You've got this!

When I started toying with the idea of writing a book, I went through the reasons why I couldn’t, why I shouldn’t. But God had other ideas. He placed a burden on my heart that was too strong to ignore. I prayed a lot about this. For about a year to be honest. Then in God’s perfect timing, he took my hand and we stepped out together.

I’ve been greatly inspired by my friend Shelley who recently took up the challenge to ghost write an amazing book called One More Rescue: From a Devastating Accident to Freeing Children from Human Trafficking. Here’s the blurb:

A young newlywed girl with traumatic brain injury. A fearless rescuer of children from sex trafficking. How could one become the other? How did a horrifying car accident in Texas create the training ground to prepare a young missionary for what God had in store for her in Mexico? The captivating story of Nicole Fitzpatrick’s determination to continue making one more rescue will surprise and challenge you. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend you buy your copy here

A few emails were exchanged between Shelley and myself and I thought, ok God let’s do this! Here’s the process so far for those following at home…

Step 1 – hear Nyoman and Eka’s amazing story of how Jesus brought them from death to life and are working together for His Kingdom building and His Glory.

Step 2 – hear God say – this is the work I have for you (and respond). We will do it together.

Step 3 – gain encouragement from Shelley and her completed project.

Step 4 – go to Google to research what the heck to do next!!

I typed in to my search bar “how to write a book for someone who has never written a book before and has no idea what they are doing” (or something similar). I found various articles, and one concept that intrigued me was that of an “author coach”. I didn’t know there was such a thing. So, I searched for, and found, a Christian author coach. She was based in the US and we connected online. Unfortunately, our schedules just refused to align due to the time difference, so it fizzled out.

I then thought, surely there is someone in Australia, surely! More googling. Before long I found the fabulous Amanda Viviers’ website - About Amanda I stalked… I mean followed her on Instagram for a while first, then we connected. I prayed about it and the fit seemed just right.

Around about the same time, Steve my husband was in the office at his work - Compassion Australia, and told me they were having a farewell morning tea for one of their dearly loved staff members. He went on to tell me she was leaving to pursue her passion of being an author coach full time, helping people have the confidence to tell their story. He suggested I contact her. I said to Steve, “HUH! You wouldn’t believe it, I’ve just connected with an author coach that’s sooooo uncanny! Her name is Amanda Viviers, you know, one of the ladies from KinWomen on the radio.”

What came next knocked my socks off and brought tears to my eyes.

Steve said… “Amanda Viviers is the lady we farewelled from Compassion, she’s lovely!” Oh Lord, you are full of surprises!! Not only is Amanda a Christian (deal breaker if she wasn’t), she is acutely aware of the role Compassion plays in the lives of those who live in poverty and need Jesus. The work of Compassion was foundational in Nyoman and Eka’s lives!! SO GOOD!

I love what Amanda states on her website: “Just like a personal trainer, there is no shame in having a personal cheerleader to come alongside you and help you get it done! Grow in confidence and learn strategies to unblock your false narratives about leading with clarity.”

On Wednesday we had a two hour, in person session. I was both nervous and confident, which are strange emotions to be sitting in simultaneously. I gave her a printed copy of my extremely rough manuscript (I’m not sure if it’s even at the stage to be called a manuscript yet) with nervous confidence. She perused it and wrote me some valuable feedback. I came home blessed and with my little cup overflowing. Armed with a new sense of empowerment and practical steps to keep forging forward.

Amanda, if you are reading this, you are such a blessing to me, in the short time we have known each other I have gained so much. You have a deep understanding of my calling, my craft and my culture that I believe has been gifted to you by the Holy Spirit, and I am so glad you are my personal cheerleader!

That said, I have many other cheerleaders shaking their pom poms for me, and I am grateful for you all! Keep practicing those high kicks, cartwheels and splits!!! Proverbs 11:25 says A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Not “might”. “Will”.

If you got this far, please leave a comment below!

Be blessed x