Friday, May 15, 2015

Writing through the Difficult Times

with guest Cathy West.


“I can’t do this anymore …” 

I wonder if you’ve said that lately. Or at least thought it. 

I have. And sometimes it’s true. Sometimes it’s really how you feel, and you don’t know what else to say. But the minute the words are out, you know you don’t really mean it. You know, despite the insurmountable odds, the closed doors and the brick walls that seem too high to scale … you can do this. 


Let’s be honest. Writing is one of the hardest jobs out there. For many of us, the journey to publication is a dream we’ve held for years. We write because we love it, but we also long for the opportunity to share our work with the world. And some days that goal seems lofty. Some days you tell yourself it’ll never happen. And some days, well … you know what happens. Life takes over. 

And the words won’t come. 

I remember a time a few years back where I quit. I quit writing because I quit believing in myself. Rejection after rejection convinced me I’d never be any good at this thing, never get an agent, let alone one day get to hold my own book in my hands. The easiest thing to do would be to shut down the computer. Besides, my kids needed me, my husband needed me, and there were a lot of other things going on that demanded my attention. I was emotionally drained, discouraged, and ready to pack it in. 

Have you been there? 

Maybe that’s how you feel today. Maybe you think that walking away is easier. It’s not. Not if you really believe you’re called to this thing. Not if you know that God has given you this incredible gift – the ability to weave words into beautiful tapestries that touch the hearts and minds of readers and give them joy, hope. 
So … we don’t quit. 

But how … how do we write when we’re in the midst of battle? Surrounded by hard circumstances and situations we can’t control … how … when it’s all we can do to get out of bed in the morning … how?

I’ve heard that desperate cry in my head more times than I care to share. Trust me, I know. I know how hard it is. But I also know you can do it. And I can too. 

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. 

This used to be my biggest downfall. I’d be too worried about what people would think if I told them how I really felt. I refused to ask for help when I needed it most. Not anymore. Now I know the first thing to do when I’m in that hard place, is to reach out. First to God, but then to that trusted group of friendsyour prayer warriors, your confidants, your A-teamoh, I hope you’ve got one of those. Because I have to tell you, when you’re in the midst of the storm, you need all those arms around you.




One day at a time. 

Do what you can. Nobody says it has to be perfect. You just have to show up. Show up and write. Clear your mind of the clutter and see what comes out. If you’re on deadline, obviously you need to keep going with that story, but if you simply can’t … then just write a blog. Write a piece of flash fiction. Poetry. A letter to your grandmother or great-aunt. Anything. Just write. And don’t tell yourself you can’t, because you know that’s not true. Try setting a goal, even if it’s only a paragraph. Tomorrow it might be page. And then a chapter. Believe it’ll come. 

Be good to yourself. 

Take breaks. Go for a walk, work-out, watch a movie, go get some coffee with a friend, whatever you need to do to find joy. Because staring at a white page on the screen in front of you is no fun. And we want this to be fun, don’t we? 


Remind me why I’m doing this? 

I say this a lot. And my wise friends will answer, “Because you can’t not.” And it’s true. I’ve tried. Each time I want to give up, quit and never write another word, I get that yearning, that unrest in the pit of my stomach that says I’ll never be truly content unless I’m writing. I know now part of the reason I can’t quit is because this is who I am. I’m a writer. God made me this way. He’s given me the talent and He’s put me on this path, and provided amazing gifts along the way. How dare I try to refuse it! 

Imagine a family, poor, hard-working, who want nothing more than to see their son succeed - he’s a straight A student and all his teachers tell them he’s capable of doing whatever he sets his mind to, so they save every penny they can, and finally have enough money to offer him the ability to attend college. And he turns around and tells them, “No thanks, I’m just going to roam the country aimlessly, pick up odd jobs when I can … it’ll be good.” You know? 

Don’t refuse the gift. 

Yes, there will be difficult times. We’re not promised cake and ice cream every day.  

But we are asked to persevere. To be faithful. To be filled with faith and confidence, even when we feel empty inside. Do what you can today, trust God for tomorrow, and don’t ever, ever give up. 

Have you wanted to quit lately? How do you write through the difficult times? 


Catherine West is an award-winning author who writes stories of hope and healing from her island home in Bermuda. Her first novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, released in 2011 and won the INSPY for Romance, a Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, and was a finalist in the Grace Awards. Catherine’s second novel, Hidden in the Heart, released in September 2012, was long listed in the 2012 INSPY’s and was a finalist in the 2013 Grace Awards. Catherine’s latest novel, Bridge of Faith, is now available on Amazon.

