Today please welcome the delightful Katie Powner to the blog as she shares the book that changed her perspective and shaped her writing career.
I’m tickled to have you, Katie ~ Take it away!
Some background…
When I was little, it was The Velveteen Rabbit and Amy the Dancing Bear. Then it was The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, then A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. The books that shaped my life. That made me want to be a writer more than anything else in the world.
As I grew up, my love for books never wavered. I discovered George MacDonald and marveled over Sir Gibbie. I wept over Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love. Books were my lifeline—my heart.
My desire to be a writer never changed.
But my conviction did.
I got married. I started working from home so we could start a family. My husband entered full-time ministry. One child arrived, then another, then another. I couldn’t justify the enormous amount of time it would take to write a book. Did I still spend an hour here or there reading my beloved books? Sure. But writing?
I didn’t think I should.
The years went by, and my life was filled to the brim with responsibilities. Obligations. Busy, busy, busy. Every time I would find myself writing in my notebook, jotting snippets of a story or verses of a poem, I would chide myself. “Not now,” I would say. “It’s a waste of your time. Put it away.” But inevitably I would find the notebook on my lap, a pen in my hand. I couldn’t escape it.
One day I accidentally started a novel. You might wonder how one could accidentally do such a thing, but I assure you, I had no intention that morning of beginning a book. No idea that a scene would sneak into my head, force me to write it down, and turn into a chapter. And what was I supposed to do then? I kept going back to it until one day…it was finished. A novel.
I was amazed, but also ashamed. Had I indulged my own selfish ambition? Given time meant for my husband and children to a computer screen and keyboard? And for what? (Click-to-Tweet)
There were millions of books out there already.
No one was ever going to know or care about mine.
I tried to forget about it. Maybe I can pull it out when my kids are grown, I thought. When life slows down, and I have time for a hobby.
That’s when it happened.
I ran across a certain author’s name on a blog. The blog gave him high praise but I’d never heard of him so to Amazon I went. And there it was: Summer of Light by Dale Cramer.
The book captivated me from the start. Mr. Cramer’s voice was crisp. Unique. His prose, powerful. And the story was about a man named Mick who was facing a similar dilemma to the one I felt gripping me. The dilemma of discovery. Who was I? What was I supposed to do? What was my calling? Why had God made me the way He had?
As I went on a journey with Mick, I shed many tears. Not because the story was sad, but because it was powerful and meaningful and spoke to my heart. And when it was over, I suddenly saw the novel I had written in a new light. If some guy named Dale Cramer, whom I’d never met, could write a book that impacted me so much—if God could use his words to speak to my heart—then couldn’t He use my book, too? And if there was a place for Mr. Cramer’s distinctive voice, which was different from any author I’d ever read, then maybe there was a place for mine.
Maybe my novel had a purpose after all.
Braced with fresh resolve and my husband’s blessing, I decided to pursue writing as a career. After Summer of Light, there was no turning back. I knew what God wanted me to do. But it hasn’t been easy. I haven’t yet signed with an agent or published a book. I haven’t overcome all my doubts. I still wrestle with guilt, wondering if it’s fair to my family to spend time writing.
But when I waver, God brings to mind Summer of Light. The book that gave me hope.
The book that changed everything.
***
AUTHOR BIO:
Katie Powner
Katie Powner lives in rural Montana and is a mom to the third power (biological, adoptive, and foster). She writes about the power of family and has won ACFW’s First Impressions contest and OCW’s Cascade Contest. She has also been a finalist in ACFW’s Genesis contest.
Please visit www.katiepowner.com to learn more, get connected through social media, and sign up for the Red Shoe Crew newsletter. For every new subscriber, Katie will donate $2 to the Rehoboth Children’s Home in the Philippines.
PLEASE SHARE
What books mean to Katie Powner and how one book, in particular, redirected her writing path.
This writer wanted to throw in the towel. Then, one day, Katie finished a novel…and went on to final in AND WIN writing contests.
As we know, writing isn’t for the faint of heart. When Katie was about to give up, that’s when it happened. Read her inspiring story here.
ENCOURAGEMENT
The Contract That Almost Wasn’t via Patricia Lee
What happens when an author’s work turns to ashes? Read Patricia’s encouraging path to publication.
