Blogger: Mary Keeley
Through a myriad of conversations this week, I was once again profoundly struck by how willing Christian authors are to help each other. Published authors freely mentor unpublished writers. New writers help to promote fellow authors’ new releases. You won’t find this prevailing in general market publishing or in other business sectors. And have you noticed how this characteristic seems to endure through good seasons and bad in the CBA industry? This is an amazing phenomenon, and today I want to celebrate authors helping authors.
Many accomplished authors give generously of their time to mentor newer writers they get to know and in whom they see the necessary passion and promise. Thank you, authors. You know who you are.
The moral support you give each other is immeasurable. We see it all the time among this blog community. When you are together at conferences, on social media, and in email conversations, encouragement is a present companion, am I right? You readily celebrate another’s victory, even while still waiting for your own. You give your writer friend a supportive but honest critique, though it might sting for a moment, because it will help to improve the book.
You share resources with each other to help in their research. You pass along industry information to each other. You introduce a new writer you met at a conference to your Facebook followers. You share guest blogs with writer friends to expand each other’s audience reach. You participate in each other’s book launches as enthusiastic influencers. You are willing to read a new writer’s manuscript for potential endorsement.
And I have to go beyond the context and mention editors who, in a rejection, go on to offer you specific suggestions for improving your book. Keeping in mind how many submissions they must wade through, be encouraged by this kind of rejection because the editor sees potential in you or she wouldn’t spend the time.
Whenever you wonder if God still is with you on your journey to write books that bring him honor, just look around you and see his hand in those he brings your way.
What have I missed celebrating? Recount for us a time when you were on the receiving end of another author’s support. And a time when you were able to be on the giving end, offering help to a fellow author. NO NAMES, PLEASE. These authors don’t gift other authors for self-gratification.
TWEETABLE:
Celebrating authors helping authors today. See the many ways CBA authors help each other. Click to Tweet.
Read how authors can support each other along the writing journey. Click to Tweet.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Huge example, happening right now, this community…Carol Ashby took the initiative to do the final edits and formatting on Emerald Isle to bring it to Kindle.
* I am at the end of my ability and strength; there is nothing left for that depth of focus. Whether there will be again, if I can recover breath…moot point. Not there now. Horizon is close.
* Help came when needed, and I am grateful beyond words.
* Please pardon choppy phrasing. A bit tired.
Shirlee Abbott
Andrew, it has been our joy–all of ours!–to get the glimpse into the workings of your intellect and heart via the thoughts you share here and elsewhere. You are proof that we all are fearfully and wonderfully made, and that words are a very mighty sword. Bless you!
Jackie Layton
Andrew, you’ve been and encouragement and support to us all. You are fighting the good fight, and what an inspiration! Blessings to you, my friend!
Jeanne Takenaka
Andrew, I’m so glad Carol is helping you with Emerald Isle. Thank you for being such an intrinsic, life-giving part of this community. Your words and encouragement speak life to me, and to all of us. So thankful for you, friend.
Mary Keeley
Andrew, I hope you know the extent to which you encourage and support others in this blog community. It’s a privilege and a joy to return encouragement and support to you in tangible ways, as Carol has done–thank you, Carol–and by surrounding you in prayer.
Shelli Littleton
You are the best, Andrew. Thank you, Carol.
Carol Ashby
Andrew, if I had the power to change your name, I’d make it Barnabas. I’ve never known a better “son of encouragement” than you in your contributions here. I doubt you fully comprehend how much so many of us appreciate and admire you, but I won’t be the one to tell you. I’d like you to still be able to get your head through your turtlenecks.
Janet Ann Collins
Andrew, you have touched many lives, and you’ll never know this side of Heaven how many people those of us you’ve influenced will go on to touch others as a result.
Cynthia Herron
Praying continually, Andrew!
Teresa Tysinger
Andrew, I’m so blessed to call you part of my “village.” I’m so glad to be a tiny member of this community that you’re in.
