Where Do We Find Our Identity As a Writer?

“Writer” has been attached to my name for as far back as I can remember. Writing is how I spent my free time as a kid. English is the subject I excelled in growing up. Every teacher I had in elementary school knew I was a “writer” and that I aspired to become an author some day.


Maybe you, too, have been known as the “writer” in your family, amongst your friends, and/or in school. Perhaps “become an author” is a dream that’s been etched onto your heart for as long as you can remember as well.

When we’re accustomed to viewing ourselves as a writer—when we’re comfortable hiding behind this identity—it can hurt when others question this identity. When others doubt our ability or stomp on our dreams. When we receive a harsh critique or a rejection that makes us question whether we truly are a writer—or simply a wannabe. Someone who has a big imagination and far-fetched dreams.


Where should we turn when our identity as a writer is threatened? How can we find the confidence we need to hold our heads high and continue trekking along our writing paths—even when we stumble upon doubts, insecurity, and rejections?


We can start by reminding ourselves of these 3 things:


1. Our identity is not attached to our writer status.


Whether you’re published, unpublished, a bestseller, award-winning—whatever your writer status looks like, keep in mind that this is not who you are. Sure, it might be a passion. A dream. An achievement. But this is just one aspect of your life.


We’re not defined by our achievements or lack thereof. We’re not defined by our careers.


I think this is one reason why some writers often become destroyed when they receive negative feedback on their work—because they take it as if it were an assault to their identity. Thankfully, as Christians, we can find freedom through discovering our identity as a Child of the Most High. Our confidence is built when we can see ourselves through the eyes of Christ. When this becomes our identity, then we’ll be less tempted to fall apart if and when someone questions our ability to write.


2. People don’t have the authority to remove the calling God has placed on our lives.


Why have we been given this calling to write? So we can bless others through the gift of words. That’s always the intention God has behind giving gifts to His children—so we can use them to further His Kingdom and delve into greater intimacy with Him.


However, the enemy doesn’t want this to happen. His intention, on the other hand, is to thwart our attempts to pursue our callings. Why? Well, think about it: If we don’t believe in ourselves as a writer, then we won’t have the confidence we need to finish our books. And if we don’t finish our books, they won’t get published. And if they don’t get published, then the people we could have impacted through this gift remain unreached.


Obviously, that’s good news to the enemy, right? His plan is to stomp God’s plans, so he’ll do everything he can to prevent our ministry from being furthered. He may use other people to cause us to question our ability to write—all in attempts to steer us off course.


Fortunately, we don’t have to fall for this trap. We can remind ourselves that our calling isn’t diminished when we receive a rejection or criticism.


Yet when we do begin to doubt this calling, let’s return to the moment when we first discovered the joy of writing. When we first felt the nudge to use our words as a ministry. And when others attempt to cause us to trip, let's find reassurance by replacing their lies with the truth of God's promises.


3. We’re not going to please everyone.


That should be a relief, shouldn’t it? Think about your favorite author. Sure, you might purchase every new book this author releases—but if you look at their book reviews, you might find the occasional one or two-starred review. I’m sure there are those who have questioned that author’s ability to write as well.


Not everyone is going to receive and respond to your writing the same way. So go ahead—take the pressure off of yourself to write a book that “everyone loves”. (This can result in perfectionist paralysis, anyway.)


Instead, when you approach your projects, I suggest keeping in mind those who will some day fall in love with your books—those who will be impacted by your words. But even more than that: Write for the One who gave you this gift to begin with. Because true fulfillment doesn’t lie in receiving the approval of everyone; it lies in pleasing only One. Our Father. That can be accomplished when we use our gifts for His glory.


So if you’ve been struggling with your identity as a writer lately, I’d encourage you to return to the moment when you first felt called to write. Forget about the critiques. The rejections. Even the positive feedback you’ve received from others.


Instead, allow yourself to be immersed in the creation of your story (or non-fiction project) as you write. Not just because you’re a writer and it’s what writers should do, but because it’s the gift you’ve been given. And gifts are meant to be received by the recipient with joy.


It's only then, when we fully embrace our role (not identity) as a writer, that we can step into the fullness of what He has in store and be the writer He wants us to become. And nothing, not even a one-star review, can take this role away from us!

