"Success comes to a writer, as a rule, so gradually
that it is always something of a shock to him to look back and realize the
heights to which he has climbed." -P.G. Wodehouse
I began my writing adventure in
June of 2009 when I attended a writer’s conference. Prior to this I had never
formally written anything. I had, however, written an unpublished manuscript.
You see, some years earlier at a
time of great concern for someone I loved, I started journaling my thoughts on
prayer. After three years of searching the scripture and recording my findings,
I had so much information that I compiled it into a manuscript about prayer.
This began my quest to become a published writer. My hope at the time was to
someday have my manuscript published.
So, in June of 2009, I attended
the Kentucky Writer’s Conference where I participated in a wonderful workshop
by Lettie Kirkpatrick Burress on freelancing small pieces. I decided to try my
hand at it. I sent my 1st submission out in August and received
my 1st contract in November of that same year. The money I was paid
for that 1st piece covered the cost of the writer’s conference and I knew it
had been money well spent.
Today I have so many published pieces
that it’s hard to keep count. I have over 75 published devotions in the
following publications: The Upper Room, The Secret Place, Open Windows,
Reflections, and Word Aflame. I also have articles and short stories which have
appeared in publications by Lifeway, David C Cook Company, Focus on the Family,
Standard Publishing Company, Bethany House, and more.
But did I ever get my manuscript
published? No, not yet. However, I did enter it into a national competition,
the 2011 Women of Faith Contest; where it was named one of only 30 finalists
out of over 750 entries. So now I have decided to self publish it as Bible
Studies. I only have half the manuscript re-written as Bible studies and for
sale as e-books so far. I hope in time to get the rest listed for sale too. If
interested, my e-books can be found on Lulu self publishing site. Put ‘Harriet
Michael Prayer Warrior Guide’ in the search on that site and you will find them
listed for $2.99 each.
This summer I will reach a new
high in my writing career. I have been asked to lead workshops at the Kentucky
Christian Writer’s Conference in Elizabethtown ,
KY.
