Wednesday, September 17, 2008

As For Today...

I'm pleased to post that today things are much clearer. Has that ever happened to you? You express your thoughts and concerns to others and then, perhaps because you've laid things on the table and can get a full look at them, from every angle, the answer becomes as plain as day? Things just click?

Yesterday afternoon it was impressed upon me that I should proceed with my non-fiction proposal. I will pursue agents who represent narratives, and simply see where it leads.

And then, after having read yesterday's post (scroll down one), a writing buddy pointed me to the site of a well-known imprint. They publish romance and women's fiction (among other things) with an inspirational focus, and writers can submit directly to them. One of the best parts, though I've inadvertantly met nearly every one of their guidelines (because of my style and themes and personal morals), is that they take novels with as little as 55,000 words. This means, my dear friends, that if I take another looksee at Bliss Lake and flesh things out with just 4000+ words more, I can meet their requirement. And submit. And see what happens. And create (I hope) a longer manuscript in the meantime. THIS is what I needed to push me; a specific goal, with an outcome I could shoot for. I love that!

Now from (recent) past experiences, I've learned not to get my hopes up. I'm not going to get ahead of myself, for who knows what my plan holds. I sure don't. But I'm confident, as I've mentioned before, that each step I take gets me closer to my ultimate destination.

And I know I keep coming back to the metaphor of direction and signs and the path before me... but I'm going to step out in faith on that path. I'll see where this last set of directions takes me, and pray for guidance along the way.

How do you make your way?

12 comments:

Terri Tiffany said...

Have you tried Avonlon books too? I know their word count is lower. Good for you that you have a plan!

I have a story semi-accepted by Adam's media that I submittted last fall--the book won't come out until NEXT fall and then they will decide on the finals. So it takes a looooong time for some of these to go to the final publishing.

WendyCinNYC said...

That sounds like a good plan, Janna.

Good luck.

Janna Leadbetter said...

Terri, thanks! I'm checking out Avalon right now. Looks great!

Thanks, Wendy. I appreciate it. :)

Joshua said...

my way is usually the path that has the most brownies....hint hint

Angie Ledbetter said...

Don't you just love when the clouds clear and the path shines before you...at least for the moment?! Ahh, clear plans! (And thanks for visiting my personal baby blog.)

Janna Leadbetter said...

*waves brownie in front of Josh, hoping to lure him for a visit*

I do, Angie! I'm astounded at how I felt so lost and aimless mere days ago, and now I keep seeing more possibility open up in front of me.

colbymarshall said...

best of luck with it...keep it up!

Joanne said...

So nice to see you feeling better about things today. Sometimes that's what it takes, that goal in sight, giving you a clearer path. Glad you found yours!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Thanks, Colby and Joanne!

Jewel Allen said...

Janna, congratulations. Yeah, it always feels good, doesn't it, when you can see things in a new way. Good luck with your book!

-Pink Ink from AW

Janna Leadbetter said...

Pink Ink! I'm so glad you stopped by. Thanks for leaving a comment, too. :)

Melanie Hooyenga said...

I'm so glad you're seeing things more clearly. It can be so frustrating when you know the answer is THERE, you just can't find it.

I also think adding a little more to your word count will help you. I'd hate to think you'll be rejected on that alone.