What did you think of this episode? Writing a devotional is not for sissies! Gretchen Huesmann shares her story and offers great tips to help you on your creative journey. Welcome to Your Best Writing Life, an extension of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference held in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of NC. I’m your host, Linda Goldfarb. Each week, I bring tips and strategies from writing and publishing industry experts to help you excel in your craft. It’s great to have you listening in. In this episode, we explore the story behind It’s a Good Day to Be a Teacher. Our guest is Gretchen Huesmann. Gretchen has taught in private and public schools across seven states. Today, she mentors and encourages educators, ministry workers, and writers. Her book, It’s a Good Day to Be a Teacher, speaks to the teacher’s heart and soul. Her picture book, A Time for Everything, will be released in 2027. We all want to know the story behind It’s a Good Day to Be a Teacher: 52 Devotions to Equip and Encourage Educators – give us some background. I was a teacher before I became a pastor’s wife. The Lord called my husband to 5 churches over 35 years, during which I taught, substituted, and tutored. Each time, we left friends, our church family, and my job. Now I understand God was preparing me. After a particularly difficult ministry shift, I became frustrated and a bit angry at God. I mourned the loss of another fantastic teaching job and speaking career in the upper Midwest. Then COVID hit. Conferences were offered for free and online. With a bit of a “cold shoulder” toward God, I “decided” to pursue my dream of writing children’s picture books. One closed door after another followed. God and I “made-up” and I continued learning, listening, and seeking direction from my Savior. Eventually, He didn’t just open doors; He swung them wide with neon signs. Writer’s tips. Know our Father’s good plan for us began long before we typed one word.Believe that if He planted the seed (the dream), it will sprout and grow in His timing.Trust Him with every open and closed door. What Listeners Will Gain – Writers who want to write devotionals will need to study comparables and look for special elements, such as my “Live the Lesson” and “Extra Credit” portions, that will set their book apart. Readers will find encouragement in any workplace. My topics address issues with bosses, coworkers, and more. Although the introductory narratives are placed in school settings, the concepts apply to all of us. Book: https://www.gretchenhuesmann.com/book/ There, you can find links to Amazon, or, if readers prefer to avoid Amazon, you can order it directly from the publisher, Iron Stream Media. A Time for Everything - Picture Book Link: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Everything-Paraphrase-Ecclesiastes-Children/dp/1640705554/ Publisher is Our Daily Bread. Giveaway - Our Dreams His Plans: A Bite-Sized Bible Study for Writers SOCIAL LINKS: Website: GretchenHuesmann.com https://www.facebook.com/gretchen.huesmann https://www.facebook.com/gretchenhuesmannwrites/ https://www.instagram.com/gretchenhuesmann/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/gretchen-huesmann-60313751/ Visit Your Best Writing Life website. Join our Facebook group, Your Best Writing Life Your host - Linda Goldfarb #4 Podcast 2026 "Million Podcasts Top 30 Christian Writers Podcasts" #1 Podcast 2024 "Top 50+ Must-Have Tools and Resources for Christian Writers. Awarded the Spark Media 2023 Fan Favorites Best Solo Podcast Awarded the Spark Media 2022 Most Binge-Worthy Podcast
