I love the people in my books. I really do. If they bore me I make them funnier. If they annoy me, I make something bad happen to them so they straighten up. If only the real world…
But I digress.
I had so much fun writing Sixty Acres and a Bride that I wanted to write more and after the encouragement I’d received at conference, I had an excuse to do so.
While in Africa, I’d sent Sixty Acres to a handful of friends to look over, so I had some great suggestions waiting on me when I got home. After working through them I was convinced it was as good as I could get it, so I attached the hefty file to an email and hit send.
Now, as far as I was concerned I was finished for the year. My New Year’s Resolution had been to write a book. I’d written it, edited it and sent it in. It was October. I had a few months to plan for next year’s challenge. Writing another book was my first choice. Way more fun than trying to lose five pounds – again.
While I tweaked the synopsis for a second book another email came in, even more unsettling than the first.
It was from Mr. Long at Bethany House. He said that he’d read most of my manuscript and it was “working quite nicely”. I wasn’t sure whether that was praise or not, but then he requested my bio, other projects and ideas I had, and my best wishes for a publishing schedule…would a book a year work?
I checked the email address again, suspecting a prank by my family, but unless they’d hacked BHP’s computer, it was legit. By this point even I had to acknowledge this looked good.
But there were still many steps – an editorial acquisitions meeting, a publishing board meeting – many opportunities for this good news to fizzle out. And what if the impossible happened and they bought the book?
And that’s exactly what happened. Before the end of the year, they’d offered a contract. Unbelievable! I was completely terrified. Could I pass myself off as an author? Who was going to believe it? Maybe I should back out before they invested too much into me.
But I couldn’t do that, not when God’s hand was so evident. You know, we rely on faith when things are bad – as we should – but faith is also for those moments when things go so incredibly well that you know you’re in over your head. Faith reminds us of His power and faith assures us that God has a purpose. He won’t abandon us mid-journey.
Holding on to those promises, I signed the contract and buckled down for the ride. And that’s where you find me today – praying I don’t mess up this wonderful opportunity, praying that God will be honored no matter the length of this adventure. Amazed, humbled, bewildered, I’m where I never expected to be… and loving every minute of it.
Signing the Contract!
Congratulations, Regina! I loved reading this journey! God is so faithful. I can’t wait to read your book. 🙂
I love your story, Regina. Especially–“Would you like the first three chapters? A business card? A list of actors who might play the leading role in the movie version?” Keep dreaming big, girl!
Congratulations on achieving your dream! I loved your story…it was humorous and I felt as if I was already reading one of your books. I know they are going to be great and can’t wait to read the first one!
Regina, I loved meeting you today and, after reading your publication story, I can’s wait to read your first book! God bless you and bless you!
OMG, Regina! I think you’re my she-ro! I didn’t think anyone doubted themselves more than I do. —Thank God you didn’t doubt what He could do!
How exciting! Sounds like a very interesting journey. I’m going to go look up your book now, seems like my kind of story 🙂 All the best in your writing journey!
BTW I love your website, it is gorgeous!
Blessings,
Lucy
What a beautiful Cinderella story! Congratulations on your success and the faith and work that got you there! The same will keep you there!
I am so excited that I came across your website (via your posting on Bethany House Facebook site today)! I read your publishing story excitedly. What a great story. I am so happy for you. I’ve been dreaming about writing my debut novel for over ten years and worked on it here and there amongst having my four children. The last two were twin boys (the surprise of a lifetime!) who will be two next month. Over the past two months God has been revving up the engine of my desire to write and I have finished my first draft. I’ve also discovered this amazing literary world on the internet! I dream of going to ACFW conference someday soon, but don’t foresee it happening this year. Reading about your journey has given me hope and something to look forward to! Thanks for sharing – I look forward to following your blog and reading “Sixty Acres and a Bride.”
A couple of months ago Bethany House sent me an email with a list of books for review. I chose yours because it was your debut novel (I like first-time authors), and I’m so glad I did! I finished it today, and then I read your journey. It made the book even that much more wonderful. I like the “book a year” idea. I’m looking forward to number two already! Thanks for obeying God’s nudge. Thanks for writing. And thanks for sharing your story!
Awesome story!! I just finished writing a story myself…I’m really hoping to get it published…it’s still in the editing process! I really want to read your book!! 😀
Love, love, love reading your story, Regina. Such an encouragement for all who want to write.
What a wonderful story–and so well told. 🙂
Your story is the best advertisement for an ACFW conference I’ve seen. You are such an engaging writer in your blog that I’m sure I will love your book. Can’t wait to read it. I got up my nerve like you did and asked a bunch of prayer partners and old friends if they would read my manuscript, but no one took the bait. Either they are afraid they’ll hate it and have to tell me, or I don’t have any reading friends. Hmph! Yet they’ll probably want a free copy ‘when’ it’s published. Keep writing, Regina. We need more exciting stories from you to encourage the rest of us.
Regina,
I so needed to hear your story! Preparing for my first conference, I’ve been experiencing all of those same doubts, but you’re so right. He will not lead us into abandon. Whether my journey leads to publication or not, He has a purpose for it, and I enthusiastically pursue the path He’s showing. Thanks so much for sharing your journey.
Great post, Regina! I enjoyed reading about your writing journey. I have your book, Sixty Acres and a Bride, but have yet to read it. I need to get busy and do that!
What a fun story to read! Congrats! Will definitely look for your book. My favorite line was how the appointment desk/area was like a pig chute! Bhaha! I’ve worked cattle, so I know what you’re talking about. SO funny! Hope to meet you in Dallas, if you’re there.
Blessings!
Regina, this was an amazing story, and an awesome one. It read just like a novel, with wit, humor, emotion, and realism. So many dream of pitching and selling to BHP, and you do it at your very first writer’s conference….with success! What an encouragement and inspiration to all writers desiring to become authors. Thank you for sharing this. And congratulations on Sixty Acres and a Bride. I love historical fiction so look forward to reading it.
Wow, this is really inspiring! I’m going to my first conference in a few weeks and pitching my book. I’m starting to get scared, but this was such an encouraging blog…thanks so much!!! 🙂
Allison
Thanks for visiting, you all! God bless you at conference and I hope to meet you there!
This statement is as powerful as this journey. To God be the Glory, blessings in your writing ministry. Hope to meet you at the conference.
…. not when God’s hand was so evident. You know, we rely on faith when things are bad – as we should – but faith is also for those moments when things go so incredibly well that you know you’re in over your head. Faith reminds us of His power and faith assures us that God has a purpose. He won’t abandon us mid-journey.
I just finished 2 of your Books A Most Inconvenient Marrage and At Loves Bidding. Just bought “For the Record” I love the humor and God’s input and love.
Thank you, Tempie! I appreciate that you took the time to write and tell me. 🙂