I have been asked why I wrote a novel. Why do I bother spending all this time and money on it? They are great questions. However, the tone of those questions when asked got my back up. I admit I felt defensive and reacted accordingly. Here's why...
I set out about a decade ago to write the great American novel. It was a lofty goal, but at the time I had no idea how lofty. I thought I would get the infamous writer's block, would have challenges finishing it and so on. None of those things happened. Yes, I was fortunate in that regard. However, I experienced many other obstacles like technical difficulties that delayed the publication of my novel.
In the meantime, I threw myself into the world of publishing and it's been a whirlwind. I decided that I would treat my writing like a job; one with deadlines. I figured that I would be more productive that way—and I have been. However, it has caused some stress—on me, my family and I suppose my friends (although they have been supportive).
Dreams do not become realized without setting goals. That's what my deadlines were about—setting what I thought were attainable goals. The more difficult the challenge, the more rewarding the goal—or so the saying goes.
This is where the rubber meets the road. I have been juggling working as a daily substitute teacher (a job I love!), raising teenage twins (proud Mom here!) and managing a household, all the while working on my novel. I'm very fortunate that my husband has been supportive. "Happy wife, happy life!" he says. Unfortunately, they don't see the happiness. They see the daily struggle, the hours of me plugging away, the frustration...
So why do I do it? Why did I write this novel? Why do work so hard promoting it? It was and is God inspired. I know that sounds cliché, but it's the truth. I didn't know what I was going to write until I sat down to write it. After completing it, I continue to see signs that my novel is intended to help others. It is my way to give back. I am being obedient to my Father. I realize that is something many people don't and will never understand. All I can say is that this novel is bigger than me. It's bigger than all of us. I have to give it my all to give the Lord, my God, the glory He deserves.
My novel is Christian. It's gritty, edgy, realistic. Make no mistake about that. I offer no apologies. Some people will love it. Others won't. Most won't even read it. I get that. And that's okay.
Happy writing + happy reading = happy life!
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