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Heavenly Echoes

Author Kaitlyn Rawlings By Kaitlyn Rawlings

C. S. Lewis once wrote, “If we discover a desire within us that nothing in this world can satisfy, we should begin to wonder if perhaps we were created for another world.” When I was twelve years old, I fell in love with fantasy fiction literature; through it, I felt an immediate connection to this other world for which we are all created.

For this brief time on earth, for this vapor of a lifetime (James 4:14), we are called to be human. None of us has ever met another being who is not immortal: we all will live forever; and though we live on earth, there are echoes of heaven all around us—through Creation, in grand stories of old, and of course in God’s Word. It became my desire to reflect these heavenly things, including biblical truths, through writing.

In seventh grade, I began writing my own novel, at the time called quite simply “Fairytale.” For two years, I wrote only every now and then. Upon entering high school, I completed the book and asked friends, family, and even a local news anchor for their opinions. My parents were vastly supportive, and the book was met with good reviews.

Still, even though I always loved to write, when it came time to begin considering colleges I had a difficult time deciding on what to pursue; I considered counseling, music, teaching, and even astronomy! Yet always in the back of my mind was my story—it was a part of me, something I couldn’t live without.

My dread of college—namely, the fear it would stifle my imagination—was stilled when my parents and I discovered CollegePlus! So I would not have to leave home after all—I could pursue my degree from home, at my own pace. Though by then I knew I wanted to study English, and my dream of becoming a Christian fantasy fiction author was settled in my heart, I had no set plan of action; but through CP!’s Life Purpose Planning, my dream became reality, and I began to build a plan of action. My imagination was not stifled after all, but nurtured.

Throughout my first semester with CP!, I had to balance my studies and weekly CLEP exams with writing. My young adult fantasy fiction novel had been completed for two years, but I was in the midst of the final revision. Through the Lord’s sustaining power and the support of my family, I completed the revision and renamed my manuscript When Four Stars Fell.

Through my CP! studies, I grew not only as a student, not only as a believer, and not only as a writer, but in every area of my life. Even though balancing the many spheres of living is at times difficult, we know that "with God all things are possible" (Mathew 19:26 KJV). One must only have the courage to follow the dream the Lord has breathed into your ear, and placed in your heart.

My desire is to use my words to capture glimpses of heaven, like beautiful shards of glass, and then piece together these shards into a mirror that reflects our Lord, His character, and His Kingdom. My shards are words, my mirror novels.

How will you piece your shards together?

Kaitlyn is from northern Kentucky and is currently seeking a literary agent to represent her young adult fantasy fiction manuscript When Four Stars Fell. For more information, visit her website at http://thelastworldcalls.blogspot.com or Like Kaitlyn O. Rawlings on Facebook. Kaitlyn is also currently finishing her Bachelor’s degree in English through Thomas Edison State College. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, acting, and guest speaking.

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4 comments so far - Leave a comment below

What a wonderful story! Blessings to you, Kaitlyn and best wishes as you finish your English degree.

— Gerri Tuesday, November 2, 2010 2:20 PM CDT

I am very encouraged by this. Thank you Kaitlyn and thank you CollegePlus!

— Kayla Tuesday, November 2, 2010 3:23 PM CDT

Wow! Your story sound so similar to mine, Kaitlyn! X) I agree, CollegePlus is such a wonderful option for we YA fantasy-fiction writers! ;) May the Lord bless your efforts!!

— Em Tuesday, November 2, 2010 3:11 PM CDT

This was beautiful, Katy! You are an outstanding writer and most importantly, a wonderful reflection of Christ in all you do. Keep up the great work!

— Brittany Wednesday, November 3, 2010 9:26 AM CDT

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