Writing a New Novel? Pray About It!
Posted on February 2, 2016 by ACFW
By Lynn Hobbs
An
idea flashes through your mind in the middle of the night, and you’re convinced
it’s THE answer to your next novel.
Maybe
not.
You
decide which chapter to insert the idea …when to let readers be aware of that
tidbit of information…
Days
pass as you change scenes and replace characters with that idea playing out in
your mind.
No.
Nothing works. It didn’t feel right.
More
days pass.
The
flashed idea continues being a puzzle.
It
has a place in your novel, and you have a strong gut feeling about it.
You
know you are right.
Wait
a minute. It’s not falling in place.
Something
is wrong here…
Then
you realize…
You
don’t want your will for the book…you want God’s will for the book.
The
above situation can happen if you write without praying first. Those who know
me are aware that I always pray for direction before I write. My new series has
begun with a scripture that will follow through all three books. I am excited
as words flow, situations develop that have meaning, and yes, I will give God
the glory…not myself.
Have
you ever considered someone might be saved by reading your book? As a Christian
writer in today’s anything goes world; we have an opportunity to display morals
in our books.
I
also enjoy changing the protagonist from a male to a female…or vice versa.
Change location.
This
takes you out of your comfort zone…new locations demand research to make it
believable.
Time
well spent? Absolutely.
I
was taught to write what I personally know, and what I witnessed by others I
knew…
About the person who was mistreated and overcame obstacles. About the person in jail. About the person who graduated with young children as a single parent. I could go on and on.
About the person who was mistreated and overcame obstacles. About the person in jail. About the person who graduated with young children as a single parent. I could go on and on.
Years
ago, I participated in a prison ministry where as a group, we traveled to a
women’s prison in Gatesville, Texas. Praying one on one for each woman was
powerful.
Some
of the inmates wrote letters to us but could never write directly to us. Their
letters went through the church, and later sent to our homes.
No,
we couldn’t ask why the women were in prison, but we felt their need was met
that day through what we did in God’s name.
That
day, we actually were the vessel He used to help others.
The
same principle can apply to our writing. We can be His vessel for many.
While
some readers aren’t incarcerated, they may feel imprisoned by the life they are
living. Our book cover may catch their eye at a library, or it may be left on a
table at a doctor’s office. We have no idea where or when it will be read by
someone who needs to be reading it at that exact moment in their life.
That’s
why writing a book without praying first would not work for me.
Prayer first is awesome!
Lynn Hobbs is the author of the Running Forward Series; a powerful faith
and family saga.
Book #1: Sin, Secrets, and Salvation, awarded 1st place, Religious Fiction, 2013, Texas Association of Authors.
Book #2: River Town, 1st place, Religious Fiction, 2014, TAA.
Book #3: Hidden Creek, 1st place, Religious Fiction 2015, TAA. Lillie, A Motherless Child (Christian biography).
You can find Lynn on her website at http://www.LynnHobbsAuthor.com andFacebook
Book #1: Sin, Secrets, and Salvation, awarded 1st place, Religious Fiction, 2013, Texas Association of Authors.
Book #2: River Town, 1st place, Religious Fiction, 2014, TAA.
Book #3: Hidden Creek, 1st place, Religious Fiction 2015, TAA. Lillie, A Motherless Child (Christian biography).
You can find Lynn on her website at http://www.LynnHobbsAuthor.com andFacebook
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