Home from the Writer's Conference In Philly

This is my Gram Mary saying "There she is Miss America...Good job!!"
With joy, hope and an overwhelmed spirit we loaded the last of our bags in Elaine's car yesterday afternoon to begin the trek back to New York. Although the drive is over five hours, it felt like less than an hour as Shirley and I visted the entire way home. We shared the new friends we made, the friends we saw again, the stories we heard, new skills and techniques learned, and the way God worked in our lives through the conference. Four days...weeks of information to digest.

Thank you for your prayers while away. They were felt and appreciated. All together I met with two agents and three editors during the conference. I shared my heart, my sister and my story with each ~ not to mention all the wonderful conferees I met along the way. My "pitch" was nothing like what I had written and formed itself over the length of the conference. As I waited for my appointments I prayed for God's strength, direction and will. He is ALWAYS faithful.

I am happy to say all three editor's liked my story. One requested a proposal to take back to her team - she encouraged me, prayed with me, and offered the hope I needed to share my story with the world. She is one great duck! ;)

Another made suggestions of ways I could move forward with my story and wished me well. All the editors and agents were helpful and offered suggestions of ways to improve and move forward with my writing. I'm thankful for this.
 
The final publisher was also an encouragement ~ requesting everything I have for my book. I was so overwhelmed with God's love following this appointment I rushed outside to find a quiet spot to praise and thank God for who He was. I opened my Bible read a Psalm of praise aloud and returned inside to splash cold water on my face before my next appointment.

The first agent I met with was not interested in me at all - he didn't even let me take out my writing. I was crushed yet afterward I remembered I prayed for God to open and close the doors (I struggle when there is gray, lol). So this agents blunt rejection was merely a closed door. He suggested I submit my story to Reader's Digest or Guideposts, so this was a confirmation because the first editor also suggested this as a way of getting my name out in publication more. So I did learn something.

The second agent is an amazing woman. Oh my goodness. She loves the Lord and she offered suggestions and guidance as I move forward with my writing career. I may submit my book proposal to her or wait a year until I hear back from the different editors looking at my proposal currently. I thank God for the authenticity and love of this woman ~ she is a blessing and treasure.

I will be adding a new feature to the website in the near future to list what is happening in regards to the submission and publication processes of my book. Thank you for your prayers, believing in me and all the support you each provide. You are ALL a blessing to me and my famliy! May God bless you in return.

Lisa ;)