Life Has a Way of Interrupting Writers

by Henry McLaughlin @RiverBendSagas

Someone once said, “Life is what happens while you’re busy making other plans.”

I’ve experienced that sensation recently. There I was, considering a contract for one of my novels. I’ve won contests. I’ve self-published. But for only the second time someone—like a real publisher even—formally offered me a contract for one of my books. I enjoyed and savored the experience. Somebody besides me thought one of my stories was worth publishing. Wow!!

I reviewed and studied the contract, consulted with friends and others about the wording and the requirements. 

And I prayed. I wanted to do what God wanted. Not what my ego or pride wanted.

While I was waiting for direction, life interrupted…

A health crisis landed me in the hospital for eight days. Eight days of probing and tests and procedures. Not to mention having blood samples taken every four hours. Around the clock. For eight days. A hospital is not a good place to rest.

In the middle of this, my cardiologist of almost twenty years discovered a new heart murmur. More tests. Followed by even more diagnostic tests after I left the hospital. A valve is not working properly. And two arteries are blocked. My doctor is consulting with others to come up with a plan for me.

But the journey continues. I signed the book contract. I had the peace of God about it. I saw it as a calm like how the sun feels after a rain. Warm peace and tranquility. The sense of doing the right thing and pleasing God. I could almost see his smile and nod, a gentle thumbs up.

The contract gives me something to concentrate on, something to balance dealing with the health issues. Now my writing focus is to get the manuscript ready. One more read through as I bring it into compliance with the publisher’s style guidelines. 

And through it all and facing what lies ahead, my sense of God’s presence is renewed. He draws me closer and shows more of who he is each day. I’m not where I want to be. But, by God’s grace and mercy, I’m not where I was and I’m on my way to where God’s destiny awaits.

I think it’s going to be a very interesting journey.

How have you experienced God when life interrupts you? 

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Life Has a Way of Interrupting Writers from author Henry McLaughlin (@RiverBendSagas) on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Henry’s debut novel, Journey to Riverbend, won the 2009 Operation First Novel contest.

Henry edits novels, leads critique groups, and teaches at conferences and workshops. He enjoys mentoring and coaching individual writers. 

Connect with Henry on his BLOG, TWITTER and FACEBOOK.