I was shocked when I read the e-mail. I read it again just to be sure. Then I printed it off and read it to my husband. "Yes, that's what it says." He nodded and turned back to his golf channel.
Someone found me.
Someone out there in the land of Blogs and Twitter and whatever else there is figured out what kind of writer I want to be. One who encourages others.
That someone was a card company. Last week, the editor from a company I knew well, emailed me and asked if I would consider trying my hand at writing cards--to encourage others.
"I don't know how to write cards," I said to my husband, who still sat glued to the set and the last put.
"Give it a shot."
"But cards are short. General. I'm trying to write fiction--where I have to flesh out everything."
I knew I was whining but it came from fear. Fear of blowing a chance to reach others. Fear of thinking I might fail. Fear that I might find out I can't write 200 words and have it make sense.
"What's the worse that can happen?" he said as I studied the email again.
He was right. Again. What's the worse that can happen?
So that's what I'm doing. I'm giving it a shot like I plan to do with every new opportunity that comes my way.
Not because I think I can write a card, but because God might think I can. And that's who I hope to please anyway, isn't it?
Are you making the most of all your opportunities today?
37 comments:
I bet you'd do a great job! Jen from Audience of One sent me a cd from a conference about doing greeting cards. It's very helpful with lots of good info. If you want me to mail it to you, just send me your address. :-)
That's wonderful, congratulations! I have often wondered about greeting cards myself. I hope it works out for you!
just when you wanted to quit... Yeah you! Yeah God!
This is awesome Terri and amazing especially since I too experienced something two days ago in Books A Million. One day I'll share it...but for now I think perhaps God is using your story to also speak to me.
Love you and GO FOR IT! The worse that can happen is that you DON'T TRY. Faith walk time...:)
This is wonderful! I'm so excited for you...yea!!
I think receiving a random email like that was definitely a sign from God. Go for it!
What a wonderful opportunity! Go for it! And keep us updated on how it works out.
What great news! As humans who have limitations, we think that wasn't my plan and He says "I know."
New to your blog and I've enjoyed my visit.
In His Grace,
Tammy
You will do awesome! It's amazing what happens when we are willing to let God take control. I'm so excited for you:)
Woo Hoo!! I think you'll be wonderful at it. Pick up your pen and amaze us. So excited for you!
Wow, that's really cool. I'm so happy for you.
I've often thought about card writing myself, but fear has stopped me.
You are being asked to do something outside your comfort zone. Great! Now it's time for God to show you His power.
Go for it!
Yes, I suspect that God thinks you CAN write cards and they will be a beautiful tribute to your talent and His faith in you. Go for it!
unexpected opportunities can throw you. but when you ask for help it can come in many forms. you'll do great...brevity is more difficult but more meaningful. it will help your longer writing projects also.
Great job, Terri! I know you will have wonderful encouraging words to share. I'm glad you're going beyond the fear and taking advantage of the opportunity! I pray you have great success! Blessings!
Terri,
You are gonna rock Girlfriend in the card industry....God's ways are never our ways. Reflect Him....Lovingly,
Yolanda
How cool! You will do a great job, I am sure of it! Congratulations!~
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to write cards/greetings. Because I have always been called Positive Patty, and I always send people to the bright side to have a look around. I have always loved to inspire others, and I very much want to write for a living. But not novels.
I wish you the best from the writing well, and that you will find yourself a wonderful success at writing cards.
I say go for it! Terri, you will never know until you try it out. It may be an answer to prayer, and then again, you may not like it. I think it is a great opportunity and I certainly would give it my all.
As for your question.....well, I have not yet had any opportunities like you, but I have hope.
Sometimes, you know, God speaks to you through other avenues, people, and opportunitiess, so.........perhaps, maybe, He is directing you. Awesome!!!
How exciting! A new adventure, a new path on this writing journey! This opportunity can only strengthen your writing skills! Look at it as a brain warm up for the bigger work of writing a novel!
Terri, how awesome!! You can fulfill your vocations of encouraging others and writing. Maybe a future novel will feature a card writer? :)
I'm betting too, as you pare down the words and sentiments to their essences, it'll help your fiction writing too.
Praying all the blessings come about and blend together to form a nifty, fulfilling and secure gig.
Absolutely, Terri. You go get 'em!
I know you're going to do great. This seems so PERFECT for you! Good luck!
Terri,
This is awesome. It might not be what you want right now, but it might be just what you need. (And to get paid is a good thing.)Who know where this adventure will take you.
Congrats!
Blessings,
Kelli
Exciting adventure in writing! I know you'll do a great job!
Terri, that's awesome!!!! What a wonderful attitude. "Do it because God might think you can." Never give up an opportunity that could be from Him!!!
Keep us posted on how it goes.
I'm at a similar crossroads, and you've encouraged me. So be in good cheer. This past winter my first novel was published, and my second should be printed in about a month. I really enjoy writing fiction, but I just can't seem to get the sales off the floor, and am needing to do something along side it. Then as I was looking on line, a position came to my attention that needed a History instructor (which I am) to write history content material. It would mean moving 3/4 of the way across the country. But, if this is the way the Lord wishes to use me and what He has given me, who am I to say no?
Thanks again!
Author Philip Kledzik
authorphilipkledzik.books.officelive.com
I'm late to comment on this so I hope you don't cover it up with another post right away. I agree with you totally. Try it you may be good at it. That is my life's motto. I will try anything and most of the time, I dan do it. I have decided to write some more short stories and try sending them in to be published. I think I do well with shorter works. Read my post today if you want an amazing story.
What's the worst that could happen???
and I say this with all the love and compassion I can muster..."WRITE THE CARDS, CASH THE CHECK AND GO OUT TO DINNER WITH YOUR HUSBAND!"
All joking aside, sounds like a win win situation, you do so much to encourage others on your blog, well this seems like a good fit in a new way!
Sometime we have to be forced to think outside our box! It happened to me all the time when I read a certain someone's blog, if ya know what I mean!!!
Blessings
Robin
Wow. Talk about being
"discovered"! So often seemingly small beginnings lead to amazing middles.
I'm on your team. You go, girl!
Kathleen
That's wonderful, Terri. Of course you can do it, and very well. When you have doubts, just recite Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."
That's amazing! What a cool story. Hi, Terri. I just came over form Cindy Wilson's site. I look forward to looking around your blog. Contratulations on being discovered!!
Ooooh, I want an email like that!!! Not that I'm jealous of you--- quite the contrary, I am thrilled to bits!
I have had four gc verses published from Celebration Greetings. It's a fun way to write tight!
You can do it, Terri!
Let us know how it goes, okay?
Email me if you get stuck and need some help, tho' I doubt you will!!!
levellies75@tigerpaw.com
Go for it! I have no doubts. Way back, eons ago, I thought I could do that. Never did, though.
Congratulations on taking the leap and giving it a try.
Helen
Straight From Hel
Sounds like an exciting opportunity! The next time I walk into Hallmark, maybe I'll end up walking out with one of your cards!
Hi Terri -
Oh, I could see you writing greeting cards! Thanks for giving us all a push to spread our wings.
Blessings,
Susan :)
I love that God opened this door for you. You have an awesome heart and it will shine through on the cards. You have always encouraged me in a few short words. You will encourage many thorugh the cards. Sarah
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