Be successful, and here's how . . .

Did that title catch your attention? 

I have a not-so-secret secret to share. If you want to be successful, you have to make it happen. Sure, it sounds like a tall order, but let me tell you, I've found some successes in my life, and they didn't happen by accident. 

To find success, you have to make a plan. You have to know where you are and where you want to go. When I decided to become a published novelist, I began by joining an online writing organization (ACFW). I joined an online critique group. I read books on the craft of writing novels. Then I got brave, and I went to my first writers conference. Then I wrote and wrote and wrote, and I entered contests, and I went to more conferences/seminars. Then I began to submit my work to agents and publishers.

Don't let me fool you, it wasn't as easy as it sounds. BUT, it wasn't impossible. If I attained one of my dreams (I still have plenty more!), then you should try to make your dream come true as well. 

I'm just now embarking on a new dream. I want to speak to and share a powerful message with others -- message that took me nearly 15 years to crystalize, a message that I never thought I could share with others because of the shame involved. But I took control of my life and my emotions, and I found my voice. I'm braver now. I've shared my message publicly, and I've helped others find their brave voice and claim control over their fragile hearts. I've seen a hopeless woman become hopeful again. And that's where it's at!

But first, I have to make it happen. I have a plan. I attended speakers conferences and seminars, I have honed my skills by speaking for free. Now I'm a part of a speakers mastermind group, I'm practicing before more audiences, I'm reading articles on speaking, and I'm attending seminars and webinars. I'm putting my plan into action. 

And if I can do it, then so can you!

The Grand Prize

Recently the winners of the Christy Awards have been announced, and now ACFW members are eagerly awaiting the results of the Book of the Year contest. The accolades of colleagues are great. It’s proof that you’ve succeeded in creating a superior product.

My friend Donita Paul, author of the wonderful DragonKeeper Chronicles, recently posted in an online writer’s loop that there’s an even better prize: the Grand Prize. That’s when God orchestrates the presentation of proof that your writing has touched a life for eternity. For Donita, it was when a young fan told her that she had decided to keep her relationships pure, like Kale and Bardon, Donita’s characters.

Too often we cast our eyes on the earthly prizes available for writers: Christy Awards, BOTY Award, amazing sales figures, having our books bought by the movie industry. Don’t get me wrong, these prizes certainly aren’t bad. And I think it’s wonderful to draw attention to the amazing offerings available in the Christian fiction industry. But if we concentrate more on the Grand Prize, then the rejections and disappointments experienced in the career of a writer will have less of a sting.

I’m thrilled to tell you that I’ve received a few Grand Prizes in my short career as a published author. One reader wrote to say that Searching for Spice “reminded me how important it is to keep God in your relationship and to know that he is there always!  In our busy, hectic lives I think it is easy to think that we are fighting our battles alone, when really we are never alone as long as we let him into our lives.  Thanks for reminding me of that!!” Wow. 

Another reader said, “You touched on so many issues and emotions that we all face at times. I am inspired by your words.” Double wow. 

And the other day I spoke to a gentleman who read Searching for Spice (brave fellow, he picked up a pink book). He said that after he and his wife both read the book, they’ve been enjoying deep and necessary conversations about their marriage. Triple wow. 

I wish I could claim total credit for the kind words those readers blessed me with. I don’t even dare. I know that my words would be lifeless without the Author of Life breathing meaning into them. He is the one that uses my words to minister to readers. His purposes are done. Halleluiah! That’s why the Grand Prize is the best of all. 

Psalm 40: 8 

I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."

PS: Thanks to my friend, author Jill Nelson, for blogging about Searching for Spice on her Artistic Blogger blog. Commenters on her blog get an opportunity to win a copy of Searching for Spice--so hop on over!