My Failure Landed on the Cover of My Book by Liz Johnson

We're gearing up for another year of inspiration on Seriously Write. On the first Wednesday of the year, I generally run the most popular Wednesday post from the previous year. For 2018, that's the October post by Liz Johnson. In case someone missed it--though judging by the hits, that's unlikely--here it is again. Happy New Year!! ~ Sandy

Something strange has been popping up on my book covers lately. I almost missed it when I first saw the final cover for my brand new release, A Sparkle of Silver. But lately I’ve noticed it on the ebooks for some of my earlier titles too. It’s a single line that might not mean much to some people. It means the world to me.

Bestselling Author of The Red Door Inn

It's so simple, but it nearly made me cry when I first realized it was there. Because The Red Door Inn, the first in my Prince Edward Island Dreams series, almost wasn't.

In 2012, I wrote a proposal for a book set on PEI—a book that was decidedly not The Red Door Inn. And, boy, did it rack up rejections. Like amazing ones! A particularly scathing rejection from a major house left me wondering if I was a writing fraud.

It was my editor at Revell (before she was my editor), who suggested I write about the inn from my original proposal. So I did. I whipped the book out in six weeks for an editor at another house, who was about to go on maternity leave. She rejected it.

So did the editor at Revell. 

My contemporary romance didn't fit into the market's needs. The industry didn't think it would sell. So I went back to writing romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. I’d been writing for them for a few years already, and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I had stories I knew wouldn’t fit in their line. But I tucked my precious book baby onto a shelf and tried really hard not to feel like a failure. 

And then the strangest thing happened. About a year later, my agent called me. That editor at Revell was looking for a contemporary romance. Was I interested in sending The Red Door Inn back for consideration? Yes, but . . . I was scared.

And then God whispered to me, "Don't be afraid."

I still was. But I tried to think about His plan and not about the committees meeting to talk about my little book. The one they'd already deemed unworthy.

Well, Revell decided to publish that book, and somewhere along the way it hit a bestseller list or two, received a Christy award nomination, and generally did things I never expected. Why?

Because God is faithful. Because God redeems the things we think are failures. He put that story in my heart, and He also opened every door for it to become what it has. 

Maybe you're a writer struggling to finish your first or tenth manuscript. Maybe you’ve racked up enough rejections to paper your walls. Maybe you’re exhausted and just looking for some rest. Whatever your struggle, God knows it, and He'll redeem it for your good and His glory.

And sometimes He even stamps what you once thought was your biggest failure on the cover of a book to remind you: He's not finished with you yet.

~~~~~~

Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver and The Red Door Inn—a Christy Award finalist—as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. Marketing manager for a Christian film company, she makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.

My Failure Landed on the Cover of My Book by Liz Johnson

Something strange has been popping up on my book covers lately. I almost missed it when I first saw the final cover for my brand new release, A Sparkle of Silver. But lately I’ve noticed it on the ebooks for some of my earlier titles too. It’s a single line that might not mean much to some people. It means the world to me.

Bestselling Author of The Red Door Inn

It's so simple, but it nearly made me cry when I first realized it was there. Because The Red Door Inn, the first in my Prince Edward Island Dreams series, almost wasn't.

In 2012, I wrote a proposal for a book set on PEI—a book that was decidedly not The Red Door Inn. And, boy, did it rack up rejections. Like amazing ones! A particularly scathing rejection from a major house left me wondering if I was a writing fraud.

It was my editor at Revell (before she was my editor), who suggested I write about the inn from my original proposal. So I did. I whipped the book out in six weeks for an editor at another house, who was about to go on maternity leave. She rejected it.

So did the editor at Revell. 

My contemporary romance didn't fit into the market's needs. The industry didn't think it would sell. So I went back to writing romantic suspense for Love Inspired Suspense. I’d been writing for them for a few years already, and while I thoroughly enjoyed it, I had stories I knew wouldn’t fit in their line. But I tucked my precious book baby onto a shelf and tried really hard not to feel like a failure. 

And then the strangest thing happened. About a year later, my agent called me. That editor at Revell was looking for a contemporary romance. Was I interested in sending The Red Door Inn back for consideration? Yes, but . . . I was scared.

And then God whispered to me, "Don't be afraid."

I still was. But I tried to think about His plan and not about the committees meeting to talk about my little book. The one they'd already deemed unworthy.

Well, Revell decided to publish that book, and somewhere along the way it hit a bestseller list or two, received a Christy award nomination, and generally did things I never expected. Why?

Because God is faithful. Because God redeems the things we think are failures. He put that story in my heart, and He also opened every door for it to become what it has. 

Maybe you're a writer struggling to finish your first or tenth manuscript. Maybe you’ve racked up enough rejections to paper your walls. Maybe you’re exhausted and just looking for some rest. Whatever your struggle, God knows it, and He'll redeem it for your good and His glory.

And sometimes He even stamps what you once thought was your biggest failure on the cover of a book to remind you: He's not finished with you yet.

