My desire to write in high school lay dormant during college and my early teaching years. The invention of Windows brought my dream to a complete halt, as my visual impairment from Retinitis Pigmentosa prevented me from recognizing icons or to see the mouse. You can imagine the excitement when my husband discovered affordable technology for me to use a computer once again, as well as discovering Christian Writers’ Fellowship for me to join.
In order to make my dream a reality, there were many obstacles to overcome, and much to learn. Mainly, where would I begin? Why, not only are there a ton of genres to choose from, but there are also so many types of writing: newspapers, magazines, books, textbooks, gift books, Sunday School literature, greeting cards, and puzzles are just a few.
Halfway interested in writing children’s curriculum for small churches lingered in the back of my mind. It was a great need, and I had written my own lessons ever since we became pastors of Trinity Worship Center, yet few notes existed for most were in my head. I actually typed some Christmas plays, but lost them over time. Devotions caught my attention even more. It just seems like ideas flood my mind as I read my Bible and just while observing the world. But, then, writing short stories about people I encounter and how God changes their lives was equally appealing.
For two years, I practiced writing and prayed, but no clarity of direction existed. The only clear thing was I had no desire to write a book. Challenges surrounded me, only complicating matters. Revisions averaged nine times for a 500-word devotion instead of the three I heard others doing. How would I know where to submit them?
The pleasure of writing dissipated until attending a writer’s conference where I was fortunate enough to converse with a publisher. She asked, “What is your passion?”
Answering about Word in Action Ministries that my husband and I founded in 2008, I shared how so many miracles have transpired without the knowledge of most of our volunteers. “I want to glorify God,” I added.
“Send me a nonfiction book proposal,” she responded, “I’m always looking for books about miracles.”
A peace instantly pushed out all confusion, even if she never accepted my book proposal. I now had direction. Writing a book was truly out of my league, but I knew I had a story to tell so with God as my teacher, and my writer’s group to assist, I could do it.
Writers often talk about being driven or being led. The key is to be led yet writing about your passions will drive you to getting it on paper. It occupies your thoughts no matter what else you’re doing. You can get lost in this endeavor. The same holds true in life.
Finding your passion is what one doctor recommended for ADHD children. That’s so true. My husband is living proof. Always joking that if you look up ADHD in a dictionary, you will find his name, yet he’s never taken medication. We won’t talk about the amount of school suspensions, the amount of times he knocks drinks over, or sends things flying in the air. We won’t talk about the distractions he still battles. The point is he has learned to control it by finding his passion…the Bible, and ME!
Have you ever wanted to write anything?
What are you passionate about?
Please share in the comments.
© 2015 – 2016, Jena Fellers. All rights reserved.
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