Strong and Courageous: A New Venture

Sandra Ardoin @SandraArdoin

As with the focus of last year’s “A Life in the Day of…” posts, the source of the monthly “Strong and Courageous” posts for this year came from my own issue—finding the courage to tackle a new venture.

The command to be strong and courageous appears throughout the Bible in one form or another, so it seems like something to pay attention to, right? Still, we all have our moments of uncertainty. Is what I want to do what God would have me do? Will it turn out all right? Is it something I’m capable of doing?

Come on, I know I’m not the only one to go through the doubt, the insecurity, the fear of failure. So far in 2018, seven others have attested on this blog to slipping out of their comfort zones to do things they hadn’t done before, fighting fear throughout the experience.

I’ve been writing for over thirty years (small projects for the first twenty plus), and have been blessed with two traditionally-published books, both with satisfying reviews. I’ll admit, I’ve been a traditional gal all the way, but for quite a while now, others have encouraged me to take the publishing route of the indie author. 

Therein rests this year’s dilemma. Do I continue to remain in the relative safety of the traditional camp, protected as much as possible by the soldiers of the known publishing world? Or do I follow those who have blazed an indie path before me, their fates uncertain, yet the call to adventure exciting?

After much prayer, study, and nail biting, I’ve decided to put on my hiking boots while praying I don’t veer off onto narrow and wild rabbit trails.

Six months ago, I didn’t have the peace about it that I have today, but I believe in God’s timing. I certainly don’t know how this will turn out, but I do know that He has my back no matter what.

In the past couple of months, I’ve checked off various tasks on my indie to-do list as I prepare for the February release of my novella A Love Most Worthy. I can’t wait for you to meet Rance and Hallie as they struggle through insecurity and distrust in this mail-order-bride story set during the gold rush of 1900 Nome, Alaska!

The bottom line to all this (besides making the announcement about the upcoming novella  😉 ) is that, not only does God sometimes put people in our paths to steer us in a new direction, but when He does, He expects us to lace up our hiking boots and get a move on. 

So, if you’re looking at doing something new, something a little scary, first seek God’s desire for you. If the answer is yes, then know He has your back. Maybe the endeavor won’t succeed in the way you picture it, but it doesn’t mean you haven’t succeeded. In spite of your doubts, you obeyed the call!

Okay, I’m looking for advice from any of you who have blazed this indie path already. Pitfalls to watch out for? Snakes in the grass? Easy trails? What is something you’ve learned that you can pass on?

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She didn’t know which was colder, an Arctic winter or her new husband’s heart.

Hallie Russell believes life should be lived to the fullest. For that reason, she sails to the gold rush town of Nome, Alaska to take her cousin’s place as the mail-order bride of a respected shopkeeper. But when her husband’s wedding-night announcement rocks her plans for their marriage, Hallie sees her desire for a family vanish as quickly as the dreams of hopeful miners.

He sought a wife in name only.

Tragedy led Rance Preston to repent of his rowdy ways and open a general store for the miners. He’s content in his bachelorhood, but his two orphaned nephews deserve a proper and serious-minded mother. Duped once by a vivacious female, he’s determined to never again let his heart overrule his head…until the high spirits of his new bride threaten his resolve.

When a misunderstanding comes to light, will Rance and Hallie allow the gale-force winds of insecurity to destroy what they each need most?