I haven’t blogged in a number of days due to a nasty head cold and a busy schedule. My good intentions of blogging daily or at least, every other day have fallen to the wayside. However, I’m determined to get back on track.

Saturday, I prayed and took a leap of faith. I went to the post office and mailed out a submission package to Steeple Hill editor, Krista Stroever, whom I met at the 2005 American Christian Fiction Writers conference. During my appointment with her, Krista listened to my pitch, made a couple of suggestions, then invited me to send my first three chapters to her. I edited and edited to the point where I had to finally say enough was enough and they were to the best of my ability.

Once I felt the chapters were ready, I wrote the query letter and synopsis. I visited several authors’ websites to get a feel of what they recommended. Each writer will have his or her own way of doing things, but the main point is to hook the editor. Make her want to read more of your novel. Hopefully I’ve done that.

While I’m waiting to hear back from Ms. Stroever, I’m polishing the rest of the manuscript should she ask to see it. Polishing is a slow process for me. I go over each sentence, making sure I have the right words to generate the feelings and emotions for that particular scene. I make sure my characters have layers and conflict moves the story along. Not an easy process. The hardest thing for me as a writer is to take the scene I picture in my head and put it to words. Finding the exact word is critical.

Saturday afternoon, I told my husband and our two sons that I had mailed out my first three chapters. My oldest son suggested we stock up on tissues. He said either way, I’m going to need them. He knows me well. 🙂

What does it mean to take a leap of faith? For me, it’s stepping outside of my comfort zone with peace knowing God is in control and He will take care of everything according to His will. I stood in line at the post office and my hands shook. I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do if I want to get my writing career off the ground. I prayed and asked for peace about my manuscript.

The verse I’m clinging to in this season of my life is Jeremiah 29:11 “For these are the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.” As long as I remember God is control, I’ll be just fine.