The Ups and Downs of the Writing Journey by Narelle Atkins

When I was a pre-published writer, I learned from more experienced writers that the writing journey is not for the feint of heart.

For writers seeking traditional publishing opportunities, the arrival of rejection letters becomes a normal part of the process. The rejection letters with constructive feedback provide a glimmer of hope that a future contract offer is possible.

For writers seeking independent (indie) publishing opportunities, there’s a steep learning curve in not only how to write well, but in learning all the steps involved in the publishing process.

I sold my first book to Harlequin Heartsong Presents in 2013 in a six-book contract. My debut contemporary inspirational romance released in February 2014, and I had a book releasing every three months until May 2015. In 2013 I also signed with my agent, Steve Laube, after meeting him at an ACFW conference appointment.

It was a busy eighteen months, from signing the contract in March 2013 to submitting book 6 to my editor in September 2014. And then it happened...

In November 2014, the month my fourth book released, Harlequin announced they were cancelling the Heartsong Presents line. I was fortunate to have all six books release before the cancellation date, but what next?

By 2014 many of my author friends had dipped their toes into the indie publishing world. I decided to join them. I released my seventh book in a multi-author box set in mid-2015, followed by two more box set novella releases in 2016.

2016 and 2017 were hard years from a writing perspective. Family commitments arose that limited my ability to write. I started a new day job in early 2016 with longer hours. I reached a point in 2017 where I was prepared to walk away from my writing. I was overwhelmed with life, in general, and I couldn’t see how I could add writing deadlines into my busy schedule.

I prayed and I waited. The answer I received was to persevere and keep going. The characters in my head started talking again, and I embarked on writing a new novella, Solo Tu, for an indie group project.

In 2017 I participated in a Writing Immersion retreat with Margie Lawson, and I’ll be attending another Immersion later this year. I made the decision to hold off on re-publishing my out-of-print Heartsong backlist. I want to update the stories before I indie publish them.

I’ve learned to be content with my writing journey, and to wait on His timing. My backlist will be available for new readers when the timing is right.