~ ~ ~

Where do you find your identity as a writer? What helps when you begin to doubt your ability to write or calling as a writer?

Tweetable:

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Can Age Keep Us From Pursuing Our Dreams?

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I'VE ALWAYS LOOKED YOUNG FOR MY AGE.

At twenty-three years old, I'm often mistaken for a teenager. A fifteen-year-old. Fortunately, this doesn't bother me as much as it used to, especially not in the way it did when I actually was a teen. But growing up, I often felt older, more mature, than my peers; perhaps it's because I'm the youngest in my family and the youngest of thirteen cousins.

I felt older, yet my appearance gave the false impression that I was younger. And because of that, I resented my youth. I wanted to be older. To be treated with more respect. 

Especially when it came to pursuing my passions.

{Continue reading on my new blog for readers!}

6 Ways to Find Hope as an Aspiring Author in Today’s Industry

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The writing industry has shifted over the past decade or so. There are more options available for today’s aspiring author—therefore, more writers are seeing their books in print. It’s tougher to write books that will stand out in the midst of a crowded market.


If you hope to make a living from your writing, you either have to A) have a part-time job, B) write HUGE bestsellers, or C) become an author-entrepreneur. And did you know that only 1% of the authors whose books are sold in bookstores actually make a living from their books?


Perhaps you’ve grown up with a specific (yet potentially unrealistic) vision of what it would look like to be an author someday—and that vision didn’t include having to engage a readership on social media, the blogosphere, or working hard to prove yourself as a writer.

If this is you, then let me encourage you by telling you to first of all, don’t give up! Be careful that you don’t hold so tightly to that “author fantasy” vision you once held onto that you neglect to take advantage of what could possibly become your writing career.


Now that writers are no longer working in private, we’re in this journey together. Let’s take advantage of these changes and use them to thrust us forward in our writing careers.


Here are 6 ways you can find hope as an aspiring author in today’s industry:



⇢ Find relationships.


Let’s be honest here: I have more writer friends than I have friends in general! But they’re the best kind because they understand where I come from. And do you want to know a little secret?


Relationships will get you further in your career than possibly anything else. (This is why I’m a huge advocate for writing conferences. Don’t go for a contract; go for connections!)

Writing marathon at a coffee shop with my writing friend and fellow YA author, Caroline George. =p

How do you find these relationships?

• Conferences. (I met my writer friend, Katy Kauffman, at my first conference in 2010. Our debut books released within a month of each other in 2013, and we continue to communicate on a regular basis. That same writing conference—BRMCWC—is our yearly “reunion”.) =)  
• Critique groups.
• Online Facebook groups.
• Social media. (I met my writer friend, Anna Schaeffer, when I discovered her book through social media. Although we don’t see each other often, we regularly communicate; in fact, we’re beginning to meet via Skype weekly to discuss a writing craft book.)
• The blogging community.
• Local events—book signings, writing workshops, etc. (My writer friend, Caroline George, and I met when we both heard about another young author in our hometown. We then held a book tour to promote our books.)

⇢ Find encouragement.


I don’t advise that you intentionally seek encouragement, but do put yourself in the right position so you can receive feedback. This feedback should encourage you in your strengths and give you criticism on how to grow in your weak areas. Use the criticism to push you as a writer, and keep the encouragement on hand any time you begin to doubt yourself as a writer.


Encouragement can also be as simple as finding a writer friend who will remind you that your dream is valid—someone who can be the person you call whenever you start to feel discouraged. (Just remember to keep the relationship two-sided! The encouragement and support should be reciprocated.)



⇢ Find community.

Writing can often be a lonely vocation. Thankfully, these industry changes have introduced us to a community of other writers via social media and blogging. Take advantage of this!


Sure, you might want to use your valuable time to write on your book. But by plugging into a writing community, you will receive support, encouragement, and feedback when you come across a roadblock along your writing path. There’s nothing like connecting with other like-minded individuals who share the same writing dream as you do. We need hand to hold along this journey—people who will remind us of why we’re on this journey, people who know our struggles and doubts, etc.



⇢ Find support.


Does your family support you? Your friends? Boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse? If not, tell them how important writing is for you. Let them know that passion is the fuel behind your writing journey and (not necessarily a large income). If it weren't for my parents, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am in my writing career today. It’s because of them that I attended my first conference and met the publisher for my first book, Purple Moon.



