I had a query of "Crossroads of Time" rejected today. The editor was encouraging. She said that she liked it, then explained that first-century novels hadn't sold well for them. It would be an uphill battle with her sales team and store buyers to acquire another. She added that I was welcome to send her anything else I wrote.
Yeah, I could sit here and speculate on whether or not she was just good at saying "no thanks", but I'm not going to. Instead, I'm reminding myself that God has a plan, and He's opening and shutting doors according that plan.
Perhaps the Lord has another publishing company in mind for my story.
Lord, if that is Your plan, I submit to it.
Maybe He doesn't want that story published.
*Big hesitation (and I mean big)* Lord, if You can't use that story, I submit to Your plan. I don't want to try to publish any book without You.
What if...(told you I was a big what iffer). What if He doesn't want me to publish any novels? What if He gave me this talent just so I would start blogging? What if His plan for my writing is simply to touch one life through my blog?
*Cringing* Still cringing. Yes, Lord. Even then, I submit to You. Because I don't write for my own glory. I write for Yours.
I often imagine what it will be like at the judgement seat of Christ. No one will be pointing fingers in the crowd and shouting, "That's so and so! Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! Excuse me while I go get an autograph!" Nope. We'll look at famous people and shrug. No big deal. Not when you're standing in front of Jesus! So even if my foolish and wicked heart wants to be recognized as an "author"...maybe even a sucessfull, bestselling author (yes, I did just go there), it won't last. And I can't take my books with me. (I do like to think that God would keep copies of my stories, but then I suppose I could just write them again with my new and improved brain ;-)
Anyway, all that will matter on Judgement Day is this: did I do the work God gave me to do? I'm thinking about the parable of the talents. If God only wanted me to write this blog, and if I blog with gusto and give it everything I've got, then I will not be ashamed on that day. Perhaps I'll even make Jesus smile. And that's all that really matters.
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22 comments:
Congratulations on finishing your novel and submitting it Gwendolyn, this is a huge accomplishment in and of itself. It's just a matter of time until the right publisher comes along. I am SO behind you! Elizabeth.
Thanks Elizabeth! Confession: I queried a story I finished earlier this year -- I'm still plugging away on "The Way of Impressions". :-) It will be done soon, and I am hoping to write "the end" near Christmas!
(Seriously thinking about taking up the editor on her offer and sending her a query letter for TWOI ;-)
Wonderful post, Gwen.
Rejection stings...but we know God has a greater plan for us. Whatever it is, we will keep faithful and loving Him...no matter what.
I also write in a era that is a tough sell, but it doesn't stop me. I would definitely take that editor up on her offer and send her a query for TWOI. She saw something special in your writing enough to extend an invitation to send other work.
Awesome
Congratulations on finishing and having the courage to submit your book to an editor.
We don't know exactly what God has planned, do we?
I haven't yet completely finished my first novel and I don't even want to think about the nerves and courage it takes to submit that work of blood, sweat and tears to an editor.
So happy for you that she wants to see more. Who knows, maybe the timing isn't right yet for this story, but perhaps one day... :)
In the meantime, keep doing as you're doing. Great job!!
You're right that is all that matters. I think the rejection was very encouraging. I think about all the times Jesus was rejected from place to place when all He wanted was for them to hear His words, to accept them...to believe in Him.
Wipe the dust from your feet and keep traveling. :) Loved your thoughts!
Thanks, Loree! Yeah, I was hoping that last part of her response was a real invitation for more of my work. I'm going to take the chance that it was and see how TWOI fits her criteria for Historical Romance.
Crystal, I'm so glad that my ramblings blessed you! Rejection can be very discouraging, but when we focus on the big picture of God's plan and submit to His will, we can often find our second wind ;-)
Thanks Sheri! We really don't know all that God has planned for us. When you're ready to start submitting your work, pray and commit your hopes and dreams for it in His hands. It won't make rejection any easier, but it will help you to keep perspective.
I am hoping that it's just the wrong time for "Crossroads of Time", or that another publisher will find that it works for them. Thanks for your encouragement!
Thanks for your encouragement, Jessica! And thanks for following my blog! You're right, Jesus was rejected more than anyone, and my experience pales and disappears when compared to His. I'll certainly keep on keeping on. Surely someone will want to grab it! ;-)
I love your take on the rejection letter, and you are so right!
Keep at it, one (very nice) rejection letter may be discouraging, but there are many people like me who love first century novels (Francine Rivers Mark of the Lion series got me hooked). I want to read your novel so keep on submitting to different editors!
Thanks for your encouragement, Heidi! And thanks for your interest in my novel! I will continue to circle it. ;-) I've intended to post more excerpts of it on this blog, but haven't done it yet. Your encouragement may have just inspired me to do so...
I also LOVED Francine Rivers' Mark of the Lion series. Wow, she can write a book!
Somehow I missed this yesterday - well, not somehow, I KNOW how. Thank you for being so brutally honest and transparent in this post b/c today I really needed to hear it.
Susan, I was debating whether or not it was safe to blog after receiving a rejection letter from a publisher, lol -- thanks for letting me know! That's a blessing. :-)
It is all that really matters, Gwendolyn. Your attitude is very good about this. The Lord sees you and knows the desires of your heart, in His time... May you be blessed and encouraged.
Thanks Carla! I receive that blessing! :-)
Excellent post, Gwendolyn. You're braver than I am. I'm still putting off the querying stage, but I'll get there.
And I think you're right on when you submit to God's will, whatever that might be. A year or two down the road, you'll look back and go, "Oh, I get it." The path behind is so much easier to see than the one ahead!
(So glad it's not that way when I'm driving!)
Thanks, Marji Laine! Yes, you will get there. It's always a risk, but with the Lord's help, you'll build your confidence. (I'm still building mine ;-)
I'm right there with you on driving -- and suddenly imagining a world where the people drive backwards...
I, for one, am so thankful you're writing. I am blessed whenever I read your blog. So thankful you're giving this opportunity back up to God and refusing to let His glory get snatched up by discouragement. I am cheering for you every step of the way!
Awww! Thanks Shannon! I'm encouraged to hear that my blog blesses you! Thanks for your support!
My favorite way to deal with rejection...invest in the brightest, deepest shade of red lipstick you can find. Then when the letter comes, slap some on and give it a big ol' smooch before you file it away (you'll want to save them for when you make it big and can say, "I remember when...").
Disclaimer: if it's a cyber rejection, the red lipstick does a number on the screen...might want to re-think this approach.
That's a fun idea, Michelle! I may just do it! Laughing at your disclaimer -- yeah the lipstick may not work with a computer screen, but I can always print it out. :-) Thanks!
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