So pleased to introduce our guest-poster today, Charity Christy. As a member of my COMPEL small group, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing Charity release her first book into the world this summer. Thanks to Charity for candidly sharing her publishing process. I pray her words bless and inspire.
From Dream to Print: A New Author’s Road to Publishing | by Charity Christy
I have been in love with literature since I was a little girl. Books were my go-to for everything.
When I got into junior high, I started writing. I would always carry a journal and pen around with me. If I had any spare time I would write. I journaled my devotions and also wrote poetry. It was my outlet and a way of truly expressing myself.
I always had this distant dream that I wanted to write books. It just seemed so unattainable.
Last year, I became and stay-at-home mom and then broke my ankle. It was a really trying time for me and it forced me to slow down. God used that time to provide me an opportunity to write.
When you sit for weeks at a time, why not write? So, I did.
It took me about five months to get my manuscript ready for editing. The process of finding an editor was very difficult. But I kept trying to network with other authors and other writers for suggestions. After a lot of research and prayer, I was able to find someone I trusted.
I thought that the first draft was difficult, but it doesn’t even compare to the editing process. It was the most difficult for me because it was a hard test of every aspect of my story. Which can hurt. It took me a lot of time to work through.
My editor was gracious and supportive as I worked through it, but it was still painful. When I was at peace with the draft, I decided to pursue self-publishing. I spent a lot of time working through the “how-tos” of self-publishing.
It’s not easy but so satisfying to see it finally come together!
I published my first book in June of 2017. It still seems rather surreal that I have a book with my name on the front!
I’m also over halfway through my second book now. When I look back at what God showed me most of all through writing my first book, I am extremely humbled.
In every step, there was a challenge. I often asked myself if this was really what I should be doing. There was doubt. There was frustration. There were tears.
But in the midst of all the highs and lows, there was one thing that kept coming to the forefront:
It doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing.
I was so worried about how to make this story sellable or likeable. It stressed me out more than I would like to admit.
The month before I pushed “publish,” I didn’t even look at my manuscript. I was so terrified that it wasn’t good enough and kept making changes every time I opened it. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, which causes me a lot of grief at times.
Then I realized something: I don’t need to worry about the end result, that’s God’s job.
If I pursue something that God has put on my heart and give it everything I have, God will do the rest. The end result doesn’t matter. God will use my book to reach the people it’s meant to reach.
When I accepted that and let it go, then I had complete peace!
Of course, once I hit publish I found some typos and felt terrible about it. Instead of celebrating, I was defeated. But God was so faithful in telling me “you are capable ” and “you are not a failure.”
There will be people who don’t like my book. There will be people who find typos or a grammar error. There will be people who think it’s lacking.
But if there’s just one person who is touched by God through my writing, it was worth it.
I don’t want my fear of imperfection to keep me from the doing the things God calls me to do.
Tweet This
I just have to get my hands off of it and then God can do something extraordinary with it.
Is my book perfect? No. Is my book a best seller right out of the gate? No.
And I’m ok with that.
No matter what happens, I know that I gave it everything I had and I thank God for his faithfulness to give me the passions that I have. 
Charity Christy writes contemporary, clean romance designed to inspire, encourage, and tug at your heart strings. Charity lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Brent, and their two boys. She loves blogging, traveling, photography, and genealogy. She enjoys being outside drinking hot tea, with pen & paper, overlooking their family farm. You can follow her online at CharityChristy.com.
One lucky commenter will win a copy of Charity’s novel, I Get to Love You ! Winner announced next week. Good luck, friends!
<a href="http://brendabradfordottinger.com/chasing-community/"><img src="http://brendabradfordottinger.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Linkup-button.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="250" /></a>
It’s a casual, pony-tail & sandals environment around here, but a few important reminders:
- Please remember to visit and leave some encouragement for other friends who’ve linked-up today — this is the heart of community & your words of support could be just the thing another friend needs to hear today.
- Please only share like-minded words of spiritual encouragement and insight.
- Please grab the #ChasingCommunity button, or link back here underneath your post. (So others can find us and join the fun too!)
- By linking up & leaving your email address you agree to receive #ChasingCommunity updates.
Thank you for bringing your dish to the table–May your ministry of words find community here.
Loading InLinkz ...
I loved reading your story, Charity (and thanks, Brenda, for sharing here.) I really appreciated your points about letting go of perfection (something I struggle with too) and handing it over to God and allowing him to use it as he chooses.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It was a long journey but had great impact on my heart!
Charity,
Good to read your story here and I like how you say you’re leaving (or at least trying to leave) the end result to God. Praying that you book would change hearts for His glory.
