The idea for the story of The Vigil came, as most of my stories, as a lone character. Cheryl, the main character, presented herself as a hospice nurse caring for an elderly gentleman with terminal cancer. This was all I knew when I started writing The Vigil.

Her story blossomed as God-given insights to her life and the lives of her family became apparent. With each chapter more of her feelings and the family struggles became visible. It was the first time this plotter writer tried to write as a pantser (seat of the pants writer). I’m convinced that all Christian authors are neither plotters nor pantsers, we’re simply vessels for Christ.

Only by praying and allowing Him to create through us are we able to truly fulfill our calling. Writing this story did more than just allow me to complete a novel and tell a story, it opened my eyes and heart to what God was trying to tell me about why He’d called me to write. The whole experience proved to be an act of worship and obedience.

The biggest surprise while writing this story came when the turn of events in the book were not what I expected. I’ve written a couple of books since this one and have come to understand that happens when God is guiding the story. I’ve realized that not only is my writing for God, it must be from God also.

An unexpected event in the story is when Cheryl learns something that changes everything she thought about her past and her reasons for holding on to old hurts and resentments. That event was one of those wake-up-at-three-AM revelations where God says, “Hey, this is what’s going to happen next.”

So what could an obedient writer do but get out of bed and write!

Meet Marian

Marian Pellegrin Merritt writes stories that blend her love of the mountains with her deep Southern roots. Her tagline, Where the Bayous Meets the Mountains, grew from both loves. She is the author of Deep Freeze Christmas, A Cajun Christmas Miracle, and Southern Fried Christmas.

Her latest release, a Women’s Fiction novel, The Vigil, can be purchased at online retailers.

Marian is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in physical therapy and an accounting certificate from the University of South Alabama.

This Louisiana native writes from the Northwest Colorado home she shares with her husband and a very spoiled Labradoodle.

Connect with her through Website, Blog, Facebook, Twitter

Marian P. Merritt’s Readers Group

Buy links to Marian’s Books: http://www.marianmerritt.com/#!/cnec