Path to Becoming A Writer

Photo taken by Elissa Miller

I've had a life-long dream to becoming a writer but I didn't seriously pursue my dream until 2008 until I published my first blog.

What a trip! I could write anything I wanted and I was boss whether it got published or not.

I spent several years writing about family stories, participating in memes and writing bible studies.

Then, sometime in 2017, a divine appointment happened. I met an author who came to speak at our Ladies meeting, Adrienne Ross, who wrote "Push Your Way to Purpose."

Sometime later, Adrienne, who had been a creative writing teacher for a couple of decades, decided to put on Facebook some writing challenges. Anyone could participate for free, so of course, I dove in and had so much free writing on her prompts. Later, she held a writing club that I joined. Eventually, I even was a part of a John Maxwell Leadership Mastermind.

All of things stretched me as a writer. I discovered I loved writing fiction and dialogue.

In 2018, I was inspired to write a novel about a girl with a huge family secret. It took me a year to flesh out all my characters and discover there was more than one book in me. I wanted to become a series writer.

I felt God had given me this story, but it needed polishing. I knew I needed to learn how to make my characters and settings spring to life. But I also was afraid, so I saved my novel to my hard drive and just waited.

One day, Adrienne and I crossed paths again. She had some coaching slots open for writers. I decided to take the plunge and invest money into my dream. She and I worked on my novel for 14 months. (We both had very busy schedules!) 

And then, the novel was done! I felt very proud of what I had accomplished.

But now, the burning question in my mind: "How do I get published?"

I looked into the options. Frankly, they all looked scary and I either didn't have the social media platform or the money to do any of the options.

I prayed and waited and prayed some more. One day, I saw a little writing challenge about legacy that Hopewriters was sponsoring. They said to submit a story about someone whose legacy made a difference in your life. You might even be considered to be a part of their collaborative work honoring Family Legacy.

Right away, I knew I should write about my Granny Violet who was such an influence in our family and in her community.

So I did. And I was chosen to be one of the ten authors for the book, "Family Legacy: Passing Down Love, Wisdom, and Tradition." It will be published this September, 2025!

And that is how God led me down the path to becoming a published author.

I still intend to write my series but this is a first step in learning about publishing. I'm thankful for the opportunity.

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I began this post writing on the prompt, "Path," provided by the community at Five Minute Friday, but it took longer than five minutes to tell the story. Sorry, Kate and FMF writers, I will try to limit myself next time!

Thanks for dropping by the Journey! I want to always share my post, A Ticket Home, for those who might not know the way Home.

This time of year is the perfect time to consider how much margin is in your life. You may want to read my series  A Rich and Satisying Life on my other blog, (No, it’s not about money.)

All photos created in PicMonkey by Jerralea using personal, family and stock photos. Please do not copy. 

Today, I'm sharing at Five Minute Friday