How God used unexpected detours and obedience to shape a Christian historical romance novel with lasting impact.
The path to writing Desire of My Heart looked nothing like I imagined. The words “fast tracked” come to mind.
Recently, I sat down with Linda Goldfarb on the Your Best Writing Life podcast, the #1 Podcast in the “Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers in 2024”, to talk about my debut novel.
That conversation aired recently, and it covered the story behind Desire of My Heart and the winding road (or more like the bunge jump) God used to get me there. If you have ever looked back at your mistakes and wondered what God could possibly do with them, this one is for you.
The Mistakes That Became the Ministry
When I started writing, I had no roadmap and made plenty of wrong turns. Yet none of those were wasted.
Every misstep taught me something about the publishing industry, the craft, and what truly drove me. More than that, each one revealed a God who does not abandon the work He starts.
We tend to see mistakes as evidence that we missed something. God tends to use them as the course correction itself.
“God doesn’t waste our mistakes. He often uses them to redirect us toward His purpose.”
Tweet
The Story Behind Desire of My Heart
Desire of My Heart grew from a burning desire to point readers toward Christ.
Set in the American West, the novel explores faith, forgiveness, redemption, and trusting God when life takes turns you did not plan for. What began as obedience in pursuing The Great Commision became something more personal — a reminder that God calls ordinary people to step forward long before they feel ready.
That truth still shaped every page.
Knowing Your Why
Linda and I talked about why we write, and why that answer matters more than most writers realize.
Publication, recognition, and sales all have their place. But they make a poor foundation when things get tough. Purpose is what keeps you putting one foot in front of the other.
Writing, for me, has always been about glorifying God, encouraging readers, and telling stories that reflect biblical truth in action. That anchor has steadied me more times than I can count.
Listen to the Full Conversation
The full interview is on the Your Best Writing Life podcast, and I would love for you to hear it.
Then come back and answer this: Has God ever used a mistake or unexpected detour to redirect your path? Share in the comments. I read every one.
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” — Romans 8:28 (KJV)