This year has been a roller coaster, as I hurtle towards the release of my debut novel 'The Elusive Miss Ellison'. From someone who began entering US online writing contests to learn if the (contemporary) novel I wrote six years ago was any good, to the soon-to-be published Regency author already listed on Amazon.com (still blowing my mind!), this journey to publication has at times felt incredibly frustrating and slow moving, while at others seems to involve a lot of panic and prayer as things happen far more quickly than I ever imagined.But I've been learning to rest, to trust God, that His timing is perfect. And this year, I've really sensed it all the more.
Here's a time line of my year so far:
* January - school holidays! Relaxing, wondering if my agent has heard anything from the one publisher seemingly interested in my novel...
* February - Bam! I signed a 3 book contract with US publishers Kregel. At that stage, I had one book written, with plans for two more. I was given dates for submission for those two new books (1st July, 1st October) - start writing book 2!
* March - working on novel 2 (The Captivating Lady Charlotte) - oh, and developmental edits for The Elusive Miss Ellison!
* April - finish book 2 (sigh of relief) - off to Beta readers, time for fix ups.
* May - begin writing book 3. Cover for book 1 (sigh!!)
* June - copy edits for book 1 - lots of fun (not!). Send off book 2 to publishers.
* July - book 2 name change; organise endorsers and influencers for book 1 (panic!!); finish book 3
* August - send off book 3 to Beta readers; developmental edits for book 2; refresh website; final edits for book 1; establish influencers FB page
* September - final tweaking then send off book 3
I found that working hard was essential, as I didn't know what emails would arrive from the US during the night. So I'd write to stay ahead of deadlines, feeling an internal nudge to make the most of days with nothing scheduled to write those blog posts (this blog post!), work on my website, and do my best to stay ahead of things, so when the emails with deadlines arrived I was able to devote time to what was necessary.Along the way there were moments when I'd pop my head up like a meerkat, and see which friends were available for a movie or a coffee, say hello to my family :) or go to work at my local high school as a Learning and Support teacher. (Not so many moments taken for cleaning my house!)
God knows what's ahead on the road. Last year, I was working 3-4 days a week at my local school, working with challenging children in the Support Unit. I'd come home exhausted, barely able to help my own kids, let alone do much writing-wise. This year, the two days a week I work has allowed plenty of time to write - exactly when I needed it. Funny, that!
God is good. He provides wisdom and strength, no matter where we're at during our writing journey. This year, I've really learned the importance of listening to His internal nudging, and seen His faithfulness in providing what's needed - at the right time.
Carolyn Miller lives in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of romance, especially that of the Regency era, Carolyn holds a BA in English Literature, and loves drawing readers into fictional worlds that show the truth of God’s grace in our lives. Her Regency novel 'The Elusive Miss Ellison' will be published in the US by Kregel in February 2017. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.
What a great story, Carolyn! I'm looking forward to reading The Elusive Miss Ellison - I love Regency Romance.
ReplyDeleteThanks Iola! I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThose writing deadlines you listed make anything I've ever experienced in that area pale into insignificance, Carolyn, so well done to you! It's all about being well organised, staying on top of things and working hard, as you say--but I also agree it's so important to listen to those internal 'nudges' from God and take hold of all the wisdom and strength God can give.
ReplyDeleteBeing organised helps - but thank God for those internal nudges!
DeleteWow, what a whirlwind after the years of waiting. Congrats on a three book deal and all the best for the first release at the beginning of next year. Wonderful how God gave you the time you needed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Jeanette- it's funny having a rush of deadlines after years of waiting. Thank God for His enabling:)
DeleteHi Carolyn, I'm looking forward to reading The Elusive Miss Ellison too. What a beautiful cover. It's great to hear about hard work paying off.
ReplyDeleteThanks Paula:)
DeleteWhat a year! And what an amazing lady you are. I absolutely cannot wait to read your book. I admire you and totally understand the lack of time for housework. But I always tell myself that I'm not likely to lie on my death-bed bemoaning the fact I didn't spend more time on housework. I for one thank you for not doing as much housework and instead writing - your writing will reach so many more than a tidy house would : )
ReplyDeleteHa ha ha - & Amen! Thanks
DeleteJenny:)
Congratulations, Carolyn! I too love Regency romances and look forward very much to yours! You are so right about God's timing! I look back now on my 13 years and 13 rejections until my first inspirational romance was published in 1993. Then and all the years since I can testify to have experienced God's perfect timing in my writing career. We too easily forget we have "Seasons" in our lives that only our loving Heavenly Father knows and so simply have to rely on Him to open and close doors where - and WHEN HE knows is best for His children.
ReplyDeleteThanks Mary! I'm so glad to be in this season, busy as it is, as it has provided many opportunities to see God's faithfulness in this area. Learning to rest, to trust, to breathe is as necessary as staying organised, isn't it? God has good plans, He is faithful - so we trust Him! :)
Deletewow - those are tight book deadlines - fancy asking for 2 news books in 6 months in the year you're doing book 1. I couldn't do it
ReplyDeleteWell done. Look forward to reading them
Thanks Christine ❤️
DeleteYou astound me! What a year you've had - and it isn't over yet! I can'y wait you read The Elusive MIss Ellison. I've become a Regency fan of late;the era fascinates me. All those manners and attention to etiquette and knowing how to address someone ... whew! Research galore. Go you. And what a wonderful thing to have nurtured the sense of the 'still, small voice' when needed. Awesome.
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea :) You're right about the research! (I keep finding things I need to change the more research I do!) Regency is so fun - especially with the contradictions between public & private morals - which I guess isn't so very different to how our 'worldly' world can be today!
DeleteI am super duper excited for you. God is so good. What an amazing ride. Congrats. Xxxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicki - it certainly is an amazing ride!
DeleteAn amazing ride indeed, Carolyn!Thanks for sharing all those details.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rita!
ReplyDelete