I’ve heard horror stories. I have seen residual pain in the eyes of those who came back from the battle front and told their tale…of how their novel just went through the layered editing process.
My latest baby, Hush in the Storm, is being dissected, prodded, and critiqued by the editors with Prism Book Group. It is a worthy and necessary process. But, when my content editor emailed me and told me she hoped I had “alligator skin”, my heart crunched in my chest. All week, with fear and trembling, I have emailed my writer friends/prayer warriors to lift me, and my editor, up in prayer. After all, she stated she is doing this for the glory of God, and that is why I wrote it as well. I know her intentions are only to make it the best it can be. I hang on her words that if the publisher accepted it under contract, it must already be good.
Still… a nagging muscle tension has been building up in my shoulders and a slight fog has clouded my brain. I’ve noticed I have to concentrate on inhaling more deeply. My sleep has not been as sound. I hold my breath as I check the emails – has she found anything horrid yet? Is she wondering if this should even be published? How much will she bleed all over my manuscript with her red corrections and comment bubbles?
Then the Lord quietly pops up this verse of the day onto my Smart phone:
I therefore , a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing each other in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesian 4:1-3
I fell to my knees – thank you, Lord Jesus. Contriteness cloaked over my anxieties. God has called me to write- for Him not myself. Once again, I escape from the pride monster who has been clenching me and chain myself instead to God’s grace, right next to this wonderful editor He has provided..
As she and I journey down this road to make my novel shine for Him, will you pray this off and on for us as well over the next month or so?
I found God today on my cell phone. Where will He reveal Himself to you?