Raise Your Hand by Sandra Ardoin

It pains me to admit this, but I am not perfect. Yes, I know. It stunned me to learn that I had flaws, too.

In addition, I’m not a perfect writer. Ask anyone who has critiqued or edited my work. My commas are, all, over, the, place. I love ellipses… (and parenthesis) and em—dashes. I don’t shout too often! But I do have a tendency toward inner thoughts. And don’t even get me started on the excess baggage I place in my sentences. I mean, who needs two words when you can use six?

I’ve read social media posts from new authors eager to get their books up on Amazon and start selling. They will admit they don’t go through the manuscript more than once or twice and forego an editor peeking at it. 

Target Your Marketing by Ane Mulligan

In today’s publishing world, we have to do more promotion for our books. But who should we be trying to reach? Readers, of course. Okay, you knew that. But exactly who are these readers?

The End is Just the Beginning by Linda Fulkerson

Don’t you love memes for writers? I collect those cute, quirky, fun-to-share graphics that bundle a nugget of truth inside a lump of laughter. And not that long ago, I coined my own meme-worthy quote, “There’s more to writing a book than writing a book.” As soon as I blurted that phrase in the midst of a book marketing class I was teaching, I had to literally stop and Google it to see if it was original. No exact-match results displayed, so I later created a graphic, plastered my quote onto it, put my name as the author, and blasted it all over my social media profiles.

The truth inside my meme isn’t exactly hidden. There IS more to writing a book than writing a book. Much more.

Looking Forward to a New Adventure by Shannon Taylor Vannatter

From the moment I finally got a publishing contract, after nine and a half years and over two hundred rejection letters, I wanted to help other writers achieve their dream. I started by teaching classes, even though I’m an introvert. My least favorite thing to do is be the center of attention or get up in front of people. Especially if I have to say something. But writing changed all that. I had this burning need to share what I’d learned, what it takes to get published, and to help others learn from the mistakes I’d made along the way.

Saying Goodbye by Patty Smith Hall

There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven.   Ecclesiastes 3:1

February was a month of bittersweet endings and new beginnings for me. For one thing, I finished my last contracted novella. It was probably the hardest story I’ve ever written, one because I didn’t want to write it. I’m excited to start my journey into indie publishing, and just wanted to ‘get on with it.’ So writing this novella was not at the top of my to-do list.

But write it, I did. Once I dug into Patrick and Grace’s story, I didn’t want to let it go. Their story could have easily turned into a full-length novel, and as usual, I got a bit frustrated I was limited to a novella. But it might just be one of the best ones I’ve ever wrote.

Once the manuscript was sent, I was a mixed bag of emotions. I’ve been blessed to have been traditionally published these last ten years. For a girl who wondered if she’d EVER get the call, I’ve loved every single second of it. It’s a dream fulfilled by God who had bigger plans for me than I’d had for myself. And going indie doesn’t mean I won’t turn to traditional publishing again. It just means that my focus will be on my indie projects.

Once I mourned a bit, the excitement of going indie caught up with me and I have work to do.

Now for what I learned last month.

In February, I found the Self-Publishing Show podcast, and as I was going through past shows, I came across one regarding rapid release that piqued my interest. If you don’t know what a rapid release is, let me explain. Rapid release is when you write three or four books, then releases one each month for four months. During that time, you write the next book in the series, and the next. The quick release of those first four books builds excitement for your next book and dovetails into backlist sells.

Because I’m not the quickest writer, I wondered how I could use this to my advantage. I have two books written and in edits, and the cover for one of them. I also got the rights back on the WWII series I wrote for Love Inspired Historical and arranged for new covers.

While I won’t have a new book out until July, here’s how I’m using the rapid release system.

• April 1—Release of Hearts in Flight (WWII series, Book 1)
• May 1—Release of Hearts in Hiding (WWII series, Book 2)
• June 1—Release of Hearts Rekindled (WWII series, Book 3)
• July 1—Release of Gold Dust Bride (Rushed to the Altar series, Book 1)
• October –Release of Rushed to the Altar series, Book 2
• November—Release of WWII Box set with bonus Christmas Novella
• Early 2021—Release of The Baby Barter (WWII series, Book 4)

My hope is this will build my reader base and give me enough time to finish the third book in the Rushed to the Altar series as well as the first two books of a contemporary series (one written and needs editing.) I’ll be running Amazon as well as Facebook ads, and offering all the books on Audible.

