A little girl sits cross-legged
while playing with her beloved stuffed bear, Fuzzy. Her mother is in the
kitchen making pancakes while her father sits on the couch next to her flipping
through channels on the television. Little girl is content. She loves Saturdays,
and pancakes, and Fuzzy. Father’s program cuts to commercials and little girl
looks up. On the screen is what appears to be a flawless woman with long legs
and yellow hair. She is being chased by a handsome gentleman. They embrace each
other. They look so happy. In that moment little girl becomes aware of her
undeveloped body and curly brown hair. She will forever associate beauty with
the flawless couple that frolicked on the screen.
We were children when we first
started to build our definitions of what womanhood meant. While the television
was often a dominant educator, we also watched our mothers, and older sisters,
and friends to understand who we are, and what we will be. Some images
empowered us, and others crippled us. And at some point in our lives we must
choose the kind of woman we will be. Some will fixate their eyes on beauty, and
others wealth. Some will use their womanhood to birth a lineage, and others
will dedicate their lives to seeking justice. For each of us, there is a deep sense
and longing for more. Unfortunately, some women have been told to, “be quiet,”
or “let a man do it” for so long, that they have become lost to this calling.
It is extremely easy to get swept
away in the noise and let false perceptions define you. That is why we want to
go to the source of our womanly nature—the author of our very being. Through
this series we will be unleashing the vast ways of being a God-authored
heroine.
Heroine. The word is literally
defined as, “A woman noted for courageous acts or nobility of character.” She
is strong. She is fierce. She is unstoppable.
Contrary to popular belief, God
loves using women in His story. Scripture is filled with examples of this—Esther,
Ruth, Rahab, Mary, just to name a few. He loved using the unlikeliest of people
to carry out His will and to be heroines in their time. They defied cultural
norms, risked their lives, and took immense leaps of faith to fight for what
they believed in. They embodied courage, bravery, and spirit.
It’s easy to look at these women
and marvel at their stories and how the Lord used them to make history, but
dismiss that same possibility for our own lives. However, there are endless
doors of possibility waiting to be opened by the girl who unlocks the potential
that God has given her.
She who sees her womanhood as a
gift and not an obstacle. She whose character surpasses her beauty. She whose
spirit lights the way for others. She who believes the Lord can use her. These
are the heroines of our day.
I truly believe that God deeply
enjoyed making the woman. Woven in our personhood are the sincerest and most
loving characteristics of God. The Lord delights in using the woman. She is His
secret weapon and one of His most treasured creations. He grieves when she is
oppressed. He rejoices when she is glad. He loves her and is for her.
A God-authored heroine is a woman
of enormous character. She loves life, yet holds it loosely. She is always
receptive to learning and is always searching for the Lord in every corner of
her life.
“She is clothed with
strength and dignity,
and
she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25
As God-authored heroines, it is
important that we believe in each other and encourage one another. We must
highlight more than our sister’s cute shoes, and instead, note her character.
We must search deep within our sisters to see their unique strengths and gifts,
and lift those up. We must build up what was torn down. When we begin to
reconstruct our views of our own womanhood and the women around us, we free
ourselves to truly loving one another. We rid ourselves of envy and jealousy
that has so often robbed us of our joy and confidence.
It is time that we stopped looking
at our womanhood as a curse, or an excuse, or an obstacle, and instead saw it
as a gift from the heavens. May we not get stuck looking back that we never
move forward. May we use our words to lift up and heal one another. May the
Spirit fill us with dreams bigger than our fragile frames that they may overflow
into the hearts of others.
We invite you to explore what being
a God-authored heroine means in your life. It is our prayer that you would be
open to hearing from the Lord to see how He can use your story and womanhood in
this world. May these words light a spark in your heart. There is unimaginable
adventure in store for she who embarks the life of the God-authored heroine.
“It is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has
heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for
those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9
I
am a girl, growing every day into shoes too big. I’m a dreamer, always have
been. I’ve loved many art forms, but the written word is by far my favorite. I
have come to adore the infinite possibilities that characters and syllables and
punctuations strung together can become. I believe we are all storytellers and
that we all have very special, very unique perspectives begging to be shared
and heard. Words have the power to inspire us to do remarkable, courageous
things. They sometimes lift our spirit and make us laugh. Other times they make
us cry and see the world differently. Words can help us heal and grow stronger.
