The 2011 Greater Philadelphia Christian Writers Conference will go down in my personal history as one of the most exciting I've attended. Besides meeting Jeanette Levellie and her hubby for the first time, my work caught the eye of two editors and an agent.
After talking to various people, I did something out of character. I abandoned the one sheet. Speaking from my heart about my book, "The Moses Conspiracy," piqued their curiosity and yielded two requests from editors for partials and also from an agent.
Karen Lange and I wanted to test the level of interest for our book before we got too deep into the writing. A couple of people questioned the timeframe (Colonial), but Karen found a title being released next year by a major publisher in the same genre. Our book has a working title of, "Unexpected Pathways." One editor and an agent want to see the chapters.
I couldn't wait to get home and call Karen with the news. We're both a bit shell shocked at all the interest and worked like crazy to get the submissions out. We'd appreciate your continued prayers for favor.
Next Monday, I'll share some of the things I learned in the workshops. If I can get my pictures developed and scanned into the computer, you'll also get to see some happy faces.
Have you ever "thrown out the script" and poured out your heart? I'd love to hear about your experience. Readers: Can you discern when a writer is completely immersed in their story?
25 comments:
Hi Susan .. that's wonderful news - good for you. So pleased you were able to 'just speak' .. you know your book better than anyone else .. and that obviously showed through.
Isn't that great .. that your joint book is getting some interest too .. some exciting work ahead ..
Enjoy it all .. cheers Hilary
I am so excited for you that you garnered some interest in both your books!!!! Whoo hoo! I can't wait to hear how that all plays out! I want to see pics of you and Jeanette:)
Such exciting good news, I am happy for you.
Oh, this is sooo cool--that you were able to spend time with Jen, the interest in your book(s), that you were able to share such exciting news!
Yeah!
~ Wendy
Awesome news, Susan! Lifting you both and your submission in prayer.
I'm still a bit shell shocked over the whole thing - but very excited, too! I'm also excited about the interest in your other book. :)
There are many times when I've thrown out the script. It's usually worked out well. It is nice to have the script to be prepared just in case. In that way, I am a plotter I suppose!
Blessings,
Karen
Susan, You have such great news. I can't wait to hear more of the conference.
Oh, Susan that's so exciting! God is good. May the Lord continue to open doors for you!
-Mel
So exciting for you girls!! I keep thinking of you and continue to pray for wind at your backs. Keep us posted.
There is nothing I like better than to hear someone who is passionate about what they are saying. Yes, I notice it and even in books. Those are the kind I love to read. The conference sounds so exciting and fun. Congratulations on the interest on your books and the agent opportunity. I will pray for these people to see what was in your heart when you wrote it.
Squealing with delight here. Wonderful reports with more on the way!!! :O)
Susan:
Congratulations on your successes at the writing conference. I will be praying for you and Karen.
I am so excited for you! This is great!
I am so HAPPY for you and excited!
Hilary - Karen and I are enjoying the ride. :)
Terri - We can't wait to hear something either - hopefully good news! Pics next Monday. :)
Hi Linda - Thanks so much.
Hi Wendy - Working with another writer as nice and talented as Karen is a wonderful experience.
Hi Eileen - We appreciate your prayers. It's thrilling and nerve-wracking all at the same time.
Hi Karen (or should I say, "partner in crime?) - We're having one wild ride with this book aren't we? Maybe I'm a SOTP when it comes to pitching novels. :)
Hi Carol - It's one step in the right direction, but I was much encouraged at this conference.
Hi Melanie - Thank you for your faithful prayers. :)
Hi Rhonda - Knowing all of your are praying and cheering us on is a huge boost. Thank you.
Hi Nancy - That's a wonderful prayer. I've also been praying that our words would be containers of life and minister to people.
Hi Diane - Hey, thanks for connecting us with Elaine. What a sweetie!
Hi Quiet Spirit - Thank you. Prayer is key in all these adventures.
Hi Ferree - I want to hear all about your conference experiences. :)
Hi Chatty - We know many were praying for us, and it sure helped me get over my conference jitters.
Yeah!!! And better yet you got to meet Jeanette :) ... what a fantastic conference all the way around :)
Hi Jaime -
Yes, I not only met Jeanette and her husband, but they stayed with me. What a treat!
Blessings,
Susan :)
This is so wonderful, and I was there to hear it first! Yippee!!
I loved meeting you and your mom, and staying in your purply decorated house--so lovely and inviting.
May the Lord open doors for you that no man can shut.
How exciting to get those requests! And how fun to meet a blogging buddy. Can't wait to see where your journey takes you, Susan.
Susan, So happy for you and Karen! Am especially thrilled that it's a colonial:) Just wanted to offer my heartfelt congrats and say I'm praying for you as this moves forward. Sounds like the Lord is really up to something. It's wonderful to see your faithfulness rewarded. Bless you.
Hi Laura -
Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
Karen and I appreciate your prayers. We're in that waiting stage right now, and that's always hard. :)
Blessings,
Susan
Hi Susan,
What great news to be working on this book project with Karen and having gained some attention from industry pros! I'm thrilled for you and will pray as you take steps forward with it. I'm a great fan of Colonial American fiction and have two books coming out in this time period. I belong to the Colonial American Christian Writers email group and am a contributor at Colonial Quills (colonialquills.blogspot.com). I hope you and Karen will consider contacting Carrie Pagels about joining us (and any others interested in this time period). On the website we have a fiction list of early American fiction releases and you will see that it is gaining momentum. Best to you both!
Love & Blessings,
Carla
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