My first parenting book began as a work of fiction. It was a single dad story about a correctional officer who discovers a plot for his murder during an impending prison break. I planned to use the story in hopes that single fathers who read it would learn tips for parenting alone, all while being entertained.
Silly idea.
My attempt at fiction was not so much out of creativity, but fear. Fear that a self-help book would not fly unless I had a Ph.D. or other related credentials.
Of course, the novel kept hitting a brick wall because my motive was wrong. Anytime you sneak a lesson into a piece of entertainment, it’s going to show up in blinding neon lights. I knew something wasn’t right. The plot wasn’t believable—it felt forced and smacked of deceit.
At the advice of my literary friends and professionals, I abandoned my novel and dove into the first few chapters of what was then titled Help, I Think I’m Lost: How to Navigate Fatherhood After Divorce.
Once I decided to be truly authentic, I slowly gained confidence as an expert in the field of single parenting issues. Research and interviews caused the content to flow easily from my fingers.
With each new chapter completed, I’d take it to my critique group to have it polished. I talked to single dads, studied the topic, and added several interactive elements to the book. Finally, my non-fiction manuscript was organized enough to pitch to agents and publishing houses.
The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce released in February 2015 and became a work that is being utilized internationally to help dads all over the world. This humbles me and I’m so grateful for what God continues to do through the book.
Since then, I’ve expanded my audience to include traditional two-parent homes, writing dozens of articles and devotions on child-rearing from a Christian worldview.
The lesson for me was obvious. I must move with confidence in the topic for which God calls me to write. None of us need hide behind one genre because we’re afraid of being labeled a fraud—we’re not. Let us step out and be genuine, watching God use us for his glory.
I’m not saying I’ll never try writing a novel again one day. Until then, I look forward to what God might do with my next project. Only time will tell.
How about you? Have you struggled with insecurities in your genre?
As an award-winning author and international speaker, Tez Brooks writes on family issues, with his work appearing in Guideposts, The Upper Room, CBN.com, Clubhouse, and Focus on the Family. His editorials on Jesusfilm.org are read by over 20k each month. Tez’s book, The Single Dad Detour was winner for the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Awards. He and his wife have four children and live in Colorado Springs. You can learn more at TezBrooks.com
