To tell you the truth, my journey into the field of publishing is not too unlike the game of Candyland. You remember that game where the colors or the pictures would send you forward or back along the trail? That’s been this journey. Quick steps forward, then huge leaps back only to practically start over.
Six years ago, my mom challenged me. “If time and money were
no issue, what would you be doing?”
I said, “Writing,” without the slightest hesitation. And it
surprised me, because at the time, I’d become fairly successful as a
scrapbooking consultant and workshop instructor. I even held five retreats
every year for card-making and scrapbooking. I fully believe that God was
putting the desire to write in my heart for His purposes, though I didn’t know
(and still don’t) the full extent of what He had in mind.
Sweet Hubby supported me, though he cautioned me not to get
my heart set on publication. “That would be great, but that might not be what
this is all about.”
I spent the next four years learning everything I could
about Christian fiction. I attended two critique groups each week, poured
through craft books, read numerous blogs and articles, and listened to a
multitude of podcasts and recordings from writer meetings and conferences.
Speeding ahead, I was able to interest an agent early on and even won a few
awards for my novel and short stories.
Despite so many advances, the publishing contract remained
elusive. Somewhere along the road, my focus had skewed from following the Lord
to pursuing publication. Not that the Lord didn’t want that, but it had become
my sole goal. I had to give up that part of my dream to allow Him to be in
charge. At that point, I released my sweet agent and started contemplating
indie publishing.
Doors opened. Friends stepped in to give assistance and
encouragement. Within a year, I’d indie-published four novellas both in print and
e-book and had helped another writer with her children’s picture book.
Though quite content with indie publishing, I hesitated when
faced with publishing my own novel. I don’t know why, but the impression was
strong that I should pitch my first novel with a small press that I’d become
involved with through some collaboration work. On my birthday, the editor
called and gave me a precious gift of a four-book contract. What a blessing.
My first novel under that contract releases on November 1st. Squee!
But that isn’t the end of my story. See, all through these last many years of
patience, perseverance, and learning about the practice and environment of the
publishing industry, God was equipping me for the next job He had. Sweet Hubby
was right, way back when. This journey was only partly about my writing and the
publishing of my own books.
A little over a month ago, the editor of the company came to
me with another revelation from the Lord. Would I step in and take over the
imprints? God is good. He made it clear to me and Sweet Hubby that He was
leading in this path. Everything He had been teaching me has become crucial as
I support almost two dozen authors and their multitude of books. And while I’m
still writing a little, and hope to be able to do more, this new role in which
He has placed me (exceeding abundantly more than I could ever ask or imagine!)
is such a blessing.
I wouldn’t change a thing!
COUNTER POINT, a new novel of romantic suspense, is available as a pre-order for only $2.99 – a 40% discount – until October 30th. Send your Amazon receipt to FreeBookforPreOrder@gmail.com to receive a collection of Marji’s short and sweet romances, HEART SPARKS.
COUNTER POINT, a new novel of romantic suspense, is available as a pre-order for only $2.99 – a 40% discount – until October 30th. Send your Amazon receipt to FreeBookforPreOrder@gmail.com to receive a collection of Marji’s short and sweet romances, HEART SPARKS.
For an opportunity to win a copy of CounterPoint, leave a comment, including your email address. The winner will be chosen and notified by mid-week.
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