A busy month ahead. But I want to give you a little preview of the cover of my new Rushed to the Altar series coming out in July.

Once I mourned a bit, the excitement of going indie caught up with me via @pattywrites #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

~~~~~~

Patty Smith Hall lives in North Georgia with her husband of 36+ years, Danny. Her passion is

to write tender romances based in little-known historical moments. The winner of the 2008 ACFW Genesis award in historical romance, she is published with Love Inspired Historical, Barbour and Winged Publishing, and is a contributor to the Seriously Writing blog as well as Journey magazine. Patty is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. 

4 Women Bring Southern Charm to a Cowboy Town 

Crinoline Creek, Texas, 1868
A Cowboy of Her Own by Patty Smith Hall

Bookish southern belle Madalyn Turner knows what she wants—to be a cowboy and own a Texas ranch. But books are far different from real life and soon she realizes she needs help.

A Season of Pruning by Marissa Shrock

Deep down, I always thought getting the contract for my first novel was too easy. I spent five years learning to write fiction. When I was ready to seek publication, I found an agent and had an offer from a publisher within less than a year. A year and a half later, my young adult, dystopian novel was released and went on to final in a major award.

But sales were low, and my publisher refused to buy the sequels. My agency purged its client list, and I didn’t survive the cut. The career that’d once seemed so promising was dying before it’d had a chance to live.

As I walked this difficult road, I concluded that God was using this painful experience to prune away attitudes and junk in my life. The good news is that when God prunes, it’s to make us more fruitful (John 15:2).

I learned I should never compare my season of pruning to someone else’s season of fruitfulness. Comparisons are easy when we meet and become friends with other writers. As we celebrate our friends’ successes, we secretly wonder why contracts or massive amounts of sales aren’t happening for us.

God showed me all authors write one word at a time, and those words matter to him. Just because he chooses to bless someone else with more talent, more contracts, more money, more awards, and a bigger platform, doesn’t mean that what we’re writing isn’t important. It’s humbling when expectations don’t match reality, and when God’s plan isn’t what we expected.

Though this experience was difficult for me, God has been faithful and has provided a way for me to share my stories. I’ve indie published the sequels to my debut novel and have moved on to writing cozy mysteries.

Though I’m excited by the new possibilities, I remind myself daily that my novels will be what God wants them to be. He’ll take my books where he wants them to go, and he’ll do the same with your work as well.

  

~~~~~~

Marissa Shrock loves to read a variety of genres, so her own work includes dystopian thrillers and cozy mysteries. She’s the author of the Emancipation Warriors Series and the Georgia Rae Winston Mystery Series. Her debut novel, The First Principle, was a Carol Award Finalist. Marissa enjoys playing golf and traveling to new places, and her home is in Indiana.

The Bottom End of a Publishing Career

by Peter Leavell @peterleavell

I labored to create a writing career.

As I climbed the ladder of writing success, the view above was surprisingly uninspiring—someone’s backside.

I let go of the rungs and found another ladder. After climbing a few steps, I found another posterior—different, but still another fleshy part a person uses to sit.

Hmmm.

I tried an author's ladder whom I admire, and while I climbed rather high, the view before reaching my dream was still the same—the tail end of another writer.

While I was getting good at climbing ladders and following others, I was getting tired of rumps.

I took a step back and viewed the writing world from a distance.

The ladder of success wasn’t a ladder at all. It was a jungle gym with a different way to the top for every person.

For everyone who has left an impression on the publishing industry or will contribute, there is a path designed specifically for them. And you have one, too. One you must discover and climb. 

—Every person’s publishing story is different.

—There is difference between learning from another person’s path and following another person’s path.

—Know thyself. Know what success is for you. Know your strengths. Know your weaknesses. Know the market. Know where you might fit in by using your strengths.

—The map for your writing career is yours alone. Share your knowledge, but if you see someone staring at your hinder, encourage them to find their own way. They will have their own work to do, their own conversations with agents and acquisition editors, their own way of seeing the world.

You are unique with a voice that’s only yours. Your book will be inimitable, as will your story to publication. Don’t look for and climb ladders. Find the bars that best fit you, climb onto the first rung, and hold on for dear life!