Norma Brumbaugh
Andrew, you have been a meaningful participant and an upbeat encourager here and also as a traveler to our blogging sites. During the dry spells, you have encouraged many in this community by consistently being interested in what we are writing and leaving comments that show you’re paying attention. Thanks, for this.
I’m excited that Emerald Isle is in process toward the finish line. Yay!
MacKenzie Willman
I can hardly wait for this book. So excited.
Shelli Littleton
This blog community, like Andrew said, has been critical. One thing I really appreciate … is when an agented writer or a published author still takes the time to comment here … to encourage those of us still on this journey. Thank you for sharing your great moments and your not-so-great moments to help us remember to keep pressing forward. And even though I usually feel like I don’t have much to offer, and my comments are crummy, you treat me like I’m valuable. You affirm me or gently guide me. And I’m so excited to have recently been added to one of my favorite author’s “street team” … I’ll be cheering loudly in the upcoming months. 😉
Mary Keeley
Shell, you are one of the valuable participants who offer encouragement on this blog. Published authors who take the time to share timely tips and information are passing on to others the encouragement and support they received early in their own journey. That isn’t the norm in other areas of business anymore.
Shelli Littleton
At the recent writer’s meeting I attended, one lady said she thought she knew me … my name. I said, “Do you ever read the B&S blog?” She said, “Yes. That’s where I know you.” 🙂
Teresa Tysinger
Shelli, you are such a huge reason I love this blog community. So genuine and encouraging. Thanks for being you in the best way you’re made to be. HUGS!
Shelli Littleton
Thank you, Teresa. The feeling is mutual. Hugs back to you, sweet girl.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Your comments are NOT and never have been CRUMMY.
You have a heart of pure gold…even if your Scrabble is a bit rough. 😉
Shelli Littleton
Scrabble … oh! I was tempted to snort in laughter, but southern girls don’t do that. Right?! 😉
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
No. Ladies do not snort.
We…uhhh…I have no idea…
Carol Ashby
Reminds me of the old adage. “Horses sweat, gentlemen perspire, and Southern ladies glisten.”
Carol Ashby
My computer screen always seems a little brighter when I snag a comment from you on something I’ve written. What’s the feminine form of “Barnabas?”
Shelli Littleton
Aww. 🙂
Jeanne Takenaka
I love this community because we do encourage each other. I have been blessed to have authors help me along the writing journey, both with critique and helping me learn craft, as well as being a listening and encouraging voice during the more difficult seasons of writing. I’ve been blessed to have a few authors read my work and give me feedback, and answer questions (planting trees, anyone?). I hope to do these for others as well.
*This journey would be so much lonelier if I didn’t have community around me.
Jeanne Takenaka
I forgot to add, I’ve had the privilege of reading contest entries for a few fellow writers and offering, what I hoped, was helpful feedback. 🙂
Mary Keeley
“This journey would be so much lonelier if I didn’t have community around me.” I think you speak for many authors, published and not-yet-published, Jeanne. And isn’t it fun to meet some of them in person at a conference? I observed you and several others connect at ACFW last year. Instant kindred spirits.
Thanks for sharing how you have helped fellow writers. Reading someone else’s writing with fresh eyes is a big help.
Teresa Tysinger
You hit a nerve with me by mentioning how lonely the journey would be. So true. I’m thankful for you and your presence here!
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Planting, and even root to shoot ratios, if you ever need to know that stuff.
Because nothing says “wow, this is gripping!” like tree roots.
I distinctly remember your calming voice on the phone before ACFW 2013, giving me all kinds of advice. 🙂
Shelli Littleton
Yes, her calming voice. And hugs. And prayers.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
2013. Eight days before I left for ACFW, a well established author answered my cries with incredible amounts of help. She coached me through a re-write that would take my work from what *I* thought was good, to “attention getting”. I had no idea at the time just how generous her offer was. Now that I sort of know what it takes to craft a seminar, I understand the hours that she gave me were hours she took from her own work.
At that conference, I may have scammed her a bit when I went to her room after my agent appointment, and less than an hour before her seminar. I knocked on her door and forced my face into the most pathetic pout I could muster. She let me in, and was all sad faced and sympathetic. After a few pleasantries, I said “Which agency are you with?”
