Just a few minutes ago, I turned in the first draft of a book I had written. It was number seventeen for me. Seventeen. It made me wonder how all this had happened.
When I was growing up, I thought I was going to be a teacher. When I was in high school, I realized that wasn’t for me, and I thought I would probably end up with some kind of office job. Practical. Respectable. Unremarkable.
But about that same time I also started writing. Nothing big. Certainly nothing memorable or worthy to be offered to the public. If I remember right, it was mostly “episodes” of TV shows I liked. Early fan fiction, I suppose.
I went on to get my degree in business and immediately found a job as an accountant. But still I wrote. I began writing on my lunch hour and at night and on the weekends. I didn’t plan to publish, I was just amusing myself, writing the book I wanted to read. Not books. Book. It took me eleven-and-a-half years and a lot of urging from the only friend I showed my story to, but I finally got it published. I thought that would be the only one. Forever and ever, amen.
Fast forward to a few minutes ago. I put the “The End” on Book Seventeen. How did this happen?
I’m so glad that, even when I don’t have a clue, God sees me and knows what He made me for and guides me the way He wants me to go.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
What have you looked back on, not seeing until then what God has done for you?
Congratulations, DeAnna. 17 is INCREDIBLE! and I'm glad your 'office' job includes two different things you do very well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Deb. Besides being exhausted and thrilled to have turned in that book yesterday, I was pretty amazed at how God had led me here. Not where I had planned, but just where I belong. :)
DeleteWOW! 17!!! And they are fantastic books, indeed. I am so glad God had this plan for you. Through it you've entertained many, many people, and we became friends. Sending you a hug!
ReplyDeleteBless you, Susie! Thank you. And thank you and all the Inkies for letting me join you here. :)
DeleteI thought I'd left a comment here...well, you deserve a second comment...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I adore your books, DeAnna, regardless of the genre. Seventeen books is quite the feat in today's world, and very much deserved. Looking forward to your next seventeen.
Thank you, Anita. You're a sweetheart!
DeleteI don't know what God has in mind next, but it'll be good. :D