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Drawing by Emma A. – The Ethel Walker School

There are two types of writers–those who write for the market and ones who write the message they want to share with the world. Thankfully, these worlds often intersect, producing some mass-market writing that is also very meaningful.

On this wide range,–My writing leans to the message end of the spectrum. I never started writing with the intention of it becoming a bestseller or morphing into a career. Writing to me is a form of therapy to explore concepts and ideas I don’t fully understand. Yet somehow along this journey my heart shifted, and my need for external validation crept in and took root.

It should be enough that God called me to this, simple really. If he wants me to write, then write I shall. Still, I admit I check my BSR rating on Amazon more often than I should. I look for reviews and hope the momentum keeps going. Why? I wrestle daily with control, and want outcomes in my timing instead of God’s. I’ve trusted the identity that I’ve crafted instead of what God is crafting. It’s the tension many of us live with; here’s how I’m learning to carry it.

This year, I’ve stepped more intentionally into learning about social media with the help of a marketing expert. Reels, business accounts, promotion—things that once felt foreign now feel necessary. And with that comes an additional layer of validation: followers, views, engagement. I keep going because I want to steward my work well—but I’m also learning how easily “responsibility” can slide into obsession.

Is there a simple line between trusting God and doing our part? I don’t think so. Sitting back passively doesn’t feel faithful, but neither does being consumed by numbers. The only way I know to walk this tension is through daily surrender—showing up, doing the work, and releasing the results again and again.

Writing Updates:

I have written 66k words in The Weight of Mercy. The end feels very much in sight. I hope to do a revision in late Spring then get it out to some beta readers by summer. If you would be interested in being a beta reader, please email me or comment to let me know! I’d love to have you.

In March, I will work on the audiobook version of Into the Promised Land. I won’t be the narrator–as I don’t feel I have the time or skills to undertake such an endeavor, so I’ll be hiring a narrator! It will be available on Audible when complete.

What I’m reading:

This month I’m reading

With Mercy’s Eyes by D. T. Powell—I didn’t finish it last month, so this is a carryover

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi–I’m listening to the audiobook

How to Tie a Tie by Steven L. Denlinger—a fellow Hartville author

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