A New Chapter

For some time I’ve been working on my novel.  I’ve continued to work on outlines and scenes. I’ve made notes and photographs of various locales in and around Nashville. I’ve even had an excerpt published by a new journal, 2nd & Church, that focuses on writing about Nashville and Tennessee. But for the most part, it’s been writing catch as catch can. And that’s okay. That’s what most of us do and what I’ve been doing all my writing life.

But that changes now.

With the full support of my family, I am transitioning from my career of twenty-four years into a life as a full time writer and writing mentor and coach. It was a decision that was much more difficult than one would think. It means giving up a secure income and job. It means leaving the safe footing of the known and trusting, like Peter, that if I keep my eye on my calling that the water will support me. I would be dishonest if I told you that I’ve had no doubts or fears. I’ve felt the waters come up to my chins and knees before taking deep breaths and focusing on the calling, only to feel buoyant again.

Part of what has sustained me has been the support and encouragement of my friends and also of those who follow me on social media. There is a universal sense of faith in others, one that sometimes we cannot manage to have in ourselves. Somehow we know that someone else can do it. If anyone can, we think, they can. But when it comes time for us to let go and get out of the boat, our confidence becomes shaky. Sometimes we see the best and highest potential in others, a potential that seems distant, at best, in ourselves.

And so, ultimately, I am stepping out not so much because I know I can do this but because my family and friends know I can do this. I feel a strong calling that I am supposed to do this, that if not now, when? And so, I am stepping out on the faith of others and on the faith of my calling, trusting that their strength will keep me afloat until the muscles of my own faith develop sufficient to allow me to trust in me as much as I trust in you.

I am going to write hard and write fast and get my story onto the page. It is time. I have been encouraged to take this opportunity and I am seizing it. And I shall commit to awaken every morning grateful that I have the chance to find my story and tell it. And I shall awaken every morning grateful for my family who not only encourage but celebrate this journey with me, and grateful for every one of you who’ve encouraged me or sent supportive thoughts or prayers my way.