Into the Fire

What better thing to do than to finish a new novel and get it published in the new year? Few things feel better to an author than brandishing a new book, and my new one is in its final stages before the publication process begins. I know the ending and I'm close to writing it. The title is Seeing . . . , and I'm touched by this story.

Of course writers feel that way about their stories – some more than others. We get involved with our characters, we slip in and out of their skins to feel the excitement, the traumas and pain, the joys – whatever emotions we set upon them. We search for their purpose(s) and make them as credible as we can.

Goals vary for different authors as to the novel's intention, but mixed in with the aesthetic goals are those that involve the value of the story, the hope it will sell well because not many people will read it if it doesn't. Some authors are so successful it's not a matter of "if" the books will sell but rather how many thousands – sometimes millions – of copies. I'm not one of them.

I had to set aside my dream of being a famous, best-selling author a long time ago and let God do what He wanted with the novels I write to honor Him. And write those stories He gives to me using my particular skills while hoping the audience He selects to read my novels will enjoy and somehow experience a divine touch while reading them.

So. That's what I'm aiming toward for the new year.

Father, I'm always desperate for you, thankful beyond words, and ask that you would continue to help me be all that you designed me to be. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.