Update on my latest book… rewrite finished!

By Jessica Brodie I’m happy to announce I’ve finished the rewrite of my latest book, tentatively called An Unlikely Path! I have one more read-through to go (this weekend) and then it’s time to shop it out.

While I’m a Christian and have been the editor of a Christian newspaper for nearly seven years, this is my first foray into Christian fiction. God put the book on my heart in the summer of 2014 during my morning-commute prayer time. I was rounding a curve as the first hint of morning sun came into view, and I remember asking God, “What kind of book do you want me to write next?” Now, keep in mind that I’d never done that before. I pray about everything from traveling mercies to how He can use me that day, but asking for guidance on a full-length book project? That was something entirely new and different.

But to my surprise, I heard Him speak as clear as day: “I want you to write a Christian book.” I blinked, then asked, “OK, but can you tell me what it should be about?”

And then He laid the whole thing upon me: the characters, the setting, the theme, the fear and the ending scene.

All that was left was for me to write it.

And write it I did—though with young kids and a full-time job, making time wasn’t easy. I began waking up at 4 a.m. every weekday, writing for two hours in near-darkness, then getting the kids up at six and heading to work.

I finished the first draft in early 2015 and let it rest, then revised it and sent it out to beta readers. But something kept nagging at me, and I couldn't put my finger on it. After time in prayer, it became clear: it was a book about the transformative power of authentic Christian friendship, yet the first draft of the book was only told from Rebecca’s perspective, the adult female. It needed Devon’s voice, too.

So in 2016, I set upon it anew, and I finished it this spring. I’ve learned so much during the writing, revising, rewriting and re-revising process, and I’m really excited about what it has become. I believe it is a powerful story about the importance of taking some huge risks for faith. More than that, I’m hoping it will draw new believers into God’s Kingdom and help all of us think a little more deeply about faith, God and what it means to be a Christ-follower.

Stay tuned…