After almost a year’s pause in opportunities for such, I
had two opportunities for speaking engagements in two weeks. Since
the past year has been one of adjustment after the death of my second husband,
I wondered how it would go. I needn’t have worried. It felt good to be once more sharing from my
growth.
This also gave me opportunity to pause and reflect on the
changes writing has brought to my life in the last fifteen years. Writing in a
more intentional way was a dream I had from childhood. After the death of my first husband, I began
with an assignment for a week’s worth of devotions for the REJOICE!
magazine. When I had good response from
those, I ventured out with a few magazine articles then with a burst of courage,
began working on a novel that had been percolating for a few years. 
That
was an entirely new undertaking. I will
always be grateful for the help and coaching I got through several avenues—The Word
Guild, WRITE conferences and Ray and Anna Wiseman. The writing was a joy. Even the editing and rewriting and rewriting
I found rewarding. The folks at Word
Alive were very helpful in the process.
I was happy for the relationships built in during that time.
I wasn’t young any more, but I was a newbie where
publication and selling of books was concerned. I was nervous, awed and elated
when the first shipment of Not Easily
Broken actually arrived on my doorstep.
As many writers, I enjoy writing
more than selling, but it is part of who a writer has to be. I began with a book launch, then took
opportunities at bazaars, church and public events where I could display my
book and sell some.
Much
to my surprise, my writing also was the means of fulfilling another childhood
dream—
Not
Far from the Tree, a sequel to my first book, was published a
few years later, then Tyson’s Sad Bad Day. The latter was another new experience, for
it branched into children’s literature and stretched my horizons as I toiled
over illustrating the story. Each book its own way, continued to urge me to
keep growing. Yes, growth can be painful, but it is also most satisfying. 
Being involved in the Hot Apple Cider anthologies, was
also a growing experience. My Ready Writers group in London had already helped
me appreciate good editing and those series did more of the same. NJ Lindquist and Wendy Nelles encouraged me
to keep tweeking my contributions until they were all they could be. It makes me proud to be part of these
books.
Out of the Ordinary was another new experience. My own life happenings, first meant for only family, then shared with the larger public, opened a whole other level of connection. At first I felt quite vulnerable, but soon found a depth and richness to the relationship I developed with my readers.
It was through
writing and being a part of our Ready Writers Writer’s Group and the Hot Apple
Cider Series that I met Ruth Coghill and had the opportunity to be on her radio program.
Good Grief People, too has touched my own heart and those of readers in a different way than the other books. Again, my world has been enlarged and I give thanks.
Every time a speaking opportunity comes along, I meet
more individuals and get to hear their stories as well. And that’s where the third
dream of my childhood is fulfilled—meeting a lot of people, getting to know
them, understand them and to hear how their lives were lived. I do love people! ☺
Finding out that readers identify with the characters in
my stories or with the tales of my childhood provides an instant connection. It
makes me feel close to them. To hear that my writing has encouraged readers to
reach for their best, to have the courage to share their growth, or to face
some challenge is such a thrilling reward.
Writing certainly has enriched my life. As long as God
gives me the ability to do so, I shall continue. If I can encourage some others
to write, the benefits will go on.
