Thursday, August 18, 2011

New Beginnings



I believe that not much happens of any significance when we’re in our comfort zone. - Bob Parsons

For those who don’t know, after almost twenty years, the Heartsong Presents book club is coming to a close. The publisher, Barbour Publishing, is still publishing and will continue to publish a lot of wonderful books, but the specific line I’ve written three books for will close at the end of the year.

Several people have asked me how the changes will affect me. My second book in the series, Canyon Crossing, will still come out to the Heartsong Presents book club this year. I turned in book number three, Canyon Café, on July 1st, but I’m unsure of how it will be released. They’ve told us that books that were scheduled to come out after the line closes will probably come out as ebooks or as part of a collection.

I’ve only written Heartsongs (45,000-50,000 words) but I’ve always had ambitions to someday write trade-length books (80,000-100,000 words). While I’m disappointed that the line is closing, it is pushing me to take a leap of faith and work on a novel I may not have had the courage to write. Because the Heartsong editor was willing to work with me without an agent, I never aggressively pursued finding one. So it does feel a little like I’m starting over, but that’s okay. It’s exciting and a new test for me. I’m feverishly working on a new novel, and soon I’ll begin the hunt for an agent. I’m trusting God to lead me where He wants me to go.

20 comments:

  1. Julie, with books already published you shouldn't have a problem finding an agent, I suspect.

    I love the saying "when God closes a door He opens a window." It's your time to fly--perhaps that means into the full-length books! I say go for it!

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  2. Oops, meant trade-length, not full-length.

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  3. Hi J! I have no doubt you'll be just fine. Any agent would be lucky to have you as a client. I hope this transition isn't too stressful for you! P.S. Anyone that keeps a crazy spreadsheet like you do is bound to be a success! :)

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  4. What an opportunity for growth. At least you have a solid background. Im sure you wont have any trouble finding an agent. Best wishes and keep us posted.
    Jan
    www.inlandnwchristianwriters.com

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  5. Julie, I admire your positive attitude in the midst of such news. May the Lord give you peace as you move into the next chapter of your writing journey.

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  6. Thanks for all the support!

    Lacie - If an editor or agent is on the hunt for an obsessive outliner, I'm golden. Lol.

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  7. You know you're in my prayers! Beginnings are beautiful. In the beginning, the Spirit of God was hovering...

    He's hovering over you right now! Can't wait to see the beauty He makes. :)

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  8. Change is scary. Always. At least I think it is. Julie - I'm excited to see how God uses this change to steer your path. You have a world of possibilities ahead of you!

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  9. Prayers for you on this new path of your journey. I'm with everyone else here...I think it'll turn out even better than you ever imagined. God is good like that. :-)

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  10. I was thinking of you the other day and wondering how it would affect you. Like the others said, I think you'll be fine. ;-)

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  11. What a wonderful attitude, Julie. Looking on this as an opportunity as opposed to a disaster! Maybe it was God's little nudge to direct you to a new path. I'm sure you're up for the challenge!

    Excited to read some of your new stuff!!

    Cheers,
    Sue

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  12. Good luck as you search for a literary agent! If you need any help with agent names/websites or publishers who accept manuscripts without an agent (there are a few), let me know! And let me know if there's any other way that I can help!

    And congrats on three published books already being to your credit!

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  13. When one door closes, another opens! With your faith and positive attitude, I'm sure you'll find an agent soon. God is good, all the time!
    Carol Ann
    www.CarolAnnErhardt.com

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  14. Julie, I have given you the Liebster Blog award. Please stop by my blog tomorrow to pick up your award. Blessings,
    Carol Ann

    http://carolannerhardt.com/cae/treadmill-writer

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  15. Julie, You came to mind when I saw the Barbour announcement. What a great perspective that it could be just the push to do something new!

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  16. Sound sad about your life closing, but I hope this opens great opportunity for you. It seems that sometimes we need a push to make a change.

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  17. Julie, you have a wonderful attitude of expectancy--keeping your eyes forward and trusting God is opening a new chapter for your writing.

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  18. Yeah, that is disappointing, but it unfortunately happens a lot. But who knows what kind of opportunity this can mean for you? God only knows and I'm sure he will lead you to a new and wonderful path.

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  19. I'm with you on beginning the hunt for an agent!!! :) If you need to commiserate, let me know :)

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  20. Sorry to hear this - but it's wonderful that you realize God's call to take a step of faith as you begin this new phase of your writing journey. I'm confident He'll lead you to just the right agent and publishing house! God bless!

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