SEEKERVILLE IS TEN YEARS OLD.
Gosh.
I remember her when she was a youngster, wet behind the ears, featuring posts written by aspiring authors... Only six of us were published when we launched the blog in 2007... But we'd made a pledge, a vow to pray each other into publication... a vow that said we would leave no woman behind...
And we meant it!
"Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened unto you..." Matthew 7:7
We started as fifteen... and when we'd reached the goal of ALL 15 AUTHORS being contracted by royalty-paying publishers, we kept going. We kept writing, two of the originals moved on, and the remaining thirteen joined hands to make Seekerville and you a priority.
Why?
Because you matter.
In a competitive business like ours, it's good to know that someone is out here who isn't just reaching for your pocket. Your wallet. It's good to know that help exists beyond the measures of payment, and that there are people who believe that the more you give, the more you get. That's our belief system here. It's not about us... although we all love selling books. It's about the collective "us"... you and me and Patti Jo and Caryl and Seekers and editors and agents and Trixi and Helen and Wilani and Deb and Tracey and Jackie and Jackie and Jacki...
It's about advice and encouragement, work and encouragement, lectures... and encouragement IN THE LECTURE! :)
As we celebrate this birthday, I get to celebrate a different milestone, one that I'm immensely proud of: My 20th Love Inspired book hits the stands this week, around October 17th... "The Lawman's Yuletide Baby", a beautiful story of second chances and forgiveness... And how a baby changes everything, not just at Christmas, but every day of the year.
I got the call in June of 2009. Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired, calling to offer me a contract... Twenty books later, I've just signed another six book contract with them, and I was delighted to do so.
Publishing is an odd biz. Many publishers get upset if you work with more than one company/publisher. Or if you put out indie books... but the reality is that unless you're a NYT bestselling author, they're probably not paying you a living wage. When other publishers contact me, I let them know that I'm not giving up my Love Inspired books, because not only did Love Inspired give me my first chance, they've sold close to a million books for me...
Remember that old line "dance with the guy who brought you..."
I believe that a good turn deserves another, and my goal has always been to delight my Walmart and Kroger readers alongside my B&N and Amazon readers because a growing readership is the plan... but not one at the expense of the other.
And this business has more than its share of shellackers. Folks who prey on the desire to write a book and see it published by offering all kinds of help.... for a very steep fee.
Those sharks lurk in all waters of this industry, and they often see Christian authors as easy targets. They see us as trusting, naive, innocent and maybe a trifle foolish because we like to believe others are the same way. Nope. Throwing the word "Christian" or "Believer" into a name doesn't mean the person is on your side. Don't let appearances deceive. It's up to us as smart businesswomen and men to check the fine print...
Why am I telling you this? Why am I advising you to stay away from sharks and empty promises and luring offers that will take your hard-earned money?
Because there are no short-cuts. There is one formula.
Talent + Desire + Perseverance + Hard Work = The Possibility of Success.
Believe in yourself. Believe in the gifts you've been given. Believe in the opportunities that abound... but it will all go for naught if you are unwilling to do the work, to take the time, to make the commitment to be the best you can be.
Remember our scripture from the Rockin' It 2016 New Year's Eve party?
This is what I leave you with as I celebrate my 42nd published work and my 20th Love Inspired and our 10th Seekerville Birthday...
Be strong and courageous in all things, and when this writing road seems rough or tough or broken, remember that God alone sees beyond the bends in the road... and He is our strength and our salvation.
Reason enough to throw a party, right there!
Great parties have great company... You!!!... and great prizes, so I'm giving away three copies of "The Lawman's Yuletide Baby" today.... and a $20 Amazon gift card to celebrate TWENTY LOVE INSPIRED BOOKS... with more to come!
Leave a comment and you'll be entered into the drawings... and into the conversation! What makes you stick with a goal... and if it gets tough, what helps you to re-engage and get back on track? Share your tips with everyone here... and Happy Birthday Seekerville!!!!
Congratulations to you! WOO HOO! Twenty books with LI and (then there are the dozens of others!) Fabulous.
ReplyDeleteHere's a toast to many, many more.
I am joining you in that toast!!! This is an exciting month and I dedicated this book to Melissa Endlich... she started all this with that single phone call. I will always be crazy grateful!
DeleteCongratulations, Ruthy! That's a buncha books! You are an inspiration and one of this writer's role-models.
ReplyDeleteConference reignited my desire to write again. Full force writing, like I had been before my hiatus to care for my parents. God was so good to me there. I'm so blessed.
Lyndee, the good side of writing is that we can build in these breaks for kids, parents, illness, sadness... the bad side of writing is that we can get out of the habit so quickly... like a life change diet strategy, it's hard to start again!!!! Go get 'em, Tiger. Your amazing talent is yours and yours alone... and God's blessed timing has put you right here. :) It's a great place to be, my friend.
DeleteHello Ruth and Tina! I’m so thankful and inspired by the origin story of Seekerville and how you all decided to pray each other into publication. You all have built such a thriving community here in the past 10 years! I’m early today because when sitting at my sons hospital bedside waiting out this last hour before he can have his bendy pain pill. My quarterly goals have been derailed by his accident. But my hubby brought my laptop here and I’m chipping away not by bit at my story. Sometimes the target moves on you but I think the important thing to remember is that God’s still holding up the target! Not terribly brilliant advice but between my son’s upset and my migraine, that’s all I’ve got lol! Congratulations on 20 LI books! I would love to be in the draw for one of the books please. And I brought apple caramel muffins to share with the early morning crowd!
ReplyDeleteAll I heard was caramel apple muffins, which means there must be a RECIPE for these somewhere!!!!
DeleteGood morning, Laurie, and yes...like Lyndee said above, life can derail a career like no other... I'd tried to write while I had kids at home but there were too many kids and too many jobs... but I knew God would open a space for me if this was truly what I was supposed to do... and he did! I started waking up at 4:00 AM... and it didn't take rocket science to figure out that extra two hours was writing time! :)
My circadian rhythms opened a door and I climbed through.
I will keep your son in prayer, and I'm so sorry this happened. :( Bless you for being by his side. And sometimes it's harder when the patient is special needs... Sending you hugs and wanting a muffin for realsies!!!
Praying for your son, Laurie.
DeleteThank you both Ruthie and Susan
DeleteThat's an amazing amount of books to have published! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteRomance writers are incredibly supportive to each other, and the editors and agents that I have met (virtually or in person) have gone out of their way to be helpful. I was really hesitant to come out of lurkerdom and join in, but now I'm very glad I did!
