I met Jim in the Association of Christian Fiction Writers’ (ACFW) conference years ago but the words he spoke about our desires, and how it connect with God’s design for us and ultimately our destiny stayed with me. His author’s journey continues to inspire me and I hope it does the same for you.
1) Which part of the country/town you live?
Six years ago my wife and I moved from the Seattle area to a resort town in eastern Washington and we haven’t regretted the move for a second. We love it!
2) How did you discover your passion? Who or what inspired you?
In the 7th grade I wrote a short story for my English class, the teacher loved it and chose it to be filmed by the class. I was hooked on writing and took journalism the next year. At the end of the year, the teacher chose the kids who would work on the school newspaper in 9th grade. I wasn’t chosen and I believed I had no talent at writing, so I dreamed of writing for years but never did anything about it.
3) When was the turning point that you decided you’d pursue this? When did you break into the market?
In 2002, my wife went on a fast not knowing why or for how long. The third day the Spirit spoke to me and said, “I’ve designed you to be a writer, when are you going to step into your destiny?” At that point I started working on my first novel. I finished it in late 2005, went to my first writing conference in the spring of 2006, and sold that novel (Rooms) in July of 2008. It came out in the spring of 2010, hit a bestseller list, won the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year and my career was launched.
4) What setbacks did you encounter and how did you overcome these?
Lack of confidence, lack of belief in myself—so much of what we deal with isn’t outside ourselves, it’s in our head. Which is why we must stay grounded in the Spirit’s love and desire for us to be all we’ve been designed to be.
Along the way, my wife was the rock and the support and one who spoke the truth to me and challenged me to keep going. I like to say she talked me off the ledge so many times she ended up setting up a lawn chair out there.
5) How does your day look like? Do you have a routine?
Because I have three careers going—writer, audio book narrator, and running The Rubart Writing Academy, no day looks the same. Which I love. I’ve always thrived on variety and I get it!
6) Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I’m truly fortunate to love what I’m doing, so I’d say the same things I’m doing now. Maybe start taking Friday’s off …
7) What advice can you give the readers who want to pursue their passion and purpose?
Long time ago I heard a man named Gary Barkalow say, “Desire reveals design, design reveals destiny.” In other words, if you have a desire to write or cook or guide travel groups or play music … it was the way God designed you. And that design shows you what your destiny is, to do that thing. So do it! Press in. And realize that (natural) talent is not what predicts success. The greatest predictor of success is those who choose to persevere. So whatever your passion is, pursue it without judging how far along you or how far you have to go. Just go!
1) Which part of the country/town you live?
Six years ago my wife and I moved from the Seattle area to a resort town in eastern Washington and we haven’t regretted the move for a second. We love it!
2) How did you discover your passion? Who or what inspired you?
In the 7th grade I wrote a short story for my English class, the teacher loved it and chose it to be filmed by the class. I was hooked on writing and took journalism the next year. At the end of the year, the teacher chose the kids who would work on the school newspaper in 9th grade. I wasn’t chosen and I believed I had no talent at writing, so I dreamed of writing for years but never did anything about it.
3) When was the turning point that you decided you’d pursue this? When did you break into the market?
In 2002, my wife went on a fast not knowing why or for how long. The third day the Spirit spoke to me and said, “I’ve designed you to be a writer, when are you going to step into your destiny?” At that point I started working on my first novel. I finished it in late 2005, went to my first writing conference in the spring of 2006, and sold that novel (Rooms) in July of 2008. It came out in the spring of 2010, hit a bestseller list, won the RT Book Reviews Inspirational Novel of the Year and my career was launched.
4) What setbacks did you encounter and how did you overcome these?
Lack of confidence, lack of belief in myself—so much of what we deal with isn’t outside ourselves, it’s in our head. Which is why we must stay grounded in the Spirit’s love and desire for us to be all we’ve been designed to be.
Along the way, my wife was the rock and the support and one who spoke the truth to me and challenged me to keep going. I like to say she talked me off the ledge so many times she ended up setting up a lawn chair out there.
5) How does your day look like? Do you have a routine?
Because I have three careers going—writer, audio book narrator, and running The Rubart Writing Academy, no day looks the same. Which I love. I’ve always thrived on variety and I get it!
6) Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I’m truly fortunate to love what I’m doing, so I’d say the same things I’m doing now. Maybe start taking Friday’s off …
7) What advice can you give the readers who want to pursue their passion and purpose?
Long time ago I heard a man named Gary Barkalow say, “Desire reveals design, design reveals destiny.” In other words, if you have a desire to write or cook or guide travel groups or play music … it was the way God designed you. And that design shows you what your destiny is, to do that thing. So do it! Press in. And realize that (natural) talent is not what predicts success. The greatest predictor of success is those who choose to persevere. So whatever your passion is, pursue it without judging how far along you or how far you have to go. Just go!
If you’re a writer and would like to find out more about how Jim teaches others to do what he’s done, go to RubartWritingAcademy.com and get a free video on how to present yourself powerfully to editors and agents.
For more on Jim’s writing, go to jamesLrubart.com where you can sign up for his newsletter when he sends out encouraging and uplifting emails.
Find Jim on Facebook here and on Twitter at: @jamesLrubart
For more on Jim’s writing, go to jamesLrubart.com where you can sign up for his newsletter when he sends out encouraging and uplifting emails.
Find Jim on Facebook here and on Twitter at: @jamesLrubart
James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man's body. He thinks he's still young enough to water ski like a madman and dirt bike with his two grown sons. He's the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame, CAROL, INSPY, and RT Book Reviews award winning author of ten novels. He loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they'll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He's also a branding expert, audio book narrator, and co-founder with his son, Taylor, of the Rubart Writing Academy. He lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington.