Dig In for the Long Haul! By Sally Shupe

It’s June. Where has the time gone? Seems like just the other day it was February. As I thought about this, I got to thinking about where I stood with the goals I’d set in January.

Who’s Flying This Plane? by Linda Thompson

You could almost class it as a trope or archetype—the writer with hundreds of rejections. Every time I tell someone I’m a writer, the question seems to follow: “Have you experienced a lot of rejections, then?”

Yes, is the answer. It’s part of the game. And if you have a manuscript you’re shopping, you know the drill. The critique groups and classes and conferences and paid editors—and the learning process isn’t cheap, by the way! The query piles and hopeful meetings. The emailing of book proposals and samples and “fulls.” The waiting, waiting… waiting. And then, of course, another email conveying a polite rejection. 

It isn’t personal, although it’s wrenchingly hard not to take it that way.

Lord, aren’t you calling me to write? Don’t you want people to read this story?

If you’re reading this, I can guess the answer to that is a “yes.” But, here’s something I know. First and foremost, the Lord is using the ups and downs of your journey to call you into a deeper relationship with Himself. What an amazing honor! But being clay worked by the potter’s fingers doesn’t always feel good!

“Count it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials. For the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2-3) Hardships come to prove—and in many cases, improve—the quality of our faith. That’s the outcome that actually matters.

The Lord has spoken to me on a few occasions via “Mount Moriah moments.” Moments of deep discouragement where I questioned the calling. If my manuscript was my “child of promise,” if I picked it up because He had called me to it, was I ready to surrender it on His command as well?

If you’re a Christian writer, you’re probably familiar with Allen Arnold and his book, The Story of With. It’s an extended allegory of a creative who seeks self-actualization and worldly success, but without a deep partnership with her Heavenly Father. She ultimately learns that the endpoint is not the point. The real point is the journey—with God. 

My most discouraging “Mount Moriah moment” came a couple of years ago, when my first agent dropped me. I didn’t even know that was a thing! This person had been so generous to coach and mentor me through several revisions. Only a few months earlier my manuscript had garnered a significant industry award, which I know would not have happened without that agent’s guidance.

Award ceremony photo goes here. Caption: Me in 2016, at a big glam awards ceremony, the evening I was blessed to see my manuscript win the ACFW Genesis contest. Pinch me! But… still no path to publication.

I couldn’t fathom going through the querying process again. Lord, what are you telling me?

He was telling me what He tells us all. At the end of the day, it’s not about any earthly outcome. It’s about our relationship with Him. About relying on Him through the journey.

Today, my saga appears to have ended in what the world would call success. A respected agent (Wordserve Literary) and a three-book contract with a quality publisher. My debut novel, a World War II story inspired by true events from the Doolittle Raid of April, 1942, was released on December 1. And it’s a beautiful “book baby,” if I do say so myself! Thank you, Mountain Brook Ink! Plus, my street team has been wonderful, and the feedback from early readers and reviewers has been very heartening.

But! I have to tell you that the battle over who owns this book doesn’t go away, because it’s a battle between flesh and spirit. Each open door just moves the conflict to a new field. Two years ago, the wrestling with the Lord was over whether anyone would publish my—oops, His!—story. Now the question is whether anyone (or, rather, enough “anyones”) will read it. How does my one little book get attention amidst Amazon’s eight million titles?

As my husband likes to annoyingly point out: if it’s really His, won’t He bring the audience?

I’ll offer you a note of encouragement I often come back to. Naturally, during my lengthy journey to publication I meditated on scriptures on waiting. “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength” (Is 40:31), right? I noticed for the first time that the word for “wait” in this passage has a sense of being intertwined.

From the Complete Word Study Bible:

קָוָה qāwāh: A verb meaning to wait for, to look for, to hope for. The root meaning is that of twisting or winding a strand of cord or rope….

I should be so intertwined with my Lord that my will disappears into His! Didn’t Jesus also say something like this—something about abiding? “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (John 15:4)

At the end of the day, I’m not after book sales. Not really. I’m after spiritual fruit, right? I want the story to impact lives. That will only come through abiding in Jesus. Not through my own fleshly efforts to drive the book-marketing flywheel.

There’s no question that it’s the Lord who brought me this far. I’m waiting and praying to see what He will do through this novel, and future writing ventures. And if He should call me to put my WIP in a virtual drawer and my writing career on the altar (again)? Well, I think I’m ready for that too.

