The Story of the Prophecies of Daniel
As I step out in this adventure of writing book one of this series, I will share my journey with you.
I have been called to study the Word of God, the Holy Bible, and to write a series of novels based off of a book of the Bible.
This is beyond intimidating. I do not want to fail. I do not want to mess anything up. I do not want to miss or overlook anything.
I have actually read that in order to write historical fiction, it is okay not to spend too much time in doing research. It's more important to flesh out the characters and what daily life was like back then and how it's much the same today, in that the lessons learned are much the same.
I have an issue with that kind of thinking as a writer. If I am called to write about the Bible, and I am, then I better know what I am talking about. I had better be a subject matter expert--or at least very close. This is the WORD OF GOD we are talking about here. THE HOLY BIBLE. I better give it my all and no less. Only excellence is what I shall strive for in this endeavor.
No pressure.
I have started at least a six year adventure of traveling through the book of Daniel in my personal study and then writing a series of biblical historical fiction novels about Daniel. I am writing six novels where each book is based off of two chapters in the book of Daniel.
This adventure started about a week and a half ago and I have to admit I have never been more excited or more intimidated about a writing project like this. The truth is, I am rather terrified about this project.
I think it will take me at least a year to research the two chapters for each book/novel. I am talking a year of research and study of at least four hours per day seven days per week.
I already have over four hundred twenty-five pages of notes and I have barely scratched the surface. I have so much more I need to study and learn.
Therefore, this is the most serious writing project I have ever endeavored. It is an all or nothing proposition in my book. (Sorry for the writing/reading/book cliche. I couldn't resist, though.) I will make sure to learn everything I can about the book of Daniel. Hence, it will take much research.
Also, the six years may be more. The six novels may end up being more as well. Who knows. Time will answer these questions.
I have started to write book one as I do my research each day. I have 4,500 words written so far. I am writing and researching at the same time.
This writing project requires more of me than probably all of my past projects put together. It requires sacrifice and a great deal of thinking and learning. Never mind being in the Word and in prayer.
I cannot believe how much I have learned so far. For instance, Daniel might be the most educated man in the bible--even more so than Paul. Why and how? He was a male and he was a Hebrew. This means studies in and of themselves. Then, he was called to be a prophet. This also means more studies. Also, he was most likely a descendant of King Hezekiah. As a youth of royal blood, it means more studies he would have needed to have. Then, add how he was an eunuch, an adviser to the king, this meant more studies.
I never thought about all of the studying Daniel would be required to complete because of his position in society and in the time. Therefore, I can see why some say he was even more educated than Paul.
Who knew?
It is then an interesting predicament as a writer as I try to make sure I include this information somehow in telling the story through my writing.
I will share more of what I have learned in the next blog post.
For now, know this. I am intimidated by this project and excited. I cannot help but wonder... Why has God called me and not someone else to this project? Surely many more are far more qualified. But, then, I hush and say, "Yes, Lord. I trust you will equip me as we write this together."
