Come Celebrate

 

Writing has been an interesting ride. I started with a fictional blog, and found some kind people who lapped up the blog, interacting and adding to the stories. That led to writing a novel, which brought me to ACW. I felt so welcomed and accepted, even though I had no idea what I was doing, apart from having a wonderful time dreaming up stories.

My nervousness about walking into ACW meetings only lasted a few minutes. Standing up and reading something out was scary, but again, the feelings lasted just a few minutes. Being accepted and encouraged even when people correct your writing is what I enjoyed so much. It is great to have that feeling of belonging.

When the first Lockdown started, I enjoyed the weekly Wordy Chats. Talking to others, getting to know each other as well as sharing wild ideas was just what I needed. I love writing in my quiet evenings, by myself in my little dream world. Writing with others is different, so when Wendy invited me to be part of her new book, I said yes straight away, determined to ignore the panicky feeling.

I did two chapters, one explaining why writing Faith stories and one about using fictional worlds. I enjoyed doing these chapters, at the same time feeling more than panicky. What if I messed this up? What if my chapters stood out by their awfulness? The book, Creativity Matters: Finding Your Passion For Writing, is coming out the day after tomorrow, September 1^st. And I’m thrilled, for not just my two chapters/two cents worth are in this book, there are lots of others who have contributed, amongst whom several ACW members. Some of the contributors seem to have been writing their entire life, others have just started.

Isn't it great to meet a Barnabas like in the Bible, encouraging us?

It will be one of the most encouraging books I have ever read, for it’s giving you a reason to write. Often, we can be discouraging people, even as Christians. Enthusiasm can still seem suspicious. Maybe we feel that people could take writing too lightly. “It’s not that easy to write a book. It’s not a case of just publishing a book. Marketing is not just about producing cute bookmarks.” Why do we feel it’s our duty to always make people grounded with both feet on the solid green earth, preferably a bit muddy for a touch of reality?

I know a lot of proper realists, but you know what? I have written four books in my second language, I have had poems published in an international magazine. Sure, for you ultra-realists, it’s a free e-magazine, but it’s an international one, AND it reaches bestselling status every month. That makes me an international bestselling author! This incredible book, Creativity Matters, has just reached #1 in several countries this last week. Isn’t that amazing? I find it slightly hysterical, sitting here in my recently unearthed study, kids asleep upstairs, me bashing away at my laptop with two fingers. But it’s great to celebrate, and I think as ACW we have such a lot to celebrate. It’s so encouraging when anyone of us sells books, gets a compliment, or can put a bestselling author sticker on their covers.

And if your talent is more in the enthusiasm than actual wordsmithing, like me, enjoy it even more. And glory in God’s bounty together. Be generous, be thrilled for others, knowing that everyone has different seasons and burdens and tracks. Trust God with your path in life too.

Maressa Mortimer is Dutch but lives in the beautiful Cotswolds, England with her husband and four (adopted) children. Maressa is a homeschool mum as well as a pastor’s wife, so her writing has to be done in the evening when peace and quiet descend on the house once more. She loves writing Christian fiction, as it’s a great way to explore faith in daily life. Because of her interest in writing, Maressa is part of a brand new book coming out September 2021, Creativity Matters: Find Your Passion For Writing.

Her debut novel, Sapphire Beach, was published in December 2019, and her first self published novel, Walled City, came out in December 2020, followed by Viking Ferry, a novella. Beyond the Hills is the second book in the Elabi Chronicles, and was released on June 18^th 2021. All of Maressa’s books are available from her website, www.vicarioushome.com, Amazon or local bookshops.