What’s your dream? Are you living it now or still working for it? Or did you give up on your dream a long time ago?
Ever since I was eight, I’ve dreamed of becoming an author. More specifically, a full-time author. I’ve been a part-time author since 2013. I’ve had one self-published book. I’ve also had a book released through a hybrid publisher – a combination of self and traditional publishing – and two books released by a tiny, not-so-great traditional publisher.
I’ve been working on my latest book, How to Thrive, Not Just Survive, Attending Church Solo, for well over a year now. This very newspaper interviewed me about it last winter (thank you, Hamilton County Reporter!) I’ve been determined to get How to Thrive published by a reputable, traditional Christian publisher.
Rejection has to be the number one struggle for authors. I’ve been rejected dozens of times by literary agents and publishers. You must get used to it if you want to succeed as a writer. I even experience it through my grant consulting business. We tell our clients that you can have the perfect proposal that checks every box for a funder … and they can still tell you “No.”
One story that always gives me hope is about Madeleine L’Engle, author of A Wrinkle in Time. This book is a well-known classic that came out in 1962. It was also rejected 26 times before finally being accepted by a publisher.
Even though I’m 54, I refuse to give up my dream of becoming a full-time author. When a Christian author by the name of Peggy Sue Wells directly connected me to three good possible publishers last summer, I was thrilled. I was blessed to meet her at the Taylor University Writers Conference.
The first publisher told me “not yet” in September. They asked me to build up my platform and do some speaking on the topic. After I worked hard and did what they instructed, I tried them again in January. They didn’t even bother to reply this time.
I tried the second one three weeks ago. When I saw their email reply last week, I was prepared for the usual rejection. Imagine my surprise when I saw that they were offering me an agreement! I’m now an author with Elk Lake Publishing, with a target of summer 2026 for my book release.
Elk Lake has impressed me so much, and I’m working to use every resource they’ve offered to make my book the best it can be. I know there’s still plenty of hard work ahead, but I’m determined to embrace it all and look forward to this adventure.
I’ve been writing stories and books since I was eight years old. It’s taken me 46 years to get to this point.
If you’re not living your dream yet, I hope you find the spark that keeps lighting your fire to help you continue to go after it. It may take decades, but that makes the eventual victory even more incredible and rewarding!
Amy Shankland is a writer and fundraising professional living in Noblesville with her husband John, two sons, two dogs, and a cat. You can reach her via email at amys@greenavenue.info.
Congrats! Thanks for encouraging writers. Maybe see you this summer at the TU writing conference!