She told me.
Then I did the pathetic heavy sigh, sniffled at little, fanned the tears…then said “Oh yeah? ME TOO!”
I think everyone heard us screaming for joy.
That writer spent hours and hours of her time to help me achieve my dreams, so it was only right that she be one of the first to know.
As for helping someone? Well, I quite enjoy helping people who understand that they’re getting advice from a one legged pirate when they’re trying to learn how to flamenco. But I always enjoy pouring forth my bounteous knowledge. I help out with a contest every year and I expound such brilliance as “don’t use all caps” and “Star Trek references in historicals don’t really work”.
You know, utterly epic stuff which should be embroidered on pillows.
But go ahead and use my name, I’m quite fine with the all the applause and attention.
This is the part where I *should* say I’m kidding, but we all know I’m not.
Seriously though, yesterday was one of those days in which I took the advice and suggestions freely offered by a multi-pubbed author (I didn’t even ask for help!! She offered) and spent the entire day, on Facebook Messenger, working through things that I thought were brilliance in Times New Roman, but weren’t.
99% of her suggestions were set in font, but one didn’t make the cut. We were discussing how to creatively identify a horse. She suggested “from the perfectly shaped Nike schwoop on his flanks”.
Uhhh, yeahhhh.
No.
If we can have fun in the midst of the slog, it’s a whole lot easier.
Shelli Littleton
That’s it, Jennifer. This is so incredibly fun. The writing … amazingly fun–the people … amazingly fun, too.
Carol Ashby
Au contraire, Jennifer. You can use Star Trek references in a historical. The series ran 1966 to 1969, and “historical” is defined by ACFW as through the Viet Nam era. I watch the series in first run (Mr. Spock was my heartthrob) and had friends who fought in that war. A sobering thought just struck me ― almost a third of my life would be classified as “historical.”
*I agree about the fun, and many of your comments have tickled my funny bone. One-legged pirates always brighten the day for me.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Have you read Catherine West’s Yesterday’s Tomorrow?
INCREDIBLE Viet Nam story.
And yes, I can mention Star Trek in a historical, but maaaaybe not one set in 1850?
😉
Janet Ann Collins
Jennifer, before Star Trek there was From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne. It was published in the 1800s (my grandfather had loved it as a kid) so maybe you could use that.
Carol Ashby
Ever heard of worm holes and time travel? Just kidding. It doesn’t really work the way the movies claim. The only worm holes your 1850’s people could expect to encounter are the ones left in the ground when the nightcrawlers come out to play under the stars.
Mary Keeley
Multi-pubbed authors like the one you speak of are a gift to treasure, which you obviously do, Jennifer. And the beauty is that she wasn’t offering her expertise with expectations of anything in return.
Teresa Tysinger
What a great thing, Jennifer. I love this. We’re all in the same boat, that’s why your author helper was so willing. She can relate. Also, you’re hysterical…and I’m thankful to know you.
Laurie Lucking
It’s nice to see a post celebrating the amazing sense of community among Christian authors. My most recent example was when I was in contact with an author about a blog interview and within the first few e-mails she offered to be a beta reader or endorser for me or any of my fellow bloggers if we ever needed it. Such generosity, for writers she didn’t even know! I hope to be able to pay it forward one day when I have more experience to offer new writers.
Mary Keeley
That’s the spirit, Laurie. Thanks for sharing your experience and your desire to pay it forward in the future.
Micky Wolf
Of the several writing blogs I subscribe to, this one is first on my daily reads. Why? Because though my comments are few and too far between, what you all share provides insight, good information and encouragement. I feel a part of this special community, especially in the awareness one need not be a prolific participant to experience the occasional interaction. 🙂
Apart from that, about six months ago I emailed a successful author to thank her for a most helpful blog post. Surprise! That author responded personally and invited me to send her the first chapter of my book. The ideas she offered and her attention to detail were pure gift. I’m about halfway through the first major edit of the completed work and know it will be that much better because of her thoughtfulness and kindness.