When she’s not at the computer working on her next story, you can find her taking her Border Collie for long walks or tending to her roses and orchids. She and her husband have two grown children. Catherine is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America, and is represented by Rachelle Gardner of Books & Such Literary. Catherine loves to connect with her readers and can be reached at Catherine@catherinejwest.com

  



 Comment today for a chance to win Bridge of Faith ebook or print. One winner will be announced in the Weekend Edition.


Two lives taken down different roads - one enduring love - one shot at starting over. 
If only they believed in second chances. 

Julia Connelly is finally free from twelve long years in an abusive relationship. Now able to live the life she’s longed for, Julia takes her two children back home to Vermont, hoping for peace and healing. The last person she expects to see is the man she eloped with at eighteen—who then abandoned her two months into their marriage, with little explanation. 

When an assignment in the Middle East ends in tragedy, popular news correspondent, Reid Wallace, returns to his hometown seeking answers and peace of mind. 

Confronting his past was not in the plan. 

Now he’s asking different questions. Like why the only woman he’s ever really loved still mesmerizes him. Why the haunted expression she wears reaches right into his soul. 

And why her twelve year-old son looks just like him. 


They say you can’t go home again. Sometimes you don’t have a choice.



67 comments :

  1. I've definitely been there. Thankful that I'm not at the moment. The last time I was there, I knew even as I thought about quitting that there was no way I could do it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I've definitely been there too. So many times! And every single time that I wanted to quit God sent just the right thing my way to let me know to keep persevering.

    Don't put me in the draw. I've already got A Bridge of Faith burning a whole in my Kindle - just need to find the time to read it :)

    P.S. Seekerville this whole new "choose the steak" verification option is way more fun than squinting and trying to work out numbers!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I do not write, but I know the feeling of wanting to quit something. I find I always come back to it eventually.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a timely post, Cathy. I received a pass this week. For a brief moment I thought about how much easier my life would be if I were to stop writing. Such thoughts come whether I want them to or not, usually when I've experienced a setback or am battling those pesky doubts that love to plague us.

    It didn't take long for reason to return after I opened that email bearing the bad news. I love what I do, even though there are days when I'm dealing with the resulting ache of rejection. At times like that, I remind myself feelings pass and my passion for writing will blossom once again.

    I'm happy to report that I already have a shiny new story idea ready and am busy polishing the proposal. Giving up isn't an option. I'm a writer, so I'll keep on writing.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I think if we all think back there has been a time when we have wanted to quit something but somehow we persevere and continue on.

    Your new book sounds absolutely wonderful! I would love to win a copy.

    Have a blessed day!

    Smiles & Blessings,
    Cindy W.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Welcome, Cathy. What a timely post for many of us.

    Gorgeous cover on the book. Who does your cover art??

    ReplyDelete
  7. Kara! How goes the edits? You can skip the Captcha. It is not necessary. Just ignore it.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I brought bagels. My favorite brain food. Enjoy yourself Villagers. Let's pick Cathy's brain.

    For example: Where did this book idea come from?

    And what's next for you?

    ReplyDelete
  9. And sometimes rejection and adversity makes one more determined . . . :-) My favorite words are 'what do I have to lose?'

    I don't have those feelings but maybe ten seconds at a time, once in a blue moon . . .

    Finding something more interesting, maybe, but giving up? Never.

    It helps when your mother was a bulldog and your dad an elephant. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Catherine, I-m there right now. I write everyday, enter contest, and feel like why am I doing this? I have even prayed for God to take this desire away. Then the next morning, the urge to write something exciting pops in my head, so I sit down and allow it spew on the pages. Continous cycle. I think I need the prayer warriors.i have a lot of Christian writer friends, but I don't take advantage of asking them to lift me up in prayer. Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  11. HI Catherine,
    Many thanks! Such a powerful post. And so apropos for me in my current writing journey.

    My one word for this year is HEART. That's because I've gotten to the point that I don't know if my heart is in this anymore. So, prayerfully, I've been testing my heart by putting myself and my WIPs 'out there' again, entering contests and signing up for conferences, etc. God is my partner and I dedicate my writing to His glory. I trust He will direct my heart on the path and in the timing He desires.

    Beautiful cover, BTW. I 'collect' covered bridges. When we travel, we go out of our way to find them.

