Thursday, April 19, 2012

Meeting Beverly Lewis

Tonight I met Beverly Lewis, one of the biggest names in Christian Fiction today.

Beverly was warm hearted and soft spoken as she shared her passion for writing, music and her family. Her current book, The Fiddler, combines all three of those passions. I can't wait to read it!

When she spoke about her writing, my heart was tugged and I found myself close to tears. I love hearing authors talk, whether in person or online, and hear them echo the same words that are in my heart. Before I started pursuing this dream, I had never met anyone else who I could relate to on such a heart level. Now I realize I am not alone on this journey. There are countless others who have the same calling on their life. It encourages me to keep looking for connections and to build relationships with other authors.

After she spoke about her work she opened up for questions. I sat there wondering what I could ask. I have a thousand questions burning in my mind, but I know I can only ask one. Which one is more important than the others? So I raised my hand and simply asked: "What is your best advice for an aspiring author?"

Beverly thought for a moment and then she gave me five tips:

1. Read and write as much as you can.
2. Join a critique group.
3. Attend a conference, meet editors and find out what they are looking for.
4. Write from the heart.
5. Spend a great deal of time in prayer.

When she mentioned prayer, it struck a cord with me. I can never attempt to follow a calling on my life if I don't first bathe it in prayer. Writing a book is not for the faint of heart, nor should it be taken lightly. Words are powerful tools and should be chosen with great care. This is a piece of advice I will always remember.

I was one of four people whose names were drawn to win a free book! I won the first book in Annie's People Series and I had Beverly sign it for me. When it was my turn in line she asked me about my writing and I became star struck! I couldn't believe it. I was nervous to talk with her face to face. I haven't been that nervous since speech class in high school! :) I did manage to choke out a reply and she smiled and asked my name so she could sign my book. She said she loved my name and it will be perfect on the cover of a book.

Tonight was more than I expected. I'm so happy I was able to meet Beverly Lewis and get a glimpse into her life and her writing. She is a sweet woman who has used her gift to bless thousands of people throughout the world. Amazing. It was an experience I will never forget.

10 comments:

  1. SOOOOO glad you got to go - sounds like a perfectly wonderful experience with a truly classy lady - good advice too :) Keep going friend!!!

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    1. Thanks, Beka! I am very happy I went. I enjoyed every second of it!

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  2. I had a similar experience meeting Jan Karon. When I couldn't work up the nerve to talk to cute boys in high school, who knew I'd be similarly weak-kneed and tongue-tied by really amazing Christian writers? Jan Karon also admonished writers to pray. Something I'm afraid I don't do nearly enough of!

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    1. I wasn't expecting the nerves! They took me by surprise and I've found those are the worst kind to have. :) It made me wonder how I'll react when I have to talk to an agent or editor face to face. Eek. It does feel like talking to a cute boy in high school again. *Sigh* I thought I was past that...

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  3. Ooh, how fun! Beverly Lewis is a true pioneer in Christian fiction!

    I know exactly what you mean about realizing you're not alone on your writing journey. I went to my first writing retreat a couple years ago and I'm not kidding, I sat in my chair fighting tears because of how amazing it felt to be surrounded by people who seemed to share my story-loving heart. :)

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    1. My first glimpse into another writer's heart was in January when I found Laura Frantz blog. I had just read "The Colonel's Lady" and her beautiful book encouraged me to get serious about writing again. I went back to the beginning of her blog (the day after she signed her first contract!) and I saw her heart. I sat there and cried for a long time because I realized I wasn't alone - I could have written those words. Now that I've found all of you, I'm even more blessed and looking forward to going to a retreat and one day a conference so I can meet other writers face to face (hopefully I won't choke up like I did meeting Beverly Lewis!).

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  4. Oh Gabrielle, I love hearing about your meeting with Beverly Lewis. That is so cool.

    I know what you mean about finding people who share the same passion and love of writing. It is an amazing thing to find a tribe of people who get you and encourage you along the way. I recently became a team member at MBT and am hoping to really get some help on this writing journey!

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    1. I recently became a member of MBT and ACFW. I am an extrovert and I learn best when I am engaging others in conversation. I have been so blessed by this community of writers and their willingness to come alongside each other. I'm excited to dig deeper into MBT and ACFW. I heard from Melissa Tagg that there is a MBT retreat in Minnesota in October that is only an hour and a half drive for me!!! I am counting down the days...

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  5. Gabe! You beat me to the comment, I was going to comment on here this morning! Thanks for sharing your wisdom - you are a beautiful writer and I am inspired! Can't wait to read a book written by you some day!

    - Rachel

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