I have been fortunate to have written several books over the years that have been from
my heart–a story that I was passionate to write and had to put it down on the paper. The
books in The Men of the Texas Rangers Series have all come from a place deep in my
heart–subjects I believe deeply in.
Saving Hope, the first in the series, was out in March 2012. This book was about human
trafficking and especially about teenagers (even as young as 11 or 12) getting caught up
in child prostitution–usually through no fault of their own. It breaks my heart. I knew
when I started reading about this problem that I had to write a story about it. I wasn’t
sure anyone would publish it. The topic is gritty, but I wanted to write about the plight
of teens being caught up in a situation they can’t find a way out of. As I wrote the story,
I put the publishing of it in God’s hands. I felt from the beginning the Lord had someone
special to read this story–someone I would help. I received rejection after rejection on it,
but Abingdon Press decided they wanted to publish it. The thing about when you write a
book of the heart, it’s more about writing the story than selling it. Don’t get me wrong. I’m
thrilled I sold it, but the story I had to get down on paper.
As I planned my next book in the series–Shattered Silence (October 2012)–I couldn’t
get the subject of bullying out of my mind. As a teacher, I had to deal with bullying-
-counseling students who were being bullied, stepping in and trying to help, being
aware of the signs of bullying. Again I got excited about the theme. There is something
electrifying writing about a subject you are passionate about. It sparks your story and
your writing.
So when I fulfilled my contract to write three books for this series for Abingdon Press,
I didn’t know if I would write another one. I didn’t have a story in mind that gave me
what the other stories had–a thrill to sit down and deliver a story that came from deep
inside me–a story I felt the Lord’s hand in every day. Then out of the blue an idea last
spring began to form in my mind. I know some people who have become addicted to
painkillers. They start taking them because they are in pain but end up becoming addicted
to a powerful opiate based painkiller. It begins to control them. As I dug deeper into the
subject, I discovered how pervasive it is in this country. I discovered another subject I
could become passionate about–abuse of prescription drugs. Now I’m in the middle of
writing Severed Trust (October 2013) and throwing my heart into the book.
There is nothing like writing a book you are so passionate about, but it is a hard,
emotional task that leaves you worn out at the end. I can’t wait for another story idea to
ignite the spark of my passions.
Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-three books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com.
Leave A Comment