I’d buried my secret dream so deeply, I no longer remembered it. And when I read Matthew 25:14-30, also called The Parable of the Talents, it struck a nerve.
The story fascinated me, but the third servant, who buried his talent, resonated with something deep inside my soul. Even though I didn’t believe I had any special gift at that time.
According to the passage, God gave me abilities I could use to serve Him, but I was confounded to know what they might be. So I asked – in writing.
I wrote down my request, “Dear Lord, if you gave me any gifts, please tell me what they are.”
It took almost two years before an answer came. Not everyone had a way with words, although I didn’t think of mine as anything unique.
But how do you invest a raw talent when you don’t have much money, live in a small mid-western town, and don’t have educational credentials? You ask the one who divvies out our talents.
And so began my steps toward publication. I noted Matthew 25:27, where it says, “…you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers,…”
I wrote down my inquiry, “Lord, who are the bankers?”
Over a period of a few months and years, I invested in writer’s conferences, books, network opportunities through social media, and I followed blogs by publishing experts. I practiced and polished by writing articles.
Conference Settings Inspire
During this period, I also sought God on what subject matter to invest. Should I write non-fiction or fiction? While I listened for answers, I experimented on a few different projects.
My Writing Tools
By the time I’d reached this stage, two and a half years of study, practice, submission, and rejection had passed. My computer held a completed non-fiction proposal, a first draft of a novel, and a few other book ideas saved in files. And I was asking God, “Who is the agent you want me to invest my talent with?”
So when a miraculous introduction to Barbara Scott, an agent with WordServe Literary happened, I was equipped. Our chance meeting wasn’t something I could have planned for, a story for another time, but God prepared me in advance for this particular banker.
Barbara asked to see my work, so I submitted both the non-fiction proposal, along with a synopsis of my novel. She turned down the novel, but accepted me as a client based on my non-fiction.
Now united in prayer, and partnered with Barbara, I asked God which publisher He wanted us to invest my book with. She began to shop my project. It took several weeks before the answer came through a publication offer. My book, First Hired, Last Fired – How to Become Irreplaceable in Any Job Market, is slated for release in late summer of 2013.
Professionals Encourage
Now my next questions to ask of the Master are, “Who are the readers you want me to invest with? And what book should I write next?”
Based on experience, I don’t need to fret. The Master will show me where to invest my talents. He’s the secret of my success as an agented and soon-to-be published author.
Where are you investing your talents? Comment below, and submit your contact information here, for a free copy of my e-Book, Marketing with Personality.
Anita FreshFaith
I Learn from my Writer Friends
Anita Agers-Brooks is a Business Coach, Certified Personality Trainer, Productivity Specialist, Certified Team Training Facilitator, Marketing Specialist, national speaker, and author. Anita is a member of the Christian Writer’s Guild, a graduate of Christian Leaders, Authors, Speakers Seminars, CLASS, a speaker on circuit for Stonecroft International Ministries, and a co-founder of the StoryWriting Studio. Anita is also a client of the WordServe Literary Agency. She lives in Missouri with her husband Ricky.
She’s passionate about business with integrity, healthy relationships, and issues of identity. She travels the country teaching others from her personal experiences and research.
Follow her FreshFaith blog or contact her via website www.brooksanita.com/contact/ or email anita.freshfaith@gmail.com
StoryWriting Studio: www.storywritingstudio.wordpress.com
WordServe Water Cooler: www.wordservewatercooler.com
A joy to hear your story, Anita! I loved hearing how God gave you a “chance” meeting with Barbara Scott. She’s amazing, isn’t she? Congratulations on “First Hired, Last Fired.” I look forward to reading it!
This post touched me. For so long I bought into Satan’s lies that it is frivolous to write. Especially fiction. But I found I could not – not write. And so I wrote and felt guilty, until I attended my first ACFW conference in Texas several years ago.
I’m so glad you persevered, Sharon.
Blessed to be a witness to your writing journey, Anita! May God continue to bless you and give you favor in all of your endeavors.
Good job, Anita! Kudos on your success!
What a God honoring publishing story, Anita. Thank you so much for sharing it. I’m encouraged.
Hi Anita! I read your blog post. Congrats for getting connected with Barbara and your book acceptance. Maybe we’ll meet some day. Greg is my agent.
I’d love a copy of your e-book. Please drop my name in the hat.
Thanks,
Joan
Being a Life Coach and just completing and in process of publishing my first book, “Climbing Out of the Box” My Journey Out of Sexual and Spirtual Abuse into Freedom and Healing, I love it that I found your site to glean from your expertise and spiritual walk….Thank you so much!!!
Thanks for an inspiring look at a winning mindset.