Hi everyone! It’s been awhile since I’ve posted a writing update. I had a crazy summer recovering from surgery, adjusting back to work full-time and going on an unexpected personal healing journey with God. It has been eye-opening and so much joy has come out of this journey even though it was tough. It’s amazing how trauma no matter how big or small can impact your brain and how your mind thinks. Even then, there is hope. Undoing the impact trauma has on your brain, your patterns of thinking and your response to situations is possible. Other than that, it was a wonderful summer camping with some friends, horseback riding, and going on a writing retreat.
What I’ve Been Writing
Back in August, I went on a personal writing retreat to focus on the first draft of a short story. I don’t have a name of the short story yet but the first draft is completed. It follows a couple, Steven and Dinah, who are waiting for the arrival of their firstborn. When Steven receives a message about the upcoming traumatic birth, he is propelled on a journey where he is confronted with fears and doubts about the upcoming birth and his faith. He has to choose either to give in to his fears and doubts or pray fighting against unseen spiritual forces that are battling over the life of his firstborn.
A new project that I’m collaborating with a couple of friends is creating a blog where we’ll be sharing people’s testimonies of what God has done in their lives. Encouraging stories to provide hope to others and to share about God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Right now, we are in the midst of creating a name for the website and collecting stories from people. If you are interested in sending in a story about what God has done in your life, feel free to e-mail me. When we post the stories, it can be anonymous to respect your privacy. The three of us are excited to start this new endeavor.
What I’ve Been Reading
My friend, Sipho Ibeakanma, has published her first book called “No Matter How Short Every Life Has A Purpose”. It’s a heart-wrenching story that tells the journey of her grief as she struggles losing her mother and granddaughter in a six day span. It’s a personable story that tugs at the heartstrings as you step into Sipho’s world and journey alongside her as she struggles with why her granddaughter was taken at such a young age. In the midst of all that pain and suffering, Sipho discovers the legacy her granddaughter left behind. You can read it here.
Next Steps
- Send first draft of short story for a developmental edit
- Finish editing/refining the collection of short stories by the end of the year
By the start of the new year, I am hoping to take the second installment of the Wall Family Saga off the shelf and finish writing the first draft.