Just
like I am a young woman becoming my own, my story is unfolding with the
passing days. I don’t want to miss a beat. I want to savor every word on every
page of this story that is my life. I want you to be part of it. To hear my
heart. To laugh with me, cry with me, grow with me. I want to hear your story,
too. Let’s have a conversation. Let’s love each other well, and use our words
wisely to change our worlds for the better.
For
me, I believe that this life is far too complex and beautiful to not have an
author. I adore my Creator, and am learning from Him and about Him each day. It
is for His glory that I write. He’s the truest inspiration.
A
barista shoots me glances of confusion while I slump over my laptop and
coffee-stained notebook. I squeal like a teen girl at a boyband concert while
rereading conversations between my book couples. I’m the author of their story,
yet I delight in each sentence of their journey. Why? There must be a reason
for this insane, geeky reaction, a connection to someone greater than me and my
fictional stories.
Over
the past five years of having my books on shelves, I have learned people crave
stories with romance. Some of my friends won’t read a book or watch a movie
unless there is a prominent love interest. What gives us this need? Why do we
hunger for hope in someone else’s happy ending?
Books
hold incredible romances, but our love story began at the cross where the
Prince of Peace, Son of the Living God, sacrificed Himself in a wild,
unrestrained, indescribable gesture of desire. Love-struck and infatuated with
us, He did the one thing others have written into their stories for millenniums.
He demonstrated love in its purest form.
“But God shows His love
for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
– Romans 5:8
Before
documentation of Jesus Christ, there isn’t a recorded case of sacrifice in the
name of love, so why has society accepted the selfless giving of one’s own self
as the most extreme expression of care?
We,
the authored, radiate with our Creator.
Our
hearts ache and break for a cinematic meet cute; boy and girl make eye contact
from opposite sides of the room—maybe they sit next to each other, begin an
awkward first conversation—and they fall in love. Easy. Fast. Straightforward.
We
want to be able to fit a love story into a few chapters or a two hour movie
because for the duration of our lives, we’ve been taught by the media that love
happens fast and concludes with a couple lounging on a park bench, hopelessly
enthralled with each other as the camera zooms out or the final paragraph comes
to a sweet conclusion. Although we all have a victorious ending in Christ, our
stories read different. They’re each beautiful and captivating in their own
way, but their plot graphs differ in rising action and climax.
I
met a dear friend for coffee a few days ago. As we sipped our fancy Cubans, she
reminded me of a truth that has stuck with me—Love may start with sparks, but
it comes softly with time.
God
delights in our love stories more than we could ever “fan girl” over book
characters and their climactic, romantic breakthroughs. He is writing our love
interests into existence, smiling as we move toward each other. He reveals His
own love for us as we grapple with the uncertainty and fear of opening our
hearts. Softly—a word saturated with the deep richness of all beauty and
excitement that is to come through our intimate relationship with the Author.
Time
is irrelevant to God. In fact, He uses time as a buffer between plot points, a
suspense-builder and a catalyst to merge His glory into the romance. He
manifests Himself when the story reaches a prime moment, when the unfolding beams
with evidence of His inspiration. As heroes and heroines in the God-authored
saga, we must ask Him to sync our souls with His will for our stories and be
confident in all that is to come because . . . it will come . . . in forms we
may or may not expect.
Uniting
the threads between writing and resting in God’s composition is the simple
truth: Without the author, there cannot be a love story. Relationships
in books require the author’s inspiration and the characters’ willingness to
subject their independent nature to reliance on the author’s care for them.
Three entities. Three lovers. One story.
Genesis
24 holds the love story that has haunted my mind for months. I often feel like
Rebekah, carrying my jug of water to the spring, waiting for God to choose me
for His Isaac. I have been like Abraham’s servant, asked for signs, watched
closely to “learn whether or not the Lord had made (my) journey successful.”
Hearts
cry out with joy when the Lord taps His podium, raises His conductor’s baton
and signals destiny to erupt in a symphonic celebration. The audience sighs
when the story unravels at the pristine instance, when both characters mature
to perfection and merge lives. They clutch their mouths when Rebekah appears on
the horizon, clothed in her wedding garb. They weep as Isaac moves across the
field, captivated by her. They cheer as the Author unites both characters in a
scene of desert breezes, canvas tents and ordained lovers standing
face-to-face, hand-in-hand.