What is your publishing journey? Where are you at on your ladder?

Tweetable! The path to writing success isn't a ladder~It's a jungle gym! 

Tweetable! The map for your writing career is yours alone.

~~~~~

Peter Leavell, a 2007 graduate of Boise State University with a degree in history and currently enrolled in the University's English Lit Graduate program, was the 2011 winner of Christian Writers Guild's Operation First Novel contest, and 2013 Christian Retailing's Best award for First-Time Author. A novelist, blogger, teacher, ghostwriter, jogger, biker, husband and father, Peter and his family live in Boise, Idaho. Learn more about Peter's books, research, and family adventures at www.peterleavell.com.

                                              ~~~~~

Hurricane Harvey and the Pirate: Happy Book Birthday! by Kathleen Y'Barbo

April 1, 2018 is the book birthday for my swashbuckling historical romance, PIRATE BRIDE. As with traditional births, this book was approximately nine months in the making, give or take. So happy birthday to the book of my heart, the book whose story people first came to me more than twenty years ago.

The book that survived a hurricane.

Yes. A hurricane.

Flash back to August 25, 2017—my birthday and the day that Hurricane Harvey slammed the Texas Gulf Coast. Suffice it to say the birthday celebration was postponed as the category 4 storm blew in with winds up to 130 mph.

As the rain fell and the waters rose—a year’s worth of rain in less than a week here in Houston—the September 1 deadline for completing PIRATE BRIDE loomed. Not so fun fact: so much rain fell on coastal Texas during that storm that the National Weather Service had to update their weather maps with new color codes for rainfall because there was no precedent (or color) to show that.

Never have I been so grateful for our decision to downsize to the top floor of a midrise building with third-floor interior parking even as I worried about friends and family who weren’t sitting as high and dry as we were. While the television played the unfolding drama of lives lost, families rescued, and even a news crew that was forced to evacuate their own newsroom while on camera, I continued to write the chapters that would form this book.

Maribel and Jean-Luc have been with me for more than two decades, and I would not miss the opportunity to tell their story. As I typed page after page, outside my window real heroes were saving lives. If anyone had a question as to whether there are still heroes in our midst, look no further than those who waded into chest deep water; who came from out of state with boats and all-terrain vehicles (thinking of you, Cajun Navy!); who opened stores and restaurants to feed, clothe and offer refuge (look up Mattress Mack Mackingvale for starters); and who swooped in after the waters receded to dig in (literally) to begin the long process of recovery.

So as I hold my copy of PIRATE BRIDE in my hand, I think of the torrents of rain that blew past my window as I typed this tale of heroes and privateers and villains who sailed the Gulf of Mexico. And while I hope that you’ll buy a copy of this book and enjoy it, especially given the fact I have wanted for so very long to tell this tale, I also hope when you hold it in your hands—or open it on your e-reader--you’ll also stop a moment and offer up a prayer for those who are still recovering from this storm.

And no matter what, keep writing…no matter what!

Thank you and God Bless! #TexasStrong

Have you faced a time when you had no choice but to write through less than ideal circumstances? 

~~~~~~

Bestselling Kathleen Y’Barbo, winner of Romantic Times Inspirational Romance of the Year, is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee with than two million copies of her more than eighty books in print. Find out more at www.kathleenybarbo.com.

The Discipline of Writing and the Fear of Failure by Olivia Rae

One of the toughest things about becoming a writer is discipline. We all know a book doesn’t write itself and no matter how much praying we do, the words don’t always come. I have been writing a long time…well, sort of. I spent the first five years of my writing career talking about writing, researching, taking classes, attending conferences, perfecting my first three chapters and a synopsis, but I never finished a book.

I used to blame my lack of productivity on my day job, my family, my dog, the neighbor’s dog, anyone and anything, instead of myself. Slowly, but surely all the writers in my critique group became published authors, while I kept on pretending that someday I would write a great book. Even after publishing six books and having four other manuscripts looking for a publisher, I still struggle with sitting down to write.