So, fellow sojourners, let’s keep on keepin’ on. 🙂
Shelli Littleton
Micky, that’s incredible! Yay!!
Mary Keeley
Micky, we’re delighted you feel a part of this community and appreciate your comments and feedback.
I found myself shouting (inwardly) “yes, yes, yes!” as I read your second paragraph. This is what we’re celebrating today. Thanks for sharing.
Teresa Tysinger
That’s awesome, Micky! Glad to have you part of this community.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Awesome!! How kind is that?
Micky Wolf
Feelin’ the love folks! Jennifer, Teresa, Mary, and Shelli, thank you. And they all said “Amen”!
P.S. How like God to send the affirmations at exactly the time we need them. Okay, another smiley face. 🙂
Kathryn Barker
Mary, thanks for encouraging us to remember those who have or who are helping us along the writer’s path!
I’ve been blessed by so many…even a magazine editor who took the time to write one little line on my rejected story.
In our area, we have a Christian writer’s group full of multi-published authors and lots of unpublished peeps. Each monthly meeting is a joy…we learn from one another and share our struggles, our resources, our triumphs, and our hopes. We pray for one another too. Some members of this group meet together once a week at a local coffee shop and write.
Currently, a dear published author friend emailed me with a note full of encouraging thoughts. Also, I received an email from an editor with incredibly helpful suggestions she believes will make my story a better fit with the publisher’s needs. Talk about being excited! Whew!!
Remembering my early struggles I try to encourage and share with new writers whenever I have a chance. Their enthusiasm is contagious. Even published friends need a word of cheer now and then!
Hope everyone has a tea-riffic day!
Mary Keeley
Kathryn, it’s so nice to see your comment today. Indeed, you have been blessed many times over and that you’ve been passing on encouragement to others. Yes, every author, newbie to multi-published, needs words of cheer along the journey.
Carol Ashby
I don’t live where I can meet with other authors regularly (hope to fix that by getting an ACFW chapter started), so having a community like this where everyone understands my obsession with writing fiction is like an oasis in a desert. I feel like I know some of the folks here as well as many of the people I worked with every day. I love taking part in the conversation with all you kindred spirits.
*I appreciate this blog for all the things I’ve learned about what it takes to be a successful author, but what I appreciate even more is the way all you agents take the time to make a personal response to everyone who comments. I appreciate how you try to answer the questions your blog posts raise for those of us new to the endeavor. I’m not sure you fully comprehend how encouraging it is to be treated as worthy of your time when we all know you’re swamped. I’d be willing to bet it’s more than you realize. I don’t know about the others reading today, but I always return late in the day to see your responses to everyone. It feels good to see so many people treating each other like they care because they actually do.
Jeanne Takenaka
Carol, I hope you are able to get that ACFW chapter started. 🙂 It was so nice to meet you a few weeks ago. There’s something powerful about writers meeting together to talk writing and to encourage each other. 🙂
Carol Ashby
It was such a delightful surprise to meet you in person at the very first writers’ workshop I’ve attended. After getting to know you in the blogosphere, it was like running into an old friend…for the very first time.
Mary Keeley
Carol, I agree the writers who gather here are welcoming, caring kindred spirits, who encourage one another and understand the passion to write. Truly a blessing. And thank you for your kind feedback about our blog. Our goal here is to encourage, equip, and inform.
Kristen Joy Wilks
The most helpful thing another writer did for me was to glance at my name tag at ACFW and say: “You write YA? So and so writes YA too!!!” Then she proceeded to drag so and so across the book store and make us stand together talking to each other until we exchanged e-mail addresses. I had been praying for a critique partner for years and it just never worked out, but this writer has helped me improve so very much over the past 4 years. I hope that I have been half as helpful to her.
Jeanne Takenaka
What a fun story, Kristen! I love that God used someone else to introduce you to your critique partner. I’m sure you are a help to her. 🙂
Teresa Tysinger
That is SO great….getting connected!
Mary Keeley
I love hearing stories of authors doing this sort of networking for others when it results in answered prayer. I’m guessing you are helping your critique partner as much as she is helping you, Kristen.