Crafting
a romance between pages or on a screen is nothing more than an allegorical
representation of our lives with Christ Jesus. When we write books, we reflect
what God is doing with us, the craving He has for our attention and faith. Write
with this fact in mind, know that perfect love takes three entities and
Jesus-inspired sacrifices.
Our
desire for a meet cute is the echo of need we have for a romance with our
Writer. Once we’ve synced ourselves with His cinematic story, we melt in the
sheer wonder that comes from His anointed plotline because . . .
Motivation to write stems
from various needs. One may begin to type or scribble words as a way to relieve
inward tension, escape reality, tell stories to entertain and teach, explore
realms of thought. Whatever one’s reason to begin, writing soon becomes an
extension of body and soul, a proclaiming voice to eager minds.
The tenacious surge
required to become an author is a result of a different need, a desire to flaunt
the love and devotion poured into our stories, showcase carefully crafted
characters and spread our message, once an exclusive exchange, to the world.
What gives us the need to
express? Why do each of us carry a desire within us to speak and be heard,
explore and discover, grow close to our own creations?
Since I was a
platinum-haired child with a single ponytail on the top of my scalp, I’ve
adored stories. They’ve been my teachers and friends, the captains of voyages
to places not found on any map. They’ve been mirrors and open doors. Overall,
stories have rooted themselves within me. I read and write them to grow, bud,
flourish.
Again, I ask the
questions: What gives us the need to express? Why do each of us carry a desire
within us to speak and be heard, explore and discover, grow close to our own
creations?
Children reflect their
parents, thus creation reflects its Creator.
We radiate with the
artistic splendor of our Alpha and Omega Author.
God has our beginning and
end, indented the first paragraph and reserved a final period to conclude the
epic novel of our lives. He’s brainstormed, outlined. He has crafted us with
precision because we, the authored, are His protagonists.
To float in the peace of
His orchestration, all we have to do is surrender ourselves to the scandalous,
all-consuming plotline mapped out before the dawn of time, constructed from His
sovereign desire to have an intimate connection with us. We are His expression.
No one can love us more
than the Author of our story.
The classic verse,
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord,
‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.’”
What beautiful,
miraculous hope we have in Christ Jesus! If the end of our stories have already
been written, what do we have to fear? If the Love of our lives is composing
our every moment, why should we be overcome with anxiety, crushed by the weight
of MAYBE?
“Thus says the Lord, the
God of Israel, ‘Write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book.’” Jeremiah
30:2
For the longest time, I
didn’t understand why God placed me in a waiting room, kept from the blessings
I could see in the distance. I couldn’t figure out why my Father allowed me to
experience deep hurt, sink into trials before pulling me up to stand on top of
them. Through writing, He revealed His intentions in a bursting epiphany.
A wonderful story isn’t
captivating unless the main character is confronted with obstacles.
I have spent many
afternoons crying over my computer (while sitting in coffeehouses) as I placed
my characters in painful situations. I wept when they wept. I rejoiced when
they rejoiced.
God does the same with
us. Through muck and mire, darkness and anguish, happiness, progress, He walks
with us; He grows closer to us while proclaiming His presence to the world.
But the great thing about
obstacles is this: They can be conquered. They have already been overcome by
salvation’s grace. They will subside, and our stories will be better because of
them.
Waiting seems to be the
overarching theme of the publishing industry. I wait to hear news regarding my
books. I wait for progress, opportunities to present themselves. I wait for
personal desires such as relationships, direction, etc.
Life is a state of
constant expectance, yet we must be sure to not passively wait but place our
hope and faith in the Author’s hands. 2 Peter 3:9a says, “The Lord is not slow
in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness.” His timing is without
fault. He knows our stories backward-and-forward, has crafted extravagant
plotlines for us.
Blessings given too soon
become burdens so by allowing us to wait in His care, He is aging us like fine
wine kept in a cellar, preparing us to experience the fullness of His plan.
