Everything Looks Great

I am on my way! I submitted what is called a complete manuscript today, which is the dedication and acknowledgement pages, the story itself, and the teaser for the back of the book. I received a reply shortly after from the Publisher indicating that "everything looks great."

My pastor often says that the Lord will give you more on your way than he does when you first start out. I love to hear him say that because it is so true. Before I started this journey, I didn't even know how to access a blog. Now I feel like I have so much to say, what's new right? But seriously, I won't include any names, but the email messages that I have received telling me how much they appreciate my blog give me the boost I need to keep doing this.

I still have moments where I have to pinch myself, because I have been dreaming this dream for so long. I will have my very own book at the end of this journey. So my words of encouragement for today are pull out a pen and paper, write down your dream and put a plan into to action. Find someone around you who is doing what you want to do. Don't give up!

Remember even when you can't see what's ahead of you, with God "everything looks great!"

Teasing

I was always told that teasing wasn't nice, but somehow my older brother missed that lesson, because he always teased me. In fact, he and my cousin flat out tormented me. I guess I can honestly say my childhood was bitter sweet.

Now I have to go against all that I was taught and do a little teasing of mine own. So hold on to your seats for the lashing of your life. Oops! what's that? Have I taken this out of context? Okay let me start again.

I have to write a teaser for the back page of my book. It is a couple of paragraphs about the story and about myself to capture the readers attention to make them want to read the book. How many times have you gone to a book store and read this so-called teaser and left the book right where it was. Too many to count right?

I have to be different enough to catch your eye, however I have to follow a certain format, so that ought to be an interesting task. I mean, anyone can toot their own horn and talk about themselves, but I have talk about myself as a serious writer.

Just like anything, this too can be done. So when you buy your copy of the book, remember to let me know how I did.

Take Courage!

He has no fear! How many times have we heard people refer to a child that way? For many of us courage and boldness comes naturally. For some of us, it takes a little bit more effort to muster it up. With age, shouldn't it become easier to be brave? It depends who you are.

This weekend I had to approach to people that I admire greatly to inform them that I would like to acknowledge them in my book. One of which is a Bishop and the other is a Pastor. Even though that doesn't seem like it's that hard, I was almost about to change my mind.

2 Timothy 1:7 states, For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. This is the scripture I like to quote and confess when I am fearful. In all situations take courage. The worst any one can ever say to you is NO and that doesn't kill you, it only makes you stronger.

So back to my original question, shouldn't it be easier to be brave when we are older? Yes, because with age comes wisdom. Remember this, it doesn't matter who you are if you know "whose" you are; a child of God. He has given us power and instructions (the bible) on how to use it.

So take courage and be brave.

Dedication

The "Publisher" informed me that I need to work on my dedication and acknowledgement sections for the book. As I imagined standing before a crowd giving the "Miss America" wave followed by a long speech, I was quickly brought back to reality, when I thought about how long the list of thank you(s) could actually be.

What about all the Sunday school teachers who taught me lessons of faith? What about the high school English teacher that made writing so fun? What about all the children at the daycare who yelled, "Again! Again!" after I read the dramatic version of the storybooks they loved so.

As we go through life, so many people touch our hearts, without ever knowing the impact they leave on us. Of course, the obvious thanks goes to my family, whom I am eternally grateful for and often let them know it. Then there are close friends that I will send email or cards too. But what about the people who greet us with a kind word when we are having a bad day? What about the people who helped us go that extra mile, when it was just to hard to make it on our own?

I thank you one and all, no matter what part you have played in my life. I wish I could include everyone of you name by name in this book, but I can't. If you were the kid who shared your snack in elementary school, the bully in junior high, or best buddy in high school this book is for you. If you are to pastor who brings me the word of God each week, or the friend who knows all of my secrets(which you should keep), then this book is also for you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Out of the Mouths of Babes

This is my 5 year old. I wouldn't say she is adventurous, but she loves an adventure. That is, of course, if it is carefully guided by her father and I or some other trusted adult like her kindergarten teacher.

Well even though she has heard my story, she keeps coming up to me with other books showing me the pictures and illustrations, giving me an indication of what my book should look like. At first, I was thinking okay you're putting way too much into this.

But then I realized, she is the target audience. All she knows is that she likes what she likes and that's all that matters. And I know she loves to read anything, books, signs, billboards. So this process is another opportunity to present her with yet another adventure.

Out of the mouths of babes: one of the worlds oldest sayings that still packs a powerful punch.

Love for UPS???

I have a new respect for UPS. As I did a series of events that seemed like nothing all morning long, except a lengthy instant messaging session with a friend, I finally decided to arrange for the pick up of my contract to be returned to the publisher. I prayed over it, you know that each hand that touches it have the right intent in their heart, fair and accurate attention be given to it, as well as it being used to glorify God.



Anyway it was at least 11:00 when I went to their website to schedule pick up, I figured I would take my chances and put in for same day pick up. Realizing it was risky, I indicated that the package would be available for pick up as late as possible. (Hey, I was just hoping to be squeezed in for today's pick up).



As I was heading out to Walmart I heard the roar of Old Brown, my new nick name for the service, since they are the Publisher's preferred method of handling correspondence, I figure I will be dealing with them a lot more often. Plus I shop online a lot so they probably know me anyway. SHHH!



My point is, that it was only 1:35. Forget all of the times I had evil thoughts because I wanted them to deliver my Christmas packages while my daughter was at school, or that the laptop that helped to make this dream a reality was stuck in some gosh forsaken warehouse until after the holiday. I only got to open one present from my husband on Christmas.



Does this mean that my love/hate relationship with UPS has turned into more of a loving one?
I hope so...Stay tuned and we will soon see.

I Gave Praise...

My neighbor called me today, which I immediately found odd, because we usually just have casual conversation. This time was different, because little did I know, a new journey was about to start for me. The UPS driver delivered my package to her house, so as we stood at my front door exchanging niceties, I began to wonder what did I order.

Still hungry for Smokey Mo's barbecue, that I had just put on my plate, I bid her adieu and looked at the envelope. Could it be that only after 3 weeks, the Christian publisher I was interested in was also interested in me? Ripping the envelope open yielded the words I longed to see, "We are so thrilled to have the opportunity to issue you a formal offer for your children's book." I yelled, I screamed, I ran up the stairs to find Trent, my husband.

Slightly uneasy and prepared to run down stairs to find the source of the primal scream he looked at me as if to say what. As he read over the cover letter for the contract for what seemed like hours, I paced, and cried, and I gave praise to God. He does give us the desires of our hearts.

I ask that you follow me on this journey, through the process of publication for my first faith based children's book, "Micah's Baby Brother."