Linore Rose Burkard's Impossible Dream

Back around 2005 I had completed my first book, but was struggling with how I wanted to try and get it in the hands of readers. As an outsider to the world of publishing, I sent it to only two publishers. ( I got one "no" and one "maybe" which turned into a no.)

At the same time, I came across information about a POD printer which appealed to me. I still  dragged my feet although I felt the book was ready, but the Lord gently prodded me into action. The amusing thing is the way He did it. With a background in English Literature, I'd done my fair share of studying Shakespeare, but I was nevertheless startled to hear the Lord reminding me to return to "thine almost blunted purpose." Goodness! I wasn't seeking to avenge anyone's death, but apparently I bore a resemblance to Hamlet. And I know what it was, too: we were both procrastinators!

With a couple of gentle Shakespearean reminders behind me, I got things moving and published my first book, a pioneering work at that time, since it was a Christian regency romance, and there were none on the market. (That was, in fact, the impetus for my writing to begin with. I longed to see a Jane-Austenesque 

 romance with a Christian emphasis.)

Since that time, Harvest House Publishers picked up that book (Before the Season Ends) and gave me contracts for two others, which make up my regency series. I'm so grateful that God didn't let me miss the boat, so to speak. He got me back to my purpose, which was, and is, still, writing. As a homeschooling mother of five, it's certainly not 

 my only purpose, but one He considered important enough to warrant a few dramatic reminders that I thoroughly understood!

For more about Linore, see her website:
http://www.linoreburkard.com/

The 2013 "Impossible Dream" Theme

To dream ... the impossible dream.
To fight ... the unbeatable foe.
To bear ... with unbearable sorrow.
To run ... where the brave dare not go.
To right ... the un-rightable wrong.
To love ... pure and chaste from afar.
To try ... when your arms are too weary.
To reach ... the unreachable star.

This is my quest, to follow that star.
No matter how hopeless, no matter how far. 
To fight for the right, without question or pause.
To be willing to march into Hell, for a Heavenly cause…

“Impossible Dream” Lyrics by Joe Darion

From the musical Man of La Mancha

As writers, our “impossible dreams” sometimes seem as challenging and hopeless as the valiant Don Quixote’s windmill battle against evil. It's true Quixote was a self-delusional character, but we must agree that his intentions were commendable –even noble and admirable!

Personally, I’ve gotten a few snickers after stating that I’m a novelist, although most times people are interested in my books – until they learn I write for the Christian and inspirational market and that I’m not J. K. Rowling-rich. Money means success to them. Oh, don't get me wrong. I have a readership that appreciates me. It's growing steadily. Still, there are those who  view me as “self-delusional” because I’m a full-time Christian novelist who isn't earning beaucoup bucks and still believes I’m doing exactly what God wants me to do. 

Several family members, bless their hearts, would love to see me get a “real job.” One of them -- not my husband, who is totally supportive of my quest -- often makes wisecracks about my “high-paying position.” It hurts and discourages me that money might buy this person's respect as opposed to earning it with my hard work and integrity. After all, I've had more than 25 novels published by traditional, royalty-paying publishers. That has to count for something. Right? 

You'd think...

And it's not as if I ask him (or anyone) for money. The truth is I want for nothing. God sees to my needs. 

Additionally, I know from the emails, cards, and letters I receive that my stories deeply touch other people’s lives. That’s why I’m a writer!

Beginning in 2013, Everything Writerly will host other authors who will share their struggles to accomplish their impossible dreams in the face of opposition. You’ll be encouraged, whether you’re a writer or reader. So stay tuned!!!

Happy New Year!

~Andrea