“You need to persevere so
that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has
promised.” Hebrews 10:36
Over the past few years,
I have learned God wants nothing more than to have a close relationship with
us. He values the righteous desires of our hearts because He placed them there.
That said, He often makes Himself known in situations to verify we are in His
will, yet refrains from fully manifesting an opportunity. We can become
restless and believe a certain schedule is best for our lives. However, His
plot for our stories exceeds our expectations. He holds us in a rising action
until the perfect moment, when the climactic roar of fulfillment rushes onto
our metaphorical pages and an average story transforms into an epic novel
written for His glory.
You are a beloved
character.
I am a beloved character.
We have been given a
spirit of power.
And with endurance and
faithful expectancy, we can successfully climb our plot graphs as protagonists
in a God-authored saga.
I’m humbled and honored
to be an anointed ambassador, a radiating creation of my Creator. He gives
teaching through typed words on a screen. He shows me the worth I do not see
and gives me dreams I have no right to dream.
Purpose
is an innate desire within us and inflicts more questions than any other
element of human nature. It drives us to ask, “Why am I here? Does my life
matter? What are my talents? How can I be used by God?”
First
and foremost, purpose is found in Jesus Christ alone, but as children of God, we
have been entrusted with gifts to use in His name, to glorify and project Him
to the world. These gifts, when developed with the right intentions, have the
power to transform culture, society and ultimately, be tools of evangelism. Jesus
expounded on the importance of being good stewards of God-given gifts in the
Parable of the Talents, found in Matthew 25.
Gifts
can be any physical or emotional actions expressed with above-average ability—this
broad definition includes music and art talent, a desire to serve others, an
intimate connection with God through prayer, etc. Recognizing your gifts is the
first step to becoming a good steward of God’s talents and taking ownership of
the power, the unfair favor willed to you through salvation.
Like
a flame hidden behind a bushel, a gift not applied is useless. Galatians 6:4-5
says, “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have given,
and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t
compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing
the creative best you can with your own life.”
Writing
is the gift God has handed to me, and I strive each day to use it as a tool to
magnify His light and love. However, music has established itself within my
life as a limitless beacon. I live in Nashville, work as a publicist for a
recording artist and compose songs with friends from My Local, a young adult
ministry organization. Music absorbs my God-given gift and shines it in a different
format, a revised medium.
To
those with a passion for music, take heart. There are countless ways to serve
God with your talent. Music is universal. It affects anyone with the ability to
hear. In contrast, if you feel God leading you to pursue music as a career, you
have an extensive journey before you. The music industry is a congested
business. To reach an audience and generate a sustaining income, one must have
determination, a “thick skin,” networking ability and the Lord’s blessing.
Nothing
is impossible with God.
When
I first met with my client to discuss her public relations plan, we went
through several steps to establish who she was going to be as an artist and
strategize ways to broaden her audience. The following steps will help you
become a better steward of your gifts . . .
(Read
more in the April 2017 digital issue of Pursue Magazine)
Few
would expect the flannel-dressed girl typing feverishly on her sticker-pasted
laptop to be the founder and editor-in-chief of a popular music website.
However, Acacia Evans, an Entertainment Industry Studies Major at Belmont
University, has never been one to “think inside the box.” At age fifteen, Acacia
started media outlet turned digital magazine, Big City Thoughts, which has grown to include staff writers and
photographers.
This
past week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Acacia about her journey with Big City Thoughts.
To begin the interview, would you tell readers aboutBig City Thoughts?
-Hey! Thanks again for thinking
of me. Big City Thoughts is a digital magazine/online media outlet I created
when I was 15-years-old. Originating in the alternative/rock scene, I finally
decided that I wanted to expand into different genres. In the spring of 2015, I
temporarily left school for health reasons. While I was home, I decided to make
Big City Thoughts into a digital magazine so our audience could flip through
our work in one place.
What motivated you to startBig
City Thoughtsas a teen?
-This is actually really funny
so please no judging! When I was in middle school, I was obsessed with the
Jonas Brothers. Everything about them: their fan base, live shows, and
obviously good looks were extremely fascinating to me. I thought to myself,
“I’m going to interview them one day.”
Did you face adversity, negativity from others?
-I think no matter what
industry you’re in or what company you run, you’re always going to run into hardships.
