In 2013, we signed an author who was still early in the process of writing a book. Our team provided coaching and guidance, but she had yet to finish her book. Unfortunately, she unexpectedly passed away last week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family.
I think I may be the only person who knows what she was going to write about, because I still have her notes and outlines. She had an awesome testimony: God redeemed her from a life in prison and was using her to rescue other women. I hate to think of an unfinished book because it feels very much like an unfinished life to me. Her kids, grandkids and future generations need to hear her story. People whom she never met could still be touched by her testimony now, and for years to come.
It can be difficult in the midst of our day-to-day to find time to devote to these tasks that seem so abstract, so “someday.” The truth, however, is that eventually our somedays run out, and for the most part only those things which we intentionally scheduled time for will be done.
If you have something that you want to do before you leave this life, please don’t wait until your time is up. Make time for it now! Make time for God, make time for your kids, make time to dance with your wife and make time to write what you want others to read! Make time now.
Several years ago, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to document How God Directed My Life Through Changing Conditions.
I began writing the book in an effort to let the generations behind me know how life had changed since the 1930’s. A compete chapter was used to spell out all the details of how I grew up and the struggles my parents had in raising a family in rural West Virginia.
However, the testimony of how God led me educationally, personally and in my career has touched many folks. In giving talks to small groups about why I wrote the book and how it all came about, folks are fascinated but the real goal is to let them know that if they put their will in neutral and let God direct their lives, they will feel fulfilled!
I refer all the folks who MAY be interested in documenting their life stories to Xulon Press. What a great experience working with dedicated individuals who make you feel like a member of their family!
May God continue to bless the business and those who work within!
Thank you, Doris!
I feel the calling to write. I want to help others understand how God was calling me to write a book about my experiences as a grandmother, caregiver of twin autistic girls. I do believe I entered a 700 word essay contest for a publishing package with your company but as yet, have no idea how to find out the status. I wanted to know if others have any idea how to find out this information, how long does such a thing take and what are the chances?
Hi OfficerGrandma….great username, by the way!
Our September Writing Contest has closed and was judged earlier this month. The winners were posted on the website and facebook. All entrants were also notified by email. My apologies if you didn’t receive the email, there’s the possibility it went to your SPAM folder. The link below lists out all the winners along with their entries. Have a great day!
https://www.xulonpress.com/writing_contest/page/winners
Very timely suggestion! Gracias!
Oh, IHi to everyone at Xulon Press. I want you to know that I want so much to finish the book I have started. The article by Donald Newman is what I fear will happen to me. I have so much to tell. God, my Father, has done so much for me and I am afraid that I will not finish telling my story. I am not a writer. I am a talker. When I start talking about the Lord to anyone who will listen, they end up saying I need to write a book.. I AM TRYING TO DO IT. But I cannot seem to write down what I am saying. In a few months I will be 70. I have 8 children and 14 grandchildren and still more to come. I want them to know how God has brought me though. I want to write it for them. Please pray for me to continue. I only have 70 pages done. I should say written, because I have no idea that those 70 pages are even good enough to print. I let a friend read it but my friend is bias… she just said she cried all the way and asked for me. But I know that it is because she knows me and isnt really listing any errors, only reading about my life. Same with my daughter. I need help. In Christ, Rosemary Sparks
Hi Rosemary! Thanks for reaching out to us. We understand that sometimes finishing your book can feel very challenging! We’re going to have our Editorial Specialist reach out to you–she may be able to offer some information that will help with the heavy lifting.
We’re praying for a fresh wave of inspiration and motivation in the meantime!
Wow! What a compelling message! Write and share your work before your time is up! Thank you, Donald!
Thank You,Wow can,t believe how you guy,s and God are hitting the nail on the head. Been at it,,,getting more to write about …ahem..last 20 yr….Okay i,m listening getting there,Dave
Haha Dave! Twenty years of writing sounds like a GREAT start to us!
Let us know if you would like assistance; we have author coaching and development services available here that might help.
We can’t wait to hear more about your book!