When the Journey Feels Like a Never-Ending Story with guest blogger, Candee Fick

How do you know when you’ve turned the corner in your writing journey? Perhaps when you final in a contest—twice—or when you’re asked to guest-blog on Seekerville. I’m so thrilled to be here! Through the years, I’ve found such encouragement as one by one the original Seekers left Unpublished Island, leaving behind their vacated beachfront cabanas. This amazing community gave me hope that my dream could have a happy ending too.

It’s been ten years since I determined to get to work on my “someday I’ll write a book” dream. While I’ve accumulated a trail of non-fiction articles, books, and a blog along the way, I’m still pursuing my first love of fiction and still waiting for an agent or publishing contract. Some days it feels like this writing journey is a never-ending story, but here’s what keeps me going.

1. Remember why you began to write.

When slogging through word counts and revisions, it’s easy to forget why you wanted to be a writer. I like to go back to the beginning and remember that I began to write because I love stories. I enjoy experiencing new things, imagining the possibilities, and escaping the daily stress within the pages of a book. I love falling in love with characters, struggling alongside them to find solutions to their problems, and celebrating when they triumph. I write because the lessons shared through stories linger the longest. I write because I want to encourage others with stories of faith, hope, and love.

2. Mark the milestones and make a list.

Almost from the beginning, I kept a list of key events along the way. Brainstorming a book outline (2004). Writing “The End” on a non-fiction manuscript comparing faith and football (2005). My first writer’s conference (2006). Enrolling in a two-year mentored writing course (2006-2008). My first published article for pay (2006). Finding a publisher and watching my first book become a reality (2007). An article reprinted in German (2007). Another non-fiction manuscript to encourage other parents with special needs children (2007). A complete (but poorly-written) romance (2008). A rewritten version entered into the ACFW Genesis contest and becoming a Finalist (2009). And so on until I have a record of the journey so far.

3. Celebrate how far you’ve come.

If you are anything like me, just reviewing the milestones is proof that you’ve come a long way. My complete list includes five writers conferences, over a dozen published articles, three non-fiction books in print, two devotional e-books, five fiction manuscripts completed (three worth publishing), five years of blogging, requests for full manuscripts from both agents and editors, a Genesis Runner-Up in 2009, a Genesis Semi-Final in 2011, and a Genesis Double Final in 2014. When the journey drags on, it’s too easy to focus on how far we have to go and forget how far we’ve come. Instead, throw a party and reward yourself for having made it this far.

4. Find a cheering section to help when the ground gets rough.

Writing is a solo endeavor with hours spent staring at a computer screen, but when you hit a bump in the road, you need someone to cry with and then cheer you on. One of my lowest points came when my book-loving grandmother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I hurriedly had my novel manuscripts printed and in the mail so she could see the rest of my books for herself. She graduated to heaven a few weeks later and I felt like I’d lost my biggest fan. When I received yet another rejection on the anniversary of her death, I honestly felt like quitting. Then, my critique partner and my husband and a few timely posts on blogs like Seekerville encouraged me to keep putting words on paper. That was ten months ago, and if it wasn’t for a cheering section including accountability from my local writer’s group, I would never have finished my latest manuscript or entered the Genesis again or become a Double Finalist.

5. Look ahead down the path.

In any journey, it helps to know where you’re headed and chart a path to get there. Learning the craft, marketing, writing another story, and sending out proposals are all good goals to pursue.  As I prepare for the ACFW Conference later this month, I’m polishing one-sheets and practicing pitches in addition to researching the market, brainstorming my next projects, and continuing to build a platform through my website, blog, newsletter email list, and social media.  Every little bit is another step in the right direction. (Shameless self-promotion here since Audra said I could … visit my website at http://www.CandeeFick.com and find links for all of the above. I’d love to connect with you! Not to mention, newsletter subscribers get a code for a free devotional ebook.)

6. Trust the One who knows what the next chapter holds.

As an inspirational author, faith is a key element in my personal life as well as the lives of my characters. While I dream big and work hard, only the Author of my life’s story knows where this journey will actually take me. I also realize that getting a contract or agent is simply the next step in a continuing journey of more books, more marketing, more contests and awards and reviews on the way to foreign language rights, best seller lists, and potential movie options. A girl can dream, right? Yet, the journey continues for each of us because our story is still being written.

I brought breakfast burritos loaded with spicy queso along with a platter of fresh-from-the-oven, gooey cinnamon rolls. So, since I’m procrastinating about shopping for a Gala dress, let’s talk.  Where are you in your journey? Why do you write? When did you start? How far have you come? Who cheers you on? What’s the next goal you’re working towards? Where would you like this journey to end? 

Audra here. Candee's journey is an inspirational adventure for all of us. AND, she's been a fan of Seekerville for years!!! This kind of combination deserves reward. Leave a comment and be in the drawing for a $10 Amazon Gift Card, winner announced in the Saturday Weekend Edition.

 Candee Fick is a football coach’s wife and mother of three, including a special needs daughter. In addition to non-fiction articles, books, and a devotional-style blog, she has been writing fiction since 2008 and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is currently a Double Finalist in the 2014 ACFW Genesis contest Short Novel category. Find her online at www.CandeeFick.com.