Next week, I’ll be attending a writer’s conference in Monterey, California. The road to publication is difficult, but for me, it’s also filled with wonder and blessings. I don’t think I’ll ever believe that I’m a good writer. Even after three years of blogging, I have to summon my courage to tell people I write stories. Worthy Publishing http://worthypublishing.com/ purchased ten of my devotions to be included in a book that will release later this year, and I’ve signed a contract to write an additional ten devotions for another book to be released next spring. I’ll finally be a published author. I hadn’t planned to write devotions, but it’s been an unexpected path on the writing journey.
It’s exciting to sign a contract, but the best gift on this odyssey is the friendships I’ve developed with others who share the same passion. I’m looking forward to being able to take a whale watch tour next week with a new friend, and I anticipate meeting other conference attendees and teachers. 
Two years ago, at a conference, I sat next to one of my favorite authors, Lauraine Snelling. She is so generous and encouraging. I hope we can reconnect next week. At that same workshop, God arranged a divine appointment for me with a former Kenyan missionary just when I was planning to lead a team to Kenya. We were in St. Louis and I discovered she lived about twenty miles from my home in Kentucky.
Another blessing on the writing journey is that as a Christian writer, writing means spending time delving His word. I have a difficult time concentrating when reading the Bible a chapter at a time, but when I’m crafting stories, I’m sent to study the scriptures. Perhaps God’s intent is to change me more than those who might read my stories. Writers are encouraged to write what they know, and I certainly know about sin. Thank goodness, I also know about Jesus’s love and forgiveness.
Whatever your hobby or passion, I pray it gives you as much joy as writing does for me. God gives each of us special talents. I pray you too will discover the unexpected blessings when you use your skills to the best of your abilities. I’m trying to focus on enjoying every minute of the journey and to stop worrying about signing a contract. God will decide who needs to read my stories and he’ll take care of the details of getting those words to the person He wants to read them. I’ll never be good enough to deserve the Master’s praise, but I when I reach heaven and approach the His throne, I hope to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” May He say the same of you.
Congratulations!
Thanks Kay! You are always so supportive and encouraging. You are a blessing to me.
Love your heart and your attitude!
Thank you Sarah. I’ll never forget sitting at your table when you won the Selah award. What a blessing.
I actually teared up reading your adventure on the publishing journey. Thank you for articulating my experience too. May the Lord continue to bless YOU as you bless so many others. 😀
Thank you Sandra. I loved meeting you at the Blue Ridge Mountains Writer’s conference and hearing about your travels to the Holy Land. Blessings to you sweet friend.
Congrats! So glad I’ve gotten to know you!!
Thanks JANET, And I’m so glad I’ve gotten to know you and your books. It’s so much fun to know the people who are writing the books I’m reading. And your books are very popular at my library. 🙂
Love this Shelia, and it reminded me so much of my own writing journey. The first contracts I got were for 8 devotions and short pages in other collections. You are on your way! Have you heard of the book/class by Allen Arnold on “The Story of With”? Not sure if the class will be offered at that conference, but I highly recommend the book to read and the class to take whenever you have the opportunity. Prayers for agreat conference!
Thank you for your prayers and your friendship. And thank you for the tip on the class by Allen Arnold. Hugs.