Most authors will tell you, the road to publishing is long and slow. They’re right. You write your heart out, and then you wait. And wait.
And W-A-I-T.
There’s much to do during the wait–editing, revising, submitting, recovering from rejections, rewriting, submitting again, learning, praying, hoping.
And sometimes when the drought ends . . . God pours out a torrential downpour of blessings.
As you probably know, I signed my first book contract (for Mistaken–releasing July 2) in January with Abingdon Press.
I’m elated to announce that this week . . .
this time for a three-book series of historical romances set in 1906 San Francisco. The first of these novels will release next spring. I am overjoyed to continue working with this fabulous publisher.
Did I ever imagine that within six months time God would take me from discouraged wanna-be-writer to a published author juggling contracts for four books? No. Never. But as it says in Ephesians 3:20, He is able to do immeasurably more than all we could ask or imagine.
Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my writing. Your encouragement means the world to me. And to all my writer friends who are still waiting, I hope this story brings you hope.
For those of you eager to read the first of this new three book series . . . sorry, but you are going to have to W-A-I-T until spring of 2014. What to do in the meantime? Mistaken releases in less than one month! If you want to be one of the first to crack open that gorgeous cover, the fastest way is to pre-order (print or e-book), from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, ChristianBook.com, or any of your favorite on-line sellers. You can also speak to your local bookstore or library about carrying it. I would be forever grateful.
And now, it’s time to CELEBRATE!
Such good news to read on a Monday morning, Karen! Your enthusiasm and talent are going to carry you far, and you are right–sometimes God opens those floodgates and blesses you in ways you could never imagine (not even with your huge imagination). This is just the beginning.
I’ll be praying for you as you begin the new series. Can’t wait to read them–1906 S.F. setting is going to be great.
Thanks, Bonnie! I always appreciate your words of encouragement. 🙂
Yay! Celebrating with you!!! “Juggling contracts for four books” *GRIN* Hooray!!
Thank you, Joanne! I’m pinching myself on a daily basis. 😀
WOOO HOOOO!!!! I’m thrilled that they contracted this series – but not too terribly surprised :)Now you’ll have an excuse to come visit the Bay Area – hint, hint.
A visit to the Bay Area? I was just thinking the same thing. 😉 Thanks, Sarah!
You have a place to stay :)If you don’t mind yellow lab drool.
Love yellow lab drool. :p And you didn’t tell me that YOU signed a new 3-book deal, too!!! Check it out, everyone. I love Sarah’s books! http://sarahsundin.blogspot.com/2013/06/new-book-series.html?showComment=1370886061453#c1784234062978173230
Congrats, Karen!! That’s so exciting. And it’s encouraging for those of us unpubbed writers to remember that God can certainly surprise us when we least expect it.
I hate to admit it, Lindsay, but just a few short months ago I was feeling a twinge of sadness every time I saw another author post contract news. I have so many friends who are still waiting. God’s timing is perfect, but it’s not always the way we would choose it.
Hugs and congrats! I keep thinking back to our long car ride with Judy last October and talking about our projects. This so very cool. Yay God! Yay Abingdon! Yay YOU!
Thanks, Lori! It’s crazy to think back and realize how much has changed in just a few short months. Burning Sky is sitting beside my bed calling my name–unfortunately I have three books I have to read before I can get to it. Incentive to read fast, right?
Congrats, congrats, congrats–Though I must say that as one of your critique partners, this comes as no surprise. Your writing is exceptional and your grasp of story is flawless. Here’s to more contracts and much success. Pat Lee
Thanks, Pat! And I owe our critique group much of the credit. You’re awesome!
Congratulations, Karen! I’m a native Californian, so your San Francisco setting captured my attention. I have a hunch the 1906 earthquake is going to play a major role in the stories.
You’re very perceptive, Keli! Yes, the earthquake will be key to book 1 of this series. 🙂
YAY!! So, so excited for you, Karen! This is awesome news. 🙂
Thanks, Lindsay! I’m very excited. 😀
That verse is one of the verse God puts in my face when he’s doing stuff with my writing, specifically. I love when it pops up in other friends’ writing as well.
So happy for you, Karen! I can’t wait to read your books. You’re a fantastic writer and friend.
It’s an amazing passage, isn’t it Ashley? I attended a Bible study where Priscilla Shirer spent two whole sessions on this verse. It was AMAZING.
Thank you! I can’t wait to read your books either. Robin said your writing was fantastic. 🙂
All the best. You’ve worked hard, waited patiently, and you deserve this.
Thanks, Marilyn! But much of the credit belongs to you and the rest of the ladies in our critique group, for continually pushing me to improve. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Prov. 27:17.
So excited for you, Karen!!!!! This news made my day. 🙂
Thanks, Brandy! I’m so glad it brought you a smile. I’m very excited–it’s been a fantastic year!
Karen, I remember when you were writing a story about bunnies and thinking/wishing you be published to write stories for children… God gave you the gift of writing but had something else wonderful in mind for you. I am so proud of where you have come and your heart for the Lord and HIS desires for you. I can say, I am not surprised that you are now published and I am so excited to read your 1st book and now also the next three! Much love from one of the other(from another brother) Mrs. Barnetts :0) Janelle
Hahaha! I was just telling a friend about that bunny story! I LOVED that story. I still do. Someday . . . I’d still like to write for kids one day. But you’re right, God had something else in mind. I think writing for kids is far tougher than writing for adults. Or at least, it seemed that way to me. 🙂 Thanks, Janelle!