    ReplyDelete
  12. How great to meet you, Cathy. I'm half way through Bridge of Faith and I'm loving it!
    Each time I ask why I'm doing this, I receive a little surprise from God and it keeps me going.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi everyone! So much fun to be here today!
    I know I've felt so despondent over the years, writing is a really tough business and the traditional market is tighter than ever. Last year, when things weren't going anywhere, my agent and I discussed Indie publishing. I'd gotten my rights back on my 2 previously published novels, so I got new covers, actually did a bit of a re-write on Yesterday's Tomorrow so the version that out now is a little different than the original, and Bridge of Faith is a new story also Indie published. I used Yvonne Parks at Pear Creative for that cover, and Dineen Miller for Yesterday's Tomorrow and Hidden in the Heart. I think they're all awesome covers! Indie publishing isn't for everyone however, and I always longed for that elusive contract with a big house. I'm super excited and blessed to share that that dream has come true, and I've just signed with Harper Collins Christian/Thomas Nelson Publishing! I have 2 new books on the schedule with them, thinking the first might be a 2016 release, but I don't know dates yet! So I'm here to say if that's your dream, DO NOT GIVE UP!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. OH and I'm having a Facebook LAUNCH party for Bridge of Faith on May 29th! You're all invited!! There will be lots of fun happening, giveaways of my books and cool Vermont yummies, so here's the link to RSVP - would love to see you there!!
    https://www.facebook.com/events/816358105104290/

    ReplyDelete
  15. Anytime I think of giving up, within a day or two, I get mad. I have stories I want to tell. I hate writing but I want people to read my stories. What's a person to do? Learn from mistakes and try again.

    And Tina, I can just skip the Captcha? Really? The other day it asked me to find the ice cream. There was only one! I'm telling you I can tell the difference between ice cream and cupcakes. But they said I was wrong and I had to go to the next challenge.

    ReplyDelete
  16. And I love this timing of this post. The day they announce who makes it to the final round of the Blurb2Book contest.

    :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. What an inspiring post, Cathy. I soaked in every word. Thanks.

    I'd love to be entered in the draw. It sounds like another great story.

    Have a blessed day!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you, Catherine. I am having a lot of anxiety this week, NOT about the writing, there's nothing I'd rather be doing, but about all the things that keep me from the writing, which I suppose is progress. I don't want to quit the writing, especially after a "semi" with the Genesis, but I wouldn't mind quitting almost everything else.
    I am constantly reassessing the writing, especially as I grow older without a contract, and I keep asking God to tell me when to stop. So far, He hasn't. My kids are grown and my husband is supportive, so that's not an issue. Well, we shall see, please enter me in drawing.
    Kathy Bailey

    ReplyDelete
  19. Forgot to answer the question - where did the idea for the book come from?
    Hmm. Not sure. Vermont is one of my favorite places, so the setting grabbed me first. And I love second-chance, lost love stories. I'm not a plotter, so usually the characters pop in to my head and I let them play awhile until we figure out their story. It usually works out pretty well. :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I loved the post. The book sounds great.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cathy, what a beautiful, hope-filled post. Thanks for the encouragement to keep writing, even when I want to quit. Yes, I've been there. Right now, I'm wishing I had MORE time to write before my kids get out of school next week.

    How do I write through the difficult times? One choice at a time. Choosing to sit down and do it, even when I'm discouraged. Talking with a trusted friend also helps re-align my perspective and keep doing it.

    Loved this post, and loved your book. Please don't enter me for the drawing. I've already got the book. :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. This is so right on. I'm not there today, but I have been, and I will be again. I'm saving this to read for those days in the future. Thank you and much continued success to you!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I know the feeling even though I'm not a writer. So glad y'all worked through it, too, because the one thing I've never felt like give nag up is reading! Thanks for a insight into your writing life, Catherine. Where's the waffles, Tina?

    ReplyDelete
  24. I know the feeling even though I'm not a writer. So glad y'all worked through it, too, because the one thing I've never felt like give nag up is reading! Thanks for a insight into your writing life, Catherine. Where's the waffles, Tina?

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'm embarrassed to admit this, but don't add my name to the drawing. Between graduation and traveling for Scott's last tennis tournament, I forgot I already won a copy of Cathy's book. Life has got to slow down soon.

    Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Welcome, Catherine! Your post really resonated with me, because I have SO been there! The worst time turned out to be exactly one year before I received my first book contract. I was awash in discouragement, but thanks to friends' prayers and encouragement, I held on and kept writing. Imagine if I hadn't!

