A Therapist Thought from Rachel Hauck

Writing is a profession of solitude. It’s hard work. The moments of elation over a well-written scene or sentence are dampened by days of insecurity and self-doubt.

“Oh, what made me think I could write a novel?”

There are days when life seems just too short to spend hours and hours away from family and friends, pouring our hearts onto the blank page and into the souls of our characters only to hear, “No thanks,” or “Not what we’re looking for at this time,” from an agent or publisher.

After my first novel was rejected several times, I began to wonder about my pursuit. Was it me wanting this or God leading me?

I’d always wanted to be a writer. Novel writing lingered in the back of my mind since I was a little girl. But once I faced the heart-slicing pain of rejection, I had to come to grips with my calling.

Was writing for me?

I told the Lord I didn’t want to waste my time, account for a life wasted on my own pursuits. If He didn’t call me to the world of words, then I wanted to know.

A few months later, author Lynn Coleman called and asked if I wanted to write with her.

That book became my first published print book.

God knows what we need. He understands the ebb and flow of our mind, will and emotions. He’s tender toward our weak, frail ways.

Scripture tells us God planned good works for us to walk in before we were born! If we desire success, He most certainly does too.

Be bold and go to God about your writing. Ask Him to confirm the work of your hands. (Psalm 90:17)

At My Book Therapy, we are a community focused on the craft of writing as well as exhorting and encouraging one another. We want to see you achieve God’s destiny for your life.

The best thing we can do is pray for each other, cheer each other on, love one another.

Last Sunday in church, our pastor asked a poignant question. “Do you know God’s heart for people in this sanctuary? Think of someone in the room and what comes to mind? Criticism? How annoying they are? But what is God’s heart?”

What if the community of Voices at My Book Therapy prayed for and encouraged one another? Ask God to show us His heart for our fellow writers.

Go to your Friends list and pick out a face and ask God how you can pray for that person. Send a note of encouragement.

Let My Book Therapy be about love and community as much as book writing and publishing.

~*~

Rachel Hauck is the award-winning and bestselling author of romance and contemporary fiction. Readers and reviewers agree Rachel writes tight prose and great characters. Setting, dialog, voice and pacing are her strengths, as well as looking for a story’s unique spiritual angle. Rachel also has a keen editorial eye for symbolism and underlying themes. Writing for over twenty years, Rachel has a BA in Journalism from Ohio State University. Rachel is an Advisor to American Christian Fiction Writers and a conference speaker.