Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Southern Kentucky Book Festival and to catch up with some of my favorite authors. While having lunch with Sarah Thomas, she mentioned how fortunate for me the American Christian Fiction Writers’ (ACFW) Conference is being held in Nashville this year as it’s only about an hour’s drive from my home. Then her face looked reminiscent and Sarah said, “Since being published, attending conferences aren’t nearly as exciting.”
Her off the cuff comment reminded me to appreciate each step of this writing journey. Don’t get me wrong, I want my novel to be published, but I know the road to publication is a long journey. I love attending writers’ conferences and meeting other like-minded people, and it’s thrilling to meet with other authors, agents, editors, and industry insiders.
I also had the chance to chat with my friend, award-winning KY author Ann Gabhart. She gave me encouragement and a gentle nudge to send out proposals. I promised her I’d send out something this week, and I did. All the writers I know seem to have insecurities. It’s hard to send out your work because chances are, it will be rejected. I’ve been procrastinating and I appreciate Ann pulling me out of my comfort zone.
If you haven’t read Sarah Louden Thomas’s books, start with Miracle in a Dry Season. Ann is holding the second book in Sarah’s series Until the Harvest. I love Appalachian stories. And don’t forget Ann’s latest book, These Healing Hills. Sarah is holding it. This novel about a nurse midwife who rides a pack-horse through the hills of Kentucky as a part of the Frontier Nursing Service. I keep asking Ann to write a story featuring the librarians who rode pack-horses through Appalachia.
Maybe, you too are struggling, and stretching to reach a difficult goal. Don’t’ forget to appreciate the journey and the people you meet. Success is fleeting, but love lasts forever. Signing a contract is exciting, but friendship far exceeds the the value of a book deal.
Great article!
It was so lovely having lunch with you! And while the thrill of attending a conference for the first time may fade, the joy that comes from connecting with other writers and publishing professionals continues on . . .
Thanks so much for giving me great advice. Can’t wait to read your next book.
Fun, Shelia. It was great seeing you at the Southern Kentucky Book Fest, and I’m glad to hear that you took my advice. Well, maybe orders! For sure, nothing happens if you keep those stories or proposals in a drawer hidden in the dark. Take my word for it. Rejections aren’t fatal. If so, I’d have been done for long ago. I’ve had years during my writing life of nothing but rejections. There are many ups and downs in a writer’s life, at least for most of us.
I can’t say about the writing conferences. I haven’t been to many and never attended one until long after I had published books. I do enjoy meeting writers at conferences, and it’s been fun getting to know you too.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom. Keep in touch and keep writing.
Beautiful post! Thank you, Shelia. So encouraging to enjoy the journey & I’m grateful I got to see you at SOKY Book Fest as well. I love all the friendships I’ve made through ACFW. It is a blessing on my writing journey. ❤️
Thanks for your encouraging words and for your friendship. Hugs!