by @PatNichols16

Nine years after I retired from a twenty-seven-year corporate career, a young woman who had drifted in and out of our lives for two decades tragically lost her life. As a cathartic exercise I began writing a fictional story loosely based on her life, but with a happy ending. During the process something amazing happened. God planted the writing seed in my heart.  

Goodbye retirement. Hello career number two.

It didn’t take long to learn that seed needed a ton of water and a huge dose of fertilizer. So, I began studying the craft and discovered that a writing career requires more than a keyboard or a pen and pad of paper. It is after all a business, which meant lessons I learned in my first career applied equally to the second.

Lesson number one – Achieving success is never a straight path.

In March 2019 I was deep into writing Starstruck in Willow Falls, Willow Falls series book three. The second book had been edited and scheduled for an early 2020 release. The only remaining tasks—design the cover and select a title. Then, in one heart-wrenching moment everything screeched to a halt. My managing editor moved on to new horizons and the new editor informed me the manuscript needed at least one, maybe two substantive edits. Talk about a shocker. How could two professional editors have such different opinions? 

The sudden disruption conjured memories of a time in my corporate career when my position was eliminated, forcing me to take a step back. Did it sting? You bet it did. But in the end, the detour turned out okay. 

Ultimately, so did the issue with the editors’ differing opinions. After recovering from the shock, I reached out to my publisher thinking he would approve the first version. Instead, I faced a big dose of reality. Both editors had made valid points. The plot was solid, however the story needed revisions. I swallowed my pride, buckled down, and went to work. After a two-month rewrite, my publisher and editor approved the changes and moved the release date for Trouble in Willow Falls to November 2019. Another detour that ended well. 

Second Lesson – There’s always more to learn.

While a published debut novel is worthy of celebration, it doesn’t guarantee subsequent success. However, it does set a bar an author must strive to exceed. Each new manuscript should improve over the last to illustrate the writer’s growth and maturity as an author. One of numerous reasons why attending conferences and continuing to study the craft are essential ingredients to a successful writing career.  

I believe God instilled in each of us inquisitiveness and the ability to stretch our intellectual muscles. During my corporate career I was fortunate to work for a company that provided frequent training and growth opportunities. One of the many blessings I’ve discovered about the Christian writing community is authors’ desires to share knowledge and mentor other writers. Writing our own blogs or guest posts is one way we can bless each other.

Lesson number three – It takes a team.

In each of my corporate positions I was part of a team. While every member strived to reach individual goals, our collective achievements insured the company’s success. The same principle applies to writing for the Christian market. Our individual achievements ultimately fulfill a common purpose, to engage readers in well-written, entertaining stories that shed light on a Christian worldview.     

While creating a manuscript is a solo activity, the final product requires additional eyes. Beginning with Beta readers and critique partners who provide valuable feedback and insight during the writing process. Whether a novel is traditional or indie published, professional editing is a must. An author relying only on her own edits is akin to building a house without a final inspection. For new authors, experienced editors also function as invaluable teachers. Each of my editors strengthened my skills and improved my writing. 

The final lesson.

Confidence laced with a healthy dose of humility is an essential ingredient in a successful career. Understanding that the passion to write comes from God provides the confidence an author needs to stay the course. The bumps along the road interject the humility that encourages continued growth.   

Pat Nichols is proving it’s never too late to follow your dreams. She draws on her experience in seven different management positions working with hundreds of amazing women from all walks of life to create stories about women facing tension-laced challenges and heart-warming triumphs in the pursuit of their dreams. Her debut novel, The Secret of Willow Inn, Willow Falls series book one, is a 2020 Selah Award winner. Book three, Starstruck in Willow Falls, is a NGCWC Georgia Peach Award winner. Pat lives in an Atlanta suburb with her husband of fifty-plus years. She is the mother of two and grandmother of four. One precious granddaughter lives with the angels.