Dear Reader,
A little over two years ago, Keven Newsome asked me to join The New Authors Fellowship joint blog for unpublished writers by unpublished writers. It was a crazy idea he had that if some of us joined forces, we could attract more attention as a group. Novel concept (pun intended) considering most of us had not blogged much or having 20 hits a day was enough to make those that had jump up and do a happy dance. I accepted because it sure was nice to be surrounded by others that knew what I was going through.
Most of us had just come off crazy months of laughing, waiting, crying, waiting, and yes, more waiting during Marcher Lord Premise Contest. 2010 rang in and I was one of three co-winners. In my head, I will now admit, I thought I had a NY Times best seller on my hands. My husband Quinton could quit his job and we would live off the royalty checks as they rolled in, and Hollywood would be calling any day to make a movie deal, right?
As the days passed and the phone stayed silent, the ringing ego in my ears stopped, and I started listening to what other writers said around the web. I must admit I was shocked. Surely I had happened along a small group of cynics. What the heck was everyone talking about? Writers make little to no money? Pfft! I was shocked so much that I was silent about it(not an easy task), and good thing too. Bad enough to pull my foot from my mouth when no one is looking. It would have been horrifying to do so in the public eye. I think I still burp the taste of toe-jam from time to time. I was that wrong. I was that green.
Reality finally came crashing down upon me like a hundred anvils, and who was there for me to sob to?
You…and you…especially you in the corner…and you with the cape…you with the tin-foil hat on…and you with the helmet and bib.
Each of you wrapped me in a geeky-like-me, heart-felt embrace and allowed me to vent and rant and cry and laugh. You all allowed me to heal from pain life dealt and grow from green to Vaulter.
After today’s post I will have just one more as Featured Author here at NAF. I’ve decided today will be my last sobbing post. Today, I will rip my heart open one last time. I’ll always be in the lines of NAF, hiding in the words, stalking the stats. But more importantly, NAF will always run through me. It will always be the place God sent me to grow and to have fellowship.
And for that, I post my favorite flowers. Something beautiful to show you all how very much I love you. If I could send you all a bouquet personally I would. These last few weeks have been somewhat bitter-sweet.
Excuse me. There seems to be something in my eyes and something else clogging my throat. And if I’m honest, something is wrenching my guts also. Please forgive me.
I do believe that I am exactly where I need to be, even if that means I will not be here each week. The time spent here at NAF has been some of the best this life has offered and I know that is no accident. God surely has and will continue to bless this fellowship. Thank you all for allowing me to be part of that.
Love,
Di
P.S. Proof of God’s blessing upon us.
- NAF has seen 6 signed book contracts in two years and 1 agent contract.
- Our readers have blessed us with nearly 110,000 views.
- There have been 755 posts and around 7300 comments.
Peace, love, and God’s will.
The New Authors Fellowship 
Beautifully expressed, Princess. (((((Diane))))) 🙂
Thank you, my Silly Girl. 😀
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
My favorite thing to quote when something changes in someone’s life.
We’re all on a journey, and though we may stop at a place that we love for a while, we must eventually move on. As a wise person once said, “The road goes ever ever on.”
Enjoy the journey to the next stage.
Thank you, Kaleb. You are dear to us.
You’re welcome.
I’d like to echo what Kaleb said, mainly b/c you already have me so choked up. You have been a blessing in my life, Di, both when it comes to our writing journey, but also in that little thing called life. You are a treasure to behold and I am blessed to call you friend. As life moves you forward, may you embrace all that God has to offer. *hugs*
Thank you, Fire Fly. xxooxx
The NAF was a waypoint on your writer’s sojourn. The friendships forged over these brief years will never die.
Thank you, Frank. I agree. 😀
My Dearest youngest daughter,
You are not truly leaving. You shall always be an echo in the chambers of your friends hearts and minds. You are a jewel who burns it’s presence into one’s life and soul. from the moment you enter. You definitely shall not be forgotten.
I love you, Momma. Thank you for always being here for me.
Onward and upward!
Ah, thank you, Kerry. 😀