Have you experienced unexpected twists and turns in your writing journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

~~~~~

A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, NARELLE ATKINS was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia.

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God's Strength by Laura V. Hilton

Laura V. Hilton

It’s been a trying day. Things didn’t go as planned at all. I’d gathered everything I needed for the DMV office. My van had totally died; we needed a new-to-us van. God provided one. Got to the DMV. Standing room only. I stand there an hour. Waiting. Waiting. Waiting.

And then found out that the dealer I’d bought my new-to-me vehicle from didn’t fill out the paperwork right. I have to go to the dealership. Talk to the office. Get something signed.

I am ready to cry. As tears pool on my lashes, I remind myself that it is good I didn’t go to the DMV I’d planned to stop at. Because then I would’ve had to drive fifty miles to go to the dealership. But still. Somebody has to cry. I tell that to my three daughters who are with me. One of them is helping me walk because my bad knee wants to buckle after standing so long. They say, “We’ll cry, Mama. You have to drive.”

Right. No time to fall apart. Not now.

I get the paper signed. And rediscover that they have cokes at the dealership. I need the pick-me-up more than I know when I return to the DMV and learn the original one hour long wait has doubled.

Doubled! I can’t stand there another hour. Let alone two! And no one believes in giving up their seats anymore. Not for the elderly, not for women. An eighty-year-old man was there, leaning on a cane shaking as he stands—and no one offers him their seat. I would’ve if I could. I can’t. I have none.

I am praying that God will help me keep my balance as I near the end of my wait. I pray this time, the papers I have are enough. I didn’t think to pray I’d have enough to pay for it.

No one mentions sales tax will need to be paid at the DMV. For some reason, I’d thought that was part of the purchase amount we paid. Silly me.

I didn’t have enough. I was short one hundred dollars. But I write the check anyway, knowing where that missing money is. Knowing I can go home, go on-line and transfer money and it’ll be there.

I am too tired to go to the grocery store and shop. I am shaking too badly. My knee buckles with every step I take. And I am getting a headache from the stress.

I go home. Sit to rest a few minutes while I eat lunch. And God gives me this.

“God is faithful. He is faithful. He is faithful.
God is not unaware of our need.
God’s provided in the past. He will again.
God knew this was coming before we did. He has answers prepared already.
God won’t abandon us in trying times. He draws us nearer. Nearer. Nearer.”
~~Cynthia Ruchti, Tattered and Mended, page 22

So many things this can apply to. In my life, my prodigal son. Unexpected time and money spent at the DMV. My strength.

Right now I am leaning on God. I need His strength to get me through whatever each day brings. I am drawing nearer to Him, resting my head on His shoulder, and while not crying, exactly, I’m pouring out my hurts. Anger. Frustration. Money woes.

It’s wonderful how God ministers right when I need it. Reaching out to me with the words I need, when I need it.

How has God ministered to you today?

About the Author

Laura V. Hilton

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard, and The Bird House in September 2015. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

The Postcard (from Promised to Another)

The Post Card
by Laura V. Hilton

David Lapp survived a “code blue” when he was in a buggy/semi truck accident in Seymour, Missouri. Now after extensive therapy he has lingering mobility problems and is still struggling to find his place in the world. Lured away from Webster County by thoughts of closed buggies and a postcard friendship he’s developed with an Amish girl in Jamesport, he moves north, hoping for a fresh start. He finds work in the area tying flies and basket weaving, selling his products in the Amish markets in the Jamesport area.

Rachel Miller dreams of travel, but feels tied to her Amish life. She is being courted by Obadiah Graber, but wonders if there’s more to life. When she sees David’s name mentioned in The Budget, she strikes up a pen pal friendship with David while he’s in the hospital and in therapy, consoling him when he and his girlfriend part ways. She never dreams that David will come north and move into her community. David is still fearful in the buggy, especially in high traffic areas. Feeling he’s called by God to preach, David spends hours in the Bible, but the Amish discourage him, believing their ministers should be drawn by lot. Will David follow his call, even if it takes him out of the Amish church? Will Rachel realize her dream to travel?

Waiting by Laura V. Hilton

Laura V. Hilton

I’m talking about publishing in this, but you can apply it to anything.

Back in the day when I first dreamed of getting an agent and getting published, it seemed an insurmountable effort. I had to wait—wait for an agent to believe in me enough to sign me. Wait for a publisher to like my story—and then wait while they took it to committee to decide if it will be a good fit for their publishing company. So many times, my hopes rose—just to crash face first in the dirt.

Now, it isn’t such a big deal. A publisher doesn’t want your book? Self-publish. You have control of everything. Or maybe a publisher does want your book, but you love absolute control. Or maybe… the genre you write isn’t what publishers are buying. They loved your previous books, your fans are clamoring for more, but the publisher doesn’t want to take the risk.

For those of us who want our books traditionally published, it is difficult to wait on the Lord. To wait on the publisher. Yet so often we must do this for our stories. Sometimes we must be patient while we seek the Lord’s guidance about whether to continue seeking traditional publishing or to self-publish.

I’ve looked for some insights about patiently waiting on the Lord. Maybe they’ll encourage you…

“Patience means living out the belief that God orders everything for the spiritual good of His children.” – J. I. Packer