    ReplyDelete
  27. First off, Bridge of Faith sounds like an awesome read. And I love the cover too.

    Thank you so much for this encouraging post. I needed to read it today. I wouldn't say I'm feeling discouraged as much as overwhelmed right now. I've been grappling with some chronic health issues and I've had to come to grips with the fact that I can't do things the way I used to. It's taken me five years to reach that conclusion and I still don't like it. LOL But it means that I can't write for long periods of time -- twenty minutes tops at one sitting. And my brain processing is different so that's taken some adjustment. All in all, I'm just slower at everything so sometimes I feel like 'what's the use?' But writing provides an escape for me so I keep at it, though it seems like a snails pace these days.

    I guess the biggest thing I've come to realize is that I can't compare myself to anyone else -- not in writing or walking or functioning in day to day living. If I do, I will become discouraged. I do what I can each day. Period. Even self comparisons can be detrimental so I celebrate each day's successes, refrain from looking behind or ahead. I guess living in the moment is what helps me get through whatever discouragement I might be feeling.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Catherine, great post! Yes, yes, yes...to all your questions and to your advice. I continue because I find JOY in writing and feel I NEED to do this. THANK YOU for your honesty in sharing your thoughts.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Mmm, waffles!! Good idea!
    One of my biggest issues is I'm way too hard on myself. When things get difficult, I just pile on that blame and guilt, which of course does more harm than good. But sometimes we DO need that break, even if it's only a few days, but it could be a week or a month … however long you need to figure out why you're stuck. I had a really bad start to the new year, and honestly, I wasn't sure what the future held for me as far as ever getting published traditionally. Around March, while spending some time in Canada, in ALL THAT SNOW … I went for a walk and God told me very clearly, as he likes to do, LET IT GO. I realized I was fighting battles I didn't need to be fighting. You can read about that on my blog - https://thisisablogaboutbooks.wordpress.com/2015/04/17/will-you-give-it-up/
    And then keep reading, because exactly a month later, to the DAY, Harper Collins made the offer. :)
    So sometimes it's really not up to us at all. God is always faithful and meets us where we need Him and always at just the right time.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Cathy, welcome to Seekerville. Loved your inspiring post! I'm guessing most of us have been in that scary giving-up place more than once.

    The worst for me was not long after my book was a finalist in the Golden Heart. I expected an agent, a sale. Something. But nothing happened. We're most vulnerable after a mountain peak experience. But, in God's timing I sold.

    We visited Bermuda once and loved our week on the island. I'll admit those narrow roads were harrowing. I'm giving you points for courage.

    Your story sounds fantastic!

    Janet

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank you Catherine for such an encouraging post. This year has been difficult with lots of issues outside my control. My writing goals, and even finding the time to pursue writing has been compromised. I often question whether I'm really supposed to be engaging in storytelling....And yet, I can't quit.

    Thanks again for the good word today! And I'd love to be entered in the drawing for your book.

    ReplyDelete
  32. This post was timed perfectly for me. It seems as if doubts and anxiety have really weighed me down lately. Today is the day I find out if I made the third round of a competition, and even before I knew I made the second round, I was plagued with doubts about my ability to do this. I've been hit hard with rejections over the last year or so. In addition to the rejections, life has gotten so busy and unmanageable at times.

    But I love what you said in your post: Don't refuse the gift. It may be hard some days to keep the faith and walk in this season, but it IS a gift to be able to write. Moreover, God will honor our good stewardship of the gift He gave us!

    I'd love to be entered in the drawing.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Welcome, Cathy! Such an inspiring post. I've been at the quitting point several times. And each time, God has given me a boost or a nudge to keep me going.

    And Mary Preston, yes, this can happen in other areas of our lives as well (outside of writing).

    Cathy, I love your new cover!

    ReplyDelete
  34. BTW, I just love that photo of you and your friends laughing! :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. A party!! Cathy, I'll be there!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Any finalists in today's Blurb to Book announcements in the Village today?? Do share if you made it to the next round!!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Tina, since you asked. YES! I made it to the next round.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Congratulation, Terri!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Contest finals are good things to focus on when you have the down times Cathy is sharing about! Savor the moment!! Saluting you with my bagel!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Contests are good. Can I also share that I'm a double finalist in the Daphne?

    Hats off to my fellow finalist Mary Curry.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Tina, I made it to the next round, too! Congrats, Terri! :)

    ReplyDelete
  42. Yeah Anna! I'm so happy for you.