⇢ Find time.


Find time to dedicate to your craft. Find time to dedicate to reading. Find time to dedicate to writing. Find time to dream and set goals for your writing career. You can’t hope if you don’t have time to dedicate toward making your dreams come to pass!


⇢ Find refreshment and renewal.

We can only go for so long before we begin to lose fuel. Find opportunities to refuel yourself. Writing can become mentally exhausting. Give your brain (and eyes!) a break.


Spend time with God; find a good book to read; take a bubble path; drink herbal tea; do yoga; take a walk; visit an art museum. If you don’t do this then don’t be surprised when you begin to lose passion and enthusiasm to sustain your writing journey!



*** {PS ... Would you mind filling out a quick 5-question survey for me? I'm trying to get to know my audience a bit more, so this would be a HUGE help. Click here for the survey. Thank you!} ***

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When you start to have writing doubts or lose enthusiasm, how do you find hope to continue along your writing path? Is there anything I left out on this list?

Tweetable:

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How to Navigate Today’s Publishing Industry P.1: What’s Your Destination?

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It’s a new year, which means it's time to set goals and make plans that will breathe life into our dreams. I love how the new year always reminds us that we won't see the results we hope for unless there is action involved. And how can there be action involved? By creating goals. But it'd be impossible to create goals without first having a dream.


Before we set out on our writing journey, at some point we've dreamt of becoming an author. Dreaming of having a book published precedes the actual publication. It’s this overall vision that keeps our fingers racing over the keyboard. Yet if we want our writing to become a career and not just a hobby, then it’s necessary to create goals. How do we do that? By first looking ahead to where we want to be, then asking ourselves: What steps can I take to get there?


It can be compared to the act of setting out on a road trip. We find out the address of our destination, plug it into our GPS, and follow the directions. (At least, that's how we do it nowadays! Thankfully I've never had to drive somewhere new without the use of a robot telling me where to go.)


Yet too many aspiring authors become caught up in the dream phase. They write here and there in their spare moments; however, their book is never finished because they placed publication in the same compartment as wishful thinking. They don’t, in a sense, find out the “address” of publication (research how to become published), plug it into their GPS (create mini-goals that may eventually lead them to their destination), and set out on the journey (perseverance).


I know the process might be complicated and a bit daunting for the aspiring author. That’s why I’m going to break down the steps for you in this new blog series titled, How to Navigate Today’s Publishing Industry.


Today, we’re going to discuss the destination. What's your overall goal? To become an author? If so, write this down in your journal or a Word Document. Then, make it even more specific. What kind of author do you want to become? Your response may be “to become a best-selling author of historical fiction” or “to make a living as a YA romance novelist”.


Then, take as long as you want detailing this dream of yours. How often do you want to publish a book? Will you write across genres? What kind of publishing model are you aiming for? Don’t be afraid to dream too big! There’s no harm in dreaming. In fact, this dream will provide you with the motivation you need to persevere, especially when you come across roadblocks. Remember that science actually supports the act of visualizing our dreams.


But of course the dream won’t come to pass unless we take the necessary steps to achieve it.


First, we need to understand how the publishing process works.


Let’s look at the big picture — our "map" from a bird's-eye view. In simple terms, how does one become an author in today’s publishing industry?

• Step 1: Writer writes the book. 
• Step 2: While the writer writes the book, they also make an effort into building an online presence. Today’s writer must understand the importance of platform when it comes to attracting attention from agents, publishers, and readers. They could also network with other writers on social media and on the blogosphere during this time. 
• Step 3: Writer spends necessary time editing, revising, and rewriting their manuscript. They may join a critique group during this time and/or send their manuscript to be critiqued by their critique partner.
• Step 4: When the book is ready, writer pitches it to agents and/or publishers. They might also attend a writing conference during this time and pitch to agents/publishers face-to-face. 
• Step 5: While the writer waits for a response, they continue making efforts to grow their platform and hone their craft. They then set off to work on their next project.

Now that you have your Address (publication goal) and understand the basics on how to get there, your next step is to break down the above steps by creating mini-goals that will help you reach this Destination. That’s exactly what I’ll help you do in next week’s post. =)


Meanwhile, if you have any questions about the publishing process, please let me know in the comments!

