This week marks the fifth anniversary of the beginning of the ANOMALY trilogy and the fourth anniversary of its finale. So I am feeling a little nostalgic.

When my publisher first talked to me about writing a dystopian series, I was nervous — I wrote fun, contemporary novels. Not science fiction. And, yet I loved to read science fiction. But did that mean I could write it? I still look back in awe that the Thomas Nelson/HarperCollins Christian team believed in me enough to let me try.

Before I started writing ANOMALY, I devoured every book in that genre that I could get my hands on. I wanted to see what others were doing, how they were doing it, and what I could contribute that would be different.

As I brainstormed, I knew that, since the fictional dystopian world would be so different than the real world, my protagonist must be relatable. I also knew that in order to write a believable protagonist, she had to be somewhat autobiographical. So Thalli was born: a music-loving, emotional girl who feels out of place among her peers.

From there, I needed a conflict that would carry through all three books. So the antagonists were born – scientists who, though they meant well, created a world where emotions were suppressed and citizens were “programmed”.

And, of course, I needed some romance. Because I love romance! And so Berk was created – Thalli’s lifelong friend who saw more in her than she saw in herself.

Then the writing began. I wrote ANOMALY in the summer of 2012. I wrote LUMINARY the following winter, and REVOLUTIONARY in the summer of 2013. Lots of writing!! Lots of prayer. Lots of early mornings and weekends and “how in the world am I going to get her out of this mess?” Along with lots of emails from my editor saying, “Get her in more messes!!” It was a busy, exciting, exhausting, exhilarating time. A faith-stretching time.

And when it was all done, I realized I had done it. I had actually written a dystopian trilogy! I felt God’s strength in my weakness throughout the crafting process, and I became even more appreciative of the creativity and dedication of the publishing team in Nashville. It is an indescribable feeling to hold three books in your hands and know all those words are yours.

Unfortunately, the books didn’t go on to become best sellers. I didn’t astound the reading world. No one called me to be interviewed on TV talk shows or give lectures on how to write great books. I wasn’t able to retire from teaching and move into a penthouse in Manhattan.

But that wasn’t why I wrote them. Early on in my writing career, I found a quote by Francine Rivers where she said that writing is an act of worship. And I can tell you – my writing journey has taught me that. I am able to get a tiny taste of God’s creativity when I write. I consistently felt his strength in my weakness. I would hit a roadblock – no ideas, no new conflicts, nothing. Then I’d pray, and God would give me the next chapter. When the deadlines were looming, He would clear my schedule and increase my writing stamina, and I’d be able to finish on time.

This is true, not just for writers, but for everyone: Don’t do what you do for fame or money or recognition. Those, even when received, are fleeting and unsatisfying. Do what you do for the Lord, as an act of worship, to know Him better and make Him known. Do it out of love. Because when you do, there is only success. And the kind of success that really matters.