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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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Hopeful. . .
Back on January 18th of this year, I wrote a post, The Meaning of a Name.
Me & my mother-in-law, Lynn. Now, I love names. Probably because I’m forever looking for the next unique name for my characters. But my post back in January, I shared with you the reason for my name…Lynn Rush.
For those of you who don’t know, that’s my pen name. I hope you click on that story if you haven’t read it because it’s in honor of my mother in law, Lynn.
Today I write thispost with another heavy heart.
Lynn’s going through that same surgery today! 9am Central Time. The surgery back in January was stopped because they found more cancer in her liver, which prevented them from proceeding with the bile duct reconstruction.
Since January, she’s gone through chemo and found out last week the tumor in her liver is GONE!
That means another surgery. The one that was attempted in January. So, I ask you, my fellow blog followers, can you lift up my mother in law in your thoughts and prayers for me today?
It’s an intense surgery. They’re removing her gall bladder, nearly half her liver, and reconstructing her bile ducts with her intestines.
That’s the only cure for this type of cancer. So, I pray this works.
Thanks my friends. I treasure you all!
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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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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.
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Top Five . . .
We’re down to the second most memorable thing . . . This one stings a little, but remember when I mentioned how I believe we grow from any experience life throws at us–good or bad?
Yeah, well, I’m going to sum up a couple not-so-great-ones into a general category. . .
Number TWO:
Facing the Giants
Yeah, I know, that’s a name of a movie, but I had to steal it for this one.
Two giants I faced in 2010 were: Learning my mother in law has liver cancer and my publishing deal falling through. I’ve written enough on the publishing deal falling through, so I wanted to mention the newest thing….Lynn’s cancer.
You might notice her name is the same as mine. I did that on purpose. Lynn Rush is my pen name, and
I chose Lynn mostly in part because of Lynn Boeyink (my mother in law.)Sure, it happens to be my middle name, so that works, too, but my mother in law was the first person to ever to read my writing.
Yep. Even before my hubby. He started to read a little then set it down…romance so isn’t his thing.
Anyway. Lynn read the very first and very ugly draft of Light of Truth. The first book I ever wrote. Even in its raw, POV-shifting, all kids of telling form, she still found positives to look at and build on.
And besides that, she’s a great writer. I’m proud to have her name. At my wedding, she wrote the most beautiful thing ever called, When Was It Love. You can see that post if you CLICK HERE.
So, while I survived my first publishing deal fall apart–with her support of course–I will strengthen my resolve and be a strong support for her as she faces a tough road ahead of her while battling liver cancer.
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Any big OUCHES you’ve survived only to come out stronger?
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