Good Monday Morning Readers!
Today, Kimberly Johnson visits Lagniappe and discusses her writing journey. You'll be surprised at what she's learned.
Three
Things Writing Has Taught Me
When I was asked
to write about one aspect of my writing journey I drew a blank. How could I
narrow my journey down to one thing? Impossible! So I took a different
approach.
1. Patience
There have been
many lessons learned over the past eight years, but the biggest lesson for me
was patience. By nature I am not a
patient person, but I had to change or lose my mind because the publishing
industry’s philosophy seems to be hurry up and wait and wait and wait. LOL
When my first
book, The Christmas Promise, was
contracted in the summer of 2012, I had to wait until November of 2013 to see
it in print. It seemed like an eternity. In reality it was relatively quick
compared to what some writers experience.
2. God is in
Control
I learned that God is in control—not me. That lesson took me too many years to
grasp. I am a
take-charge kind of person and I have to hold myself back often. I tend to run
ahead of the Lord if I’m not careful. I wonder if that has anything to do with
patience.
Anyway, once I finally grasped that God is my manager and nothing
is going to happen unless He says so,
then I finally let go and stopped
stressing over my lack of a contract.
The funny thing
was once I stopped trying to do it on my own, I was offered that elusive
contract and not just for one book, but three.
3. It’s not
about me
I write because
I love the process, and I am happiest when writing. I judge whether a day was
good by how much writing I accomplished, but when all is said and done it’s not about me. It’s about the story,
the craft, and for me, the ministry.
Remembering that
it’s not about me is key to all the other things I’ve learned. I cannot focus
on me, but I must focus on Him. When I do that everything else falls into
place.
In conclusion, my
journey has been one of ups and downs. There were times when I wondered if I
was wasting my time, even though there was nothing else I’d rather be doing
than write. I’ve developed wonderful friendships through this process and have
expanded my world considerably.
I’m not the same
person I was eight years ago when as a stay-at-home-mom/piano teacher I started
writing. I’ve traveled to several states for writer’s conferences, learned to
use the Internet and email, learned a craft I was clueless about, became bold
in my faith, and I’m more open to people and new experiences than I used to be.
I’m thankful
that I didn’t receive a book contract soon after I started writing, but instead
had small successes I could hold onto that encouraged me to keep growing and
learning. The process gave me time to be molded into a person who can handle
the stresses of writing professionally. God knew what He was doing.
I’m still on the journey
and look forward to what ever the Lord has for me.
I love how God uses our heart's desires to teach us and bless us! Thanks for sharing, Kimberly!
Kimberly's latest release:
Holly
Miller Is Steering Clear of Mistletoe
Just
out of nursing school, Holly can't risk any distractions. She knows a slipup
could cost a life. Like the mistake she made years ago that still plagues her
conscience. When she runs into old high school friend Matthew Cook, she hesitates
to let romance into her life. Even if the handsome baker is as delectable as
his fabulous pastries.
She
didn't notice him back in high school, but things have sure changed. Now that
Matthew has Holly's attention, maybe the holiday season is the perfect time for
him to show her that she deserves to have it all—work, family, friends and
a love that lasts a lifetime.
Readers, thanks for visiting Lagniappe.
Be sure to leave a comment to let Kimberly know you've been here!
2 comments:
Thanks for hosting me, Marian!
Kimberly,
It is a pleasure to have you here!
Best wishes with your latest release!
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