    ReplyDelete
  43. I don't want to quit, I'm just having difficulty justifying time not spent with the child unit and husband.
    Just write. Good advice and simple.

    but so hard sometimes to execute. *sigh*

    thanks for this post. it's nice to know I'm not the only one with struggles.

    love your book blurb. please put my name into the draw.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Absolutely perfect timing for this post! Thank you so much for writing it, Catherine.

    I advanced to the third and final round of Blurb to Book today. Yay! Now, it's time to stress and fall apart for a few minutes. I have a grandson due to be born around June 1st. This will be my daughter's first. She and her hubby live in Arkansas, so I'm planning on spending a week there. Then the second week of July, I'm headed to NYC with my sis-in-law and two nieces. We're driving (roughly 14 hours), and I will do most of the driving...no writing time there. Wonder if I could dictate to a niece and have her type? Hmmm...that may work.

    Oh well, on the bright side, summer break starts one week from today! This means when I'm home, I'll have all day to write. Yep, it's going to be okay!

    ReplyDelete
  45. My historical advanced in Blurb2Book,too. I refused to look at the list this morning. In fact, I was under the covers.

    PIPER, my dear friend, got my attention when she PM'd me to say Congrats!

    Then I promptly went to the grocery, stuffed my car trunk with frozen foods and forgot about them until two hours later when I went to cook something and found the freezer empty.

    Yes, I'm in the clouds. Will be crashing to earth shortly in case you hear a bang!

    Congrats to the others on the list.

    And I so feel the pain of those who missed this time.

    The important thing is WE TRIED!

    For most of us, this isn't an overnight adventure. It's a LONG road in many cases.

    DO NOT be discouraged.
    KEEP WRITING!
    KEEP ENTERING!
    KEEP SEARCHING for the audience that will make your dreams come true. God had BIG plans for all of us. In the fullness of time...

    ReplyDelete
  46. Congrats to Terri Weldon and Mary Curry for being finalists in the Daphne Contest! Way to go ladies! And congrats to all those who advanced in the Blurb2book! I look forward to purchasing a book from each if you!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I had times where nothing would come. This post was very helpful.

    Connie Queen, I had that same Captcha with the ice cream! I told it to give me the next question since I figured there must be more than the 1 ice cream and I couldn't figure out what it was!

    So to skip it, just push the "Publish your comment" button and don't do anything about the "I'm not a robot" part?

    ReplyDelete
  48. Great to see everyone encouraging one another. That's what true community is all about, and I think writers need that more than anyone!
    Congrats to finalists … it's great to get that validation. But I hate the disappointment that comes for those who didn't 'make it'. I hope you know that your work is just as valuable. Contests are great, but don't get too discouraged if you don't final or win. I never did either, but the point of today's discussion … just don't quit.
    :-)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Cheering for the Villagers who moved forward in Blurb2Book! So proud of all of you.

    Proud of those who submitted and didn't get the nod this time around. Keep working. Don't get discouraged, as Cathy mentioned today.

    Lovely post! Yes, yes, yes to everything you said!

    Just sent a completed manuscript to my editor at 11:30 AM. Have been "catching up" since then. With every book, I get to a worst-thing-I've-ever-written stage. Hubby always reminds me that it's part of my writing journey. Somehow, with God's inspiration, that very rough draft gets better. :)

    Love your cover and that blurb rocks! You've hooked me, Cathy!

    Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  50. I've figured out who everyone is in those pictures except the smiling gal on the very left. Who is she?

    ReplyDelete
  51. Congrats to all who moved on in the Blurb2Book!! And also in the Daphne!

    To those who didn't move on, like Cathy said, don't give up!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I just visited the Blub2Book site to get the full list. Exciting to see so many familiar names:

    Team Love Inspired Historical
    Editor Mentors: Tina James, Elizabeth Mazer & Dina Davis

    Christina Miller-- A Southern Promise
    Crystal L Barnes-- An Unforeseen Match
    Erica Vetsch-- The Snowflake Bride
    Gabrielle Meyer-- The Doctor's Redemption
    Janette Foreman-- Beneath the Cottonwoods
    Karen Gaus-- Hearts Engaged
    Lyndee Henderson-- Mending His Heart
    Patricia Iacuzzi-- Miss Harper's Plan
    Rachel Meyers-- Mail Order Groom
    Tracy Blalock-- Wed on the Oregon Trail


    Team Love Inspired Suspense
    Editor Mentors: Emily Rodmell, Giselle Regus & Dina Davis

