The windows are open, the flowers are blooming, and the writers are writing? Well, at least this writer is! Most of you saw earlier in the year that I recreated my website. This has led to lots of writing… but not necessarily for fun.
Since January 1, I’ve written nonfiction pieces almost weekly. These include devotional submissions to different online magazines, query letters to literary agents, and book proposals (for when the agents hopefully ask for them). I also submitted work to the Cascade Contest, and participated in a virtual writing conference that included workshops from editors and authors.
But guess what? Sometimes even ‘not-fun’ work gets exciting! Though I got a handful of rejections, Love Lines from God ran two of my devotional pieces, which was encouraging. (To me, and also hopefully to the readers!)
In addition, I’ve been able to:
- Join the Christian Indie Authors Network. (They have a free Facebook group which is awesome.)
- Become a member of Cascade Christian Writers group. (They also have a Facebook group, as well as bi-monthly zoom calls centered on prayer and writing-education.)
Now, some of you will already know this, but my high school was ‘Cascade Christian,’ so I think it’s only fitting that I’m now among the membership of such an organization (which spans the whole Pacific Northwest). Just last weekend, this Cascade Christian Writers group had a virtual conference, complete with workshops and chances to pitch book ideas to agents over zoom. It was great! Maybe not as much as an in-person conference, but the agent I chatted with asked for a sample of my writing, and I got to network with other writers in my region. Plus, the keynotes were encouraging! If God has given us stories to write, who are we to hide them away?
On top of all this, I’m currently querying agents with proposals for my Thornbrook Academy Series, which is centered around twelve-year-old Hannah Jo Turner, who is always looking for mysteries and excitement at her elite boarding school. After one of these query letters went out, I got a request for a full book proposal! And then a rejection, saying the manuscript was too long, but that my ‘writing was excellent.’ It was probably the nicest rejection I’ve received thus far, so I can’t complain. I’m still waiting to hear back from two other agents at the moment, and I’m feeling hopeful. God will organize the details in His timing. My job is just to be faithful in submitting the best work I have – for His glory.
Speaking of the Thornbrook Academy Series, did you see my sister’s artwork?! I’m a little in love. (If you know Amelia, tell her that she did a fantastic job!) But, since we are now in 2025, a full hundred years after the birthdates of these four characters, it seemed only fitting to feature them celebrating the new year.
(From left to right: Cory, Hannah Jo, Henry, and Albert).
Technically this was all winter-work that I’ve discussed, so what am I doing in the spring, you might ask? Aside from continuing the queries, I’m also working on editing my ‘Mission Danger‘ story, about three cousins, who spend a summer visiting their missionary grandparents in the south pacific. And in June (the spring part of June) I’m going to another writing conference! In person! In the Chicago area!
So, again, thank you all for cheering me on. I feel like I’m starting to gain some momentum, and so pray that the Lord keeps opening the doors He wants me to walk through – and closing the doors that aren’t meant for me. Maybe by the time I slow down enough to write another update, I’ll have some more excitement to share with you all!
Many Blessings,
Abigail Skelton
“But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Keep yourselves in God’s love, as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life!” Jude 1: 20-21 (NIV)
(Pictured above, the spring-time screensaver I have on my laptop). 🌸
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