Evelyn!!! I'm so glad you did, too... and I love that the name Evelyn is coming back into fashion. I've met several Evelyns and Eleanors this year at the Pumpkin Farm, and they're BABIES!!!!! All of them under age five, it's such a sweet pair of names!
DeleteOkay, back to lurkdom... we writers are mostly introverts and there's a lot of shyness involved. (I am not in this category but the majority of my friends are not loud-mouth, somewhat obnoxious people with big hearts like I am... although I hide the big heart WELL, if I do say so myself). Coming out of lurkdom is huge, because that's a major step forward in saying "I'm a writer."
Before I got The Call from Melissa, I had people who would smirk and say "Sold any books yet?"
"When are you going to sell a book?"
"Isn't that a lot of time gone with no reward?"
Evelyn, NO ONE would say that about a college education... they'd assume that you're supposed to put in time and come out more educated. Like ... Duh!
I saw writing the same way. I figured that life experiences were my way of prepping for character building and my years of writing pre-publication were my training and skill-building. And it all worked out! I think when we look at those years of industry as our "education" (and not nearly as costly!) we can step out with even more candor and say things like "Hi, I'm Evelyn and I'm a writer!!!"
And yes, agents and editors are amazing in this biz. And they would tell us the same thing we were just talking about on the blog... there are no short cuts. Don't believe the snake oil salespeople... Just keep writing!
Congrats on 20 books, and you're right, there are no shortcuts, don't fall prey! You don't want to be out there before you're ready anyway....may not seem like it now, but it's true. Patience, padawan.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that! And indie publishing tempts a lot of folks in before they're ready... but that's another blog post! :)
DeleteThank you, Melissa!!!
Congrats on 20 books and 10 years!!! I started my book review blog in 2012 with a book I won in a giveaway and a few library checkouts. Now, over 420 reviews and numerous interviews and giveaways later, I am about to celebrate my 5th blogoversary in December. It's been tough at times, keeping to deadlines, going through dry spells when I read little, burnout, internet troubles, books lost in the mail, starts and fails, but I've stuck to it and I'm glad I did. I, honestly, never thought I would make it 5 years. I never thought I would get the chance to have interviews with amazing people like Seekerville's own Julie Lessman. I certainly didn't expect to be blessed enough to get the chance to read so many great books. It's been tough sometimes but it's also been a blast! And 5 years from now I hope to be celebrating Seekerviller's 15th and my own 10th...who knows what God has in store...
ReplyDeleteJasmine, congratulations! You are exactly why we do this. We love readers and bloggers and book reviewers. We love folks who go out of their way to get names out their, to celebrate titles and covers.
DeleteTHANK YOU!!!!!!!!
Hey, Jasmine, you are and will forever be one of my favorite bloggers, my friend, and forever immortalized in the Isle of Hope series, both you and your dad! :)
DeleteHugs,
Julie
Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteMy stubbornness makes me stick to any task or goal. I may get side tracked, but the reason why I went down that path in the first place will bring me back.
Mary, me too. If I stumble and fall... or get off-track... I get mad at myself and crawl back.
DeleteHey.
It works, right? :)
You and me, Mary!!!!!
Ruthy, you are such an inspiration to me as well as the other Seekers. You ladies give and give and give. Applauding even the smallest accomplishments of your followers. This is what keeps me going...knowing that when I post my big news here, your happiness for me will be genuine.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Marcia
Marcia, yes! The happiness is genuine, and cheering successes is what makes us the happiest. When we came up for the idea for the blog, it was a total "give back" mindset, and I hope that's always apparent. Even in the crazy busy times we all face... we long for your success and joy! Hey, I brought some fresh carrot cake... And I'm willing to share!
DeleteSo stinkin' proud Ruthie. 20 books! I still have the BEST memories of us meeting at that yummy bakery in downtown Manhattan. We need a repeat trip! Thank you for your support of newbie writers. What gives me the ability to keep going is the ongoing, unstinting encouragement and advice from all in Seekerville and the Christian writing community.
ReplyDeleteJenna, wasn't that a fun meeting??? You, me and Cate Nolan... at Financier.
DeleteOh, those pastries!!!!
And great coffee.
Jenna, you have persevered throughout your cancer treatments, throughout the ups and downs of this crazy business. You've climbed mountains and may God continue to bless you and grant you full health as you go forward!!!
Congratulations Ruthy! What an accomplishment! You are and have been such an encourager along with all the rest of Seekerville that I find at times I receive just the right 'kick in the pants' that I need for a certain situation. I have a tendency to procrastinate and it makes it hard for me to get re-motivated, but I try to focus on 'the end' or outcome I am hoping to achieve and that spurs me on.
ReplyDeleteHappy 10th Birthday Seekerville!
Blessings,
Cindy W.
Cindy, focusing on that outcome is clutch. Good for you... and I need those kicks/reminders, too. Sometimes life weighs heavy with reality, and when that happens, writing sweet happy-endings is a challenge... but then I think of Mother Teresa... and Pollyanna... and all the good there is in the world and that pushes me forward.
DeleteLast Sunday's Gospel from St. Paul to the Phillipians was so perfect for this day and time:
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
The more I focus on the positives, the graces, the blessings, the easier time I have facing any adversity.
Oh, that Paul was a clever fellow!!! :)
Congratulations, Ruthy! Not only are you a successful author of twenty books, but you're an encourager to so many. You rock! Perseverance is a must in life.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Seekerville!
I am in total agreement, and thank you, my friend! I am living my dream... and couldn't be happier.
DeleteWell, the YANKEES WIN LAST NIGHT might have something to do with that!!!
Ruthy, Congratulations an your most successful writing career! You are an inspiration to us all. One way I encourage myself is found in Ephesians 6:13b. Paul has been writing about putting on the armor of God and when he finishes talking about each piece, he says, "having done all, stand." When I've done all I can do, whether it's motivating myself to write, or to walk through another crisis, I remind myself of the pieces of armor that Paul says we must wear 24/7, and then I remind myself that all I have to do is stand!
ReplyDeleteThis is perfect, Edwina... I love Paul's letters, he gets to the heart of matters and he seems like he's got such a great heart in conversion, as if the very bad totally morphed and magnified into the beauty of truly good, rich soul.
DeleteThis is a beautiful lesson, my friend.
Congrats Ruthy. You are an inspiration. You also know how to tell it like it is and shake us up. It's hard to know where the fine line lies in education in the craft and being taken advantage of. I've been trying to concentrate on learning lately since critiques ate at me a while back...probably spent much more than I should.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding us of the new year's goal and theme verse. Thanks for being part of Seekers who provide so much free information and support. You guys rock!
