Tonya Kuper had this great idea of creating a Blog Hop with the authors at The Seymour Agency to share how each of us received our call from either Mary Sue Seymour or Nichole Resciniti for representation. Click on the telephone and scroll down for a link to learn how my fellow agency mates received their call.
I’m giving away two $10 Amazon gift cards. Just leave a comment to be entered. Sign up for my blog, tweet about this post or post on your FaceBook page for additional chances. Just be sure to let me know in your comment along with your email address so I can contact you.
The contest ends Monday evening and the winner will be announced Tuesday, January 15th.
Before the Call…
I started out writing short stories. Actually Woman’s World bought the very first story I ever wrote, a 2,000-word mini-mystery.Then they bought two more, and each time the word count got smaller. Short stories will really teach you how to make every word count. Blood Kin was the last one and the shortest at 1000 words, but the most fun to write.
In 2001, I took a ten year break from fiction to work with kids in the Abstinence Program in Mississippi. I loved that job, but I missed my fiction! So, in 2008 I began working on Shadows of the Past. That year it won the Maggie in the Unpublished Inspirational category. That’s also when I met Mary Sue for the first time. She requested the full manuscript at Moonlight and Magnolias, the Georgia RWA conference in Atlanta.
My only problem? It wasn’t finished. And wouldn’t be until 2012. Slow writer. Although I have gotten faster.
Every time I went to a conference, I would run into Mary Sue, and she’d say, “Send me that manuscript.” And I would go home, fulling intending to send it…as soon as I finished it. The book went through 4 years of revisions. Finally in March of last year, I mailed her the completed manuscript, and in July she emailed me, offering representation.
My feet didn’t hit the floor for two weeks. Here’s a photo of me filling out the contract. 
After The Call:
Since signing with Mary Sue, I’ve landed a three-book deal with Revell. The first book, Shadows of the Past, will debut in February 2014. The second, Shadows of Love, will come out in September, 2014, and the third in July of 2015. It’s an exciting journey, one that God called me to. And, getting to know Mary Sue has been a wonderful experience. Her kindness and encouragement have been such a blessing.
One last thing I’d like to say. Whenever I prayed about getting an agent, God always brought Mary Sue to my mind, so I wasn’t totally surprised when she offered me a contract.
If you want to write a book, keep in mind that it’s your job to write. God will bring His plan for you to pass. And remember publishing is a slow process. In fact, my tag line is: I asked God to teach me patience, and He gave me a book to write. Just don’t give up.
Be sure and leave a comment to be entered. And you’ll receive additional entries for each link to this blog–tweeting and/or posting on FB and/or if you subscribe to my blog. If you’re already subscribed, just mention it in your comment. Hope you found my story interesting.
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Comments 35
You had shorts pubbed in Women’s World? That’s awesome! And I LOVE how you kept running into Mary Sue. And your words to other writers are so encouraging! I’m go glad to get to know you as an agency sibling. : )
Author
Hi, Tonya! This blog hop was a great idea. Thank you for you warm words!
I’m delighted to be subscribed to your blog and love this encouraging story. I’m just about ready for an agent and would love to follow in your good footsteps! Thanks for this encouraging post.
Author
Yes, Dee…you are ready! And thanks for subscribing.
Subscribed and anxious to read Shadows of the Past, Pat. Maybe slow, but the hare didn’t win the race, I believe. Love ya, Cheryl
Author
Thanks, Cheryl. I keep telling myself that slower is better. lol
Yes, my favorite part of the story is how you kept crossing paths with Mary Sue. Someone was trying to tell you something!
Author
I think so, Kate. Isn’t it great being part of the Seymour Agency!
Thank you for the encouragement. God keeps bringing me back to MS too. Prayerfully, one day she’ll love my work enough to sign me.
Author
Just keep learning the craft (I learned so much through My Book Therapy-http://www.mybooktherapy.com/) and Don’t.Give.Up! Thanks for stopping by Christina.
Really great post, Pat. It’s so fun to read about your story–God has such awesome timing. And I’m so, so happy for you. I can’t wait to read your books!!
Author
And I can’t wait to read yours, Melissa. It’ll be out before mine!
Pat,
Loved reading your story, Pat! Mary Sue is the best! I’m with Kate on this one – Funny how you kept crossing paths with Mary Sue. Definitely a divine connection going on. Congrats on your book contract!
Author
Yes, definitely a divine connection! God has reaffirmed that time and again. Loved reading how you got “the call”.
How exciting! I’m in the process of editing a story for Mary Sue. I’m hoping for a similar call/email in my future. 🙂
Author
I’m so excited for you. Praying blessings on your writing. Thanks for stopping by.
Clearly you and Mary Sue were meant to be! Great story… thanks so much for sharing it with us!
Author
I agree, Jen! Thanks for stopping by. And I hope I win Dead, Without A Stone To Tell It over on your blog: http://www.jenjdanna.com/
I remember Blood Kin, it was a really good short story. Your story shows how patience does pay off in a BIG WAY. I hope my patience pays off as well. Can’t wait to read the final edition of Shadows of the Past. I have read one edition but somehow I think it is totally different now….lol
Author
Oh, Carole, you’ve certainly had enough to try your patience lately. And Yep, Shadows of the Past has changed, even the character’s names. lol
“Blood Kin” is an amazing short story! I’m so excited for you, Pat, and can’t wait to hold your book in my hands. You’ve worked so hard, and it’s great to see your patience and persistence and talent being rewarded. Congrats! (Tweeted!)
Author
I’m glad you liked Blood Kin. I had the most fun writing it. You know, you can work out a lot of frustration with writing. lol And thanks for the encouragement. I know Where Treasure Hides is going to be a big hit! For everyone else, be sure and check Johnnie’s out debut book! It is so good!
Congrats on getting your prayers answered!
Author
Thanks, Patricia! And thanks for stopping by.
Pat, that was the most encouraging thing I have read in a while, and I suspect you know why. I’m just praying it doesn’t take me four years to complete my manuscript. 🙂
Pat, this post was really encouraging–especially hearing how she remained interested even after all that time had passed. I am close to finishing my first novel, which my dream agent asked for at the 2012 ACFW conference. (I specifically told her I wasn’t pitching because it wasn’t ready, but she asked to read the first few pages and then told me she wanted to see it when it was finished. I almost fell out of the chair.) And here I’ve been feeling bad because it’s been almost 4 months!!
Thanks for sharing this.
Laura
Author
Laura, from late September to now is not a long time in the publishing world. Several publishers requested my complete manuscript at the 2010 conference. I returned home, knowing Shadows of the Past was no where ready(it wasn’t even finished!), and emailed each editor and explained that I’d learned a lot at the conference and wanted to work on my ms. Each editor replied back they’d rather have a good manuscript than a hurried one. (paraphrasing here) Did you know close to 90% of authors never follow up on their requests from editors and agents? so get that baby finished and off! And thanks for stopping by.
Author
Renee, I’m so glad this post encouraged you. You are a great writer…so just do what you are called to do!
Hi, Pat! I actually love stories about author’s call and their journeys. I love seeing God work through peoples lives. Thank you for sharing and being an encouragement.
Author
Thank you, Tanya! So glad you stopped by.
Great story, and this blog hop was a really fun way to share. Enjoyed it.
Author
So glad you enjoyed it, Erynn! Stop by again. Next week I’ll be hosting Johnnie Alexander Donley.
Hi, this is Stephanie L. Robertson. Thanks for the encouragement!
Author
I’m glad I could encourage you, Stephanie. Thanks for stopping by!
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