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The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World…Word by Word

The Steve Laube Agency

The Steve Laube Agency

Helping to Change the World Word by Word

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Home » Karen » Page 3

Karen

So Long, 2013…HELLO, 2014!

By Karen Ballon January 8, 2014
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happy new year doghappy new year dog

2013 was an amazing year full of ups and downs, gain and loss, joy and sadness. I lost 3 dear friends, one of whom was in his 30s, one of whom was just a few years younger than I, and one of whom I’ve known since I was 2 years old. We in the industry lost so many–some, like wonderful agent and friend Lee Hough and the amazing Diann Hunt–far sooner than any of us wished. The joy? They all were solid in their faith in Christ, so we’ll see them again. But saying good-bye is never easy. Thank God for his peace and comfort. And HOPE!

Professionally, it’s been a whiz-bang year. It’s always such fun to discover and sign new clients, and it’s even more fun to see clients, existing and new, find publishing homes! As I’ve walked through the many steps on this publishing journey with clients, from the blissful “We’ve received an offer!” to the turbulent “Whatever made me think I could write??”, I’ve been reminded why I love this industry so much.

The people. Publishing people–be they writers, editors, agents, marketers, readers—are a breed apart. They ooze creativity and passion. Their words range from succinct and beautiful to gritty and authentic. They live each day with such…determination! Such drive for excellence. I see it everyday in my clients–these people devoted to serving their readers, to honoring God in their work and lives. I see it in the agents I work with in our agency. Steve, Tamela, and Dan are not just talented professionals, they are committed to living, speaking, and serving as Christ leads. I’m honored to be a part of this amazing team.

I traveled more in 2013 than I’ve done in years. Twelve trips in all! I got to take part in writers’ conferences and industry conventions, to lead workshops and women’s retreats, to brainstorm and be blessed. From Canada to California, from Indianapolis to Idaho, from Washington State to Oklahoma City to Michigan, I’ve met and talked with people who are passionate about words and God. As they—you!–shared the ups and downs of 2013, I saw more courage, more reliance on God, more grace than ever before. I’ve been humbled and inspired. You, all of you, make this publishing gig a gift. Thank you.

The projects. Be it a novel that captures and transports me, a humorous book that leaves me aching from laughter, a nonfiction book that sparks a realization that changes my thinking…whatever the kind of book I work with, I’m constantly amazed at the ways God speaks in our words and messages. He created the world with a Word. How kind of Him to invite us to join Him in that creative process with our own words.

The purpose. It’s no secret: the world continues to grow increasingly hostile toward God and His truth (as evidenced by December’s Duck Dynasty dust-up—sheesh!) . Over and over again this last year–as industry changes pulled the rug out from under so many, as publishing imprints were dissolved and contracts cancelled, as doors closed and new opportunities opened–I saw and heard people in the industry reminding each other that our purpose is more than just writing and selling books. We’re bringing people more than just words on a page. We’re bringing them the living Word. We’re sharing encouragement, hope, and TRUTH. When we continually submit our painstakingly crafted sentences to God; when we trust that HE is in control of not just our careers, but our lives; when we remember that none of what we’ve faced has come as a surprise to Him—the results are amazing. We can face each day in the sure knowledge that we’re doing what He’s asked us to do. And whether our books change the world or one aching and weary heart, it’s worth it. Every moment of struggle, work, and vulnerability is worthwhile. Because we’re serving Him.

Yes, 2013 held it’s challenges—what year doesn’t? But it also overflowed with moments of true joy and celebration. With constant reminders that we aren’t on this journey alone.–that the God of all creation, The WORD, is with us. And just as He held 2013 in His hands, he’s got this new year covered as well. I can’t wait to see what 2014 holds for all of us. Whatever that is, you can be sure it will serve to refine us, to make us into clearer reflections of Him. And my friends…

You can’t ask for better than that.

Have a truly blessed 2014.

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Category: Agency, Karen, PersonalTag: Agency, Personal

Welcome 2014!

By Karen Ballon January 1, 2014
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I don’t know about you, but I could swear 2013 just started! Where has the year gone? Those of us in the agency will share some thoughts about 2013 soon, but for today, as you welcome the very first day of a whole new year, I just want to wish you a Happy New Year and share one of my favorite singers with you—along with some beautiful images to usher in 2014.

