Oftentimes, I don’t know what I want to write about; I just know that I want to write. That’s how it's been the last few days, too, just on a whole other level.
Since November, I’ve been dabbling in writing a novel.
Maybe you know this, maybe you don’t. I’ve mentioned it a few times in my blogs (and if you’ve seen my Instagram reels, then you probably know exactly what I’m talking about), but I’ve never taken the time to explain my authorial mission here.
I’m writing a book. Yep, a currently-80-page-probably-going-to-be-500-page novel. It’s geared towards teens and young adults, working to share the Truth without being religious-y. In other words, the majority of this book will be taking place in a magical realm that is inspired by Heaven and Eden. Fantasy rooted in faith. Pretty cool, right?
Oh, and the characters have powers. (Thank you, Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Divergent, and all the other fantastical YA series that permeated my youth but have somehow become a lost genre today.)
And I’m illustrating it too… because I can’t help myself. :)
If you’re somewhat confused, that’s okay. I’m still confused about the details… or at least, about explaining them.
It’s like when I paint; I have a general picture in my head, but I can’t comprehend all of the details until I go in and begin. And even then, I still only know about 50% of the vision, and have no clue what the end result will be. But that’s part of the excitement.
God gives me a general vision and I witness, in awe, as He fills in the details–whether that’s with paint-smeared hands and brushes, or with the crisp clacking of a keyword.
When it comes to creativity, He directs my steps. I hope–and pray–that is true for my life as well.
Part of the reason that my novel’s been on my mind is that I’m suddenly becoming a lot more serious about it.
Like so many things God’s been placing on my heart recently, publishing this story and shining His Light has become one of them.
And I have no idea what that means or how to do that.
Do I write the whole book first or submit a proposal? Do I spend money to be published, in the hopes that I’ll gain more back? How much do I do, versus God? How much time and energy should I invest in planting book-publishing seeds now, or should I just press on, trusting that God will connect me with the right people at the right time?
I don’t know what's going to happen, or how. But that’s okay.
Like I said, writing this novel, writing about my protagonist, Mari (pronounced like Mary), is a big unknown.
I don’t like unknowns when the stakes are high.
Painting in my bedroom for my own enjoyment? Not that risky. Trying to discern how to make a career as a novelist? Some of the highest.
But you know what’s great about our God? He is higher. He is above all and knows all, and He knows the end result… even when we don’t.
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