Janet Ann Collins
Before there were agents in the CBA if an editor at a Christian writers’ conference couldn’t take a submission he or she would often suggest another house that might be interested. Now agents suggest other agents or houses that don’t use agents, too. But I never saw anything like that happen at SCBWI conferences. People there didn’t want to help their competition.
Mary Keeley
Being human we tend to take special blessings for granted, and sure, there are challenges for authors in the Christian market. Janet, thanks for pointing out the contrast you have experienced, because it underscores the gift authors have in writing for the CBA industry.
Keli Gwyn
One of the biggest thrills for me as an unpublished writer was the day I helped a published author by volunteering a tip I’d gained during my days living in Germany. She responded by offering to endorse my first novel–years before I had even had a marketable story ready to submit. I was blown away by her generosity.
Mary Keeley
Keli, I’m guessing back then you didn’t anticipate that your own generosity, given freely, would bring such a big blessing back to you. Wonderful!
Gabriell Meyer
There isn’t enough room (or time) to share all the ways authors, editors, and agents have reached out to me on this journey. It happens daily, in big ways and in small ways. One of my author friends was willing to read my very first manuscript, even though she had no idea what my skill-level was at the time. After she read it, she graciously recommended me to her agent–you. 🙂 She now refers to herself as my writing fairy godmother. The very first big-name author I reached out to on Facebook accepted my friend request and offered to pray for my writing journey. She had no idea who I was, but now we’ve become good friends and she continues to cheer me on. Other authors have come alongside me to be mentors and offer sage advice. Still others have become some of my very best friends in the world. I’m always amazed when my critique partners drop everything to read one of my stories when I’m on a deadline. It makes me feel valuable and loved. 🙂 I look for ways to show them the same love in return, and I hope I am successful. Relationships are all about giving, and graciously receiving. I’ve found people in the Christian Publishing Industry to be especially good at relationships. 🙂
Teresa Tysinger
“Relationships are all about giving, and graciously receiving.” So true…and this community somehow makes both easy to do. Thanks for your simple support of accepting my friend request on Facebook 🙂
Mary Keeley
So many examples here, Gabrielle. But I know you give just as generously to other authors, and so the cycle of blessing continues. You are right that those of us in whatever role in Christian publishing are all about relationship. I think this is because we share the same worldview and ultimate goal.
Susan Sage
Though I’ve been writing for longer than I care to remember, I’ve only been in the ‘writing world’ of participating in other writer’s growth for about four years. I’ve never seen anything like this.
The first time I attended a Christian writer’s conference I knew I had entered a different world: different vocabulary, different goals, and a different spirit. Everyone wanted to help each other and build each other up.
I saw the body of Christ in action and it was so impactful that it changed my outlook.
God bless each of you who have made the effort to impact someone else in a real, positive, Christ-like way.
Mary Keeley
Susan, your perspective, as someone who has experienced different worlds, emphasizes the reason to take time and celebrate today. Seeing “the body of Christ in action” at the Christian writers conference speaks volumes. Thanks so much for sharing.
Teresa Tysinger
I adore this post. I recently wrote about this very thing on my blog — recounting my “village” of supporters. My critique partners who put aside their own goals when I emailed about a deadline moved up. And the times the same special group of ladies have prayed for and celebrated with me every tiny step forward on this journey. There’s the published author who exclaimed “send it over!” and graciously reviewed a proposal for me. And the several writers who regularly share my posts and comment on my blog. It’s all so helpful. I could not do it without this growing “village.” Without a doubt, my experience within the Christian author community is the single best part of saying “Here I am, Lord” to writing for the genre. Hands down. 🙂
Teresa Tysinger
Oh, and I can’t leave out the time a published author stepped out of a work conference to CALL ME ON THE PHONE when I had some good news. She wanted to celebrate with me and get all the details. She wanted to squeal with the same excitement I felt. The. Best. Feeling. Ever. Made me feel so special and supported.
Mary Keeley
Sheer bliss, right?