    Angela Ruth Strong-- Twice Removed
    Anna Weaver Hurtt-- Hazardous Conditions
    Dalyn Woods -- Exposed
    Helen Jones-- Fatal Deadline
    Jordyn Redwood-- The Hangman's Noose
    Kavanagh Rees-- A Simple Deception
    Mairibeth MacMillan-- Danger in Eagle Pass
    Rhonda Herren Starnes-- Hunted
    Suzanne Baginskie-- Dangerous Charade
    Terri Weldon-- Deadly Assets


    Team Love Inspired
    Editor Mentors: Melissa Endlich, Shana Asaro, & Giselle Regus

    Annie Rains—The Marrying Kind
    Donna Gartshore--Memories at Silver Lake
    Erica D. Hearns--Always the Last to Know
    Glynis Becker—Hope and Promises
    Heidi McCahan—The Farmer's Daughter
    Jeanne M Dickson-- A Home For Roma
    Jill Weatherholt—Capture the Dream
    Laurel Blount-- A Family for Goosefeather Farm
    Vesta Watkins-- Her Cowboy Hero
    Yvonne Weers-- A Home for Hope

    ReplyDelete
  53. Debby, I get at that stage every time, too. The "no one will want to read this" stage. Then usually if I get some separation and come back to it later, I can see the positives. :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Cathy,

    What an absolutely beautiful post.

    I've been there often - and often it's not because of the writing but because other things in life drained me so I felt I had nothing to bring to the writing. One of the precious gifts of being called to write is that often the act of doing it is what reinvigorates you.

    This - "But we are asked to persevere. To be faithful. To be filled with faith and confidence, even when we feel empty inside. Do what you can today, trust God for tomorrow, and don’t ever, ever give up."
    I'm going to print that and hang it by my computer.

    Thanks so much. I'd love to be in the drawing. Your book sounds so exactly like what I'd love to read. And I adore your cover.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Catherine, thanks so very much for sharing this. Have I felt like quitting? I not only felt like it, I did quit. But God said "Not so fast," and I wasn't going to argue. You didn't quit, and you haven't even begun to see what's in store for you for the future. Congratulations on your new contract with TNCF.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Congrats on the sales to Harper Collins/Thomas Nelson, Cathy. I thought I remembered reading that on FB. I love dreams that come true. :)

    So, on that note - super congrats to all those who moved on in Blurb2Book. I know exactly how you feel. SO I'll offer the perspective of someone who was in your shoes a year ago and felt totally overwhelmed. That's a powerful feeling but it's no match for the one you have when that editor calls to buy your book!
    Write on!!!!!


    Lyndee, I LOVE the forgotten frozen food story. There's one for the memory books.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Debby, congrats on finishing the book and turning it in.

    *Waves* to my fellow Daphne finalist. Hi Terri. I was so excited to see your name on today's list.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Tina, those pics were taken last summer in Colorado Springs, where an astounding number of my writer friends happen to live. It was an amazing, encouraging time to be able to hang out at Panera for a few hours and eat, laugh and finally have them pray for me … thinking about it still gives me goosebumps.
    The gal on the left is Jill Buteyn.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Thanks Mary! I'm so excited, seeing you sell last year was such an inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  60. MARY CURRY and TERRI - Congrats on the Daphne. Wow, what an amazing day!

    ReplyDelete
  61. These are wonderful words of encouragement. I often think I should just give up on this dream, but then something calls me back to say I want to do this. I will keep plugging away!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Lovely, timely and encouraging post. Thank you, Cathy.

    Nancy C

    ReplyDelete
  63. Catherine, you've been following me around today?

    Sounds like Cass our Schnauzer and your Border Collie and you and I should head out on walkies. ;)

    Thanks for the pep talk. It's going to be a long night since it's quiet and I have writing time soooo, thought I'd stop by for a Seekerville jolt and voila, God provided!

    As usual around here... ;)

    Write on!

    ReplyDelete
  64. MISSY, thank you for sharing the list!

    Congrats to one and all -- and to Mary Curry and Terri for the Daphne finals.

    Nancy C

    ReplyDelete
  65. I am a reader/reviewer & there have been times I've looked at my TBR stack and asked why not just quit.. because it's "who I am" I 'will' get caught up ;) thank you for the pep talk!
    please toss me into the drawings, thanks
    Deanna

    ReplyDelete
  66. What a lovely, encouraging post! Thank you, Catherine!

    ReplyDelete