tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post557447186077609986..comments2023-10-23T12:40:22.672-07:00Comments on The Writers Alley: The CallSherrinda Ketchersidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07581676437345249386noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-27770460607242955042012-04-21T13:44:09.174-07:002012-04-21T13:44:09.174-07:00Thanks for stopping by, Julie! I'm headed to y...Thanks for stopping by, Julie! I'm headed to your blog now. :)Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-78472485434082088622012-04-21T09:18:52.818-07:002012-04-21T09:18:52.818-07:00ASHLEY!!! You go, girl!! With all the incredible a...ASHLEY!!! You go, girl!! With all the incredible aspiring and published writers in the CBA, there are so few who final, be it the Genesis or the Christys, so you are speaking to the huge majority of writers, like myself, who have been called to write by God. Sometimes we lose sight of that, so your blog is a true (and needed) breath of fresh air. I blogged about this very subject regarding the Christys in my Journal Jot blog this week, so we are on the same wavelength, girl. Here's the link if anybody wants to see a grown woman cry ... :) <br /><br /><a href="http://www.julielessman.com/journal-jots1/" rel="nofollow">Julie's Journal Jots</a><br /><br />Thanks for addressing this very important issue!<br /><br />Hugs,<br />JulieJulie Lessmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00406395645316139292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-24644957389857495842012-04-20T19:59:28.514-07:002012-04-20T19:59:28.514-07:00Great thoughts, Casey! And that's true... some...Great thoughts, Casey! And that's true... sometimes I struggle with feeling like I have to do things perfectly, when in actuality, God has called me to do the best I can do... two different things. Thanks for sharing.Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-68180510826368418792012-04-20T08:47:40.953-07:002012-04-20T08:47:40.953-07:00Love this post, Ash.
I love what you said about a...Love this post, Ash.<br /><br />I love what you said about are we looking for God's opinion or Judge's praise? One thing that never fails to stump me is no three people can agree on something. I had one 99/100. 86/100 and 61/100 score. One loved, one thought it okay, one didn't care for it.<br /><br />People are unpredictable! God just wants our very best and try our very hardest for His glory. That is all He asks for and I can do that for Him every day. He doesn't care about POV, setting, show/don't tell. He just wants us to pour our passion into this "thing" He has given us in this season.<br /><br />Great post!Caseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00920406327885410557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-28729726513504142422012-04-19T21:09:54.752-07:002012-04-19T21:09:54.752-07:00Wonderful post, Ashely. Challenging and encouragin...Wonderful post, Ashely. Challenging and encouraging.Karen @ a house full of sunshinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17787916466155321686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-65123035852092284342012-04-19T19:56:44.325-07:002012-04-19T19:56:44.325-07:00Susan, I'm glad you brought up Katie because I...Susan, I'm glad you brought up Katie because I almost mentioned her! So many other popular published writers have similar stories.<br /><br />And thank YOU, Pepper, for being the spunky adorable self we all love. You will find an agent when the time's right... don't loose heart! You are wise to wait for the right fit.Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-6636107023618922362012-04-19T19:06:55.234-07:002012-04-19T19:06:55.234-07:00WOW, Ash
This was powerful and spot ON!
and someth...WOW, Ash<br />This was powerful and spot ON!<br />and something I need to keep reminding myself about on a daily basis.<br /><br />It's the same type of feeling I had to come to terms with after ACFW last year...when other people (who hadn't even finaled in the Genesis) went home with an agent, and I'm still searching...<br /><br />What? (I thought in my self-inflated and somewhat offended manner) I double-final and I can't even get an agent?!?<br /><br />But the truth comes down to what you mentioned here.<br />Who is it all about? And whose timing is it anyway? <br />This Call goes much deeper than the words on a page - but to the attitude of our hearts.<br /><br />Thank you for the reminder!<br />And thank you for the congrats. You are wonderful!Pepperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02771295798003844102noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-17742781443555235642012-04-19T17:58:58.919-07:002012-04-19T17:58:58.919-07:00Sarah is so right, Ashley. I had a similar experie...Sarah is so right, Ashley. I had a similar experience with the Golden Heart. What I learned (after total devastation) is that so many subjective factors affect the results each year, you can't let it affect your confidence. <br /><br />Some people will love your work and some won't. If you're lucky and get judges who love you, and all the stars align that particular day, you just might make it! LOL.<br /><br />Don't give up or doubt your talent. Your time will come - perhaps through a different route. (Note: See Katie Ganshert's blog)<br /><br />Hugs,<br />SueSusan Anne Masonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17258093329143787876noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-89333719207343244812012-04-19T11:42:03.412-07:002012-04-19T11:42:03.412-07:00Thanks, Ashley!
