29. January 2009 by Rachel.

“Do you really think you need a publisher to tell somebody about God?” This was a question asked of me by one of my best friends. My answer? A realization and an admitted, “No.” And that is why I have decided to  wander into the world of self-publishing for my next novel.

While I work out details with Beyond Yesterday, my devotion book is still in its editing stages, and I will be seaking traditional publishing for it.

I’m learning a lot about patience and endurance lately. Whether intended by God, or simply a natrual byproduct of my circumstances, it’s teaching me some lessons. Life has been hard. But not hard enough not to pull through. And certainly not too hard for God.

Today I learned that I might have an opportunity to talk a little about my writing experience on Atlantic’s local cabel station. Sounds like a terrifying but neat opportunity there. We shall see what developes.

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16. January 2009 by Rachel.

As January came into full swing, once again I found myself writing a letter to my family and friends about the year gone by. I’ve pasted it below, portraying my feelings about 2008, and my goal for 2009…

2008. Hard to believe that it is now a year of the past, not the present. Time is funny that way. We can turn the hands of our clock back as much as we want, but it does nothing to stop the hands of time itself. Would I want to? Probably not. There’s too much to look forward to in 2009 to want to stay in the past. There can be no joy in living regrets - only in keeping one’s eyes focused ahead to what God has in store.

A YEAR OF PASSIONS

My writing is probably one of the biggest ongoing things in my life (surprise, surprise). In the springtime, my third novel, Silent Ride, was released. Another paged turned in the grand adventure I’m in. Once I had “finished” that project I hit a dry spell in my writing. Though continuing to write daily, unpublished short stories, devotional thoughts and poems were what took up most of my creative time. My novels were put aside until my zeal returned. The lack of interest persisted longer than anticipated, and one novel sat near completion for over a year without being touched. I’m happy to say that just a few weeks ago, the novel bug bit me again, and I’m once more totally engrossed in my books - yes…that was plural.

Beyond Yesterday is the working title of my fourth novel. Its unedited version now awaits publication. The release date? God knows the answer to that one. The hunt for a publisher has risen again, so a portion of my spare time is spent in research. Once I hit “the end” of that novel, it was on to the next. I had started The Right Lead over three years ago, but stopped to write other things. I’ve picked that one up again and am well on my way. It’s a fun plot with enough twists to keep me on my toes as I write, and I look forward to when it will be in print as well.

While I might not have been engrossed in fictional plots during the year, I did take a side trip down a different writing path that led me to write God at the Reins. Written for horse lovers, it contains fifty-two devotions that are horse-related and offer encouragement and inspiration for the Christian walk. My mom has helped me greatly with this project, and it’s been fun. At about the same stage as my fourth novel though, it’s on to the publisher hunt with this one as well.

God has blessed me time and time again through my writing, and I look forward to what He’s got in store for me next.

Apart from manipulating words, I’m still working full-time at Deaf Missions where another passion grows. Being a part of this ministry may sometimes feel simply like a “job,” but there are days that I receive a gentle reminder from God that this is indeed His ministry and I am His tool no matter what small tasks I may be doing.

The more I look back at my spiritual growth, the more I see how far I have yet to go. God had given me ample opportunities for this growth, and I can only hope that I please Him during this next year and beyond. Whether it’s my one-on-one contact with people, or through my writing, my resolution for 2009 is to be a light.

I’m still living in the country, still have horses, and still attend church in Atlantic. Not much has changed, but there are days when that is a blessing in itself.

They say that 2009 will be a tough year because of the economy… I say it will be a great year because it’s the low times that provide even more opportunities for God’s blessings.

May He bless YOU this year. Happy New Year!

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2. January 2009 by Rachel.

January. Hard to believe. A year is gone. 365 days have passed. How time seems to be within our control one second, and the next we realize that it can be tamed by no one but God.

2008 was full of ups and downs, as was the year before. And I’m sure 2009 will be much of the same. But my resolution for this coming year is simply to be a light. A light for God, His Word, and His will. For without Him as the goal, what purpose remains?

Happy New Year.

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30. December 2008 by Rachel.

It was a dark and stormy night… well, not really. But I did reach “the end” of another novel. Titled as Passing Storm over three years ago, the name no longer fits, so for now I’m calling it Beyond Yesterday. What a great feeling, completing another written adventure. Matt and Kate will always be two of my favorite characters.

With the completion of the novel, comes the new zeal to find a publisher. Of course, that zeal is held back with a healthy dose of reality, but if the Lord wishes it to be published, I’ll find the right place to submit. While my previous publisher won’t be printing this one, it’s my hope that I will see it in print one of these days as #4 in my published collection.

While that is going on, my devotion book is proceeding nicely. Mom is helping me find the scriptures to go along with each devotion - I appreciate her work so much. Her name will fit in the book somewhere, for all the assistance with this one. What will I do with the book once it’s complete? Same thing I’m doing with my novel, I suppose. In the meantime, the working title is God at the Reins. We’ll see.

New Year’s Eve is tomorrow. It is quickly becoming my favorite holiday - one that enables me to stay home alone, fix the food I want, and watch the movies I want. Some might think it boring. It’s perfect, to me. Even better, Lisa is planning to be online to share the evening “with” me.