~~~~~~

Liz Johnson is the author of more than a dozen novels, including A Sparkle of Silver and The Red Door Inn—a Christy Award finalist—as well as a New York Times bestselling novella and a handful of short stories. Marketing manager for a Christian film company, she makes her home in Phoenix, Arizona.

Making Your Deadline Work For You by Liz Johnson

I sometimes work really well under pressure, how about you? Read on for Liz Johnson's tips on making deadlines work for you. ~ Annette

Making Your Deadline Work For You

by Liz Johnson

Today, let’s wrap up this four-part series on deadlines. By now you know how important they are, how to set one that works for you, and even have plenty of tools to make sure you meet it. Deadlines don’t have to be feared, and in fact, they can be something to look forward to.

Three words. MOTIVATION. MOTIVATION. MOTIVATION.

Your deadline should be a motivator for you to sit down at your computer and get your manuscript written. It should be a gentle nudge keeping you on track and the voice in your head reminding you to get your word count in for the day.

After all, by this time we’ve figured out how to meet our deadlines drama-free. That date isn’t looming in front of us, taunting and teasing us. It’s pushing us to achieve what we know we can. To do our very best. It’s the banner at the end of the race telling us that we’re almost to the end.

I’ve only ever run one road race in my life. It was a 5K in July in Nashville, TN. Do you know the best part of that race?

The orange slices they gave us when we crossed the finish line. I’m not usually a big citrus lover, but those oranges were especially sweet—because I’d worked so hard for them.

Do you need to dangle a reward on the other side of your deadline? Maybe you don’t, but I sure do. When I reach my milestone, I celebrate. And unlike those oranges, I don’t make it a surprise. From the start I hang a prize at the end of the race and run (or write) as hard as I can to to get to it.

I recently turned in the manuscript for my fourth novel, and I was thrilled. Not just to turn it in, but also because I’d promised myself a trip to visit some friends to celebrate. The trip was wonderfully refreshing and so good for my soul. And it was all the sweeter because there wasn’t a late manuscript dangling over my head.

Celebrate your victories. Even the little celebrations can give you a boost toward your next goal.

Like setting your goal and making a plan, your celebration will probably be unique to you. Some of you male writers out there might not enjoy a spa trip. Maybe a fishing getaway is more up your alley. Maybe you’ll treat yourself to a five-course-meal or a date night with your special someone. Maybe you’ll just give yourself a week off from writing (I confess that I did this, too).

Along with sweet oranges, another unexpected part of that July 5K was a sudden burst the last quarter of a mile. I could hear the crowd, and I felt the surge of adrenaline propelling me forward before I even turned the last corner. Many writers experience the same last-minute rush.

A few weeks ago I was talking with a friend, who has published nine novels, and is under contract for her next three. The first in her new series is due in about six weeks, and she’s only about half way done. When I asked her if she felt like she was in good shape to finish it by her deadline, she said she was. “I write better under pressure.”

I think a lot of us write better under pressure. With that deadline looming we push out all distractions, focusing intensely on the story before us. I always like what I write at the end of a story better than the beginning for just that reason. It isn’t cluttered or distracted. I know right where I’m going, and I’m moving toward those two little words: The End.