Bettie!!! I am the queen of shaking things up, LOL! My children would agree and assure you it is not my greatest attribute, but of course they'd be wrong, darling. :)
DeleteAnd yes, that "fine line" is huge, Bettie. We've watched sharks gather as book sales drop. It's no coincidence that ALL OF A SUDDEN folks are coming out of the woodwork to teach writing courses, to gain momentum with their finances and their sales.
And in the Christian industry we've watched a whole lot of folks jump on this bandwagon the last decade, with a lot of promises... but promises are faint if there's not the means to deliver on the promise, and there's often a lot of shadowy info in the fine print.
Now I'll probably get scolded for saying this IN THE OPEN... :) but it's solid truth and if we don't take care of our peeps, who will???
Here's how I take/took critiques. Often they were good. I didn't like it, but they helped me become better... but if it's done in a mean-spirited way, then toss it.
If it hits a note, pay attention to it.
Often the things I see folks putting out as indie would be SO MUCH BETTER with a little patience and grooming.
Not much...
But a lot of writers are stubborn creatures. And sometimes that's a stumbling block for us.
:(
Hi Ruthy, y'all encourage us to pursue our dreams. You all are amazing. You take time away from your thriving careers and reach out to us. THANK YOU so much. Congratulations on your success! I appreciate you.
ReplyDeleteHey, you! There's a package in the mail for you!
DeleteAnd pursuit of dreams is huge, isn't it??? We want what's best for you, and if that dream is publication in any form, we're here for you!
And I love seeing your growing success... it makes me grin every time I think of it!!!
Congratulations! I love your books. Living in WNY also I know everyplace you write about.
ReplyDeleteCathy Ann, that's so true. And it's fun to see our towns and neighborhoods and counties in books!
DeleteThe new Wishing Bridge series from Waterfall Press (11/14/18) is set in Wyoming County and the town is based on a mix of Mt. Morris, Perry and Wyoming... and all the amazingly beautiful land surrounding those sweet towns!
Congratulations, Ruthy on the 20-book Love Inspired milestone! AND all the others! Woo Hoo! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for reminding Villagers to look at the fine print and consult knowledgeable folks before signing on that dotted line. Unfortunately, all that glitters is not gold.
Glynna, snake oil folks are so good at making things sound good... and I understand the adage "Caveat Emptor" (Let the Buyer Beware)... but when Christians are deliberately targeted because they're seen as more sheep than wolf, that gets my Mama Bear side riled up! :)
DeleteThere are nights when I wonder how these people sleep at night... and why folks will allow them the space to keep on going.
I don't get that at all. If we don't protect each other, then how do we preach the Gospel by example?
Whoop!!!! All of those books from Ruthy and all the Seekerville writers!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhoop, Whoop!!!!! For all of the encouragement you give to all of us. For sharing in our successes and allowing us to share in yours.
I am so happy, proud and BLESSED to know each and everyone of you.
I think my biggest tip to share is to set your goals, whether big or small, and stick to them without comparing yourself to others. The comparing your career with others can derail you fast. And many times you are comparing apples to oranges.
This is so true. First the WHOOPS!!!! :)
DeleteAnd the huge agreement on not comparing. It's a senseless, useless task and who wants to really wear someone else's sneakers????
We walk by our light, shining from God above, and if we keep to that light, good things happen.
Now having said THAT, let me say that I thought God's timeline was a little bit SLOW back in the day...
But now, looking back, I see my impatience as being exactly that. And a lesson in patience is never a bad thing for this know-it-all personality of mine!
Wow, Ruthy! Twenty books is a remarkable accomplishment, not to mention all the other novels. I take it you're one of the prolific authors who write 3-4 books/year? Or did you have a big stash of books already under your bed by the time you got the call?
ReplyDeleteI wonder if I'll ever get that fast. (Maybe when my baby is in school full time).
Thank you for your encouragement and example and here's to many more years of success for you and all the Seekers!
Josee, thank you! And yes, some were written ahead of time so when Love Inspired called, I had three books in a series that they bought. And the fourth book in the series became my highest selling indie book "Running on Empty"...
DeleteSo that was a great start!!!!
I took the advice from NYT bestselling authors Karen White and Madeline Hunter... to keep writing. To believe in my talent and make it pay with perseverance.
I figured they were SMART LADIES!!! :)
Congrats, Ru! That is such a wonderful accomplishment and I am so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteFinancial freedom is what is making me stick to my plan for my businesses. Hard work now will pay off in a BIG way later on. :)
I may even have some $ leftover to pay for your nursing home! ;)
Hey, someone will need to pay the bill for the home, darling! WHY NOT YOU??? :)
DeleteSticking to a plan is a wonderful thing.... and thank you for the kudos! I'll make you cookies!!!
Congratulations, Ruthy! You are an inspiration!
ReplyDeleteGrit, determination and the grace of God keep me on track.
HAPPY 10TH BIRTHDAY SEEKERVILLE!
For the Yankees it's Pride, Power and Pinstripes...
DeleteFor us it's Grit, Determination and the Grace of God...
I'm totally down with that, Caryl!!!
THIS..this is why I love Ruthy, and all of Seekerville so much!
ReplyDeleteThe writer and the reader, the heralded and the hidden, all find a place of friendship, encouragement and understanding here. I'm thrilled to be included in the collective "us".
Congratulations on your 20 amazing Love Inspired, I've read them all, except the one yet to release. And all your other books too. Sometimes a reader is lucky enough to find a writer who speaks her language, who nourishes that place inside the reader with words that connect and touch them deeply. Your are just such a writer to me. I'm honored to call you friend (although once they get to know you, all the world is your friend!)
I'm on the sidelines cheering you on, until you've used up every last word, every last life experience that calls out for you to give a witness.
I tip my coffee cup to you this morning in salute!
And that one is coming your way today, as soon as Farmer Dave goes to the Post office with two big boxes of mailings! Thank you so much for all you do to help spread the word about Ruthy books and Seekerville, my friend!
DeleteYour words are as kind as your big heart, Tracey... Love you! And tipping my mug right back at you!
Wonderful accomplishment, Ruthy. And Happy 10th Birthday to Seekerville!
ReplyDeleteJosie! It's so nice to see you here... and I hope life is shaping up just the way you want it! Thank you for the kind words!!!
DeleteP.S. Ruthy -- Your November Love Inspired was already on the shelves at both Walmarts in my town by Monday (9th)--maybe earlier as I wasn't there over the weekend. In fact, the stocker prematurely took all the October Love Inspireds OFF the shelves (INCLUDING MINE) to put out the November books which aren't supposed to release for another week or so. Ah, well. At least yours should get some extra exposure and with that beautiful Christmas cover should fly off the shelves!
