A Faith Journey to Writing My Book

On a Saturday morning last fall, I was working on my latest story. My phone buzzed, and like I often do when I shouldn’t, I checked it. In this case, it became a God moment. I received a face book message from author Laurean Brooks, whom I’d never met or chatted with, but was friends with on face book. She messaged me because she noticed I was from Bremerton, Washington. She had lost touch with family who used to live here. Unfortunately, I didn’t recognize their names, but we chatted about our writing and our love for historical romance. I worked on my manuscript but I chatted with Laurean each time a new message arrived.

Joining a Writing Group by Faith

Unbeknownst to me, Laurean looked up my books and read a sample while we talked. She thought I’d fit in with a multiple author project her author friend, Lynne Lanning, was coordinating. Laurean passed my information onto Lynne while we were still chatting, and Lynne responded quickly, saying she’d listen to the audio of my book, Outspoken Love, that weekend. They needed an eighth author in order to move forward with their latest project.

God would have to give me a good story idea quickly before I would say yes. We would all have our own unique books, connected by the theme of the series, Affection & Determination – Their Wild West Win. The setting was west of the Mississippi River, between the 1860’s and 1890’s, with a Western inspirational theme. As I chatted with Laurean, a story idea formed.

Risking it all for God’s Plan

My novella would be about a young woman who needed to flee her home in the Midwest and travel west to Sacramento. My main character would be a mail order bride, but with a twist, and with characters who had a lot to lose, but also a lot to gain. I needed a title quickly, and one popped into my head. I would call it Risking It All, because not only was my heroine risking everything, but so was I by taking on this project. Lynne’s guidelines made it clear that if I didn’t make my deadline I wouldn’t be able to participate in any future projects. So, in a real way, I was risking it all too.

Writing With Faith and Purpose

I brainstormed with my author friend, Darlene Panzera, and set my goals for milestones and completion. I worked diligently, pushed by God Himself, it seemed, to finish strong. Several rounds of edits ensued and the intense work has brought to life a story that I’m so grateful to have written. I’m hopeful that God will use His work through me to inspire and bring enjoyment to many.

I could have said no any step along the way.

I could have said no to a conversation with Laurean because I was busy working on my own story. I could have said no to joining the group because I had my own plans. I could have said no because I didn’t want to risk missing my deadline. But God nudged me to go through the door He had opened; to choose obedience over comfort, His plans over mine, and to rest in knowing that this new book was part of His plan.

God uses each step I take with Him for something else along my path. Saying yes to Him leads to more. More challenges, more blessings, more of Him shaping me into who He wants me to be. This is what He wants for you too. What is God nudging you to do?

To purchase Risking It All, or my other books, please visit my book page on my website: https://www.jeristockdale.com/books/