If Only

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 If Only

SYTYCW

I have a lot to be thankful for today, but one thing stands out at the moment. 

In April, I wrote a blog post called My Heart. You can read it here. It tells you how my manuscript If Only came about, and how I was inspired. I had come to the conclusion that all the things I have experienced over the years, all the emotions I have felt—the highs, the lows, all of it—could be of use.

Ernest Hemingway once said “There's nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” So that's what I did. I poured all those experiences onto paper and If Only was born.

Today, my work is being recognized in a big way. I keep pinching myself. 

Harlequin's So You Think You Can Write competition has announced their top ten, and yours truly is on that list.

Mind blown.

Starting today through November 25^th, you can read my entire novel at soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com and vote. Everyone has one vote per twenty-four hour period from now until the 25^th. The public decides the winner which will get published.

In case you haven't seen it yet, here's a look at what the story is about...

Ten years ago Micah’s world came crashing down when her boyfriend was killed. As the anniversary passes, she finds herself overwhelmed by the pain. Her dreams become more realistic than ever. He still exists if only in her dreams. But is that enough?

Micah’s best friend, Josh, has noticed the change in her. He desperately wants to take her pain away, but knows there’s only so much he can do without jeopardizing his own heart.

As two worlds battle—her dreams and reality—Micah struggles to escape the ghosts of yesterday so she can see what’s waiting for her.

purpose

I've gone back and forth all year long trying to find out what kind of books I want to write. Most authors stick with one genre. But if you know anything about me at all, you know I don't like to be limited. I like to have my hands in as many cookie jars as possible. It's a fault of mine.

I want to write stories that mean something, that have purpose. It's not about just a random story for the fun of it. Life is hard. We struggle. We falter. We become defeated. Finding escape in a book has always been my go-to, and I know it is the same for many others. We need to escape the mundane, the difficult, and the sometimes impossible. Wouldn't it be awesome if while we were escaping our problems, we get pointed in the direction of the One who holds the answers?

It is easy for me to lose focus and forget my purpose. But as I look back and read through past posts, I remember the things that God first laid on my heart years ago. I am reminded of my calling and it just gets me fired up all over again.

So as I begin to write this next novel, I've come to a decision. I want to write stories that draw people in and point them to Jesus. Period.