Friday, January 22, 2016

Milestones Along "Publication Road"


Sometimes the journey to publication resembles a mountain path. Not just the steep, never ending height of the climb, but the frightening mysteries of the unknown, awaiting on the other side.

If you've ever undertaken a long term goal, you know it's important to celebrate the small things. Every step is a victory.

Those victories can be sneaky, though. They love to slip right by with no notice from you or family or friends. DON'T. LET. THEM. Snag every chance and rejoice for the things God has helped you accomplish. Don't forget to praise Him!

Here are some things beginning authors (and veteran ones!) shouldn't forget to celebrate:

-- The first completed synopsis (and each and every one of those little boogers that follow).

-- Each time you write "The End" on any writing project.

-- The moment you allow yourself the freedom to brainstorm something new.

-- Contest wins, of course.

-- When the words come like wildfire and you get a record amount of words.

-- When the words are eked out one by one and every thought seems so hard to form. Hey, every one counts and is an accomplishment.

-- Each friendship formed because of the written word (Seriously, list all the friends you've made solely because of your writing. What a blessing, right?!)

-- Every place you've traveled because of your writing.

-- The hard lessons learned along the way.


-- The times you want to celebrate a victory, but instead comfort a friend mired in the doldrums

-- The moments you become overwhelmed and know you can't make sense of this writing stuff without God's help

-- The moments He helps you

-- The sacrifices you and your family make so you can write (This is important. If your family has sacrificed for you to meet a deadline, plan a party just for the few of you and celebrate who they are.)

-- The first rejection (Some celebrate every single one. It means you submitted!!)

-- The first sale

-- The first good review

-- The first bad review

And the one I'm inviting you to celebrate with me today...

SIGNING WITH AN AGENCY!


After much studying, prayer, hard work and waiting, I'm so excited to announce I've signed with Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Literary Agency!



To celebrate, I'm giving away 20 miscellaneous Christian romance books the week after Valentine's Day (yes, I know I was supposed to do this during Christmastime, but what better time than Valentine's Day to celebrate Christian love stories! The giveaway starts now, and all you have to do to enter is sign up for my e-newsletter HERE. Make sure you confirm your subscription with the confirmation email, since I'll be drawing the winning names from my newsletter database. If you don't confirm, I won't have a record of your email to contact you if you win. If you'd like to read a sample of my fiction writing before signing up for my writing updates, click HERE. ***These books are physical copies and therefore open to U.S. entrants only, but I love my international reader-friends too, in whose case I would offer one fiction e-book if their name is drawn (winner's choice, published between 2013 and 2016). Happy reading!




Please keep me in your prayers as I work to put forth my best for God's glory!





P.S. Winner of a copy of Johnnie Alexander's Where She Belongs is Beth Schwarzlose! Congrats! I'll be getting in touch with you soon!

21 comments:

  1. Delighted for you, Natalie! Clearing space on my bookshelf :-)

    Nancy C

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  2. Congratulations Natalie and I look forward to seeing your work! Thanks for the heads up on the giveaway win too!

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  3. Awww! What kind words! Thank you so much, Nancy!!! :)

    Thanks Beth! :)

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  4. Congratulations Natalie!!! I'm so excited for you!! I can't wait to hear more about this fabulous new adventure you are embarking on! :)

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  5. Such wonderful news to start the new year. Congratulation, Natalie. It won't be long now. :) Can't wait to read your debut!

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  6. I remember when you pitched to the literary agents at ACFW in Dallas! :) Do you remember talking about it with our writer friends at one of the dinners? Good times.

    SO happy for you! God is good! He's blessed you with an agent!

    Continue to trust Him as He guides your journey as an agented writer!

    *Jeremiah 29:11*

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  7. Whoo Hooo! congratulations to YOU!

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  8. Congratulations ! Looking forward to reading your new book !

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  9. Thanks, HEATHER!

    LYNDEE! I hope so! Thank you so much for your sweet wishes!

    ALEXIS! Wow. Yes! I remember that! Fun times. I believe Patty Smith Hall was at that table, too, and Bonnie Hunt, Gina Welborn, and Sarah Hamaker. Hmm. I know I'm missing someone. Oh, and Karen Witemeyer, too! There's a couple more, I just know it, but can't remember. Good times, though! I had no idea then what would be going on now. Prayers for you and your writing! Thank you so much for being such an encouragement!

    Thank you, DEANNA!! :)

    JACKIE! Thanks so much! I can't wait until that day comes!

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  10. Congratulations Natalie! I am so excited for you and can't wait to read your first published book!

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  11. Congratulations on signing with an agent! I've heard that it can take a long time, so I'm glad this worked out for you. I'm looking forward to reading your work.

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  12. What an honor that you were selected to have your story published!

    Thank you for the giveaway. I'm in Nica (missionaries), and book reading gets me through those tough adventures!

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  13. What an honor that you were selected to have your story published!

    Thank you for the giveaway. I'm in Nica (missionaries), and book reading gets me through those tough adventures!

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  14. CONGRATULATIONS! That is exciting!
    Thank you for the awesome giveaway.

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  15. Congrats. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  16. I'm so happy for your accomplishment, Natalie. Congrats!

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  17. Thanks Natalie! Congratulations! =) Annie JC

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  18. Congrats Natalie on signing with an agency!! And yay me for finding a new blog to follow :-) Thanks for the chance at some wonderful Christian fiction books to boot!

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  19. Congratulations, Natalie! I'm sure it's a relief and a dream come true! I'm excited to see where this takes you! Blessings Dear!!

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  20. Congratulations! I admire your determination. How excited you must be?
    Thank You!

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  21. Congrats, Natalie! Tamela is my agent, too, and I love her! You are in great hands! Rose Allen McCauley

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