“Grin and bear it is old-fashioned advice, but sing and bear it is a great deal better.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

“Patience does not just grin and bear things, stoic-like, but accepts them cheerfully as therapeutic workouts planned by a heavenly trainer who is resolved to get you up to full fitness.” – J. I. Packer

“Are we prepared to take the awful patient ways of God? We must not be infected by the world’s valuation of either speed or success.” – John B. Phillips

“The trouble is that I’m in a hurry, But God isn’t.” – Phillips Brooks, Boston Pastor

“I’m extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end.” – Margaret Thatcher

“Patience and passage of time do more than strength and fury.” – Jean De La Fontaine, Poet

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” – Leo Tolstroy, Novelist

“Our patience will achieve more than our force.” – Edmund Burke

“With time and patience the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.” – Chinese proverb

“Wait on the Lord, be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!” – Psalm 27:14

Are you waiting on something? Are you tired of waiting?

While you wait, apply meaningful waiting . . . spend time in prayer, talk with mentors about the situation, meditate on scripture, start a NEW project while you wait on answers to the current one . . .

About the Author

Award winning author, Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and three of their children make their home in Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor. Laura also has two adult children.

Her publishing credits include three books in the Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House: Patchwork Dreams, A Harvest of Hearts (winner of the 2012 Clash of the Titles Award in two categories), and Promised to Another. The Amish of Webster County series, Healing Love (finalist for the 2013 Christian Retail Awards). Surrendered Love and Awakened Love followed by her first Christmas novel, A White Christmas in Webster County, as well as a three book Amish series with Whitaker House, The Amish of Jamesport series, The Snow Globe, The Postcard in April 2015, and The Bird House in September 2015. Other credits include Swept Away from Abingdon Press. Laura is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and a professional book reviewer.

Connect with Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Laura-V.-Hilton/e/B004IRSM5Q
visit her blogs: http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/ & http://lauravhilton.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @Laura_V_Hilton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Laura-V-Hilton/161478847242512
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/vernetlh/

The Postcard
by Laura V. Hilton

The Postcard (from Promised to Another)
David Lapp survived a “code blue” when he was in a buggy/semi truck accident in Seymour, Missouri. Now after extensive therapy he has lingering mobility problems and is still struggling to find his place in the world. Lured away from Webster County by thoughts of closed buggies and a postcard friendship he’s developed with an Amish girl in Jamesport, he moves north, hoping for a fresh start. He finds work in the area tying flies and basket weaving, selling his products in the Amish markets in the Jamesport area.

Rachel Miller dreams of travel, but feels tied to her Amish life. She is being courted by Obadiah Graber, but wonders if there’s more to life. When she sees David’s name mentioned in The Budget, she strikes up a pen pal friendship with David while he’s in the hospital and in therapy, consoling him when he and his girlfriend part ways. She never dreams that David will come north and move into her community. David is still fearful in the buggy, especially in high traffic areas. Feeling he’s called by God to preach, David spends hours in the Bible, but the Amish discourage him, believing their ministers should be drawn by lot. Will David follow his call, even if it takes him out of the Amish church? Will Rachel realize her dream to travel?

Three Things Writing Has Taught Me by Kimberly Rose Johnson

Kimberly Rose Johnson

When I began my writing journey in 2006, I knew I needed to learn the craft of writing, but I didn’t expect some of the other lessons I’ve learned along the way. Here are three things writing has taught me.

1. Patience

There have been many lessons learned over the past eight years, but the biggest lesson for me was patience. By nature I am not a patient person, but I had to change or lose my mind because the publishing industry’s philosophy seems to be hurry up and wait and wait and wait. LOL

When my first book, The Christmas Promise, was contracted in the summer of 2012, I had to wait until November of 2013 to see it in print. It seemed like an eternity. In reality it was relatively quick compared to what some writers experience.

2. God is in Control

I learned that God is in control—not me. That lesson took me too many years to grasp.

I am a take-charge kind of person and I have to hold myself back often. I tend to run ahead of the Lord if I’m not careful. I wonder if that has anything to do with patience. Anyway, once I finally grasped that God is my manager and nothing is going to happen unless He says so, then I finally let go and stopped stressing over my lack of a contract.

The funny thing was once I stopped trying to do it on my own, I was offered that elusive contract and not just for one book, but three.

3. It’s not about me

I write because I love the process, and I am happiest when writing. I judge whether a day was good by how much writing I accomplished, but when all is said and done it’s not about me. It’s about the story, the craft, and for me, the ministry.

Remembering that it’s not about me is key to all the other things I’ve learned. I cannot focus on me, but I must focus on Him. When I do that everything else falls into place.

In conclusion, my journey has been one of ups and downs. There were times when I wondered if I was wasting my time, even though there was nothing else I’d rather be doing than write. I’ve developed wonderful friendships through this process and have expanded my world considerably.
