Avoiding writing, preparation and lessons learned

[Jeremy]

Around 1992, at the age of 18, I had a vague idea to write a series of books about a world of magic oceans. I was not a practiced writer and realized — after many attempts over several
years — that I was not up to the task. I tried to run away from writing these books: making lots of excuses and alternate plans and going to graduate school for science and even praying to God to find someone else (properly trained and talented) to write them. Instead, God inspired me to read — and repeatedly reread — the Bible. After 2 years, the ideas and starting point for the (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...) Potion Voyages series started to become clear...and stories gave rise to a cascade of new stories in rapid abundance. And then, as I wrote the books, I started to learn various lessons.

Specifically, I learned a lot about the Christian faith by exploring a new world with its own rules. That world exists in the form of written words in my books and lyrics in my songs (with music composed and sung by professionals.)

Some of the main lessons were these:
* Our own power is not what makes us strong. We can never be powerful enough to overcome all challenges.
* Power exerted without wisdom, which must be given by God will likely cause disasters beyond imagining, because of limited mortal knowledge and comprehension. This is true even when you have good intentions.
* What we think of as justice or mercy may be very inaccurate because — again — of a deficit of knowledge and comprehension.
* Living for thousands of years in a sin-ravaged world may not be the blessing you think it is. It may be a mind-bending curse.
* Prayer is always the right answer.
* God provides the essential writing ideas — lots of them — when needed. It might be years — or decades — later than you expect.
* It may be necessary to prepare for decades before writing and publishing the first book. (I was 42.)
* I am definitely not in it for the money. In fact, money cannot even be trusted. This is a major theme in my 10th book and is expressed in the final chapter, by the song Illusions of Prosperity (http://soundcloud.com/potionvoyages/i...) which is a prayer to remove ill-gotten gains and evil spirits of temptation from the Port of Reliance. The character Lady Onora sings this hymn of warning and protection.

[Sandra]

It sounds like you've done a great job, Jeremy! Following God's lead is always the right move. I know I'd do much better in my writing if I would always remember to pray before I put my fingers on the keyboard. I get too easily distracted and forget where my power comes from - always and only from the Lord! Thanks for the reminder and God bless you in your work.

[James, Head Cook & Bottle Washer]

Jeremy,
Many blessings to you and welcome to the group. God bless you as you serve Him.
James

[Read-n-Bloom]

Welcome to the group Jeremy!! God’s blessings to you!