ReplyDeleteGlynna! Are you kidding???? They took OCTOBER off early?????? I'm so sorry to hear that. :( I'm part of the Readers Service, so mine get delivered to my door now (A WONDERFUL THING, SO I DON'T MISS MY FAVES!!!!) but I can't believe they took the October books down... Although I do want the entire world to fall in love with Gabe Cutler and that baby... and for Corinne Gallagher to have the happy ending she so truly deserves. :)
DeleteI am in love with these people!!!!
Glynna - a similar thing happened with my August LIH. The stocker put up all of the August releases on time except for LIH. They were finally up the last week of August - only to be taken down the next week for the September releases.
DeleteOne week on the shelf. :/
But I can't complain - that book is selling well in spite of it's treatment here! :)
Jan, that's so weird. I had no idea they did that kind of thing, like ever. Maybe when someone's on vacation and no one covers their shift? We love it when books sell well, Jan! :) BIG SMILE HERE!!!
DeleteThat's awful, Jan. One of the Walmart stores in town never did get the May Loved Inspireds on the shelf (so my May book lost out that round, too!) and they didn't stock any September ones either. So I guess I should count myself fortunate that the October one got even a few weeks out there.
DeleteWTG, Ruthy-bear! 20 Love Inspired books and so many other great stories published through equally great avenues! So proud of you, kiddo!
ReplyDeleteI've spent some time over the past couple of years up against the wall. But, I've discovered that rather than knocking my head against it to break through, I've looked to God to see why that path was blocked. I don't have all the answers yet, but I guess I did something right because the joy of writing has returned. For that I say, Hallelujah!!
Writing is not for the faint of heart! Remember, God has a plan for you, all you have to do is embrace it in faith and go along for the ride -- no matter what it looks like :)
I'll be looking for The Lawman's Yuletide Baby to kick off my Christmas reading celebration!
Happy Birthday, Seekerville and many, many more to come!
Audra! I LOVE YOU TO THE MOON AND BACK!!!!! And you know, we all hit that wall sometimes, and when life takes left turns, we have to turn left, too...
DeleteAnd sometimes it all becomes future story fodder.
Writing and working full time and raising kids isn't an easy task. I couldn't do it until my last one was almost grown and I know some people pull it off wonderfully... I wasn't one of them!
But I'd love to see more Audra books because I can still see that locked room at the top of the stairs and that sad, sad woman... your touch with historicals has inspired me to go deeper with mine.
Yes. They were THAT GOOD.
I'll take that as waaaay beyond a compliment, Ruthy! Thanks.
DeleteRuthy, wow 20 Love Inspired is awesome but then I also think about the other books you've written. I loved the Double S Ranch but Running on Empty will always have a special place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteMy father used to say, "When the going gets tough, the tough get going." but I sort of like what God said in Jeremiah 12:5. (I keep it on one side of a card with Joshua 1:9 on the other) "If you have raced with men on foot and they have wearied you, how will you compete with horses?" God knows just how to encourage this horse lover. I'm sure that's why He directed me to Seekerville where encouragement and good examples overflow the cup (or the water trough).
A most hearty congratulations to you on your 20th and to Seekerville on the 10th! A blessings for many more.
Barbara... No other book has gotten me more letters, notes, e-mails, messages than "Running on Empty".
DeleteI think it's a stellar book. Not because I wrote it, but because it was Holy Spirit driven to help women come to peace with the wretched things that can happen to us...
But we can't let the wretchedness define us. Shape us, maybe... tilt us... but God and our hearts, us alone, add the definition in all the big and little choices we make.
Thank you for the congrats! I love that verse from Jeremiah! Oh, my runner children will love that one! How will we compete with horses, indeed????
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL!!!!!
The verse I thought of was: Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1
DeleteOh, Mary... that one applies so well, too. Why do we humans find it so hard to learn from the tragedies and sins of the past?
DeleteBeing kind and ungreedy are such wonderful traits.
A wonderful tribute to Seekerville, Ruthy! Congrats to you on your 20th LI!!! I'm so proud of your publishing success. Proud and inspired by it!
ReplyDeleteMissy!!! I'm so proud of all the good we've done with Seekerville... and continue to do. I love that we walk hand-in-hand with our buds and our readers and our villagers, and that a Seekerville gathering is like a pot luck church dinner... a real mix of normal folk!
DeleteThat's my kind of success, right there.
Congratulations on #20, Ruthy! I loved reading your post. There's so much loyalty here...the original Seekers' loyalty to one another, their loyalty to other writers on the journey over the past 10 years, your loyalty to Love Inspired. How encouraging! I've swum those shark-infested waters over the past couple of years and have become better at identifying the sharks. It's such a blessing to have a safe place like Seekerville where writers don't feel vulnerable or have to read between the lines. What a wonderful community of genuine writer friends encouraging each other. It's such a blessing to be here!
ReplyDeleteKaren, SHARKS!!!! SWIM!!!! :)
DeleteOh, they're out there, it's crazy, isn't it? And who suspects it when you're a newbie??? No one, because we see that label "Christian" or a Biblical phrase, etc. and WE BUY IN.
But we learn, and if we can be a little more open about it, well good.
Ruthy! Congratulations on reaching 20. Of course I've read them all and loved every one. Seekerville is always my go-to for encouragement as I travel that broken road. By the grace of God, I am still traveling - that's moving forward! Thanks to you and the Seekers for your friendship, support and prayers.
ReplyDeleteCindy, thank you HUGELY!!!!! You're the best... and I love that "go-to" encouragement that authors and visitors offer each day. Even during this crazy pumpkin time when I'm outside more than I'm in, that Seekerville reminder is important because I feel like I'm not totally out of contact with the world of writing!
DeleteCongratulations, Ruthy, on your 20th LI. You and the other Seekers are a true inspiration to me. I count on your support in so many ways.
ReplyDeletePlease put me in the drawing.
BTW, I recently bought the reissue of "His Mistletoe Family" and enjoyed it. I love the little boys, especially Todd. NOBODY writes a child like you do.
Kathy Bailey
Oh, Kathy... THOSE LITTLE BOYS!!!! I loved them so much, and Todd had such a fragile heart. I love kids with fragile hearts, I like to see them grow and prosper... "Prosper the work of our hands for us, prosper the work of our hands..." and nowhere is that more important than in a child.
DeleteI think that's why "More Than a Promise" touched so many hearts. That was Todd, Randy and Amos, three VERY NAUGHTY boys with way too much time on their hands.
One of my favorites. Naughty/needy children. :)
I think my experience is showing!
RUTHY, I just want to hug you! {{{HUG}}}
ReplyDeleteI was a SEEKERVILLE stalker *ahem* long before I started commenting. The warmth and sense of community drew me in and the rest is history. Ahhh!!!
