I don’t even know how else to write this except to blurt it out all over the place: my agent sold my memoir!!!!
I signed the contract and mailed it off yesterday to WaterBrook Multnomah, a division of Random House. I know! Like one of my friends here in Lincoln said: “The HOUSE!!!”
Two years to write it, two years to land an agent, nearly two years for that agent to sell it to a publisher. Can I just tell you…I’d pretty much given up. Honestly, I’d given up hope on that book. After wrestling and begging and pleading with God for the last two years, and struggling with jealousy and envy, disappointment, frustration and idolatry, I’d finally put it aside.
I knew Rachelle had sent the manuscript to a publisher, but frankly, after two years of zero progress, I also knew better than to give it a second thought. When the phone rang, and I heard her voice on the end, and she said something like, “You are going to love me today!” I actually responded, “Really?” with just a hint of edginess in my voice, all crotchety and crabby. I was in a bad mood.
A bad mood, can you believe it?
So when she said, “I just sold your memoir!” I simply stopped breathing. For like four seconds. And then I started gushing an unstoppable stream of consciousness, including all sorts of inappropriate and completely unprofessional statements like:
“I think I’m crying!” and
“I can’t stop sweating!!”
When I got off the phone I had my first Pentecostal moment all by myself, running around the house, raising my hands to Heaven and praising God at the top of my lungs, which, if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know just does not happen because I am an uptight New Englander and a Lutheran.
And then I called Brad, who didn’t answer because he was teaching. And then I called my parents, who also didn’t answer. And then I called my sister, who also didn’t answer. And then I called Deidra, who didn’t answer but then called me right back, and we laughed and cried and whooted, and she said, “I always knew it would happen.” And it’s true, she’s been saying this day would come for more than two years, and I never believed her. But I always loved to hear her say it because it kept me going.
When I got off the phone with Deidra I was still sweating.
Truth be told, I did not stop sweating for three days. I think my body went into some kind of overdrive. At night, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling and writing the acknowledgements page in my head (because I am the most vain Christian writer ever) and sweating.
So before I sign off (because I’m sweating again), I want to say two things. First: thank YOU. For sticking with me through this. For reading my story and telling me it counts. For listening to me belly-ache about this journey and for always, always encouraging me with your comments and emails. I would have quit this years ago if hadn’t been for you.
And second, if you’re a writer, and you feel like you just died a little bit inside, just know that I know what you are feeling because I have lived it every day for nearly six years. I get it. I do. Do not, I repeat, do not give up. If your God-given dream is to tell your story, do not give up hope. Keep writing. And trust that God’s timing and his plan are always perfect, even when it feels like nothing is happening at all.
Sharing with Jennifer Dukes Lee today…because this story is, without a doubt, His story:
Oh my goshgoodnessmeohmy!!!!!!!!!! You New England Lutheran Pentecostal wild woman! Praising God from my seat in front of this screen and loving the moment with you! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this , it really is inspiring (and amusing). Can’t wait to see it in print! Wow and HOORAY! So happy for you Michelle!
This comment totally made me smile! Thank you so much, Dawn.
Book writing might just turn you into a charismatic yet! I am so beyond thrilled for you! I don’t even want to punch you in the gut, like I usually do when I hear about other people getting a book deal;) This is so encouraging. Thanks for being an example to the rest of us, for sticking with it, and never giving up. I can’t wait to get my hands on an autographed copy!
Oh my gosh, even the words “autographed copy” make me start sweating again!
Seriously, thank you, Kimberly.
Kimberly, Your comment cracks me up. The punch in the gut thing. LOL!
I read this last night on facebook and am sooooooo excited for you. Congrats. Happy dancing in Ohio with you! CELEBRATE!
( and to be truthful, yes I died a little inside too – It really shows your compassionate heart that you remembered that and recognized that in your time of celebration – that says so much about you!!)
Oh Jean, I know, I know – I have struggled SO much with envy in this journey. It has been my constant prayer: “God, rid me of this jealousy and help me focus my attention on only YOU.” Two steps forward, one step back – always a work in progress.
