BIG News and a Little Bit of Meandering

2012 started out with my determination to become published.

I was already going through a discouragement period, and I felt little change as the months passed. Tidbits of things should have given me a hint that change was in the air. Or maybe better said, in my heart.

Friends encouraged. One special friend figuratively sat me down (although actually we were standing for most of the conversation) and gave me a "talking to." What did I take away from that?

1. Quit beating myself up.
2. I have talent; use it
3. Believe in God

I'll have to admit, my faith was weak at this point. Yet I'll have to admit I think I had to get into this "slough of despond" for God to gain my attention. I had to get to the point where all I could say was, "God, I believe. Help my unbelief."

I put the words on my desktop. Every few days they would catch my attention. Every few days I'd repeat them like a mantra; a prayer from a heart with little faith.

Then a writing conference.
A meeting with an editor.
A manuscript request.
Work. Editing.
A send-in.
Waiting.
Waiting.
More waiting.
Calls from my agent. Emails.
Contact.
BIG News.
I'd been offered a contract.
December 17: date signed.
I became an author!

Elation. Happiness. Satisfaction. Relief.

Yes. All this.
And more.

Peace.
Because throughout this year I learned in my own way to let go and let God. My faith might be weak, but God is strong. My faith might be little, but God works through little and weak and deformed and broken.

I couldn't make it happen, but God did. In his own time.

It's his book, his novel, and whether he blesses it in a mighty way, or a small one, it is his.

Blessings!

Did You Hear?

A small traditional press has asked to see a full manuscript of one of my romance novels. Not a sale--yet, but still another big step in the right direction.

And who knows, they MIGHT decide it's something they can use.

What does it mean: a small press?

• It's not one of the biggie ones.
• But it is a traditional one.
• They put out your novel faster than one of the biggies.
• They pay you for your novel as it sells.
• This one has no upfront advance.
• But you do get royalties.
• They published it first as an e-published book.
• A few months later, your novel comes out as a print book.
• You don't have to pay to have to have it published.
• You have to market, but then you do with the biggie publishing companies also. Only when you're a "big" name do they spend "50,000 on your marketing without you lifting a finger.

So, ya'all, wish me good, say a prayer, etc.

This time next year, I very well could be a published writer.

Yeah!

Quote:

Confidence is contagious; so is lack of confidence. --Vince Lombardi





Blessings

Published!

No, not me. (Do you hear wailing here?)

It's friend Charlie. His new book (The Spirit From the West) from Tate Publishing will be available soon. Go to Tate Publishing.com and type in his name for a look at the cover. Beautiful!

Now, I don't know what kind of writer Charlie is. He may be horrid, but then again he may be great. Someone said he's a little like Jannette Oke. That sounds inspiring. BUT he's a fellow-writer and I'm supporting him. Will be ordering my copy soon. Hope you all take a chance on this new writer and do the same. I doubt you'll be disappointed.

And all that takes me back to my writing. Don't any of you dare sigh! I mean it. How's my writing coming along? Here's what's happening:

1) Submitted my suspense to two publishers. Have several more I hope to submit to.

2) Submitted my romance to one publisher so far. Will probably submit it to others.

3) Checking out a few more publishing houses.

4) Preparing a proposal for an agent.

5) Checking out some other agents.

6) Sent a query to an agent who requested a certain type of writing from a publishing house.

7) Sent in chapters to a contest.

8) Planning my second book in my suspense series. (It has to be at least 90,000 words, so I'm trying to get others done first before I actually do much work on this one.)

9) Working and should have finished & hopefully critiqued my second in the romance series, by end of March. Will immediately begin the third book in this series and try to complete it by summer. (Three friends' stories in separate books, and their romances)

10) Planning and hope to begin soon a cozy (soft mystery) I've been invited to submit to a publishing house this coming spring.

11) Checking on publishing my children's series.

12) Toning up the works I've completed.

Enough? Did I say I needed prayer? Love this crazy life. How else could a person (writer) get through it?



Brighten up a room with these cheap easy hints!

Look for different accessories (such as small tables, items that catch your attention or interest, lamps, frames, books, etc.) at garage sales, auctions, etc. Keep in mind what you might be looking for so that you won't come home with a lot of clutter you don't have a place for.

Dress up a lamp with a new shade. Try different colors or textures.

Spice up the room with pillows. Try new colors or textures. Use plenty of them. Or tie, stitch, or pin with elaborate pins--tea towels, material, or fabric around a faded pillow.

Use tea towels, pillow cases, any kind of material that catches your attention as cafe curtains in your kitchen. Use a bamboo rod, or whatever. Add colorful rings.

Place a worn frame over some favorite memento: glasses, card, souvenir, whatever. Makes a great three-dimensional effect. Looks ancient and stunning!

Or want something really cool? Hang a frame within a frame within a frame. Cool! Everyone will wonder what's so special about that!



Quote:
I cannot count the number of times I have been strengthened by an heartfelt hug, appreciative note, surprise gift, or caring questions . . . my friends are an oasis to me, encouraging me to go on. They are essential to my well-being. --Dee Brestin


Blessings.