~ ~ ~

Questions for you… 


What’s your writing-related goal for this year? Do you believe that visualization plays a key role in seeing a dream come to pass?

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Is It Sinful for Christians to Pursue Their Dreams?

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If you’ve yet to notice, I’m passionate about talking on the topic of pursuing dreams. I believe God has given each of us a gift. We all contain a desire that consumes every fiber of our being — a dream that has our hearts racing when we talk about it, when we imagine the dream coming to pass in our lives. 

And yet, the Bible says that the heart is deceitful (Jer. 17:9). Because of this, there are some Christians who believe it's sinful to follow the dreams that God has placed on our hearts.

My question is this: How does pursuing our dreams keep us from following Jesus? What if pursuing our dreams actually led us into a deeper relationship with Him and gave us the opportunity to spread the gospel?

I'm not saying we all deserve to live the lives we envision, or that we were only created to receive wonderful gifts from God and live a perfect and worry-free life. That's far from the truth. Anyone who knows The Word understands that we, as sinful human beings, never deserved Christ dying for us. And anyone who reads The Word knows that we live in a far from perfect world and will live imperfect lives.

But what if I told you that pursuing our dreams didn't have to do with us at all? What if I told you that it could actually be a part of the ministry work God has assigned for us to accomplish? 

1 Peter 4:10-11 says this (emphasis mine) --

Each of you has received a gift to use to serve others. Be good servants of God’s various gifts of grace. Anyone who speaks should speak words from God. Anyone who serves should serve with the strength God gives so that in everything God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Power and glory belong to him forever and ever. Amen.

The Bible makes it clear that God has given us gifts that can help build His Kingdom — but the only way that's possible is it the gift is put to use. If the gift remains idle, then it's useless. It isn't fulfilling its purpose or reaching its fullest potential. If we don't serve in the areas that God has gifted us to serve, then we aren't fulfilling the calling He has placed on our lives. 

Of course the enemy would want to make us feel guilty for pursuing our God-given desires. Of course he would want to make us believe that it's a waste of time. Satan knows that, if our gift is put to use, God's Kingdom could expand like wildfire. 

What would happen if, as a body, each of us tapped into the potential God has birthed within each of us and used it to spread His Kingdom? How many non-believers could we reach if we refused to settle for a passive lifestyle and instead we invested our time, money, and talents into making God famous?  

We aren't on this earth to simply make money, survive, and eventually pass away. God has given us work to do. How can we know what that work consists of? Often, it is stemmed to the dream placed within; the one that has grasped our hearts and refuses to let go.

That isn't to say that it's possible to become led astray by our heart's desires. This is why we do need to be careful and ask God which dream is the one He has placed on our hearts. Ask Him to give you the desires He wants you to have, and to remove the ones that are not from Him. 

Usually, the work He's given us to do will lie within our Sweet Spot: The area that combines our desires and our strengths. {If you aren't sure where your Sweet Spot lies, this free 7-page ebook might help.} 

Psalm 139:16 (NCV) says,

You saw my body as it was formed. All the days planned for me were written in your book before I was one day old.

Maybe the reason you’ve been drawn to writing is because it’s part of the story God has planned for you, the one that was written before you were born. And perhaps the pen will be the very tool that will allow you to spread His love throughout the entire earth.

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When we have a heavenly perspective of this earth — and when we tap into the gifts and desires and dreams God has planted within us — our God-given purpose will become more clear.  We might not know exactly what He has planned for us ten years down the road, but when we ask Him to give us His vision for our lives, He will allow the fog to dim just enough for us to know which step to take next. And then the next step. And then the one after that.

I challenge you to tap into the potential God has birthed inside of you. Discover those unique tools, strengths, and skills of yours.

Ephesians 3:20 (NCV) says, "With God’s power working in us, God can do much, much more than anything we can ask or imagine."

Notice that it doesn't say "With God's power working in us, WE can do...". It says with His power working in us, HE can do "much more than anything we can ask or imagine."


Perhaps the error isn't in Christians pursuing their heart's desires but in Christians pursuing their dreams for the wrong reasons. To glorify themselves. To make their own name known throughout the earth.  

