High-Five Friday!!

Being a freelance writer can be frustrating. We spend hours and hours brainstorming, researching, writing, rewriting–yet, there is no guarantee that what we produce will ever see the printed page or even an e-page. And, if it does, there can be other deflating issues. So, any victory along the way is a cause for celebration.

I thought it would be fun to have a post that allowed you to celebrate with and congratulate inspirational authors who have recently experienced something good in their writing lives. These ladies deserve a cyber “high-five” because…

Susan Page Davis recently submitted to Summerside her completed manuscript for Love Finds You in Prince Edward Island. This historical, set in 1860, will release in April of 2011.

Cynthia Ruchti has two terrific reasons to celebrate. First, she’s blessed and grateful that the hard cover, large print edition of her debut novel, They Almost Always Come Home, is now available through Thorndike Press. Secondly, Wednesday (September 1) marked the release of her second book, The Heart’s Harbor, a novella in A Door County Christmas collection by Barbour Publishing.

Christina Berry is the author of The Familiar Stranger (Moody). She received a Director’s Choice Award at the Oregon Christian Writer’s conference last month. The award was given in recognition of “writing an award-winning novel and pursuing a writing career, and serving on conference staff despite personal tragedy.” The Familiar Stranger was a 2010 Christy Award finalist and a is a finalist for ACFW’s 2010 Carol Award.

Heidi Chiavaroli has had a wonderful couple of months this summer with regard to her historical manuscript, Room for Freedom, set during WWII. It won Historical II of “Out of the Slushpile,” Novel Journey’s Fifteen Minutes of Fame Contest and was one of Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner’s honorable mention winners in the One-sentence Summary Contest she held on her blog in June. As one of Heidi’s critique partners, I’ve read this story and can tell you it’s beautiful. 

Linore Rose Burkard’s regency romance tied for second place in the Long Historical category of the IRCC (Inspirational Reader’s Choice Contest) in July. The IRCC is hosted by the Faith, Hope and Love Chapter of Romance Writers of America.

HIGH-FIVE, LADIES!!

Even the little things can be celebrated. In August, I finally got the proposal for Waiting for Yesterday off to an agent. Now, I’m able to concentrate on my new story. Also, last week, I received my first royalty statement for my short story in Family Ties. (Thank you to all who have purchased a copy.) I’ve heard how hard it can be to interpret those royalty statements, so it was fun to get my first chance.  

Will you take a moment to leave a comment congratulating these hard-working authors for their successes?