Don’t Give Up in Transition
By Jennifer Hallmark
In transition can be the most difficult
place to find yourself. Stuck between who you are and who
When Lisa asked me to guest on her blog, I
told her I haven’t published my own book. I’ve taken part in several
compilations by adding chapters or essays and those are wonderful. But no book
of my own. Yet.
I’m close. It’s almost within my grasp.
One agent called me a developing writer. An editor liked my voice. A publisher
said I was highly unusual. I took it as a compliment.
While I wait, in transition, I keep my
focus forward. If you are in a similar place, take heart. Here are seven ways I
keep myself motivated…
(1)
Blog consistently. I’m part of two blogs and try
never to miss a post date.
(2)
Write for others. I’ve taken part in four
different book compilations, sold short stories to magazines, and wrote guest
posts for a ton of blogs.
(3)
Write and edit my WIPs. (works in progress) I’m
polishing my two complete novels and working on book two for both series.
(4)
Continue to add friends to social media and my
email newsletter. My emphasis is on forming relationships more than just adding
numbers.
(5)
Take time to daydream and ponder for future
WIPs. If I get a good idea, I put it in a folder for later.
(6)
Read. I average one to two books a week. All
types of fiction and non-fiction.
(7)
Study craft. I’m constantly reading craft books,
listening to podcasts, and studying ways to become a better writer. Since I
only had one year of college, I’m making up for what I’ve missed.
For ten years, I’ve tried to be consistent
and continue to learn. I love what I do. Some asked me why I haven’t indie
published. Simple. At the beginning of my journey, God laid it on my heart to
follow the traditional road to publishing. (Good thing He didn’t tell me how
long it would take) I haven’t heard anything different, so I just keep plugging
away. If you are in transition, like me, don’t give up.
“Let
us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
You’ll be glad you didn’t.
Now it’s your
turn.
What other activities beside the ones I named help you during times of
transition?
What makes transition harder?
Jennifer
Hallmark is a writer of Southern fiction and fantasy; a combination that
keeps the creative juices flowing. She’s published over 200 articles and
interviews on the internet, short stories in several magazines, and been part
of four book compilations: A Dozen Apologies, Sweet Freedom A La Mode, Unlikely Merger, and Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for Those
Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage.
When she's not working in the garden or
keeping the grandkids, you can find her at:
For the first time, all four stories are offered in this boxed set. And
for the first time, they're all offered in a single print volume.
A Dozen Apologies: Mara Adkins, a promising fashion designer,
has fallen off the ladder of success, and she can’t seem to get up. In college, Mara and her sorority sisters
played an ugly game, and Mara was usually the winner. She’d date men she
considered geeks, win their confidence, and then she’d dump them publicly. Now,
Mara stumbles, bumbles, and humbles her way toward employment and toward
possible reconciliation with the twelve men she humiliated.
The Love Boat Bachelor: What’s a sworn bachelor to do on a
Caribbean cruise full of romance and love? Brent will either have to jump ship
or embrace the unforgettable romantic comedy headed his way.
Unlikely Merger: If
her best friend has her way, Mercy will simply marry one of the single,
available men she meets, but they overwhelm her. So handsome and kind. And so
many. Even if she felt obliged, how could she ever choose?
The Christmas Tree Treasure Hunt: Grace takes delivery of a package and her
life is turned upside down by nine sealed mystery envelopes from her late
grandmother. Grammie’s instructions require Grace to take the journey of her
lifetime, not only to far off places, but also into the deepest parts of her
heart. As she follows the trail laid out for her and uncovers her family’s
darkest secrets, Grace is forced to confront the loss and betrayal that has
scarred her past and seek the greatest Christmas Treasure of all.
