Write2Ignite

People often ask me why I write.

I keep hearing that this is the worst possible time to enter the world of publishing. Book sales are at an all-time low, despite the fact that by some estimates, more than two million books are published annually worldwide.

I also keep hearing that if you write because you want to be rich and famous, then you’d better find another career. The Jerry Jenkins and J.K. Rowlings of the world are the exception, not the rule.

Finally, with the proliferation of computers and word processing software, most everyone now fancies themselves a writer. The huge volume of submissions decreases the chances of being published by a traditional publisher vs. print-on-demand or self-publishing.

So why do I write?

For me, writing is an extension of teaching. The more I learn, the more I want to share what I’ve learned. Writing provides another way to communicate precious truths—not to brag, but because I’m excited to share what I’ve learned!

Martin Luther described evangelism as “one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” This is also a fabulous way to describe how I view writing. I first wrote to share the crumbs I found. Those crumbs satisfied my deepest hunger. Then they multiplied into slices and the slices have become loaves. How can I hoard what I am learning when other people are hungering as well?

I decided a long time ago that I would write as long as God gave me something to write. Whether a traditional publisher chose to publish the work was up to Him. It happens that a traditional Christian publisher did publish my first book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional (Revell books). Another Christian publisher released two children’s picture books co-authored with Crystal Bowman. God has shown me that my job is to use the gifts He has given me and trust Him for the results.

I don’t write to impress others or to become rich and famous.

I write because I cannot not write.

It doesn’t matter whether you write fiction or non-fiction, for adults or children.
Why do you do what you do?

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Ava Pennington is a writer, Bible teacher, and speaker. Her book, Daily Reflections on the Names of God: A Devotional, is endorsed by Precepts founder Kay Arthur. She has also written numerous articles for magazines such as Clubhouse, Today’s Christian Woman, Power for Living, and Called. In addition to her writing, Ava teaches a weekly, Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) class of 300 women. She is a passionate speaker and teacher, and delights in challenging audiences with the truth of God’s word in relevant, enjoyable presentations. Ava and Russ have been married for 40 years and live in southeast Florida. For more information, visit her at www.AvaWrites.com