A Milestones Met Interview
Please share your exciting news (agent signing, book sale, etc.)!
I recently signed with Jen Babakhan of Books and Such.
How long have you been writing/pursuing an agent/publishing deal and how has the Courage to Create program/tools served you in reaching this milestone?
I started originally pursuing publication and an agent in 2005. After three or four years, I put it on hold because life was full. I came back to it in 2014, started attending conferences again in 2017, connected with The Writing Barn in 2019, and began actively querying (after querying too soon) in 2021. The Courage to Create helped me learn to tighten queries, strengthen first pages, and polish pitches. Even more, it connected me with other writers who have been a gift to me on this writing journey.
When we reach a milestone, it means we may encounter new fears and challenges, as well as joys along the journey. How has being a part of the CTC community prepared you for both enjoying the celebration of a milestone reached and the work that is next to come?
Celebrating with others as they’ve hit milestones has been encouraging–I love cheering others on and supporting one another in this writing journey. Being a part of the CTC community ensures the path isn’t solitary. I also know that as new work and challenges arise, I can continue to learn from this amazing group of people.
In the Courage to Create, we call on our Big Why as we engage in the ups and downs of the literary life? What’s your BIG WHY and how does it keep you motivated to keep working towards new milestones?
My big why is to share stories of light and life, filled with heart and humor. I imagine kids like I was, looking for faith, friends, and belonging in the pages of books–and it keeps me going.
It’s not easy to keep creating courage when it comes to our literary lives. Did you ever encounter a low point or period and did you lean on any of the CTC tools or practices? What did the no/not yets, or near misses/champagne rejections teach you in hindsight not that your YES is here?
Which low point should I mention? The one where I put all my notebooks in trash bags or the one where I packed up my computer? Yes, I encountered a few low points… Is it possible I sat in a corner crying, while reciting “it takes the time it takes?” There’s no video footage, but… After that, I reached out to critique partners and friends who encouraged me. The biggest treasure in my writing journey is the plethora of people I’ve met and close friendships I’ve developed. The no/not yets, near misses, and rejections taught me that I deeply care about writing and that this journey matters. They taught me to define my version of success and to be comfortable with who I am no matter what the outcome. Writing can’t be a prop to my identity–it’s a means to connect with the world.
As we celebrate your milestone reached, what thoughts can you share with other writers who may doubt they will reach their first or next milestone?
Feel your feels, but keep going. There’s an expression in you that can’t be cultivated by anyone else. Keep writing!
What is your favorite Courage to Create Belief?
CREATIVITY is not a competition.
Marci Whitehurst is a former educator, theater and speech coach, a children’s author, rancher’s wife, and mother of three who lives on a cattle ranch in Montana. Her passion is sharing light and life through stories, poems, and blog posts. She blogs about connecting with the kid inside all of us at www.marciwhitehurst.subtack.com. She can also be reached through her website at www.marciwhitehurst.com. Find her on Facebook at MarciWhitehurst and on Instagram @marci_whitehurst.
Recent Comments