Sometimes I think I’m the most secretive writer ever. I hide in the corner with a laptop and hide my screen when someone comes near. When someone asks me what my story is about, I say, “an adventure” (truthful, but too vague to mean anything). I fumble over my words when asked for a plot summary. I won’t let anyone read my work until I’ve done a lot of editing.
It’s strange: I have no problem submitting my stories for consideration to a publisher. My work reaches hundreds of people through Unlocked devotional and the wonder that is the Internet.
But I’m shy about telling people in my community about my publishing life. Yes, they know I’m quiet and carry around at least one notebook with me wherever I go, but they don’t know about the manuscripts. The queries. The dreams I have of seeing my books on the library shelves.
Stories are made to be told.
A teacher once said to me about photography, “What’s the point of taking pictures if you don’t share them with anyone?” I believe it’s the same with writing. For a journal, yes, it’s nice to have your own place to reflect, process, and jot down thoughts. But stories are made to be told.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
-Matthew 5:14-16
Words are powerful, and God didn’t give me this gift of writing for me to keep to myself – it’s mean to shine out into the world and bring light and hope into darkness. My hope is that through my writing, others will be encouraged to be brave and share their work too.
And if you feel the same, don’t be afraid to share your dreams with others. Don’t hide your writing; let it shine! You never know what could happen when you step beyond your comfort zone.
Never stop writing.
-Abby, The Secret Writer
Abby Ciona 