When I started on the road to publication, I never, ever, would have imagined waiting so long. Whether published or not, this business isn’t for the faint of heart. And it isn’t for those who give up easily. We need to trust God and put the journey in His hands.

And you know what? I’ve realized that taking so long to publish wasn’t such a bad thing after all. For one, I believe it happened in God’s perfect timing— at a time when I was finally ready. But, also, by the time I sold, my children were old enough to really enjoy the thrill with me. When that wonderful first box of books arrived, after everyone cheered, my 13-year-old, a reader like me, grabbed one out of the box and took off to his room to devour it. He also grabbed one for his lit teacher. My oldest took one to church to show it off. And my youngest picked up my Alpha-smart to continue writing her own story. Then when the book released, our whole family made a trip to Wal-Mart to see it on the shelf and to snap photos.

All well worth the wait!