And grammar jokes are nerdy? Tha...Thanks, Ashley! <br /><br />And grammar jokes are nerdy? That's news to me! ;)Lindsay Harrelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09379628592162011068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-27893062513041090012012-04-19T11:40:29.187-07:002012-04-19T11:40:29.187-07:00Sarah, what an interesting perspective about the j...Sarah, what an interesting perspective about the judges. I imagine that would be surprising if you loved an entry and didn't see it on the list. One of my scoresheets in particular was high, so I like to think a judge might've looked for me on the list this year. ;) A girl can dream, right?Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-29741542405063259422012-04-19T11:38:37.613-07:002012-04-19T11:38:37.613-07:00Mary and Angie, you bring up such good points abou...Mary and Angie, you bring up such good points about where to put our focus. I was SO thrilled when I got the news Cindy finaled, and then Casey, and then Pepper. I think it's just like most situations in life... we can choose to be disappointed when something we expected to happen doesn't, or we can choose to rejoice in the change. Which is easy to do when it means supporting friends.Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-22611413391600713042012-04-19T11:35:31.067-07:002012-04-19T11:35:31.067-07:00Cheryl, what a beautiful comment, and such wisdom....Cheryl, what a beautiful comment, and such wisdom. Thank you for your thoughts. I think what you've said about voice is especially true! I've even noticed that among "professional" contests, where a book I loved reading might final or even win the Christy, and not be nominated for the Carol (or vice versa).<br /><br />And such an encouraging perspective about the needs in the body of Christ. Thanks for stopping by today and sharing your thoughts.Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-68497763013007634932012-04-19T11:32:24.249-07:002012-04-19T11:32:24.249-07:00Lindsay, you are too funny! I think the problem is...Lindsay, you are too funny! I think the problem is you and I have a, shall we say, "sophisticated" style of humor contests don't resonate with. And by "sophisticated" I do not mean nerdy. Since when are grammar jokes nerdy? For real. ;) J/k. Seriously, though, I felt the same way yesterday, but you have to realize that not making to the 20% that semifinaled does NOT mean you do not belong in a top 20%. There is such a wide array of variation within a category like "contemporary fiction" or "contemporary romance," that it's oh-so-difficult for judges to attempt to score these differing entries. One judge might have a soft spot for sweet western love stories, while another might like quick jokes and a city setting. A lot of it comes down to which judges you get, the same way different publishing houses will look for different things. And that's not a critique of contests, it's just an age old problem of how to quantify art. All that to say, be encouraged. I bet you'll see your story in print someday... and maybe sooner rather than later. :)Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-42029167686949764432012-04-19T11:32:22.579-07:002012-04-19T11:32:22.579-07:00Lindsay, you are too funny! I think the problem is...Lindsay, you are too funny! I think the problem is you and I have a, shall we say, "sophisticated" style of humor contests don't resonate with. And by "sophisticated" I do not mean nerdy. Since when are grammar jokes nerdy? For real. ;) J/k. Seriously, though, I felt the same way yesterday, but you have to realize that not making to the 20% that semifinaled does NOT mean you do not belong in a top 20%. There is such a wide array of variation within a category like "contemporary fiction" or "contemporary romance," that it's oh-so-difficult for judges to attempt to score these differing entries. One judge might have a soft spot for sweet western love stories, while another might like quick jokes and a city setting. A lot of it comes down to which judges you get, the same way different publishing houses will look for different things. And that's not a critique of contests, it's just an age old problem of how to quantify art. All that to say, be encouraged. I bet you'll see your story in print someday... and maybe sooner rather than later. :)Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-22602233118315532482012-04-19T11:25:01.948-07:002012-04-19T11:25:01.948-07:00Julia, that quote gave me chills! And thank you fo...Julia, that quote gave me chills! And thank you for your words of encouragement. You have such a kind heart! Prayers for you as you look for direction and affirmation of God's promises in the various avenues of your life. It is such an encouragement to know He is faithful indeed. Sending hugs back!Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-16221183992316980192012-04-19T11:23:44.953-07:002012-04-19T11:23:44.953-07:00Cindy, that is so true! Even apart from contests, ...Cindy, that is so true! Even apart from contests, there are some days when I just have to e-mail Angie because every idea I come up with for my book seems terrible! But it's amazing the power of godly, good friends in our lives. I don't know how I would make it on this writing journey without all of you!<br /><br />And might I add how EXCITED I am that you are on the semifinal list! I think it's just a testament to your determination and perseverance, and shows a job well done! I am SO cheering you on through the next rounds!Ashley Clarkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15448862585766728595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-54320903049660955392012-04-19T11:01:41.812-07:002012-04-19T11:01:41.812-07:00Cindy, Casey and Pepper--I was remiss earlier (pro...Cindy, Casey and Pepper--I was remiss earlier (probably because I had two kiddos I was rushing off to school) to say CONGRATULATIONS on semi-finaling in the Genesis! I was thrilled when I read your names on the list. :) Couldn't be happier for you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-2832561860056401702012-04-19T09:43:27.759-07:002012-04-19T09:43:27.759-07:00What an encouraging post, Ashley! As someone who w...What an encouraging post, Ashley! As someone who went through this process last year, I know exactly how you must have