Being transparent is risky business.
When I began writing my current manuscript, the working title was, “Beyond the Garden.” Great! It seemed at least a little enticing.
As a career educator, and someone who enjoys people-watching, I’ve noticed that the setting of an event can have a huge impact on behavior. I hoped to write about how the geography in the times of Jesus influenced some of His interactions. That’s where I had started when I first read David H. Schanzer’s quote, which began a shift in the book’s trajectory.
The manuscript began to take on a life of its own, and drift more toward interpersonal interactions of Jesus. Nevertheless, I continued researching locations historically associated with the events already included in the text.
Time to rewind.
Running Toward the Danger was begun over a year ago. Then I ran out of steam and motivation, until I received a card in the mail. It was from a dear woman, Mary, I’d been blessed to meet. She praised the writing in my earlier books, and Mary strongly urged me to continue writing. Mama taught me to obey my elders, so I obeyed Mary and restarted the manuscript. I thought I could pick up where I left off, but it took a while to gain momentum.
Then two things happened. I started posting chapters on my blog page, and you, Dear Readers, were very encouraging. And sadly in May, Mary passed away. Her passing fanned the flames of your feedback, and I committed to publishing by Mary’s birthday, just before Thanksgiving this year.
In July, I shared the manuscript with my editor, without the location research. I was still hoping I could squeeze it in and publish in November, but the editing process can be lengthy. I love my editor, and the gentle hand she uses to steer me in the best direction. Long story, short, the nerdy geography research went to the digital chopping block.
Honestly, I think God is using the reality check of meeting my self-imposed deadline to deliver much needed lessons for me in trust and humility. I have to admit that I got caught up in what I wanted in the book, instead of focusing on what God had in mind. Now my goal is to focus on His wisdom, and not fret so much about where He’ll lead. Whether God’s refining or realigning my focus, it looks like Running Toward the Danger is on track for publication this fall.
Thanks for your comments and pingbacks! (Prayers for continued wisdom, humility, and trust will also be appreciated.)
Running Toward the Danger post Links
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