Still a winner...

A lot has happened since I last posted to this blog. First of all, I did not win the Operation First Novel contest in February at the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Writing for the Soul conference (that's quite the mouthful!). After holding my breath for what seemed like five years, I let my stomach drop to my ankles for a few seconds after the announcement, then gathered my tattered hopes around me and said, "Okay then. That's behind me. Now I can look forward (and breathe once more) and concentrate on pitching this novel to all the agents, editors, and publishers at the conference."

And that's exactly what I did. Yes, it was disappointing to hear someone else's name as the winner--after all, who wouldn't want to win $20,000 and publication of his or her book by Tyndale Publishing House? I know I did. But, I reminded myself, I was still a finalist and that carried a lot of weight at the conference. Believe me, I threw that weight around every chance I got and it paid off. While I don't know whether or not it will eventually garner me an offer for representation or a contract to buy my manuscript, I do know that I met many wonderful folks from great Christian publishing houses and literary agencies. I had a chance to pitch my book, make important contacts, network with influential people in the business of Christian publishing,
and reunite with my dear friends from the inaugural Craftsman class.

I'm still awaiting word from several agents and publishers. Maybe the news will be good, maybe not. I know I'm willing to do whatever it takes to make my book better and I trust that anyone willing to take me on as a client or offer me a publication contract knows more than I do!

Until the next time...