This year has been one of success and career growth for me. I am humbled and grateful to work with outstanding writers and the best editors in the business.
Challenges
As with every year, the needs and expectations of publishing houses continue to change and grow. Publishers are maintaining and even exceeding past quality to offer readers the best Christian books possible. This means that each year, new writers face more challenges to break in, and established authors must be vigilant in writing fresh stories to meet the criteria of The Steve Laube Agency and the publishers we work with. But the writer who’s willing to work hard and hone craft, and to be cheerful even when times get tough, stands the best chance of successful publication.
Travel
I enjoyed being on faculty at the Florida Christian Writers Conference and ACFW this year. Once again, both conferences proved to be top notch and I enjoyed meeting authors and keeping in touch with publishing friends. ICRS was another highlight, as always, for the same reasons.
Reality
Regrettably, the reality of mortality has been present for my family this year. Not only did we face the death of a friend from a car accident this past fall, but we have just learned that a former neighbor has two months to live. Readers of this blog remember that my husband was thankfully spared in the shooting rampage in his building at the Navy Yard. That close call helped us remember the preciousness of life. God is good, and I am not afraid.
Beginnings
On a happier note, our daughter graduated from high school and is now attending Liberty University (see her picture below). We were thrilled that our other daughter and her husband visited from South Korea to help us celebrate the wonderful occasion. John and I enjoy being empty nesters, always in gratitude to God that both of our daughters have stayed faithful to Him.
Wishes
May the Lord bless you and keep you as we approach a glorious 2014!
Great article, Tamela. It’s always interesting to hear updates on the ever-changing publishing world and I enjoy reading your blog posts each week.
I was sorry to hear about your friend in the car accident and your former neighbor. We, too, lost a friend this past year to cancer. While we miss her terribly, she had such a strong faith and leaves behind an amazing legacy.
Praising God with you that your husband was kept safe during the scary Navy Yard shooting. So scary!
I hope you have a blessed 2014 as well. 🙂
You’re daughter is a gorgeous woman! Love the photo. 🙂
The Lord’s protective hand is always there when we did it. Glad to hear of all the situations where He offered His covering of grace for your family.
Praying that God will heal your broken hearts and also bring you joy and a season of new beginnings in the New Year!
God Bless!
It’s always hard to lose somebody we love. My father-in-law passed away between Thanksgiving and Christmas. He was such a sweet man, and we know we’ll see him in heaven one day, but it’s still hard.
Your daughter is beautiful. I hope she enjoys college. About the time my husband and I got used to having an empty nest, our son came home for the summer. Then we had three months of activity. What a fun and exhausting summer.
I hope you have a great 2014!
Happy New Year, Tamela! Your daughter is beautiful! Sorry for the tragic news from your former neighbor. Hoping for peace and love during these next precious months. Praying also for a blessed and wonderful 2014 for you and your family!
Thank you Tamela. Blessings to you this New year as you encounter ALL GOD has planned for you in every area of your life, including acquiring more clients for publication. His Will be done.
Thanks Again from my family to yours.
Tamela, I’m so thankful your husband was kept safe during the Navy shooting. You daughter is absolutely beautiful! Two daughters faithful to God are quite a blessing.