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And so the story goes….
We all know life has bumps along the way. If you’ve been following this blog for any length of time, you know I’m pretty up front about them, because I view each stumbling block as a chance to grow. Or a chance for another door to open. I’ve faced book contracts broken, unexpected unemployment, and literal bumps from bike crashes.
This latest “bump” involves my agent–er–former agent. Yes. I’m sad to say Tribe Literary Agency is closing their doors. It was most unexpected. The week had started out rough when I woke to puddles of water soaking my living room carpet (leak in water system) on Monday. Tuesday was freaking awesome with the release of the Wasteland cover. Wednesday we received an email that TribeLit was no more. Thursday was a blur, but then each day got better and better.
Sure, it’s been a rough week, but I share these things with you not to complain or seek sympathy, more to share with you something I hold near and dear to my heart: Faith. Now, whether you’re a Jesus follower or not, a life without Faith, Hope, or Love is just more difficult to navigate.
I believe in the Faith, Hope, and Love so much, I had it tattooed on my arm a few months ago. I attribute it to the Bible, because that’s where I get my strength from.So, this post is meant to encourage you through the tough times. The stumbling blocks.
Keep the faith and keep taking the next step.
I’ve been asked by a few readers/fans if losing my agent will affect the release of my novel, Wasteland. It doesn’t at all. We are on schedule for a September release. I have fantastic editors at Crescent Moon Press who have stepped up and made me feel even more welcomed and wanted than they already have!
Thanks to all my friends to sided up with me along this latest bump. I love you all.
May you have a fantastic, fun, and safe Fourth of July!
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This Writer’s Journey…
This Writer’s Journey is about sharing a bit of my journey toward publication. Most of my posts have been about fellow writers I’ve met along the way. I’ve thrown in a couple about the non-writers who have impacted me along this journey, too.
For a list of people I’ve previously mentioned, CLICK HERE
Today, I’m going with a non-writer.
My Dad
This is my dad and his wife Penny
If you’ve followed my Twitter and Facebook for any length of time, you’ve seen him pop up once in a while. Without him instilling dedication and determination, I would not be where I am today!
Since Sunday is Father’s Day, we’re honoring fathers over at a group blog I belong to. CLICK HEREI’ve posted about my dad over there. Hope you stop by and say hi.
Happy Friday. Have a great day!
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This Writer’s Journey…
Now, I usually do a little bit about someone I’ve met along my journey to publication (CLICK HERE for those I’ve written about so far), but today, I want to do something a little different.
I want to hear about one person you’ve met along your journey. Whether it’s a journey toward publication or someone who’s come along side you in the journey of life.
We’re not meant to walk alone in this world. I’ve been blessed enough to have come in contact with many people who have made me who I am today.
But now, it’s your turn to share. If the person you list in the comments has a blog or website, put in the link, I’d love to go meet him/her!
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Have a fantastic Friday, everyone!
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Inspiration
I have quite a few things that inspire me–and not just inspiring me to write either. Sure, I have a lot of those, and I mention them weekly in my This Writer’s Journey segments.
But, today, I’m mentioning someone who inspires me on a whole different level. Someone who inspires me to be a better person. A better wife. A better athlete. And yes, even a better writer.
My husband, Charlie.
Here are a couple pictures of a triathlon he did recently.
He works so hard at his sport. Without fail, he trains daily. He watches what he eats–and boy do I wish I had the dedication he does. The way that man can turn away chocolate when it’s readily available is unnatural!
I joke, but truly, he inspires me. He shows me by example what it means to be dedicated to something. To work hard for it. Earn it. Yet, he’s quick to smile and give God the credit for any success he has. He’s right, too. God has truly blessed him with a strong mind, heart and soul.
And a triathlete training for the full Ironman needs that. To make it in a 2-mile swim, 110+ mile bike ride, and 26-mile run—YIKES!
So, I thank you, Charlie, for being such a good example to me and those around you. I’m blessed to call you husband.
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Who inspires you?
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This Writer’s Journey . . .
Writing is a journey, one I truly love and enjoy, but it can sometimes feel rather lonely. Hour after hour, alone, at the computer, pouring your heart and soul into each word. But I’ve learned I’m not alone, in fact, I’ve been blessed to be in contact with some amazing people, both writers and non-writers.
I want to share a bit of that with you. Each week I’ll be spotlighting someone I’ve come in contact with during my journey. Thanks for stepping along side of me-all of you-during this exciting time!
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I met Jill through an online crit group while she was getting published with By Darkness Hid and To Darkness Fled. I even got to help with some of the critiques!
Boy, she’s a great writer. I learned so much from her.
What inspires me about Jill is her tenacity for young people, her dedication to the craft, and her tireless encouragement of other writers.
She saw a couple of my early manuscripts when I was first starting out. And boy, they were ugly *blushes.* With patient, loving care and honesty, she helped me hone the craft a little more with each and every critique she gave me.
Thanks, Jill.
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This Writer’s Journey . . .
Writing is a journey, one I truly love and enjoy, but it can sometimes feel rather lonely. Hour after hour, alone, at the computer, pouring your heart and soul into each word. But I’ve learned I’m not alone, in fact, I’ve been blessed to be in contact with some amazing people, both writers and non-writers.
I want to share a bit of that with you. Each week I’ll be spotlighting someone I’ve come in contact with during my journey. Thanks for stepping along side of me-all of you-during this exciting time!
I wasn’t really sure how to start this segment ofThis Writer’s Journey because I couldn’t figure out what to mention about how she inspires me since she inspires me in so many ways. But here’s my feeble attempt. . .
We met at a local critique group about seven or eight months into my writing journey if I remember correctly. She sat near me and another one of my friends in the group.
And we clicked.
There really isn’t another way to describe it.
She writes fantasy (check out her blog: HERE), and I don’t really read a ton of fantasy, but we decided to start swapping chapters.
She’s got such an elegant style of writing. Her characters are endearing. The worlds she creates are intriguing and beautiful. There’s a bit of her heart and soul in every single word she writes.
KM has a strength about her, too. She hasn’t had the easiest life. All that she endured during her years of addictionand breaking free from it shaped her into a fabulous, loving, and self-less woman. Her smile brightens my day and inspires me to continue on even when the path to publication seems too tough to navigate.
Thank you, KM.
Previous weeks on This Writer’s Journey: Nicole Baart,Coleen Coble,Diana Sharples,Michelle Sutton,Christian Miles,Kendall Grey,Michele Trent,Cari Hawks Foulk.
