Cares:
My blogging break was so incredibly refreshing. In fact, it was so good I’ll only be posting on Mondays and Fridays from now until summer break.
Do I enter the Genesis contest? It’s something I’ve pondered lately. I keep waffling. So finally, I asked myself, why not? And here was my pathetic excuse for an answer: What if I don’t final? I have an agent now….doesn’t that mean my writing should be at a level where I should final? Oh, silly Katie, why are you letting fear reign? But yet, I’m afraid. I’m afraid of entering the contest and not finaling. I’m afraid of everybody knowing I’ve entered the contest and knowing I didn’t final. What a silly reason not to enter the contest, right? How will I get anywhere in life if I let fear of failure guide my steps?
On Wednesday, I submitted Wishing on Willows to my lovely agent, Rachelle Gardner. It felt very bizarre sending her the story before receiving feedback from my critique partners, but something came up. While there isn’t a contract, there is some interest from an editor, who’s waiting for the right time to bring my proposal to pub committee. In order to strengthen our pitch, Rachelle wants to change my 1-book proposal to a 2-book proposal. So this weekend, I’ll be busy writing a synopsis, back-cover copy, and hook. After that, I’m hunkering down for a long wait. Hopefully my sanity will stay firmly in place during the lull.
I’m holding off on writing the third book in my series and am going to dive into a totally new idea. I submitted five potential book ideas to Rachelle. She’s going to take a look at them and help me decide which direction to head next.
Concerns:
I’ve taken Tylenol for a week straight. Last Friday kicked off our church’s Winter Jam, which is this big event for Jr. and Sr. high students that lasts all weekend. One of the games was a banana split eating contest – Jr. high leaders vs. Sr. high leaders. Basically, it was a wallpaper tray filled with freezing cold ice cream (and other banana split ingredients). I had a plastic spoon and joined several Jr. high leaders in devouring the ice cream….I mean, shoveling it in my mouth at lightning fast speed (can we say cold headache?) all for the sake of winning this odd-looking, one-eyed, golden owl thingy. Funny at the time. Not so funny now. My teeth continue to throb and my jaw muscles continue to ache. I’m wondering if my teeth are extra sensitive from all the prior damage (if you’re confused, or if you like gory stories, see this post here)
I’ve been in a funk with my job lately. I’m talking, major, unmotivated funk.
Celebrations:
I finished revising Wishing on Willows, my fourth book (second book in the series). It’s with my agent and my critique partners.
35 students gave their life to Christ over the Winter Jam weekend. I don’t know of anything more worthy of celebration than that!
Question to Ponder: What are your cares, concerns, and celebrations? Catch me up on your lives! I know Rosslyn got a 3-book contract with Thomas Nelson…who-hoo!!! Anybody else have exciting news to share? Mediocre news? Not-so-fun news? I’d love to hear it all – regardless of where it falls on the news spectrum.
Join me on Monday so we can talk about that ever-elusive thing called Voice.
So nice to have you back, Katie. Good luck with Wishing on Willows and on getting on top of your mouth pain. Hope it feels better soon.
I'm considering entering Genesis. However, the thing that keeps me out is that it's not open to non-ACFW members. I've thought about joining ACFW, but the local chapter meets at a time that's impossible for me to make. So, it becomes a huge fee for me to enter Genesis.
Concerns; Just wanting to be in the game. Hoping that I'm on the right track.
congratulations on the 4t h book.
Congatulations! ♥
Wow! Good luck with the editor, Katie! Hope you get a lot done this weekend. Also, glad you're back. 🙂
Wow, what an awesome weekend you had! That definitely trumps anything I've got.
My celebration is a contest win, but I'm avoiding an official announcement yet since they haven't posted the results on their site. Doing a private celebration dance instead! 🙂
Concerns relate to the Genesis. I've tweaked and re-tweaked my entry so many times, I don't even know if it's in English anymore. When the submission date arrives, I'll have to pry my fingers off the keyboard and hit "send."
