May 7, 2009

When You Ask . . . Be Ready To Receive

For weeks now I've been praying that the Lord would provide me with ways to get my name and reputation as a writer out in the big wide world of publishing, knowing full well that the business of being an author is not only rewarding, but extremely difficult. As a mother and wife, it can also be very taxing on a family when her time is split between the ones she loves and her need to be behind the computer to promote herself, her book and her gift. As I thought about the sacrifice I might be making, I also thought of the rewards. For one thing, working toward my dream of being a writer and published author has made me a better person. I'm not only happy about what I'm doing, but proud of the progress I've made over the past year. Having the inner satisfaction oozing from my pores has influenced my family in a positive way, making this our goal instead of just mine. My husband has made dinner more times than I care to count because my muse was working overtime. My son will sneak into my office while I'm writing and sit next to me reading as I type, rubbing my back, patiently waiting for me to get to a stopping point so he can ask a question or get a hug. I find the point very quickly when he wants a hug.

When He opens the door, make sure you've got your running shoes on.

As I continued to pray for help, always seeking for his spirit to guide my fingers across the keyboard, I came upon a curious comment on my blog. I'd just posted a story about writing with the spirit, so wasn't surprised that someone was as touched reading it as I was when I wrote it. But I do have to say I was shocked to find out she had also been praying and felt she was led to my blog for a purpose.

Jenni James, an up and coming LDS author, formed a blog last January, inviting six other authors to join her. Since that time, they have made quite the reputation for themselves. They get an average of 1000 hits a week blogging about anything and everything that has to do with being a writer while juggling motherhood, family and church.

So where do I fit in? One of her authors has stepped down because her life plans to be extremely hectic this summer, leaving an opening. After exchanging emails and a phone call (3:00a.m. her time, she lives in England) she finally convinced me to be her "Saturday Girl" on Mormon Mommy Writers.

While I've prayed for an opportunity to challenge my writing skills and get my name out there, I don't think I was ready when the Lord opened the door. It took quite a bit of convincing for Jenni to get a "yes" out of me, mostly because the caliber of writing I saw on the blog puts mine to shame. These women are in various stages of their writing career, but all have one thing in common. Talent! I am both honored and humble to be counted among them and hope this opportunity leads to a lasting friendship with each of them.

So if you haven't already gone there, click here to hop on over to my new home away from home and check out my new friends.

17 comments:

  1. Ahh Christine, that is so, so awesome! Congratulations to you. I'm very happy that you have received this validation and the opportunity to let even more people come to know how wonderful and talented you are.

    God bless you in your new adventure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That's awesome, Christine. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to join the bloggers at anwafounder.blogspot.com. last fall. (I post every other Tuesday.)

    Also, I love the photo in your blog of the open door. Is that your own or is it open to others to use? I like your whole concept of the open door and being ready to take off.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congrats, Christine, that's cool, I really like that blog, though I only found it recently. I look forward to reading your posts!

    And you have plenty of talent--I know, I'm reading your story! You go girl!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Christine, That is awesome. They wouldn't have asked you to join them if they didn't think you had the talent. You now have a great responsibility. You'll do well. Good Luck!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Way to go! You can do it -- I'm proud of you for going with it. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm so happy for you. This is a wonderful opportunity and challenge for you, but the site will gain from your wisdom.

    CONGRATULATIONS!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Welcome to our blog!! I'm so excited to get to know you better!
    BTW I'm your girl Friday! LOL! See you soon!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Excellent! Congrats, Christine. You'll do great!

    ReplyDelete
  9. OMGosh! What a wonderful post! And um, hello? You have awesome talent! LOL! Seriously, you're going to be even better than we are! You'll see! LOL! I can't wait to get to know you better! And all the girls are excited, I PROMISE! We're all just thrilled that you said YES! Wahoo! Jenni

    ReplyDelete
  10. Excellent, Christine. What a great opportunity for you and for all those who will read your words. I'm very excited for you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Congratulations to you Christine. Great news and I love it when my prayers are answered, you must be walking on air by now.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Way to go, Christine! We all have faith you can do it. Now, a publishing contract must be right around the corner.

    You're awesome!

    Nichole

    ReplyDelete
  13. Congrats! You are awesome and will make a great addition! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello there and welcome. I'm a (mostly) lurking new member of AI and I'm in charge of Totally Tuesday on MMW, we have a lot of fun, we're all insane about writing and we don't take ourselves too seriously--so be ye not afraid. ;)

    We're very happy to have you!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Awesome! Way to go, and you will do great!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Christine, You're so funny! You have an awesom writing talent. I've been reading your blogs and I have no doubt that you will do great! Thanks for accepting the invitation!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congrats! That is so awesome! We know you'll do a great job.

    ReplyDelete