If you’re like my friend and I, make your deadline work for you. Make it propel you toward your very best.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this month on deadlines. It’s not a four-letter word and shouldn’t be dreaded or feared. Keep it in its place and use it to meet your goals, celebrating each one along the way. Best of luck on your writing journey.

What do you do to celebrate the big and little writing victories? Do you write better under pressure? Do you have any other questions about writing under deadlines as we wrap up this series?

~~~~~

Liz Johnson is a five-time deadline survivor and a New York Times bestselling author, who makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she works in marketing for a major Christian publisher. She loves great stories in nearly any format: books, movies, and interpretive dances. Her last novel was Code of Justice, and her next, A Promise to Protect, is scheduled to release late in 2012. Follow her adventures in publishing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com or on twitter @lizjohnsonbooks.

Setting Deadlines that Work by Liz Johnson

Maybe you've had to meet several deadlines over your writing career. Or maybe meeting writing deadlines is new for you. Suddenly an editor is counting on you, or your agent is waiting. Thankfully, because you're an integral part of the process, you often get a say when it comes to due dates. Liz Johnson is back today with some practical advice for setting helpful deadlines. Read on! ~ Annette

Setting Deadlines that Work

by Liz Johnson

Last week we talked about why it’s important to meet your deadlines. There are lots of reasons to make it a priority in your writing, but did you know that you have a say in your deadlines? Yep. At virtually every level of writing, you have some say in when your project is due. At the very least, you have the power to decline an opportunity if the due date isn’t within your capabilities.

Before we dive in, let’s briefly cover a few of the opportunities that might arise for writers (especially of books) to identify specific deadlines for completing full manuscripts, sample chapters, and/or proposals.

1. An upcoming writers’ conference, for which you may want to finish a proposal or manuscript in case an editor or agent requests it.

2. A request from your agent for a new proposal.

3. Suggested dates included in your proposal that you could turn in a manuscript if offered a contract.

4. And the big kahuna, you’ve been offered a book contract, and must sign a contract with a date that you’ll turn your manuscript(s) in. (Many publishers will suggest deadlines, but they may ask for your input in setting due dates too.)

Of course, there are plenty of other personal reasons for setting a deadline. Maybe you’re trying to get a manuscript in order for your critique group or simply to prove to yourself that you can finish a manuscript.

I’d also like to point out that deadlines shouldn’t be set for dreams. Dreams are things that we work toward, but ultimately we don’t control. Goals are things we can control. For example, finishing your manuscript is a goal that you might want to set a deadline for. Getting a contract from a traditional publisher for that manuscript is a dream, ultimately not in your control. It will happen in God’s timing, not in anyone else’s. So set deadlines for goals. And keep dreaming, but don’t pressure yourself to make your dreams come true by a certain date. Keep working on the things you can control.

Back to the many reasons you might have for a deadline, there’s a lot to consider before you commit to a specific date. There isn’t a perfect formula or a guaranteed best choice. Rather, you have to ask yourself a series of questions and then make your best educated guess. The more questions you ask, the better you’ll be able to identify your individual optimal date.

Here's a list of questions to ask before committing to a deadline:

1. Do you have any foreseeable life changes coming up? Are you planning to get married, have a baby, or make a major move?

2. What does the publisher need? Are they looking to fill a specific slot? I recently read an article about an author who sat next to an editor at a writers’ conference. Their conversation quickly turned to a possible project related to the anniversary of an historic event. As it turns out, the editor was looking for just such a book, but in order to release it in time for the anniversary, it needed to be turned in right away. You know that author had to weigh her options carefully before committing to turn around a book in a few short weeks.

3. What other projects have you already committed to? How much time will they take?

4. How fast can you write? I have a friend who types 100 words per minute. I type about 60wpm, but often have to stop and think things through as I write. So naturally it takes me a little longer to write than some others. But I know I can finish a 55,000 word book in about three months. That’s my general rule of thumb. Yours will be unique to you, and your style.

5. How much research do you need to do to write this book? Does it require interviewing professionals or traveling to a distant locale?

6. Do you need to add a bit of padding? I always give myself at least an extra couple weeks beyond what I guess I’ll need. This gives me time to revise and run past a crit partner before turning in my project. It also gives me a little leeway in case of an unforeseen emergency. I learned this from my 8th grade English teacher. She suggested that if a project was due on the 10th, write it on your calendar to be due on the 7th or 8th. I’ve used that tip all through my career, and it helps me feel confident knowing that I have a little cushion just in case.


What are other questions you ask before setting target dates for your writing? What are some other occasions you’ve set writing deadlines?

Next week, we’ll talk strategy for meeting your deadlines. Let’s make sure that even when the unexpected strikes you have the tools to get your writing done and your project turned in drama-free. See you then!

