We know the power of words. They can encourage or defeat us; tear down or build up. My writing journey towards my first book includes both.
As a child and teen, I enjoyed reading and writing but never thought beyond short stories, paragraphs, and school reports. I enjoyed the research and creativity. In grade 12, the teacher asked us to write a short story. I wrote one called, “The Rebel” and worked hard on edits and more edits. I typed it out and handed it in, pleased with the result. My paper came back with very few red marks on it and a very good mark. Yet the teacher had written one sentence at the bottom, “unrealistic point of view.” That one comment negated the great mark on the front of the paper, at least in my mind.
The next year in first year English at university, the first report I handed in came back with a failing grade. I made arrangements to chat with the professor and find out what I did wrong and how I could improve.
His answer, “You’re in university. You should know!”
Those two incidents made me believe I couldn’t write. I decided to stuff my love of writing deep down inside and tell no one about it. I’d hand in assignments done to the best of my ability and that’s it. I didn’t even want to journal. But I did continue to read and enjoy other peoples’ writing.
Decades later, my husband, Brian, told me, “You should write Amee’s story.”
My response came quick and firm, “I can’t write!”
He continued to ask, nag, cajole. The word I used to describe his encouragement depended on how I felt at that moment. I kept insisting I couldn’t write. I didn’t know how. I’d never told him why I believed that. He didn’t believe in my lack of ability and continued to try and encourage me.More time passed and I gave in and began but deleted just as many times. Then Amee began begging me to write her story so people would understand about her and that God works in our lives. Now I had two people encouraging me to write.
I began to sort through reports and daytimers and any place I had information on the journey we’d been on. I researched and reminisced. I organized chronologically. Then I began to write a memoir once again. I got bogged down and discouraged.
My friend told me about a one-day writers’ conference in Saskatoon. My response, “It wouldn’t be for me. I’m not a writer.”
Her reply, “It says it’s for everyone.”
With her encouragement and Brian’s as well, I moved outside my comfort zone and went. That day I learned lots from the presenters and met so many wonderful people. Encouragers. Presenters. Published authors. I heard about a monthly meeting of Christian writers in the city and finally became brave enough to attend a meeting. Eventually I allowed myself to be vulnerable and read what I had begun. I asked for help because I felt stuck.
A published author who attended asked if I really wanted an honest critique. I agreed I needed that. She said, “If this is to go beyond family, cut this and this and start here. Then she walked away.
On the way home, after fussing a bit about her answer, I decided to start a new word document and begin where she suggested. If I didn’t like it, I could revert to my original draft. It worked. I became unstuck and the words began to flow. Finally, I had a finished manuscript ready for multiple rounds of edits.
My first book, Amee’s Story was published in January of 2010. God has used it to touch many people over the years. The writing continued since then as well. It felt like floodgates had been opened. I’m grateful for the writers of InScribe who have helped and encouraged me in my journey and shown me the power of encouraging words.