The media outlet/concert photographer world can get extremely competitive. I’m
not a very competitive person, but I think this industry sometimes brings out a
side of me that I’m not too happy about. I’ve learned throughout the past
couple of years that empowerment is so much stronger and healthier than
competition and jealousy. Better for your mental health as well.
How has the magazine grown?
-The magazine has grown in ways
that I have absolutely never imagined. I have writers. I have photographers. I
have friends that help me run our social media accounts and who coordinate our
live show coverage. I’m photographing in arenas. I mean, it’s truly incredible
how much support and help I’ve gotten. It’s amazing to have a team of friends
and family behind me who are helping me grow more and more every day.
What are your goals for the future?
-I always find this a difficult
question because my goals change everyday. As of right now, I want to expand
our viewership and following on all platforms. I also want to make sure that we
are covering all genres of music and successfully doing so.
After years of working with the magazine, what’s been your
favorite experience so far?
-I think my favorite experience
so far was shooting Demi Lovato for the first time back in March of 2014 at the
Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. I have been a huge fan of Demi since my Jonas
Brothers days and have always looked up to her for so many reasons. Demi
battles mental illness and I do as well, so it’s incredible to see her up on
stage in a really raw and vulnerable state.
If you could give advice to all the young people with large
dreams, what would you tell them?
-I feel like people get sick of
being told to “just do it,” but it’s entirely true. If you want to do
something, take action. I also feel like a lot of people hold back on chasing
their dreams due to age, but to me, age is literally just a number. It’s never
too late to start chasing!
Leah perceives a noir-pop world constructed of objectified girls and bad
boys, and stands amidst the heartbreak as an individualistic onlooker.
Hailing
from Jacksonville, Florida, Leah kicks down the walls dividing genres and delivers a fierce, independent sound that both seduces
and empowers. Inspired by influences such as Stevie Nicks, Bread, Lana Del
Rey and Norah Jones, Leah’s music evokes eerie, cinematic emotions that reveal
what it means to be a girl caught in the rift between attraction, love, and
freedom.
As a young
teenager, Leah rebelled against criticism, embraced her “different” voice, and
began playing in bars and restaurants. Since that time, she has performed for
intimate gatherings and crowds in excess of ten thousand, sharing her profound,
glamour-rich songs and fiery passion.
“A unique sound
from a refreshing perspective, Leah brings it.” -John Scott, iHeartMedia
I first met Leah in a college seminar course. The
moment she walked into the room, I knew she was special. And each day since
then, she’s proven me right. Not only is Leah an incredible singer and
songwriter, she’s also an inspiring person with a God-given vision. Her
soulful, mesmerizing music will add heat to any playlist.
In the following interview for Pursue Magazine and Girl
Meets Publishing World, Leah shares her journey from aspiring musician to
breakthrough artist and offers advice to those pursuing their dreams.
When
did you first become interested in music?
I truly cannot remember a time when I wasn’t
interested in music. I remember sitting in the back of my mom’s mini-van
listening to Norah Jones and being obsessed with the musicality in every word
she sang. I began singing and writing when I was about 12 and performing
publicly when I was 14, but as far as my interest in music, it has always been
there.
How
did you break into the music scene?
I didn’t know any better way to “break into the music
scene” than to write everyday and start playing in public, so that is exactly
what I did! When other kids would be hanging out I would lock myself in my
room, sit on my bed, and write for hours. And then I would take those
songs and play them anywhere they'd let a 14-15 year old play. I was playing
one Saturday night at a small restaurant and a local dj happened to
be there. He liked my sound, invited me into the station and I did a live show
with him. After that he wrote an article calling me an artist to watch. That
really opened doors for me, giving me a little credibility, allowing me to play
in more places; even though I was still too young to get into some of them on
my own! I am truly grateful for all of the positive things that came from
that one vote of confidence.
What
are your future goals as a musician?
I want to play music for the rest of my life, make a
living out of it, but still love it at the end. I think that is the key: still
loving it. Fame would be great and having people know every lyric to all of my
songs, but I just want to continue sharing my music with every ear that will
listen and if fame came out of, that would just be a plus.
Besides
music, what else do you like to do? Favorite things?
