Fabulous Feature: Sarah Thomas-The Seven-Year Overnight Success

Today we welcome author:

Sarah Thomas

A commenter will win a copy of

Sarah's book:

A Tapestry of Secrets

Scroll down to see how.

Mary here. I have a blessing for you. Sarah Thomas is such a fun person. The post below shows her sense of humor AND God's blessing in a seven-year overnight success. Take the time to read this amazing blessing from God. I'm beyond happy to welcome Sarah today. I asked her, How has God led you on your writing journey? Here is what he said: 

The Seven-Year Overnight Success

From the outside, most any writer’s path to publication can look like an overnight success. I was blessed to find an agent in November of 2012, sign with a publisher the following spring, and see my first book on shelves about a year later in 2014. 

Fast in the publishing world.

To many, it probably looked like I burst upon the scene, suddenly catapulting from anonymity to publication.

Except my “overnight” success took a good seven years. I decided to write a book around 2006. And I wrote and I piddled and I fiddled and I wrote a little bit more. After three years or so I had a manuscript and man, I was ready to go to print. I mean, how hard could that be? I’d finished the hard part.

So I read some blogs and did the bare minimum of research. I even let my close friends read the manuscript and edited it a little. And eventually, I decided I was READY.

So I went to a conference (2010) and I made appointments with editors, because I figured if I could get an editor, then an agent would be easy. Skip to the front of the line! And I ran up against some very nice people who were encouraging. Yup, they encouraged me to learn more about writing and the publishing process.

So I did. And at the second conference (2011), I met with agents, because I figured that’s a better place to begin. And they were pretty encouraging. But no one wanted the full manuscript. Although they did say to keep writing, I had promise. So I started working on a second book.

And I went to another conference (2012) and met with whoever wanted to talk to me. Editors, agents, other authors–feedback, please! And I continued to get encouragement, but still no requests to read the full novel. Sigh.

Meanwhile I had finished the second book and polished it up and got some great feedback through other writers as well as paid critiques and contests. I sent a query to Wendy Lawton at Books & Such Literary Management. She asked for a proposal. 

And then she asked for the full manuscript. Really? She really wanted to read the WHOLE thing?!?

And then, seven or so years after I thought to myself, I’d like to write a book, I got an agent. That was November 20, 2012.

Then things DID happen quickly (for this industry!) with a contract and a cover and a publication date of August 5, 2014. Let’s see, a book on the shelf a mere NINE YEARS after I started writing seriously.

So often we look at other people’s lives and their “overnight” successes and feel a little envious. My writing journey didn’t happen overnight and I’m betting most journeys take these more winding paths. But as long as I’m walking with God, the scenic route is just fine with me!

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Sarah Loudin Thomas grew up on a 100-acre farm in French Creek, WV, the seventh generation to live there. Her Christian fiction is set in West Virginia and celebrates the people, the land, and the heritage of Appalachia. Her first series wrapped up with book #3, A Tapestry of Secrets, in August 2016. Sarah and her husband Jim live in the mountains of Western North Carolina where she is active in her local church and enjoys cooking and–you guessed it–reading.

Sarah wants to hear from you! 
Contact her at:    

  

Facebook | Twitter | Website

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What is the weight of a secret?

And what happens when that burden becomes almost too much to bear?

For decades, Perla Phillips has hidden the truth of a decision that still fills her with guilt. But now, seeing her granddaughter, Ella, struggle in a similar way, she's prepared to finally open the past to her family, no matter the consequences. But when the opportunity is snatched from her in a most unexpected manner, will she have waited too long?

Spanning generations, this moving family drama weaves together the interlocking stories of two women as they navigate relationships, family, faith, and the choices that will shape their lives. Heartwarming and nostalgic, the story explores the courage to share the wounds of the past and celebrates the legacy a family passes from one generation to the next. 

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Enter the contest to win a copy of Sarah Loudin Thomas' book:

A Tapestry of Secrets
US readers invited to enter!!

Here is how:

1. Leave a comment (and email address)

2. AND sign up to receive my newsletter -in the right column

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Thank you, Sarah, for joining us this weekend!

We enjoy chatting with you, Reader, and look forward to reading your comments and questions. Or at least your hi, hello, or hey.

Thanks for stopping by!

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