Welcome back! You were surely missed!
Yay about sending WoW to Rachelle. And I had the EXACT same fears about entering the Genesis after finaling the previous year. What if I didn't final again? Would that mean the first year was a fluke? Or that my writing had regressed? And you know how that all worked out. 🙂
My concern at the moment is getting BTD finished so I can send it to my lovely crit partners. 🙂
Yay!! Katie is back. I missed ya. Thank you for your note on my blog to pray for Christopher. I am thrilled to know that such a person as you are lifts Christopher up to our Heavenly Father.
And my nephew always got bad headaches from eating ice cream to fast. I shall pray that your head gets better today.
CONGRATS on sending the book to your agent and crit partners. SUPER!
Oh and Katie. I understand your contest fear of failure. I have gone through that too. But I bit my tongue(ouch) and entered the SCBWIC contest. Not as big as the Genesis, but a huge step for me.
And you'll never know if you don't enter. You'll always wonder, "what if?" Don't let the what ifs get you. Enter. And even if you don't final (which I believe you will) it isn't because your writing is awful. Maybe you have a wondrous love story and a judge has just been jilted at the alter, so they are against anything with love in it. Just remember, you'll never know if you don't enter. Happy weekend. =)
Hey love — one thing you should remember about the Genesis is that it's all subjective. I was a finalist last year, but my books may never make it to publication because of the subject matter. You just never know! Judges are like agents and publishers AND writers. We're all different. So enter. It doesn't/won't hurt anything and you could final.
Other stuff … I'm really hoping/praying your books are signed! What a wonderful day that will be!
Hang in there with all the not-so-fun stuff!
HUGS!
Oh, Katie, I feel for you on the teeth issues. I've not suffered, but I watched and waited through 18 months' of dental appointments as our daughter endured three gum surgeries and getting 28 crowns. (She had a condition that left her with no enamel on her permanent teeth, requiring a total mouth reconstruction.) I hope you feel better soon.
Hallelujah on those 35 new believers!
Sorry to hear about the winter teaching doldrums. My dear Gwynly, who teaches high school chemistry, feels a bit like that this time of year. But spring is coming!
Major congrats on getting WoW off to Rachelle and your CPs. How cool that an editor has already shown interest. I can't wait for the day you announce your First Sale.
Oh, sweet Katie,
You–and your encouraging words–were missed!
Sigh. You've been placed in a maelstrom! Such highs! Lows! I will be praying for you.
May God TRULY show you that every word you write, every blog you answer, every creative thought, is HIS gift, and YOU ARE STARRING in his amazing production when you exercise the gift. Only the world places these expectations, goals, etc.
Hope this makes sense. It truly is my heart.
Blessings,
Patti
Welcome back! That's celebration right there! I've missed you!
WOOHOOOO for the 35!!!
Thanks so much for sharing you writing journey with us, Katie. I'm entering Genesis too–we'll walk through it together!
Me: I'm visiting my parents this weekend, which teams time with my poodle and hopefully being outside in our semi-warm (some would call our weather warm) afternoons. I'm excited! And I'm still on cloud nine from my Susie publication! :0)
Have a great weekend!
Glad you're back Katie!
35 souls! Heaven is rejoicing- halleujah! I'm praying for you at work, those seasons do come. Remember- this too shall pass.
I'm celebrating the power of Christ's Spirit, for clear direction, motivation, and protection. My cup runs over.
You're back!! Oh, how I've missed you, love. That's definitely positive news about the interested editor! Woot! I'll be praying about that for SURE. Good luck with your synopsis and everything this weekend.
Cares: I'm throwing a baby shower tomorrow.
Concerns: I'm throwing a baby shower tomorrow.
Celebrations: I'm throwing a baby shower tomorrow.
You get my drift. Speaking of babies…has Olivia arrived, yet?!
Love, H
Wow! How fun to read all about your week! Honestly, you have it made if it were me I wouldn't even bother entering the Genesis contest. But thats JMHO. SO did you win the own thingy??? I would have paid to see that ice cream competition. Gee Katie you really are competitive!! 😉
My 3 c's
Care- How long will it take till my crit partner returns my edits.
