Finding My Niche

Last year at HP

I had been out of the publishing business a long time when my friend, Mary, invited me to my first writer’s retreat at the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Educational Center in Piggott several years ago.  That experience connected me with other writers and triggered a gradual evolution from retirement to casual dabbling and eventually to more serious writing endeavors.

What Am I Working On?

Sunday, we’re heading down to Navarre Beach for a couple of weeks where I’ll be working on that book. It’s the perfect place to write without interruptions. 

Our Favorite Getaway Spot

I confess I’m shy about submitting my work. But this year, I’ve sent several devotionals, poems and a story to some faith-based publications. I recently learned that five of my devotionals will be included on a new website that will launch in the near future, which is exciting. I’ll keep you posted on that. Still, I remind myself that my work won’t appeal to everyone. I just hope to find an audience that connects with it.

How Does My Work Differ From Others in my Genre?

I don’t really know. My book is about a young man’s journey from despair to faith. I hope to present the Christian component without being preachy. I’d like to appeal to a broad audience while remaining true to what I believe.

Why Do I Write What I Do?

My writing reflects my life. I’ve lived my own redemption story, plus I have a teacher’s heart. I see spiritual applications in everything. Life is full of writing prompts.

I start my day by reading something inspirational and then spend time reflecting and praying. Some days my writing springs from what I read, but just as often, an idea that’s been percolating begins to take shape. It may start with a single line of poetry, or an outline might unfold almost like a lesson plan. I try to capture these thoughts in a journal, which usually becomes a first draft.

My favorite reference book

As I type the copy into my computer, the editing begins. Maybe because I worked as an editor, I actually enjoy the process. Trimming away the nonessential, trading a phrase for the best word to convey a thought brings me great satisfaction. If I let it get cold for a few hours or overnight, I always see more ways to tighten it and make it better when I go back to it.

Like any creative endeavor, my writing is part of me, which can make me overly attached to every thought, line and word. I remind myself to get over it and edit more. If it doesn’t contribute to the central thought, I save it for something else.

Kayla Dean: Kayla works as a Student Development Specialist at Arkansas State University – Beebe. She is also a wife and the mother of a sixteen-month-old son. She must be amazingly organized because she still finds time to write. She beat me to the post! Read about her writing process at K.I. Dean Around.