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev @ Walking Well With God recently posted…Ramblings On The Ebb And Flow Of Life
Thanks for reading! It’s been a good growing and learning season!
Charity recently posted…Book #2 from Shaw Creek!!!
Congratulations Charity! Yours is a beautiful story of writing for One and letting Him use it as He chooses.
Laura Rath recently posted…Called to Be Courageous
Thank you for sharing such an honest post about publishing! I am so happy for you, Charity, that you persevered and you can now hold your novel in you hands and share it with the world!
“It doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing”. I need to put that in front of me as a constant reminder. Congratulations on your book and thank you for your encouraging words.
Debby recently posted…Alcohol and the Church pt. 2
Thanks Brenda for sharing Charity’s story-and yes, we don’t need to worry about the end result. It’s a lesson I’m learning more each day! Thanks for the reminder!
Jill recently posted…Holiday Loves & Lapses
Congratulations to you, Charity! I’m a self-published author too, but my dream is to be traditionally published. The cover of your book is beautiful!
Sarah Geringer recently posted…A Fresh Batch of Book Reviews #15
I’m totally fascinated by fiction writers… You go, girl! Thanks for sharing your journey! I’d love to know what resource you found most helpful with the technical side of self-publishing? Blessings!
Liz recently posted…Word Nerd Wednesday – Understanding
Charity, I so admire people who can write fiction! So happy for you with your writing successes!
Michele Morin recently posted…When the Time Comes to Look Back — Jayber Crow Discussion Group (7)
Aww, Charity, your humility is evident. Thanks for sharing your story. And congratulations on all your hard work!
Thanks for that gentle nudge to pursue that ‘distant dream,’ that calling that God has placed deep in our souls.
Don’t give up, don’t give up, don’t give up!
Linda Stoll recently posted…On Being Unraveled . . . and Re-Knit Together
Charity,
Your honesty is sweet. I’ve self-published so I totally understand how you feel. Praying God’s blessing on your work, that He would bless the work of your hands. Congratulations on a job well-done!
~Sherry Stahl
xoxo
Sherry Stahl recently posted…Washing Machine Clean
Congratulations, Charity, and thank you for sharing about your process. This >> “I don’t want my fear of imperfection to keep me from the doing the things God calls me to do.” This is the prayer of my own heart most days. Thank you for encouraging me this morning!
Joanne Viola recently posted…We Just Need to Remember
Charity this is wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing your insights and the low points with us. I love reading about other’s experiences, especially in the book writing phase. I am going to check yours out!
Meghan recently posted…The Dwelling Place | 31 Days of Real Life Getaways | Day #17
Congrats Charity. I too published a book in May. As I read the post so much of what you wrote is my story. And I’m glad you continue to allow His words to flow out of you. He says His word will go forth and accomplish what He intended it to do. Keep it going Sis! Cheering you on!
Tyra recently posted…The Vision Whisperer
Charity – Congratulations on your book! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. It’s inspiring! I’d love to hear more about Compel. I’ve yet to jump in. I need to pray through this decision. Many thanks for sharing.
Robin recently posted…5 SCRIPTURES TO ASSIST YOU WITH DECISION MAKING
Robin, I think you’d really enjoy Compel. 🙂 You can sign up to be notified for the next open registration here: https://compeltraining.com/ If I can answer any questions about my experience with it, let me know. 🙂 xoxo
Beautiful words of encouragement, Charity. I love that you continued the journey, even though it’s proven hard in places. Best wishes on your writing endeavors. #goJesus
Kristi Woods recently posted…15 Practical Ideas to Love Generously
The best part of your testimony is that once you jumped over the initial hurdle of publishing your first book is that you now have a 2nd book in the works. It’s like we need to go through all of that angst to be reassured that we can do this.
Congrats to you!
nylse recently posted…How Are We to Deal With Evil?
I love this truth: “It doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing.” Sometimes we are afraid to start something for fear that it won’t be perfect. But God can do wonderful things with us imperfect humans. Praying your book writing continues to move forward!
Lisa notes recently posted…How to Enhance an Experience {Mark the Moment Series, #2}
I hope you’re having a great month so far!
Lisa/Syncopated Mama recently posted…Friday Frivolity – I Love Lucy Edition
How very inspirational. I’ve been thinking about writing a book lately. So this is a wonderful read.
Brenda – What a treat to have Charity sharing with us today. Oh, how I needed to hear her words. I needed to hear it doesn’t need to be perfect. My perfectionism keeps me from starting many things. What an encouragement. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. Maree
Maree Dee recently posted…How to Free the Mind and Have More Peace