Please welcome this weeks guest Carole Brown for The Journey. She answers the question: How have you seen God work in your writing journey?
To Paraphrase Shakespeare . . .
To be (a writer) or not to be (a writer).
2012 started out with determination to become published.
Friends encouraged. One special friend figuratively sat me down (although actually we were standing for most of the conversation) and gave me a “talking to.” What did I take away from that?
Quit beating myself up.
I have talent; use it
Believe in God
I’ll have to admit, my faith was weak at this point. Yet I’ll have to admit again, I think I had to get into this “slough of despond” for God to gain my attention. I had to get to the point where all I could say was, “God, I believe. Help my unbelief.”
I put the words on my desktop. Every few days they would catch my attention. Every few days I’d repeat them like a mantra; a prayer from a heart with little faith.
Then a writing conference.
A meeting with an editor.
A manuscript request.
Work. Editing.
A send-in.
Waiting.
Waiting.
More waiting.
Calls from my agent. Emails.
Contact.
BIG News.
I’d been offered a contract.
December 17: date signed.
I became an author!
Elation. Happiness. Satisfaction. Relief.
Yes. All this.
And more.
Peace.
Because throughout this year I learned in my own way to let go and let God. My faith might be weak, but God is strong. My faith might be little, but God works through little and weak and deformed and broken.
I couldn’t make it happen, but God did. In his own time.
It’s his book, his novel, and whether he blesses it in a mighty way, or a small one, it is his.
Blessings!
About the book:
How far would YOU go to avenge a daughter’s cruel death? Cara is considered rebellious and inappropriate to befriend. Dayne is the apple of Elder Simmons’ eye—until he takes a stand against their teachings. Can his prayers and love reach Cara and show her the way to redemption? Will Cara realize God’s love and forgiveness before she goes too far?
The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman is a novel of hope shining through the darkness with strong elements of suspense and romance. This novel was a semifinalist in the Genesis contest and is receiving raving reviews! Release date was October 21, 2013 from the Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. The link for the book which is on SALE NOW is:
Short Bio:
Brown not only has her debut novel, The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman, available for purchase now, but a companion book called West Virginia Scrapbook: From the Life of Caralynne Hayman, filled with tidbits of information about West Virginia, quotes, recipes from West Virginia and from Caralynne’s life, pictures and discussion questions for the novel. On November 18, the first book in her mystery series, Hog Insane, released. It’s a fun, lighthearted novel introducing the characters, Denton and Alex Davies.
Besides being a member and active participant of many writing groups, Carole Brown enjoys mentoring beginning writers. She loves to weave suspense and tough topics into her books, along with a touch of romance and whimsy, and is always on the lookout for outstanding titles and catchy ideas. She and her husband reside in SE Ohio but have ministered and counseled nationally and internationally. Together, they enjoy their grandsons, traveling, gardening, good food, the simple life, and did she mention their grandsons?
Connect with her here:
Personal blog: http://sunnebnkwrtr.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CaroleBrown.author
Twitter: https://twitter.com/browncarole212
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/sunnywrtr/boards/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5237997-carole-brown
I also am part of several other blogs:
Stitches in Time: http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/
Barn Door Book Loft: http://www.barndoorbookloft.net/
What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what's been said. Thank you.