I Will Publish My Novel—If the Lord Wills

Young man reading a book in the library.
DAY 001 - 26/1/1 -

As I sat on the couch watching It's a Wonderful Life, hearing those cinematic bells ring in the new year, a thought came to my mind that made me smile, "This is the year I will publish my novel." I did not consider this lightly.

For the past 16 months, I've been outlining, typing, revising, editing and re-editing; all to ensure my debut young-adult novel will be a treasure for my readers. This project has consumed my conversations. ("Hey random person at the library, what interests you in a first chapter?") I've been on a grand journey, where I met several local authors and read some terrific self-published books. I'd like to talk about them in future posts, as well as discuss my favorite books and other media that inspire me.

2026 is the year that this novel will be realized...or, rather, it could be.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not scared of rejection. I'm enchanted by the idea of my book on a store shelf, overshadowed by the trendy romance in the window. I'm even slightly excited about reading my first bad reviews. I want this dream to come true, but I can't force it. I can't dictate the future. In fact, it's almost prideful to say, "This is the year I will publish my novel." After all, who can say what will happen any year?

There's a Bible verse that keeps going through my head. It was written by a wise preacher who spoke of those who make new year's plans. He says, "You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that,'" (James 4:13-14 ESV). Without God, I can't do anything. I can't write a book, type a sentence or take a breath. The only way my publishing dreams can come true is if God has already prepared them.

So, with that bit of sobering knowledge, should I just sit by, watch the world spin and wait for God to put me where He needs me? No, because that would be disrespectful to God's creativity. When He designed people, He gave them the wondrous ability to think and dream for themselves. He wants us to pursue beautiful art; to explore and imagine. He doesn't want to move us as if we were pieces on a chess board. He wants us to do good things by our own choices.

1900s woman writes on an antique desk.
James writes, "If anyone, then, knows the good
they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is
sin for them," (James 4:17 NIV).
God gives us the freedom to make good art.

I have seen good come from my novel, even when it was just a few chapters shared with friends. Their encouraging words have given me hope that I can become an author. I doubt it'll be easy, as nothing has been, but with God's help, my book could be under your tree by next Christmas.

That is the purpose of this blog; to invite my readers on the journey. Throughout the year, I will regularly post about my publishing progress. There will be uplifting updates and, most assuredly, there will be tough times full of suspense (especially for me). I imagine there could be heartache and some sentimentality. Whatever it is, my readers will get a taste of it here. So, stay tuned for the adventure—a new year and a new author.

Let's see if I can get published by November.
This is A Novel Approach!

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