by Angela Ruth Strong, @AngelaRStrong

This month I get to attend the Christy Awards banquet where I’m a finalist in the category of contemporary romance. Some readers have never heard my name before and might assume I’m an overnight success, but, as my debut novel released twelve years ago, I actually have a lot of experience not winning awards. In that way, I can compare myself to Sandra Bullock’s character in Miss Congeniality when she said, “I know we all secretly hope the other one will trip and fall on her face, but… Wait a minute. I’ve already done that.” So let me share what I’ve learned from my mistakes.

Here’s what not to do:

1. Don’t be hasty. After writing my very first manuscript, I had a publisher request changes. I made the changes and sent them in, at which point I signed with an agent. My new agent read the manuscript and suggested I withdraw my submission to make her recommended changes and resubmit. I didn’t because I figured I’d already made the changes the publisher asked for, and I didn’t want to slow down the process. Long story short, it’s never been published.
2. Don’t envy. It’s tough when you’re competing for limited amounts of contracts, awards, and bestseller spots, and it can be painful when someone is rewarded with them before you are. However, if you focus on that, you’ll always be miserable. Instead, recognize everyone has different strengths, and join a group of writers who are committed to making each other better. For example, my very first critique partner sold her debut novel around the same time I did, but she was nominated for a Christy and won a Carol. She’s now my editor. When she wins, I win. And vice versa.

3. Don’t take yourself too seriously. I’ve come to believe writing is such an emotional thing that my written words are never as good or as bad as I feel they are at any given moment. My work is going to mean different things to different people at different times, as it should. Every judge will score it differently, and none of those scores define me. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I fail, and either way, there’s something I can get out of it.
4. Don’t give up. Kregel was the very first publisher who requested my manuscript, asked for changes, then rejected it. They are also my current publisher. I sent them multiple manuscripts over the years, and Husband Auditions is the first they accepted. Now I’m going to be sitting next to the publisher at the awards banquet. This doesn’t make me successful, it just means I’m taking a step forward. I’m continuing to learn and grow. There’s more for me.

Writing is not about the awards. It’s not about money, endorsements, or bestseller lists. It’s about our own life story. Through creating plot and character, we can find personal healing and offer what we’ve learned to others. We can use story to hide away and lick our wounds as well as to unite and overcome together. Our words are both intimate and infinite. In this way, we all win. 

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Husband Auditions

In a world full of happily-ever-after love, Meri Newberg feels like the last young woman on the planet to be single, at least in her Christian friend group. So when she’s handed a strange present at the latest wedding–a 1950s magazine article of “ways to get a husband”–she decides there’s nothing to lose by trying out its advice. After all, she can’t get any more single, can she?

Her brother’s roommate sees the whole thing as a great opportunity. Not to fall in love–Kai Kamaka has no interest in the effort a serious relationship takes. No, this is a career jump start. He talks Meri into letting him film every silly husband-catching attempt for a new online show. If it goes viral, his career as a cameraman will be made.

When Meri Me debuts, it’s an instant hit. People love watching her lasso men on street corners, drop handkerchiefs for unsuspecting potential beaus, and otherwise embarrass herself in pursuit of true love. But the longer this game goes on, the less sure Kai is that he wants Meri to snag anyone but him. The only problem is that he may not be the kind of husband material she’s looking for . . .

Angela Ruth Strong sold her first Christian romance novel in 2009 then quit writing romance when her husband left her. Ten years later, God has shown her the true meaning of love, and there’s nothing else she’d rather write about. Her books have since earned TOP PICK in Romantic Times, been optioned for film, won the Cascade Award, and been Amazon best-sellers. She also writes non-fiction for SpiritLed Woman. To help aspiring authors, she started IDAhope Writers where she lives in Idaho, and she teaches as an expert online at WRITE THAT BOOK.