GIVEAWAY

I’m hosting my Grand Launch Giveaway until 12/31—still plenty of time to get in on the action! Click here for details on the prizes—including two beautiful coffee mugs, a hand-painted vintage silk scarf from Japan, and a copy of Unbroken: The Path to Redemption on DVD—and how to enter.

THE PLUM BLOOMS IN WINTER

“A taut, crisp debut achievement that colorfully evokes the Pacific theater of WWII. Start this one forewarned: it's a stay-up-all-night read."

- Jerry B. Jenkins, 21-time New York Times bestselling author (Left Behind, et al)

A Prostitute Seeks Her Revenge—In 1942, Miyako Matsuura cradled her little brother as he died on the sidewalk, a victim of the first U.S. bombing raid on Japan. By 1948, the war has reduced her to a street-hardened prostitute consumed by her shame.

A WWII Hero Finds His True Mission—Dave Delham makes military aviation history piloting a B-25 in the audacious Doolittle Raid. Forced to bail out over occupied China, he and his crew are captured by the Japanese and survive a harrowing P.O.W. ordeal. In 1948, he returns to Japan as a Christian missionary, determined to showcase Christ's forgiveness.

Convinced that Delham was responsible for the bomb that snuffed out her brother's life, Miyako resolves to restore her honor by avenging him--even if it costs her own life. But the huntress soon becomes hunted in Osaka's treacherous underworld. Miyako must outmaneuver a ruthless brothel owner, outwit gangs with competing plans to profit by her, and overcome betrayal by family and friends--only to confront a decision that will change everything.

Buy link: http://a.co/d/iSiOYNK

Linda Thompson stepped back from a corporate career that spanned continents to write what she loves–stories where reckless faith meets relentless redemption. Her recently launched debut novel, The Plum Blooms in Winter, is an A.C.F.W. Genesis award winner. Linda writes from the sun-drenched Arizona desert, where she lives with her husband, a third-generation airline pilot who doubles as her Chief Military Research Officer, two mostly-grown-up kids, and a small platoon of housecats. When Linda isn't writing, you'll find her rollerblading–yes, that does make her a throwback–taking in a majestic desert moonrise, or dreaming of an upcoming trip. She and her husband recently returned from a tour of Israel and Jordan and a visit to Wales.

Linda loves to connect with readers! Linda’s website: http://lthompsonbooks.com. Follow Linda on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads or Bookbub.

The Agent I Never Asked For! by Susan Tuttle

Susan Tuttle

We often think we know what we want, don’t we? Aren’t we glad God doesn’t often give it to us? Once I decided to take some serious steps in my writing career I knew I wanted an agent. And I set my sights on one alone.

That agent was up for Agent of the Year with ACFW that year. After looking up her bio, I decided she was who I wanted. I ran the idea by God, but didn’t fully listen to his answer. I was rather sure it was a “yes” anyway.

And you know, that agent was good. What I wanted was good. But I’d forgotten that God’s plans are best.

I won’t bore you with all the details, but bottom line is I never pursued my current agent  (I was too busy pursuing another). My work landed on her desk because of God and God alone. He arranged that we’d just “happen” to be at a small conference at the same time. And when she offered me representation, God challenged me to write out what exactly I wanted in an agent. My list included someone who believed in writing as a ministry. Who knew the market but also had faith that God gives stories and we better write the story he gives; we write for Him first and foremost. Someone who would challenge me to become a better writer, who’d be my biggest encourager, and who would have faith in me but an even bigger faith in God.

I could go on and on, but what you need to know is when I took her phone call and went over my list, her answers mirrored the answers I’d written down as I’d prayed with God. With peace and excitement in my heart, I accepted her offer of representation. God had provided the perfect agent for me even though I’d never asked for her. I’d asked for someone else. (I’ve since had the opportunity to find out the agent I’d thought I’d wanted approaches writing differently than my heart does. The fit never would have worked.)

I am so blessed that God doesn’t always give us what we ask for. Linda S. Glaz has blessed me over and over with her belief in God’s call on my life. With her prayer. With her knowledge and expertise. And this year she’s up for Agent of the Year. I cannot think of one person who deserves it more, and that’s not slighting the rest of the nominees, but I really do have the best agent around.

So for those of you getting ready to attend conference or querying agents right now. Put it in God’s hands. Prayerfully consider what you need in an agent. What is your heart’s desire? Have that discussion with God before you ever have it with an agent because he’s the author of your career. Take your eyes off what you think you want and ask him who he has for you. Then follow it, because trust me, his plans are always best.

Dora here. If you are represented by a literary agent, was your initial experience similar to Susan's? If not, would you care to share? 
Did you target a particular agent? What questions would be on your list before choosing to partner with an agent? What advice would you add?

