Monday, December 14, 2020

13 Years, One Month, and Three Weeks: Forever Grateful

Missy Tippens

 


Thirteen years, one month, and three weeks ago today, I created my first post for the fairly new Seekerville blog. I was a nervous wreck. I had to follow amazing posts by Seeker bloggers who knew a lot more about publishing than I did (I was still four months away from the release of my debut novel), and who were funnier and more engaging than I am. But our group had come together while running into each other as finalists in writing contests…and that, I knew a LOT about. :) So I told myself that I belonged with these talented women, trying to help others achieve their dream of publication—especially through entering contests.

 

One hundred and seven posts later, I have shared what I’ve learned along the way about writing and publishing and marketing. I’ve tried to share encouraging posts and even inspirational posts as God taught me lessons about myself through the writing of my books. Every few years, I’d wonder how long this blogging journey would last, and each time, I felt God directing me to continue.

 

But a few months ago, I started feeling God nudging me to consider that it was time to retire from the blog. I admit, I was stubborn and doubted. I thought surely I had misunderstood. But I kept praying about it, and over the last several weeks I’ve felt God confirming the change. It seemed that daily, during my Bible study time, He would bring a verse to me that spoke the same message. I have no idea what God has for me next, but I’m excited to find out. I WILL continue writing, because I still feel that calling! I’ve just been offered another contract on some more devotionals, and I’m working on another novel.

 

Though I do have one more guest I’ll be hosting in January, I won’t be a regular blogger here at Seekerville anymore. Of course, that doesn’t mean I’ll disappear! I’ll still drop by to jump in the discussions and to pester Ruthy (I love to pester Ruthy!). :)

 

Today, in honor of our purpose for this blog, I’d love to offer to critique the first 5 pages (1.5 or double spaced) of someone’s manuscript. Please let me know in the comments if you’d like to be entered!



It has been one of the privileges of my life to be able to be a part of this blog for the last 13 years. The love of our community here, and the joy we Seekers have felt each time one of you makes your first sale or indie publishes your first book, have often been the encouragement I’ve need to keep plowing through this wild and crazy journey of writing. So, thank you.

 

I pray blessings on each of you.

 


***

 After more than 10 years of pursuing her dream of publication, Missy Tippens, a pastor’s wife and mom of three from near Atlanta, Georgia, made her first sale to Harlequin Love Inspired in 2007. Her books have since been nominated for the Booksellers Best, Holt Medallion, American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award, Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence, Maggie Award, Beacon Contest, RT Reviewer’s Choice Award, and the Romance Writers of America RITA® Award. Missy also writes devotionals for several publications from Guideposts.


Visit Missy at:

www.missytippens.com

https://twitter.com/MissyTippens 

http://www.facebook.com/missy.tippens.readers.


73 comments:

  1. Hi Missy:

    On reading this post I had one thought: Ford Madox Ford, who began his, "The Good Soldier," with this line: "It was the saddest story I have ever heard." Then my mind switched instantly to the 1919 Black Sox and "Say it isn't so, Joe." Oh, I also thought of the great quote, "The king is dead, long live the king." Given thirteen wonderful years, I felt the words, once again, "Johnny, we hardly knew you."

    God has a plan, many plans in a lifetime, and all will be for the best. Blessings aplenty. And yet, that does not make the loss any less welcome. You will be missed but you will forever live in Seekerville. Thanks unlimited.

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    1. Vince, thank you for your kind words. Made me get all teary-eyed. Thankfully, I'll still be around to check in on all of you.

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  2. We'll miss your blogging, Missy, but we're super-glad you're hanging around, especially to help keep Ruthy in line! ;)

    And to occasionally guest blog from time to time! ;)

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    1. Stop it, Witch! :)

      I actually think that task now reverts to you, Vetsch.

      Best of luck with that, by the way..... (leaves giggling.)

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    2. Oh, Erica, I love Ruthy's idea of you taking over to keep her in line. haha I know you can do it well!

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    3. Accepts the baton while keeping Missy on speed dial for backup... :)

      SWAK, Ruthy!

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  3. Missy, you brat.... Dagnabbit I totally understand and you know you're welcome back here anytime and if you join my fun over in the indie world, I'm happy to help/advise/ridicule as needed. :)

    Blogging has changed so much over the years. It was a big deal when we stepped into the fray and we were all thrilled with how Seekerville's popularity rose with aspiring authors because we offered free help to so many.

    We still do, just not as often because we're all published authors or book reviewers and life is busy.... and folks are getting more info from crisp venues.

    And by that I mean venues where here today, gone in an instant...

    I still feel that minimizes effect. And I can't chastise, berate, scold or pester folks in a quick-fix venue, so blogging has its own merits, but I absolutely respect that we all have our own paths and you've done so much for so many. I will miss you, my friend, but I shall continue to make fun of you behind the scenes because while your blogging image is minimized, our friendship shines on.

