The more I explore the writing, marketing, and publishing businesses, the more I see God’s hand. When I first started out on my journey, all I knew was that God wanted me to become an author and to write Wings of a Hero. So, I stepped into the chaotic arena.

At the time, all I knew I could do was write. I had my faith, my words, and my laptop. God gifted me with the skills necessary for writing a novel.

But when I started the process, I noticed many more places where God had uniquely interwoven people and skills into my life that would help me on the journey.

My sister-in-law, Amber Skye Mileusnich (amberskyemileusnich.com), became my life coach, writing mentor, and close friend. In sophomore year I met my English teacher, J.L. Burrows (jlburrows.com), who already had several novels published at the time. She became my marketing, publishing, and writing mentor as well.

Then through them was born a writer’s group, Christian Authors in Smyrna, through which I have met many local authors, received valuable writing feedback and advice, gained the courage to submit to multiple contests, and officially became published in Clean Fiction Magazine.

Because of each of these individuals, I have set a date for my first book release ever, created a website and Instagram account, and am currently over halfway through editing Heir of Promise.

Yet I still keep finding more places where God has equipped me for this calling.

I’ve been an artist since elementary school. While I started off with random doodles of my favorite TV show characters, I now can create detailed, cohesive pieces both traditionally and digitally. It’s that skill that has enabled me to save money by making my own book cover. It’s allowed me to draw my own maps for my book. And my own logo.

And I’m sure I will continue to find more and more places where God put his hand into my life back before I knew there was purpose for them.

So never dismiss any of your skills, passions, or talents, because God gave them to you for a reason. He created you this way for a purpose. Embrace it! You won’t regret it.