Were You Called to Write?

ACFWAdvice, Authors and writing, Encouragement, Friends of ACFW, writing 3 Comments

by Kathy Harris

How can I really know if I’m called to write? Haven’t we all wondered from time to time?

Your answers to the following questions may help you decide.

  • Do you write because you can’t not write? Do you love to play with words—to spin stories? Do characters and plots and scenes fill your head, sometimes to the point of bursting, and the only way to feel better is to spill them onto paper?
  • Do friends and peers tell you that you have talent? Let’s face it, your mother will always love your writing. She also loves your jokes, but you didn’t quit your day job to become a comedian. However, if you’re winning contests and your critique partners are asking for the next chapter, you’re onto something.
  • Have you prayed about it? Have you asked God for a yes or a no, earnestly seeking His leading, no matter what the outcome? Are you willing to give up your writing if His answer is a resounding no? Are you also willing to work harder if His answer is yes?
  • Have you experienced God coincidences with your writing? Have you ever searched for the perfect plot twist, and then one day you’re seated next to a stranger whose life story fits the bill? Or, perhaps you’ve pounded doors looking for a research source, and then—bingo—your new co-worker mentions that he or she used to work for a doctor, or a lawyer… or fill in the blank, and can provide everything you need?
  • Is writing hard work? Do you draft, redraft, and sometimes throw it all away to start over again? Congratulations! This could be your best sign yet because we’re not often called to the easy stuff. Instead, God may ask us to do ‘the impossible,’ and then He will get the glory. My power is made perfect in your weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:19 NIV)

For that same reason, don’t be surprised if your big break comes in a completely unexpected way. Since 2010, I’ve interviewed writers and musicians on my blog and most have been amazed by the real-life plot twists in their creative success stories.

So… what do you think? Were you called to write? If you answered yes to all (or most) of the questions above, you have the talent—and the desire and the circumstances. Why would you want to waste that?

The late author and humorist Erma Bombeck once said, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me.’”

Amen, Erma.

Let’s write!

Let’s not give into the fear that God can’t use our stories to touch others. In fact, let’s remember that He may also use our personal story, our testimony, and our trials to inspire.

Christian author, speaker, and activist Christine Caine explains in her book, Unexpected: Leave Fear Behind, Move Forward in Faith, Embrace the Adventure, “… trials don’t mean we are out of the will of God. They often mean we are exactly in the will of God—right where we’re supposed to be, doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing.”

How many of you can add a hearty Amen to that?

Are you called to write? Your answers to these 5 questions may help you decide. #ACFWBlogs @DivineDetour #writing Click To Tweet

Kathy Harris writes women’s fiction and romantic suspense. She is represented by Julie Gwinn of The Seymour Agency. Read Kathy’s blog or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

 

Comments 3

  1. Thank you SO MUCH Kathy for this post! I have often doubted and prayed about this very thing! I mean, why waste time doing something if it isn’t what Jesus wants us to? The fact that I can relate to each of those questions is wonderful! Maybe writing truly is my calling!

    Thanks again for taking the time to inspire and encourage others! May God bless you and your writing journey to come!

  2. “… trials don’t mean we are out of the will of God. They often mean we are exactly in the will of God—right where we’re supposed to be, doing exactly what we’re supposed to be doing.” – Christine Caine

    Amen! Thank you for an excellent post, Kathy. :).

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