Yesterday, I signed a contract with Elk Lake Publishing. It’s been over seven years since I  wrote “The End” on the first draft of this novel.  While praying about signing the contract, I received another wonderful surprise. I learned my book is a semi-finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers’ (ACFW) Genesis Contest. What an honor.

God sent me wonderful help on this difficult journey. Jamie Chavez, my developmental editor, is a true gift from God. The fingerprints of my critique partners, Kelly Anne Liberto and Carrie Padgett, are all over my manuscript. Mary Keeley with Books and Such,  was the first professional in the book industry to believe in my story. Tim Beals offered me representation with Credo Communications, and my fantastic agent, Pete Ford, found a home for my book. The support and encouragement from my writing friends in the ACFW Middle TN Chapter kept me going when I wanted to give up. I could go on listing the names of people who have helped me.

After celebrating yesterday, it’s back to work. A publisher is trusting me to deliver a polished manuscript on time. Many of my fellow librarians will be reading my words, and I shudder to think of their high expectations when evaluating material for their collections. When I think about people spending their hard-earned money to buy my book, my hands tremble. I hope and pray they are not disappointed.

Many of my friends wonder why I roll out of bed at four-thirty in the morning to write stories when I have a job I love. Why do I put myself through this daily struggle? The answer is simple. I believe the fiction novel can be one of the most effective evangelical tools available to us today. I’ve attempted to write a book that will draw readers into the story so thoroughly they never realize I’m sharing God’s plan of salvation. My ultimate dream is that someday, in the very far future, when I’m no longer walking on this earth, someone will pick up an old copy of the paperback, read it, and realize what’s been missing from their life—Jesus.  I pray this book will introduce them to a simple prayer that, when prayed with an open heart, will lead them to life everlasting. That’s a whopper of a dream, but one I feel is worthy of sacrificing a little sleep and risking embarrassment.

I covet your prayers for the success of this endeavor.  If you’re not a subscriber to my blog, I hope you’ll enter your email address at the top right corner of this page. Thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog today. May God bless you and keep you safe. And now, it’s time to for me to get to work.