Lessons From the Writing Road—Another New Milestone on the Journey

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Today I want to share some personal, publishing news. I've just signed a contract with WorthyPublishing for my book: 

While My Soldier Serves: 

Prayers for Those with a Loved One 

in the Military 

This book has been on my heart for a long time, and I’m so excited to partner with Worthy Publishing to bring it to you. I’m even more excited to announce that it will hit bookstore shelves in July of 2015!  

It’s been a long journey. My first book for military families, Fighting Fear: Winningthe War at Home When Your Soldier Leaves for Battle, came out almost exactly 3 years ago. 


There have been high points, and low ones, along this road. But it's a journey that's taught me a lot. Today I'm going to share some of what I've learned.


Lessons From the Writing Road

1. Nothing's easy. Oh the stories I could tell. Not just my stories, but tales from every successful author I encounter. The detours seem like dead-ends. The steep path up to success isn't straight up, but instead it's a tortuous trail of switchbacks lined with danger and discouragement. But even though it’s not easy, it’s not a path you take alone.

These are some of my newest friends—from the 2014
Guideposts Workshop!

2. You Can Find the BEST of Companions There. Most of my closest friends now are writers. We share life, through the good times and the bad. Even though we’re spread through out the US and beyond, we’re only a phone call away. I have one friend that I exchange text messages with daily, for prayer and accountability. I’m also a member of group of sixteen writers for accountability in writing, spiritual growth, and prayer. These people are my life-line—my go-to girls when life happens.

3. Detours aren’t the Dead-ends They Seem. This book was actually born out of a cancelled contract. I thought it was dead. Truth was, it had to be already written before I could have gotten this current contract. God had a plan—and it was perfect—even if I couldn’t see it from where I was standing.

4. Talent is Optional—Perseverance Isn’t. I was on the phone today with a writer friend and we were just talking about this very point. Talent might have gotten me into the foothills. But if I wasn’t willing to persevere, I’d have never gotten where I am today.

Dreams are great, but it's the goals that give us the
directions to get there.

5. Dreams are Great, But it’s the Goals that get You Where You Want to Go. I think it’s the dream that gets us started.  Sometimes it sustains us when things get really tough. But it’s the goals that give us direction and ultimately allow us to get where we want to go.

6. Exceptions are NOT the Rule. Early on I thought I’d be the exception to all the things you hear about writers. I’d have a book that first year, I’d get an agent at my first conference, etc. etc. etc. Yes, there are exceptions. But they’re just that. We’ve got to all come to a point where we stop looking to be the exception and get down to work.

7. Wisdom is Earned. It’s funny how much the writer’s journey really is like climbing a mountain. The higher up you get, the better your perspective. Those ahead of you have some valuable insight and the majority are willing to share. When someone in front of you offers insight, listen and learn.

8. It Takes a Community. Different writers have different sized communities, but it’s not a solo ascent. There have been many amazing writers who have mentored me, counseled me, and most of all cheered me on. There are the editors I’ve worked with, the critique partners, and most especially my agent, David Van Diest. No writer finds publishing success alone.

These are just some of the things I’ve learned so far on my writing journey. I’d love to hear the insights you’ve gained and about the friends you’ve made on yours.

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

TWEETABLES

Lessons from the Writing Road - thoughts from author @EdieMelson as she shares a new milestone (Click to Tweet)

Talent is optional—perseverance is not, lessons from the #Writing road - via author @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)