I have been a published author for almost five years now and it’s still surreal to think about. When I first started my writing journey, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing! My original plan for my life was to attend law school and become a lawyer. But when God told me no (twice, actually) I waffled for a while on what I was meant to do with my life. It wasn’t until a good friend of mine encouraged me to start writing as an outlet to help me through a difficult time that my writing journey began.
I started all sorts of stories. Some were ideas that are now books on reader’s shelves! Other ideas will never see the light of day. Throughout my writing journey, I have always seen God’s hand. Only through His guidance, what started as an outlet, has turned into something so much more.
While I was working on a series idea (which has now become The Legacy Chapters), I had the idea for Heartmender. It wasn’t the entire book series or even the plot of the first book—only a snippet of a scene. I thought the idea was really interesting and jotted it down but proceeded to work on the other series. Days after, the idea for Heartmender kept gnawing at me and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It was then I heard a sermon about God giving us ideas, but we, being too fearful or unsure, let them pass by. I knew then that God wanted me to write--what is now the best-selling, award-winning Heartmaker Trilogy.
But this journey wasn’t always easy. Yes, I had two degrees, but neither were in English or Creative Writing. I had SO much to learn (and am still learning). I tried self-publishing, but that was a flop. I tried querying agents and had no bites. Many said they loved the story idea, but it wasn’t the right fit for their brand. Eventually, I met my husband, got married, and became pregnant with our first son. Knowing a lot of changes were coming my way, I decided to put my writing aspirations on hold. And that was when God decided to grant me my first publishing contract. I knew that in both areas of my life—motherhood and becoming an author—He wanted me to rely on Him to help me learn and grow..
Fast forward to now and God has led me in so many ways. When I’ve been lost in my writing, He has helped me find the way. When I’ve wanted to quit, He’s encouraged me that my writing is only paused, not done. Throughout all my triumphs and struggles, I’ve seen Him molding me and my stories into the witness He wants them to be. Any new path in life is never easy, but if you’re on the path that God wants you to be on, you will make it through. Trust in Him and His guidance.
V. Romas Burton grew up bouncing up and down the East Coast where she wrote her first story about magical ponies at age seven. Years later, after studying government and earning an M.A. in Theological Studies, V. Romas Burton realized something even bigger was calling out to her--stories that contained great adventures and encouraging messages. Her debut novel, Heartmender, has won several awards including First Place in Young Adult for the 2020 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Second Place in Juvenile/ Young Adult for the 2021 Illumination Book Awards, and tied for Third Place for Young Adult Fiction- Fantasy/Sci-Fi in the 2020 Moonbeam Children's Awards.
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