Writing about what I’m writing about (…it’s a book!)

I won’t bury the lede. I’m writing my first book! And the second lede—if you’re a paid subscriber you’ll have access to everything as I write it. Now, hang with me for three minutes and I’ll give you the rest of the story.

I have dreamt of being a published author since I was a little girl. This book is, in many ways, a love letter to that little girl. And it’s been a long time coming. 

In 2013 I preached a message titled “The Moses Discrepancy”.  It was an exploration of Moses’ interactions with God at the burning bush. Why was he quick to obey God in the easy, task-oriented things (“put your hand in your cloak”, “throw down your staff”) but struggled to believe in the big dream God had for his life (“go back to Egypt and set my people free”)? How did he overcome the trauma, the sin, and the shame of his past so that he could live the life he was born for?

These questions have reverberated around the walls of my heart for years. I can’t escape them. Save for Jesus, I’ve taken more notes on the life of Moses than any historical figure. And I’m finally putting it all together in a work of creative nonfiction that I believe will inspire many hearts.

I’ve been calling the book a “poetic narraphor treatise”. A poem, a story, a metaphor, a thesis. 

It’s a book about overcoming the pitfalls that hinder us from pursuing our dreams. It’s about ripping out the roots we’ve allowed to grow into our wounds and re-rooting ourselves in Christ. It’s about dreaming big with God and believing in God’s big dream. There is a distinction there, by the way. 

I am already caught up into the writing process. I have an outline, a working title, and first drafts of several portions of the manuscript. 

Along the way, I am writing about what I’m writing about. I’ll be sharing those musings in essay form, as well as selected excerpts of the book as I draft the manuscript. If you are a paid subscriber, you’ll have access to all of it. Of course, I’ll continue to publish content that is available to everyone regardless of subscription level, but I’m reserving this book writing journey for a more intimate audience that is invested in my work. Not because it’s more valuable, but because it’s more sacred to me. 

If you are not a paid subscriber, you can become one for as little as $5/month. The funds will help to finance my research, publishing, and promotion of the book when the time comes. If you appreciate my work and want to support my journey of becoming a published author, I’d be humbled and honored by your support.

xGrace,
Shawndra.