It’s the first Welcome Mat Wednesday of the New Year. Woohoo! I officially started welcoming Wednesday guests in December 2011, and it’s fun to look back at the list of who all has stopped by Tag(g)lines since. Such a cool group of authors, industry professionals and other fun friends.
And I’m really excited about the lineup already in place for the first few months of 2013! Sidenote: If you’d ever like to be a guest, just check out these quick notes and shoot me an email. Wednesdays are full through early March.
I’m so happy to welcome today’s guest–the lovely Gabrielle Meyer. I met Gabe through the blogosphere in early 2012 and had the fun of hanging out with her at both ACFW and the MBT Storycrafters Retreat last fall. I’ve also had the privilege of reading her first manuscript, and I’m telling you, from the first chapter, I felt like I was reading an already-published book. I can’t wait to see what God’s going to do in and through her writing in this coming year.
A New Year: Looking Backward, Looking Forward
I love the New Year. I remember the first resolution I made–and kept. I stopped sucking my thumb in First Grade. It was a big deal. I had tried numerous times before, so when I was finally successful, I was proud of myself. I realized the importance of self-control and determination. Since then, I’ve looked at New Years as a great opportunity to make other positive changes in my life.
I don’t know why New Years is so powerful. Maybe it’s because we give ourselves the opportunity to start over. Maybe it’s because we wipe the slate clean, so to speak, and allow ourselves to write a new story on that slate. A better story.
Whatever the case may be, I try to capitalize on the new beginnings January 1st presents. With a clean slate, the opportunities are endless.
Last New Year’s I had a dream lying dormant in my heart. I wanted to write a book. My oldest daughter was seven, my second daughter was five and my twin boys were one year, nine months and three days old (but who was counting?). Life had taken my husband and I on a whirlwind adventure and my dream became one of the last things I thought about as I crashed into bed at night.
But dreams are a living thing and they like to resurface for air once in a while. I hadn’t forgotten about my dream, I actually kept it alive by occasionally writing for a regional magazine – but it was no longer enough, and the dream resurfaced, gasping for air. I needed to tell stories. I needed to research and brainstorm and plot. I needed to be creative and use some of the gifts God had given me. I was born (as so many of us are) to tell stories. As a mother and wife, meeting the needs of my family utilized some of my gifts, but I knew I had so much more to offer with my writing.
So last New Year’s I determined it was time to start crafting the stories in my heart. No, it wasn’t the perfect time. My twins hadn’t even turned two years old, yet. But I knew that if I didn’t start, I would always find an excuse. Life has a way of taking over when we’re not purposeful about how we’re living it.
So I capitalized on the New Year. I wrote a book and then I read seven craft books and I rewrote that book. I also found other authors online and became friends with them, opening up a whole new world to me. I attended ACFW in September and met with editors who requested my book, which I submitted in November.
All because I saw the New Year as an opportunity to make a change in my life. I was willing to use self-control and determination to keep my New Year’s Resolution. God opened up so many doors for me in 2012. I know that I could not have accomplished any of my goals without His hand in my life. But I believe it was my willingness to stay committed to my dream that allowed Him to work so powerfully.
I am privileged to co-author my story with God. With His guidance and help, I can steer 2013 in the direction I want it to go, starting today.
This year I plan to write a second book. I plan to make more friendships and strengthen old ones. I plan to attend more retreats and conferences and I plan to meet the challenges, and embrace the opportunities, God sets before me. It’s a New Year. A new beginning. A clean slate.
What is the most successful New Year’s Resolution you’ve kept? What do you resolve to do in 2013?
~ ~ ~ ~
Gabrielle Meyer lives in Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four young children, including two year old twin boys. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society for ten years, and the Morrison County Historical Society for two years, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by actual events. Since 2004, she’s written for Minnesota Moments Magazine and she does freelance writing for non-profit organizations. In her “free” time she enjoys volunteering for her church and community and is a big fan of MOPS and AWANA. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter or her blog.
Comments 57
Melissa, thank you for having me as your first guest in 2013!! I’m honored to share your blog with Ollie today – he’s such a cutie and always makes me smile. 🙂 And thank you for the wonderful compliments about my story – your belief in my writing has been such a blessing these past few months. I can’t wait to see you and Lindsay in June!!
And thank YOU for being today’s guest! I was hoping you wouldn’t mind Ollie joining you today. 🙂 I went to tape the regular intro video yesterday, but after traveling to Wichita, I looked, um, not so much like I should be in front of the camera. Besides, Ollie is soooo cute…he was perfect for the intro.
I loved your post! I’m excited to hang out in June…and so excited for the day we’ll all be reading your books in print. Can’t wait!
