Inspiration
Why did I write this book? I’d have to say it was because of Francine Rivers and Kimball Matkins.
When I was 12 years old, my mother bought me a copy of Rivers’ A Voice in the Wind. That book blew me away. I was so enthralled, I immediately read the other two books in that series, followed by everything else Rivers had published. The main character in Voice was a Jewish slave girl named Hadassah who, though not outwardly attractive, radiated with inner beauty. Even when those she loved threw her to the lions because of her faith, Hadassah fearlessly did what was right.
I was inspired by her. I wanted to be just like Hadassah, minus the crippled by lions part. She became a very important role model during that crucial time in my life when I was making decisions about who I would be. I read my Bible, but it was Hadassah’s story giving application to biblical truths that helped me to internalize the Word.
Kimball Matkins was the unofficial youth minister at my church when I was a teen. Once during a youth group Bible study, he asked us each to share a talent we had been blessed with that we could use to serve God. I was pretty insecure back then, a nerdy introvert that didn’t feel she had much to offer anyone. The only thing I could think of that I was any good at was writing, so that was the answer I gave. It was the first time I had ever considered that I could do what Francine Rivers did, minister to others through story.
I’ve been thinking of writing this novel since 2000, but it wasn’t until February of this year that I suddenly knew I needed to get it on paper. I felt a strong urging from the Spirit to share my story with others. Now that my manuscript is complete, I hope to find a publisher who will put my book in the hands of young women whose lives will be positively impacted by its message. I want to minister to their hearts, to encourage as well as entertain them.
So, that’s why I wrote it and that’s why I’m taking on the uphill battle of getting it published. I appreciate your prayers as I begin that process.