Doors

I love doors. They are so cool.

Think about it. Doors are movable walls--they are the way to get in, through, and out of where you are.

Doors offer privacy and freedom, security and opportunity.

A closed door gives off the air of mystery. An open door invites people through. A creaky door speaks, and a old door creeks.

There is great power and possibility in a simple door.

There are also a great many quotes about doors:




"The door to happiness opens outward." Unknown

"Prayer is the key to heaven, but faith opens the door." Unknown

"Kind words unlock an iron door." Turkish Proverb

"Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom." George Washington Carver




Most of us are probably family with the saying, "When one door closes, God opens another." I've always love that saying. Sometimes door get shut in our face--or perhaps when we are even standing in the doorway!

I love the idea that God is looking out for us, that He knows what is being each door, where they lead to. There have been many times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed at choices before me, and sometimes discouraged at the apparent lack of choices.





I take courage that I am not only in house of life. He opens the doors that we need. In turn, He often closes the ones that we don't.  He opens doors that I am not strong enough to open myself--and doors that perhaps I didn't even see myself.




Sometimes it's hard with there is a particular door that I really want to go through and it's closed.

I pray and plead with the Lord. I tell Him all the reasons why that door is THE door for me. I push and push my ideas and my will on Him, and still it won't open. Doesn't He know what I want?





Of course He does. He wants me to be happy.  Fortunately, He knows best how to do that, and, when I allow Him, He helps lead me towards and through the doors that can bring me that happiness.




Even doors that I can't see.


My favorite quote that I've found is this one by Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Every wall is a door."

With God directing our paths, there really are no walls--no obstacles that can stop our progression. There is nothing that can keep us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Even when we cannot see the door, if we keep our eyes directed towards Him, He will show us the way--even when we can't see it ourselves.

He knows us. He knows which doors will bring us the greatest joy. He knows where we will do the most good. And He knows what experiences will offer the greatest growth. He knows just where to guide us.

Though the doors may not look like what we may have thought, we just need to have the faith to trust Him.

And go through the door.

The Power of Sometimes

I registered for my first writer's conference February of this year. I was so excited! I also signed up for my first pitch session. I wanted my pitch to be perfect. So I did some research, a lot of research.

Then I got scared. What if I crash and burn? What if I make a fool of myself? What if I forget what my book is about and simply drool and stutter? What if I (gulp) get rejected?

All of these were major concerns of mine, so I turned to the internet for some relief.

I found some great hints and tips for the perfect pitch session, which I posted here. But I also found some really depressing statistics out there.

Most pitch sessions end in rejections, either on the spot, or after they receive (and maybe read) your work they requested.

"You'll never get a book deal through a pitch session,"  read many a writer's online lament, "but it's great for networking and practice."

"I've never picked up a book from a pitch session," wrote one agent, "but I continue to do them because someday I hope to."

I felt empowered by the tips and suggestions, but dejected still the same. Why would I pay $20 to get rejected? Didn't I get enough of that in high school? (Thank Kevin.)

But, I did it anyway. Even though the statistics were against me and I'd probably lose $20.

So, if pitch session hardly ever work, why even waste the money?

Because, sometimes they do work.

And I live for the sometimes.

'Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?' was pitched at that pitch session. My very first pitch session. At my very first writer's conference. 

I don't think I'm anything special- but the stars aligned just the right way. It was the right book pitched to the right person at the right time. I don't know how it happened, but it did. Like magic.

I've had more pitch sessions since then for another book of mine, and so far each one has ended in a polite rejection. And I know that I will have many more end that way, too.  But, I'll keep pitching, and writing, and pitching, though they hardly ever work because....sometimes they do. 

So, if you're about to throw out the pitch sessions, don't.

Keep pitching, and writing, and pitching. Because sometimes it does. One of these days your book will the right one pitched to the right person at the right time - and it will work. Like Magic.

This Is It!

Have you ever had to hold your breath for a looooong time? So long you start to feel light-headed and dizzy? Isn't it wonderful when you can finally let it all out and breathe?

Well, that's how I feel right now.

I've been holding in some news for a while--and the time has come to let it out.

I am happy to announce that my women's inspirational non-fiction book called 'Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat?' will be released through Deseret Book on December 30th, 2013!

(You can pre-order your copy today by clicking the picture below!)

It is a humorous and touching book about abandoning self-doubt and embracing your divine potential. I have loved writing it, and I hope you will love reading it!

I'll keep you posted here as I share tiny bits and pieces of the book, book signings, blog tours, etc.

Thank you for your support thus far, and I hope you'll join continue to join me on this amazing adventure! Like, share, and eat some chocolate with me to celebrate!

Michelle