Holly Mueller is the hostess of this beautiful blog journey. Be sure to visit her site to read more inspirational posts.
We have been exploring different words chosen by our blogging community. Greg’s one little word is Dive.
I am a wimp. I don’t take risks easily. Diving off the high diving board when I was a swimmer was the ultimate test of bravery, and I didn’t pass. I think I have gotten braver, but I am still one who tests the waters with her big toe and slips in gradually. Diving is very scary to me.
Blogging is entering into the publishing waters gradually. I feel safe here in this space with only a few people reading my musings. I guess you could say I dove in with Blessen, my first middle grade novel. But it took me three years to write. The diving came about when I decided to go the route of self-publishing. Now I am about to finish the sequel (another 3 years in the making), and I want to dive in to the traditional publishing world. This is so scary.
First I renewed my membership in SCBWI. That was easy enough. Then I registered for the Houston conference in April. While registering, I signed up for a manuscript critique with an editor. Hold on, what did you say? I looked at the requirements for the submission. I froze at the cover letter. That’s when I opened up my safe Reflections on the Teche tab and started writing about the word Dive. Am I ready to dive in? What’s the worst that can happen, really? I need to hold my nose and jump in. I’m not sure what will be waiting in the water. Was it Eleanor Roosevelt who said, “Do one thing that scares you every day?”
That is why I need God. I know that I am always loved, no matter what. There is no failure in God’s eyes. There is only courage and hope wrapped up in love.
I enter the church on Ash Wednesday, and I walk to the alter for ashes. I hear the words, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” The smudge of dust is placed on my forehead. I return to my work with a renewed heart, ready to dive, ready to pursue a dream, ready to be made new.
A Valentine’s Day gift from a student.
Reflections on the Teche 
Margaret, first of all publishing your own book is a dive into the unknown and I am in awe of that accomplishment. I started Blessen and find the character fascinating and so real. If I could get the time I would be further along but I will finish the book and give your feedback. I too am not an adventurous soul so the word dive is one that I can only virtually perceive. May this Lenten voyage allow us to dive deeply into our faith.
What an exciting time for you! And I just have a hard seeing you as a wimp. You have accomplished so much and I am honored to “know” you and share writing with you. As I wrote in my SOL post, you are part of that bean field and I am so thankful. Good luck with your editor meeting!
The Ash Wed. “dust to dust” sentiment gives perspective to taking risks, though, doesn’t it?! We only have this, as Mary Oliver coined, “one wild and precious life” on this earth, and we might as well take chances. If we don’t DIVE in, we are missing it. DIVE into professionally publishing your beautiful books! What an exciting endeavor!
It must have disappeared into cyberspace!
Sharing your words, words given to you to make an impact, is one of the most important things you can do. I’m so excited to see what comes of your meeting.
I can so identify with these words in your post: “I am still one who tests the waters with her big toe and slips in gradually. Diving is very scary to me.” This is the reason I chose stretch as my OLW. I need to grow slowly. Congrats on taking the plunge for the next steps with your book. You are definitely diving in!
Diving into the publishing world feels like a different universe altogether! You are a brave woman! You are also a wise woman who knows that her worth is not just in the words that will be published, but always being loved by the greatest Father of all. Looking forward to reading more about your journey of publishing your next book!