Another Rejection
Several mornings ago I woke up with a sense of anticipation of what I'd find in my emails. I'm waiting for responses from an editor of a large Christian Publishing company and from a top Christian agent.
Would today be THE DAY I get the big yes???
I write novels. I have 3 complete historical novels and a fourth one started. I'm naively pursuing the path of traditional publishing, you know, the publishing companies that will actually pay you for your work.
Editors and agents are considered the "gatekeepers" of this magical world. If you can please them, you might get a toe in the door. And you have to jump hurdles to get them to be willing to even look at your work.
I have jumped those hurdles. I have an open door with two agents and two editors.
But WOW! The reasons they can't take my novels!!! Right now Civil War novels are being avoided by most publishers because of the sensitivity of today's culture toward history and toward race. One of my novels takes place during the Civil War and the other two take place at war’s end. One agent told me that historical novels are not currently selling well in the Christian market place.
At least they're telling me I'm a good writer and they are interested in any other books I write. Open door! Thank you, Lord!
So back to my emails. To my disappointment I got the same message. The book I presented had a pastor's daughter as the main character. That's also a no-no because her spiritual growth might seem forced rather than organic.
I was only mildly disappointed because I'm getting used to this. Jan Karon's and Madeleine L'Engle's works were rejected many times. And their writing talent far surpasses mine.
But when I read that sad email, I asked God why He put that sweet feeling of anticipation in me that particular morning when all I'd see in my email was another rejection.
His answer deep in my spirit was a quiet, "Oh, but I have good things planned for you, Ava."
I'm not sure exactly what those good things will be, but I know, I know, I KNOW that His plans for me are GOOD!!!
He wants me to trust, to delight in His Presence and to rejoice.
The same applies to you, dear friend.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
(Romans 8:28)
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
(Jeremiah 29:11)
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
"Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act."
(Psalm 37:4-5)
