My friend and student (and team member at Indie Christian Book) Roxanne from “Roxanne’s Thoughts Along the Way” here on Substack kindly gave me a guest post for today titled, "Becoming A Writer." Enjoy!

Becoming a Writer

By Roxanne Taylor

I wanted to be an artist in high school, but I don’t recall any guidance counselor ever encouraging me to go away and study art. Instead, I got my first job. In 1972, just before graduation, I was working at a department store for $1.65 an hour. When I asked for a five-cent raise, the assistant manager said no. So I quit.

I went to work for General Telephone of Florida as a long-distance operator for $3.20 an hour. (I thought I was rich!) From there I worked my way through the company — cashier, switchboard operator, service representative, even collections.

Eventually I left the phone company and joined a heavy equipment distributor. It was there, after being promoted to serve as the president’s administrative assistant, that I finally became an artist. Sort of. Since writing is art.

Suddenly I was responsible for letters, memos, and policies. I carried a pocket dictionary everywhere, and word by word, I learned how to put sentences together with care. Five years later, I was promoted to Human Resources Coordinator, and my writing grew more essential than ever.

Time passed, my life story was evolving, and people would frequently tell me I had a story to tell and should write a book. I would agree but wondered if one day it would really happen. Retirement came 7 years ago, and I had time on my hands. Then about 4 years ago I started actually putting thoughts together about my adoption and search for my birth family.

I never had the opportunity to attend college, but I do have 71 years of colorful life experience and stories to draw upon.

Experience in the business world was acquired with on-the-job education, learning more than any college degree could ever offer. Many of my fellow writers in my Tuesday writing class have degrees, some even have doctorates. Some are technology whizzes that know software and big words related to their industry. With my own writing my hope is to somehow touch a heart, share my faith, and offer encouragement. I want to share my truth.

A friend recently commented that I’ve found my passion in writing.

Could be.

Someone else said how brave and vulnerable I was to put my words on Substack to share with the world. Possibly.

Another girlfriend said a while back that I was glorifying Jesus, which is something I do desire.

But writing does require a tough skin. Sometimes we need to ask for critiques and advice from other writers or editors. I know I probably need their insight, but I also rely heavily on my writing gut. Some might call it intuition, some discernment, and others guidance by the Holy Spirit. I am comfortable using my spiritual ears as words appear on my laptop screen. For me, the Spirit lets me know if I am going in the right direction.

Me writing a blog on Substack was my writing coach Jeff Miller's idea. He encouraged me, believing my stories would lend themselves to this type of platform. Writing a blog post once a week would help my writing skill and develop my style. After a year on Substack, I believe he was absolutely correct.

Jeff is not only a writing coach, but he is a ghostwriter, teacher, book publisher and pastor. He has taught me so much about writing in the last 3 years, and it is because of him that I have grown and become the writer I am today.

Yes, I can honestly tell people I am a writer. My first book I’m Glad I Was Adopted: A Journey to Wholeness and Faith will be published in November. Stay tuned as my writing propels me forward, becoming a published author. Jeff’s wonderful team from Indie Christian Book is helping me accomplish my dream. This journey has made me grow and realize I could do this thing called writing.

You too can become a writer. Maybe you’ve dreamed about doing this. Have you? Have you considered giving it a try? You’ve held an idea for a book in your heart for a long time. The time is now.

Join me at the Kingdom Author Challenge on Saturday, September 13th.

This 4-hour webinar taught by Jeff Miller will teach you everything you need to know to make your book a reality. You will also meet other aspiring writers just like you. Those few hours will be an investment in yourself. Don’t miss being a part of this exciting FREE event. I’ll see you there.

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