"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."
- Winston Churchill

Wherever you may be on your journey, whether you are dipping your toe in the water for the first time, swimming as if your life depends on it, or romping in the rapids, we'd love to hear your story, too.

Take a moment to inspire, challenge, or encourage others by sharing your journey story here. If you use a web-based mail server, please click on "connect with me" in the sidebar and copy my address into your email.

Martha Rogers - multi-published author

After years of writing, this great-grandma was almost convinced no one would contract her for a full length novel much less a series because of her age. She now has ten full length books plus one novella contracted/published since late summer of 2009. Read more ...

Carolyne Aarsen - multi-published inspirational romance author

My first book was written out long-hand, during boring English Literature classes in junior high. I had no idea what to do with it once it was done. I just enjoyed the journey. Slowly, writing took up less and less of my life and boys more and more. Then came love, marriage and children and a steady escape to romance novels quickly shoved under the couch whenever I heard my husband come home, until years after that first book when I remembered my old story and my old dream.

But I lived just north of nowhere, 2 hours from the nearest city and thousands of miles from New York, the publishing hub of the western world. How to start? Who to ask? No one in my community wrote, let alone wrote romance. One day I found an ad for a writing correspondence course which got me started on writing a weekly column for our local newspaper which paid for a Romance writing course which taught me the intricacies of synopsis, submission and potential sales. I wrote my first novel on an old word processor saved on 5 1/4 inch floppy diskettes.

It took me five years and two computers to write the first book and five years and numerous rejections to sell it. On April the 10th, 1997, I got a call from Anne Canadeo, editor of Love Inspired with the news that she was offering me a contract on my book. I've sold over thirty novels since then, but no call or letter was as thrilling to me as that first one.

Angie Breidenbach - Newly-contracted author

After six years of writing fiction and then more recently, non-fiction, the dream God wove into my DNA is becoming fully realized. I feel like the elated eaglet who just flapped her wings for the first solo flight and they held her up!

I'm thrilled to be releasing my cookbook, Creative Cooking for Colitis, Easter week! You can check it out here. I've also been asked to bring it on tour with the Life and Faith Tour this summer. I'll be signing at both the Richmond, VA and Rockingham, NC venues with 70,000 people at each! In addition, my non-fiction book has been accepted by a traditional Christian publisher. I’m so excited about teaching with it at a conference in Memphis in just a couple of weeks.

"Do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised."
- Hebrews 10:35-36

Raquel Byrnes - Edge of your seat romance

I have suffered from insomnia since early adolescence and used to bake in the middle of the night to keep from being bored. The smell of baking goodies would wake my husband and he’d come to the kitchen for a “midnight” snack. The problem was, we became overrun with desserts.

That’s when my husband decided to buy me a computer. I’ve written ever since I can remember—stories as a child, fictional journals as a teen, even short stories in college. But I never really saw it as career path until suddenly I was typing away almost every night. Spinning stories of adventure and breathless romance, I was in love with my new writing world. Then I thought, why don’t I share some of my stories?

This is where the sweat and tears began. I’d not give it up for the world, those years of working to hone my craft and educate myself about the writing industry. I went to conferences and took workshops to connect with other writers and agents. I learned a lot from every person I met. Then came introducing my work to critique groups and I learned a new word – ouch! Back to the books on writing and workshop notes, I read my favorite novels with notecards on my lap. I asked myself why I liked the scene. What was it? The word choice or the pacing…was it the format? I learned a lot in that group.

I started to query my work and in 2010, the amazing Terry Burns offered representation. White Rose Publishing will release my first book in 2011. And so another adventure begins …

Margaret Daley - award-winning inspirational romance and romantic suspense author

I sold my first book in 1980 and thought I was set (for life). Back then there was no RWA or ACFW, and I didn’t really know the realities for writers and the publishing industry. It is amazing how naďve I was. Selling my second book was a struggle. By the time I sold my fourth one, I thought I was getting into a rhythm that would keep on going like the Energizer Bunny. Another naďve thought of mine.

When I hit my twentieth book, I hit a brick wall. I didn’t sell anything for eight years. I could have given up and almost did several times but something kept me going. Then in 1996 I sold a book that started my road back to publication. In 2000 I sold to Steeple Hill Love Inspired and found the Christian fiction market, which was a perfect fit for me. If I had given up during that eight years, I wouldn’t have gone on to sell forty-six more book. My tip to others is don’t give up even during those downturns if you truly want to be a writer.