Concern- will the agent I'm resubmitting it to still want it?
Celebrations? Hm… my new WIP has consumed me. Is this a good thing? I don't know.
Have a great weekend Katie!!
Ah, during this time of the school year it's easy to get into a funk. I do with homeschooling every year. But then I remind myself we only have a few months to go. So hang in there, sweetie! You'll make it!
And I understand your fear about the Genesis. But we have to remember just how subjective it is. I truly don't believe it measures writing just like I don't believe sitting in slush piles measures good writing. It CAN, but it doesn't necessarily mean anything either. So, why not enter. We all know you have talent, or you wouldn't be where you're at! But just be prepared that if you get a contract before Sept., then you'll have to withdraw from the contest! But that would be more than okay! 🙂
35 kids saved!! WooHoo!!
35 kids? Wow! That is incredible!!!!
I hear you on the Genesis contest. I don't have an agent, but I also fear entering and finding out I don't have what it takes. I know I should go for it even if it's just for the feedback, but… And this is my year to step out there in discomfort – step out in faith (remember, I blogged about it-New Year's Resolution???), and this was part of my plan, so I guess I must. And you should to! I don't think "not-finalling" says you're not ready as a writer. Remember how many writer friends and an agent you have completely behind you! Go for it!!!
Very exciting news. Praying for Rachelle's wisdom to get the right things out there at the right time. Awesome salvation report!!! :O)
How wonderful there is a potential sale in your future (maybe two)!
I always found this time of year (February and March) a downer time in the classroom. Take heart.
Two things first, okay maybe three:
1. 35 kids!!! AMEN.
2. A word of encouragement about your teaching role–My fifth grade teacher sat with me every day on a fence at recess. She made me feel less alone. Fifth grade teachers have such influence and according to what that one boy wrote…you really do.
3. Too cool you had to pass along your MS early. Buzz is good.
Cares: I put way too much sugar in my tea. I need to try that purvia or whatever.
Concerns: I need sun.
Celebrations: I just worked out a contract for a story to be in Love is a Flame, to be published by Bethany House (July). Pretty pumped.
Sending love your way. Keep us updated.
~ Wendy
Katie, praying your mouth heals soon. And I totally hear you on the funk front….I'm there with you, baby. I don't teach in the school system, but I'm with toddlers and preschoolers all day. I told my husband yesterday that it's pretty pathetic I wake up on Monday and wish for Friday. Sigh.
Congrats on interest in your book. I hope the decision brings you great joy!!
As for the Genesis, go for it because the feedback is worth the price. Finaling is just the cherry on top. And there are only 5 spots, so not everyone can final. Do your best and let God do the rest!!
I'm celebrating letting go of my novel and submitting it to Rachelle on Monday. She requested it last Sept. at the ACFW conference. Very nervous, but it's in God's hands now…or it will be.
Glad to see you're back to blogging. 🙂
I am so jealous!
Okay, not jealous… that's a sin. I'm… delighted for you?
Just the thought of having a professional to submit my future ideas to and help me decide which one is best to work on first is… well.. amazing! SO SO SO very excited for you, Katie!!
Genesis contest… I'm entering but TRYING not to get my hopes up too much! I did well on my one story last year, and am hoping to improve my scores. And it's the first time anyone will be critiquing for points my newest completed book. I am TOTALLY with you with the nerves thing though!
Wow, no wonder you're in a funk. That's a ton of stuff going on. Awesome about the jam, not so awesome about your teeth. 🙁 I hope that clears up for you and that you can enjoy teaching again. 🙂
And….woohoo about Willows!!! That'll be really cool if you get a 2 or 3 book deal.
My big concern right now is my kindergartener. He's doing really bad with reading at school and he's also acting up a little. Bleck. It worries me when it probably shouldn't.
I hope you have an awesome Friday!