Congratulations on your 20th LI and all your wonderful books, as well! WOW! You are such an encouragement. So approachable and fun. I'd love to sit down at your kitchen table and sip coffee and have a smidge of pie. I'd even offer to hold a grandbaby or two! :-)
Let's see - What keeps me engaged? A wonderful, supportive mentoring group with fabulous, talented writers and one, tough (but super-sweet) drill sergeant. We pray for each other and share convo and hard truths (in love). BEST ladies evahhhhhh. God brought us together at just the right time, and His timing is everything.
LOVE your formula for success! May I quote you in my next newsletter? SO true.
PLEASE toss me in. Thank you!
And ongoing thanks to Seekerville and friends! Again - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!
Cynthia, I'm glad you stalked...that's just fine...and then I'm glad you jumped in to talk with us.
DeleteI *know* a lot of stalkers. Lol I always encourage them to hang out here and dive in when they're ready. So much fun!
DeleteWe love the stalkers and lurkers! Long live them, each and every one! :)
DeleteFolks feel weird, at first... but then they realize we're ALL weird, and they're so much more comfortable! ;)
I realize "lurker" is probably the better word. Sounds a little less weird...but as you said, weird's okay, right? Haha
DeleteI kind of like stalker!!!!!
DeleteRuthy, congrats to Seekerville on 10 years and double congrats to you on those 20 books. Here's to many more!
ReplyDeleteI am my own worst enemy when it comes to staying on the writing path as I give up too easily and tell myself I can't do it. But I still have the desire so I will keep at it.
Please put my name in the drawing.
You're in the drawing, my friend, and don't worry about the path or the length... not everyone is meant to do this, but we all take different lengths of time. One person's quick is another person's beginning. No big deal, right? We walk our own paths....
DeleteWhatever you do, having you here is wonderful.
Congratulations on 20 books with Love Inspired. That is so awesome.
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great day on the farm. I am getting ready to leave to go with friends to a craft fair this morning.
Have fun at the craft fair! I love those things, mostly for the food. (hangs head in shame....) and then grins.
DeleteYay Ruthy!!! Happy birthday to us and congratulations to you. 20 Love Inspired and 42 published books altogether. You've come a long way baby. I so remember our beginnings and am so tickled whenever I see your success. Thanks for sharing and yes, hard work is the key. Hugs
ReplyDeleteSandra!!! Thank you, my friend. We've traveled this road together from the beginning, and I couldn't ask for a better group of friends to travel this road with. I remember some pretty wild conga lines on that island... and Captain Jack!!!!
DeleteOnce I meet my current deadline, I'll need to take a few minutes to count the books on my shelf. Do I have all 42 Ruthy books? :)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your success! Of course, success is measured in all sorts of ways - your success is a dream come true in the form of stories that reach the reader's hearts. So the congratulations is a big one!
And Happy Birthday to Seekerville! The first day I actually came out of lurkerdom to comment was one of your days, and I felt so welcome that I was encouraged to continue commenting...and found that all of the Seekers were just as warm and welcoming. :)
That was almost seven years ago! Time has flown!
I'll be watching for that Christmas baby in Walmart!
Well, you have to count the novellas... I should rephrase that, huh? So with the novellas it's up there and more to come out next year. And I have a delightful series that will probably go indie next fall... It's one I've had in mind for years and I'm finally getting to write it over this winter. So that's reason enough to look forward to snow, right??? :)
DeleteWow, Ruthy, isn't it amazing. 42 books. 20 Love Inspired.
ReplyDeleteTEN YEARS ON SEEKERVILLE!!!
What a run we've all had and we continue to run.
You're a great encourager.
Laughing! TEN YEARS. OF US. :) And three years before that, as a group, right?
DeleteAND NO ONE HAS KILLED ANYONE YET.
Pretty good for a group of craaaaaazy women! :)
Also an exceptional lecturer!
ReplyDeleteBy that you mean bossy witch.
DeleteAgreed! ;)
Hooray Ruthy on your 20th LIS!!! *Kermit flail of happiness* I love your books and the way you give anyone visiting Seekerville such encouraging kick in the keister advice that makes us better people and writers.
ReplyDeleteHopefully one of these days I'll finally get to meet you at a rest stop along the way to you visiting kids in the Carolinas. Or, if I make it to CFRR. I so want to meet all the Seekers in person at some point - just to give hugs for the wonderful ways y'all have blessed my life.
I'm thrilled you get to do exactly what you love and that you share the joy you feel with us. Thanks for always providing the encouragement along with the "pull up your big girl pants" exhortations as well.
Congrats on hitting your milestone!!!!
Hugs!
Deb! I'm sending you a special delivery today!!!
DeleteAnd you know this biz is funny. And it's okay to bide your time. God always tells us when to hit "start"... And I would love to meet you, too! My trips to Carolina are always rushed because we tend to be rushers! We head down, help with the big Halloween party, hang out with cute kids, and head back.
And we even FLEW once. :)
But one of these days...
CFRR is in Nashville in 2018 I believe. That's not too far from you!
And I'm happy to kick keisters on a regular basis. :) God bless you, my friend!
Happy Birthday, Seekerville and congratulations to Ruthy. You walk the talk of hard-work and perseverance. You are such a great example and inspiration. Thank you for sharing this wisdom. Warning noted!
ReplyDeleteAmy, what kind words... and thank you. I think walking the walk is the only real way to make it in small business, and especially in writing because we have to motivate ourselves to self-produce. And there's always the other caveat...
DeleteFor each person who doesn't do it, there's someone else landing a contract!
It's not that the business changes all that much. Oh, it goes up and down, but the basics are there... Only now with indie publishing, the sky is the limit.
And that's not a bad thing, is it??? :)
Congrats on 20 books and 10 years!! One day I am gonna find enough words to THANK you and Seekerville! You are the greatest!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your new books...tell Dave thanks for making the trip to mail them!
Please count me in for the A card!
Blessings always to you!
Jackie, you should be getting yours soon, they hit the mail today. And you are welcome. No kudos needed, just nothin' but love for ya!
DeleteCongratulations Ruthie! You are an inspiration! I find that hard work and not giving up is key to success. It's not always easy but it's so worth it
ReplyDeleteHelen, I'm in total agreement. Nora Roberts once said "It's not the most talented people who get published. It's the ones who don't quit."
DeleteSage words!
So we forge on and have fun on the journey!
Congrats! Congrats! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteLife is good.
I love that you said Talent + Desire + Perseverance + Hard Work = The possibility of success
Not even guaranteed w/all that.
Appreciate all you do!!!
