I just wanted to thank everyone for your encouragement and support in me writing a book. I haven’t told very many people about the new book idea I’ve been praying about, but I’ve decided to share this conversation with my writing friend, Anne Watson, so you can pray with me for the right direction to go. For the people who wonder if I got permission to share this? Yes I did get permission.
I contacted Anne the day after the Declare conference ended and said,
“Hey, my mom and I were brainstorming on the way home. I have a new direction I’m thinking about writing a book on.
Finding my voice yet unable to talk: How to live in a world constantly on the go in a body that has a mind of its own.
How to not go crazy when it’s silent.
Those are just what I’ve thought of so far for titles. The book will basically be about how I function in a world that’s always on the go and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.
What do you think?”
Anne said,
“I think it’s a great idea! But I’m thinking slightly newer for you, too. I’m thinking maybe you write these things that are on your heart on social media or your blog and you begin to build a following. Try a few messages, do a few experiments, and give yourself permission to be messy until you truly find your writing voice and the message of your heart. There is no pressure on you to turn your story into anything right now. I believe you are already inspiring, even if you never write another word! I think it might be more fun and satisfying right now to put out the messages God is giving you without the pressure of the book. Then, I suspect, someone will approach you about writing that book. As in, they’ll come knocking on your door. Make sense?
You don’t have to become Nika Maples. You already are her! You just haven’t quite found your groove yet. But you will because it’s in you and you have the desire to find it.
Just have fun playing around with your writing style. You’ll know when you’ve struck gold!”
I’m very thankful for Anne’s honest and thoughtful advice. I like how she told me not to put pressure on myself and to be messy.
Writing a book for an able-bodied person is hard. But for a person who’s unable to talk and types to communicate with people everyday and also types to write a blog post a couple of times a month can get tiring. Plus, when I type a lot it’s hard to function and do everyday tasks. Writing a blog post takes me about 4-5 hours. I don’t know how long it will take to write a book, if and when I actually do. But I can imagine it might take years. I think I’ve told you this before but living with dystonia is a full-time job. I need to take time to rest and recalibrate my body. I’m not trying to give an excuse, but if you have ever talked with me you know it takes a minute or five to answer your question. Keeping my thoughts focused to actually type what I want to say is difficult at times. That’s a whole other blog post I plan to write about soon (the awkward silence in conversations and how I try to deal with it or ignore it.)
I’m grateful I have readers I know by name, that are excited for me and this venture. May I please ask you to pray for me as I continue this journey of writing, wherever the Lord may take it.