Thank you for happy-dancing in Ohio!
So very excited for you, Michelle!!!! And I LOVE how you celebrated! God is good. So, so good. Much love, Patricia
Thank you, Patricia!
Woot woot!!!!! Congratulations, Michelle! Can’t wait to read it. Celebrating with you, friend!
Thank you, Gaby – you are so kind!
Love this, Michelle (even all that sweating). A true victory. And a sliver of hope. 😉
Thanks for hanging on.
~ Wendy
Yes, yes, yes, a sliver of hope, Wendy. I know in my heart that your time is coming. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and trusting in Him – he has laid out a perfect road just for you.
xxoo
I love this! And I don’t feel even the tiniest bit dead inside. 🙂 Just very, very happy.
It’s true that dry bones can live again. God is so good.
I can’t wait to read the book!!
Oh I love that comparison to Ezekiel’s dry bones – that passage has always resonated with me in so many ways.
Many, many thanks, Christie – I am so glad you are along with me on this journey.
This makes me smile so big my face hurts.
Remember when we shared the fellowship of the table at Laity Lodge (was it breakfast or lunch? It was the table in the middle, and you were on my right) and I told you about my book and you felt like you died a little bit inside? I’m sorry. The next time we eat together, you get to tell me about yours.
I must correct you one one thing, though. A vain writer would have written the acknowledgments page four years ago. It’s not vanity for you to lie awake thinking of all the people you want to thank. It’s gratitude.
ON one thing, I mean.
Oh yes, I remember that conversation exactly. And I was (am!) happy for you, Laura. Truly. It’s just been a constant battle for me – I need to return again and again to trusting God and knowing that we ALL are working to glorify him and that he has set a specific and perfect path for each one of us.
I like what you said about the acknowledgements page being about gratitude. Yes, I think you are right. So, so many people to thank – so many people who have lifted me up and given me hope along this journey.
Congratulations, Michelle! I rejoice along with you! (Maybe even a little sweating for joy) And when we believe in a God who has enough love for us all, we can rejoice with those who rejoice. There’s still hope for all the writers working on their craft because there is enough!
I love that, Sheila: “There is enough.” Yes. Amen.
And thank you.
Simply awesome! Can I just say, I can’t wait!
You are wonderful, Lori. Thank you, lovely friend.
Yes, this is DEFINITELY a God-Story, and I can’t wait for your God-Story to stretch out into the world even more! Go you! Go GOD!
Love, Jennifer
I can’t even thank you enough, Jennifer — for the Tuesday prayers and the phone calls and the emails and the way you make me smile. I love your heart and your faith. And I am so honored to be walking this journey with you!
Yay! I’m doing a happy dance in your honor over here! I knew it would happen. You’re a very talented writer. Let the fun begin.
Did I mention I’m Baptist? Happy dances are frowned upon. 😉
Ditto churches of Christ, but I did a happy dance too. If David danced for joy, so can we.
Ha, I love it! Thank you, Renee – you’ve been on this ride with me for a long time – I so appreciate you!
Congratulations….and may God take these words and the truth they carry and multiply them. Blessings to you~
Amen, Ro. Amen. And thank you…
Congratulations! I really needed this today because I’m also feeling as though God is taking his time about some things in my own life. Many blessings and thanks for sharing this!
Andie, I am so, so glad you have found some encouragement in this story. Sometimes it’s easier to understand the why in retrospect. When I look back at this journey now, I can see that God had a lot of work to do in me – there was truly a reason for the waiting. It was not easy, but I can honestly say my faith has grown because of it.
Praying for you in your waiting…
I should be saying something witty or tender or wildly animated (so like me), but it’s just not coming. I’m just smiling over this. (And imagining in my head what that phone call with Deidra sounded like, which has me smiling all over again.)
Congratulations, Michelle. You and the world have waited a long time. Everybody in this corner says it’s going to have been well worth the wait.
