Before 2010 ended, God whispered 2011 would be the Year of Hope for my family and me. After praying about it, I felt God confirming my focus on hope, but as the New Year dawned, He shared another word — surrender.
Surrendering is kind of tough for a control freak like me. I need the security of knowing what’s going to happen from day to day — but things don’t always work out that way.
During a recent Monday Night Chat, I felt convicted to give up some of the responsibilities on my overflowing plate. I prayed over my schedule and released several obligations with peace, knowing I was doing God’s will for my life.
Two days after surrendering my schedule and clearing some things off my plate, God threw open a door that changed my life forever.
At 3 p.m. on January 7, my wonderful agent Rachelle Gardner called and said, “Hi, Lisa. Today is your day.” My dream of becoming a published author had finally come true. My debut novel, Lakeside Reunion, will be published by Love Inspired and released November 2011.
This incredible experience wouldn’t have happened without another word — believe.
When we believe in God’s promises, believe in ourselves and believe in the power of our dreams, we will be amazed by the abundance of blessings that come our way.
For 2011, Believe will be the theme for the Voices e-zine. We are going from four issues to six. My Book Therapy (MBT) is growing at an amazing rate, which can only be attributed to God’s unfailing grace. Other new opportunities will be presented as the year progresses. Stay tuned!
This terrific e-zine would not have happened without the help of the exceptional staff and supplemental writers. So allow me to close by thanking those involved in putting this e-zine together:
- Book Therapists, Susan May Warren and Rachel Hauck.
- Voices Staff:
- Jennie Atkins, editorial assistant, Let’s Shout it Out coordinator.
- Reba J. Hoffman, prayer coordinator.
- Beth K. Vogt, copy editor.
- Amy Lindberg, assistant copy editor, Flash Fiction coordinator.
- Edie Melson, assistant copy editor.
- Roxanne Sherwood, assistant copy editor.
- Vicki McCollumn, assistant copy editor.
- Carrie Fancett Pagels, Journey With the Voices coordinator, Upcoming Releases coordinator.
- Patricia Woodside, Ask the Therapist coordinator.
- Melissa Tagg, What’s Your Story? coordinator.
- Teri Dawn Smith, Consulting with the Specialists coordinator.
Guest Writers:
- Edie Melson, “Tag, You’re It.”
- Roxanne Sherwood, “Careers for Your Characters”
- Carrie Fancett Pagels, “Targeting Houses”
- Patricia Woodside, “Enjoy the Journey”
My Book Therapy (MBT) has over 800 members and grows daily. Members receive an abundance of resources to help them further their craft. Here’s a glimpse:
- My Book Therapy Blog –Topics covered include On the Edge — Suspense and Special Teams Blogs: editing, marketing and social networking.
- Club Voices – Forums where you can ask questions and learn from other Voices.
- Monday Night Chats – Free workshops! Suz and Rachel share their wisdom of story crafting. Chat transcripts are added to the forum for those who missed the chats.
- Voices E-zine – For the Voices by the Voices. Your place to share your writing and to build your platform.
- Storycrafting Retreats – An incredible experience where you will learn to take your writing to the next level.
- The Frasier Writing Contest – Personalized feedback and fantastic prizes to continue to help writers hone their story crafting skills.
- Annual MBT Pizza Party — A not-to-be-missed annual event at the ACFW conference.
- Personalize your own Club Voices page with a blog, comment wall and photos.
Whether you’re a new writer learning the basics or an established, published author, get involved and meet others who are finding their way in the writing world too. At MBT, you are not alone in your journey. Be part of the writing community where Every Voice Counts!
Your Voices Editor-in-Chief,
Lisa Jordan