Hey, that line struck a chord with a bunch o' youse! PERFECT!!!! :) You know the truth in it, but it's so much better with friends!
DeleteWow, I knew you had a lot of books out there--but 42? Amazing! You are a writing machine, Ruthy! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteMyra, that's including novellas... So that makes me Less Machine-Like. :)
DeleteI am having fun.... in my Ruthy-way!
Happy 10th blogoversary!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!!!
DeleteEXCELLENT POST, Ruthy, truly! I especially appreciate the formula you gave:
ReplyDeleteTalent + Desire + Perseverance + Hard Work = The Possibility of Success. And Not even guaranteed w/all that."
The only things I would add are prayer and speed! ;) Because God knows if you can write fast enough to put out 3-6 books a year, that definitely ups your chances of success! ;)
Seriously, I appreciate that you said "The POSSIBILITY of success. Not even guaranteed w/all that."
Because the truth is, success is not guaranteed, at least not in the world's eyes. The success that IS guaranteed, however, is that God WILL take us to where He wants us to be in our careers of writing for Him.
If I may quote something my very bright and very spiritual son said to me when we visited last week -- "Am I willing to trust God to make this successful even if I don’t see it?"
That pretty much rocked my world because the truth is TRUE SUCCESS is not only being where God wants you to be, it's being content and grateful where He has you. Contentment comes not from getting what you want, but wanting (and being grateful for) what you have. OR, in the case of each of us writers, enjoying and being grateful for where we are on the journey!
Romans 9:16: It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
WONDERFUL POST, Ruthy, and SUPER CONGRATS on 42 books and 20 LIs -- an amazing milestone, my friend, that proves you to be the professional you truly are.
HUGS!
Julie
Julie, wonderful words. And I believe that verse from Romans... and to that end I decided long ago that I was going to give God the BEST CHANCE EVER. :) So I made sure the work was done and getting done... and then figured God's mercy would rain like the dewfall.
DeleteIt came down to the "no one's going to publish a blank page" theory.
And you know how much I love what I do. It's like so crazy fun.
Hi Ruth:
ReplyDeleteWhile Love Inspired may have sponsored many of the dances, it was a lot of NY lawmen what brought you. Di Di may be gorgeous but Jeter was sweeter. : )
I love my lawmen! Oh my stars, I do write great cowboys, lawmen and military.
DeleteI NEED TO WRITE A DOCTOR, VINCE.
:)
Actually, the second Wishing Bridge book has a doctor hero. He's a beta type and his forward progress in his career has been put on hold so he's got some small town anxiety issues.
:)
It's a long, long trek from Chicago-town to Wishing Bridge.
congratulations on your new book!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shelia!!!!
DeleteIt's great to see you authors looking back and noting how much you've accomplished in the last 10 years! I really enjoy the Love Inspired books and think it's great you have more coming! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeletePlease enter me for your giveaways! Thanks!
Heidi, thank you! I had to do some pumpkin farm work mid-day and then a Cub Scout den came to visit the farm... and now I'm back!
DeleteIt's fun to look back but even more fun to look forward. God's opened so many doors for authors these days, and some hard work and focus makes all the difference!
I love Love Inspired, too. I look at all those delightful books, sweet stories and great covers at such an affordable price and I'm proud to be part of the whole thing. Maybe because I grew up poor, maybe because I really like the race that knows Joseph... For whatever reason, it makes me happy that my books are in the hands of the masses. Such a blessing! :) You are entered!!!
Ruthy, I love you and your common sense wisdom!!! Your post is full of excellent advice that I needed to hear today.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I stick with a goal? Because I’m stubborn! And my parents taught me never to give up on my dreams. What helps me re-engage and stay on track when the going gets tough? Seekerville, of course.
Congratulations on your twentieth Love Inspied book and all your success, Ruthy! Sending you a big hug and lots of love!!
Rhonda!!! We need to work in the middle of the night together again, sweet thing! I loved hanging out with you in Nashville... SWEET!!!
DeleteThank you for your sweet words, you know I crave attention, so good for you to shower me with it, darling. ;)
I like your stubborn nature. Go you! Go us!!!
What a rich history this group has! I've only joined recently but have loved following along. The encouragement from friends and family keeps me going when I hit a rough patch. I believe the Lord uses them to reach out to me when I'm in a dark place. I'm working on being sensitive to His calling so I can return that encouragement to someone every day.
ReplyDeleteMH, that's exactly what we like to do. When we started in the late 90's and early 2000's, there wasn't much help that reached out to others. That surprised some of us... so we bonded together to help each one meet with success. Prayer, work, contests, prayer and more work and prayer! :)
DeleteBeing sensitive to God's timing is such a big thing. And it's so hard to discern sometimes. But if we mess up once, hey... we can mess up or succeed the next time.
Life is ripe with second chances!!!
Congrats, Ruthy, on your 20 books with Love Inspired and for all the other books you've published. You're a powerhouse!!! I'm so thrilled that God has blessed your hard work with all that success!!!
ReplyDeletePlus, I love your stories!!! Heading to the store soon in hopes Yuletide Baby is on the shelf so I can bring it home and enjoy yet another wonderful Ruth Logan Herne read!!!
So glad God brought us together all those years ago! He knew what he was doing! Right?
Deb, he sure did. We've had time to grow, to learn to love one another, to work, to share, to see one another through joy and sorrow...
DeleteWe've lost family. We've lost babies. We've buried parents and family and friends. But through it all we had one another.
We are blessed!!!
And hey, I almost forgot to congratulate you right back! You're an official October 20 book sales lady!!!! I was "November" but it releases mid-October, so I wanted to celebrate in birthday month. DEBBY HAS 20 LIS books now!!!!
DeleteHad to say it!
Ms. Ruthy, you're awesome. Just had to say that. You said:
ReplyDeleteBe strong and courageous in all things, and when this writing road seems rough or tough or broken, remember that God alone sees beyond the bends in the road... and He is our strength and our salvation.
I love this!
Seekerville is beyond compare. No one else gives so freely, so willingly, so devotedly. You all set the bar for outstanding. Thank you for every single day of your writing encouragement and support.
Aw, Sharee... You are too kind. I think when you've seen families struggle and fold and struggle and win... or children hurt, or elders fading in the painful light of dementia... when we see these major things and compare it to a career kerfluffle... we realize what's truly important.
DeleteHelping others is what we're all supposed to do!