Often what keeps me back from writing is fear of failure. I’m a sensitive sort and every time someone gives me a bad review or a rejection letter lands in my inbox, I crawl in my closet (literally) with my favorite candy (right now it’s black jelly beans), but the key is: I always crawl back out. And that’s the answer. God says in the Bible we should not fear anything. Not everybody is going to love me or embrace what I write, but that’s okay. If you put yourself out there you will be rewarded. Maybe it’s becoming a contest finalist, an email from a fan, a publishing contract or a hug from your hubby or kids. Whatever it is, remember your talent is a gift from God. So use it!

Tips on how to finish a book:

1. Keep a log of how many words or pages you write each day.

2. Set a goal and tell someone who can hold you to it. (i.e. I will finish this book or these many pages by…)

3. Carve out a writing time each day and stick to it. (Start with a half hour and work from there.)

4. Exercise (Yes, taking a walk or doing a few sit ups gets the blood flowing and the brain working.)

5. Remember, writing time is not plotting, research or marketing time. You can plot a new book when you have finished this one.

So stop reading this post and go write!

P.S. I’d love to hear your favorite writing strategy, email me at Oliviarae.books@gmail.com

~~~~~~

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long, boring days in the classroom go by much faster. Nobody was more shocked than her when she decided to become a teacher. Besides getting her Master’s degree, marrying her own prince, and raising a couple of kids, Olivia decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories by adding in what she’s learned as an adult living in a small town on the edge of a big city. When not writing, she loves to travel, dragging her family to old castles and forts all across the world.

Olivia is the winner of the New England Readers’ Choice Award, Illumination Award Bronze medalist, Buyer Best Book Award Finalist, a Kindle Book Award Semi-Finalist, I Heart Indie Award Finalist, and Grab Me Award Finalist. She is currently hard at work on her next novel.

Contact Olivia at Oliviarae.books@gmail.com

For news and sneak peeks of upcoming novels visit:

Website: Oliviaraebooks.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/oliviaraebooks
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviaraeauthor
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/olivia-rae
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2yn4lnH

Evolution & Revolution by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

Take a peek at one of my treasured writing mementos. What you see here is my ‘First Sale’ box, given to me by my local Romance Writers of America Chapter. Greater Detroit RWA has a wonderful tradition of awarding crystal boxes to those who cross the threshold from ‘pre-published’ to ‘published.’ It gave me quite a start to reflect on the date.

July 26, 1996.

An entire tidal wave of evolution has occurred in the industry since that long-ago day—a paradigm shift to which the world of publishing continues to adjust. Back then, publication avenues were incredibly limited. There were, perhaps, five ‘big’ publishers, with a variety of genres under their far-reaching umbrellas. Authors scrambled to claim a set number of publication spots that came and went in monthly rotations. Worse yet, in many cases, it took up to a year for an author to hear word on a submission and multi-submissions were not accepted. Imagine the crushing blow of waiting and hoping for that length of time with all your “eggs” in one basket, only to receive the dreaded rejection letter and somehow find the temerity to continue.

Well, been there and done that, friends. Too many times to count. To this day, great writers, great stories, fail to hit the relentlessly narrow requirements of winning entrée to large, traditional publishing houses. But the big publishers did not, and will not, have the final say.

So, where’s my dose of Monday encouragement? Right here: Enter authors on a mission. Enter—a revolution.

E-readers and E-books came alive during my writing tenure, changing the landscape of book-buying, and reading, forever. Once regarded by writers and publishers alike as nothing more than a joke, self-publishing transformed into a formidable force with increasing reach, impact, and importance. Why? Because authors took their craft, and their dreams, seriously. They refused to die. They created the stories of their heart, then pursued good editing and production value. Those efforts have taken publishing even further by storm and opened avenues for an increasing population of talented authors.

I’ve loved watching the way publishing parameters have expanded. More great stories, and great authors, are finding a voice in the new world of publishing. Reflecting on my 20-plus years in the industry makes me realize how blessed we are as the result.

So, ignore the shifts and shimmies under your feet and keep your eyes on the prize. Share a story from your heart that flows from head to page and into a world of publishing that is more welcoming than at any other point in history. The options are limitless.

CLICK TO TWEET!

Ignore the shifts and shimmies under your feet and keep your eyes on the prize.

~~~~~

Every saint has a past…and every sinner has a future.

Country music bad boy Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction, and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up and comer, Pyper Brock, and instantly sparks ignite.

Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation, so despite a rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, she soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. Decades ago, her father, in a drunken rage, tossed her and her mother onto the streets. No way will Pyper make the mistake of falling for a man whose done battle with the bottle.

What happens when Chase’s quest to win Pyper’s love breaks down chains of resentment and eases the long-buried wounds of her childhood? And what happens when Pyper’s father shows up in Nashville, clean, sober and seeking a chance to apologize?

Can Pyper follow a pathway to peace when it comes to her father? Can she fully trust Chase? Above all, can a sin damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness?

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.”

Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. 

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

Orlando Bound by Marianne Evans

Marianne  Evans

Orlando, Florida. In late July.

Yep, it’s going to be steamy – literally and figuratively. Romance Writers of America is invading the Disney Swan & Dolphin Resort, playing host to over 2,500 authors of every genre in the romance industry. Talk about a melting pot. Yes, there will be authors of erotic fiction seated next to authors of Christian fiction at the 200+ author-strong event to raise money and awareness for literacy, at workshops, at networking events, at agent/editor appointments.

Which brings me to my point this month. I intend to be an active part of the ACFW national conference next year, but RWA is where I got my start over twenty years ago. RWA is where I learned my craft, where I spent numerous years on the board of my local chapter, Greater Detroit RWA. But most of all, I feel strongly that Christian romance needs to shine its light, and maintain its presence in the secular publishing world. We count. We matter. Our stories positively matter…especially when it comes to love. I’ll be honest though, and I’m sure it won’t come as a shock to know our exposure (and therefore our numbers at conferences like RWA) are dwindling.

I’ve always been the stubborn type. I refuse to give up on supporting my passion, the genre of my heart and soul. I'm half introvert, half extrovert, but I'm determined to share Christian  romance with the book-loving world as best I can.

So, I’m on my way to what I’m sure will be a humid—and utterly fantastic experience. There’s a lot to think about and prepare for prior to my flight taking off in a couple weeks. One sheets for promotion, deep-dive research of publishers, editors, and agents, swag for the famous “Goody Bag” room, tallying a list of author friends I’ll get to see again, or see and hug for the first time, divvying up free time for coffee dates, lunches, dinners, informal chat sessions.  Did I mention? My dear friend and Seriously Write compatriot Mary Manners will be bunking with me!

Conferences of this scale are high octane, but it feeds my writer-side to be in the company of such creative people. When you gather thousands of authors in one space, there’s an energy level you can’t describe until you experience it. We’re diverse and we pursue separate avenues to publication, different passion and interests, but we’re bound by words, bound by storytelling.

For me, understanding like that is where life, and love, begin. Happy writing, all!

~~~~~

Country music bad boy, Chase Bradington is on the comeback trail. Fresh from rehab for alcohol addiction and transformed by the power of Christ, Chase is battling to rediscover the music he loves and a career he nearly ruined. Then he meets up-and-comer, Pyper Brock and instantly sparks ignite.

Despite her rampant attraction to the handsome and talented icon, Pyper knows of Chase’s reputation and soundly dismisses his romantic overtures. No way will Pyper make the mistake of falling for a man whose done battle with the bottle.

What happens when Chase’s quest to win Pyper’s love breaks down chains of resentment and eases the long-buried wounds of her childhood? And what happens when Pyper’s father shows up in Nashville, clean, sober and seeking a chance to apologize? Can Pyper follow a pathway to peace when it comes to her father? Can she fully trust Chase?

Above all, can a sin-damaged past be released in favor of forgiveness?

~~~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

Dealing With Publishing Disappointments by Lynn Huggins Blackburn

I live just outside of Greenville, South Carolina and I love almost everything about it.

The one thing I don’t love? Our traffic.

I-85 and I-385 are a daily source of frustration for thousands of commuters and in an effort to alleviate the congestion, a massive construction project is underway.

Last week, after being out of town for a few days, I merged onto I-385  . . . and quickly realized that the lane I had traveled for years was gone. It was now an exit ramp and it went in a direction I didn’t want to go.

I scrambled to check my mirrors and slip into the lane to the left. There had been no warning signs and if I hadn’t been paying attention, I would have had to take a circuitous route to my destination.

