I’m thankful to have Melissa Brotherton on my site today, talking about her dream to become a writer. May God fulfill your heart’s desire, Melissa!

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I’m trying to become a writer.

For the last few months I have done all within my power to learn more about the craft of writing. Stephen King told me in On Writing to “not come lightly to the page.” Anne Lamott showed me that the act of writing turns out to be its own reward; that publication shouldn’t be my end goal. Her book, Bird by Bird, revealed to me the ideas of short assignments and {cough} “poor” first drafts. According to Steven Pressfield, art is war and resistance is the enemy within. He encouraged me by saying, “If you find yourself asking yourself (and your friends), ‘Am I really a writer? Am I really an artist?’ chances are you are.”Because I ask myself that question all the time.

I sought out training, educating and research wherever I could find it. I have now accumulated a large quantity of quotes, facts, and knowledge.

That does not make me a writer.

That makes me a person who knows a lot about writing.

If I really want to be a writer, I need to write.

It’s as simple as that. Sitting down and going at it. Putting pen to paper, or fingers to keys.

I long to be a better writer. I want words to flow from my fingers, perfectly articulating what I see. Knowledge alone won’t get me there.

The same can be said for my faith.

James asks the question, “What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? (Ja 2:14) He illustrates his point by suggesting that to offer words to someone without shelter or food, rather than to feed and clothe them, is useless. Knowledge of the scriptures is pointless, if it’s not being lived out.

My bible college degree, the books I read, and conferences I attend are not going to make me a strong Christian. They will increase my knowledge of God, of Jesus, of the Christian walk, but it’s not until I get out there and live the life that real growth happens.

Knowledge doesn’t change lives. Action changes lives. I am saved by grace, but my faith is perfected through my works. I will not improve as a writer unless I write; I will not grow as a Christian unless I act.

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When Melissa Brotherton said she wanted to be a full-time chef, she didn’t mean making PB&Js for her four small children. Throughout her ten years of marriage she has seen God systematically shatter all of her dreams; He had grander things in mind. She writes about her faith, her kids, her marriage and her life in general at her blog: melissabrotherton.com. You can also find her frequently sharing the unglamorousness of her life on Facebook and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/melissa_rae.