Can I share a secret with you?
Writing hasn’t always been my passion.
In fact, most of the things I love today came into my life because someone else loved them first. I stepped into their world simply because I wanted to spend time with them. Somewhere along the way, those interests became my own.
Well…except crochet and embroidery. Those two found me all by themselves. Go figure.
I Never Dreamed of Becoming an Author
As a little girl, I never dreamed of writing novels or seeing my name on the cover of a book.
Now, I did have an incredibly active imagination. I created stories in my head constantly. Characters came and went. Entire conversations played out while I folded laundry, drove to work, or lay awake at night. My imagination never struggled to stay busy.
Writing those stories down, though?
That sounded incredibly boring.
Funny how God changes our hearts over time.
Why I Want to Write Now
People often ask why I want to become an author.
The answer isn’t money.
It isn’t fame.
I simply believe God has given me stories worth telling.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve started thinking more about legacy. I want to leave something behind that matters. I don’t want to create content just for the sake of creating content. I want to write stories with substance—stories that encourage people, point them toward hope, and keep Jesus at the center.
That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave.
God Had More Stories Planned Than I Did
When I first started thinking about writing, I assumed I had one story.
Maybe two.
Now?
My notebook says otherwise.
The more I pray, brainstorm, and plot, the more ideas seem to arrive. Every time I think I’ve reached the end, another story appears.
Honestly, who knew there were this many stories floating around in my head?
Apparently God did.
A Different Kind of Calling
I’ve spent a lot of time praying about this journey.
I’ve asked God more than once if writing has been His plan for me all along.
My answer?
I certainly hope so.
Because if the alternative involved becoming a missionary halfway around the world…well…let’s just say I don’t look good in khaki.
Before anyone gasps, let me say this: I have tremendous respect for missionaries. They answer an incredible calling, serve faithfully, and do work that most of us could never imagine. They deserve our prayers, our encouragement, and, whenever possible, our financial support.
As for me?
Maybe God handed me a keyboard instead of a passport.
Feeling Small in a World Full of Great Writers
Most days, I write down the random ideas bouncing around in my brain.
Then I pick up another incredible novel by one of my favorite authors and immediately wonder what I’m doing.
There are so many gifted writers. Sometimes I feel incredibly small standing beside them.
Then God gently reminds me of something important.
He didn’t ask me to write like them.
He asked me to write like me.
Every time I ask Him for direction, another idea comes. Every time I pray about the next step, another door opens.
At some point, I stopped questioning whether I should write and started realizing I simply needed to obey.
God Is My Marketing Plan
I know this journey won’t always feel easy. I know rejection will come. I know the algorithms probably won’t smile on an unknown author.
And honestly?
I’m okay with that. God has never asked me to control the outcome. He’s only asked me to remain faithful.
So yes, God is my marketing plan. Literally. If He wants these stories to reach readers, He’ll make a way.
My job is to write them well.
What I’m Doing Right Now
Since I’m still at the beginning of this adventure, here’s what fills my days.
1. Research Everything
The deeper I dive into writing, the more I realize how much research happens before the first chapter ever comes together.
Whether I’m studying history, small-town life, or architecture, I want every detail to feel authentic. Readers deserve stories that feel real.
2. Spend Time with My Characters
One of my favorite scenes in The Man Who Invented Christmas shows Charles Dickens talking with, and even arguing with, his characters.
I absolutely love that idea.
The better I know my characters, the more naturally they’ll speak, react, and grow. Before I expect readers to love them, I need to know them myself.
3. Learn from Published Authors
I never take experienced writers for granted. So many successful authors generously share what they’ve learned, and I pay attention.
I read their advice.
I think about it.
I let it sit with me.
Someone else’s experience might save me months or even years of learning the hard way.
4. Keep Reading
Part of me wants to stop reading and spend every spare minute writing.
The wiser part knows better.
Reading fills the creative well.
It reminds me why I fell in love with stories in the first place, introduces me to different writing styles, and keeps me from burning out.
The stories God wants me to write will arrive when they’re ready.
Until then, I’ll happily keep turning pages.
5. Pray Through Every Step
More than anything else, I pray.
I pray over every story.
I pray over every character.
I pray over every decision.
If God truly called me to write, then I don’t want to build this dream on my own strength. I want Him involved from the very first word to the very last page.
I’m Just Getting Started
I’m excited.
I’m nervous.
I’m eager to hold my first published book someday.
At the same time, I refuse to rush the process.
I don’t want to cut corners simply so I can say, “I published a book.”
I want to create something excellent.
Something thoughtful.
Something readers will remember long after they close the final page.
Most of all, I want to write stories that honor God.
So that’s where I am today.
Still learning.
Still praying.
Still dreaming.
If you’re a writer, I’d love to hear from you. What advice would you give someone writing her very first novel? Leave me a comment because I’d love to learn from your experience.
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