As I adjusted to the new road conditions, I couldn’t help but notice the parallels to the publishing journey.

We make plans, we follow the paths others have successfully taken, but sometimes we open an email or check social media and realize everything has changed.

• The agent we thought would be our perfect match sends a rejection letter.
• We don’t get an appointment with the editor we knew would be the right fit for our story.
• The line we were targeting closes.
• We learn the publisher we’ve always dreamed of working with isn’t accepting new submissions.

We’ve heard it before . . . If there’s one thing you can count on in publishing, it’s change. Sigh.

I’m no fan of change, but I’ve found a few things that help me deal with the inevitable disappointments that come my way.

First, I pitch a fit. I know you thought I was going to say I pray, and I do. But if I’m honest, it usually starts out as a rant that morphs into a prayer. I pour out my frustrations and fears to the One who loves me best. When I quit throwing a tantrum and take my sadness to my Father, it doesn’t take long for Him to remind me that He isn’t surprised by the latest developments and His plans have never been held captive by the whims of mankind.

Second, I plug in. I go to conferences, interact on-line and in person with other writers in a variety of genres, and read blogs from editors, agents, and other industry professionals. There’s no way to know when a contact could turn into a referral or a paying job.

Third, I press on. I keep writing. I keep looking for new opportunities. I stay open to new ideas.

Mostly, I keep my eyes focused on the One who has control of my path and I trust Him to get me where He wants me to go, no matter how many times the roads change.

Have you encountered an unexpected shift in your writing journey? How do you manage the ever-changing publishing world?

~~~~~~~

Lynn H. Blackburn believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She’s passionate about CrossFit, coffee, and chocolate (don’t make her choose) and experimenting with recipes that feed both body and soul. She lives in South Carolina with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Her first book, Covert Justice, won the 2016 Selah Award for Mystery/Suspense and the 2016 Carol Award for Short Novel. Her second book, Hidden Legacy, releases June 2017 and the first book in her new Dive Team Investigations series, Beneath the Surface, releases March 2018 from Revell.

You can connect with Lynn at www.LynnHBlackburn.com and as @LynnHBlackburn on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.

 

Hidden Legacy:

Arriving home with the baby she's adopting, Caroline Harrison finds her house vandalized…and an intruder intent on shooting her. She's saved when police sirens approach, but all signs point to the little boy as the true target—and the assailant won't give up. Now she has to rely on Detective Jason Drake, the man who once broke her heart, to figure out why someone's after her soon-to-be adoptive son. Reunited after thirteen years apart, Jason can't help but hope their love might be rekindled, but Caroline and her son's safety come first. Because if he wants a chance at a future—and a family—with them, they have to outrun a hit man.

In A Writer’s Life, Nothing Is Wasted by Susanne Dietze

Whether a writer or not, sometimes things don't work out quite the way we'd like or in our timing. Today, author Susanne Dietze shares how one idea took eight years to come to fruition. -- Sandy 

Susanne: My first novel releases this month, and I can tell you precisely where I was and what I was doing when the idea of it first sprouted in my head. I was pulling my car into my driveway, and a song on the radio mentioned rain. Suddenly, in my mind’s eye I saw my hero, dressed in black, standing out in the rain at night, looking up at his heroine’s window.

This happened over eight long years ago, by the way.

At the time, my hero was a secondary character in a novel that never worked out. He had a different name and I had a different plan for him. I don’t know quite why he popped into my head at that moment, but when he did, I couldn’t help wondering, why would he stand out in the cold rain like that, dressed in black?

Answering that question resulted in The Reluctant Guardian, but like I said, it took a long time.

My first attempt with the story of the man in black finalled in a contest, but something wasn’t quite right with the story. As time went on, I set it aside when I received other writing opportunities. Nevertheless, that story about the man in the rain was still in my heart and I wrote, rewrote, tweaked and revised as I was able.

About a year ago, after a conversation with an editor at Love Inspired Historical, I submitted the manuscript, and a few weeks later, I was offered a contract. It all happened quickly, but the years leading up to it had me wondering if the story of the man in black would ever be seen by anyone but me.

It’s been a reminder to me that nothing is wasted in God’s economy. In the years between parking my car and imagining of the man in black to the day when my book hits shelves, I’ve learned about storytelling, the industry, plotting, dialogue, and setting. Writing my first failed novel was excellent practice. Rewriting and tweaking The Reluctant Guardian helped me grow as a writer, too, and it’s comforting to know that our mistakes and detours are still important parts of our journey.

That’s given me fresh perspective on my writing tasks. Rejections can be tools for learning; postponements can be valuable teachers. Nothing is wasted if I view obstacles as ways to guide my thinking and growth.

And it’s made holding my book all the sweeter.

Is there a dream you never thought you'd see realized that was only a matter of waiting?

