It was back in the summer of 2014 that I originally got the download of the idea. We had recently gone through some hard times as a family and had to make a move to a house in Dallas that was graciously provided to us by a friend. We were barely making ends meet, but God was also showing up in some miraculous ways during that season and we never went hungry or were in need.
My job had me driving around a lot, so I used that time to fill my mind with audiobooks and audio-Bible.
One day, seemingly out of the blue, the idea of a story about a Phoenix popped into my mind. I thought it sounded fantastic, and that someone should write that story. The Holy Spirit impressed upon me that I could write that story. I wrestled with the thought thinking, “Oh no, I’m not good at writing. I can’t spell well at all, my grammar is terrible, and it takes me so long to read anyway it would probably take me too long to write. No, I can’t do it, but someone should.” Again the Spirit nudged me saying, “I used Moses and he couldn’t speak. What makes your scenario any different?” He brought to mind several Bible characters who all had major flaws, but He was able to use them all. Then an excitement started to well up in me because I knew that if I did write anything worth reading that it would be solely His doing because my ability was severely lacking. And, it helped me make sense of my childhood and all of my strange nerdiness because now I have a reason, an outlet that could benefit The Kingdom.
From that point on I’ve been jotting down ideas and sketching out maps, as well as forming a basic language to use in this world (as per the inspiration of J.R.R. Tolkien). With so many other things in life vying for my attention I haven’t been able to spend the kind of time and effort that I’ve been wanting to, so progress has been slow.
For several years my wife and I have desired to purchase a course by Ted Dekker called The Creative Way. The course is a “5-week, self-study course in writing … the kind of story that readers crave.” In July of 2021, we felt that it was time to invest in this course. Thankfully it is a self-study program so I am able to do it when I can, but more recently we have decided to dedicate several hours every Friday for me to focus on writing. What I’ve learned so far from Ted has been very encouraging because I know that what I’ve done so far has been on the right track. Now it’s time to really put my nose to the grindstone and bring forth some story.
Since the Course is open every July, and they have an upgrade option that allows you to have access to Ted’s editor, the current goal is to have the first rough draft done by then (July 2022). That way I have something to send her. Then after that, hopefully a book before the end of this year, with the trilogy soon to follow.