My mother reads all my books cover to cover. It’s actually quite a thrill for me. I also feel that if she loves them, the rest of the world surely will. (I use my mother as a gauge because she is a very faithful Christian. If the books – you know, the ones with bedroom scenes- don’t bother her so much, why should they bother anyone else? Uhum, maybe because everyone is different. Or gasp, she’s my mother. Again, a blog for another day.)
But as I’m trying to building these two separate parts of my career–the secular and the Christian it became more and more clear. I held out as long as I could, then I came up with a pen name. I almost immediately regretted it. It is HARD and next to IMPOSSIBLE to be two people. In today’s world of social media most folks will know your real name anyway so who am I trying to fool with a pen name?
So after a short run with Amie Louellen and Amy Lillard I decided to take all my books and make them Amy Lillard books. (This is when the Sweet As Apple Pie brand was born.)
People would understand, I told myself. This is a business. This is my dream. That’s the beauty of publishing these days. I have options. And I also got a new contract for my contemporary cowboy romances. The books of my dreams! The ones I had been dying to write for eleven years. It worked out even better that the publisher wanted to put them out under the Amy Lillard brand. Hot dog! I was on my way.
Well, the truth of the matter is I have been ‘on my way’ for a while now. I have published many Amish books, a few mysteries, some Christian novellas, and a string of contemporary romances. You know, my dream. Besides who am I to write contemporary Christian romance? I’m a spiritual person, but I’m not like other people who have these fantastic church families. I’m not like my sister who teaches at VBS and manages to bustle three children into church each Sunday. It’s just not like that for me. I’m more of the sit on the back porch and contemplate God in the clouds and the beauty of the world He created. Who am I to talk about people who walk faithfully with God when I stumble more than move forward?
Then God told me something. Be brave. Those words rang in my head clear as day. I was walking in our neighborhood park, trying to get some exercise. Be brave, God said. Yes, I could be brave. I could write contemporary inspirational. I could do super-sweet romance, one step down from inspirational yet with no sex, no language. I could do it regardless of the people who have told me otherwise. Or my own doubts. I am just as good, just as worthy as anyone else.
So I prayed as I finished my walk. “I’m not sure what this means, Lord, but help me feel this same way, this empowered, when I get back home. Help me know what this means and what I’m supposed to do with it.”
It took a day or so, but I finally figured it out. God wanted me to come up with a new contemporary Christian series! Hey, I can do that! I’m never without ideas of one sort or another. In fact I have a great series that I can just flip to be Christian. It’ll be fantastic! So I’m going to write Amish, write this new series, and write my other contemporaries.
I had it all planned out…or so I thought.
Tune in tomorrow for the exciting conclusion of What Happens When You Stop Arguing with God…
Leave a comment today to be entered into a drawing to win a copy of Amish Brides. I’m giving away one copy each day of this three part blog post, so be sure to come back tomorrow.
Have you ever had everything planned out but God said, “hold on there a minute…?” Let us know and get entered into today’s drawing.
amywritesromance.com 
I very much enjoy reading your blog as I do your books!
Thank you, Fay! I really appreciate that!! :)
Amy I love all of your Amish books because they are of clean writing and I am bless that a Christian woman is writing them .We wouldn’t be who we are if we didn’t have our faith and God in Our life.
God Bless You
Ernestine Haggard
Thanks, Ernestine! Then you’re going to like what’s coming next! :)
I’ve planned many times and God stepped in and changed them. That’s why one of my favorite scriptures is from Proverbs 16:9, Man plans his way but the Lord orders his steps.
I LOVE this! I think now it’s my favorite verse too!
Great blog. When we are being obedient to God we shall have peace. I think you will have a calmness in your spirit. Have a great day Amy!
Blessings
Diana
Thanks, Diana! I haven’t been as at peace as I needed to be, but I’m getting there. :)
I have planned many things in my life but God had other plans for me. In His wisdom, He knew best. My life is not perfect — but then, whose is. I thank Him everyday for all that He has given me.
Amen!!!
The best plans made do sometimes change and God does have a way of getting our attention! Enjoying the blog posts!
Ain’t it the truth? Thanks, Linda!
I had so many things…that I wanted to do in my life…but I am now sure…that God had other…better things for me to accomplish and excell at…and even though I know they were not the exact direction I was wanting to take…God still took me down a wonderful path…I learned a lot along the way too..and I have been blessed in many ways!!! Your blog was really great today…thanks so much for sharing…have a wonderful, Blessed Day too!!!
Thank you! So glad you’ve enjoyed it! :)
I love reading your books, and have really enjoyed reading these blogs so far!
Yes the Lord has definitely put a halt on my plans before. He has always had a better plan if I will just put my trust in him.
Thanks, Tiffany!! It’s true! God’s plan is awesome, but sometimes I’m the bratty little kid who has to questions everything and gt in trouble before I listen, LOL
This has been a great blog series Amy and something we all need to hear. God is always testing us – we just have to know when to give it all over to him instead of trying everything out our way.
It’s been hard. I believe God gave us a brain for a reason and we have the ability to take care of a lot of things ourselves. My challenge is knowing when my power stops and His begins. But this is definitely a step in the right direction for me! :)
Well I thought I had everything planned our for Vacation Bible School this year. I talked to the director, we watched videos online, talked about curriculum and ideas, I got decorating materials and then I went for my 6 month cancer check up and was told the cancer was back. I just had surgery last week, so teaching is out and I donated all the supplies I had and told them I will pray for our church’s VBS. I know God will bless this time of rest for me. (Going to catch up on my book reading). Out thoughts and plans are definitely not God’s thoughts and plans for sure!
OMGosh, Maryann! You just jumped to the top of my prayer list! Take care of yourself so you can properly heal! Reading sounds like a good way to do that! Thanks for reading!!
Oh, yes, I had things all planned out for Steve and me. But, they were MY plans, not God’s. I still struggle daily with God’s plan for me. Steve has been in heaven for 7 1/2 years, while I’m still here trying to figure everything out. I talk to God daily and wait patiently for his answer. Well, not exactly patient……….. Looking forward to your part 3 tomorrow, Amy.
susanlulu@yahoo.com
I can only imagine, Susan! Patience might be a virtue, but it is a difficult one! Have faith that one day we will understand! <