~~~~~

Liz Johnson is a five-time deadline survivor and a New York Times bestselling author, who makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she works in marketing for a major Christian publisher. She loves great stories in nearly any format: books, movies, and interpretive dances. Her last novel was Code of Justice, and her next, A Promise to Protect, is scheduled to release late in 2012. Follow her adventures in publishing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com or on twitter @lizjohnsonbooks.

Deadline is not a Four-Letter Word by Liz Johnson

When was the last time you had to meet a deadline? How much did you sweat it? After the March madness of meeting one on the 15th ,I'm hopeful that the process gets easier with experience. Thankfully, we've got writer friends here at Seriously Write to encourage us as we race toward the finish line. This month, Liz Johnson is visiting to share some tips on meeting deadlines. Read on! ~ Annette

Deadline is Not a Four-Letter Word 

by Liz Johnson

If you’re a writer or spend any time around one—or even just follow one on twitter—you’re going to hear that dreaded word. The one that seems to imply all sorts of evil in the writing community. You know the one I’m talking about.

Deadline.

I mean, it even starts with the word dead. Could it be any more ominous? As writers we’re taught to fear it, loathe it, and—in some circles—curse it. I don’t know about you, but I’ve never heard any writer talk about her deadline with stars in her eyes and joy in her heart.

“Oh, Diane, I’m so excited about my deadline! It’s looming out there like a beautiful sunset. Isn’t it gorgeous?”

“Umm … I guess?”

“I know! It’s fantastic! And only three weeks away. I can’t wait for it to get here. It’s been ages since we set the date, and it’s almost here. I’m so excited for it to arrive!”

You ever hear a conversation like that? Me neither. Why? Because we’ve been trained to dread the deadline.

But as a recent survivor of a deadline, I’m here to tell you that it’s not a four-letter word. No crying or cursing required. A bit of sweat and a whole lot of work? Oh, yeah. That is definitely necessary to meet your deadline. But you can make it, and you can make it work for you.

At my very first writer’s conference back in 2004, I heard that 90% of writers (that’s across genres and outlets) miss their deadlines. I have zero documentation to support this statistic, but after six years working in the publishing industry, I’m sure it can’t be far from the truth. Some writers treat deadlines like a suggestion or a wishful goal. But there are very real reasons to turn in your project on time.

Here are five of my favorite reasons to make your deadline:

1. It tells your publisher you’re serious about this project. Publishing is a business, so show your editor that you’re a professional by turning in your manuscript on time or even—dare I say it—early.

2. It builds a reputation with your editor and in the publishing community. There are enough writers not making their deadlines, that those who do are noticed. You may not be able to choose if you click with an editor, personality-wise, but you can choose to build your reputation with him or her as a timely writer.

3. It shows respect for everyone else on the team. A lot of hands touch a project before publication. There are editors, proofreaders, designers (both interior and cover), and production folks just to name a few. Long before you turn in your project, they’ve set up a schedule that allows them to get your project out on time. Missing your deadline throws their schedules off, too.

4. It frees you from the fifth circle of perfection. Thankfully (or maybe not) I was never blessed with that perfection gene, but I know many a friend who is. Maybe you know those writers, too, who revise and revise and revise and could keep going forever, because it’s just not quite perfect. Turning in your project frees you from the endless cycle and lets someone with an outside perspective help you make it even better.

5. It forms a habit. This can be especially important for writers working toward publication. Practice meeting your deadlines, and you’ll learn to keep it up year after year, book after published book.