I’m not the same person I was eight years ago when as a stay-at-home-mom/piano teacher I started writing. I’ve traveled to several states for writer’s conferences, learned to use the Internet and email, learned a craft I was clueless about, became bold in my faith, and I’m more open to people and new experiences than I used to be.

I’m thankful that I didn’t receive a book contract soon after I started writing, but instead had small successes I could hold onto that encouraged me to keep growing and learning. The process gave me time to be molded into a person who can handle the stresses of writing professionally. God knew what He was doing.

I’m still on the journey and look forward to what ever the Lord has for me.

What lessons have you learned on your writing journey? Share with us by leaving a comment below.

About the Author

MEGHAN BLACK HAS FINALLY MET HER MATCH

A Match for Meghan
by Kimberly Rose Johnson

The veterinary assistant never backs down from a dare…and what greater challenge than finding die-hard bachelor Ben Young his ideal mate? But what's an incurable Cupid to do when the handsome vet turns the tables and asks her out?

Ben is perfectly content with his single life. And he figures there's only one way to get the petite dynamo to quit her matchmaking—date her himself! But his plan backfires when he realizes that Meghan could be The One. Can he convince a woman who believes in happy endings for everyone but herself that he's her Mr. Right?

Kimberly Rose Johnson holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, teenage son, and their yellow lab. She writes heartwarming Christian romance for Heartsong Presents and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She enjoys taking long walks with her husband and dog, reading, dark chocolate and time with friends.

You may contact Kimberly via her website at http://kimberlyrjohnson.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kimberlyrosejoh

Available at: Amazon, Christianbooks.com and Barnes and Noble

Persistence...Does It Payoff? by Dora Hiers

Image courtesy of Bing.com

Soon after we married, my husband and I began praying for different jobs so we could leave Florida. The constant ninety degree temperatures left me fatigued, and both of us longed for cooler climates. We prayed. And prayed. God told us no...for twenty years.

We'd walk in the evenings, sweat dripping down our necks and backs, sharing our dreams, and talking about where we might live. Sometimes when we felt particularly discouraged, when it didn't feel that God was listening to our prayers, He'd open up a door. An interview, just enough encouragement to keep us knocking on heaven's gate.

In 2007, God finally called us into our promised land, North Carolina, a land flowing with milk and hon...er, seasons. Where trees bud and leaves flutter softly to the ground in a gentle breeze. Where we could tug on sweaters and long pants, instead of the usual shorts and flip flops. Where we learned to appreciate snow and four-wheel drive.

What if we'd given up praying for our dream? Would God have given up on us? No. But He might not have blessed us so abundantly. He moved us smack into the middle of NASCAR country! Hubby thinks he's already in heaven!

Jesus shared the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18, instructing us to "always pray and not give up" and that God wants to bring justice to His chosen ones, the ones who cry out to Him continually.

Many of us started writing with only our dreams. Years stretch into decades, and as we walk the path, sweat drips down our backs. We're fatigued, worn out from sending queries and proposals, and the constant rejections seem to be the only answer to our prayers.

What does God call us to do?

I believe He gave us our marching orders.

Pray. Pray. Pray. Don't give up. Cry out to Him continually.

What if your promised land is right around the next query letter?

What about you? 
Are you weary from the long journey?

Have you considered quitting? What, or who, has kept you going?

Purchase Link

Devastated after the brutal murder of her husband, Chelsea Hammond vows never to love another lawman. Intent on rebuilding her shattered life, she turns her focus to helping troubled teens. But when an angry father bent on retaliation, threatens her, Chelsea must turn to the one man she never thought to trust: Deputy U.S. Marshal Trey Colten.

Trey wants only to protect Chelsea, but she blames him for her husband’s death. Trey can relate. He blames himself, also. As danger lurks, Trey begs Chelsea to heed his warnings. He let down one Hammond. He won’t let down another—especially one who now holds his heart.

When Chelsea is snatched from her home, can she put aside her fear, and trust Trey with her life? Can she forgive him for destroying her past and let him help to rebuild her future?

Where one journey ends, another begins…

Dora Hiers is a multi-published author of Heart Racing, God-Gracing romances. She’s a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the Treasurer for ACFW-Charlotte Chapter. Connect with her here on Seriously Write, her personal blog, Twitter, Facebook or Pinterest.

Writing Through – The Emotional List by Angela E. Arndt

Angela E. Arndt

This began as a post directed toward those writers who struggle with chronic illness, but as I wrote, I realized that these points apply to any writer. There comes a time in our writing life when we think we've reached bottom. We want to quit. We think there's no place for us. But before we throw away our adverbs and delete our weasel words, let's try focusing on these nouns for just a bit:

Contentment

We all have a tendency to compare yourself with others: number of books published, awards and good reviews received. (And yes, Christians do this, too!) Something I’ve learned is that everyone doesn't produce at the same rate. Some may produce two books a year, while other may take two years for one book.

But what if we looked at our writings another way? What if we were grateful for whatever we're able to write? A very wise woman (waving at Reba J. Hoffman) once told me that if your glass is half-full, drink what you’ve got.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for peace and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

Patience

