Yesterday was extra special when it was announced that Saratoga Letters was a finalist in the historical fiction category for the Selah Awards! What made the day even sweeter was my good friend, Janet Grunst, was also announced as a finalist … in the same category! I am truly excited for us both.
Janet’s book A Heart Set Free was a labor of love for many years for Janet and finally saw fruition this past year when it was published. Saratoga Letters was published at the culmination of one of the most difficult years I’ve ever experienced personally. I was diagnosed with a serious knee infection last April and was laid up in treatment for months.
I suppose it seems like writers just write their story, submit it to a publisher, do edits, and then watch it get a new cover and magically appear on Amazon.com. But there is so much more behind the story. There are family crises, numerous frustrations on the path to publication, and personal trials that become woven into the big picture. So when both Janet and I were chosen as finalists, it was a sweet reward indeed. Regardless of who wins (and there is a third contender in the category) just being a finalist is a category I treasure. And I thank the Lord for His goodness in the trials.
Psalm 27:13-14
I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage.
Yes! I saw that, Elaine! I’m so excited for you!
Beth!!! I saw you are a finalist as well!!! So happy for you! Congratulations and it is well deserved. 🙂
Very well stated, Elaine.
Writing a book, and seeing it through to publication is such a learning process. And neither of us could have done it without the help and encouragement of others. Most of all, it’s the Lord’s provision and His opening doors that made it all possible.
Amen to all that, Janet. 🙂
Congratulations!! So happy for you!
Thanks SO much, Susan! Will you be able to make it to Blue Ridge this year?? Would love to see you! 🙂