Attention-grabbing cover, isn't it? Last year, White Rose Publishing offered a contest for writers to have their story published. The novel would have this cover and title, a predetermined synopsis with key elements, and a deadline for submission of the full. I toyed with entering, but didn't feel I had time. Since the contest has concluded, and I've followed the results, I've made a new friend. (I still tear up reading her story below.) Marianne Evans graciously agreed to share her story with us here on Seriously Write. Please welcome her this Fortifying Friday and may her testimony encourage you today!There I was, noodling on the Net, when along came an astounding e-mail.
Wait - let me hit reverse, and catch you up on the moment when I became a member of the White Rose Publishing family and say I’m delighted to make your acquaintance here at Seriously Write!
My son and his wife were home for Christmas. My daughter had also just arrived home for break. The entire family was in the kitchen, making sugar cookies for Christmas Eve festivities to come. That’s when my son asked, "Mom, while Mary's at the store, can you show me the top you got her for Christmas? I may have gotten her the same thing.”
The blouse was already wrapped, but I had ordered it on line, so I had a confirmation e-mail and photograph. Busy as we were, why did everyone follow me to the computer? Because something big was brewing, and God knows exactly what He's doing.
I paged through e-mail. As I hunted down the confirmation, I saw a new message that made my heart pound. The sender was Nicola Martinez, Editor in Chief of White Rose Publishing. The subject line: Hearts Crossing Contest Entry.
I passed it by. I found the picture of the top, discovered duplication wasn’t an issue, then logged off. Here's my justification: Days away from welcoming fourteen people to my home, I didn't want to find out I had lost the Hearts Crossing writing contest sponsored by White Rose. I was happy and content. I didn't want anything to interfere with that fact. When you don't "know" there's always hope, right?
The contest meant a great deal to me. I've wanted to join the Christian inspirational genre for a long time, and this contest was a wonderful opportunity to do just that. Still, I was realistic enough to realize victory was a long shot. Many talented people were vying for the grand prize - a book contract.
When I turned from the computer, I caught my husband's eye and had to come clean. "I think the verdict is in on Hearts Crossing."
Unfailingly supportive he said, "Well, come on! Open it up! Let's find out!"
I was somewhat less enthusiastic. I explained all the reasons why avoidance seemed best. His answer to that somewhat psychotic behavior? "Marianne, if you win, we're all here around you. If you've lost, we're all here around you. It’s meant to be.”
He's so smart.
I reopened e-mail. I clicked on the message from Nicola. As it opened, Steve quipped, "It'll probably say Congratulations . . ."
First word of the e-mail? "Congratulations . . ."
I burst into tears. Steve and the kids cheered. I found myself blessed by an incredible moment, one I got to share with those I love so much, and who have supported me through the inevitable rejections and sad times that also come along frequently in the publishing world.
Hearts Crossing is available now, and I’m so proud of it! Thanks for letting me share my excitement – and blessings!
Here's the blurb on Heart's Crossing:
“How do you feel about God, Collin?”
“I don’t.”
Collin Edwards, a former parishioner at Woodland Church of Christ, has renounced God without apology, his faith drained away in the face of a tragic loss.
Daveny Montgomery cares deeply about her relationship with God and the community of Woodland. But lately she's been in a rut, longing for something to reignite her spiritual enthusiasm.
A beautification project at Woodland seems the answer for them both. Daveny spearheads the effort and Collin assists—but only with the renovations, and only because he wants to know Daveny better.
Despite his deepening feelings for her, even stepping into the common areas of the church stirs tension and anger.
Can Daveny trust in Collin’s fledgling return to faith? And can Collin ever accept the fact that while he turned his back on God, God never turned his back on him?
Marianne Evans
loves to tell a good story. In fact, she’s been enthusiastic about writing ever since she could string sentences together. She’s seen a number of her books published. Kensington Publishing purchased her first book, Friends & Lovers. Her second contemporary romance, Right Hand Man, followed shortly thereafter. Her third release from Kensington, Hannah’s Heart, won critical acclaim in The Oakland Press. Her fourth book is her inspirational romance debut at White Rose Publishing – a contest winning novella entitled Hearts Crossing. Her fifth release will be a December 2010 release, a Christmas-themed novella, With This Kiss, offered at The Wild Rose Press. A resident of suburban Detroit, she’s happily married with two kids. An active member of Romance Writers of America, she’s a long-time member of Greater Detroit RWA where she served the chapter most notably as treasurer and two terms as president. She also belongs to the Faith Hope and Love chapter of RWA, American Christian Fiction Writers and the Michigan Literary Network. Purchase Hearts Crossing here.
