I'm not sure about the part of the world you've been in, but up here in Northern Ontario, it's been one long, wet and sometimes downright chilly, summer! I must say that in five years of making the trek up to the Canadian woods of Muskoka, this was
the worst weather we've experienced. We used our boat a total of five days. Great for the wallet as we didn't have to keep buying
gas, but I'm telling you, rain gets old pretty quick!
We did have the Olympics to watch, and I went through my stack of books I brought with me. Even got some writing done.
So all in all it's been a great time. As we wind down and start to look forward to home, of course the sun is shining.
It feels rather fall like however, many of the trees have already begun to change color, which is lovely to see since we don't
get that in Bermuda.
I guess it reminds me that whatever expectations you enter into a situation with, things can change.
I'm going to remember this as I make preparations to attend the ACFW conference in September, only a few weeks away.
I used to go with stars in my eyes and heart-pounding vain imaginings of what 'might' happen - I 'might' finally get an agent or a book contract. Well, chances are, unless you're something really special, you won't come away with either of those things, at least not right away. This year I think I'm going to be able to meet with two editors, since I don't need an agent appointment, but I'm really trying to just relax about the whole thing.
It's funny, since I've told people I have an agent, a common question is always, "When is your book coming out? I can't wait to read it." Would that things happened that quickly! Sadly, I have a feeling they're in for a long wait.
I can't tell you how hard it is for me to be patient. I don't think they've invented a word yet that would adequately describe the feeling. When they do, I'll let you know.
But for now, I must practice what I so often preach, stupid me, and put my writing into God's hands. That's the easy part. The hard part is leaving it there.
I'm trying. Really.
So my intention is to get through this next week, enjoy some final times with family and friends, deposit dear daughter back to university and try NOT to be a basket case this year, then it's back home to house building and all the million things on my desk before I pack up and head to Minneapolis. I'm planning to go with an open mind and accept whatever God brings my way. I look forward to seeing friends again, meeting new ones, learning a ton and fellowshiping with the neatest bunch of writers I've ever met!!
Are you going to be there? Let me know!
2 comments:
I'm copying this comment here in case your dial-up limits your internet roving. I did dream about your rejections. I hope that shows empathy rather than neurosis. :-) I do feel for you very much about that particular kind of pass from publishers. It has to be so hard when the industry crosses off a whole period of history as non-marketable, when you've spent all that time creating a good book.
I chose to go to Glorieta rather than ACFW this year, but next year I'll be at ACFW. It's a lot easier for me to get to Denver than to Minneapolis. Still, I know I will be experiencing major twinges when the ACFW dates arrive!
Hi Cathy,
I enjoy your posts on Rachelle's blog and on your own. I am pleased to say that I became her client earlier this month...and yes, I'm all black-and-blue from pinching myself still. :)
I have to nod when you speak about an agent and people's misunderstanding. They think it's like calling up a real estate agent and having four different offers to rep you in an afternoon. So when I say "Guess what, I have an agent!" they think "Well so do I...a real estate agent, an insurance agent..." LOL
And now people are asking to read my book, many people, which is very very nice. But I know if lightening strikes, the edited book will look different from what currently sits on my hard drive. So I'm politely declining.
I digress. I want you to know I wish you every success in placing your book with a publisher. I would love to read "Hidden in the Heart" and I pray I get that opportunity one day!
God bless you from doomy, gloomy, grey Michigan...though it's lovely today. :)
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