Hey there!
I'm Liz, and I'm thrilled you're here! Let me borrow some of your time and tell you about my road to publishing. Pull up a chair; I won't be long, promise!
I began writing when I was just a little girl. I've always loved weaving words together with my imagination and seeing them take off on paper. As a homeschooler, I spent most of my free time at the computer crafting stories I could read to my siblings and mom. I loved seeing the shock and excitement on their faces when I wrote something interesting, and it warmed my heart when I could make them laugh! My sisters and I used to share a room. One night, none of us could sleep, so my big sister told me to tell them a story. I did. And it was delightful, they had me write it down the next day. It was silly and nonsensical, and it had us rolling in giggles when we were supposed to be sleeping! I'm pretty sure Dad came in that night to shush us, we were so loud.
I used to wonder what it would be like to publish my work, but I never put too much thought into it. I was always intimidated by the idea of publishing. (Sound familiar? Uh-huh...) Publishing was so daunting! You had to write this entire manuscript, then have people read it and give you feedback *gasp!*, then you had to hire an editor ($$$!), and then pitch the book to a publisher and pray they found it worthy of their time. Each time I tried to venture in that direction, I backed out and went the other way. One day, however, God met me where I was at. He began helping me hone my writing skills, and showed me that I have potential at being a wonderful editor. He began putting other writers in my path and began showing me opportunities where I could be helpful to them in honing their craft. Before long, I had writers asking, "Would you look this over for me and tell me what you think?" That soon turned to "Would you edit this for me?" I began to fall in love with developmental editing. There is nothing like taking a flat story and bringing it to life! Even more exciting when the author reads the edit and is thrilled by it! How amazing is my God that He would allow this path for me!
But my journey didn't start there. Because, you see, I still had a beloved manuscript that had never graced the desk of a publisher.
This is where my bonus dad comes onto the scene. *Cue Scott Morales!*
Scott Morales is a retired police officer who now writes fiction novels about these extravagant and fascinating crimes. He has this amazing series following Detective Jack Lafleur throughout his career, and I am hooked! (Hey, guys, I'm his editor! :D ) Mr. Scott connected me to an independent publisher (Tonya Andrews) and encouraged me to apply as an editor. Well, look at God! I got the job! Praise You, Father. I am now an editor for Crossroads Publishing, LLC. (Can you see where this is going?) I saw an opportunity, and I took it. Shaking in my boots, I submitted Shattered Resolve for publishing. And she fell in love with it. Guys. My first try with a publisher, and I landed the bite! But do you want to know the most awesome part of this whole story? It wasn't me who placed my book into a publisher's lap, it was God. I give 100% of the glory and credit to my Savior, Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would be unable to write a word. I am in awe of Him and of what He has done for me. He is awesome and powerful, and He is a good, good God! Blessed be His Name! I now have a novel and a children's book published through Crossroads, with more on the way!
I must wrap up this tale. (I'm a mom, you know! --The kiddos need tendin'!) But I leave you with this thought: If God has placed a dream within your soul, explore every avenue until He makes it clear which path to follow. And then LEAP. Don't walk. LEAP! For He is waiting with open arms and peace in the midst of His will.
Until next time!!
Liz
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths"-Proverbs 3:5-6
Psst! Check out Mr. Scott and Crossroads Publishing, LLC!
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