They say age is relative, but how long should we really pursue our goals? *ding-ding* Here’s the answer!
*Winner of Love Calls Her Home by author Patricia Lee: Katie Powner*
How perfect is that? Congratulations, Katie! When Pat shared the winner’s name with me, I grinned from ear to ear!
Please contact Pat regarding details about your free book. (Her e-mail is noted on her site.)
Original Image (Book & Coffee) Credit: Freestock/Unsplash
Has a particular book changed YOUR life?
Have you pursued a dream when it didn’t make sense?
What steps will you take today to reach your goal?
***
Please join us next week when another fabulous guest visits. We’re on an inspiration-roll!
To stay up-to-date with all future guests, check out the blog schedule.
Also, are you a member of my newsletter family? Sign up here or in the top right-hand sidebar. Don’t forget to click on the confirmation links that will arrive in your inbox, as this completes the sign-up process.
See you back soon!
Much Love and Many Blessings,
Comments 13
Hello Katie! I’m so glad you chose to pursue your dream and finished that novel. I have no doubt God will bless it. And I love the photos on your website of your Red Shoe Crew! As an adoptive mother myself, I know the deep happiness raising of our “heart born” children. Thinking of a book that changed my life, I re-read “A Tree Grows In Brooklyn” so many times the librarian finally gave me their oldest copy to keep for myself. “The Diary of Anne Frank” was another one I read over and over again in high school. Her courage made me feel I could face anything in my teens. Those are the two that stand out to me. If God has placed this dream on your heart He will give you the time and energy to pursue it. No need to feel guilty! Your family needs a well-rounded and fulfilled Mom at the helm. Thanks for being here today – it was a pleasure to meet you!
So good to hear from you Laurie! And it’s always awesome to meet another adoptive mom. I appreciate your words and am also thrilled you named A Tree Grows in Brooklyn as a life-changer too. Thank you for stopping by!
Hi, Katie! I can totally, totally relate to “accidentally” starting a novel, because I did that very thing myself. But mine was no accident, and neither was yours, and I firmly believe that if God calls someone to write, then He’s got a plan for their words. Someone’s going to need your voice someday.
P.S. I love your shoes!
I’m so happy to hear from you, Amanda! You are so right that even if I wrote my book accidentally, it was never an accident. Rooting for you and your book, and thank you very much for commenting!
P.S. I can face anything if I’m wearing a pair of red shoes!
Author
Katie, I agree with Amanda. Those things we initially think of as accidents? God-orchestrated victories! Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration and for being my guest today.
I look forward to one day reading your books!
Katie, what a great story. Guilt is something every writer faces, especially women, because we think about all the things we should be doing, and aren’t, when we sit down to read or write. Moms don’t think they deserve break time like everybody else. But that novel you penned will be special. You may or may not find a publisher, but the writing will get into your blood and you won’t be able to stop. My first novel haunted me for 20 years while I homeschooled my kids. It has yet to find an outlet, but it was the catalyst that led to the publication of the three novels I can claim–An Anchor On Her Heart (2017), Love Calls Her Home (2018), and A Kite on the Wind (October 2018) Keep feeding your God-given passion.
“Never despise humble beginnings”–Janette Oke, Love Comes Softly
Thanks so much for your comment, Pat. I am a homeschooling mom, too. Saying your novel “haunted” you is the perfect way to describe it. Mine haunted me until I wrote it, and it continues to haunt me now! Love that Janette Oke quote. Blessings to you!
Hi, Katie. I think books in general have changed my life period. I can never remember not reading. From Dr. Seuss to Trixie Belden onward, I think of my life in terms of what I was reading at the time. Thank you for sharing your love of books and how that led to writing.
I appreciate your comment, Tanya! It’s always nice to meet a fellow book lover!
Thanks for sharing your story, Katie! Such encouraging, inspirational words. I’m looking forward to reading your first book!
Laura, I can’t think of a better compliment than to have you say you look forward to reading my first book. That really made my day, thank you!
Beautiful, Katie. I love learning about your path. Keep going!
Thanks so much Shelli. Sometimes it’s hard to “keep going,” so I’m grateful for writer friends like you who encourage me to do so, even when it feels pointless. Blessings to you!