Follow Your Writing Passion

My writing road has been bumpy, long, winding, and painful. In my former life (married, before kids), I sacrificed my career goals to work in television to support my husband’s ministry. After turning down my dream job opportunity, God redirected me to publishing where my creativity flourished.

When my husband abandoned our marriage, I worked for religious nonprofits. I fell into a pattern: I invested my heart and creative skills to advance others’ goals. More often than not—with little thanks and low pay.

As a solo parent raising two sons without benefit of court-ordered child support, I worked three jobs. When my nest emptied, I invested my heart in another nonprofit led by people passionate about their mission.

For years, my Mother had encouraged, “Strike out on your own. Write!”

Didn’t Mom understand? Freelancing paints a grim, green-free picture—starving writer.

To begin writing regularly outside the work environment, I started Inkspired, a weekly writers critique group. I wanted deadlines, accountability and encouragement.

The longer I worked for people going after their passions, the more dissatisfied I felt not pursuing mine. I could no longer sell my writer’s heart to the lowest bidder just because they claim a higher calling.

Desperation fueled determination. My soul calling refused to stay dammed up. I felt driven to find a way to invest in my writing life, which led me to an unusual financial door. I care for a friend’s disabled child.

My special friend and I laugh and enjoy each other. Even though my charge does not comprehend my words, I frequently express, “Thank you for supporting me.” Now I am finally embracing my writing life—fulltime.