Confession.
I’m enthralled with the reality show The Voice. Have you seen it?
In fact, author Lisa Jordan and I were chatting on email how much we loved the show.
Especially the coach Pharrell Williams. He’s one of the most encouraging people I’ve ever met.
Okay, I haven’t actually met him but he’s really encouraging. He challenges me as a Believer, as a writer, to find the good, find the Light in life and in others.
Lisa said how much Pharrell challenged her as well, and got her to thinking.
“Who was her four chair turn?” Did she even have one?
A four chair turn is when all four judges turn their chairs to vie for the auditioning artist to be on their team.
Sometimes only one judge turns. Maybe two or three turn. And it’s awesome when all four judges turn.
But even one judge means the contestant is on the show. It’s a win!
As Lisa looked over her writing journey, she realized she had a four chair turn.
Me, Susie Warren, Rachelle Gardner (agent) and Melissa (editor.)
How encouraging to look back at her journey to see such a “win.”
Got me to thinking about my own “chair turn.”
I was one of those “artist” with a bit of experience, like background singer or a coffee house performer.
I had co-authored a Heartsong with Lynn Coleman but I wanted to move to trade size novels.
So when I entered my chick lit into a contest held by Kristin Billerbeck and Colleen Coble, I got my four chair turn.
Kristin, Colleen, Karen Solemn (agent) and Joan Marlow Golan (editor)
Georgia On Her Mind became my first trade size novel!
On the writing journey, it can seem like no one but your Mama is rooting for you, but stop, look and remember those who’ve encouraged you along the way.
Even if it’s only ONE person, that’s enough to get you “on the team.”
Despite my four chair turn, I had some work to do.
I was coached by my editor, my agent, and the great Susie May when we were both young in the biz.
Maybe I haven’t been that break out author that “everyone loves,” but I love that I’m in the game. And there’s room to grow!
The big thing is realizing people are for you! They are in your corner!
What do you think?
Who has turned their “chair” for you?
Also consider who you can encourage. Not just writers but friends, family, a neighbor.
Then go write something brilliant