But according to this scripture, it's not us who do the work, but Christ within us. We are nothing without Him. It has never been about us, our talents, our recognition, or our success. The whole purpose of this whole dream-chasing thing should be to accomplish the work God has assigned for us to do, the work that is going to make Him known throughout the earth. Because honestly? We would be nothing -- dust and ashes -- if it weren't for Him.

So those desires God's given you? Those strengths of yours? They are your Sweet Spots. And it's there that God’s ministry begins. Don’t ignore the fire He’s placed on your heart or the path He’s laid before you. Instead, ask Him to give you the desires He wants you to have and to remove the ones that aren't of Him. Ask Him to show you how you can use your Sweet Spot for His glory.


Then, watch and see how He takes your gifts and dreams and strengths and uses them to accomplish "immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (NIV, emphasis mine).


Tweetable:

Is It Sinful for Christians to Pursue Their Dreams? #amblogging #faith http://bit.ly/2cz0VpJ @TessaEmilyHall 

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Speaking of dreams . . . 

If you’ve been following my blog for a while now, you might know that the dream I held since I was 3-years-old was to become an author. I launched this blog in January 2010, at the age of 16, hoping to meet other writers journeying along the same path. I wanted an outlet to share what I was learning about the craft, encourage others in pursuit of their dreams, and to discuss scripture.

You can read more about my writing journey in Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. 

As I mentioned in Part 3, my YA contemporary romance novel, UNWRITTEN MELODY, will be released this November by Clean Reads! I’m thrilled to share this story with the public. It’s a story that sparked in me when I was 17-years-old. I went into my bedroom, sat in my favorite writing chair, opened up my notebook, and spent an hour or so brainstorming what would become the first version of UNWRITTEN MELODY.

I'm humbled and beyond grateful to have met so many of you who have supported and encouraged me along the way. THANK YOU to all of my readers!


If you'd like to help me further this dream of mine ministry work — and possibly win gifts and prizes along the way — here's what you can do:

• Join Tessa's Team (my street team). Members receive exclusive, early updates on the publishing process, extra giveaways and contests, etc. 
• Join my mailing list. In the mailing list, you'll receive updates on the book's journey delivered straight to your inbox! (Don't worry, I never spam inboxes or share contact info.)
• Host a book/author spotlight on your blog. I can provide a pre-made interview and the blog materials for you to include in a post. Send an email if you're interested!
• Pin quotes from Unwritten Melody to a Pinterest board. Want sneak previews of the book? Check out its Pinterest board, and don't forget to re-pin the book's quotes! Every week, I'll add at least one new quote from the book. (The street team will always receive first look!)
• Tell your friends! There's nothing that helps an author's book release more than word-of-mouth promotion. If you enjoy my blog and/or Purple Moon, it'd be awesome if you could let your friends know about Unwritten Melody! The book releases in Kindle format on November 10th. They can follow this blog and my social media accounts (@tessaemilyhall) for updates!

A special thank you to all my readers!

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!

Is It Possible to Dream Too Big?: Exciting Non-Writing-Related News!

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When we were kids, we had the tendency to dream big. Ask anyone under the age of 10 what they want to be when they grow up, and you'll probably receive some outlandish responses.  Of course, once we really do "grow up", our desires may change. Or we might start to realize just how crazy it was to assume, as a kid, that we could become an astronaut.

But why does dreaming big have to be considered "crazy"? Why is it that those who actually do strive to follow their dreams are considered illogical? 

One of the reasons, I believe, that we tend to take on this mindset is because ... well, who else do you know that is actually an actress? or a singer? or a professional ballerina? 

I am very thankful that I was raised in a home where my parents supported the dreams of me and my sisters. My mom would always tell us, "Someone has to do it. Why can't you?" If it wasn't for their belief in my writing, there is no way I would be where I am today. Because it is only those who believe they can pursue their dreams that actually end up achieving them. 

Personally, I believe that the desires on our hearts are there for a reason. Especially if, after years and years of praying over these desires, they still will not go away.  

For example: I grew up dreaming about becoming an author. I loved being able to interpret a story from marks printed on a page. I loved the way books felt to hold--the feel of their cover jackets. The smell of their pages. I loved the idea that one could create an entire world with using only a pencil and a paper.  I started working towards this dream at a young age. And I am glad that I did. Because if I hadn't, I would've probably became more "realistic". I would've focused on the probability of success rather than continue to persist. 

