I knew God had called me to write a book. What I didn’t know was if I could do it. As my friend, Gayle Roper, once said, “There’s a big difference between a book and a magazine article – like 250 pages difference.”
To be honest, there were days the last thing I wanted to do was work on the book. The evil one’s lies grew louder and more insistent. “What makes you think anyone would want to read what you’ve written?” My self-doubts intensified. I wanted to run from what I still knew God was calling me to do.
“He who believes need never run away again,” I read in Isaiah 28:16 (TLB).
Exactly 365 days after I had committed to finish the book in a year, I completed the manuscript. And then the waiting began. Some of you know that the manuscript was rejected by 42 publishers over a five year period. Finally, the 43rd editor to see the manuscript accepted it for publication.
Looking back I’m amazed that I didn’t give up. I certainly wanted to give up. But God wouldn’t let me, and I’m so glad I didn’t. Had I given up, eight other books would never have been published. I wouldn’t have known the joy of serving on the faculty of over 70 Christian writers’ conferences and giving my one and two day writing seminars over 50 times around the nation. The Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference would not have been birthed 30 years ago, and the awesome privilege of directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference for 17 years would never have happened.
What about you? Is God calling you to write an article or story, a book or even a screenplay? Does it seem impossible? Do you feel you lack the writing skills to make it happen? Are you stuck and the words aren’t flowing? Do you have a completed manuscript that you’ve not been able to sell? Are you discouraged and ready to run from God’s call?
I know the Colorado or Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference can be a turning point for you and your writing ministry. It’s not too late to register for the May 15-18 Colorado conference and to schedule one-on-one appointments with FOUR editors, agents, or authors if you attend Thursday through Saturday. Secure online registration for the July 31 – August 3 Greater Philly conference will open April 15.
Trust Father to make a way –
- Logistically – Friends babysat my three children so I could attend the St. Davids Christian Writers Conference for a number of years.
- Financially – We often “have not because we ask not.” I want to encourage you to approach your church family and your friends if you need help. They may welcome the opportunity to invest in your writing ministry. My pastor paid for my first writers conference and provided the accountability I needed afterwards to not waste what he invested in me. The conferences do not have any full scholarships to offer this year, but partial scholarships up to 50% of the cost of registration are possible. The scholarship application is not yet posted for the Philly conference. For Colorado’s application click here. Time payments can be arranged if necessary.
Lord, I believe. Please help my unbelief. Help me to have faith in You knowing that You can make all things possible.
Write His Answer 
Marlene, thank you for this. I know I’m like a broken record but your devo, “Write His Answer” has inspired me so much over the last year–especially your rejection story. My manuscript has been rejected over a dozen times and has been re-written several times too. I keep plucking along hearing about the contract deals of others and trusting that some day that’ll be me. And looking back I’m so glad my first manuscript was rejected. Maybe in another year I’ll look back and be thankful my current manuscript has been rejected. Hopefully sometime if you ever find yourself in Phoenix, Az I’ll have the opportunity to meet you. God bless and thank you for your obedience to Christ.
Thank You, Father, for encouraging Rebecca through Write His Answer. Keep growing her faith as she waits on Your perfect timing.
Have you considered coming to the Colorado conference? Flights from Phoenix are reasonable. If needed, I’d be glad to give you scholarship help.
Honestly I’ve never thought about it b/c of the money and distance. My husband works out of town all the time and I have a young child I homeschool. My husband is also not a Christ-follower and was hesitant to spend the money and let me attend a local conference here last November (ACW). But maybe if I plan, I could go next year? My husband does have family in Colorado.
I remember finding “Write His Answer” in the bookstore at the Green Lake Conference Center in Wisconsin in the early 1990s. I am amazed. It spoke so to my need as a writer. I had been freelancing about 10 years at the time. Since then I have been through the book about once a year and given a copy to over 25 writer friends. It continues to be an encouragement. My original edition is marked-up, torn and tattered as well as cherished.I am excited about attending the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference. It’s been on my bucket list for nearly a decade.
Great article. I’m experiencing a few of these issues as well..