A lot of people have asked me this question and truly, there is some kind of crazy in embarking on an endeavor like writing a book. Truth be told, I’m not sure how I would have finished it if we hadn’t gotten a puppy who woke me up at 5:30 am for nearly a year! That 30-45 minutes to write every morning made all the difference.
I’ve always loved to write. In fact, my first work was my middle school journal; a boy-crazy emotional, swirly, hot mess of a read! Imminently entertaining to me now but also coherent and engaging! If I weren’t so embarrassed by it, I might actually be proud. My journals chronicle my inner experiences over the years with very few significant gaps. I’ve always loved capturing the meaningful depths of life on a page.
In addition to journaling, I wrote short stories for my High School literary magazine, wrote a chapter of a co-authored book, have written hundreds of blog posts, and one serious book proposal that got rejected and I gave up on. I also wrote 75% of a fantasy novel! Don’t be impressed though, 75% of a novel is NOT a novel. So, while I’ve always loved to write, sustained effort all the way to completion or in the face of rejection has not been my strong point.
I was in danger of giving up about 4 or 5 times on Restore My Soul. I had my proposal rejected by the publisher I’d hoped would pick it up and sent the same proposal to more than a few agents. I never heard anything back, not even an “um, who are you and, well, you SUCK!!” email rejection. Just…silence. And man, silence is discouraging.
There were a few key things that kept me going this time around before I got the contract with NavPress.
- There were a very small handful of key friends who were interested enough in what I was thinking about to keep asking me and who were willing to become stakeholders. They were advocates, readers, and editors holding this project with me and really caring about it.
- I have a couple of friends with whom I pray and listen to Jesus about the big things of life. In a time of discouragement, we prayed and one of those friends affirmed out of that time that I had something to say that the world needed to hear. I clung to that through months of effort.
- The editor who rejected my proposal was kind enough to have a call with me to give me feedback. Her input helped me rethink my verbiage and tackle the work with a more appealing tone.
I’m so grateful for these people. I realize that I’m only self-motivated to a point.
To go the long haul, I need a tribe. Oh, and a puppy too.
Who is in your tribe cheering you on for the challenging things in your life?
8 Responses
Hi Janice!
Congratulations!! This is wonderful and I can’t wait to read your book. What a process, whew. I have a publisher for my book too and am actively finishing the writing and working with my editor. It’s such a rich process. We’ve been thinking about getting a puppy. Maybe a sign here!
God Bless and all the best.
I like your writing, congratulations, is this new puppy in addition to your loveable dog that you had before?
Way to go, Janice! I appreciate your sharing your writing journey with us. I, too, am a lifelong journal writer, and love that time of gleaning from my day. Rich nuggets emerge. I can’t wait to read your book. As Nav Staff myself, I love NavPress writers!! Congrats, and Yay to puppies!!
Yes, yay!!
This is a new one! We’ve had her two years now, but Duffy has NOT been thrilled with out new addition!
Might be! I’m pro puppy!
I’m so proud of you!
This was so fun to read…thank you for sharing, Janice!