    BUT YOU WILL BE MISSED, BRAT! :)

    I did bring some adult beverages to toast Missy's new endeavors! If you would all be so kind as to raise your glasses...

    TO MISSY: YOU ARE BELOVED. GO WITH GOD, MY FRIEND. GO WITH GOD.

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    1. Thank you, Ruthy! I am so glad y'all are allowing me to continue in our email loop so I'll have daily love and support from my Seeker sisters. :) And of course I'll be stopping by here sometimes as well to see all my writing friends!

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  4. Missy, you have always been so kind to me. I am grateful for your encouragement over the years. I hope to see you in other venues.
    Kathy Bailey
    Always Your Kaybee

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    1. Kathy, it's been exciting to be here to see your publishing journey! I'm sure I'll see you on social media, etc. I'll be cheering you on.

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  5. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and words of wisdom on Seekerville. God's blessings for you on your future endeavors for Him. Take care. Merry Christmas!

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    1. Oh Missy, you will be missed! Totally understand and wish you the best in whatever direction you go. Will enjoy seeing you at times on this blog and of course, loving your devos and books. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Keep safe!

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    2. Thank you, Rebecca! I hope you have a merry Christmas as well!

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    3. Jackie, thank you! I wish you the same!

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  6. I'll miss you Missy. I'd love to be entered fir your critique.

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  7. Wow that is a lot of years. God has been faithful. And He will be faithful as He guides you along a different journey. Blessings and keep the faith. He is faithful and loves you. Look forward to seeing you again. Merry Christmas.
    quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

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    1. Lori, thank you so much for your wisdom. Blessings to you as well.

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    2. You know, Lori is right. THAT IS A LOT OF YEARS, TIPPENS!!!! :) Does that make you old????
      Asking for a friend. ;)

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    3. Hahaha! I do believe a certain person MIGHT be a bit older than I am. But I'm not mentioning names. ;)

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  8. I have enjoyed your posts and will miss them, Missy. I wish you the best on your future endeavors. Merry Christmas!
    And I would like to be entered into the critique, please.

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  9. *sigh*

    You will be missed, Missy!

    I think I've read most of your one hundred seven posts, but I had never read your first one. I remember those jitters well, both with contest entries and with my first few Seekerville posts!

    Your posts have always been kind, even when tackling difficult subjects. I'm looking forward to your first return as a guest poster!

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    1. Jan, thank you! I'll look forward to guesting later. :)

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  10. You will be missed Missy Love reading your post God Bless You!

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    1. Sarah, thank you so much! I really appreciate that.

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  11. I've enjoyed your posts since I began visiting Seekerville last year, Missy! Blessings on this new path!

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  12. WOW, Missy! 13 years! And that doesn't even count the time pre-blog that we all first met and joined together to encourage each other in prayer and manuscript review as we looked eagerly forward to sailing off UnPubbed Island! So glad we've all kept in touch with each other almost daily for so many years even though the journey of some diverged from the blog as God's led into new seasons. There's WONDERFUL season ahead for you, Missy!

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    1. Glynna, thank you! Yes, I've been so blessed to be a part of Seekerville!

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  13. Missy, THANK YOU for all you've done 'on screen' and behind the scenes for Seekerville. So grateful for your encouragement and prayers and insight. And thank you for not leaving us all alone with Ruthy :-P

    Love you!

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    1. LOL, Carrie! You're welcome! I'll keep her in check. :)

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  15. When a Christian blog loses its pastor's wife, well, that's like a church losing its minister. Who will step up? Who will discuss the Moral Premises and the Anticipatory Events? :(

    BTW: I think Mary is the best line-keeper with the most experience and the quickest wit. Seekerville is safe with Mary as the Guardian.

    How about a tribute novella collection?

    Missing Missy

    What would the title of your novella be?

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    1. LOL, Vince! I'll make Mary the honorary minister's wife and keeper of the line! :) She can definitely do that by making everyone laugh. I've always credited her for adding years to my life because she makes me laugh daily. :)

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    2. I'm having a SERIOUS struggle trying to picture My Cowboy as a preacher.
      Congregations everywhere are in for a shock!

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    3. LOL! Well, tell him I have confidence in him. :)

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  16. Aww. Missy, this is so bittersweet! I've enjoyed getting to know you a bit over the last few years. Thanks for the opportunities in the past to be your guest on here. :-)
    Looking forward to following your career in other ways.
    And a critique from you would be an amazing prize! :-)

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    1. Amy, I've enjoyed getting to know you, too. Thanks for all your great guest posts!

      I've got you entered!

