From Construction Paper to Publication: How I Became an Author by Sarah Schwerin

From Construction Paper to Publication:

How I Became an Author

by Sarah Schwerin

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another,”

(1 Peter 4:10, NLT).

My fourth-grade teacher announced the assignment. Excitement tingled through me. Finally, I could write a book like the ones on my bookshelf.

After folding my construction paper, I wove a tale about a princess, a unicorn, and a soda bottle. Pride surged through me with each printed word and illustrated scene. Once finished, I looked up.

My excitement seeped away like air from a balloon.

The girl across from me had illustrated a realistic rose bouquet under a title that didn’t slant. In front of me, another student wrote in flowery cursive.

I hid the yellow construction-paper book. My drawings seemed babyish. My penmanship sloppy. I never wanted to write again.

Despite my resignation, stories continued to beckon me. Their siren calls kept me awake. Compelled me to write. But my words never conveyed the exhilarating tales in my mind. As I reached adolescence, the voice of my fourth-grade self whispered, will anyone want to read that?

The embers of my passion remained, so I continued to prod at those charred writing dreams. In college, I majored in elementary education. Maybe I’d write curriculum, or in the far-off future that book might get published, but probably not. Eventually, I fell in love and started a family.

The next years flew by with a short-lived mommy blog, but homeschooling left room for little else. Yet something inside me whispered, why aren’t you writing?

My children grew up overnight, and their high school graduations loomed. I couldn’t ignore the insistent voice: Now it’s time to write.

The stories and thoughts I hadn’t had the courage or time to share flowed. I found a new critique group, Word Weavers International, where I learned more about writing. They were my people—an encouraging group who thought like me. The passion I had tried to suppress reignited.

Even though I’ve faced rejection and doubts continue to harass me, I know God’s voice has always encouraged my writing. His voice is stronger than any fear or doubt. And as I celebrate the release of my first novel, I know God is celebrating with me. My fourth-grade self is so proud.

When we listen to God, and not to fear and doubt, God will help us develop the gifts He has given us so we can serve him better.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts you’ve given us. Help us ignore the voices of fear and doubt and use our gifts for your glory.

Sarah Schwerin is an award-winning author and speaker passionate about telling hope-filled stories that point readers toward healing and grace. Her 1950s historical fiction, The Willow Still Sings, is based on her mother’s struggle with polio. Connect with Sarah on social media or on her website.