This post has been written nearly ten times now. I write, and then I delete. I write, and then I tear up. I write, and then I watch the second half of Bring It On on TBS.
And when it ends and comes on again, I watch the first half that I missed. And then I google “Bring It On” because I can’t remember what’s-her-name’s name who plays the captain. Then I write some more. Cry. Delete. Google.
Why this crazed, insecure, distracted grasping for words?
Because two weeks ago, I signed a contract to write two books for Baker Revell. Apparently there is nothing like a two-book deal to make me overwhelmingly unproductive.
And now you know.
It isn’t a memoir, but I can’t write this book without telling my story. And maybe yours, too, if you’re willing to share it. The proposal I pitched was for a book for high school girls, as many of you already know. Turns out they wanted that one and they asked if I would be open to writing one for grown up girls as well. Both are about living life from a place of freedom and rest rather than from behind that worn-out paper face we have convinced ourselves is really us.
There’s more, of course, but for now, I just wanted to share the news with you. My first manuscript is due in August and the book will be released in the summer of 2011. The second book will come out in 2012. I’m really excited. And humbled. And terrified. It is also surprising to me how the elation I thought would come with a book deal has completely alluded me. Instead, I sit between signing a contract and a manuscript deadline with a shiny new set of fears and insecurities that I never knew would exist this side of the dotted line.
I hear vague Jesus-whispers in the background: Live the truth you say you believe. My girl heart freaks out and wants to hide. His voice is kind and inviting, and I consider it a great privilege that He loves me enough to let me be a part of what He is doing. Because it isn’t about a book or a deal or a publisher. It is about truth. In the midst of my fears that perhaps I’m not smart enough or poetic enough or brave enough to write non-fiction that matters, I know that He is present and active. And I know this isn’t about me.
It has felt like a long process, but in the world of book publishing it’s actually happened unusually fast. If you are interested in knowing more of the nuts and bolts of proposal writing or the publishing process, I would be happy to direct you to the resources that helped me so far. Thank you for being such an encouraging, safe group of people with whom I can share this journey.
just wanted to share an encouraging song….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vhQvVRSMtTU&feature=related
I believe in you!
i agree with Richella: “You’re an artist, both with words and with camera.” i know nothing about writing, other than your words resonate so clearly with me. i know that He that is in you will be poured out on the pages that you write…He will enable you and He will be seen. how exciting to able to “read” His message unfold through you.
First of all, congratulations. Now, don’t delete! Who knows how this mysterious process of writing our thoughts on paper works, but I can tell you, that in your moments of doubt, you may have stumbled on something truly wonderful. Keep writing – everyday, about anything – and you will magically finish your book.
I just found your blog today and I have bookmarked it for future reading.
HUGS FROM MAINE
157 comments … you may not even see this…but I had to say it…
Yes, Yes, Yes, you can do it…you have been prepared for such a time as this. The Lord has equipped you with a ability to put into words the human heart’s murmurings. I will be praying…cause the warfare will be much in this process…just remember it is all smoke and mirrors…You must get this message out…so many captives He wants to free…You are definitely the vessel for this mission:)
Woo hoo! I’m so excited for you, Emily and to read your books! I remember telling John way back, when you lead our small group study one week, that I thought you were so intelligent and talented. Now, God is using you to do something (else–(In)Courage is awesome and I’m so proud of my friend the contributing author) really big!
yay!! this is so exciting. my friend katie and i were talking about you and your book/blog while running today – congratulations
So i’m pretty sure i’ve probably told you this a million times, but I really and truly admire you. Everyday when I get on my blog I scroll down to see if you’ve posted anything. You have a way of speaking things so simply. The way you take every day life and parallel it to something the Lord is speaking to you is beautiful to me.
Congrats! He will do great things through this book…
How wonderful to have a two-book publishing contract,
I love your phrase “Jesus-whisper.” While I was trying to write a book, another book just appeared. I believe the Lord sent it. It was definitely a Jesus-whisper. I have written a book proposal which I hope is good enough to interest a publisher.
Congratulations and I love your site
I am a huge fan! (Just have to get that out of the way) =D
I think your new journey is so exciting! Congratulations! You will be amazing!!
I would be so thankful if you could share with me the process of proposal writing and the publishing process. I have been working on a book myself, and I have no idea what to do with it when I am done – ha-ha. It is a book about my brother with special needs and the emphasis that people with special needs aren’t “broken”.
I would love to know what to do with it when I am done.
Congratulations on everything.
Congratulations, Emily! This is wonderful news!! Kelly
Congratulations !! I love reading your post and can’t wait to ead the books.
Congrats to you!!!!! You are going to be able to do it! I am a closet/struggling writer myself who has been afraid to take that proposal step…. Just remember, you already write almost every day! You already are a writer! Eye on the prize and can’t wait to read it!!!
Wow! CONGRATULATIONS! Totally not surprised…I love the way you write!
Did this evolve from your publisher meeting at She Speaks? Congratulations!
So wonderful! Congratulations. I would LOVE to hear more about your journey to a book proposal.
Wow!! How amazing and exciting!
God called you to this place, and He will see you through. I’m awed and inspired.
“Both are about living life from a place of freedom”…is a thought I have been mulling over for several months. God sets us free from sin and I believe He also sets us free to fully be the person He created. I grapple to hold onto that freedom everyday, but I see others living it and know it is possible, so I have hope of capturing that elusive privilege. I am interested to read what God has and will inspire you to say in your books. Thanks for not giving into fear!
Congratulations, Emily! What great news!
“I hear vague Jesus-whispers in the background: Live the truth you say you believe. My girl heart freaks out and wants to hide.”
Your book writing journey is an inspiration to me! … and I loved the part about rest and worn-out paper faces. LOL. It’s too true, not to be funny and alluring.
Your book’s destined to jump out out of the bookshelves, into hearts.;)
I’m so glad I decided to check in today (even if I am late for your announcement). Congratulations to you, Emily! I have enjoyed following you and your sister on your blogs and was inspired by the two of you to attend the Women’s Conference at Southpointe Church last summer. (I introduced myself to you after you guys did your part of the program) That has nothing to do with anything right now except that I am delighted to be acquainted with both of you and enjoy any success you guys experience!
I’m the mother of teenager (turning 19 tomorrow….YIKES) and will look forward to your book with interest.
I totally get this – “Both are about living life from a place of freedom and rest rather than from behind that worn-out paper face we have convinced ourselves is really us.” – and love how you’ve put it in to words.
A week shy of my 28th birthday I fell (from a standing position) off a chair and broke my pelvis in three spots. I felt like an 82 year old trapped in a 28 year olds body, with the sleeping patterns of a 2 year old. Never before have I experienced “rest” like I have these past 8 weeks of my life. Never before have I been so humbled. I’ve been given the gift of seeing me as God does. And going from 100 mph to 0 has changed my perspective on life. And even though I haven’t physically rejoined the rat race, I know it will be different. This has changed me and I am so excited to live in a place of freedom and rest, rather than the woman I thought I had to be.
Thanks for putting in to words, what I could not describe.
God’s riches as you continue your journey – being used by our amazing God.
i am excited for you, emily, and i understand. i have a book published, and have another one with three major publishers. it’s a difficult but rewarding journey. bless you.
in the hush of the moon´s last blog ..wild strawberry picnic