Be Yourself

By Loretta Eidson @lorettajedison

Did you ever think you could become an author?

I didn’t. Well, not until the tug in my heart pulled me in that direction. Who was I to join the team of such an overwhelming, impressive profession? Who knew the journey would be so challenging? Starting at the bottom forced me to face my fears of rejection, step outside of my introvert personality, and learn the trade.

Turkeys & Eagles is a profound book written by Peter Lord, published by Christian Books Pub House on June 1, 1987. Peter claims reading this story can transform your life as the depths of the gospel truth emerge. He was right. I’ve never forgotten such a thought-provoking book.
It’s a story about an eaglet who fell out of his nest and was raised by a flock of wild turkeys. Even though he looked different, the turkeys accepted him and raised him the best they knew how. As this eagle grew, he became restless with the ways and food choices of his turkey family. He envied the birds of the air and wanted to soar in the skies, too. Only, he didn’t believe he could because he was a turkey, or so he thought.
A wise old owl rose to the occasion and informed him of his identity. The owl encouraged him to be the eagle he was born to be. After a few days, the eagle spread his wings, lifted off the ground, and conquered his dreams.

As writers, we wonder if we will ever reach our dreams of publication. Sometimes, doubt creeps in and stalls our ability to take those first steps. Write, edit, and submit. Fear of the unknown or feelings of vulnerability pushes us back into our safe zone, doing nothing. Like the eagle, we may not know our full potential at first. Success takes believing you can overcome the fear of failure.

Believing in a God who says, “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NIV). He also tells us in Isaiah 41:10 NIV, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

One of the most important and strengthening decisions we can make is to walk in the footsteps of Jesus and become the person He created us to be. That means we follow the dreams He placed in our hearts and give it our best. We can’t build a writing career by trying to be like another author.

Be yourself!

There’s only one you and your voice is yours, alone. Allow that voice to flow naturally.

It’s okay and even encouraged to mingle with other authors. We can learn more about different aspects of writing and publishing by hanging around those who are successful, going to writers’ conferences, and soaking in all the surrounding wisdom, but we aren’t to model or try to clone ourselves to be like them. Be like Christ and let Him pave the way for you.

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 14:1 NIV.

Learning is an ongoing process. Accept constructive criticism, follow guidelines explicitly, enter contests, and enjoy the company of fellow authors.

Again, Be YOURSELF!

Don’t settle for turkey living. Be an eagle. Trust your God-given instincts and reach for the skies!

Award-winning author Loretta Eidson loves writing romantic suspense. She believes in the power of prayer and enjoys putting her characters in situations where they must trust God for help. Loretta is an AWSA certified coach and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray. She is published by Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense. Visit her at https://www.lorettaeidson.com/.