Surprises from Mount Hermon

I arrived Thursday scared out of my wits. I felt a bit like a freshman on her first day of high school and I was pretty certain that at any minute I would be shoved into a locker or duct taped to a flagpole.

Imagine my shock (surprise? delight?) to learn that this conference is not the intimidating, competitive scene that I had been dreading. The people here (writers, editors, agents, mentors, etc) are supportive, friendly and real. They want to see you succeed. They worship and pray with more intensity than they “network.” It’s remarkable. This conference is not only about the business of writing, it’s about the call of writing. It’s about furthering the kingdom. One person praying tonight at the main session said it best, “Thank you Father that my name is already on a book — the book of life.” Wow. That’s really sums it up.

Here are some more blessings:

By Saturday’s lunch, I was feeling slightly discouraged and overwhelmed. At lunch and dinner meals, you choose which editor/agent/faculty table you want to sit with and “impress.” I wasn’t feeling impressive and did not want ruin my future chances with a book editor, so I sat at the table of a magazine editor that I knew would have no interest in my book. While there, we began talking about my blog and I told her about one of my posts. She said, “That’s great. Write it up and send it to me. I want it for my magazine.”

Isn’t that just like our God? Feeling down? Feeling discouraged? Boom! How about something unexpected to bring some delight to your day?

After lunch, I walked downstairs to retrieve my critique submissions. Critiques are always a useful tool, but they are often emotionally difficult to read. I wanted to enjoy the feeling of success for awhile longer, so I put them away to read later. After about an hour my curiosity got the better of me and as I walked to another workshop, I pulled them out. Scrawled on the top was this note: “I showed this to ____ agent and she wants to meet with you.”

I had to sit down and read that a dozen more times.

I could drag this out, but I will keep it short. I actually spoke with two different agents. They both want me to submit Shaken for their consideration. It will need major revision first, and I am eager to get started. This is a remarkable turn of events for me and a huge blessing. No, I have not sold a manuscript. I don’t have a contract. But I do have interest and that’s light years from where I started.

I’m flying home tomorrow. I’m planning on taking a plane, but I could probably fly home without one.

Thanks everyone for your prayers. That’s the only way to explain this entire week. Thank you.