writing

I was first published at age 71

My first book was accepted for publication the year I reached 71. I had begun writing Prayers and Devotions more than 25 years before, through a weekly prayer letter for my church. I enjoyed writing, but never thought of publication. But after I retired God kept prompting me to write books. Yes! Books. Not just one!

The first book took over 3 years to put together – and many more years of rejection after rejection from publishers.

God always has a plan though! I had submitted my proposal to a new publisher, just one week after I had been rejected again. Three weeks later I received a phone call from overseas, showing interest, but the book was far too long, and would be difficult to promote from an unknown author. They suggested reducing the 52 weeks of daily devotions to make the book an acceptable length. We worked well together and the first book was received in December 2008.

Most publishers tend to publish only already known and affirmed authors. So God really wanted this book to be out there for people to read and grow to know Him in a deep and personal way, through a daily quiet time.

Now came yet another challenge! Distribution!

I had received 500 books for my own personal contacts and started to promote them to my church, friends, family, and by word of mouth. I have successfully distributed all 500 of the first book – praise God.

Since then I have written another five books, and they have been successfully published, not only in printed form, but also as eBooks – so they are readily available all over the world. My newest is Encountering God: A Lifetime of a Relationship with God (August 2015).

2 Corinthians 8:11 says, “On with it, then, and finish the job! Be as eager to finish it as you were to plan it, and do it with what you now have.”

My husband of 48 years died just two months before the first book was delivered to me, but he had always been very supportive. I have since moved into a retirement village, and am glad to be able to fill my days with writing for God. Writing and publication has been a wonderfully satisfying new career, and I give God all the glory as I promote Him to all who desire to read about His love.

Ann’s books are available as eBooks here. In South Africa you can order them at anngood@iafrica.com.

Ann Goodfellow

Ann is a retired widow and writes on a regular basis. She is published in articles, blogs and books. She has written six prayer and devotional books and has also been writing a weekly Prayer Guide for 30+ years. Ann has two children and five grandchildren and she enjoys gardening, especially propagating and growing Clivia Miniata.

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