I thank God for my failures. Each has changed me in some way. Yes, the experience can be challenging, even painful. But, ever so often, it becomes clear it was necessary and, yes, a blessing.
I received a professional critique of my first manuscript at the Minnesota Writer’s Workshop back in February. In short, the idea was good, but the execution was not. I had created more problems than I had solved with my initial revisions.
Why was that a good thing? I had sensed a deeper problem in the first draft, but my lack of experience made it difficult to pinpoint. The problem evaded me at every turn.
As I dug into the notes from the critique, it became apparent that the problems went beyond the surface. There were underlying structural issues within the novel. It forced me to put the manuscript aside and approach it anew.
Doing a third rewrite was daunting. But in the end, it transformed the storyline in amazing ways.
I have an opportunity to pitch the revised manuscript at an upcoming conference. My days for the next month will be filled with editing, critiques, one-sheets, proposals, and prayers, lots of prayers.
I know God is with me, and this is the path He set for me, but that doesn’t guarantee success or an easy road. Sometimes it’s just about the journey, the ways it changes you and the people around you.
Thank you, Lord, for my failures and hardships and for being with me every step of the way.
K.A. Cummins 