Picture This

I received a copy of the first image for the book today. I was so excited, this journey is truly taking shape. I was pleasantly surprised to see the attention given to suggestions that I made. I pray that each image is carefully designed, that when all is said and done, all glory will go to God. I pray that each hand who holds it and every eye that reads it, will take a positive message from the story and perhaps have their faith renewed. (Amen)

The Next Phase

I have officially moved the the next phase of the book. I am now in the layout phase. It is time to start putting the words on the appropriate pages, which will be followed by pictures. Woohoo! I will update the blog as soon I get more information.

I Survived the Red Pen

Yippee!!! I received the first round of edits from The Publisher and I survived the red pen. I have to admit, I was a little nervous because it has been a while since I have had someone critique my work. However, it was not bad at all.

Remember your first college paper, where it seems like it would have been easier if your professor would have written it herself. I promise, mine had so many red marks on it, that I couldn't see my words any more.

Moving forward, I can proudly say that I have improved . With each new phase, I still marvel at the fact that my dream is coming to pass. I know I have said this in the past, but thank you to everyone who continues to follow this process, and for those who continually send their blessings and well wishes.

Foreword

I received the first endorsement for my book, coupled by a well written foreword. I was really impressed by the statements that this individual had to say about myself as well as the story. I am learning so much on this journey.

A foreword is an introductory statement in a published work, made by someone other than the author. Just think if we had someone to put in a good word for us or to endorse our character everyday of our lives.
Perhaps you fall short of completing a task or you mispoke about a particular situation, imagine someone being there to straighten it out and fix it for you. I know most people consider themselves perfect, but I have accidently, mistakenly, and unknowingly said or done things without thinking. However there was no magician to wave his magic wand or a mediator on hand to explain.

I thank God for His compassion and forgiveness, which a lot of people have shown me as well.

Your Latter Will Be Greater...

Isn't it frustrating when you are so excited for the next phase of anything to begin, but it seems like the reply on every hand is "wait!" I received an email about a week ago from The Publisher saying that the book business isn't known for its quickness, so be prepared.

While I knew that the book wouldn't be published overnight, I was hoping the process would happen rather swiftly. However, I am glad I received the heads up, because I know I probably would start to get antsy during this lag time.

One of my favorite songs by Martha Munizzi is Your Latter Will Be Greater(than your past) based on a scripture in Job 8:7 (7And though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase). No matter what you have been through or no matter what you are going to go through, it's all okay because "the best is yet to come."

So even though part of me wants to be anxious, I am able to control my thoughts and enjoy this exciting time, because that is truly what it is. So my goal for the next few weeks leading up to the start of production is to make sure I enjoy the process leading up to the blessing, and don't get so caught up with what the end result is going to be. I already know my latter will be greater than the rest.

Writer's Block

This is my one year old daughter. Just as any real princess would have it, the world (my household) revolves around her. If she is happy, then everyone is happy. If she isn't, then we have to readjust a few things in order to get anything done.

Don't let the big smile fool you, although it is sweet, she makes her presence known. I was putting the finishing touches on the sequel to Micah, so I was in deep concentration. Any writer will tell you that once you are in the zone you simply need to "write it out."

As I tried my best to incorporate playtime, with mommy-time, it just wasn't working. She began trying to squeeze in between me and the laptop, which just wasn't happening. I tried to redirect her attention to items in the room that usually captivate her, but she absolutely refused. She wanted Mommy and that's all there was to it.

After realizing it was too frustrating to write and fight off a tenacious one year old, I decided to finally give in when King Daddy saved the day. As the two of them disappeared down the winding staircase, not really it just has one turn, I was free to write my heart out. But wouldn't you know it, I had writer's block.

It didn't last long, I was able to regroup and finish the story. Sometimes life will yield interuptions, but don't sweat it, because it's just an opportunity to slow down and take in the good stuff. If I had put down the computer and held her, I would have seen just what my husband did. She was sleepy, and drifted right off within moments of them walking away.

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.