We have a rescue dog that has been abandoned more than once. Whenever we leave, we have to put the trashcans away because she’ll dig through them for food if we’re gone too long. (Her definition of “too long” is anything over fifteen minutes.)

I wish she knew that while she’s digging in the trash for scraps, I’m bringing home the expensive all-protein, best-thing-next-to-filet-mignon dog food that the vet says she needs. She just needs to wait for me to come home.

 

The picture of patience ... um, no.

Don’t we act like that sometimes? Rather than trust our Creator for what’s best for us, we panic and grab what’s available. 

"Wait upon the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart." Psalm 27:14a (KJV – because that’s the way I memorized it.)

Perseverance

We doubt our gift. We doubt we’re called to write. We doubt that anyone would want to hear what we have to say. The key to overcoming such derogatory self-talk is to keep writing. (If God has put this dream in our heart, we have little choice anyway.) If we just persevere, some day we'll accomplish His purpose. 

 “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6. (ESV)

So, if you struggle with the writing life, how do you cope? Do you have any favorite verses or quotes that help you? Please share them with us below. (Don’t forget, comments are moderated, so it may take a minute to show up.)

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If your glass is half-full, drink what you’ve got. @rebahoffman Click to Tweet

Do we scramble through the trash or wait for the “good stuff?” Click to Tweet

Do you ever doubt your calling? What helps? Click to Tweet

Update:
This was waiting for me when I got home from choir practice tonight. A picture says a thousand words.

God Must Love Them More

Do you ever wonder if God actually has favorites?

Intellectually, we know that’s not true. God loves us all the same.

But there are those times… and I’m guessing we all have them … when we wonder why it seems that some people receive more of his favor than others. 

We may even struggle with why people of no faith seem to receive abundant blessings when those who love and serve God barely make ends meet. Where is the justice? It doesn’t feel fair when co-workers or neighbors who are non-believers take trips to Europe, buy new cars, or purchase cabins on the lake when the faithful go without extras so they can tithe back to the Lord. 

In our personal writing journeys, we may have moments when we question why one writer gets a contract after pursuing publication after two years when another has worked hard for ten and continues to receive rejections. Or why one author gets a much larger advance than another.

Our envy … our questioning God’s love for us … robs us of our joy. As we compare our blessings—or what we perceive to be the lack of—we can begin to sound and feel like whiners. We look like children complaining, “Dad loves you more.” 

Instead of looking at all we’ve been given, we focus on what we don’t have. But as a Psalm states, that can change. “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11 NIV).

The reasons behind why some are blessed more than others may never be explained in this lifetime. We may have to wait years to get that coveted publishing contract, great reviews, and large advances while friends seem to keep moving ahead of us down the road. 

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV 

Our job is to trust God’s love for us … his timing and knowledge of what is best for us … and wait, patiently.

Listen to the song “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller and enjoy …

~ Dawn

Virtues of March: Patience

Virtues of March: Patience
Author's Character Series
Net's Notation Tuesdays

Okay, show of hands: Who cringes just a little (or more than a little) when the word patience comes up in terms of our character as Christians? Me! (My hands goes up.) I see those hands.

They say you shouldn’t pray for patience because then the trials come, but I have some news for you: you get tried either way. Case in point, I don’t remember praying for patience before my first daughter was born so long ago, but guess what? Prayer for that virtue to manifest in my life or not, lessons in patience began in earnest before she was even born.

So, since it’s unavoidable, let’s discuss patience shall we?

How well do you handle waiting, or disappointment, or irritants? I brought this up last week, but as I’m writing this, we’ve had our new dog for about a week. Busy little guy. Chews on socks, doesn’t always follow commands, barks at family members. In short, tries my patience. It’s like having a perpetual two year old.

Just when you think you have patience mastered, something comes along and upsets that belief.

Patience is directly tied to hope. And hope helps us bear trials patiently.

And not only this, but we glory in afflictions also, knowing that afflictions work out patience,
and patience works out experience, and experience works out hope. And hope does not make us ashamed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)

As with so many fruits of the Spirit, we have to cooperate to see this virtue take root in our lives. I think one of the reasons this is so tough is because we think we have rights. Or we think we can control everything in our lives, then something comes along which we cannot, and we are thrown.

So, we have to remember:

~God’s in control.

~He’s working.

~He’s good and His deeds are always good.

~He is motivated by love.

~ A lack of patience is bondage, and it doesn’t glorify Him.

When others see patience in our character they know: 1) here’s a mature believer, 2) here’s someone who trusts God, 3) God must be real.

They are drawn to Him.

Patience is a work only God can do in us. This is isn’t the same thing as self-control, which we will cover later this month. This is a work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, shaping our characters, helping us be more like Jesus.

Okay, now that I’ve typed all that, it’s time to go pray for God’s grace in this area of my own life. Good news (I think): we'll get plenty of practice on this one!

Patience—a virtuous part of the author’s character.

And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God,
and into the patience of Christ. (2 Thess 3:5)