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Friday, November 13, 2009

Novel Update: What I Am Learning


During this time of editing my novel, I am learning quite a bit. I am learning that I don't know nuttin bout writin no novel. I am learning that I have a lot to learn and that, chances are, I will never stop learning no matter how long I keep at this. I am learning that the difference between wanting to quit and actually quitting is just a phone call or email from a friend saying, "You can do it!" I am learning that I don't have to have the answers. I can pray and ask God for them and He will supply what I need, when I need it. It might be encouragement, information, or that perfect word or idea that has been eluding me. I am learning that writing this novel is the hardest thing I have ever done. It is taking so much more out of me than I anticipated. And yet, I am seeing God at work in a whole new way. In another post I will share two specific things He has done recently. But for today I just wanted to say that, when this book comes out and you hold it in your hands (I hope you will want to hold it in your hands!), remember this: I can't take not one ounce of credit. Other than showing up, I did very little. God used His wisdom and His people to accomplish this book through me, in spite of me.

I have learned that most of all.
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8 comments:

Bonita said...

I want my writing friends to read this one so I'm linking to you today. I need to read this every time I'm in the writing trenches. I guess that would be daily!

Christine said...

I found you from the Encouraging Words for Writers site.

I love what you wrote about you doing very little. A am writing my first novel for nano and I feel the same way. I have dedicated the novel completely to Him and I've seen His hand in it throughout this journey.

Thank you for sharing!

Sandy said...

Hi Marybeth,

Bontia sent me your way and she is correct, this was written just for me today and I thank you. Just this morning I read this quote, "You block your dream when you allow your fear to grow bigger than you faith." ~Mary Manin Morrissey~ Your faith through the writing of this book has been bigger than your fear.

I have been silently following your journey and you have no idea how much it has bolstered me in mine. Although we are pursuing different fields, the steps of faith we must take are the same, we must show up and let Him direct us as we do the work. I cannot wait to have a copy of your novel in my hands.

Marybeth, you are an opener of doors who has chosen time and time again, even at the risk of being disappointed, to step through those doors and be a believer in hope. It is risky to open our doors, open our selves. But in the long run, it far riskier to keep them closed and chance living an existence where joyful stories of success, like yours, are absent.

Many blessings on the upcoming sales of your book and your ministry to lead others to Him through the written word.

Mandy said...

Oh Marybeth, I can't wait to read your novel and see the fruit of God's work. I think it's even more exciting when it's difficult because you know it's not you...it's HIM!

On a side note, I would love to see you add a "share this button" at the end of each of your posts to make it easy to share. If you stop by my blog you can see what I use and let me say that it's very easy to install and use! Love it.

Marybeth Whalen said...

Thank you all for your sweet comments! I am glad that my honesty about how hard this process is is encouraging to you... that's good to hear.

I did try to add the "share this" button but my blog template does not feature the words that it said I should find. I tried everything! My technological skills are pretty limited, I am afraid... If it's not spelled out for me, I take no risks!!

Karen said...

Isn't it amazing to watch God work in our writing? I write for an online Christian magazine. And each and every article I write I give God all the credit for. He has shown up EVERY SINGLE TIME and helped me form the articles. And He continues to do so. Amazing! I Thessalonians 5:24 says, "Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass." (NASB) That verse has and continues to be such an encouragement to me.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!
Karen

Marybeth Whalen said...

Love that verse! Thanks for sharing it! These are the verses I am writing on index cards and posting as reminders for those discouraging moments!!

MelissaTaylor.org said...

MB, Loved seeing you at B and N today and catching up! You gave me a lot to be praying for! I hope your day and night brought many words penned for The Mailbox!

I'm so excited for where the Lord is taking you. I hope you know you have a big fan right here! Let me know how I can continue to pray for you and give you support.

Love You,
Melissa