Whether you’re writing a book, magazine article, or newspaper story, meeting your deadline is an important part of the process for new and established writers. Over the next three Mondays, let’s explore how to set deadlines, meeting those deadlines, and finally making your deadline work for you.

What other reasons can you think of for meeting writing deadlines? Have you experienced any positive results for meeting deadlines in the past?

See you next week!

~~~~~

Liz Johnson is a five-time deadline survivor and a New York Times bestselling author, who makes her home in Nashville, TN, where she works in marketing for a major Christian publisher. She loves great stories in nearly any format: books, movies, and interpretive dances. Her last novel was Code of Justice, and her next, A Promise to Protect, is scheduled to release late in 2012. Follow her adventures in publishing at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com or on twitter @lizjohnsonbooks.

My Success Story by Liz Johnson

Dawn and I met Liz at the recent ACFW conference in Denver and immediately connected. While we sat together at a meal, we discovered she's newly published. Dawn asked her if she'd like to appear on the blog and share her success story. This Fortifying Friday, please welcome new author Liz Johnson to Seriously Write. And may you be encouraged by her story.

My Success Story
Liz Johnson

My first novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, is all Kelly Blewett’s fault.

I met Kelly in the fall of 2006 when I moved to Colorado Springs. We worked together as publicity assistants, and as we spent an inordinate amount of time together, I found in her a kindred spirit, another book lover. We spent hours together talking about our favorite stories.

And then one day in the office workroom, I mentioned that I’d started working on a novel. Well, actually I was just playing around with it, but Kelly demanded to know what my story was about. I was hesitant to tell her too much. After all, writing a real novel had always seemed like an unattainable dream. Sure I loved to write. I just didn’t have the skill to really put a book together or the discipline to complete it.

Kelly begged to differ, so I told her about a woman named Kenzie who taught a GED class in a prison and the prisoner who kidnapped her. The details were still fuzzy, but the characters spoke to my heart.

I told Kelly I didn’t have the time or energy to write. I worked full-time and was still trying to get settled into a new city. She disagreed. Despite my excuses and doubts about my own abilities, she became my accountability buddy. “Did you write last night?” was her daily greeting. I couldn’t let her down, so I found myself setting up a calendar and writing at least three nights a week.

After three months, I looked up to discover a completed manuscript. In October of 2007 I sent off my unsolicited proposal to Steeple Hill. My chances were slim. I knew that, but I still held my breath, and Kelly held my hand as we waited to hear back.

In December I heard back. They couldn’t accept my manuscript. There was a major plot point that didn’t meet their guidelines.

But I could fix that.

So I sent a thank you note saying that I was willing to make the required change.

Two weeks later came a letter requesting to see the full manuscript. Oops! I still had to make that change. So I disappeared for a couple days until the problem was solved. Or so I thought.

The editor at Steeple Hill liked it. But not enough to offer a contract. Would I make more changes? I was happy to.

We went back and forth like that until July 2008, at which point I was so tired and just wanted a resolution. I was in Orlando on a business trip with Kelly when I received a voicemail from my editor. Would I call her back right away? Waiting for a spare moment to return that call was one of the longest days of my life.

When I was finally able to make that call, I sat on the floor with my knees up to my chin, hands shaking so badly that I almost couldn’t read the notes I was taking.

A year later, my first novel hit the store shelves. And in that book is a little, white dog named Henry—just like Kelly Blewett’s own pup. I added Henry to the book to thank her in some small way for speaking truth into my life when I couldn’t see passed my own doubts.

Without Kelly I would never have written the story God placed in my heart. So, you see, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn is all her fault.

Liz Johnson writes about love and such from her home in Colorado Springs. By day she’s a full-time book publicist. By night she’s a writer, ice skater, and lover of the theater. She enjoys making frequent trips to Arizona to dote on her nephew and nieces. Her first novel, The Kidnapping of Kenzie Thorn, is available now from Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense. Her second novel, Vanishing Act, is due out in September 2010. Visit her online at www.lizjohnsonbooks.com.