So I kept the vision of being an author in my mind as I worked towards making the dream a reality. 

And that reality came true when, at 19, I was able to hold Purple Moon in my hands for the very first time.   

However ... there is another dream that's been on my heart. And that passion, that dream of mine, is to work on Christian films--both as an actress, as well as a crew member.

Since I was seven, I've worked in theater productions and acting classes. I participated in a Christian theater group for years. In middle school, my mom would drive my sister and I to Atlanta on the weekends for auditions. In high school, I landed a small role in a short film and worked as an extra on set of The Blind Side and Get Low. 

Sorry for the awful quality ... haha! But this was when I was on set of Get Low, starring Bill Murray. I'm the one huddled underneath a jacket. It was freezing!

  I love it. I love losing myself yet finding myself in another character. I love discovering a story I can immerse myself in, just like I do when I read a book.  Because acting, to me, is similar to writing: It gives me the opportunity to help bring story come to life. One that has the potential to affect multiple lives of those whom I may never meet. 

Five years ago, however, I decided to put acting on the back burner and focus on writing. I knew that God could open the doors for that dream to come true when it was His time. 

Meanwhile, the passion never faded. I still dreamt of landing a role in a Christian film and spending hours upon hours on set with only caffeine as my fuel. I was still in love with the idea of working with other individuals who shared the same vision for a story, all of us using our own areas of expertise to put together a project that would bring glory to God. One that would become a vehicle in reaching others. I wanted to be apart of the process of moving people--whether my job was on screen or off screen. 

But the older I became, the more that "reality" began to sink in. I wondered if that was actually going to happen. Because that happens far too often when we "grow up", doesn't it?
God reminded me, however, that the passions He has given us -- beginning from a very young age -- are not there by coincidence.  
So I placed the dream in His hands. I asked Him to remove the desire if it was not in His will to fulfill. 
It never faded. Instead, the desire was stirred last December. So one day I decided to go online and search for Christian casting calls. 
I came across a casting from Faith Flix Films that had been posted just hours before. I quickly submitted my headshot and resume, and a few weeks later I received a response asking if I could submit a video audition. 
I did. A couple weeks later, I was offered a role. A small one, but a role nonetheless. (The producer made it clear to the actors that there is no "small" role in this film. =) )
Next month, I will be traveling to Nashville, TN to be apart of PROVIDENCE--both as an actress, as well as a Production Assistant. The movie will be produced by Faith Flix Films and hit theaters February 2016. 
{Side note: My best friend and fellow YA author, Caroline George, will work with me as a Production Assistant as well! She, too, has a passion for storytelling--both on paper and on screen.}

... But that's not all.
That same month -- in December -- I was cast in another film. As the main role. 
And, you guys ... this role is one that I am so very passionate about. It is a Christian film geared towards teenagers, and its message is one that is close to my heart. I cannot express how honored I am to be apart of this project. 
However, I cannot share all of the details. Not yet, anyway. But I will say that it is scheduled to film later this summer.
{Another side note: Caroline George will be apart of this film as well ... as my co-star! =) }

I am over-joyed. Still in awe that this passion, this dream of working on independent projects that will leave a big impact for God's Kingdom, is coming true. 
So now, back to the original question: Is it possible to dream too big?
Absolutely not. Not when God is first in our hearts {Matt. 6:33}. And not when we are in the center of His will. 
Because our Father -- the One who made galaxies and waterfalls and the ocean and the Grand Canyon and all of heaven and mankind and coffee (sorry, I had to) -- is capable of absolutely anything {Luke 1:37}.
And the desires that He has placed on your heart are not a coincidence (if you have placed them in God's hands and they have yet to fade). So don't ignore them by trying to think logically or realistically. 
All of this earth is a mission field. And by using the gifts God has entrusted you with, you become a missionary. Even if it is "just" a book. Even if it is "just" a film. 
And by doubting our dreams -- the ones that would ultimately bring Him glory -- we are ultimately doubting the power of our God. 

There are so many opportunities available out there. 
Besides, someone has to do it ... why can't it be you?
!  Are there any dreams you've buried over the years? Is there a passion that has stuck with you, an area that you're hoping to pursue? Let me know in the comments!