My name is Nanette. I first realized I loved writing in the fifth grade. Miss Bennet gave us a creative writing prompt, then we had a week to write it.
I was also very quiet. And probably would have been diagnosed as a selective mute in today’s standards. I was just painfully shy. Up until I was about thirty-five.
Writing gave me an effective way to communicate without talking.
I became an RN. I didn’t even consider a writing career because back in the day writers did not make any money. But I secretly thought about it.
I married and had two boys, whom I homeschooled. I was also taking care of my elderly father. When he moved into an apartment near us, I quit work.
During my caregiving journey, God did amazing miracles for myself, my dad and my family.
After my dad died, I wrote a first rough draft. The editor seemed to tear it apart, and the manuscript remained on the shelf for several years.
I went back into nursing when my boys got older. Then decided to get my master’s in nursing education. Still shy, education was not a good career choice.
The best part about getting my master’s was writing all those papers. My desire to write returned.
My next job was home health. Although good with my skills and caregiving, the conditions were poor.
I got fired (don’t tell anyone—this is confidential information). I realized God took me out of the situation because I was too stubborn to quit.
My savings allowed me to stay home for a bit and search for anything but a nursing job.
My heart’s desire to write nagged. I started a blog, and I didn’t even know what one was.
One Sunday in church, I went into the Prayer Chapel for prayer. The person who prayed for me asked me if I was at a crossroads. My answer a teary, “Yes.” She was a writer too and told me about Fellowship of Christian Writers (FCW). I’m sure she was a special messenger from God.
I attended the meetings, awed that people were living my dream of writing.
The FCW group held a conference where I met Janice. I also met my writing coach and soon started to rework my memoir: Before You Depart: God’s Touch Before Eternity, completed twenty years after my dad died.
My writing coach is indispensable. I have completed four other books since.
I continue to work as an RN. God provided the best job ever in my 39-year nursing career.
God is good, and all the time. Hope your writing dreams come true too.
If you enjoyed this post from Nanette, check out her fabulous illustration work at www.nanetteholloway.com!
Nanette Holloway
Nanette M. Holloway’s beautifully written memoir, "Before You Depart: God’s Touch Before Eternity" describes the poignant realities caregivers face, compounded by unrelenting grief during and after the journey. Her writing reflects insight and expertise in medical issues gleaned from her nursing background.
Other publications focus on self-care for the caregiver: "Coping Skills for Caregivers" and its companion the "Coping Skills for Caregivers Workbook." The "Gratitude Journal for Caregivers" completes the series.
Holloway enjoys speaking. Her newest e-book, "Jumping Hurdles to Writing Success" began as a presentation to writers.
