I wrote my first story in third grade, my first song when I was in elementary school and created and published my own Christian magazine before I hit my teens. I published my first article in GRIT magazine in Junior High and graduated college with a Journalism and English degree. Then I took my first big girl job as an editor of two national magazines. When I lived in Franklin, TN, I talked to someone about how I could get my song lyrics into the hands of artists. I was given a couple of suggestions, but I was young, newly married, and working too many hours. I kept writing, but I didn’t have time to pursue anything that didn’t pay.
Things haven’t changed much. Throughout my career, I have written and edited a lot for little income. Finally, two years ago I went back into the work force full time in a non-writing job with a decent weekly paycheck. I continue to write when I can. But here’s the thing. Until recently, getting published cost more than most authors get paid after publishing. You have to pay editors and pay to go to conferences and pay for an agent and still it is a long and laborious process that often relies on getting your work into the right person’s hands and that person knowing the right people and believing in you enough to take a risk. So, when I found out that I could self-publish through Amazon because of the print-on-demand technology, I did it.
Have I made much money? Nope. Not at all. Has it sometimes been discouraging? Definitely, but I write because I can’t help but write. It’s who God made me to be, and it’s one of the ways I share Him with the world. Over the years, I have written children’s books and more songs and I have asked countless talented people to help me illustrate the children’s books or put music to my songs. Some even promised to help, but no one has really ever followed through with what I needed. I don’t hold that against them. They are like me, busy. They probably don’t have time for anything that doesn’t pay either.
So, when I wrote a poem the other day, I shared it on Facebook because that’s about all I do with my writing these days. In my head, it was always a song. I tried singing it when I was in the tub, humming it while getting ready. I kept trying to put the words into rhythm. A little after I got to work there was a text from a friend, Todd Thornton, and imagine my surprise when I saw his message and pushed play. I could have cried.
My words came to life in a way I only imagined! I can’t wait to try this tech with other songs and try the illustration AI as well. Just remember there are a lot of bad things about technology and AI, but there is a lot of good too. It’s a tool and tools are only as good as the people using them. I sure am thankful for this one today!
More of You
Less of me and more of you Lord
How hard it seems yet it is true
I know I need less of me, God
Please give me more of you
More of your wants, less of my will
Why oh Lord is this such a test?
I know the blessings you will give
Your will is always best
Fill me with your love and power
Fill me up, to the very brim
Your Holy Spirit in my heart
Help me to rely on him
Change the I to you in my life
Lord, I know What I need to do
To bring the joy and peace you give
Less of me, God, more of you
When I want, whine, complain
Like a child demanding her way
Deal with me gently please, oh God
And even then I pray
Give me less of me, Lord, more you
Cause I know this is really best
You are hope and joy, peace and light
Of myself I need so much less
Clear out the cobwebs of my soul
Even when it causes pain
Cause I need room for you to grow
More of you, that is my gain
Less of me and more of you, Lord
How hard it seems; yet it is true
I know I need less of me, God
Please give me more of you
Listen to More of You below!