"No man is ever whipped, until he quits -- in his own mind."
- Napoleon Hill

Lynn Dean - aspiring historical fiction writer

I dictated my first story to my mother when I was five, and she nurtured my interest by sewing simple hand puppets so I could present it. My family laughed in all the right places, and I was hooked! I continued to write stories through school, but after graduation my writing time was spent on practical, non-fiction projects. As my youngest child prepared to graduate high school, my husband encouraged me to pick up some old interest I'd shelved. Writing came immediately to mind. I stumbled upon the American Christian Fiction Writers conference, right up the road in Dallas that year, and signed up. There I met people with a common passion and patient mentors who have become friends. The rest is historical fiction!

Keli Gwyn - a romantic at heart

At the age of seven I dreamed of being a writer when I grew up. Years passed. Twenty of them. I earned a degree in Mass Communication/Print Journalism, worked as an assistant editor for a small textbook publishing company, and wrote—letters, to-do lists, journal entries. I dreamed of writing a book, but marriage and motherhood intervened. Two more decades went by before I dusted off my dream, plunked myself in front of my computer, and began my first story.

I spent two years pouring forth five inspirational historical romances. Because I knew little about fiction writing, those stories flowed freely, joyfully, rapidly. Were they any good? To find out, I submitted 37 contest entries. I managed to place six times and double final in the 2008 Romance Writers of America® Golden Heart® contest. That success boosted my confidence, but I had a great deal to learn. The next year I did two things: I tried my hand at a contemporary romance, quickly learning that was a poor fit, and I studied craft. At the end of that year, I mustered my courage and passed a critical eye over the five historicals I'd completed, and determined that one of the stories showed promise.

One year and two major revisions later … Read more ...

"Don't you sit upon the shore and say you're satisfied. Choose to chance the rapids and dare to dance the tides. "
- Garth Brooks

Mona Hodgson - multi-published author

A Me, a writer? Was that at all possible? I first began thinking about writing for publication in 1983. Mid-summer 1987, I responded to an ad for a correspondence course offered by Christian Writers’ Fellowship International. In November 1987, my first acceptance letter and non-acceptance letter arrived in the same envelope from The Secret Place, a quarterly daily devotional.
In January of 1989, shortly after I began my trek into publication, I walked a dirt road and discovered a deserted and dilapidated cabin not much bigger than my dining room. By the time I returned to the house where we were staying for the weekend, my imagination had planted a garden full of seeds from which the premise for a contemporary novel sprouted. Over the past two decades ... Read more ...

Sharlene Maclaren - multi-published author Writing romance for the heart...fiction for the soul.

At 61, I can look back over the years and clearly see God’s hand in my writing ministry. Throughout my first attempt at writing fiction (I was a ripe 51 years of age!), I stopped, knelt at my bed and PRAYED, asking God to direct me if this was of Him. Then, I PERSEVERED, never giving publishing a single thought until I'd written four complete manuscripts in one year's time. Yes, I'm talking full-length novels. This was my clue that I'd been given a brand new PASSION. After that, I allowed a few choice friends to read my manuscripts and I let their encouragement soak in, which gave me the courage to look into publishing. That's where the PREPARATION really took flight. I started honing my writing skills by reading 'how-to' books on the craft, attending writing seminars, joining some online critique/chat groups, and doing hours upon hours of studying the entire publishing industry. Read more ...

"As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered."
- James 5:11a

Vickie McDonough - multi-published author writing stories that are ... An adventure into romance

If someone had suggested that I would become a writer, I would have thought they were crazy. I was a math kid in school; however, I’ve always been an avid reader. Then I got a story idea running through my mind and it wouldn’t go away. It was interfering with my sleep big time, so I decided to write it down hoping it would go away and leave me alone. I finished that book, and right on its heels came another story idea. I wrote it down too. Then I began to wonder about this odd phenomenon and if God was trying to get my attention. I decided … Read more ...