What? No wild animation? What’s gotten in to you, Lyla?!
Thank you, friend. I am so, so glad that you have walked along this crazy, winding road with me – you are a wonderful, encouraging traveling companion, and I am so grateful for you.
And just because this is an exclamation moment if there ever was one: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Oh gosh. I think the exclamation point key just winged right off my keyboard. 😉
Tell you what, though. I’m thinking that you should get some sort of kickback from Rachelle now, because she’s got this incredible story now of how she really knows what she’s talking about when she asks a writer to be patient and wait for the right time, the right publisher.
This just makes me happy. Did I already say that?
Michelle, what terrific news! I am so happy to hear this…I know it has been a long wait. I hope your story will have a wonderful journey to publication and bless many people.
Thank you so much, Rosslyn.
Woo hoo!!!! Soooo happy for you! (and who says we can’t bridge denominational differences? Your Pentecostal dance is definitely a step in that direction!) 🙂
And Lyli – how can I thank you enough for all your encouragement? You are the Social Media Encouragement Queen, and I am so grateful for all your tweets and shout-outs every week. You are amazing!
CONGRATS Michelle. So encouraging and inspiring, I remember feeling that way when I got my first contract and I think God has something big in store this time around too, even when it feels like NOTHING is happening. 🙂 Congrats again.
Thank you, Heather – I am so glad to have “met” you along the way, fellow Books & Such friend!
Congratulations!!! Truth be told … I died a little. 🙂 But I will keep on keepin’ on, because I know (hope?) I will be in your shoes one day. Again, congrats.! Can’t wait to read the book!
Oh Brenda, I know, I know. At one point I told Brad I was going to stab my eye out with a pencil if I read about one more person’s book deal. I get it, I do. Just don’t give up. And keep asking God for faith and patience in the process. He has perfect and good plans for you, that I know for sure.
oh His timing!!! i am SOSOSOSOSOSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited for you!!!!! xoxo
Oh Dawn, how can I even thank you for all your encouragement and support along the way? You have been with me almost from the very start, girl. Thank you for hanging in there, for having faith, for lavishing your love and kindness. I am so grateful for you.
Congratulations, Michelle! Smiling just thinking about it!
Thank you, Amanda – smiling right back at you!
Yay! Congrats! I’m so very happy for you and can’t wait to read it!
He knows how to bless us doesn’t He? So excited for you, I can only imagine how you are feeling. I would sweat too. Can’t wait to see it out there on the shelf. You are a talented woman, God is so gracious, so proud of you!
Oh Michelle!!! This is SO exciting!!! So so so so so so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’d be dancing if I could, I promise!
(okay, totally out of any original words this morning. But thrilled for you. THRILLED!)
So… what happened when you finally got ahold of your man?!
May you shine His light in all of this.
Blessings.
I texted him in the middle of class – he was so shocked, he let out his class early just so he could call me back. Brad has been an incredible support and encourager during this whole ride – I truly don’t have the words to express it (although I better come up with something for the acknowledgements page! 😉
Congratulations!!
Thanks, Chaunie.
Congrats! And by the way, you just made “I did it! I got a contract!” the cutest {and most humorous} blurt out. Makes a person wanta laugh and dance like a raving loon with ya. Yes it does.
Glad to have such good company dancing like raving loons, Tammy! 🙂
You may have to add an epilogue entitled, “Pentecost.” Or, “Charisma.” Love the memoirish way you write this post to announce this memoirish news! What joy!! Congratulations to an outstanding storyteller, whose story needs to be told and read; and thanks be to the Lord who has been flowing through that story all along and will continue to. He who started the work will be faithful to complete it in you.
Hugs,
Ann
What a beautiful comment, Ann. I love that verse about He who started the work will be faithful to its completion. I need to look at up on BibleGateway, because I can’t remember where it comes from, but I do recognize it and love.
