You’ve heard the old saying: “And they lived happily ever after.” It’s classic. Cliché. Basically I would get in huge trouble if I ever used a phrase like this in my manuscript. But that’s what a blog is for, right? I can be a little less structured and get away with a few more exclamation marks.
I’ve been thinking about where I was this time last year. I had just found out I was a finalist in the 2013 ACFW First Impressions Contest (my happy ending for 2013). I had this glimpse of a novel in my hands, a few measly chapters I never thought would grow into what I wanted them to be.
But they did. Let me break it down for you…
January…
I was named the YA category winner for the First Impressions Contest.
February…
I did my own version of “novel in a month” so I could be eligible to enter the 2014 ACFW Genesis Contest.
March…
I sought feedback from better writers and even a couple editors. I cried over all the ugly red ink bleeding through my first fifteen pages. Then I sucked it up and revised until I was satisfied (as was humanly possible for this perfectionist) with my Genesis entry. Finally I submitted my entry a few hours before the deadline.
April…
Waited….waited some more….
May…
Genesis semi-finalists were announced…and I was one of ten in my category.
June…
Lots of editing. Revising. Pulling hair. You know, normal author stuff. Then Genesis finalists were announced…and I was in the top three.
July…
More edits. I hated my story. I loved my story. Up all night, tired all day. No time to tan (not that I could if I tried anyway).
August…
BLEMISHED was officially revised and polished. I never thought I’d make it to 90,000 words. I can’t even tell you where the 100,000 words I ended up with came from. Actually, that’s not true. They came from my King. That is all.
Me right after I won the Genesis award!
September…
I frantically prepared for my first writer’s conference. Fretted over one-sheets, elevator pitches, and blurbs. The conference was one of the best experiences of my life. I came home with a Genesis award, a batch of business cards from new friends, and three agents interested in my story. (Please note the agents didn’t actually come home with me, just their contact information).
October…
Queries and queries and queries, oh my! This month was hard. Three rejections, five no responses, and not a peep from the agents with my full manuscript and/or proposal.
November…
The dragging on continued. This is the way traditional publishing works. You wait and wait and wait, until…
DECEMBER!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Note the over-excessive use of exclamation marks here, which are totally called for, by the way).
No, your eyes do not deceive you. This is a photo of me signing a contract with Hartline Literary! I’m thrilled to be working with Jim Hart (Hi, Jim)!
I pray this post encourages you. A year ago I was an aspiring author with a dream that someday I really would finish my book. It’s all about the baby steps (“What About Bob?” anyone?). Wherever you’re at, whatever your dream is, it’s not as far away as you think. Make small goals for yourself, and meet those goals. Surround yourself with people who will not only encourage you, but who will also keep you accountable.
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The year has nearly reached it’s end. Sometimes endings are sad, sometimes bittersweet. But for me, this year ends happily ever after (which is never far away). Stay tuned for the sequel. I have a feeling 2015 holds my best story yet!
The Giveaway…
To celebrate my year’s happy ending I’m giving away some fun prizes:
- 1 reader will win a mystery box of 4 young adult novels
- 2 readers will each win a $5 gift card to BookOutlet.com
- 1 reader will win a $5 Amazon e-gift card
Enter via the Rafflecopter through Wednesday, December 31st. Four random winners will be chosen and announced in my January newsletter (scroll to the bottom of this page and enter your email in the box on the bottom, right-hand side).
What’s your idea of “happily ever after”? Has it changed over the years? I love hearing from you. Until then, happy reading!
What a happy ending Sara! So happy for you!! I’m excited to be seeing more happy endings in your future and be able to cheer you on (as well as get my SIGNED copy of your novel one day)!! 😀
Thanks, Laura P.! You will be one of the first to get a signed copy, especially since your name will be in the acknowledgements section and all 😉
Love this, Sara! Congratulations!! I remember riding an elevator down together with you at the conference right before the gala. You were so nervous and excited. 🙂 I’m happy for your good news and grateful for the encouragement. 🙂
Hi, Savanna! I totally remember that! Thanks so much for taking time to comment. I’m so glad you were encouraged 🙂
Ahhh! Congratulations, Sara! What an enormous blessing and a year filled with joy! I’m so excited for you. 😀
Thanks, Nadine! The same for you with your new release (which I started reading yesterday by the way), and for signing with your own agent! So much good stuff happening 🙂
Congratulations, Sara! Very excited to hear your good news! What a blessing 🙂
Thanks, Preslaysa! I am very blessed 🙂 I so appreciate you taking time to comment. Happy reading!
That’s awesome, Sara Ella! I have an email that’s way overdue to you just sitting on my laptop, btw. But first, another HAPPY DANCE!!!!
YEAAAA SARA ELLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, Sarah E.! Yay for dancing! And no worries about the email. I imagine I’ll be the same way when I’m on deadline 🙂
Great question! Yes, my idea of “happily ever after” has changed over the years. I love to read about them in books, but I’ve found “happily ever after” doesn’t always include a guy in my life or things going perfectly with my writing journey or other relationships. “Happily in the now” may be a better way to describe my motto. It has a lot to do with being content with what God has given me and pursuing a deeper relationship with Him, because, for me, that’s the only thing that brings me true, lasting happiness. Thanks for hosting such a fabulous giveaway!
Hi, Natalie! What a wonderfully thought out answer 🙂 I completely agree that our Creator is our only constant and true happiness. He’s the only One who can keep ups full and satisfied, no matter who lets us down in life <3 Thanks for commenting and good luck in the giveaway!
Congratulations, Sara Ella!
Thank you, Amy!
Totally inspired me. I love happy endings most. Thank you for sharing your dream, but also the reality of the effort involved.
Thanks, Janalyn! You always inspire me too. Thanks for all your encouragement and support <3
Congratulations on signing with your agent! Prayers and best wishes for your publishing success!
Thanks, Amy! Same to you! Congrats on your upcoming release!