One of the foundational tips of advice from all the magazines, blogs, books and authors I've read, is that a writer needs to know who their audience is. Who are they speaking to?
I purposefully avoided this question, thinking it would just flesh itself out, which it did, but I denied what I discovered (for three years). I didn't like the answer.
This past week, two dynamic and challenging friends (thank you Ryan and Justin) put me on the spot and asked me questions about the books. They wanted to know the overall plot, theme and audience. Yes, it actually came out of their mouths, almost simultaneously. (I'm listening!)
I told them what I wanted the answer to be and then laughed uncomfortably spilling the beans that I think God is taking it in a different direction; one I don't agree with. They challenged me to rethink my resistance; they know this isn't my story to write, I'm just along for the ride.
I've never said otherwise. This story is God's; I am just blessed to get to be the one to learn the lessons and write them into a beautiful word picture. I laughed it off, but was uncomfortable with how right they were.
So I wrestled, but with God it's always an unfair match. I tried to persuade him why my preferred audience was better for me. He humored me and let me wrestle Him. I tried to manipulate elements of the story to read for my audience. It didn't come out right.
The moments I shut off my agenda and just write, the Holy Spirit makes an entrance into my soul and breathes life into dirt. The story comes out beautiful, and I am just a spectator for the majority of it!
So, yesterday, I stopped wrestling and made a declaration to God that I was on board for what he wants to do... again.
True Grace is a spiritual thriller written for young adults. I have my reasons for why I wanted to write to adults; those reasons were selfish and unfounded. I look forward to this journey. With my resistance gone I look forward to the opportunities and obstacles that this genre presents.
Now you have it - and so do I - and, ultimately, God's really the one who's got it.
;) ummmmmm I HAVE KNOWN THIS FOR A LONG LONG TIME......but couldn't tell you! I remember a long while ago while having tea/coffee at Barnes you made a comment about young adult fiction.....you just didn't know at the time that God was moving you that direction! :) I am so incredibly proud of you! Glad that God allowed you to wrestle with him for a little while. I know that in that fight you gave it all. And God said are you ready to not just give it all, but give it all up. And you bowed to the occasion! :) Ohhh girl I love you!!!
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