KATIE CLARK writes young adult speculative fiction, including her dystopian Enslaved Series, made up of Vanquished, Deliverance, and Redeemer. The books released in paperback in September, and release in ebook form on November 22, 2014. You can connect with Katie at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Giving It to God
by Katie Clark
Writing. It is a mysterious process that enthralls some and baffles others. For myself, it is easy to get lost in it. Become obsessed with stories and characters and plot structure. I often have to force myself to step back and remind myself that I can work as hard as I like, but if it’s not in God’s plan, my writing will not find a home.
Not that I need the personal reminders—my full inbox of rejections is proof enough.
Let’s face it. Being a writer is hard. We can write exceptionally well, but if it isn’t God’s timing (and we have no control over that), we aren’t going to get the results we want.
What can we do in the meantime (besides fret, of course)? After I’d written my debut novel, Vanquished, I had a lot of time for fretting. I queried dozens of agents and received dozens of rejections. I studied whatever publishers I could find who accepted un-agented submissions. Basically, I drove myself crazy-wombat.
Giving your writing career to God isn’t an easy task, but it’s doable. Here are a few tips to get your mind off it.
- If you’re writing a blog on a regular basis, you’re getting your writing out there. And I’m not going to lie, that feels good.
- Write for smaller publications. Your local paper, an online devotional, magazines. Take your pick. Those small acceptance can really boost your confidence and help sustain, not to mention fatten your writing resume.
- Start a new large project. I started a brand new novel while I was querying Vanquished. It turned into the book that got me an agent.
- Help other writers. This is a big one. If other writers need help getting word out about their book, give it. If they need a blogger to help review their upcoming novel, offer your services. Some people call it karma, but it’s actual just Biblical. You reap what you sow. So, get to sowing good seeds, and stay busy until you reap your own harvest!
Here’s a bit about Katie’s book, Vanquished:
When Hana’s mom is diagnosed with the mutation, she is denied the medication that might save her life. Fischer, a medic at the hospital, implies there are people who can help—except Hana’s not sure she can trust him; Fischer is involved in a religious group, and religion has been outlawed for the last hundred years. Hana embarks on a dangerous journey, seeking the answers Fischer insists are available. When the truth is uncovered does Hana stick to what she knows? Or does she join the rebellion, taking a stand against an untrustworthy society?
You can read my reviews of the Enslaved series here: Vanquished, Deliverance, and Redeemer.
I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.
Blessings,
Thanks for having me, Ginger!
My absolute pleasure. I love helping fellow authors promote their books. It’s even nicer when it’s a friend. 🙂
Great guest post! I’m not a writer, but I love the tips you give! 🙂