YEAR-END UPDATE

In the last several weeks, I've received both good news and bad news regarding The Race that Lies Before Us.

I heard back from one of the editors I met with at the American Christian Fiction Writers conference back in Sept. Unfortunately, it was a rejection. She did say, however, that she thought it had an intriguing plot. But she didn't think her publishing house was right for me.

On the positive side, I spoken a number of times with the managing editor of a small publishing house. She has shown interest in The Race that Lies Before Us, but wants to make sure it is polished to the point that it's ready for publication. My agent and I think it is at that point, but we're in a wait-and-see pattern to hear her opinion on that.

As I continue to wait, I'm working on my second novel, Disappearing Mom. When I finish that, I will push my critique service a little more, and plan to format the series of Top 10 articles from my blog into an ebook about writing fiction.

I crave any and all of your continued prayers, especially prayers for patience as I wait for God to work out His plan to have this novel published.

FIRST REJECTION FROM AN EDITOR

Last week, I received a forwarded message from my agent. It was a rejection letter from one of the publishing houses he’d sent a proposal for The Race that Lies Before Us. While I would love for every response to be a request for the full manuscript, I have to admit that I’m pleased with this response.

Before you decide that I’m headed for the loony bin, let me explain. In this rejection letter, the editor stated specifically why my book was being turned down—and it had nothing to do with the quality of my writing. While querying agents, the vast majority of responses I received were form rejection letters, so this rejection with an explanation was a nice change of pace.

FULL CIRCLE

It only took two weeks to receive a response back on the resubmission of my revised first three chapters to the latest agent to request more information on The Race that Lies Before Us. I had really hoped she would request the full manuscript, but it was another rejection.

Since receiving this rejection, I feel the need to put my writing on hold until the end of summer. I have been trying to work on planning our next homeschool year and writing at the same time, and it’s not working. I haven’t been able to give my complete attention to either project, therefore I haven’t accomplished what I would like in either venture. Homeschool planning is the more pressing issue, so I will concentrate on that for the next six weeks or so, the return to my writing.

In many ways, I feel like I have come full circle with my writing. Although I now have a "finished" project, I am returning to the beginning…again. I need to examine the manuscript with fresh eyes and make another trip through the revision process. I’m also close to the end of the list of agents I originally created. So I in some ways, I need to start over with this aspect of writing as well.

Hopefully I will return to my writing in six weeks refreshed and full of creativity once the weight of homeschool planning is no longer hanging over my head. With a new list of agents, a more professional query letter, and a fresh beginning to the story, I hope the agents I contact will be drawn in and enticed to ask for more.

REJECTION

In the last week, I received the long-awaited responses from the two agents who had requested a book proposal and partial manuscript from me. Unfortunately, both were rejections. They were very nice rejections that assured me that the rejection was no reflection on my writing, but that my book simply didn’t fit their needs at this time. And I didn’t take it personally; I know publishing is a business and their decisions were business decisions. That made it a little easier to accept the rejections, but I have to admit that no matter the reason, rejection is just plain hard to deal with.

It’s taken me about a week to let the emotions roll through me—disappointment, discouragement, then finally anger. I questioned my ability as a writer. I wondered if I should quit (not too hard though; I just can’t stay away from my writing very long). Although I know God’s in charge of my project and that my success thus far has been a God-thing, I am ashamed to say that I questioned Him and his plans for my book. He has been so faithful to provide affirmation and encouragement throughout my writing journey, how can I question Him? I began to understand how the Israelites could question God, despite His awesome miracles. I had to admit to myself that I’m not much better than they were.

In the end, I kept doing what I’ve been doing—researching agents and sending out query letters. In a sense, I feel like I’m starting from square one again. But the reality is that I have much more experience now than I did when I began to send out queries in January. I’ve refined my hook, settled into a comfortable form for the letter that gives all the information agents say they want, and know better how to research agents to determine whether they’re a good fit for my book.

Deep down, I know God is in control. He has a plan for my book and it will unfold with His perfect timing. I know that in my head, but I also know that patience is not one of my better virtues. Thankfully, God understands this. I’m certain that’s why He has sent so many affirmations. I can survive this process, but not without God’s strength.