May God touch each of you in the …

Read moreWelcome 2014!
Category: Karen, Personal

A Blessed Christmas to You All

By Karen Ballon December 25, 2013
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As you may have noticed, my day to blog here on the agency blog is Wednesday. I was utterly delighted when I realized that my blog fell on Christmas! If there is any one day of the year that is my absolute favorite, it’s Christmas. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas…not just the day, but the whole season. My mom was the absolute queen of celebrations, and she knew how to do Christmas …

Read moreA Blessed Christmas to You All
Category: Karen, PersonalTag: Christmas

The Many Faces of Discouragement

By Karen Ballon December 4, 2013
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I know I promised you the final blog on accountability partners, but as I’ve talked with publishing folks and friends the last few weeks I’ve noticed a theme: Discouragement.

It’s a well-documented fact that people struggle with depression and discouragement more during the holidays than any other time of the year. I wonder sometimes if writers are among the most discouraged. Part of it, I’m …

Read moreThe Many Faces of Discouragement
Category: Career, Encouragement, Get Published, KarenTag: Discouragement, Encouragement

Happy Thanksgiving!

By Karen Ballon November 27, 2013
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One more day and many of us will be seated around a table, mouths watering as we watch Dad or Grampa or Hubby carve a steaming, golden turkey. As I thought about the many Thanksgiving celebrations we’ve shared in my family--days of fellowship and laughter, gratitude and blessing--I remembered singing that wonderful old hymn, “We Gather Together.”

So join me, you lovers of words, you craftsman …

Read moreHappy Thanksgiving!
Category: Karen, PersonalTag: thanksgiving

Your Writing Team: Make Accountability Partners Work for You! (Part Two)

By Karen Ballon November 20, 2013
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Thanks for your feedback on having accountability partners (or, as I’ll call them from this point on, APs). As I researched this issue, I realized there are a couple of things to consider:
What you need to have/do for this to work
What your AP(s) need to have/do for this to work
And I also realized there is a LOT involved in those two things, so we’ll tackled them over the next few weeks. So …

Read moreYour Writing Team: Make Accountability Partners Work for You! (Part Two)
Category: Career, Communication, Creativity, KarenTag: Career

Your Writing Team: Freelance Editors

By Karen Ballon November 6, 2013
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You’ve heard the old saying, “Can’t see the forest for the trees”? In other words, you can see each tree, take note of the beautiful leaves and strong branches, but because you’re focused on them you don’t see the whole forest. The big picture. And that, my friends, is where it helps to have freelance editors on your team.

Yes, for some, the editor role is filled by an in-house editor. But if …

Read moreYour Writing Team: Freelance Editors
Category: Career, Communication, Craft, Creativity, Editing, Karen, Writing CraftTag: Career, Writing Craft

Your Writing Team: Creating an Advisory Board

By Karen Ballon October 30, 2013
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As I write this, we’re smack-dab in the middle of football season. The town I grew up in was—and still is—a football town. I LOVE football. I was in the band, so marched at all our school games from junior high through college. My friends and I played football. I even, a few times, ran the chain for JV games in highschool. It was great fun. But more than that, I saw the importance of having a team …

Read moreYour Writing Team: Creating an Advisory Board
Category: Career, Communication, KarenTag: advisors, Career, critique group

Your Writing Team

By Karen Ballon October 23, 2013
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You've heard it before: “Writing is a solitary endeavor.” Yes, that’s true. The responsibility for getting the words on the page rests on the writer’s shoulders. And yet, we don’t have to be Lone Rangers. In fact, if you think about it, the Lone Ranger wasn't alone! He had Tonto. And a whole network of sheriffs and people that he’d helped, all of whom supported and were rooting for him.

Anyone …

Read moreYour Writing Team
Category: Career, Communication, Craft, Creativity, Karen, Writing CraftTag: Career

The Oddest Profession

By Karen Ballon October 16, 2013
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Guest blog by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Writing is the oddest profession in the universe. Why? Because whether or not I get to keep doing it (in the traditional, royalty-paying part of the world I inhabit) has nothing to do with whether or not I’m good at it. Why? Because the one thing that reigns over my career is sales numbers, and I can’t affect sales enough to impress publishers (i.e., by …

Read moreThe Oddest Profession
Category: Book Business, Career, Guest Post, KarenTag: Book Business, Career, Stephanie Grace Whitson
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