I honestly believe it will never be this special again.
First, some great news…We have an agent! Her name is Diana; she read my proposal for Joe’s story and asked for the manuscript Friday. Over the weekend I went through it one last time and pronounced it finished Sunday night. I sent a hard copy to Joe and electrons to Diana; she is now working on finding the right publisher. I couldn’t say for sure whether Joe or I was more excited, but as I listened to Joe’s elation over the phone Friday, I was tickled to pieces to have witnessed it. (I do believe he did a little jig.)
One step closer to the book rack!
It was a sobering moment, Sunday night when I hit the “send” button, and with one click, transmitted more than a year’s worth of work and dreams off to an unknown world in cyberspace. I sat there staring at the “message sent” notice for a long time, contemplating the true scope of this journey, which actually began in the early 70s, sitting with my Nana in her giant four-poster bed, listening to her read from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House in the Big Woods. I became so inspired by Laura’s storytelling gift that I knew, just knew, it was what I wanted to do for my life. I started writing with abandon, and when my English teacher, Mr. DeRobbio, said I had a gift, I positively soared. I was going to be a writer!
But I didn’t do it. Not really. I stifled the call to write, with a military career (during which I wrote as a journalist, but not for myself–yet even there I received encouragement from people I admired and still try to emulate, like Pat Gibbons, Tom Bartlett, and Ken Smith-Christmas…), and I put it aside for two wonderful children and years of busyness. All the while, I knew God was nudging me…“So, when are you going to start?”
Then He put friends in my life to nurture and encourage, each one sending me a little closer to the ledge—Susannah Johnson’s “The Artist’s Way” class pushed me to Sarah’s writing group, where she, Martha, Meredith, and Anne dared me to dream about “what if?”
One domino toppled the next. I found myself at a writers’ conference that fanned the spark into flame, and met inspiring people like Beth Pensinger and Erin Elizabeth Austin. Over the next year I was a fly on the FB wall, watching their struggles as Beth wrote and published a sweet read called, “Let Me Fall: The Love Story Between God and His Dimwitted Daughter,” and Erin inspired thousands by sharing her battles and victories over darkness and founded Broken but Priceless Ministries. I’ll never be able to express to these women how integral they’ve been in my journey, and yet we barely spoke to each other.
But I STILL didn’t listen, so God forced my hand. He sent Linda Rondeau, a fellow writer and perfect stranger. She just appeared outta’ nowhere, armed with a story about a man who went to prison for a crime he did not commit and looking for someone who might want to write it. Another domino. This led to Joe and his awesome story.
Desire, ability, a story that absolutely HAD to be told–I had no more excuses. I even had my husband’s wide-eyed, “I’m-a-bit-nervous-but-I-know-this-is-important-to-you” blessing, and two sons who were glad to see me doing what I loved. And then sweet, sweet Phanalphie, of RhueStill Inc., who didn’t even know me yet but read my writing and offered me a net to jump into, and she probably would have flown out here from Oklahoma and pushed me off if I’d asked her to.
And again, I didn’t leap off the cliff. I more or less attempted to inch my way over the rim, scraping my knees as I fumbled blindly for toeholds, and I found myself only a couple of feet down, clinging to a ledge by my fingernails, half in and half out of two vastly different worlds. It took more nudging, by many more friends. Carrie and Kevin, my best friends and confidantes from work, helped pry my fingers off the ledge by assuring me that “the gang” would be fine, and although they’d miss me, I had to leave or risk going through life not knowing. Since I left, both of them have sent me inspiring notes when I really needed them, and many others from work continue to check in. Chuck and Rebecca check in almost daily, and let me whine on their e-shoulders when things don’t quite work out the way I want them to.
I also received tremendous support from my prayer partners, Kathy, Dino, Linda, Chris, and Michele, from my neighbor Julie, and friends and family from all over like George, Heidi, Jo, and Willa.
And a book was born.
While I was writing this I thought, you probably wouldn’t want to read a bunch of names of people you don’t know, but then I realized, this isn’t about the names. You do know these people. They’re in your lives as well. You just call them something different.
The bottom line is, if there’s ANYTHING you want to do, you can do it, but not on your own. Dare to dream. Then surround yourself with positive, prayerful people, and listen to God’s nudging; remember that He put this desire in your heart in the first place.
I will write more books. Joe’s story is powerful, but it probably won’t make either of us famous. I will write better books, and more than likely a few flops. I may even receive recognition for some, although that is not my measurement of success.
But it will never be like this. This is special. This is the end of the beginning. And you helped.
Thank you.
The Portrait Writer 
Well, I know that I’m dancing a jig with a huge smile on my face and joy in my heart. You go, Rose!!!!
God is SO good. Thank you Martha!
That’s the best news ever, and if your blog is indication of your ability, you’re going to fly and reach so many people with your writing. Best Wishes.
Thank you Erin, Right back atcha!
I continue to “know” that you are amazing on so many fronts! Congratulations! The journey continues. Through joyful tears I read my name in your post. You honor me, but it was not me that spoke the words of encouragement, it was “Daddy” getting a message to you, through me. I still believe “Leap and the net will appear.” Love Love Phanalphie
So excited for you! Now watch the baseball game!
Hah! Thanks a bunch. Now if the Nats lose, all of NVa will know it’s my fault…
…I’ll do what I can. 😉
Rose, I’m honored to play any part in your life. Thank you for taking the time to read my story & encourage me. I will never forget you reading a snippet of your writing in Caleb’s class–it was brief, but packed a powerful punch that left me hungry for more. I’m so very happy for your next step in your writing journey! I eagerly await what’s to come from you. 🙂
Thank you Beth. I still have that snippet, and I’m trying to decide what it will become. I’ll let you know.
Rose,
I don’t know you as well as I would like to, but I do know an excellent writer when I read one! You are so talented, and I know you will go far, and I will be looking forward to reading Joe’s story and many more.
Thank you Allyn, I really appreciate that.
Inspiring! Congratulations on your first of many. Blessings, Ed Speare
Thanks Ed!
Congratulations! I am so happy and proud of you and I cannot wait to read it!!
Rose!!! How do I squeal on a blog? I am squealing for delight for you! God knew along…just waiting for His perfect timing. Thank you for the honor and privilege of watching God work through you. I cannot WAIT to read my (signed) copy of Joe’s story!
Me either!
Yes, He is amazing. 🙂
Congratulations!!!! 🙂 Such exciting news and a great little read to go with it.
Thanks, Christine,
I really miss you guys. 😦
Rose! Congratulations! It’s delightful to see you glorifying God with the gifts He has given you! I know you have many more books to write…some you told me about when we did The Artist’s Way class. Thank you for your gentle inspiration!
Thank you Eveie. I’m sometimes amazed at how long ago that was. Wondering why we take so long to listen…:)
Rose, I wanted to say congratulations again. What an awesome privilege to have reached this milestone. Which is exactly what it is, a milestone; a marker on the journey to what you are called to. I also want to say thank you for continuing to do what you have thanked so many for doing for you – for the encouragement to search out my passion.
It’s more than a pleasure. From what I can see, your writing is going FAR beyond mine, and it will be a joy and delight to watch. 🙂
Rose, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! This is such awesome news! May you continue in this endeavor with God’s blessings and immeasurable JOY!!!
Thank you, Mareyan,
And my your cord stay plugged! 🙂