Patti Moore - aspiring novelist

Although presently unpublished, I am loving my writing journey! Several years ago the Lord closed the door on my teaching career, due to severe back problems. As difficult as it was giving up a career I loved, that opened the door for me to pursue my life-long dream of writing FULL-TIME! Since then, I've been doing all I can to learn the writing craft---including attending two American Christian Fiction Writers' conferences. What has amazed me the most has been the wonderful friends I've made! These friends truly care about me, and have offered not only their friendship but some wonderful advice and support. I know that if the Lord truly calls someone to do something, He will guide us along the way. So, I will continue along this journey---trusting Him and enjoying the adventure!

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
- C.S. Lewis

Missy Tippens - multi-published author

Soon after my first book, Her Unlikely Family, came out in February 2008, two thoughts occurred to me:
--I started writing when my middle child was nursing—holding him in one arm while typing with the other hand. When the book came out, he was 13.
--And when I used to need writing time, I would bribe my three children by telling them if they would let Mommy write, then I would use my first advance money to buy them a swing set. Hmmm. By the time that book came out, my oldest was about to graduate from high school, and my youngest was 11.
Obviously, the journey took much longer than expected! Read more ...

Carrie Turansky - multi-published author Touching hearts with God's love

I began writing fiction in 1998 after our family returned from one year in Kenya. I missed it so much I wanted to relive those experiences by writing about them. I joined American Christian Fiction Writers in 2000. ACFW helped me hone my skills and connect with my agent and also my co-authors for my first published fiction project, WEDDED BLISS, a 4-in-one novella collection from Barbour. That novella placed second in the ACFW Genesis in 2003. I kept writing and completed five full-length novels before I received a call from my agent telling me Steeple Hill had accepted ALONG CAME LOVE for their Love Inspired Line. Since then I have had four more novellas published with Barbour and another Steeple Hill novel. It takes perseverance to keep going when you face rejections and challenges along the way. But it is worth it to hold your published books in your hands and know your stories are touching hearts.

"If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again."
- Flavia Weedn

Susan May Warren - Award-winning multi-published author

I’ve always been amazed at the journey God has taken me on. I always loved to write, but being a missionary in Russia, I never dreamed about being an author. I just tried to do the best with what God had entrusted to me, and for me that meant writing missionary newsletters. I honed my skills through my newsletter, and then, after a number of years, began to write devotionals and magazine articles. Of course, I love reading – I think all authors should love to read, and I read constantly. I soon ran out of the books I brought overseas with me. However, without knowing it, I had begun to absorb the elements of a good book. I had also cultivated a desire to write my own stories. So, one snowy day, I sat down with a story in my head and began to write. I really had no idea what I was doing, but I knew in my heart what I HOPED to write, and I just followed my heart. After I finished my story – with was about 150K, I had a James Michener epic, way too long that would be only be used as a highchair for my toddler. However, I HAD finished a book. And in that, I was a success.

My book, however wasn’t publishable, but it gave me encouragement that I could write a novel. So, I diligently studied craft and analyzed books, even though I was hidden away in Siberia. I’ll always be grateful that Tyndale and later Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside took a chance on me! I kept writing, attending online classes, reading books and keeping a journal.

I wrote four books before I submitted one - a Heartsong, a story about my grandparents. While they looked it over, I wrote a novella about an experience I had being trapped in an elevator in Russia and submitted it to Tyndale. You could have knocked me over with a feather when ... Read more ...

Merrillee Whren - inspirational romance author

I wrote my first novel when I was in high school, but only my friends at school read it. I went to college and became a teacher and didn't think much about writing until my kids were in school. In 1984 I wrote a novel with the intention of trying to get it published. It took me a little under a year to write that book. Over the next 20 years, I wrote eight books until I finally sold one in 2004.

After writing for so many years without a sale, I was wondering whether I should give up. Was God trying to tell me that I wasn't cut out for writing? Should I use my time to serve God in another way? In 2003, I had entered the Romance Writers of America Golden Heart Contest. I had entered this contest numerous times before and never came close to being a finalist. The thought kept going through my mind to lay a fleece before the Lord. "Lord, if you want me to continue writing, let me win the Golden Heart." I have to admit I was afraid to pray that prayer because if I didn't win that meant God didn't want me to write. I wasn't sure I could do that despite the many discouragements along the way.

Even though I didn't pray that prayer, God knew what was in my heart. In 2003 I won the Golden Heart for best inspirational romance manuscript. A few months later I got that first sale. So persistence pays off. I know one thing: If you have a dream, keep at it. Seek God’s will. Don't give up.