So fun to learn more about you, Gabe, and I’m thrilled to see how God is working in your life! Isn’t it awesome how God connects His people?! (It was wonderful to meet you at ACFW this year. I always think of you when I wear my lovely flower. 🙂 )
Melissa, you continue to be such a huge blessing. Love your words and your heart for Jesus!
Happy New Year!
Cynthia, it was so much fun meeting you, too! I’m still amazed at all the connections and friendships I made in 2012 – definitely brought about by God’s handy work.
I’m so happy you’re still enjoying your flower pin. I hope we’ll see each other again in Indianapolis in September – you’ll have to let me know if there are any other flower pin colors you’re interested in and I’ll bring them for you. 🙂
Thanks, Cindy. You’re a blessing to me. 🙂
I love your story, Gabrielle. It sounds like God has His fingerprints all over your writing journey.
Julie, I love watching God work, and it was especially fun to see His hand moving in my life last year. I was just telling my husband last night that the farther I go on this journey, the more I’m realizing that it truly is by the grace and will of God that authors are published. Yes, we work hard, yes we go where He leads, but there are so many things out of our control. It really is a lesson in patience and trust. 🙂
Julie, I would agree–I definitely think God has his hands on Gabe’s writing. From what I’ve read of her writing and seen of her heart, well, it just makes me excited for what’s ahead.
And Gabe, I so agree with you. Yeah, we have to work hard, but at the end of the day, God’s got stuff figured out…and we can either balk at the fact things are out of our control or find comfort in trusting Him.
A. Ollie is adorable! (And you have a beautiful laugh.)
B. Gabrielle, so thankful you went for it and keep going for it! Inspiring. I’d say the whole writing a book deal is one of the best resolutions I’ve kept.
~ Wendy
Wendy, I agree – Melissa has a beautiful laugh and so does her sister! My new resolution is to write another book – and I’m thinking it’s going to be just as fulfilling, if not more so, to get that second book written. Congrats on writing all the books you’ve finished. Each one is a great accomplishment.
Thanks, Wendy and Gabe. Ohhh, I love Ollie. Hanging out with him just doesn’t get old. 🙂
I just gotta say, Gabe was one of the first bloggers I started reading way back when I started writing. What a lovely, LOVELY person you are, Gabrielle!!!
Free time? You/I/we have four kids, what is this free time of which you speak? Your free time,if I may be so bold, is bought with hard work and self discipline to carve out time to write.
I’m excited to be an observer and beneficiary of the things you’ll learn on your trip down Writer Road.
Awesome Ollie is getting close to having rock star status, which he deserves. What an adorable, tough little man!
Jennifer – you make me smile. You are a lovely lady, too, and I’m so happy we’ve become friends. My free time comes at the sacrifice of putting other things aside…like laundry, dishes, vacuuming, etc… 🙂 When people ask me how I find the time, I tell them I don’t watch television or read much when I’m writing. But, as all of us writers can attest, it’s not that easy to carve out the time – we have to be intentional about it.
Hope you’re feeling better today!!
Jennifer, I think “lovely” is a perfect word to describe Gabe. 🙂
I loved meeting you, Gabe, at ACFW! And I’m so glad you have a smart phone and can text in less than an hour! 🙂
Your story was beautiful. I don’t usually make resolutions but I’d say persevering in writing has been my greatest accomplishment. We all know how tiring and discouraging it can be at times.
This year I’m pursuing joy full steam ahead!
Tagg, I’ve missed you but I can see how much fun you’ve had by the looks of precious little Ollie! 🙂
Jessica – yes, I’ve joined the 21st Century! I love that I can now text with some ease. 🙂
I’m finding that it doesn’t matter when, or why, we determine to write our story – just getting started and following through is a great accomplishment. It is tiring and discouraging, but it can also bring so much joy – and that’s why we do it. Kind of like living in Minnesota. It can be so cold and miserable in January – but when June comes, I’m reminded why I love it so much. 🙂
And I’ve missed you, Jess! Glad we’re both back. 🙂
Co-authoring a book with God sounds very difficult because He might take your story places you don’t want to go, but like in life He has His purpose. Praying that God’s story of love, grace, and sacrifice would be woven into your story.
Ollie, just when I think you can’t get any cuter, you prove me wrong! 🙂
Melinda, I agree. As soon as we think we know which way out story is going, God puts in a twist we didn’t see coming. I’ve learned so much about God on this journey, and I’m continuing to learn as I go. Trust. Patience. Hope. Faith. Contentment. Joy. All things learned through perseverance and trials. Thank you for your beautiful prayer for me.
I love those crazy twists in stories that seem to come out of nowhere. 🙂 In Made to Last, I had an experience when I thought I knew where a scene was leading, only to have it go somewhere completely different. And in the process, I learned something huge not only about my character, but about myself. Very cool.
Wonderful post. It is fun to hear about your journey. I’ve heard you are a great writer. I can’t wait to see what God has for you in 2013!
