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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 » Personal » Page 20

Personal

What Is Your Legacy?

By Karen Ballon October 31, 2012
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It was one of my first writers’ conferences, some 25 years ago. I knew what being there meant: that my job was to meet the needs of the writers who were attending. To help them on their journey, to give them what encouragement and counsel I could.

But on the first day there, I was approached by a slight woman whose halo of white hair framed a face that seemed wreathed in a perpetual, gentle smile. The crinkles at the corners of her eyes testified to years of laughter and delight. Her voice held the same grace and kindness as her smile, and when she asked me about myself, it was clear she really wanted to know. About me. Not what I could do for her. Not if I would critique her work. Not if I would acquire and publish her book.

She wanted to know about…me. My family. My passions. Even my beloved doggies. This was my introduction to the wondrous Ethel Herr. And it was the beginning of a friendship filled with laughter and thoughtful conversations about life and faith and the craft of writing. A friendship that has enriched my heart and spirit. Ethel spoke truth and wisdom to me through the years. And she listened when I really needed someone to do so. She never condemned or criticized, but oh! What a master at bringing conviction where it was needed—and doing so with a depth of love you couldn’t miss. Love for me. Love for God.

Always, always, a profound love for God.

So when I heard yesterday that Ethel passed from this world into eternity, I wept. And I smiled. Because there must be one HECK of a party going on in eternity! What but rejoicing and celebration could usher dear Ethel to the throne of the God she loved and served so very well? What but joy could accompany her as she hears the words we echo over and over: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Ethel, you left us too soon. But oh! What a legacy you’ve given. Of trusting God regardless of the circumstances. Of facing each day, no matter how difficult or painful, steeped in the surety of God’s presence. Of walking, even when you’re weary. And of looking, ever and always and only, to the One who created you for validation and approval. You lived a life that was genuine and caring. You showered us with countless blessings, just by being yourself. May we who loved you follow in your footsteps, and leave a legacy that honors the Lord you loved so dear—and that honors you.

We will miss you, dear lady. Thank you for being Christ to us. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Thank you for giving us your amazing book, An Introduction to Christian Writing. I bet you never imagined it would influence thousands of new writers, or that the Christian Writers Guild would make it one of their textbooks. But I’m not surprised. You were a phenomenal teacher, Ethel. And thank you for telling us things like:

When asked how she handled rejections:
“First I cry a bit. Then I ask God where to send it next. And I try to get it out in the mail again ASAP—preferably before I go to bed that night. I learned a little saying, `Never let the sun go down on a rejected manuscript.’ Simple. Once it’s back in the mail, it’s no longer rejected, just getting started one more time.”

“Everything we do and say must be an act of worship, done for God’s pleasure.  Some of our writing goes on to bless others as well, while some does no more than bless God and ourselves. Whatever else our actions and ministries accomplish, if they don’t please Him, they have failed.”

“Cuddle me when I tremble.
Guide me when I cannot find the way.
Chasten me with your Rod when I disobey.
Prod and correct all my erroneous wanderings.
Ever and always, gently lead me home.”

Welcome home, Ethel. Welcome home.

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Category: Karen, PersonalTag: Ethel Herr, Personal

News You Can Use – Oct. 2, 2012

By Steve Laubeon October 2, 2012
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Why is the new J.K.Rowling e-book priced at $17.99? - This brief article presents some succinct economic details to help you further understand how this industry works.

Penguin Sues Authors for Advances Paid - There are at least two sides to every story, but this appears to be a number of cases where a writer signed a contract, accepted a sizeable cash advance, and never delivered the …

Read moreNews You Can Use – Oct. 2, 2012
Category: News You Can Use, Personal, SteveTag: advances, Contracts, freelance, Laube, Trivia

Rejuvenate!

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 6, 2012
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By Tamela Hancock Murray

Of late, several popular Christian and secular bloggers have posted about unplugging for a time. I have enjoyed reading their ideas because I realize the importance of rebooting every once in awhile.

Years ago I read an article that said if being laid up with a broken ankle for six weeks sounded good to you, then you are too stressed out. At that moment, I knew I …

Read moreRejuvenate!
Category: Book Business, Career, Creativity, Personal, TamelaTag: Career, Rejuvenate

Kick Discouragement to the Curb

By Karen Ballon August 8, 2012
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I don't know about you, but I loved Steve's blog post on Monday, When the Outlook is Bleak. People out there are HURTING.

I was with a friend a few days ago, a best-selling author who was battling an especially difficult edit. Difficult because the edits weakened the book rather than strengthened it. She'd uttered a series of gut-deep sighs, read me changes that I agreed didn't make sense, and …

Read moreKick Discouragement to the Curb
Category: Encouragement, Get Published, Karen, Personal, Theology, Writing CraftTag: Discouragement, Encouragement

A Deep Appreciation

By Karen Ballon July 4, 2012
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I have a soul-deep appreciation for those in the military. My grandfather and two uncles served in the Army. My dad in the Navy. My older brother in the Marines. But even without these family ties, I would find there's just something wondrous about those who place their lives in harm's way for the rest of us. These are the warriors who have made America a land of liberty. A land based on deep …

Read moreA Deep Appreciation
Category: Karen, PersonalTag: July 4th, Personal

Are You a Storybird?

By Karen Ballon April 11, 2012
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I’m always hearing about authors who get stuck. Whose creativity has hit a wall. Who have hit a point in the story that they’ve lost interest.

Or there are the down times. When emotions have them hogtied. They’re too sad or depressed or frustrated or overwhelmed to write.

Well, I don’t have a cure for all of those things, but I do have something that can help. It’s called Storybird, and it’s …

Read moreAre You a Storybird?
Category: Craft, Creativity, Karen, Personal, Writing CraftTag: Creativity, Writing Craft

New Year’s Resolutions

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon January 5, 2012
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So many resolutions. So many possibilities. So many dashed hopes.

In the interest of avoiding disappointment, here is my list of New Year's Resolutions I am likely to keep:
1.) Watch more television.
2.) Buy more awesome clothes that go with red lipstick.
3.) Add to my collection of black pointy-toed spiked-heeled shoes.
4.) Increase my collection of black high-heeled platform shoes.
5.) …

Read moreNew Year’s Resolutions
Category: Humor, Personal, TamelaTag: Humor, Personal, Tamela

Ready, Set…WAIT!

By Karen Ballon January 4, 2012
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Ah, New Year’s. When hearts soar with best intentions and resolutions tumble around us like snow-melt waterfalls. Our hearts and minds surge with all we want to be, all we hope to accomplish, all we regret and want to change…

Okay, now, show of hands: How many of you make New Year’s Resolutions?

Again, show of hands: How many of you KEEP them??

If you were here, watching me, you’d notice …

Read moreReady, Set…WAIT!
Category: Christian, Faith, Karen, Personal, TheologyTag: Christian, Creativity, Faith, Karen, Personal, Theology

A Year to Remember

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon December 29, 2011
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Anyone following this blog or who knows me personally realizes this was a very exciting year for me on a professional level. After ten wonderful years with Hartline Literary Agency, this summer I joined The Steve Laube Agency. I am thrilled to be working with Steve as my new boss and Karen Ball as my colleague.

Although I kept the same title of literary agent and both agencies are headed by …

Read moreA Year to Remember
Category: Personal, TamelaTag: Personal, Year in Review

What A Year It’s Been…

By Karen Ballon December 28, 2011
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2011 was a year for the books. In my household alone, we saw three job losses (two for my poor hubby, one for me), all to lay-off, a new career launched, job searches (which are still going on), loss of a beloved pet, the addition of a newly beloved pet, health crises faced and survived…and the list goes on. Add to that the upheaval in the industry where I’ve worked for over 30 years, well, …

Read moreWhat A Year It’s Been…
Category: Christian, Faith, Karen, PersonalTag: Christian, Comfort, Faith
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