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  17. I hate to see you go, Missy. But you definitely need to keep pestering Ruthy. She needs to be pestered. Matter of fact, I think she kind of likes it. Happy trails, my friend. We will, indeed, meet again.

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    1. Thanks, Mindy! Yes, we will indeed. I'm sure I'll be texting you to bug you about something or to ask a question. :)

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  18. I will miss reading your posts! I know you have been a blessing to many.

    (I would be crazy not to take you up on your critique offer. Please add my name to the list!)

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    1. Sarah, thank you! That's so kind of you.

      I have you added to the giveaway drawing.

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  19. Sorry to see you go, but excited for your future endeavors. All you ladies at Seekerville have been encouraging me along as I pursue the road of becoming a published writer.

    Please enter me for the chance to have you critique my writing. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

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    1. Gena, thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you, too! I have you added to the giveaway drawing.

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  20. Hate to see you leave the blog, Missy. I understand, but I'm sad. I know you won't be a stranger, as we know they say in the South! :) But still...

    Missing you already!

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    1. Debby, it's been a bittersweet day. I bounce back and forth between sad and excited for the future. I will miss being in the midst of everything.

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  21. WHERE IS CONNEALY??????

    SIGH. Late to the party, that's where.

    Missy!

    MAYBE MARY STOPPED TO PICK UP YOUR GOING AWAY GIFT?????

    Guffaw!!!!! :)

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    1. LOL, Ruthy! She may be snowed in up there. Still trying to dig her way out. :)

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    2. I AM snowed in. Yeesh!
      But here I am.
      I love you, Missy.

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  22. I appreciate your words of wisdom and godly guidance these 13 yrs. and will miss that, Missy. God bless your future plans. Happy to hear you're working on a book of devotionals and another novel too.

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    1. Pat, thank you for your kind words. The devotionals are actually in several different Guideposts publications. I haven't attempted my own devotional book at this point. But who knows! :)

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  23. Missy, I'm sorry to hear you are leaving but hope to still see you drop by. Each time someone leaves I miss them in Seekerville. But I look forward to your guest posts. All the best in your future.

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    1. Sandy, thank you. I have missed the others as well. Thanks for being here each day!

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  24. May God richly bless you on this next phase of your journey.

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  25. I had the privilege of meeting Ruthy at a Christian Fiction Readers Retreat, and I totally understand you wanting to pester her, Missy. She's so darn pester-able and such a delight. I loved her! Anyways...I too, live in the ATL area, and just finished writing a Bible Study for women on prayer, and started a fiction project that has been on my heart for years. Would appreciate being considered for the critique. All God's blessings to you, Missy as you follow God's nudges. Thank you for ALL your dedication to Seekerville ~ that's a lot of years and a lot of writing!

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    1. Becky, yes, Ruthy is a delight! :)

      I've got you entered for the critique! Blessings to you on your writing projects.

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    2. Becky just became one of my BFFS!!!!!!!!!!

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  26. Missy. it's my job to make fun of you, but instead I feel like crying.
    I know how talented you are and, even as I started reading, I knew you'd manage to create a beautiful farewell post.
    The journey continues...even away from the blog. And come back and share where life if taking you.

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    1. Mary, I'll definitely be hanging around. But of course, you just made me feel like crying! Way to go! hahaha

      Yes, the journey continues. I can't wait to see where we all end up.

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    2. Please say you brought chocolate, Mary.... Chocolate helps stave off tears.

      I have that on good authority!

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    3. I want y'all to know that I FINALLY have chocolate in my house as of Friday!! Mini Snickers and Hershey bars and Reese's. So I'm feeling better. :)

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  27. .
    There's a silence on the island
    from the sea to mountain top
    the natives all are worried
    will a second shoe soon drop?

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    1. No more shoe drops! I'm an outlier. :)

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    2. Vince, that's a great poem! :)

      You know nothing lasts forever. And we've had a great run... but I do love seeing folks sail off the island and head for the mainland. That makes me so happy! And seeing people develop the kind of work ethic you need to do this kind of independent work is gratifying.

      And working with this amazing group of women from the original 15 to our current group is an absolute pleasure.

      In the end, the writing is the core, isn't it? Storytellers, all. That's our blessing right there.

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    3. Hi Ruth:

      Of course, you are exactly right. It is the very nature of life itself. And yet, I keep thinking of the WWII saying, "Those who stay behind also serve."

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  28. Thank you Missy for all the years and investment you've made into Seekerville. I'll miss your regular posts, but look forward to hearing more from you as time (and God) permits. What an incredible journey! But like everything, there is a season and I'm thankful for your testimony of following God's leading. One never knows what things will open up when it seems like a door is closing.
    (Please enter me for the critique!)
    Blessings

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    1. Lee-Ann, thank you for your kind and encouraging words!

      I have you entered.

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