Your Story Matters
“I want to write a book. How should I go about it?” It’s a question I love to answer, but at the same time dread because getting published is hard, and I don’t want to demotivate anyone. Writing a book takes 10% research, 40% skill, 50% creativity, and 1,000% perseverance. I know the math doesn’t work out, but trust me, it’s accurate.
Fiction agents and editors typically seek writers who have a completed novel with a good premise, a platform (website, social media presence, etc.), who know other authors for endorsements, and who are willing to write more than just one book because publishers invest in an author. There’s also an element out of a writer’s control. Does the publishing house already have an author writing in that genre? Whether a publisher offers a contract may depend on whether a similar book has recently been released or whether market trends are favoring that genre.
When I rattle off tips on what to do to get published, I can often see the excitement dying in a writer’s eyes. Not only do they have to push through a specific word count to reach The End, but they now have to consider building a platform and keeping up with marketing trends. It’s either overwhelming or not what they expected. I want to shake them and say, “Don’t give up!” If God gave you a story, then someone out there needs to hear it.
An untold story doesn’t help anyone. I’ve quoted Mark Batterson’s words in several blogs, but it’s worth repeating, “You can’t have a testimony without being tested.” Suffering a trial meant to serve as a testimony and then remaining silent is like climbing a mountain and then refusing to look at the view.
A testimony is powerful. Revelation 12:11 says, “They triumphed over him [the accuser] by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Hearing about others who didn’t shrink from death or from their trial can encourage others in the fight to keep going. Debra’s testimony in Dr. Dobson’s book, The Strong-willed Child, was like exhaling after holding my breath for a long time. She had to sleep in front of her twins’ bedroom door because her twins would sneak out of their cribs at night and run around the house in the dark, pulling things out of drawers, including knives. Her testimony not only made me feel sane because I could relate, but also encouraged me, because God sustained her through that worrisome and sleepless time.
Telling your story allows others to be edified and reassured. Your testimony also makes you relatable and approachable, and it gives God the glory for carrying you through the valley. Don’t let me, some publisher, or the devil keep you from sharing your story.
Whether your story involves redemption, second chances, a found family, or discovering your identity in Christ Jesus, whether you write it down, tell it in a story, share it with friends, or preach it to crowds, let relaying the truth of your testimony sanctify others.
