Hi folks! Erika here. My novella Fear Not Tomorrows is being published in Wild Blue Wonder Press’s collection Springtime in Surrey along with novellas by seven other authors. (You can preorder the book here or join the blog tour here.) Kellyn’s story Courage to Stay is one of them, and I’ve been honored to work with her on this collection over the past several months. I’ve followed her blog for YEARS, and I always strangely and thoroughly enjoy her eclectic mix of impassioned rants in conversational, witty style defined by solid Biblical TRUTH. I’m happy to finally have a post of hers on my blog! Today she’s sharing some lessons learned through her novella!
Hello Reader! Thank you so much for checking out this guest post—and, of course, thank you Erika for letting me do this guest post. Erika, as you may already know, is a part of the first-ever Wild Blue Wonder Press anthology, Springtime in Surrey. She has a novella in said collection, as do I!
My novella is called “Courage to Stay,” and I’d like to talk about the themes of my story and specifically how they relate to my life as a writer.
Here’s the thing. I stand before you with an unwavering belief in the power of words. As Christian writers, we are called to be vessels of hope, truth, and encouragement. We are entrusted with the incredible opportunity to shape narratives that touch hearts and transform lives.
In this guest post, I invite you to embark on a journey of embracing courage—the central theme of my novel, “Courage to Stay,” as the title indicates. Let us delve into how this theme can empower and invigorate us as Christian writers.
The Courage to Embrace Your Calling:
In the realm of Christian writing, courage manifests itself as an essential ingredient. It is the force that propels us forward when self-doubt and uncertainty loom. As we delve into our calling as writers, we often face moments of questioning, feeling ill-equipped for the task at hand.
However, remember that God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called. Embrace your divine assignment with courage, trusting that God will equip you with the necessary gifts and talents to fulfill it.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Josiah 1:9)
The Courage to Share Vulnerability:
Writing, at its core, is an act of vulnerability. It requires us to open our hearts and share the depths of our experiences, joys, struggles, and triumphs.
When we choose to be vulnerable, we invite readers into our lives and offer them the opportunity to connect with our words on a profound level. It takes courage to expose our vulnerabilities, trusting that God will use our stories to bring healing and encouragement to others. Embrace the courage to share vulnerably, knowing that your words have the power to touch lives and inspire change.
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:17)
The Courage to Stay Committed:
Writing is a journey that demands perseverance and unwavering commitment. In a world that often values instant gratification, staying the course as a Christian writer requires courage. It is easy to become discouraged by rejection letters or the slow progress of our work. However, remember that our faith calls us to trust in God’s timing and to remain steadfast in our commitment to the craft.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
The Courage to Tackle Challenging Topics:
As Christian writers, we are called to address difficult and controversial topics with grace and truth. Courage enables us to tackle these subjects head-on, approaching them with sensitivity and discernment. By engaging in such discussions, we have the opportunity to provide a unique perspective grounded in faith and wisdom. Let your writing be a catalyst for meaningful conversations, promoting understanding and unity while staying true to your convictions.
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)
In Conclusion:
As Christian writers, we are entrusted with a powerful platform to proclaim hope, truth, and love to a world in need. The theme of courage resonates deeply within our craft, empowering us to embrace our calling, share vulnerably, stay committed, and tackle challenging topics. Let us remember that our words possess the ability to bring light into darkness, to offer solace to the broken-hearted, and to stir hearts towards God. May the theme of courage inspire and embolden you as you continue your journey as a Christian writer.
So, dear readers, may you find the courage to step forward, pen in hand, and embrace the beautiful calling of a Christian writer. Rest assured that as you courageously navigate this path, your words will make a lasting impact on hearts and souls, bringing glory to God and igniting hope in the lives of those who encounter them.
Kellyn Roth is a historical romance & women’s fiction author who writes stories to share hope in life’s storms. Her novels include the inspirational Victorian family saga, The Chronicles of Alice and Ivy, and the Kees & Colliers series, which follows a broken family in the tumultuous years of the first half of the 20th century. You can find out more about Kell at https://kellynrothauthor.com/
This looks like a fantastic novel!