Friday, February 27, 2009

The Best Laid Plans


Sometimes things don't go as well as we plan. But then sometimes things take off in directions quite unexpected.


I started a Christian Writers group last summer at our local library. I can't begin to tell you how nervous I was as I waited alone in the back room for someone to show up. I'd never done anything like that before--I was an attendee, not an organizer.


Months later, our group has about fifteen writers who faithfully attend or partake in the group. This past week I was the recipient of two reasons why I know writer groups need to exist.


One night, I received an email from a lady who had attended only once but felt she needed to take a computer course before she felt confident enough to write. Imagine my joy when she wrote that she had written one page of her book and she "loved" what she wrote! She was as excited as if she had finished an entire manuscript!


Yesterday, a writer in my group emailed me to check out her first submission at Faithwriters. She placed first! She wrote me that her success has given her the courage to submit more!


Sometimes things fail miserably for us as writers. We get excited to send out our manuscript and then field a dozen rejections.


But sometimes, after all the crying and screaming and moaning, we walk away with a whole new haircut and outlook on life!
(PS. My grandson looked quite handsome after all the fuss!)

12 comments:

Angie Ledbetter said...

Great post, Terri. I can vouch for the vital importance of a good writers group. Don't know what I'd do without mine!

The haircut cutie is precious. :)

Patty H. said...

Your grandson does not look happy! Poor thing. Glad it turned out ok.
Thanks for your kind conmments on my blog.
My son has had the "crude" this week. Praying dh adn I don't get it.
Blessings

Janna Leadbetter said...

Such a wise post! Thanks for your words.

Melissa Amateis said...

A good writing group can be a wonderful thing!

Susan Storm Smith said...

I'm thrilled at the new found excitement in people as we struggle through the craft. Always good to hear success stories!! Including the updates on your writers group

Vickie said...

It's wonderful to hear such encouraging stories. Gives you that extra push you need today.

Thank you for thinking to share it.

Vickie

Jessica Nelson said...

It's awesome that you started a group. I wish someone would start one here. Maybe someday I'll be able to come to yours. :-)
I hope you're feeling better now.

Beth Herring said...

Your grandson looks like MY grandson when he gets his haircut!

Enjoyed your post.

In Him,
Beth

LisaShaw said...

Terri, great message filled with some reminders and encouragement for my heart.

Your grandson is handsome!!! God bless him.

Brenda @ Its A Beautiful Life said...

You always push me forward, Terri! So glad God helped our paths cross!

Kathryn Magendie said...

oh! you have the friendship ball! whoohoo!

First, on that page- I forgot to put that it originated from "Kat's Mountain" - but, no matter -- just pick who you'd like to send it to and email them for their addy - be sure to put your name and where from on that sheet! :)

Jenni James said...

Ooh! What a great example! and how fun for you to see the fruit of your labors! And Cute, cute picture of your grandson! LOL! Jenni