Michelle – thank you for your kind words! I’m praying 2013 will be an incredible year for all of us!
I can confirm that both Michelle and Gabe are great writers. 🙂
LOVE LOVE LOVE OLLIE!!! I’m happy and I know it when I watch Ollie!
Happy New Year, Melissa and Gabrielle!
Love your heart in this post, Gabrielle. I also love when God guides our mind/pen/typing fingers in the right direction, or in one we didn’t see coming.
Last year I made a resolution to feel more joy in my heart. I had missed the sheer joy of even the little things – just by being too busy to look and feel. This year, I’m rejoicing more.
Loree – I love your resolution to feel more joy. So many people don’t realize that feeling joy is a choice we have to make every day. Sadly, in our world, we have to be purposeful about it, but I’m so happy you discovered how to do it. I also love when God guides our mind/pen/typing fingers. Sometimes I sit back in awe as the words spill onto the page and I know I’m just the vessel He’s working through. So nice to see you here today!
Joy is a choice. So true.
Awesome Gabrielle! You are an inspiration!
Awesome jog to Ollie. Makes me smile a whole lot!
Thank you, Lisa. Every writer I meet is an inspiration to me!
And Ollie is awesome. 🙂 He’s bringing a lot of people joy.
Ollie rocks!
Proud of you, Gabe, for getting that book written and beginning the process toward getting it published. I admire your self-discipline. When I had a houseful of children, not sure I could have done it. I’m thankful our paths crossed in 2012, and will look forward to seeing what God is going to do in and through you in 2013.
Two resolutions I made for 2012 in which I was successful: 1) lose weight. I lost 40 lbs. – Woohoo!! I’m eating healthier and exercising like I should. I haven’t felt this good in years. 2) finish the third novel in my Island Legacy Series. Caribbean Freedom is finished, and I’m in the process of wrapping up the last edits. Another Woohoo! 🙂
Teri – wow! Those are some awesome resolutions you’ve kept!! 40 lbs. is a great accomplishment. I still have some baby weight I want to lose from the twins (I know, they’re almost three, so I don’t know how much longer I can blame their pregnancy…) It’s one of those battles that we can only overcome when we become determined and diligent, with no excuses. For me, finding the time to write makes me a better mom and wife. It’s one way I refill the cup that gets drained with daily life. It’s not always easy, but my husband and kiddos have come alongside me and help me find the time. I make it fun for them, offering little rewards when I meet my goals. For my older kids, it makes my goal their goal, as well. When I submitted my manuscript in November, I promised to take the kids to Chuck E. Cheese – and that’s exactly what we did!
Good luck wrapping up those last edits!!
And I’m so thankful our paths crossed in 2012, as well! You’ve been such a blessing to me, Teri.
Whoa, Teri, awesome job reaching your resolutions! Thanks for stopping by!
Oh my goodness, Ollie is sooooo adorable, Mel!!
And Gabe, I loved your post (not a surprise). I so admire your commitment to doing God’s will and balancing your dream with your family. You are so disciplined and I wanna be like you when I grow up. 😉 So glad you’re such a good friend and I can’t wait to see what God does with your writing.
As for me, I’m praying 2013 is a good year for my writing. I plan to finish and submit one book, write and revise another by ACFW, and hopefully draft a third by December. May be overly ambitious, but we’ll see. The biggest thing is that I want God to direct my steps and help me to grow where I need it.
Ha! If you could only see my house, you might not think I’m so disciplined, after all! I’ve just discovered there are only so many hours in the day and if I want to be a good mom, a good wife and a good writer, then I’m not going to be a good housekeeper! 🙂 Thankfully my girls are old enough to help out, and my hubby is now home more in the winter. But thank you for your encouraging words. 🙂
Your goals for 2013 are awesome! I’ll be praying for you and encouraging you along the way. 🙂
I have no doubt you will reach your goals, Linds. I mean Linz. Hehehe…
I noticed Mike called you Linz in you Christmas letter. 🙂
I just love your story, Gabrielle! Figure out what you want to do, and do it! Sounds so simple! 🙂 Sadly, I can’t really remember any resolutions that I’ve stuck with long-term…but I keep trying. (What’s the definition of insanity?? Doing the same thing over and over…Yikes!LOL)This year I’m focusing on deepening relationships (or building new ones). After all is said and done, I care more about people than any of my past goals, that I’m optimistic about this one. Crossing my fingers! 🙂
Lacie, you’re absolutely right! Relationships are so much more important than all the writing goals we’ll ever have. Just keep plugging away and follow where God leads, and you’ll be so happy where you end up. Thanks for stopping by to say hello today!
Deepening relationships…that’s a good goal.
That video was so precious. Thanks for sharing Ollie with us, Melissa.