felt yesterday. From the judge's side, I also remember seeing the semi-finals list last year and being shocked that some of the entries I judged didn't make it. They blew me away. It really is subjective, and ultimately our most important audience is the Big Man upstairs. :)Sarah Forgravehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09101753891967001104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-5499791984943120762012-04-19T09:28:42.177-07:002012-04-19T09:28:42.177-07:00Ashley, the news was definitely easier to bear wit...Ashley, the news was definitely easier to bear with our conversation throughout the day! You totally affirmed my notion that community is so important in the Writer's world. I love what Cheryl had to say, as well as everyone else. Writing Contests aren't like other arenas in life...just because we move forward one year, doesn't give us security that we will conquer the next level the next year, no matter how much our writing has grown. Our voices are appreciated by some ears and not others, and times when we don't win, there is always someone nearby to cheer for. Times to give and to receive...I am choosing this to be my time to give kudos to my dear friends who semi-finaled!!!<br />Love you!<br />AngieAngie Dickenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11794268733490363528noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-80441152396778874212012-04-19T09:14:13.475-07:002012-04-19T09:14:13.475-07:00Ashley,
You have sparked some great comments today...Ashley,<br />You have sparked some great comments today. Words that have encouraged me both from your blog and our fantastic readers.<br />For me, God basically urged me to send congrats to every group I belonged to, because each one had at least one semi winner. Forced to put a smile on my face, I found the ache a little easier to endure.<br />God is so good.Mary Vee Storytellerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15235494928887348835noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-66825604748211590682012-04-19T08:36:23.844-07:002012-04-19T08:36:23.844-07:00Ashley, this is a fabulous post. Sometimes when yo...Ashley, this is a fabulous post. Sometimes when your "voice" becomes more developed and stronger, you will begin to get more drastic reactions to your work one way or the other. Either people really love it, or they don't connect with it at all. So honestly, the fact that you're finaling in some contests and not others *could* mean that you're actually closer to THE OTHER CALL, one from an acquiring editor, instead. <br /><br />Sometimes, too, I think it's just "not our turn" to shine. Perhaps God knows another equally-skilled writer needed the final more, due to life's non writing-related hardships. I can't tell you how many times right before I sold my debut book that I didn't final in major contests yet later discovered the horrific life circumstances of those who did. <br /><br />When you're at that level of finaling consistently, and this variance of result happens, rest in the fact that maybe someone else would have given up, truly given up, had God not sent the contest final to them like a lifeboat in the worst storm of their life. <br /><br />It seems by your post that you are willing to hear hard things about your writing and writing for Him. Those are both noble traits and so I believe you have what it takes. Hang in there and nice job being transparent and using what could be percieved as a failure, to encourage others. I don't think it's a failure at all, but a test of character in which you passed...as evidenced by the openness and honesty of this blog post and your heart coming through it. Keep writing. Keep shining. <br /><br />Blessings on your writing endeavors! <br />Cheryl WyattCheryl Wyatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01250649739932615615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-83026032070684687322012-04-19T08:27:14.084-07:002012-04-19T08:27:14.084-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Cheryl Wyatthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01250649739932615615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-57599127665817783312012-04-19T08:14:58.348-07:002012-04-19T08:14:58.348-07:00Wow, Ashley...we're like, the same person. Mus...Wow, Ashley...we're like, the same person. Must be the whole English prof thing. I'm still waiting for those grammar shirts to arrive...<br /><br />I felt disappointed yesterday too. I had hoped I would make it. I thought, if I can't even make the top 20 in my category, what am I doing? Is there any hope? <br /><br />But like you said, our hope is not in man's (or woman's) praise, but in God's. He made us. He gave us purpose. And if he wants us to be published, he will lead us there. Our job is to work hard and trust. I don't have as much problem with the first as with the latter. <br /><br />Sending hugs your way!Lindsay Harrelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09379628592162011068noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-48447928660508632482012-04-19T08:14:54.813-07:002012-04-19T08:14:54.813-07:00OK, went to tweet this and immediately Janice Thom...OK, went to tweet this and immediately Janice Thompson's tweet pops up. Wanted to share the quote she had up:<br /><br />Did you wake up saying "I can't do this anymore"? If so, don't ask "What can I do?" but "What can He not do?" - Corrie ten Boom.Julia M. Reffnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11979214959063965164noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7392393277880937685.post-59887354943494907892012-04-19T08:03:59.300-07:002012-04-19T08:03:59.300-07:00Sending you all a cyber hug!! Ashley, I've on...Sending you all a cyber hug!! Ashley, I've only known you for a short time online, but you are such a beautiful fit here. I love your spirit! And I know this will encourage so many others! <br /><br />Whose call am I most worried about? What a great question. I struggle so much with looking to people's approval at times. <br /><br />Thanks so much for including this verse: Philippians 1:16: "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Its one that's been on my heart in more than one way lately.Julia M. Reffnerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11979214959063965164noreply@blogger.com