This pulled my heart in so many ways. First, you faced what must have been so difficult. Instead of letting it keep you down, you allowed yourself to grieve that moment and then sought for direction and how to navigate it. God is moving and He is directing you. I love that He gave you new friends to pour into each other as you press on.
Side note: I am so thankful to hear you are choosing to keep your story in tact and not shred it apart after that interview. The work you have put into your manuscript is incredible. You have improved, clarified, edited, changed tenses, taken out "that's", and so much more. But changing the essence would be almost like a lie for you. It wouldn't be your work. Stay true to the vision. God has you! Praying for you and for the right agent to see the potential.
I couldn’t be prouder of someone I have the pleasure of calling a friend for many years. I’m so glad you were able to reflect and come back unshaken in your pride and determination. Those are strengths that will not fail you. Your story is yours; not for a 15 second TikTok, or some publishing company that wants a quick turnaround and guaranteed market success, or an advertising agency that wants buzzwords and optimized slop. It’s for you, God, and every reader who has been and will be transported into the magical world you’ve created. Stay true to yourself, your Truth in art, and the lovely friends that keep you on your path. Not that you needed the reminder from me ;)
I still remember us sitting at Biggby, talking over my manuscript (which couldn't really be called a manuscript at the time). It was the first time I shared my main project with anyone, and I don't know if you realized how nervous I was. But I have to thank you. It was one of the first times I thought my story might be worth listening to, and thus worth writing. You are the only one who can claim to have seen the absolute worst state of my manuscript... and even after reading it you STILL chose to believe in me (now that's the power of friendship). Thank you for being here for the long run. I hope to show you the latest rendition soon- if you're up for some beta-reading again ;)
This post made me cry. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your experience around Realm Makers. I knew the pitch was hard but I didn’t know how deep it went. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit’s gentle guidance and strengthening reminders of who you are and what God intends for your stories. It was such a blessing to connect with you this year ❤️ I can’t wait to read your book however and whenever it arrives in my hands. But most importantly, I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this time to grow and bless you more 🫶 You are loved!
K.J.!!!!!! Having the time to sit and really reflect with this moment taught me a lot, and I sure would have never come to the conclusions I did without you being there too. You and everyone gave so much encouragement when it was needed- I hope I can return the favor some day! It's good to know that while the writing journey might be hard, we're never alone. Your copy is eagerly waiting to be read, and I wait in anticipation to read your future novel some day too :)
Everything Aunt Jenn said! ( I know that's an incomplete sentence) Ashley, it's difficult to have both confidence in your work and yet be expected to change it until it turns into something much different than intended. You have made many improvements already. I am proud of you that you are "sticking to your guns" and intend pushing forward for your book to say what you want it to in the format that is your unique style. So glad you met new friends. Even happier you are searching Gods direction. He has a plan for your life and promises it is not to hurt you. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you so much for the encouragement and for understanding! Even if this industry is usually a "fit in the box or else" kinda one, I find myself rebelling (within reason of course). God's got me on a path full of supporters, that's for sure! <3
This pulled my heart in so many ways. First, you faced what must have been so difficult. Instead of letting it keep you down, you allowed yourself to grieve that moment and then sought for direction and how to navigate it. God is moving and He is directing you. I love that He gave you new friends to pour into each other as you press on.
Side note: I am so thankful to hear you are choosing to keep your story in tact and not shred it apart after that interview. The work you have put into your manuscript is incredible. You have improved, clarified, edited, changed tenses, taken out "that's", and so much more. But changing the essence would be almost like a lie for you. It wouldn't be your work. Stay true to the vision. God has you! Praying for you and for the right agent to see the potential.
I couldn’t be prouder of someone I have the pleasure of calling a friend for many years. I’m so glad you were able to reflect and come back unshaken in your pride and determination. Those are strengths that will not fail you. Your story is yours; not for a 15 second TikTok, or some publishing company that wants a quick turnaround and guaranteed market success, or an advertising agency that wants buzzwords and optimized slop. It’s for you, God, and every reader who has been and will be transported into the magical world you’ve created. Stay true to yourself, your Truth in art, and the lovely friends that keep you on your path. Not that you needed the reminder from me ;)
I still remember us sitting at Biggby, talking over my manuscript (which couldn't really be called a manuscript at the time). It was the first time I shared my main project with anyone, and I don't know if you realized how nervous I was. But I have to thank you. It was one of the first times I thought my story might be worth listening to, and thus worth writing. You are the only one who can claim to have seen the absolute worst state of my manuscript... and even after reading it you STILL chose to believe in me (now that's the power of friendship). Thank you for being here for the long run. I hope to show you the latest rendition soon- if you're up for some beta-reading again ;)
This post made me cry. Thank you so much for sharing your heart and your experience around Realm Makers. I knew the pitch was hard but I didn’t know how deep it went. I am so thankful for the Holy Spirit’s gentle guidance and strengthening reminders of who you are and what God intends for your stories. It was such a blessing to connect with you this year ❤️ I can’t wait to read your book however and whenever it arrives in my hands. But most importantly, I can’t wait to see how the Lord uses this time to grow and bless you more 🫶 You are loved!
K.J.!!!!!! Having the time to sit and really reflect with this moment taught me a lot, and I sure would have never come to the conclusions I did without you being there too. You and everyone gave so much encouragement when it was needed- I hope I can return the favor some day! It's good to know that while the writing journey might be hard, we're never alone. Your copy is eagerly waiting to be read, and I wait in anticipation to read your future novel some day too :)
Everything Aunt Jenn said! ( I know that's an incomplete sentence) Ashley, it's difficult to have both confidence in your work and yet be expected to change it until it turns into something much different than intended. You have made many improvements already. I am proud of you that you are "sticking to your guns" and intend pushing forward for your book to say what you want it to in the format that is your unique style. So glad you met new friends. Even happier you are searching Gods direction. He has a plan for your life and promises it is not to hurt you. Keep on keeping on.
Thank you so much for the encouragement and for understanding! Even if this industry is usually a "fit in the box or else" kinda one, I find myself rebelling (within reason of course). God's got me on a path full of supporters, that's for sure! <3