All-in-all, an easy day. Attended workshops, talked with fellow writers, bought more books than I need (but fewer than I wanted), even had some of them signed by the authors, walked up and down lots of stairs…

The workshops I attended focused on fantasy and sci-fi world building and creating series characters (ie: Perry Mason and James Bond).

The euphoria of my more positive editor appointment did wear off a bit, but that’s okay. I’m not as confident they’ll want to see more, and that’s also okay. I figure I’ll leave that up to God. No sense in getting all twisted over something I can’t control.

During one of the workshops today, the presenter mentioned Aragorn of Lord of The Rings. She described how he avoided assuming the kingship rightfully his, because he feared he would give in to the temptation of the Ring of Power like his ancestor.

I realized as she was talking, I’m not unlike Aragorn. Sure, I have no kingdom to inherit, but I have been holding myself back from putting my books out there. I fear that instead of giving glory to God who gave me the gift of writing and desire to hone the craft, I will take any success for myself and myself alone.

And that’s the last thing I want to do.

Yet it’s unavoidable. When Aragorn could no longer run away from his destiny and found himself within arm’s reach of the Ring, he was able to turn away from its allure.

If I am to trust God, I can avoid the temptation of pride. After all, it is one of his promises:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV)