First I would have to list my “Book Group,” consisting of: Anne Richards, Karen Pressley, Sandy Simpson, Barbara Reed, Laurence Stacey. Each of us are working on a book project, and since our first meeting, two of us have agents in place to pursue publication of our work. We get together once a month to workshop one members most recent work toward their book project, and the feedback is remarkable. This group is also a key to my success in that it pushes me to get my writing done and not slack off, so that I’m ready when it is my turn. We just met on Saturday, though a few were unable to make it, and the advice for my latest chapter was spot on. I’m so grateful for them and it is bi
rthed out of my time at KSU.
The next on the list is my client, Terri Blackstock. (pictured) She is an author and when I first started my Master’s degree at KSU she was so encouraging about my stepping from the PR world into the writing world. She loved my book concept and has continued to ask about how my writing is going. I’m also currently representing her for her latest project and the last book we did together we were able to turn into her first New York Times best seller. Terri is the one who gave me the incredible advice years ago when we first worked together: “Don’t get it right, get it written.” I live by those words.
Finally, Wes Yoder, is my friend, mentor, former boss, and now my literary agent. Wes and I go way back in my career and he and I have always had a dream of writing books. We made that dream a reality for many of our clients, but for us, it would take a bit longer. Amazingly, this fall I’ve been hired to do PR for Wes’ first book—out in October—Bond of Brothers. And as of last month, he is officially my agent and has given me some notes on fixes to my book proposal. Wes would also like another chapter (what I’m currently writing) and will begin pitching my book in the late summer/early fall to Christian publishing houses. I’m so thankful for Wes and it is exciting to move into this new element of our friendship. 
Wow, Jessica, you are on a great course with your writing career. Congratulations to you both as a writer and as a person who set her sights on something - and then proceeded in that direction. And what a great piece of advice from your client: "Don't get it right, get it written." I'm going to take that to heart immediately!!!
ReplyDeleteJessica - Like Kathleen, I love the quote, "Don't get it right, get it written." That's been a dilemma for me for a long time: I'll go back and rewrite what I've written over and over but never complete what I started. Congratulations on all your accomplishment, and I look forward to reading your book. :0)
ReplyDeleteI must say that last semester I took Dr. Dabundo's professional editing course, and a student did her semester project on your book that you're currently writing. I was very impressed with what she said about all your accomplishments and all the books you drove to New York Times bestsellers!
ReplyDeleteYou know Terri Blackstock! That's really awesome! I worked at the Family Christian Bookstore for about two and a half years, and I put many of her books onto the shelves during that time period. During my time there, I would peruse the pages, and her books sounded very interesting. That's very neat that she is one of your writing friends!
I also really liked Terri Blackstock's advice, "Don't get it right, get it written." Good stuff.
Anne Richards is one of my writing friends as well. I will write about her in my blog. I would like to get some of your marketing tips for authors. I find myself getting pulled into that with authors because I do it for my job at Georgia Writers. Maybe you have some advice that will help me help my clients. I think Terri's encouragement is invaluable. You are blessed to have such good friends in your corner.
ReplyDeleteWell, the first thing I noticed in your blog was Terri Blackstock. I was recently loaned one of her series and loved them so I think it's neat that you know her and that she's given you writing advice. You can let her know I'm a fan!
ReplyDeleteAs several other people have mentioned, I love the advice she gave you. That's something I'm working on because, in the past, it has been a stumbling block for me. I also love the idea behind your writing group. I can see the value of having a set time and place to workshop your book (outside of a classroom).
Good luck with your book - it sounds like you have everything in place for success.
Great advice!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you all so much! I am humbled. And yes, Terri is just so lovely and such a fun person to connect with on writing.
ReplyDeleteI'm beyond excited about my book potential. I can't wait to see how it all comes together, but it still just feels so weird to say I'm a writer. I said that to my husband this week and actually sounded official. Then I laughed hysterically, but he reminded me it was true. He also reminded me that I made a grievous error in not listing HIM as one of my most important writing friends. So I'm now officially saying that HE is the No.1. :-) Mission accomplished. Seriously, he is amazing. His legal mind and logical thought processes do keep my work on track. I'm blessed all around.
PS--Lisa, yes, happy to help in any way I can.
ReplyDeleteJessica, we all just understood that your husband was your best writing friend. If you had spelled it out, it would have been redundant.
ReplyDeleteYeay, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to know you as a friend and as a writer. I like that, "Don't get it right, get it written." Very relieving advice!
Barbara