast and true, dear writer. God’s timing is perfect, and there may be other lessons to learn along the way before the book with your name on it lays in your hands.

Please respond to this letter, and tell me what God is teaching you.

Hugs and blessings,

Waiting in Washington

For a great video on this topic, check out Sara Whitley and her thoughts  at