And you, lovely lady? Thank you for helping me sharpen my writing and become a better show-not-tell writer – you really are a gifted editor (AND writer), and I am so grateful for both your friendship and your professional skills!
MICHELLE!! I’m leaping for joy with you, my Friend! CONGRATULATIONS!! I can’t wait to get my hands on it. Hugs!!
Donna, YOU amaze me – I have never met a more enthusiastic encouragerer than you, my friend. Thank you.
The term “rejoice” sure seems to fit this news! I look forward to the day when I hold your memoir in my hands and can sit by a warm fire or on a sunny deck or in a chair next to my tent while camping….and read what you have written. You are inspiring. You are a blessing. Thank you for making a difference in this world.
Tom, how fun to see you here! I love that picture you painted about reading the book next to a warm fire or on a sunny deck – that makes it seem real!
Oh Michele I can’t tell you how delighted I am. Such a precious answer to prayer. I wish I could see you and wrap you in a huge hug. It has happened in His time, and He will use your words to bring glory and honor to His kingdom. I am standing here cheering and giving thanks. YEAH!!!!
Linda, I am so grateful to have walked this journey alongside you – you are an incredible encouragement and so, so faithful. I love your big, beautiful heart and can’t wait to meet you IN PERSON some day!
I think I’m crying too. Even though I just met you. I’m so happy for you and no, no, I won’t give up! Can’t wait to read it!
That made me laugh, Lisa! 🙂
Michelle, What a wonderful surprise to read your blog post this morning…So excited for you!!! can’t wait to buy YOUR book. Love Love your blog so know will love love your book
🙂 enjoy this time of celebration!! Donna
Wow, Donna, thank you for your enthusiasm and support!!
My Lutheran roots just howled with your Pentecostal praise! We bloggers love it when a sister gets published. Praise God from whom ALL BLESSINGS FLOW.
Amen, Amen – praising Pentecostally (I just made up a word) with you!
I’m so happy for you. I remember when…you had just finished writing it!
And I feel so encouraged. I might start sweating too!
I LOVE that you have been on this journey with me all these years, JoAnn. You always keep me laughing – sometimes that’s all we can do, right?
What amazing news! Congratulations, Michelle! As a fellow writer (awaiting His perfect timing), my heart rejoices with you over this!! Thank you for inspiration and hope today! Now go on and do some more Pentecostal celebrating! 😉
Praying for His perfect timing in your writing journey, Shelly, and thanking you for your support today.
Congratulations, Michelle! Praise God! I am SO very delighted for your well-deserved success!
And I can’t wait to stand in line at your book signing!!! 🙂
So happy to see you here today, Susie – and thank YOU.
So, so happy, Michelle! You go, girl. Get your Pentecostal on! You can rock out with Diana’s charismatic Benedictines.
Keep us posted on the details as they emerge. 🙂
Gloray…As they say in the Pentecostal church. Praise the Lord, Michele. You’re reaching your God-potential. You are running after your divine destiny. Halleluiah!
Michelle,
First, congratulations! I am very happy for you. Second, I laughed my way through this entire post, partly because I’m happy for you, and partly because it is funny like comedian funny–when he tells a joke and you laugh because its truth is mixed in darkness and light. Your two-year list of sins? Preach it, sister. Pentecostal Lutheran moment? The joy-invoking power of God breaking religious tradition. Nobody to answer the phone to validate us, er, I mean, celebrate with us? You would have told the neighbor’s dog had no one answered. Deidra’s encouragement? That woman has a gift. Christian vanity? Oh dear, what God puts up with.
I know all of these somehow, and feel like Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde throughout each day, wrestling between service and self-fulfillment, altruism and aggrandizement.
Relish your contract as a gift, for it is God’s affirmation to you as a writer and God’s grace to you as–dare I say it–a sinner. Aren’t we all?
Thank you for the hearty laugh today, Michelle. I am full of joy. Will you put me on your list of interested book buyers when it comes out? samvaneman@gmail.com
Your New England Presbyterian friend is getting a little Pentecostal with you. And now I’m wondering, “Is sweating profusely the true measure of success as a writer?” 🙂
May God breathe life through your words and use them to draw others to himself!