I'm always surprised at how many folks tend to forget that. (I'm not naming names... Not here, anyway!) :)
While I was out with my friends they stopped at the health foods store but I chose to go next door to the Friends of the Library used books. I found some real treasures like one of your older Love Inspired books. "A Family to Cherish" from the Men of Allegany series. I was so tickled and of course picked it up and bought it. I decided I needed to get out of there real quick before I could buy the store out. I go crazy with books
ReplyDeleteOh, that's such a sweet story, Wilani! You will love it! And the two little girls on the cover were modeled after my granddaughter Emma and my friend's daughter Taylor... and anyone who knows Emma or Taylor can see the resemblance. It's so fun to tuck "my" kids in books!!!!
DeleteHappy Birthday, Seekerville!
ReplyDeleteWOW Ruthy, 20 Love Inspired books plus your other books! Congratulations on your newest book, The Lawman's Yuletide Baby!
Your farm sounds fun and I like your comment about letting small children splash in puddles and play in mud. I remember how much fun my younger sister and I had making "mud pies" as children. And, yes, we always splashed in those puddles. ;-)
blessings, Tina
Tina! I had to jump in on the farm yesterday, but I wanted to come back and laugh with you over kids and mud! YES! Puddles are meant to be splashed in!!!!
DeleteAwww, Ruthy, what a wonderful happy-feeling post. Congratulations on your 20th book with LI and another 6 book contract. Your stories are amazing. Your work ethic makes me look lazy. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminder of Joshua 1:9. I love that verse. I so appreciate your—and each Seeker's—encouragements in the time I've been visiting here.
I love your questions. The thing that helps me stick with my goals is the encouragement God sends my way when I am discouraged. Whether it's a contest final, a friend cheering me on (speaking truths to me), the reminder that God gave ME this particular story, or even an agent telling me I'm almost there....God knows when I need encouragements, and He offers them. Often, encouragement comes when I share my struggle with discouragement with a trusted friend. And then it's back to work. Praying for inspiration and digging into the story.
Jeanne, thank you so much for coming over today! And your kind words are so stinkin' sweet... Thank you!
DeleteIsn't it wonderful how God sends those little encouragements through others? And they come at just the right time?
The Holy Spirit is amazingly talented when it comes to dropping those nuggets at just the right time.
And the opposite is true, too. When we feel nudged to say something or do something... Holy Spirit Moment!!!!
SWEET!
So many books under your belt Ruthy! That is such an amazing accomplishment. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteHow did all of the original Seekerville authors get together to make this blog? Were you all apart of the same writers group? I think it's so neat that you all got together with the common goal of supporting each other through the writing journey.
BTW, I haven't officially said it soooo... HAPPY BIRTHDAY SEEKERVILLE!
Contests, Loraine. WE WERE ALL CONTEST DIVAS!!!!
DeleteWe would enter writing contests and we all kept finaling/placing/winning. So when a bunch of us met at a Denver conference, we started talking... and then we joined together and formed a Yahoo Group.
A VERY CHATTY YAHOO GROUP.
That's how we got to know each other, but we started the group with one goal in mind: To pray one another into publication. To leave no woman behind.
And then it just kept mushrooming. One by one the contracts came. And we celebrated each person as they "got off of Unpubbed Island". :)
In 2007 we started the blog to help others. We wanted to be the cheerleaders. The helpers. The straightforward encouragers. And that's how it began!!!
42 published works and 20 LI books. Wow!!!!
ReplyDeleteRIGHT??? WHO CAN BELIEVE SUCH THINGS, MY FRIEND?????
DeleteCongrats with 10th and 20th!!! What a year ;) Blessings to you! What keeps me going?! Determination and stubbornness lol But most of all the faith of my loved ones in me and God's presence in my life!
ReplyDeleteNatalya! What a great name, I think I must use it in a book some day. It's so pretty!!!
DeleteThank you for the congrats. We are all thrilled with 10 years of helping others here in Seekerville...and I'm loving life.
Who could ask for more???? God's presence, and the love and respect of family is an amazing thing.
Thank you Ruth!!!
DeleteIt would be awesome :) to read about the character with your name.
Woohoo, Ruthy -- congrats on your twentieth Love Inspired book. And I have them all in my keeper collection. And I'm quite happy to read more so keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteIt's definitely Seekerville that keeps me going when I get frustrated and want to give up. So yay Seekerville! So nice to have a place to hang out and get great encouragement.
Kav, I love hanging out with you! You are my across-the-pond buddy! And I'm glad we're here to help, pretty lady. That's what it's all about. Working together!!!
DeleteCongratulations Ruthy and I wish you many more books with both Love Inspired and other publishers. Please enter my name in your drawing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Connie
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
Ruthy, huge congratulations on 20 wonderful Love Inspired novels and those 22 other published novels! I'm really proud of you for these achievements. No one works harder than you. And I'm proud of you for the reminder that there are sharks in the waters preying on those desperate to see their stories in print. Seekerville is celebrating ten years. Our archives are full of wisdom and encouragement and all for free!!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Should've said the 22 novels were also wonderful!
DeleteJanet
Congrats on your many published works! And such good advice too; thank you.
ReplyDeleteBoo!!! Thank you, sweet thing!
DeleteAll God's blessings to you, Ruthy, as you celebrate wonderful accomplishments in your writing career. I recently finished reading "Back in the Saddle" and "Falling for the Lawman." Enjoyed them both very much!!! Passed them on to my aunt (taking it to NE to my rancher cousins) and Mom (91 years old). respectively as I know they will enjoy them, as well. Thank you for giving us lovely stories and keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteI stick to my goal(s) because I would love to accomplish what I feel like the Lord has put on my heart to do.
Becky, thank you so much for passing them on! I love when folks do that, it means the world to me.
DeleteAnd give my best wishes to both lovely ladies!
I love your take on the goals... What the Lord lays on our hearts should be the goal in hand.
Ruthy!! What an accomplishment! Congratulations times 42 :-D Thanks, particularly, for writing that wonderful Double S Ranch series.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration!
Nancy C
Nancy, I'm so glad you loved it!!!! And thank you!!!
DeleteWow, 42 books - congratulations, RUTHY! And thank you for all the encouraging words and wonderful advice! Happy Birthday Seekerville!
ReplyDeleteLaura, thank you!!! And glad to have you at the party!!!
DeleteRuthy, I stayed up late finishing Back in the Saddle last night. Thanks to Colt, I had "Cat's in the Cradle" in my head the other day.
ReplyDeleteGoals. Great subject. What makes me stick to wanting to get published? Mmm. A touch of plain stubbornness but it's my dream, and the thought of reaching for a book that I wrote someday keeps me going. Thank you for the great post. I always love your down-to-earth no nonsense voice urging me to keep at it. Thank you, Ruthy. And congratulations on your latest LI book, and all your other publications as well.
TANYA!!!! Hey, my friend, hello!!! Stubbornness is a great motivator. I'm stubborn, too. When someone says "you can't" or "you won't" it's just in my contrary nature to show them "I do" and "I did"...
