Writer, Don’t Look Now, But You’re Being Followed

by Beth K. Vogt @BethVogt

Last weekend, my husband Rob and I attended the memorial service for our Aunt Jean, who died in June at 96. To be honest, she was Rob’s Aunt Jean, his mom’s younger sister, but years ago I claimed her as my aunt too. Both Rob and I treasured her as our mom-in-the-Lord. 

Shortly after we arrived in Montana, Aunt Jean’s eldest daughter, Pat, shared something with me: a typed page titled “Thoughts—Obituary” dated May 15, 2009—yes, Aunt Jean had written this 16 years ago. She wrote a brief reflection of her faith journey, what she called “a pathway of discovery,” that transformed her life when she was 45 years old after she knew God in a true, personal way. 

At the bottom of the page she’d written, “Beth Vogt said to me one day, ‘Leave a trail, Aunt Jean, so I can follow later.’”

Pat asked me, “Do you remember saying that?” 

Yes, yes, I did.

Even though we were separated geographically because Aunt Jean lived in Montana and Rob’s military career moved our family both overseas and around the U.S., through the years Aunt Jean and I developed a strong relationship, thanks to phone calls, letters, texts, and all-too-rare visits. I trusted her. Listened to her. Her vibrant faith influenced mine and yes, I watched her—what she was doing and where she was going as she drew closer to our Father-God who she loved so much. 

If you’re wondering, “What does all this have to do with writing, Beth?” stay with me, friend. I have a few questions for you. 

Questions for Writers to Ask Themselves

1. Writer, where are you headed? I know we all have plans. Goals for the day, the week, the month, the year. To start a manuscript. To finish a manuscript. To enter a contest. To pitch a book at a conference. Stop for a minute and realize each day is another step toward eternity. As I grieve the “loss” of Aunt Jean, I remind myself that I haven’t lost her. I know exactly where she is. Because of her faith in Jesus, Aunt Jean stepped from this world right into his presence. Let’s reframe everything we want to accomplish within the timeframe of eternity.

2. Writer, who are you following? “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV) The apostle Paul exhorted other believers to follow him because he was imitating Jesus. I know my Aunt Jean loved God passionately. I knew I could learn about a live-out-loud kind of faith by watching her pursuit of closeness with Him, day by day. Who are you following because they encourage your faith? Who could you spend time with because they’d help you grow as a writer? Who lives out the values that are important to you?

3. Writer, who is following you? Each of us is leaving a path—intentionally or unintentionally. Have you looked back over your shoulder to see if anyone’s following you? Better yet, have you slowed down and left markers along your path so another writer can follow you? Each one of has the potential to mentor another writer. To encourage someone in their writing journey. To pray for them. You’re breaking new ground for someone. Be deliberate about it.

Leave a trail, my friend, so someone can follow you.

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Writer, Don’t Look Now, But You’re Being Followed from @BethVogt on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” She’s authored 15 novels and novellas, both contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Beth is a Christy Award winner, an ACFW Carol Award winner, and a  RITA® finalist. Her newest contemporary romance novel, Dedicated to the One I Love, released June 20, 2023. Her novel Things I Never Told You, book one in her Thatcher Sisters Series by Tyndale House Publishers, won the 2019 AWSA Golden Scroll Award for Contemporary Novel of the Year. An established magazine writer and former editor of the leadership magazine for MOPS International, Beth blogs for Learn How to Write a Novel and The Write Conversation and also enjoys speaking to writers group and mentoring other writers. She lives in Colorado with her husband Rob, who has adjusted to discussing the lives of imaginary people. Connect with Beth at BETHVOGT.COM.