Guest Post: Lynda Schab
Just in time for Thanksgiving, I'm delighted to welcome Author Lynda Schab to Living the Write Life with a guest article on...yep, you guessed it! Being thankful.
Lynda's visiting various blogs to introduce her new release, Madily in Love. Be sure to check out that info after Lynda's post.
Thankful for the
Journey
I
don’t admit this to everyone, but I’m 44 years old. I will admit to just
about anyone that I have always dreamed of being a published novelist.
The thing I don’t like to admit is that it took more than half of those
44 years for me to achieve that dream.
But,
sometimes—no, most of the time—it’s not so much about achieving the dream as it
is about getting there.
I
submitted my first work for publication in 1988, at age twenty. Despite a
couple of people who discouraged me by telling me not to get my hopes up, I
ended up with three greeting cards published. I went on to submit to magazines,
and among the many rejections, somehow managed to get a few articles published,
too. But my passion—my dream—was to write a novel. So, slowly but surely, I
started writing one.
Then
kids happened. And my manuscript, along with my dream, got shelved for a few
years while I took care of my family.
Then
my kids grew up. At least, “up” enough to fend for themselves a bit. So I blew
the dust off that manuscript before deciding to trash it and start fresh. But
before I did, I needed to hone my skill. Yes, I had some raw talent, but that
wouldn’t be enough. Since I’d never taken any writing classes, I needed to
learn some writing “rules,” and connect with other, more seasoned, writers who
I could glean from.
A
couple of writing websites helped me do just that. In 2004 I joined
FaithWriters.com, a site I credit to re-jumpstarting my writing. The (then
weekly, now bi-weekly) Writing Challenge helped me grow in my ability. I also
met oodles of other Christian writers who offered encouragement and
constructive feedback. I started volunteering as a judge and an editor to the
(now defunct) ezine. Eventually, I was asked to do some work for the
FaithWriters owner, which I still do today.
I
found American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in 2006. There, I got to rub
virtual elbows with dozens of published and multi-published authors I admire
and enjoy. I got hooked up with a wonderful critique group. I took e-courses
and devoured information like a PacMan gobbles up those dots.
I
entered writing contests, taking “runner up” in the FaithWriters Page Turner
contest in 2007, and finaling in the ACFW Genesis contest three years in a row.
I volunteered as a contest judge. I continued to freelance. I posted guest
blogs for my friends and featured other authors on my blog. All while working
on that book. Because the dream of becoming a published author was stronger
than ever.
In
2010, I signed with my agent, Terry Burns, of Hartline Literary Agency.
“Finally!” I thought. “Now I’ll get that published novel!”
But
almost a year and a half went by with rejection after rejection after rejection
from publishers. They liked my voice, and the story, but “lits” (my series is written
in “Mom lit” style) were out. It just wasn’t what publishers were looking for
at the moment. I had many frustrated moments. Times when I wondered when I’d
get the email from my agent telling me he’d exhausted all avenues and was
dropping me as a client. Times when I asked God why He wasn’t making it happen
for me.
And
then, in June, 2011, I got “the call” informing me that OakTara had offered me
a contract. And I said “Quick, send it to me before they change their mind!”
Now, a year and a half later, I have two published
books and am contracted for a third. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that
it took a whopping 23 years after submitting my first piece of writing to
finally get that first novel published. Looking back, I think I needed every
minute of those 23 years to prepare me for the moment when I achieved my dream. Correction: I know I needed every minute. I could
spend my time wishing I’d had my first book published ten or twenty years ago,
like other incredible young authors I know. That I was publishing my fifteenth
novel instead of my first. But all that would do is fill me with disappointment
and regret.
We
all have our own dreams. And our own path to reach them. Sometimes we get there
faster than we imagine. But more often, that path is much longer than we ever
dream it will be.
Today
I am thankful. I am thrilled to see my books on store shelves and to have
accomplished the dream God dropped in my heart all those years ago. But, even
more, I am thankful for the doors He opened, the people I’ve met, and the
things I’ve learned along the way.
About Lynda:
Lynda Lee Schab got her writing
start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on
to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home &
School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com ).
As a freelance writer, she works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com, is a
staff writer for SharedSorrows.com, and a regular book reviewer for
FaithfulReader.com. Mind Over Madi
placed second in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, chick lit category, received a
highly commended award in the FaithWriters Page Turner contest, and was a
finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest. Madily in Love was a semi-finalist in
the 2011 ACFW Genesis contest. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the
character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and
computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and
continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace. Lynda lives with her husband,
Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.
Madily in Love:
All Madi Lee McCall wants is to fall madly in love again...with her husband.
After
a rough patch, Madi is determined to get her marriage back on track. She's even
taking a romance class at church and getting great suggestions...that fail
miserably. The distractions are plenty. She has just reentered the workplace as
a health spa receptionist. Her 16-year-old daughter, Christina, is pushing the
limits, and Christina's twin, Max, has fallen hard for a girl who isn't Madi's
picture of a perfect match for her son. Even younger daughter, Emily, is
developing a teenager-ish attitude. When her mother-in-law moves in - temporarily,
of course - the stress starts to drive Madi a little crazier than normal. What she
wants, more than anything, is some peace among the chaos.
