Tuesday, March 5, 2013

One Year Blog-iversary!

The one year anniversary of my blog came and went while I was at the Deep Thinkers Retreat on February 21st, but I didn't want it to pass by without celebrating at least a little! And what better day to celebrate than on my "Way Back When-sday" post!

Without further ado, here are the top five highlights from the first year of blogging (and pursing my dream for publication):

1. Making New Friends - Without a doubt in my mind, the best part of blogging is making friendships. In one year I've added over a hundred new Facebook friends, many of which I've met through my blog, or theirs. When I started this journey, I started it on my own, not knowing what wonderful people I would discover. To my complete surprise, and delight, I was quickly joined by many other amazing writers who are all seeking the same thing I am: to glorify God with our words. One of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes is: “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one.'”

Just a handful of the amazing women I've met this year!
2. Learning the Craft of Writing - I cannot believe how much I've learned about writing in the past year. It's mind-boggling! I chuckle at myself when I think about that first rough draft I completed a year ago. *shaking my head* But we must all start somewhere, and it's usually at the beginning. I'm so grateful for the countless people who have shared their wisdom and expertise with me, through books, blogs, seminars, retreats, conferences and in person. The Christian writing community is amazing!

3. Making Industry Connections - This one coincides with number one, but it goes beyond just making friendships. I've discovered the priceless gift of industry connections this past year. The old saying: "It isn't what you know, but who you know" may not be completely true in the publishing world (it doesn't matter how many people you know, if your writing stinks it's all for not), but it really does go a long way in this industry if you have friends who can refer you to agents and editors, offer pitch sessions at conferences (thank you Melissa and Lindsay!) and introduce you to writing veterans who offer wisdom and point you in the right direction.

With Melissa and Lindsay at ACFW!!
4. Getting Plugged Into My Book Therapy - I can't stress how important it has been for me to get plugged into a community of writing experts. My Book Therapy has offered resources, teaching, accountability and friendship. The writing retreats, seminars, blog posts, online classes and personal coaching from Susan May Warren has propelled my writing like nothing else this past year. I'm so grateful to Susie, Rachel Hauck, Beth Vogt, Melissa Tagg, Alena Tauriainen, Michelle Lim and all the other staff members of MBT. It's an amazing group of women and I feel honored to be among their friends.
Storycrafter's Retreat in October 2012
Deep Thinker's Retreat in February 2013
5. Following My Dream - If this past year has taught me anything, it's the value in following a dream. I fully believe God has given each of us creative gifts to share with the world. It might be as simple as making a meal for my family, or as complex as writing a 100,000 word novel - whatever I've been gifted with, I'm invited to share it with the people God has placed in my path. I pray that I can use this gift to glorify God in all that I do and I can please Him with my humble offering.
 

I wish all of you knew how much I appreciate your eagerness to come along on this journey with me. I've been encouraged by your emails, comments (in writing and in person) and your joy when you talk to me about this dream. I hope I've inspired you to seek your own dreams and to run after the desires of your heart. I can't wait to see what God has planned for this year!

What about you? What are some of the highlights from your past year?

27 comments:

  1. Happy Blogoversary, Gabrielle. One of my highlights from the past year was meeting you online and then in person at the ACFW conference.

    I wish you all the best in the year ahead.

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    1. Thank you, Keli! You were one of the first writers I met online and it was through your blog that I found so many others. Hoping 2013 is a stellar year for you!

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    1. Thank you, Julie! I don't think I have any with you. Hopefully next time we're together we can get one.

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  3. Happy blogoversary! Can't wait to see what the next year will bring.

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    1. Thank you, Sarah! The same to you. :) It's already shaping up to be a great year for you!!

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  4. Celebrating with you -- and celebrating you, Gabe!!

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    1. Thank you, Beth! You've been a wonderful encouragement to me this past year. Praying for all that's ahead for you with the release of your next book.

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  5. Yay!! I feel honored and privileged to be in every single one of those photos. So happy to walk this writing road with you, friend! Happy anniversary. ;)

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    1. I didn't even realize that, Lindsay!! Goes to show how important you've been on my journey this year. :) Thank you for your friendship and encouragement. I am looking forward to making many more memories with you in 2013!

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  6. Yay, happy anniversary! Thanks for the shout-out...and like Linz said, I'm so ridiculously happy to be walking the writing road with you.

    To answer your question about my highlights of the past year, well, I'm guessing that's fairly obvious. The agent thing, the book deal. But even if none of that had happened, 2012 would've been one of my favorite years ever solely because of the amazing friendships formed--you, Linz, so many others. :)

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    1. Melissa, I'm crazy-excited for your upcoming year! And I'm thanking God that He entwined our paths on this writing road. Your friendship has meant a lot to me this past year, and like I told Lindsay, I'm looking forward to all the memories we'll make in 2013!!

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  7. Happy Anniversary! Amazing! I'm cheering with and for you, Gabe!

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    1. Thank you, Jessica!! You are such a delight and inspiration to me. I'm so thankful for your friendship and humor - you always make me smile. :) Can you see yourself in that group photo above?!?!

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  8. Happy Blog-iversary, Gabe! I've got my poms poms going full blast for you!

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    1. Thanks, Donna! You've been such a blessing and encouragement to me this year!!

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  9. Gabrielle - I can't believe it's been a whole year since you started on this leg of your journey. Your journey began one beautiful spring day in my arms. I was at your side then and I still am - in heart. You are wonderfully gifted in beauty, thought, action, grace and spirit. God has a deep and unshakable purpose in the gift that He has given you. Run to Him, embrace Him and He will shower you with all that He has planned for you – believe!

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    1. Mom...each time I re-read your words I cry all over again. None of this would be possible without you. You, more than anyone, have taught me how to believe - and it's a priceless gift. I hope I can teach my own children how important it is to believe in God, in dreams and in the strength God has placed in each of us to accomplish His will. This past year you've stepped up to help in every way I've asked, to help with my children, read my story, pray for me and listen as I pour out my heart. You've been my biggest fan and cheerleader since I can remember. God knew what He was doing when He gave me to you. Thank you - for everything.

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  10. Congratulations! A year is a big deal.

    I've written a few more books, gotten a job, watched my kiddos grow, and have learned a ton about myself and what I stand for.
    ~ Wendy

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    1. Wendy, you're an inspiration to me! I can't wait to read your books. Praying big things for you in 2013!!

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  11. Happy Anniversai..holy cow I was spelling it in French!
    Well, all right then...Bonne Anniversaire!!
    I can't remember when I started reading your blog, but I know you influenced me HUGELY!!!
    You are such a ray of sunshine.

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer! You're a ray of sunshine in my life, too.

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  12. Congrats, Gabrielle! I remember when you started visiting my blog--I had just switched from my old blogspot to my new one--was that last year too? Who knows when my blogoversary is! But I agree--friendships in the CBA community are so tight. We are all rooting for each other and helping each other grow as writers. Many blessings on you and this blog!

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