****

Susan Tuttle is a homeschooling mom of three who is crazy about coffee, dark chocolate, and words—both reading and writing them. Combine that love of words with her passion for leading women to a life-changing encounter with Christ, and you’ll find her crafting Inspirational Contemporary Romance stories laced with humor, love, and healing transformations. When not cheering on her Ironman hubby, chasing the family dog, or tackling complex math problems to teach her kids (yes, even the third grader), you can catch Susan at her blog, Steps.

Advice on Finding and Working with a Literary Agent by Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck

Hey, writers! Annette here. Have you ever been in the market for an agent? I know some writers have found success without an agent. I also know how difficult it can be to get into the traditional publishing arena without one. Plus, all that publishing-contract legalese is rather intimidating, don't you think? Today, Rachel Hauck is back to share some helpful tips for finding the right agent for you. Read on!

Advice on Finding and Working with a Literary Agent

By Rachel Hauck

I wasn’t looking for an agent when an author and friend called after reading the opening chapter of my first chick lit. Enthusiastic, (don’t you love those calls?) she suggested I submit the work to her agent. After learning of the agent’s reputation and client list, I wholeheartedly agreed.

There’s a tendency to get in a hurry when seeking an agent. Seeing other authors pick up agents, sell trade books out of the gate, win awards. “What, am I wood? Am I standing still?”

My prayer has always been and remains, “Lord, You’re my editor, agent and promoter.”

I signed with my first agent in early ‘04. She really challenged me to go deeper in my writing and to keep reading and studying.

Yet, by mid-2007, I felt I was losing some momentum. I knew I needed help on how to increase my brand and visibility.

I began to pray about what to do—I was even willing for God to end my writing season—when I came across an agency that seemed keen on marketing and branding.

In the meantime, God opened a door for me to write with country artist Sara Evans. And then I changed agents. Closed my eyes, breathed in faith and jumped.

It was an interesting but a short season.

Through a series of interesting and fun events, the Lord led me to my next (and final) agent, Chip MacGregor.

I didn't set out to have more than one. I never wanted to agent shop or get disgruntled and change for the sake of change. An agent/client relationship is a living, breathing thing that must be maintained and treated like all relationships: with good communication.

Here’s my advice on finding or working with an agent:

1. Ask God to direct you to the right one. After talking with other writers, and watching the publishing world, it’s possible that some agents are wonderful for launching your career, but another agent will take you the rest of the way. Pray about your relationship with your agent.

2. Be professional. Do your homework. Follow agent blogs. Meet with agents at conferences. Talk to other authors about agents or agencies. Study agencies’ websites.

3. Whom does your potential agent represent? Look at their client list. Is this a good “field” for you? Do your research.

4. Attend conferences where you can meet agents. There are those HARD days when you need to talk to your agent about your career. You want to do that with confidence. Know you feel comfortable with this person. Your heart’s desire will be in their hands.

5. Don’t be afraid of hard words, of being told to go back and rework your proposal. Listen to the agent’s advice. Don’t fire back that they don’t know what they are talking about.

6. Ask any potential agent their philosophy on marketing and branding.  Since authors are required to do more and more social networking to boost sales, I think it behooves agents to be more marketing and promotions savvy. 

Finding an agent is fun and interesting, frustrating and hard. But hang in there. It’s better to have no agent than one who is wrong for you.

~~~~~

A March Bride

As part of  Zondervan's Year of Weddings novella series, A March Bride released in late February. 

Susanna has found her true prince, and their happily ever after is just around the corner. But when Nate asks her to give up something precious to her, Susanna can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that their love is not meant to be.

Susanna Truitt (Once Upon A Prince) is three weeks from royalty. She’ll soon marry King Nathaniel II of Brighton Kingdom. But when the government insists she renounce her American citizenship before the wedding, coupled with the lack of involvement by family and friends, Susanna’s heart begins to doubt whether this marriage is God's plan for her.
Nathaniel would do anything for his bride-to-be. But he knows his position requires that she give up a lot to be with him. Her life will never be her own---right down to her very identity. When she travels home to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, right before the wedding, Nathaniel fears she won’t return. Gathering his courage, he devises a plan to win his bride all over again, and together they seek out a kingdom to treasure above all.

~~~~~

Besides being an award-winning and best-selling author, Rachel Hauck is one of the mentors of MyBookTherapy. She leads worship and writes her royal tale from a turret! (true story) You can learn more about her here: 

Website: www.RachelHauck.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelhauck

Twitter: @RachelHauck