By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills
How far are you willing to extend yourself to write a novel?
Are you aware of the sacrifices that partner with the rewards of becoming a published writer?
Do you ever wonder if you’re all alone in your pursuit of publication?
Has anyone ever posed those questions to you? If not, let me give you a little advice taken from the ups and downs of the life of our friend Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus made a decision.
When Zacchaeus learned Jesus was coming to his village, he made a conscious decision to see Him. No doubt he’d heard all the hype about this man who healed the sick and raised the dead. As a tax collector, Zacchaeus might have questioned if Jesus paid his taxes. Surely He didn’t go about conducting miracles without getting paid.
Lesson for writers
If writing is a passion that refuses to let you go, then make the decision to be a success. Make a serious investment in your career. Writers can’t perform miracles, but they can entertain, inspire, and encourage readers.
Zacchaeus needed a plan to be successful.
Many people would be shoving through the crowds to find Jesus. Zacchaeus had lots of questions, but a huge problem shot into his decision to see Him. A matter of height Zacchaeus was short in stature, and he’d always been the brunt of teasing. Two things went against his plan: his profession as a tax collector and his inability to see over a child’s level. He learned the path Jesus would take. While walking it, he discovered a tree with low branches. He would climb the tree and have an advantageous view.
Lesson for writers
We need a plan to have our work eventually recognized. Be a diligent planner—from learning and practicing the craft, marketing and promotion, and on to living the life of a professional writer.
Zacchaeus didn’t know how far to climb.
On the day of Jesus’ visit, Zacchaeus glanced up into the tree and saw the utmost branches. Before others arrived and ridiculed him, he climbed the tree, going higher and higher. Fear settled into his heart, but finally he perched on a limb that was the perfect spot. He’d be the first person to see Jesus’ arrival from afar off.
Lesson for writers
Some writers are thrilled with the publication of one book. Their dreams are fulfilled, and they are satisfied with the effort to accomplish it. Other writers choose to write and publish until they breathe their last breath. If one book is all you ever want, great! But if you decide to write another and then another, don’t be afraid of the climb.
Zacchaeus reached his heart’s desire.
Contentment settled on Zacchaeus. A quarter mile down the road, Jesus and His disciples slowly made their way toward him. When Jesus stood beneath the tree, he looked up at Zacchaeus. “I’d like to visit your house today,” Jesus said. “We can talk. What’s for dinner?” The story doesn’t end there; Zacchaeus became a follower of Jesus, leaving his past behind him.
Lesson for writers
Obedience to God always brings more rewards than we ever imagined. Communicating through the written word is a gift to treasure and give to others. Watch for unexpected blessings!
Are you ready to climb that tree?
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. Her titles have 
appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Library Journal presented her with a Best Books 2014: Genre Fiction award in the Christian Fiction category for Firewall.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Author Roadmap with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
The Conversation
DiAnn, thank you for your encouraging words. I write out of obedience. I never wanted to be a writer. I answered the call to write two years ago. God has given me glimpses of why He called me to write. If I touch one person with my writing I have accomplished His will. I desire to promote and encourage my writing friends more than I desire to write a book. Obedience to God far outweighs my own will. I pray that He will increase my desire to write so I may serve Him with a wholehearted devotion and a willing mind.
Hi Cherrilynn,
It’s all about obedience – not what we want but what God calls us to do.
I love this comparison, DiAnn. Whether climbing a tree or becoming a successful author, it takes determination, persistence, and faith . . . One limb at a time.
Hi Loretta, And you have shown that!