Today I felt like I could finally see the finish line.

My first book is now in the magical hands of Abby, the editing and formatting queen at my publisher, Indie Christian Book.

This writing journey began back in May of 2022 with monthly one-hour coaching calls with Jeff Miller. I was looking for a writing coach, and I became something of a guinea pig as Jeff developed what would later become his coaching program. You can check him out at Christian Ghostwriting.

At the time, I didn’t have a clue how to write a book. I had no outline, no clear structure, and no defined message. All I had was the desire to tell my story about my adoption and my search for my birth family.

For years people had told me I should write a book.

News flash. Writing a book is hard. Really hard.

Through Jeff’s coaching, a writing course eventually emerged, which later grew into a weekly Zoom class for Christian writers. Now writers join us from all over the United States and even from Canada, Australia, and Africa.

Our classes are lively. Jeff teaches, writers share their work, and we have thoughtful discussions as we encourage one another and offer constructive feedback.

It truly takes a village to publish a book.

Editors, a book launcher, a graphic designer, a publisher, and marketing support are all part of the process that is bringing my book to life.

But another important part of that village is the community in our Tuesday writing class. Over time, that group has become something like a small group at church. We are partners on this journey. We encourage one another, pray for one another, and celebrate the progress each person makes along the way.

As our writing grows, so does our confidence. Watching everyone’s projects take shape has been inspiring.

Substack

It was Jeff who first suggested I start writing on Substack back in 2024. He thought my stories and reflections would lend themselves well to a blog.

I decided to take the plunge.

My first post went out in August of that year to about 30 family members and friends. Today my subscriber list has grown to around 142 people. I am deeply grateful for each one of you. Your support means more than you know.

If you are interested in joining our writing community, you can visit Jeff’s Newsletter for Christian Writers here on Substack. Paid subscribers are invited to participate in the weekly Christian writers’ class.

The Finish Line

The finish line I see right now is the publication and release of my book this May:

I’m Glad I Was Adopted: A Journey to Wholeness and Faith.

In the book, you will read my personal story along with the stories of other adoptees, their siblings, and adoptive parents. The people I interviewed were deeply inspiring, and I believe their stories will be a blessing to many readers.

And who knows.

Perhaps reaching one finish line simply means discovering the next one waiting ahead.