My Writing Journey - Then Came Preparation - Part 3

Our pastor has been teaching on recognizing God's purpose for your life. One of the hallmarks is preparation. The Lord is not one to throw you into the pool and say, "Sink or swim."

Preparation entails not only learning the technical aspects of your calling, but also developing patience, perseverance, and endurance. The publishing industry is ever changing in this digital age, and requires all of these character traits.

Like most writers, I started off doing small projects. Short pieces for Christmas programs and skits increased my appetite for writing. Later, the need arose for Sunday School Curriculum and a monthly devotional for our tape ministry.

At one point, I sent out poems to several Christian publications, but nothing came of the effort. Back then, the Internet didn't exist, so I relied on information in their magazines. The lack of support for Christian writers discouraged me, and I set my writing aside for a number of years.

When I got married and moved to another state, the dynamics changed. The Christian writing community was vibrant, and my husband urged me to pursue getting published. The Internet provided ways to connect with other writers, readers, and publishers.

Devotionals, short articles, and pieces in several anthologies soon followed. Eventually, fiction became the vehicle for my stories. The journey continues with new book projects. Out of the Mist will soon be published, and I'm also working on a contemporary novel.

All the years of preparation are bearing fruit. Did I want to quit? More than once. Am I glad I didn't? You better believe it. :)

Are you still wondering if you've found what you were meant to do? Look back over your life and see if there are repeating themes. 

Writers:  What kind of preparation did you/are you going through for publication?

Readers:  What preparations were necessary to reach your goals/purpose in life?

Photo Credit:  asifthebes