Lynda's Website
Blog
Purchase Madily in Love
Purchase Mind Over Madi
Lynda's visiting various blogs to introduce her new release, Madily in Love. Be sure to check out that info after Lynda's post.
Thankful for the
Journey
I
don’t admit this to everyone, but I’m 44 years old. I will admit to just
about anyone that I have always dreamed of being a published novelist.
The thing I don’t like to admit is that it took more than half of those
44 years for me to achieve that dream.
But,
sometimes—no, most of the time—it’s not so much about achieving the dream as it
is about getting there.
I
submitted my first work for publication in 1988, at age twenty. Despite a
couple of people who discouraged me by telling me not to get my hopes up, I
ended up with three greeting cards published. I went on to submit to magazines,
and among the many rejections, somehow managed to get a few articles published,
too. But my passion—my dream—was to write a novel. So, slowly but surely, I
started writing one.
Then
kids happened. And my manuscript, along with my dream, got shelved for a few
years while I took care of my family.
Then
my kids grew up. At least, “up” enough to fend for themselves a bit. So I blew
the dust off that manuscript before deciding to trash it and start fresh. But
before I did, I needed to hone my skill. Yes, I had some raw talent, but that
wouldn’t be enough. Since I’d never taken any writing classes, I needed to
learn some writing “rules,” and connect with other, more seasoned, writers who
I could glean from.
A
couple of writing websites helped me do just that. In 2004 I joined
FaithWriters.com, a site I credit to re-jumpstarting my writing. The (then
weekly, now bi-weekly) Writing Challenge helped me grow in my ability. I also
met oodles of other Christian writers who offered encouragement and
constructive feedback. I started volunteering as a judge and an editor to the
(now defunct) ezine. Eventually, I was asked to do some work for the
FaithWriters owner, which I still do today.
I
found American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in 2006. There, I got to rub
virtual elbows with dozens of published and multi-published authors I admire
and enjoy. I got hooked up with a wonderful critique group. I took e-courses
and devoured information like a PacMan gobbles up those dots.
I
entered writing contests, taking “runner up” in the FaithWriters Page Turner
contest in 2007, and finaling in the ACFW Genesis contest three years in a row.
I volunteered as a contest judge. I continued to freelance. I posted guest
blogs for my friends and featured other authors on my blog. All while working
on that book. Because the dream of becoming a published author was stronger
than ever.
In
2010, I signed with my agent, Terry Burns, of Hartline Literary Agency.
“Finally!” I thought. “Now I’ll get that published novel!”
But
almost a year and a half went by with rejection after rejection after rejection
from publishers. They liked my voice, and the story, but “lits” (my series is written
in “Mom lit” style) were out. It just wasn’t what publishers were looking for
at the moment. I had many frustrated moments. Times when I wondered when I’d
get the email from my agent telling me he’d exhausted all avenues and was
dropping me as a client. Times when I asked God why He wasn’t making it happen
for me.
And
then, in June, 2011, I got “the call” informing me that OakTara had offered me
a contract. And I said “Quick, send it to me before they change their mind!”
Now, a year and a half later, I have two published
books and am contracted for a third. Sometimes it’s hard for me to believe that
it took a whopping 23 years after submitting my first piece of writing to
finally get that first novel published. Looking back, I think I needed every
minute of those 23 years to prepare me for the moment when I achieved my dream. Correction: I know I needed every minute. I could
spend my time wishing I’d had my first book published ten or twenty years ago,
like other incredible young authors I know. That I was publishing my fifteenth
novel instead of my first. But all that would do is fill me with disappointment
and regret.
We
all have our own dreams. And our own path to reach them. Sometimes we get there
faster than we imagine. But more often, that path is much longer than we ever
dream it will be.
Today
I am thankful. I am thrilled to see my books on store shelves and to have
accomplished the dream God dropped in my heart all those years ago. But, even
more, I am thankful for the doors He opened, the people I’ve met, and the
things I’ve learned along the way.
About Lynda:
Lynda Lee Schab got her writing
start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there went on
to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home &
School) and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com and www.wow-womenonwriting.com ).
As a freelance writer, she works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com, is a
staff writer for SharedSorrows.com, and a regular book reviewer for
FaithfulReader.com. Mind Over Madi
placed second in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, chick lit category, received a
highly commended award in the FaithWriters Page Turner contest, and was a
finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest. Madily in Love was a semi-finalist in
the 2011 ACFW Genesis contest. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the
character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and
computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and
continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace. Lynda lives with her husband,
Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.
Madily in Love:
All Madi Lee McCall wants is to fall madly in love again...with her husband.
After
a rough patch, Madi is determined to get her marriage back on track. She's even
taking a romance class at church and getting great suggestions...that fail
miserably. The distractions are plenty. She has just reentered the workplace as
a health spa receptionist. Her 16-year-old daughter, Christina, is pushing the
limits, and Christina's twin, Max, has fallen hard for a girl who isn't Madi's
picture of a perfect match for her son. Even younger daughter, Emily, is
developing a teenager-ish attitude. When her mother-in-law moves in - temporarily,
of course - the stress starts to drive Madi a little crazier than normal. What she
wants, more than anything, is some peace among the chaos.
Lynda's Website
Blog
Purchase Madily in Love
Purchase Mind Over Madi
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