This is it!

This is it. THE milestone every author dreams of: My novel, Red Zone, has been accepted for publication by Lighthouse Publishing. 

There were times I thought I'd never see my name on the cover of a book. Writing and re-writing. Editing, deleting. Critique groups. Contests. But it happening. In E-reader, Kindle, Nook and Paperback. 

I have to admit, the work of writing feels suspiciously fun. I loved every second I spent making Red Zone what it is...and I know it will be a lot of work to make it ready for you all to read! But, I'm still hoping it's fun at the end of the process. 

If you like Romance

If you like Suspense

If you like Football or the NFL (or like someone who does) 

You'll love Red Zone. 

Coming Fall 2014 

Big News: A career milestone!

 I'm proud to announce I've signed with The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. 

Blythe Daniel has been representing literary clients since 2005 and boasts an impressive client list. This year, she welcomed agent Jessica Kirkland who works with fiction clients. It's an honor to work with them on my current, and hopefully, future projects.

What does an agent do for a writer? 

An literary agent is much like a real estate agent. They represent writers to publishers and negotiate the sale of a work. For this service, they are paid a commission. Unlike real estate agents, literary agents choose their clients from a huge pool of writers.

Signing my contract

Why does a writer need an agent? 

There are many reasons to contract a literary agent. Chiefly, because many publishers won't even consider a work by an "un-agented" writer. 

Second, an agent understands the current market. They make their name on knowing what's selling and what's not. A good agent has extensive connections in the publishing world and knows what publishers are looking for. 

Third, they assist an author with publishing contracts, levy for advances, etc. They are the author's advocate in all negotiations. In most cases, the author's income is paid to them through the agent. 

The Blythe Daniel Agency, Inc. offers many benefits to its clients, and Jessica and Blythe are certainly multi-talented and bring loads of experience and connections to the table.

I thank them for their faith in my writing and my vision for future projects. 

Again, His fingerprints are all over this deal!  

Heavenly Father, 

I place my career as a writer in YOUR hands. I submit to your authority and pray your guidance on all my decisions. I place my dreams in your hands, praying that you are glorified by each step of the journey, be it long or short. Use me as you will. 

In Jesus' name, 

Amen. 

Genesis Finalist

I'm so thrilled to announce that I am an ACFW Genesis finalist again this year! I've been working hard on perfecting my craft and feel blessed to be in such talented company. 

I am one of three finalists in the Romantic Suspense category, which is a newer sub-genre to Christian Fiction. 

The winners in each category are announced in late September at a gala banquet at the ACFW conference in Dallas. The prize is basically the pride of winning and the visual push your book could receive with agents and publishers. (You also get to accept the award in front of a huge crowd and give a few words of acceptance) Last year, I was stoked because I got a special ribbon on my name tag and a table reserved for me and my friends.

 My own tagline reminds me where my heart is: Suspense with His fingerprints all over it.

 His fingerprints have been on all the good things in my life.

pssst: I have more AMAZING news coming tomorrow: Stay tuned! 

Why Write?

So many times in life we start out with the right motives, and end up with the wrong ones. I spent some time with Christian writers at a retreat this weekend and I was challenged to realign my purpose once again. (Funny thing is, this was not the theme or purpose of the retreat)

Lately, I've been writing for Kelli. I wanted the notoriety of a contest win. The acclaim of obtaining an agent. The fame of a published book.

A reminder from a simple verse was all I needed:
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men... Colossians 3:23

I have been working at writing with all my heart...but it's been for me. The cool thing is that repentance is so easy. I'm turning around today and writing, with all my heart, to please my heavenly Father.

Consider this promise:
Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3

I pray my plans for publication succeed, but they are God's plans now. I surrender my plans in exchange for HIS! And when I think of what He's capable of, I realize how wrong I've been. Today, I've realigned my heart and my purpose.

So I ask you: Why Write?

Evidence of Passion

Think about the word passion. It evokes all kinds of emotion. Romantic passion. Passion for God. It's a GOOD word!

There are few people in life that boast true passion. Most people experience a benign existence at best. Think of those people who exhibit passion. What drives them? How does it effect their lives?

Evidence of passion:  you put more time into something than truly necessary. It's a voluntary sacrifice. And you love every minute of it!

So, do you have passion? Tell me about it!

FREE book give-away!

I understand it's important for writers to have a strong blog following, but how does one go about creating a following? I've been thinking about it. In Colorado, all I have to do is mention Tim Tebow and I imagine I'd have a thousand hits. (maybe I'll blog about him next time) Anyway, in order to increase my followings, I'm offering a give-away. Well, maybe it's a bribe...

I'm giving away a copy of Sandi Rog's Biblical fiction, Yahshua's Bridge to the person who refers the most blog followers. (no tie breakers) The second book in the series, Yahshua's Bridge will not disappoint:

An Amethyst stone draws him to his past. An elusive maiden draws him to his future. Alexander is born into slavery under an abusive master: a master of his own flesh and blood... a man he will never call father. Determined to break away from his master's hold, Alexander devises a plan to purchase his freedom. But what's he to do when he finds himself shipped off in shackles to Egypt, disappearing from the lives of everyone he knows and loves?

Click here to purchase the first book, The Master's Wall by Sandi Rog from Amazon.

You have one week to complete your mission. Next Tuesday, November 22, I'll announce the winner. Following is easy. Just sign up with an email address. Use comments or email to alert me to how many you referred or were referred by..... kellihughett@gmail.com.

Will you take my bribe? Repost this on your FaceBook Page, email the link etc.

Ready, Set, Go! 

I've signed with an Agent: Jesus

Have you ever made a mistake?  I didn't think so. Well, this is my blog and I confess to making tons of them. Today, I really messed up. I sent a manuscript to an agent with a mistake in it. Ouch, that hurts. I looked for the "suck a bad email back" feature on my computer, but alas, I clicked "send" before I realized the mistake.

(I'm an impetuous person, this isn't a new lesson, I'm afraid)

The pity party that followed helped me see something. If my own life had just one mistake, like the manuscript I sent, I'd be doing pretty good. The truth is, my "agent" has already agreed to publish my name in the Book of Life. And that manuscript (my life) is loaded with mistakes, coffee stains, mustard blobs, hideous grammar, misspellings and faux pas. He overlooks them all.

He is the best critique partner. In fact, he bled all over my work and now it's perfect. Put that in your book!

Thank-you, Jesus, for agreeing to be my agent. For coaching me. For correcting my mistakes before they go to the publisher. And He charged me no commission.

Do you ever make mistakes?  (and do you think this agent will overlook mine?)