People occasionally tell me, "You should write a book" or "You should get that published." While I'm thankful for their vote of confidence and try to be gracious, inside I'm thinking, "If only it were that easy."
It takes a TON of work to become an author. A TON. A whole heap of ton! Finding the extra hours in my day to work on writing is challenging and exhausting. It takes time to learn the craft of writing and the less time I spend, the longer it will take. I'm easily frustrated. I'm no spring chicken any more. If this is going to happen, I need to be spending more time on it.
The odds of getting a book published are getting slimmer, even more so with the economy the way it is. Publishing companies are printing fewer titles every year, meaning they're less willing to take a chance on a no name like me. Breaking into the book market is beyond tough. It's next to impossible.
And then there's the fact that I was a MATH MAJOR in college. I have no formal writing training (I'm not sure the correspondence course I finished years ago would qualify.). I'm not the smartest, the most creative or eloquent, nothing close to a master wordsmith. There are countless others with greater abilities than I. I have no platform (a recognizable name, a speaking career, a hugely successful blog, basically a position in which to sell books) which is required to publish a nonfiction work these days. I'm just a middle-aged homemaker in Nebraska with nothing new to say, only the desire to say it.
It seems silly to spend a tremendous amount, a heap ton, of work on something with little chance of publication. If I am completely honest with myself, I have to admit from a business and experience standpoint, I've got no reason to think I'll ever see a book that bears my name.
Except. . .
I have a great big God.
He puts within me a nagging to write that never goes away, even when I try my best to shake it. Something in me (or rather Someone) tells me to keep doing it, keep working on it, whether the end result is a book contract or not. He brings people who spur me on with their comments. He says not to worry about where it's headed, but concentrate on the present work, making it the best it can be. He says, "Trust Me. Let me surprise you with how I can use your willingness to listen to My voice."
Could He accomplish the impossible? Could I witness a miracle by heeding Him?
"If all you ever attempt is that which you know you can do or have the resources for, how will you ever discover what He can do?"
My Jesus is . . . . Everything!
by Anne Graham Lotz
I don't want to miss out on His hand at work. I'm willing to wait to see it, no matter how long it takes. I look for His unconventional ways of answering prayers, knowing His miracle may not be a book contract. I'll keep answering His nagging and continue writing. One day He may take my breath away.
What about you? Is God waiting to show you a miracle? Is He primed to reveal Himself to you in a fresh way if only you'll step out of your comfort zone or give your all? Don't miss it, friends. Take a deep breath, trust Him with everything you have and take the risk.
What might you miss if you don't?
To join the In "Other" Words meme and read more impressions of this quote, visit Nina at Mama’s Little Treasures.
11 comments:
Oh, my long separated twin, how I identify with this post! From math major to author does sound like a leap, doesn't it? But with God it really is just a step. Looking forward to seeing the fruition of your dreams at some point---and trusting to see the fruition of mine as well. Have a blessed day!
Such a wonderful post dear.
Good morning Tami - such a sweet, honest post about your desire to do what God has put on your heart. But it IS scarey, isn't it! Thanks for participating this week . . . . sorry for the delay in posting Mr. Linky - I forgot how to do it and it took a while to figure it out! I've got an idea to share with you, so I'll email you directly . . . . Have a wonderful Tuesday! Nina
I've been reading your blog since its inception but only posted a couple of times. What do you mean just a Midwestern Homemaker....? Don't slight yourself. You are much more to God and to others. Be still and listen to the inner voice and not the little one that sits on your shoulder filling your head with doubts! GO FOR IT! You have nothing to lose (ok, maybe some sleep). You tell those of us reading not to miss "it", to step out of our comfort zone, well, dear
Tami, take your own advice. You've got the talent. You are correct, maybe it won't be a book contract, but then, maybe it will. You already inspire more people than you know.
~ANONYMOUS AQUAINTANCE
I'm with you on the writing thing. That was never on my list of things I want to do when I grow up but it was on God's list and I praise Him for the faith He has in me that I often don't have in myself. Thanks for sharing today.
"Something in me (or rather Someone) tells me to keep doing it, keep working on it, whether the end result is a book contract or not."
My dear writing friend, please keep writing. All the words you speak are true. ALL of them. I can relate to EVERYTHING you've said. My focus is to be faithful to write down everything God has put on my heart, and then let Him decide what He wants to do with it. Thank you for sharing today.
Denise Hughes :)
Oh, I love what you had to say here! Our God IS big, isn't he? Thanks for sharing!
Blogging IS writing... it's just not paid. Aren't you glad we live in this electronic era, where we can do this writing thing for next-to-nothing? Before blogging I was a (long) emailer, and before that I wrote lots of letters. And before that I keep diaries.
Keep writing Tami, no matter whether you're recognized and paid, or not. Thanks for being such a clear voice in the Christian blogging community. (((Hugs)))
Very interesting comments....hmmm. Love ya!
I'm a bit behind in reading other people's IOW. But I'm certainly glad I read yours. What a great example of our quote for this week. And you are a good writer. I know that what you wrote is true but if it's something God has for you then you just need to go ahead and take the first step.
Take a deep breath, trust Him with everything you have and take the risk.
Comforting and challenging. After a week of disbelief, your words stir the wonder of what if.
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