Deeanne Gist - www.deeannegist.com - Inspirational Romance Author

Friday, August 26, 2005

After the Amen

We have been discussing God's role in my Journey to Publication. Yesterday, I told how I had given my writing career to God. Amen.

Not too long after the Amen, I'd forgotten I had given it to Him. Little by little I began taking it back. So that by the time I was finished with manuscript #1 (you remember--the one that stunk), I had illusions of fortune, fame, approval from my fellow-man.

Well, that didn't happen. And as the Lord revealed my fickle heart to me and grew me, I felt like such a heel. But then came the grace. And the forgiveness. And the unconditional love. I'm tellin' you, being a Christian is such an awesome thing.

Manuscript #2 (A Bride Most Begrudging) I gave to Him. And this time, I didn't forget it. Then things that the world calls "coincidences" started happening.

I'd sit down on a shuttle bus, only to find out the man next to me was an agent from New York. I'd pray the Lord handpick my critique partners. At the next writer's meeting I met two fantastic women that were looking for a third critique partner.

My journalism began to take off. My queries began to bear fruit. The Lord maneuvered my footsteps so that they would cross paths with influential people in the business.

I typed "The End" on Bride, fell to my knees and told Him I'd done what He had asked. As far as I was concerned, my part was over. I'd go ahead and submit it to publishers, but if they said, "No," I was fine with that. Because I was far enough along in my walk with Him to know--I only wanted what He wanted. And if He wanted it published, He could certainly make that happen.

At this time, Bride had been written for the general market. Monday we will talk about what made me decide to go from the general market to the inspirational market.

In the meanwhile, don't forget to enter our contest.

posted by Deeanne at 10:38 AM

13 Comments:

Barb said...: 4 questions: 1. If Bride hadn't gotten published, were you gonna quit on fiction-writing totally, or just try writing a different novel? (I remember reading that it took Frank Peretti something like 5 years to get This Present Darkness published.) 2. Did you ever do that romance blog discussion? 3. Are you gonna give us plenty of head's up on the Solomon Long discussion? I have it here, but would rather read it right before the discussion. 4. What do you snack on when you write? Or are you a snack-free writer?
A friend of mine just finished Bride and e-mailed to say it's "Good!" but with 15 exclamation marks! (She's a woman of few words and much punctuation.)
Deeanne said...: You are the greatest, Barb. I love it when you ask me questions, because it gives me topics to blog on!!

I've got your questions on my list and will address them accordingly.

I will be deciding on an official date for the Solomon Long discussion soon. Will give you plenty of heads up.

Tell your friend:

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Barb said...: Ok!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BTW, Godly "coincidences" are the best! Another question (just to make sure you don't run out): Are you done with Sunbonnet Chick yet, or do you work right up to your exact deadline??
Deeanne said...: It's Saturday morning, the "sunbonnet chick" is due into my editor on Wednesday and I'm still a' workin'.

Prayers appreciated.
Barb said...: OK! Thank you Lord for Miz Dee's terrific writing ability, and now we ask that You'd not only help her to finish her new book in plenty of time, but that You would also give her just the right words to finish it out in a way that clearly illustrates Your luv and glory. Amen!
Gina Welborn said...: Within minutes of getting home from vacation (whew!), I went through my mail and saw my September RWR. I tossed the rest of my mail aside--okay, onto my son's lap--and began reading. Lo and behold, I saw an ad for your book, but I din't recognize your name (from RtB) until after I read the blurb and thought, "Wow, that looks like a good book to read." Then when I saw "Bethany House Publishers," my eyes quickly skipped back up to the blurb. No mention of God in the blurb. You are such a radical. :-)

gina
Deeanne said...: Gina, Just so you know, BHP makes those ads. I usually see them same time you do. Usually. Ask anybody. ;-)
Gina Welborn said...: Really? Wow, I'm even more impressed. Thanks for the info.
Deeanne said...: G - I went to your blog and I'm shakin' in my boots about you readin' my book. ;-)

Blessings and we hope you'll become one of the "regulars" around here.
Barb said...: Miz Gina, you are wicked-crazy! What I wanna know is why so many women with 4 kids keep ending up at this blog???
TS said...: Man with two girls, sorry I don't fit the mold. But I gotta tell you Dee that it was not until I had really given my book and my pride to God that anything begin happening with my book. God loves us too much to allow to be lost in pride. God is truly using you my friend, and there is even more to come.

Blessings,
marvin
Deeanne said...: Yeah, He sure gets His knickers in a twist when we put something else before Him, eh?

Glad we got a man in the house, Marv. Thanks for postin'.
Valerie Comer said...: Do I count? I've only got two kids, but they're both married, so that makes four, right? (I have extras if you'd rather I have a family of six, as my niece and her husband live much nearer than my own kids, and think they qualify...)

So my copy of Bride is now on its third reader and is becoming the buzz of the family. Today it conquers the family, tomorrow the world. WooHoo! PTL!