Four Ps on a Writer’s Journey

By Pat Nichols @PatNichols16
In 2015, after spending a year writing my first manuscript, I attended my first Christian writer’s conference. Talk about an eye-opener. While the workshops were informative and the networking delightful, the most valuable experience was Eva Marie Everson’s critique of my first three chapters. Her professional feedback made it clear my work wasn’t ready for primetime. At the same time her compliments and encouragement affirmed my decision to say goodbye to retirement and hello to career number two as an author.
My motto became, it’s never too late to follow your dreams. When dreams collide with God’s purpose something magical happens. 
Four Ps on a Writer's Journey
PassionWebster’s Dictionary describes passion as intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction. In Wake Up to the Word devotions, Joyce Meyers wrote: “if purpose is our journey and destination, then passion is the fuel that’s going to get us there.” For Christian authors, passion is inspired by the desire to fulfill God’s purpose and write from a Christian perspective. 
While fueled by passion, I learned the road to publication is often long, arduous, and riddled with detours and disappointments. A lesson confirmed after experiencing my first rejections. More humbling moments. Fortunately, the desire to write kept my feet firmly planted on the path and inspired me to connect with other authors, attend conferences, and take online writing courses. My latest endeavor? Reading James Scott Bell’s Writing Unforgettable Characters. I learned some new techniques I’ll apply to my next project. 
Devoting time to study is step one in the learning experience. What is step two? 
PracticeI always enjoy watching gymnastics and ice skating during the Summer and the Winter Olympics. No matter how accomplished, the athletes rely on coaches for ongoing training while they devote countless hours to practicing their sport. Thus, the old cliché—practice makes perfect—fits. Earning a perfect score in an Olympic competition doesn’t mean the athlete won’t seek to improve. Although perfection is rarely reached striving to achieve it is a worthy goal. 
For authors, that means writing. Every day. Whether a manuscript, devotion, blog, short story, or an article. When authors’ fingers race across keyboards or they scribe on paper, skills they’ve learned improve their writing. 
Of course, there are times when doubt creeps in or writer’s block strikes. That’s when the third P is critical.
PersistenceWhen God places dreams in our hearts, He gives us the means to pursue what we’ve begun, no matter how big the mountain ahead seems. Accepting obstacles and disappointments as growth opportunities helps writers overcome doubt and persist. For example, submitting work to competitions that include critique provides valuable insight and growth opportunities. Critique groups and beta readers are equally important. Like athletes, successful authors stay the course. Which brings me to the last P.
Patience“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9
I admit after finishing that first manuscript, I expected immediate results. However, God in his infinite wisdom was preparing me for my journey. Preparation takes time. Think about those gymnasts and skaters who began training as young children. What seemed like instant success resulted from years of sacrifice and training. God didn’t open the door for my first publishing contract until I had spent three years practicing and preparing. 
My message to pre-published authors? Keep your passion ignited and stay the course. Success will come when the timing is right. 
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Pat Nichols draws on her experience in seven different management positions working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life to create stories about women facing tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs in the pursuit of their dreams. Her debut novel, The Secret of Willow Inn, Willow Falls series book one, is a 2020 Selah Award winner. Book three, Starstruck in Willow Falls, is a NGCWC Georgia Peach Award winner. Pat lives in an Atlanta suburb with her husband as they continue to celebrate fifty-plus year marriage. She is the mother of two and grandmother of four. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels. She is grateful for God’s blessings and unfailing love through all of life’s peaks and valleys.