Warmest congratulations and happy dances!!!
So THIS is what happens when I fail to check Facebook for one stinkin’ day???? That will teach me. SO HAPPY FOR YOU. And, honestly, not even a twinge of jealousy. This has been a long time coming – but I’m with Deidra – I knew it would. Congratulations and tons of love. You da bomb.
So, so delighted for you, Michelle!!! Your story sounds so much like mine – I thought God would never get around to seeing that my novel was published and waited for almost three years after its completion to finally have a publisher. But, if I’ve learned anything, it’s this: Nothing is worth having UNLESS it’s delivered in God’s own time and by His hand.
Congratulations!!!
Michelle! This is so exciting!! Wow! 🙂 Congrats!!!
Such exciting news!!! Congratulations, Michelle! Diana Gabaldon once said if she could give writers just one bit of advice it would be, “Don’t give up.” I’m so glad you didn’t… and I won’t either. 🙂
Woooohooooooo!
*happy dance, happy dance, happy dance*
There are enough words of congratulations here without me trying to find some profound way to rephrase them. Just know that I am SO VERY GLAD that God saw the desires of your heart and arranged for this to happen. xoxoxoxo
Yay! Praise the Lord! Can’t wait to buy your book. Many congratulations.
Michelle,
I am doing a happy dance with you and for you. That is great news. Whenever a Christian writer gets published God is smiling. (Well He knew already but… He is smiling because you are smiling and thanking Him). Now – the marketing begins… Oh praying for wisdom, vision and patience. Praying for God’s Hand on this work of love.
Blessings to you,
Janis
Congratulations! Isn’t that just like Him to wait until we let go before He lets us in on the plan? So happy for you.
Congratulations, Michelle! It may sound weird coming from someone you’ve never met, but I’m really PROUD OF YOU!!
Not weird! I love it!
Congratulations Michelle! I’ve never known exactly how to describe that feeling, but I think you got it just right here “…and you feel like you just died a little bit inside…” 🙂
Blessings,
Laura
Oh my goodness… CONGRATULATIONS… and i love that you wrote, “and you feel like you just died a little bit inside, just know that I know what you are feeling because I have lived it every day for nearly six years. I get it. I do. Do not, I repeat, do not give up. ” because I am not sure I am a writer, but I do have a dream. And, it is hard to watch some many peoples dreams come true but not yours…. so it is so encouraging to read this, so encouraging!
Lisa, I just want to say, you are a writer, girl. You write, right? {and I know you do, ’cause I just bopped over to your place}. Well that makes you a writer. So embrace it and live it and keep on keeping on. As you so brilliantly said in your own post today: “fear is writing the obituary of a dream.” I LOVE that. I think I’m going to type that up and hang it right here in front of my computer. It’s really easy to let fear stand in the way of your dream, to let fear kill it altogether. Do not give up. Your God-given dream will triumph over fear!
And thanks for your kindness and for stopping by…
oh my, your word made me cry… thank you!
CONGRATULATIONS, Michelle!!! How totally AWESOME is that? I’m so incredibly, deeply, HAPPY DANCE happy for you! Celebrating you and this GREAT, BIG, GOOD NEWS today!! 🙂
This is simply the BESTEST! I’m so incredibly excited for you, Michelle. And yes, I can attest to His perfect timing…
Laura, you have been such a sweet and generous encouragement and supporter all along this long journey – I am so grateful for you!
I knew your book would find a home. It just needed to float in limbo for a while until the right publisher could create a division that was perfect for your voice. Congratulations.
Steve, aka Novel Doctor, I couldn’t have done it without you! You are a gifted editor – thank you for helping me get the book to where it needed to be.
Michelle. Praising God that your dream has come true. You gave me hope to continue striving toward finishing my book and getting it published. Thanks.