~~~~~~

Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she's the award-winning author of a dozen new and upcoming historical romances. A pastor's wife and mom of two, she loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her on her website, www.susannedietze.com, and sign up for her newsletter for an occasional cheery hello: http://eepurl.com/bieza5

The Reluctant Guardian Blurb:

When Gemma Lyfeld inadvertently interrupts a dangerous smuggling operation in her English village, she's rescued by a mysterious Scottish spy. Now with criminals after her and her hopes for an expected marriage proposal recently dashed, she will make her society debut in London. But not without the man tasked with protecting her… 

Covert government agent Tavin Knox must keep Gemma safe from the criminals who think she can identify them—a mission he never wanted. But as he escorts her and her rascally nephews around London, the lovely English lass proves braver than he ever imagined. Suddenly, the spy who works alone has one Season to become the family man he never dreamed he'd be.

Links:

www.susannedietze.com

Twitter @SusanneDietze

Facebook.com/SusanneDietzeBooks

What would make you a success? by Lisa Karon Richardson

Success means different things to different people. Today, author Lisa Karon Richardson gives her experience with finding the meaning of success. Maybe you can relate. -- Sandy

Lisa: To be honest I can’t tell you how to be successful. Success is a subjective measure, and I’m learning that every time I think I’ve achieved it, I pounce, only to find that my celebration was premature.

When I was unpublished the goal was: get published. The validation I get from having that contract will mean I’m a success. But then I got my first contract for a novella. I was thrilled at the opportunity to see my name on a cover… But the cover also had the names of other people. I wanted a cover with just my name. The bar had moved.

After that I got a short novel published, just my name was on the cover—but the story was only 45K words long. I was really hoping to be published in trade length fiction. God blessed me with a three-book series contract which I got to write with one of my best friends. Once again, a great opportunity and I was so thrilled and felt blessed to have been given it. I’m proud of what we did with those stories. But then… well they didn’t sell so well. And we all know what that means—those sales numbers will haunt me forever. I’ll never get another contract. There I was multi-published in trade length fiction and I was feeling like more of a failure than I did before I was published. Maybe it would all be fixed if I could get my very own trade length story with just my name on the cover. Surely then, the accolades would come. I was not afraid to put in the hard work of marketing. Whatever it took. And then that dream came true. And you know what. The book didn’t sell. My pride insists that I add that it got great reviews, but for some reason it didn’t sell.

If my life was only a search for the arbitrary “success” I would probably have given up last year. But God has been working on me and I’ve learned something. God has not called us to what the world would define as “success”. (Although some people are tested by success.) Rather He has called us to live a life of significance.

What’s the difference? Success is about self. Significance is about others. Success asks everyone to admire it. Significance asks how it can serve. Success says “I’ll do what God asks but only if I can see how it benefits me.” Significance says “I’ll do what God asks regardless of how it hurts.” Success is fleeting. Significance is eternal.

Chasing success will never satisfy us. There will always be another award to win. There will always be someone who has better sales. It’s an aggravating way to live and a miserable way by which to measure our self worth.

What if, this year, instead of chasing success we began to look instead for significance? How would we go about that? Perhaps it means putting more of our authentic selves in our writing. It might look like surrendering our plans for our novel, and trusting God to get it into the hands of the ones who need it. I know it would look a lot more like we trust Him with our future. We can rejoice with the author who got a contract even when we didn’t. We can help an author who is a step or two behind us on the journey. We can encourage someone who’s hurting.

You can make a difference in the world. God’s got a plan for you. Your words could be written simply for one person—they may never get published, and yet, they could change everything for that one. How is that NOT success? Even if you never make a dime as a writer, you have value as a child of God and your significance is measured not in sales figures, but in your willingness to heed His voice.

