I’ve been part of the publishing industry for many years, but today is a dream come true for me. It’s release day for my very first novel. Even though it’s my debut novel, I have seven other nonfiction books out.
This novel is special because it’s the story that propelled me onto God’s path as a professional writer and author.
How it Began
The year was 1990, and one particular night I had an unusual dream. It was different in that it had a beginning, middle and an end—most of my dreams don’t end, I just wake up. That dream was the basis for this novel.
I knew—even then—that I didn’t have the knowledge base to write that book and do it well. So I accepted God’s call to learn what I needed to make that dream a reality.
My path wasn’t a straight line, but no matter the twists and turns of my journey, that one story burned in my heart. Finally, one day I took my notes and begin writing the book. It took me several years to get it into the shape I wanted, but between freelance writing gigs, nonfiction book projects, and the busyness of life, I got it finished.
I began making appointments with agents and publishers, handing out one sheets, and sending off proposals. One by one, the answers came back. Christian science fiction is just too small a niche for us. Every single publisher I sent it to said no.
When All the Doors Closed
I was broken-hearted. I had always believed God has given me this story for publication, so I began to pray. I finally came to the realization that my part in this process was obedience. I had done what God asked. I had written the story and the rest was up to Him. I accepted the fact that if God’s only purpose in this story was to give me the push to become a writer then that was okay with me.
I carefully laid my proposal and one sheets in a file and left the rest up to God.
Fast forward a couple of years and the writing landscape had begun to change. Now there were more options for authors because small presses were filling the gaps in the publishing world. One last time I carried my proposal to a conference, and there a publisher expressed interest. I emailed the full manuscript with a wing and a prayer.
This time God said yes.
Today is release day for my dream come true.
Bottom Line
Here are several things I learned and practiced that kept me from getting derailed when what I thought would happen, didn’t.
- Obedience is what we’re called to do. We are responsible to do the work God gives us and must leave the results up to Him.
- Things don’t always turn out the way we expect. My writing career looks nothing like I anticipated when I answered the call to follow God’s path. BUT—and this is important—it is much better than I could ever have imagined!
- It’s our responsibility to keep moving forward, even if an individual project appears to be stalled. There is lots of work to do in the field of Christian writing and not enough people willing to do the work.
If you’re struggling with God’s purpose for your writing, I hope this post encourages you. Share your own experience in the comments below.
ALONE
Bethany has grown up expecting to die for her faith, but when her world is invaded by a race of giants she must decide if she’s willing to live for it.
After her family is killed in the cleansing, Bethany’s purpose in life has changed. No longer will she be allowed to work to save her dying planet. As a slave, endurance is her goal as she marks each day as one moment closer to an eternity spent reunited with those she loved. But when her planet is invaded, everything changes. Now she must decide either to align herself with those from her planet who condemned her faith and killed her family, or with the warriors who have conquered her world. Ultimately her choice will mean life or death for more than just her planet’s ecosystem. She alone holds the key to a powerful secret, and the fate of the entire galaxy depends on her decision and how she carries it out.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alone-Edie-Melson-ebook/dp/B01LWSJ7X3/
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/alone-edie-melson/1124986935?ean=2940153793771
Edie Melson
Find your voice, live your story…is the foundation of Edie Melson’s message, no matter if she’s addressing parents, military families, readers of fiction or writers. As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. She’s the Director of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Social Media Director for Southern Writers Magazine, and Social Media Mentor for My Book Therapy. She’s a member of the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association. Connect with her on her blog, The Write Conversation, Twitter and Facebook
No Comments