Finish that book, Angie – with God, all things are possible! You can do this thing…
Late to the party and the wonderful things have all been said! Adding my hugs, congratulations and big smiles!
Congratulations!!! How wonderful. So happy for you and today it brings me encouragement, too.
Congratulations! I love a good memoir so I look forward to reading it. 🙂
Congratulations – how exciting! And thank you for your sincere encouragement to others who are writing and waiting. What a blessing you are!
See?
I’m so excited for you! Congratulations! I know how hard the waiting was for a girl like you because I’m a girl like you. It probably feels like the reward has finally come at the end, but I have a feeling you haven’t even gotten to the middle yet. Love you!
I never thought this day would come, honestly. It’s so very, very sweet. And thank you for being here for me all along this long way – I love you, too!
I’m a day behind everyone else, but want to say, “CONGRATULATIONS!!!” Michelle. Such wonderful news! Absolutely cannot wait to read your memoir!
LOVED this comical post, too. Have you stopped sweating yet? Believe me, I’m doing the (Baptist-shunned) Happy Dance right along with you! Woot! Raising the rafters!
Thank you, Jillie – you are so sweet and such an incredible encourager!
Congrats!Congrats!Congrats! So happy your dream has come true. Hope you’ve stopped sweating and are simply dancing 🙂
Thank you, thank you, Karna – and yes, finally stopped sweating. Jeesh!
Oh, this IS good news! I was always in Deidra’s camp. Knew it would happen. Treasure like this can’t stay hidden. Isn’t it just like God to wait until you let it go? Yippeeeee, Michelle! Can’t wait until we meet up in person and we can all disco the Pentecostal happy dance.
Not giving up here :). Taking heart from your story, friend.
A DISCO Pentecostal dance – now you’re talking, lady! And thank you for keeping the faith during all those moments when i’d pretty much given up. Love you, girl.
There’s celebrating in Beijing for you! And I’m borrowing some of your hope as I’m in the process of trying to get an agent … but truly just very happy for you!
I love it!
And let me know if you have any questions about the query process — maybe I can shed a little light? I’ve got a ton of rejections in my back pocket, so i’ve been through it and know exactly what you are going through. Don’t give up!
Hey, that is FANTASTIC news, Michelle! So happy for you. Walk through that new door with your head held high. There really is a “before” and “after.”
So happy to see you here, Jim – and thank you. You have always been such an encouragement.
Michelle,
This…”If your God-given dream is to tell your story, do not give up hope. Keep writing. And trust that God’s timing and his plan are always perfect, even when it feels like nothing is happening at all.” is why I read you.
Thank you, and congratulations, and to God be the Glory, and I’m a Baptist AND a liturgical dancer, and I will dance a praise for you, And wait for God to lead me to my dreams….so there. And, as for dying a little inside, NOT EVEN. Can’t do anything but celebrate your joy. That’s all I got.
Peace and good to you, sister dreamer. Thank you for blazing a trail…
Love your dancing praise, girl – thank you.
Oh, Michelle … I saw this news on my FB news feed and since I am truly Pentecostal, I did a little happy dance right alongside you. 🙂 I know the road to publication is often long and lonely, and I’m so, so happy for you to have realized this dream of yours. May God use your story to change lives and hearts. Wishing you all the best and many book sales.
Thank you, Dayle – I am so happy to see you here!
I am so happy for you, Michelle. Truly, deeply happy. I think back to our conversation at the table at lunch last year at the Lodge, and I just praise God for the ways He’s taught you and molded you through this process. It’s hard, isn’t it? Excruciating at times. I just appreciate your REAL-ness and honesty here. You are amazing, and I’m so proud to know you. Looking forward to reading your memoir!!!! Love you, sister.
Sharing this with our readers at The High Calling, to encourage them in their daily work…and God’s timing. 🙂
http://www.thehighcalling.org/hcb-community/work/community-post-because-sometimes-gods-timing-perfect
Hey sista! That’s great news. Thrilled at your blessing. Long suffering. Patient. Now rewarded!
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