Gabriella, your words are very encouraging to this pre-pubbed author. I have been dealing with a few discouraging things recently. But I hold on to the promise I know God has whispered to me, I am supposed to write, the outcome is in His hands, I am just to be obedient.
~Melissa
Melissa, I believe you’ve discovered the secret to happiness: being obedient to following God’s leading. Sometimes I fret about the outcome of my writing, but then I remember that God is using my writing for so many reasons, the least of which is actually publication. He’s using it to sharpen my faith, strengthen my family, grow my relationships and spread His Word, even if it’s only on my blog or on Facebook, or on other blogs. We’re always ministering when we’re walking in His Will. Keep up the faith!
Melissa and Gabe, your exchange reminds me of something Susie Warren said once–If God doesn’t change you during the publication journey, you’ve missed the point. Those bumpy spots and disappointment moments are part of the refining process. Not always fun, but in the long run, worth it in order to become the writers and women God means for us to be.
Melissa, I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing (online through both of your blogs) how you and Gabe have developed such a wonderful friendship since you met.
Gabe, how astounding that you made a New Year’s Resolution so early – and remember it! I love how you know you were born to tell stories. I didn’t know that until much, MUCH later in life, but realized I knew it all along – just didn’t recognize or embrace it. I cannot WAIT to read your novel – and each one after it. In 2013, I’ve resolved only one thing: follow Jesus wherever He opens a door. It’s amazing how many doors He’s already opening. Hugs to you both!
Donna, I was old enough to know I shouldn’t be sucking my thumb anymore, so when I made the resolution – and kept it – it was a momentous occasion that I’ve thought about almost every New Year’s since then! 🙂 I’m so thankful for all my new friendships this past year, including you. I’ve discovered the secret to lasting friendships is speaking the same heart language – and that’s exactly what we writers do. 🙂 I love your 2013 resolution. If we would all follow Jesus through the open doors, I believe we’d live in a much different world. Many prayers for your 2013!!
Hugs to you, too, Donna! I’ve loved getting to know Gabe AND you in the past year!
Inspiring, Gabrielle. I watched Susie’s MBT video the other night and was inspired and encouraged by what she had to say. I’ve done a couple of things already to get primed for getting my book on the page this year and it’s only January 2. It was in one of your previous blogs on your site that stated how many people you met and I believe that we’re all in this together. To encourage and keep us accountable.
Lisa Nieman
Lisa, it’s so nice to see you here! Congrats on getting ready to get your book on the page this year. It’s amazing what happens when we stay focused and determined. I’m encouraging you to keep thinking about Susie’s words – she’s so wise and full of great insight. We are all in this together, and having mentors to guide us and friends to keep up on the path is so important. Good luck!!
Susie rocks! As does MBT. I love the relationships I’ve developed through that!
Gabrielle!
Its been wonderful meeting you and hanging out at Storycrafters. I can’t wait to see the amazing hand of God in your life. I feel so very blessed to be a part of your journey. Your dedication to balance life and writing, its one of the toughest challenges we face. I want to learn to better enjoy the journey.
This year I will finish my wip edits, start and finish one more book. I also want to start blogging maybe once a week.
Blessings!
Can’t wait to see you …at Deep Thinkers!
Waaaahhh, I want to go to Deep Thinkers!!!
Alena, I’m so glad our paths have crossed and I can’t wait to see where your journey leads you, too! I’m counting down the days to Deep Thinkers! Melissa, I wish you could be there. 🙁
A doubly-exciting blog post today: a video of wonderful Ollie & then an inspiring post written by Gabrielle!!!
What a way to start the new year, Melissa!!!
It was a delight to meet you at ACFW, Gabrielle, and I’ll see you soon at DT. Looking forward to what God has in store for you in 2013.
Beth, I didn’t know you are coming to DT! Yay! What a wonderful surprise. 🙂 I can’t wait to see you again. Thanks for stopping by today and saying hello.
Ollie is so cute…and that 1000-watt smile…I’ll keep coming back just to play the video!
And so glad to meet you Gabe! I really admire anyone who makes a New Year’s resolution and keeps it. Yours was awesome. Writing a book with 4 children under the age of 8…That is truly an inspiration. In case you can’t tell, I don’t make resolutions. lol. I do choose one word to focus on for the year and this year it’s humility.
Are you coming to DT? I hope so.
Well, I must confess, I don’t think I’ve EVER kept a New Year’s resolution! But this year, I feel God is guiding me to go deeper in the word and prayer with Him – and that’s always a good thing, right? I know He has a work for me to do, and it won’t get accomplished if I’m lazy about those basics.
Gabrielle, nice to read more about your writing journey. I still remember when you started frequenting my blog–you are such a sweet person! Praying God’s blessings over your writing as you’re a busy momma, sacrificing for your dream.