Have you ever looked at your writing life and doubted your success? Has that idea of success changed over the years?

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Influenced by books like The Secret Garden and The Little Princess, Lisa Karon Richardson’s early stories were heavy on boarding schools and creepy houses. Now, even though she’s (mostly) grown-up she still loves a healthy dash of adventure in any story she creates, even her real-life story. She’s been a missionary to the Seychelles and Gabon and now that she and her husband are back in America, they are tackling a new adventure, starting a daughter-work church in a new city while raising a family. She has published several novels and novellas. 

The Peculiarity of Time by Marilyn Turk

As writers, we're all eager to see the fruits of our labor and our writing goals can take forever to be realized. Author Marilyn Turk shares her experience and encouragement. -- Sandy

Marilyn: I spent all morning looking for a bookmark my six-year-old grandson gave me for Mother’s Day. I’m particularly upset about misplacing it because it’s special, unique – not only because it’s a gift, but it has a picture of him taken in his classroom at school holding a bouquet of flowers. The bookmark is not valuable to anyone but me, but it represents a truth I’ve come to understand because it captured a time in his life that has passed – a fleeting moment in his rapid growth from a child to an adult.

Time can be so fickle. It can move too fast or crawl too slowly. It can be in the future or it can be in the past. It can be a tool or an excuse. And it can be an enemy or a friend.

When I first began this writing journey eleven years ago, I didn’t expect to become an overnight success. I knew it would take time to brush the cobwebs off my writing and relearn technique. In addition, I realized there were new things to learn about the writing world. So I proceeded slowly and carefully, one step at a time. I wrote devotions, attended conferences, entered contests, and pitched stories, but not yet books.

But when a magazine editor accepted my pitch, I discovered the reality of how long it takes from submission to publication in the magazine industry – from a year to a year and a half. As I attended more conferences, a desire to write books developed. I heard speakers disclose how long it took them to get published – for some ten or more years. Naturally, I assumed I would be an exception, my story would be different and faster.

So I began writing my first novel, then pitched it to an agent (a year later) who recommended a few changes, then I reworked it and we began submitting it to publishers. In the meantime, I found a critique group and we edited each other’s manuscripts. Now, six years later, although the book did well in contests, it is still not published, and I’m considering rewriting it with what I’ve learned in the time since I began it.

However, after the first book was written, I wrote a sequel which took another year. It has not been published yet either and I plan to make some revisions to it too.

I finished writing the second book, then started the third in the series, but when my agent was looking for another type of book, I decided to stop working on the current WIP and write a different type of book.

Finally, one of my books was published this March. So, it’s taken me eleven years to have a book published, or you could say six from the time I started writing books.

Conclusion: The writing process takes time, and although some people learn faster, write faster or work harder than others, writing really is a journey. A journey of trying and failing, of learning and relearning, of sowing and reaping.

So how do you view time? Do you appreciate its value – using it, dedicating yourself to it daily, or do you think you’ve got all the time in the world and waste it?

The Bible warns about our use of time. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16 (RSV) 

So is time your enemy or your friend?

 

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Marilyn Turk’s debut novel, The Gilded Curse, published by the Heritage Beacon imprint of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, was released in March 2016 to great reviews.

In November 2015, her book Lighthouse Devotions, 52 Inspiring Lighthouse Stories, was published by White Glove.

Marilyn has been published in a number of other formats as well, including a short story in A Cup of Christmas Cheer, published by Guideposts books.

In addition, she is a regular contributor to Guideposts magazine and her devotions will debut in the 2017 issue of Daily Guideposts. On her website, http://marilynturk.com, Marilyn posts on two blogs – one, a weekly lighthouse blog of intriguing lighthouse stories, and also on a writer’s blog. In addition, she is a monthly contributor to the blog, “Heroes, Heroines and History.”

Marilyn lives in Florida with husband Chuck and seven-year-old grandson Logan. She hosts a monthly Christian book club so she can keep abreast of her craft and expose her friends to other Christian novelists. In addition to reading, she enjoys boating, fishing, tennis, and gardening - when she’s not climbing lighthouses. 


Email: marilynturkwriter@yahoo.com 
Website: http://marilynturk.com 
Facebook: marilyn.turk.9

Represented by Joyce Hart/Hartline Literary Agency