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| Janet W. Ferguson |
There are many reasons why we choose to write, but not all give us the stamina to do
what’s necessary for success in the industry. Author Janet Ferguson shares her
journey and what has motivated her along the way to publication.
~ Dawn
Writing
to Make a Difference
When I started writing, I wanted to express how God uses even
our messes to make something beautiful. I had an idea that stayed with me for
seven years before I committed to writing the story down. I kept waiting for
the right time. I’d learned most novels are about 75000 words. What a daunting
task, right?
But, in 2012 my mother lost her battle with Alzheimer’s on
February 29. My mother-in-law died suddenly of a plural embolism on April 6;
then my elderly father passed away on May 6.
The grief at losing parents was hard, but the realization that
life was short stirred my desire to write. More importantly—to write to make a
difference. Every night I’d read the last scene I’d written and then start a
new one. Within a few months, I’d written The
End.
I had no clue what to do next.
I joined a local and national writers’ groups. I navigated the
scary world of pitching to agents that first year after my I finished Leaving Oxford at the RWA National
Convention in Atlanta. The agents were kind enough to request my manuscript,
but suggested I was almost ready, but
not quite. Both agents also suggested I should join ACFW and get a critique
partner. I jumped in and acquired so many critique partners that I can’t even
remember all their names! I attended more conferences, took online craft
classes, and read books on the craft of writing. I can’t count how many times I
rewrote Leaving Oxford in the four
years I spent editing it. Meanwhile I wrote three other books in the series.
At some point, one agent suggested that I indie publish since
the market was so tight after Family Christian filed bankruptcy. The thought
terrified me, so I edited and pitched again at the ACFW Conference. And I
waited. Meanwhile, several of my critique partners were doing really well as
indie authors.
Finally, I asked one of them (Misty Beller) if she would
mentor me if I decided to go indie, and she agreed. And so I began researching
all that I would have to do to successfully indie publish.
I would need a good fiction editor (one specific to my genre)
and a good cover artist. I worked on my platform, newsletter, and Facebook
author page. I filed for copyrights and bought ISBNs. I filed my publishing
company name Southern Sun Press with the Secretary of State. I set up with the
tax commission—and so much more. My journey is not for everyone. Not all
writers want to own a business, but I’m happy to have my stories out there, and
I’ve earned a profit. But the amazing thing is when readers contact me or leave
a review saying that the story helped them when they were going through tough
times or that the novel was just what they needed at that moment in their faith
walk. That is the reason I write! To God be the glory!
I now have five novels published, and that first novel Leaving Oxford is currently free. Check
it out! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DJJKRJM
Southern Hearts Series ~ Book 1
Escaping
home to Oxford, Mississippi, seemed like a good idea. Until it wasn’t.
A year
after a tragic accident in Los Angeles flipped her world upside down,
advertising guru Sarah Beth LeClair is still hiding away in her charming
hometown of Oxford, Mississippi. And she may well be stuck there forever.
Suffering from panic attacks, she prays for healing. Instead, her answer comes
in the form of an arrogant football coach and an ugly puppy.
Former
celebrity college quarterback Jess McCoy dreamed of playing pro football. One
freak hit destroyed his chances. Although he enjoys his work as the
university’s offensive coordinator, his aspirations have shifted to coaching at
the highest level. His plans of moving up are finally coming together—until he
falls for a woman who won’t leave town.
As the deadline for Jess’s decision on his
dream career looms, the bars around Sarah Beth’s heart only grow stronger. But
it's time to make a decision about leaving Oxford.
Janet W. Ferguson grew up
in Mississippi and received a degree in Banking and Finance from the University
of Mississippi. She has served as a children’s minister and a church youth
volunteer. An avid reader, she worked as a librarian at a large public high
school. She writes humorous inspirational fiction for people with real lives
and real problems. Janet and her husband have two grown children, one really
smart dog, and a few cats that allow them to share the space.
I love to
hear from readers! You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, GoodReads,
Pinterest, Bookbub, or use the
contact page, or subscribe to my newsletter
on the Under
the Southern Sun page for exclusive book news and giveaways.
I also
contribute at Inspy Romance and Heartwings blogs once a month. Check out
the authors and prizes!