Mary Keeley
Teresa, it’s clear why you are so enthusiastic. You are blessed with many encouragers, critique partners, and mentors. I think you speak for most writers when you say you couldn’t do this writing life without a growing “village.”
Teresa Tysinger
Indeed, Mary.
Lara Hosselton
Today’s posts brought tears to my eyes. I’m so thankful for this site.
Mary Keeley
Lara, the community of authors here are to be celebrated, and you are a part of it.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
I wish I could thank everyone who has been prying for me, but I’m out of strength and time.
* I will ask a favour, in the spirit of writers helping writers….please read my current blog post, that I’ve written for Five Minute Friday. And please comment, and, come November, vote accordingly. Here’s the link
http://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2016/04/your-dying-spouse-145-fury-fmf.html
* It is my response to the VA questioning the validity of service dogs in dealing with combat trauma. (To clarify, I was a contractor…a mercenary…and am not beholden to the VA, thank God.)
* The service dogs are my tangible lifeline. They get it, even when I don’t.
* Guys, this is the only overt request I will ever make. PLEASE read this stuff. Please understand, and write, that there are people out there who gave everything for you. All we ask is that you understand how much it cost.
* Mary, I know this is off-topic, and I’m sorry.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Early on, as I got to know other writers, mostly here, one author in particular took “support” to a whole new level.
To get to ACFW 2013, I needed a financial miracle, (as I do this year-feel free to pray!) and I was waiting on God.
I was chatting, again via Messenger, with a dear sweet author who epitomized Southern grace. Not once did she treat me like a newb. Ever. So, I was discussing the ugh factor of paying for everything, when she said:
“What if your hotel was paid for? There’s still travel and the actual conference fee, but would that make enough of a difference? I ask because it’s been on my heart to use at least a bit of my advance to help someone else on their writing journey. I would love to have you as my roommate and my guest. And you who I suspect struggle with accepting gifts remember–it’s not from me, it’s from God.
And I realize it may still be too much of a stretch, so if it won’t work, I understand. But there it is. Just in case.”
Me: Girl, you slay me. Truly. I don’t know what to say.
I’m sitting here, trying not to cry onto my keyboard.
That really does make a big difference!!
I can fly there on points, which will make my airfare about 175$ !
Oh my word.
You are such a blessing
Her: Don’t cry or I will, too. Seriously. Stop it. I can tell.
Me: Thank you a thousand times!!
I just bit my lip, for you.
No crying jags. Yet.
Her: We’ll cry together in Indianapolis when an editor and/or agent asks for your full manuscript.
Me: awww, now that did it!
wiping the tears…
annnnnnnd more
OKAY! Stopping now.
Name the cheesecake.
*
I brought desserts. Which worked because I went to Indy early and stayed at a friend’s house and baked.
When a certain agent (rhymes with Mary Keeley) offered representation, that lovely author/room mate/friend/ went all non-Southern and lost it.
And, for the conference fee? Well, mucho-longo-story short, we used a hockey rebate for the conference fees.
Rebates are usually 70-100$
That year? 590$
I made that friend a solemn promise that someday I would do the same. And some day, I will.
Norma Brumbaugh
Love this! Heartwarming..and much, much more. What a beautiful blessing.
Shirlee Abbott
God makes a way. Go God!!!
Norma Brumbaugh
It’s nice to be with people who care and know how to show it. It takes safety. This is a safe place. I’m so glad it’s this way. It keeps it real. God bless you all.
MacKenzie Willman
Well garsh-darn it anyway. Had a lively little ditty written up here and apparently FB ate it. 🙁
Reply round two.
(Squares shoulders and tries again.)
When I followed Jessica R. Patch to this little corner of the world, I wasn’t expecting to receive such a warm welcome, nor such an uplifting experience.
I hadn’t had much contact with agents, (one, and while I did receive positive feedback, one does not a foundation make), and certainly not with a whole agency. So, Thank you Books and Such for this.
