Takeover Tuesday: Sara L. Foust

Happy Tuesday, Reader Friends!

Today we have the lovely Sara L. Foust here for Takeover Tuesday. Sara will be talking about “My” Plans. Please show her some love in the comments!

“My” Plans

In the fall of 2015, I committed myself to writing full-time after praying for direction from God. I dedicated to learning the craft of writing, writing each day, and improving my craft. I completed a manuscript I had been working on for years (it is still tucked safely in a drawer) and began a story I was really excited to write, Callum’s Compass. By the end of 2016, I was ready to prepare proposals and shoot them out all over the place. I didn’t get a response to any of my queries, and I’d sent a bunch. I would’ve been excited just to get a no from someone, anyone. It was extremely discouraging.

I am the type of person who, when I set a goal, goes for it wholeheartedly. Yes, thoughts of failure entered my mind. Worries about whether I was really good enough to get anyone’s attention plagued me. I’m also the kind of person who worries a problem to death. Not good. Not a holy way to deal with things. I began to try to force things to happen. I thought, “If I send out enough queries, if I just think about it hard enough, if I just pray about it hard enough, if I just work at it a little harder, it will happen right now. Exactly when I want it to.”

One day as I was driving, Lauren Daigle’s new song, Trust in You (here’s a link to the YouTube video) came on the radio. I was enraptured by her lyrics, especially the part that says, “Letting go of every single dream. I lay each one down at Your feet.” All I could think was, “Wow, just wow.” I knew I had been trying to make something happen that God was already working on. I was trying to outrun His plan for my life and make square pegs fit into round holes.
Writing a novel and having it published has been my dream since I was a child. But I’d gotten lost in thinking that I had to control every moment. I had to make it happen. I had to do it my way. In an instant, I was humbled. God reminded me that I’m not writing for myself. I am writing to bring honor and glory to Him. To bring comfort, encouragement, and love to someone who needs to hear from Him through the words I write.

I repented and told God that I would lay my dream at His feet. I trusted that He would take good care of it and that whatever happened would be part of His plan. The weight of worry lifted. The pressure to force things into place left. I was able to focus on writing the words God gave me and telling the stories He sent.

It wasn’t very long after this I “met” Kathy Cretsinger with Mantle Rock Publishing through an online ACFW course and asked her if I could submit my proposal. She answered me. She actually answered me! What a refreshing moment it was, but I was still sure she would say no. The day she offered me a contract and said that she would like to release Callum’s Compass in November 2017, just eight short months away, was, to say the least, an exuberant day. I’m pretty sure I injured myself jumping up and down and scared the kids with my screaming.

I’ve been reminded many, many times since then, when I start to feel the urgency to make things happen, that God’s got this. I’ve given my career to Him and I trust where He takes it will be what’s best for me. It will be where my books need to go to reach the people He intends. I will forever be grateful to Kathy for believing in me and helping me polish up my first manuscript to get it ready for publication. But, most of all, I’m thankful that God gave me a second chance to surrender “my” plans to Him.

About the Author

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Tennessee Mountain Writers. Her debut novel Callum’s Compass won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer’s Contest. She also has a story, “Leap of Faith,” in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. Sara finds inspiration in her faith, her family, and the beauty of nature. When she isn’t writing, you can find her reading, camping, and spending time outdoors with her family. To learn more about her and her work or to become a part of her email friend’s group, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

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About the Book

The Blurb: “KAT WILLIAMS’S brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

RYAN JENKINS’S fiancée was murdered. He couldn’t protect her.

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past and then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her . . . without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long-buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels . . . and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.”

Links: Amazon, Goodreads