As far as the homefront goes, Cody is having surgery today to remove a calcium growth from his mouth. Sounds like a simple procedure, though I’m sure he’ll be a moody dog once he’s home later.

My online experiences are growing as I attempt to become more involved with Facebook and MySpace. Last night was spent attempting to upload some pictures. Not the easist thing in the world with a dialup connection, but I accomplished getting a few memories posted at least.

And, in conclusion, the rest of my spare time (did I say “spare time?”) will be spent picking up yet another unfinished novel. Several years old, the plot has been forogtten, but outlining has begun. I have good feelings about this one. A masterpiece in the works.

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23. December 2008 by Rachel.

…Or once in a blue moon. Seems like that’s about as often as I get a chance to throw a new post up. Better than never though, right?

The bad news is that the economy right now has affected Deaf Missions. The good news is that we’re surviving.

The bad news is that my devotion book isn’t completed yet. The good news is that I’ve picked up one of my novels again, and boy does it feel good. I realized that it’s been over a year since I worked on this particular one, so it took some time to get back into the plot again, but it was well worth it. I’m planning to continue until it’s complete this time.

Christmas is coming up fast. No big plans. Quiet, really, but I like it that way. And as with Christmas passing, New Years will be here. I get the privilege of spending it with my best friend online again this year and I’m looking forward to it.

Must move forward. Must press on.

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13. November 2008 by Rachel.

…seems an oxymoron, but it also seems to describe my life at the moment.

Work has been a bit tough lately. Struggling forward. I feel a bit lost, a bit foggy, and a bit confused. But all I can do is hope for the light a the end of the tunnel. As Jack and I often say, “Everything will be okay in the end. So if it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

Been a might lonely lately as well. Without Lisa online as much, it’s left me more time to think. Without our blog as often, it’s left me more time for boredom. I’m learning about growth. Though it’s necessary and natural, right now it stil lhurts pretty badly.

My writing has plateued once again. I need to start looking for publishers who might be open to reading something of my devotions. I also want to go back and finally finish the revision of one book I started.

Fall is here and quickly becoming winter. Almost all our leaves are gone at home, and a freezing rain the other night was a stark reminder of the cold weather to come.

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18. October 2008 by Rachel.

Being officially 25 is an interesting feeling. Not a whole lot changed, just perhaps the way a few look at me. I’ll admit, it bothered me just a little to think of myself as halfway to 50… but what José said is true. The days and years go by so very quickly.

Having trouble with my hip the last week or so. Deli’s little bucking fiasco probably didn’t help things any. I guess riding is out for this weekend.

Talked a lot with Dad about selling Faith and Earl. I guess we’ve finally come to an agreement over that. Four is just too many.

One accomplishment this week though was finally wrapping up all fifty-two devotions for my book. Now they’re in the hands of Mom who so graciously offered to edit and gather Scriptures for me.

After that, I got interested in publisher hunting again. I will not be dealing with my current publisher for my future works, so it’s back to the struggle of finding a company who is interested in what I’ve written.

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6. October 2008 by Rachel.

Rain. Chilly weather and rain. I guess fall is really here. Had to get my blankets out the other night.

Dad is home. (sigh of relief) And things are going alright. Horses looked good when he got home, so that was a big plus. Dad’s been working hard already on winter preparations. Getting the house roof done, chopping wood and cleaning out the garage of junk.

Still stewing a little bit over the trouble with my publisher. But not having anything I can do about it, I know it isn’t worth the bother to stew. I keep reminding myself that surely God has something better in store. It’s finding the patience right now that’s the hardest.

Jeremy came and spent the weekend. It was fun - he and Dad got along, and we watched a movie or two. Good to have him out at our place again.

Work goes in a steady stream. 2009 catalog work progresses slowly, but it’s getting there. In the meantime, I’ve got all the other piles of “regular” work to keep me quite busy.

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23. September 2008 by Rachel.

Ahh…the feeling of completion. Though late on the next Deaf Missions eNews, I got it written and off to the proofers. One task down and…I don’t think I’ll mention how many  more are left.

Dad comes home tomorrow!!

Series 3 of Heroes started last night…I admit it…I’m a fan. Watched it “with” Lisa - we had a fun time.

Tidbits of ideas for novels keep popping into my mind. Hard to decide whether or not to start another one. I think I’d prefer to finish this devotion book first. Stopping halfway was a bad idea. I need to get in gear and write the rest of the devotions.

Trouble with my publisher. Things aren’t good. I will be seeking another publisher for my devotion book, and probably any books thereafter. God is in control…sure is a good thing, because I can’t see anything clearly right now.

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17. September 2008 by Rachel.

Work has been pretty hectic lately, I will admit. Been tough keeping up and getting things done. Seems everything always comes at once.

Things at home are alright though. Looking forward to Dad coming home in a week. So far so good - no major mishaps without him here. PTL

Got an entry submitted to FaithWriters last night, so I’m feeling good about that. While blogging a roleplay game with Lisa, I’m also letting my devotion book bounce around in my head until I can work on that again too.

Otherwise there isn’t a whole lot to talk about. Which at this point is good since it means things are on an even keel.

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