"What's Your Writing Worth?" by guest blogger Jordyn Redwood author of "Proof"

Many of you know Jordyn Redwood as the author of "Proof" a medical suspense thriller.  You can read my review HERE.  Jordyn has graciously agreed to be my guest blogger today and she is sharing with us "What's Your Writing Worth?"  

Tax season is approaching. Are you currently evaluating what your writing is worth? My husband, who is an accountant, came up to me and asked, “Do you know how much you’ve spent on writing this last year?”
 
It was more than I thought. Even though I’m in a three-book contract, my earnings are still below my expenses. Considering I’ve only released one novel, this shouldn’t be at all surprising. Plus, you have to invest in a new business (if you’re seeking publication—you should consider yourself a small business person—right?)
 
Then a few strange thoughts began to cross my mind. The first and foremost, will I ever reverse the above? Will I ever make a profit writing?

Then I wondered if my frame of mind should be different if I view my writing as being obedient to the Lord’s will for my life.

When I graduated high school—let’s just say Madonna was popular—I had two dreams. One was to be a flight nurse. The other was to be a published author. Writing was always a love of mine and I’d tortured several teachers begging them to read my stories from Jr. High on up. But when reality hit—having to get a job that would provide income—writing seemed a tougher road to navigate then becoming a flight nurse. This goal driven person was attracted to the more clearly defined path.

I chose nursing and essentially stopped writing.

Fast forward. My flight nursing dream never came true. Have I impacted lives? Yes, absolutely. But, I never reached the pinnacle I desired despite having the qualifications and applying multiple times. 

During this period, I’d had this story brewing in my mind. I’d written parts of this novel off and on to merely get it on paper so the characters would stay quiet in my head.

Why wasn’t I writing with the same passion I’d pursued flight nursing? Easy. I didn’t want to fail at both my dreams. That would be heartbreaking beyond words.

Over those years, I know the Lord was working on my heart. I changed from writing secular fiction to inspirational. I attended conferences and studied the writing craft. Finally, in frustration with my nursing career, I literally threw my hands up to God and said, “Fine, I’ll finish the book but You better find a home for it if You want me to keep writing. One book—that’s it. Prove to me that You will show up.”

I know. You should never challenge God. This isn’t a theological discussion. Well, maybe it is.

So, I finished that book. That same year, I got an amazing agent in Greg Johnson. About eighteen months later, I got a book contract—that turned into a three-book deal.

I took those happenings as clear direction from the Lord I was finally on the path of His will for my life.

So, when my heart sank over my current bottom line, I heard a voice say—even if you don’t make one penny in the positive—if your words help bring someone to Me—was your money well spent?

Question for you—as a Christian writer, do we treat our writing solely as a business, or should we be obedient to God regardless of the cost?

Why don't you, reader, ponder Jordyn's question?  Should authors/writers "....treat our writing solely as a business, or should we be obedient to God regardless of the cost?" We can get some dialogue going between you, I, and Jordyn.  Let's engage!

Also, watch for Jordyn's upcoming book - Poison - which is her 2nd book in the Bloodline Triology and due to be released February 2013. 

Watch for my upcoming review here on Chat With Vera!

Short bio: Jordyn Redwood is a pediatric ER nurse by day, suspense novelist by night. She hosts Redwood’sMedical Edge, a blog devoted to helping contemporary and historical authors write medically accurate fiction. Her debut novel, Proof, garnered a starred review from Library Journal and has been endorsed by the likes of Dr. Richard Mabry, Lynette Eason, and Mike Dellosso to name a few. The second book in the Bloodline Trilogy, Poison, releases Feb, 2013. You can connect with Jordyn via her website at www.jordynredwood.net.