Writing Journey Update: Keeping the Vision Alive

photo credit: Willow at Raven Creek via photopin (license)
{Here's a hint.}

Waiting isn't easy. Especially when there's a passion that consumes your heart, a dream so vivid in your imagination that you can almost reach out and touch it. You're desperate for time to hurry, will do whatever it takes just to make the vision come to pass, to rush the process. 
And yet, God says to wait. He tells you that now is not the time; there is still much to learn, but to trust Him, and don't give up, because every step you take is one step closer towards the finish line. 

photo credit: 3C1A9850 via photopin (license)
{Here's a hint.}

But it's hard to remember that His timing is best. Especially when I receive yet another email from a reader asking when my next book will be published. It's pains me to tell them there isn't a release date yet, that I'm currently rewriting/revising the story that I've been working on for the past few years.
If there's one thing I've learned over the past six years, it's that the process of writing and traditionally publishing a book is not instantaneous. 
{Here's a hint.}
Sure, my first novel, Purple Moon, was quicker than most. I began writing it at 15, met my publisher when I was 16, signed the contract when I was 17, and saw the story in print when I was 19. And I thank God for this -- because if I never had my book published at a young age, I'm not sure I would believe in my writing career as much as I do today.   

But honestly, part of me is grateful for the time that's in between having a story idea and seeing that story in print. Because even more than my desire to see this book in print is a longing to make it the best it can be. I would much rather spend time working on this project rather than throwing it together just so I can say that I have a new book coming out.
{Here's a hint.}
And if you also have a dream on your heart, please don't become intimidated by the time it takes to achieve it. Any goal worth achieving is worth the time and effort that it takes to achieve it. 
When I was in 5th grade, my teacher received a grant that allowed our class to create our own stories in a bare book. I can still remember how thrilling it was when Ms. Wilson announced this to my class -- because to my 10-year-old mind, seeing my story in a hard-bound book was the equivalent to having it published.

I devoted hours into brainstorming my story, typing it up on the computer, counting the pages in the bare book so I could plan how to fill those pages accordingly, then pasting the story inside of the book and illustrating the pages. 

Adjectives were clearly my very, special, bestest friend back then. =p  

Blair only sketches her favorite things. Wait, I thought that was Selena?
Also, I'm very curious as to what kind of food they served at Hippos.
  

When I ran into this the other day, the vision was stirred once again -- the one I have to create stories that touch the heart. Because throughout my childhood, the majority of the stories I wrote were bittersweet yet inspirational, including this one. 

Here's what the book is about.
And here's how it maybe will end. Maybe.

I believe that these are the kind of books God wants me to write: Stories that offer an inspirational perspective on the issues that we face daily. Ones that touch the heart and offer a glimpse of God's healing grace. 
That's why I'm not going to fret over when the novel I'm working on now will be complete, which publisher will pick it up, etc. Instead, I'm going to to believe that God has placed this vision on my heart for a reason. And when He gives us a specific dream, we can be certain that He will also provide a way for us to see it come to pass. We can trust that He will arrange it according to His will and His timing.  
{Here's a hint.}
But for now, I will wait. Even more than that: I will work. 
No, not just because the idea of seeing my sophomore novel in print excites me ... but because this is the area of ministry I believe I've been called into. And when God gives us a gift, it is our responsibility that we continue to work at it, day-by-day. 
Not for ourselves. But for Him. And for those who may some day be lead to Christ through this gift He has entrusted us with. 
{Here's a hint.}
Some day, I will be able to say that the release date for my sophomore novel is official. But that day is not today. And the reason I don't post much on this blog anymore is because I devote every spare minute I have into working on this book. I want it to be the best it can be. Not for myself necessarily ... but for you. 
So I just want to say thank you for bearing with me! And if you have still yet to read my debut novel, you can order it on Kindle for only $1.99! (That's cheaper than a Starbucks' drink, you guys.) =) Click here.
{Here's a hint.}

~ ~ ~ 
Is there a specific vision that God has placed on your heart? I'd love to hear about it!