DeleteStick to our guns, get the job done women! I like that about us!
Congratulations Ruthy! You’re amazing AND you have a mini-donkey. What more could a writer want?
ReplyDeleteWhat makes me stick to things is my inability to accept defeat. I figure if I’m meant to do something, I cannot give up. If I can figure out 76 ways to try and they all fail, likely I’ll start all over again with my first brainy idea and run through my list again. Eventually I wear people down, um, I mean succeed! Lol
I LOVE THE DONKEYS!!!!! They're so cute and sweet!!!!
DeleteI like your inability to concede defeat. I share that with you. If I'm defeated, it only means I didn't try hard enough or long enough or I just need another go at it.
And wearing people down rocks! :)
what makes me stick to things....Is caffeinated soda an option? Prayer and Encouragement from my CP and deadlines, somehow those evil things are my friends :)
ReplyDeleteNot only an option but a necessity around here. Diet Mt. Dew.
DeleteI should take out stock in the company.
Ruthy, such a wonderful, heartfelt post - - Thank you! And a HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your 20th Love Inspired book and so many other books too!! I will say that YOU are one of the authors I admire the MOST - - and I mean that from my heart.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Seekerville, and THANK YOU to Ruthy and all the amazing Seekers for your kind hearts - - and being so willing to encourage others.
With admiration and hugs, Patti Jo
AWWWW.........Thank you, Patti Jo!!! Right back at you, too. I love your servant's heart and your giving nature. You make generosity and kindness a personal mission and it just shines through everything you do.
DeleteAlways encouraging to read your posts Ruthy! Would love to read this one too!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Seekerville!!!!
It's such a great story! I've already gotten e-mails from folks saying readers should keep the tissues handy....
DeleteAnd I agree!!!
Ruthy, I am fashionably late to your party!!! I left my sister-in-laws today to come home (boo hoo) and am just now getting on my computer to check Seekerville.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on book #20 and for a new six book contract....whohooo look at you go girl!!!!! You are such a blessing to so many people and I am happy dancing right along with you!!
Anyway, I just wanted to come by and say that....I am pooped from partying too much with my sis-in-law, lol! You ever need a vacation FROM your vacation...haha! I think I'll be visiting my bed early tonight :-)
Congrats again Ruthy, it's an honor to be a part of this journey cheering you on!!
Trixi, you're never late... This party is an all-nighter! :) And the next day, too!
DeleteTHANK YOU. Avid readers like you make all the difference to writers, to all of us. We'd be nowhere without you, Trixi, and you bless us by your presence and your reading.
So... from all of us who write... to all of you who read:
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
Wow!!! Just wow! Congratulations on your incredible success and joyful Seekers’ Birthday! You ladies are such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say I love that lovely cover on your newest one? Snow scenes draw me in.
Sherrinda, me too! I know it's part of the reason I write stories set in the north. I love snow... wind... shoveling (yes, really) and the way a winter's day sets a mood.
DeleteI'm so glad you love it, too!!!!
Congratulations Ruthie!Your post applies to so many things. Thank you. I think it depends on how important the goal is whether I stick with it. . or modify. Thanks for the chance to win your new book.
ReplyDeleteBecky B
Becky, that's so true. Sound practices can apply across the board and those good habits pay off.
DeleteAnd you are welcome!!!!
TWENTY LI's!!!! Plus all your other books. You're amazing, Ruthy! Congrats!
ReplyDeletePammers, thank you!!!!!
DeleteWow!20 books with Love Inspired and 42 all together. Thank you for all your hard work, Ruthie! What an inspiration! God bless!
ReplyDeleteIt is so easy to become discouraged. The journey can have its ups and downs and it is so easy to give up. It is words of encouragement like yours that reminds me of my dreams and not to give up. Thank you for your words of encouragement.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Ruth
ReplyDeleteIt took me over 10 years to get my first book published. Secrets & Charades debut in March. Because I discovered Seekerville about six years ago and Speedbo was one of the things that helped me keep on track. I wrote the basic bones of my second novel New Duet during Speedbo a few years ago. Through it I learned how to perservere and get more words down in a shorter time. That book is due to release next year. My third is at the pub board and I'll be fleshing my fourth out at this years Speedbo. The constant reminders to take your writing seriously and hearing all of your stories has been one of the things that keeps me pressing forward. Reading Seekerville everyday is like having a cheerleader on the sidelines keeping me pressing forward.
Cindy Ervin Huff
Cindy... this is a perfect example of why we do this. You are the perfect example.
DeleteI am so happy for you! It's awe-inspiring what you've done. You took the reins into your hands and worked to make your dreams come true.
I'm a true believer in God's timing... A huge believer... but I don't expect God to do the work for me.
I figure that's why he gave me the talent and said... "There you go, girl. Do what you will with it."
Congratulations. Would have done this yesterday but just got my newsletter.
ReplyDeleteMay things only get better from here!
Carroll, thank you! I'm so blessed that things couldn't get better, if you know what I mean. Healthy family, cute kids, MINI-DONKEYS!!!!
DeleteLife is so good!
Congratulations Ruth, and Seekerville too. I’m not much of a goal-maker probably more of a goal-modifier. Friends and family cheering me on helps me continue on a journey. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRuthy, I remember so well 8 years ago going to my first ACFW conference and meeting a lot of you Seekerville ladies. You have all given me hope and encouragement along the way. Congratulations on 10 years! Oh and I want that newest book!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Seekerville and congratulations Ruthy! What helps me stick with a goal is passion for that goal. If I don't want it enough I will often lose site of the goal and forget about it.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Seekerville! Ruthy, love your posts. I'm sorry I missed this post yesterday. I can't wait to get out from under all this water, and get my house back. Congratulations, Ruthy! I do like that quote Dance with the one who brought you. So true! Love your formula for success!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 20 LI books! Looking forward to reading your newest! Also, so happy that ya'll started Seekerville 10 years ago! I've only been following a few years, but I have really enjoying getting to know my favorite authors, plus being introduced to new ones!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the giveaway opportunity!
A day late, but I'm here to celebrate with you, Ruthy! WAHOO! Congratulations, attagirl, cheers and huzzah all in one. :D I am so happy for you and your success.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 20 Love Inspired books, Ruthy!
ReplyDeleteAnd wow - congratulations on selling close to a million books through Love Inspired too!
I tend to be goal oriented and by God's grace, mostly achieve what I set out to do. Unless serious health issues interfere. Focusing on the Lord is my best way to get back on track with life in general. God is good!
Please do enter me in your generous drawing.
May God continue to bless you and all of Seekerville!