What I know about my Dad

Dads are different from normal human beings. There is no weakness inside of them. Their innermost being consists of iron and grit. They are hard, firm when the need arises, and they come equipped with a ‘Daddy’ voice that instantly instills fear, respect, obedience. . .but mostly fear.

Dads are hard workers. Their shoulders are broad, designed to carry the burdens of their obligations with ease. They rarely cry, for most of the moisture from their body is poured out in sweat. When they hurt, they lash out in anger. When their family hurts, it’s even worse.

Somehow, dads have managed to compress their brains, like a zip drive. Inside, they carry the wisdom of the universe, yet sometimes, their word processor fails and they are unable to communicate what is in their hearts.

Like the rest of their body, their hands are roughened by work and built to handle any task. Their grip is like steel, their touch hardened by callous’. Dads are big, and strong, and tough.

Except when it comes to their daughters.

When it comes to their daughters, dads are soft, pliable. Their heart is full of love, and their eyes shine with compassion. Dads are still tough when it comes to their daughters, but instead of a grip like steel, it is more like a firm hand cradling a fragile egg. Dads teach. Inspire. Instruct. They challenge their daughters to be all they can be, and they lift up, support them with their words. . .sometimes unspoken. Dads are heroes. They’re gentle giants no matter their size. They are a reflection of the Father, a symbol of His love.

Dads are different from normal human beings. They’re special. The word’s “I love you,” seem so inadequate, and yet we don’t tell them enough.

Dad, I love you. May your day be blessed.

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Living With Rejection

Three down, five to go. Proposals that is. I've heard back from three of the eight agents I submitted proposals to, all rejections.

Sigh.

Being a writer means living with rejection. Lots of if. Thankfully, I've discovered a bit of wisdom that helps me to live with it.

Put on your big girl panties and deal with it!

Not every editor, agent, publisher is going to be foaming at the mouth, waiting to snatch up my book because they are certain it'll be the next big story.

There is that one, however, who believes in my work and can't wait to sign me so he or she can start helping me accomplish my dream. I just have to find them. That's why I'm adding to my list of potential agents and preparing query letters and proposals as I speak...er, type. The list is growing! Anything to help better my odds, right?

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The Hit List

It all started one dark and stormy night. Well, not really. But it sounded good, and it went with the title.

Actually, it all started with a LOT of research. I booted up my computer, dusted off my keyboard, and went to work researching agents. Here’s what I found:

Many CBA agents can be found just by Googling them, but who has the time? This website in particular proved invaluable for listing agents, their submission guidelines, and contact info:

http://www.christianwritersinfo.net/tips7.htm

And just in case you need a more definitive list, I’m including the agents I have submitted to, along with a link to their submission guidelines. Enjoy, and happy researching!

Beth Jusino, Alive Communications

Chip MacGregor, MacGregor Literary Agency

Deidre Knight, The Knight Agency

Janet Kobobel Grant, Books and Such

Janet Benrey, Benrey Literary Agency

John Eames, Eames Literary Agency

Natasha Kern, Natasha Kern Literary Agency

Wendy Lawton, Books and Such

Also, since part of pitching to an agent means preparing a top notch proposal, I’m attaching a copy of mine. Hope it helps.

Book Proposal

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