I have a post taped to my computer desk at home, where I am not, at the moment, and while memory fails me as I write this, the fourth and final advice is PAY IT FORWARD, to which I routinely loan out my writing books to those whose finances prohibit a purchase of thier own. (Or I just buy the book outright for them, have done that a time or two.) Not once has a book not been returned. I take the attitude that if it doesn’t come back, God must have felt they needed it more than I did, and I know where I can get another. This has been true of my reading books, as well as my music. So, I pay it forward.
MacKenzie Willman
And oh shoot, forgot the helped me part. Apart from Jessica’s letting me hang out with her, (her page), the one that happened for me was from a VERY famous romance author, initials N.R., who after my submission to a “Let me see if I can figure out who wrote what”, mimi-session said, “It took me seven books to find my voice. You have it in spades. Now, finish the **** book.” (She scared me so badly, I couldn’t write for a year, but I did eventually finish the bloomin’ book.)
Mary Keeley
You had to love that affirmation from a pro, MacKenzie.
Mary Keeley
MacKenzie, we’re so glad you found this community. What a generous, meaningful way to “pay it forward.” It warms my heart.
Mary Kay Moody
Early in my writing career, I entered my novel in a national contest. It was a finalist, but at the conference when the winner was announced, it wasn’t mine. After spending most of the night crying and praying, I figured I was supposed to accept I was a loser and quit. Having traveled a long way to the conference, I decided to try to keep myself upright and finish it out. The next day I summoned my courage and waited in line to have a wonderful, well-known author (who’d published probably hundreds of thousands of books) sign a copy of her latest. Recognizing me (or my name tag), she congratulated me, saying being a finalist was an accomplishment indeed. Her encouraging words were balm to my soul, and part of God’s guidance to me to keep on writing. ‘Twas like a gift of gold. I cannot thank both of them enough. Now I try to always encourage others along the way.
Mary Kay Moody
Oh, and on the other end ~ met a fellow christian writer in a writing class who had no one around with a spiritual perspective to give feedback on her first novel. I offered to read and critique-not knowing it was a first-draft saga. Still, going through all 400+ pages with comments helped her immensely, and I also learned from doing it. Love the way God can bless people both ways!
Shelia Stovall
The writing journey is a marathon and can be lonely, but friendships made along the way make the trip worthwhile. When I attend conferences, I’m there to learn, but I’m also on the lookout for new friends. I write stories because I want to touch hearts, but actions speak louder than words. I am always happy to promote a good book and fellow Christian author.
Michael Emmanuel
Truly, I didn’t want to comment. But, I’ve got to…
When I started writing, my own rejected me (so to speak), and it took all courage to finish my very first story. And then, by sheer luck, I found a blog that gave hints on writing and publishing. Just what I needed.
It’s been eight months, and I’ve received a lot of help- comments, encouragements, tips, advices… Recently, a published author agreed to edit a short story of mine even though she had a deadline to meet. It was incredible. My brother talks about it everyday…
Being here makes me know that others are going through this stage too.
Linda Jewell
The first article I wrote and took to critique group was so bad that one woman didn’t even know what to do with it. She told me that my article didn’t have “flow,” but she couldn’t define what that meant. Another member of the group pulled me aside and explained that I needed transitions, provided me with a working definition, and gave me some examples.
Now, decades later, I’ve helped form and facilitate a local chapter of Word Weavers. We focus on excellence in the craft of writing and give writers an opportunity to critique each other’s work. Each month we provide training and every fall we have a training day for our members and the public. I’ve presented devotionals and workshops at some of these meetings and have written media releases to invite local authors to our meetings or our training sessions.
Prior to that, I managed a large writers conference for a number of years and worked for an organization that trained speakers and writers. I loved to see the writer’s excitement, but my biggest satisfaction was when I could take the hand of a shaky-but-determined writer and pray with her, or put my arms around a writer who has just left a disappointing meeting with an editor or agent and let her cry on my shoulder. Because God has gifted me with encouragement, I delight in telling other writers the equivalent of “You can do this!” and seeing their backs straighten, their eyes sparkle, and the beginning of a smile. I see these as an outward manifestation of an inner conviction. In their body language I can almost hear the writers say to themselves, “Yes, I CAN do this!”