Oddly enough, I love running! People think I am crazy
when I say that, but as long as I have a pair of tennis shoes and the road, I
am a happy lady. It gives me a lot of time to think. A lot of my songs have
been written while running. A less abnormal thing that I love to do is bake! I
can make some pretty amazing chocolate chip cookies.
How
has God shaped your life and career?
Something I struggled with when I was young and around
a lot of people that I went to church with was how I could sing and write
secular songs and still be a Christian. My view is more that the way I treat
others and portray myself as woman should show my love for Christ. If you
listen closely to some of my lyrics, my personal values show through, like in
my song Easy (this song hasn’t been released yet) I say, “I’ve got dignity and
I’ve got strength and just because I want you doesn’t mean I’m gonna give it
away. I’m not saying your sleazy, I’m just not easy.”
Do
you have any advice you’d like to give those pursuing their dreams?
Don’t get easily discouraged! Whatever industry you
want to break into whether it be music, business, or basket weaving, you will
come across people who don’t agree with you or will try to change you. The most
important thing that I have learned is to listen with a critical ear to
decipher what criticism I can use to make myself better and what is just meant
to hurt me and let it roll off my back.
2015
was the most change-filled, rewarding year of my life. During the past twelve
months, I had the cover designed for my most recent novel (not an installment
of The Prime Way Trilogy), released
an EP album on Sound Cloud, graduated from high school, joined author Tessa
Emily Hall on a YA book tour, and attended the Writer’s Digest Conference in
New York City where I pitched to eight agents. I also moved to Nashville where
I began classes at Belmont University, worked as a founding editor for The Belmont Story Review, and reported
at the red carpet premiere of Providence.
Many
great things happened in 2015, but I have a feeling that 2016 is going to be
even more incredible. To make a few announcements….
-This
semester, I’ll be working as a marketing intern for Harper Collins Christian Publishing, specifically their WestBow,
Elm Hill, and Author Gateway imprints. I’ve also been offered a part-time
publicist position with Faith Flix.
-The
Prime Way Programbook 3 will be released Fall 2016. I’m beyond excited about this
concluding installment and cannot wait to share it with you.
-Athematic book trailer for Be The Victoris currently in pre-production and will be released later this
year. Unlike the first trailer, it will be scripted and include actors.
-I’m
currently in the querying process for another book, which I plan to
traditionally publish.
As
you can see, a lot is happening. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunities presented
and cannot wait to share my experiences with you all.
Thank
you for the support, readership, and encouragement.
You
made my 2015 great.
To read an interview I did for Faith Flix Films, click here.
I’m
currently sitting at a round table in my campus Starbucks, sipping a hazelnut
latte, and watching for my coffeehouse crush to stroll through the main door. I
love my college. I love Nashville and the opportunities it offers. I love meeting
new people, learning about the publishing industry, going to concerts, and dressing
like a hipster without shame or reservation.
Although
my social life has gained a needed boost from my move, my writing schedule has experienced
a major blow. Not a bullet ricochet; a nuclear bombing. The schedule is so
meager it consists only of short fiction-writing assignments for my publishing
class, blog posts, and the occasional tweet.
So what am
I doing now?
School?
Exercising at the gym? Drinking lots of coffee?
Yes. Yes.
Yes. And more.
I’ve
dedicated this school year to querying agents and building my author platform. As
of now, I’ve queried fifty agents and am awaiting responses. YES—that’s the
word I need to hear.
My odds
seem decent at the moment.
For me, the
most difficult aspect of the process has been the wait. I trudge through my day
and courses, not working on another book, not organizing author events, just
doing my student duties and praying that God will open doors at the right time.
I have accomplished what I can accomplish at this point in time. Now I must
wait. And waiting is hard. Especially for an overly determined person like me.
Since many
of you are facing a schedule change, I’d like to offer some advice.
1.Don’t
lose sight of your dream.
It’s
easy to shift focus when you’re in a new place, surrounded by new people, but
you can’t forget your dream. Never forget.
2.Remind
yourself of that paused part of you.
The
dream you’ve placed on hold is a slice of your identity. Forgetting it is like forgetting
a part of yourself. Talk about your dream with others. Place a visual reminder
somewhere in your room to keep that part of you present.
3.Take
a step forward every day, even if it’s small and seems inconsequential.
Make
choices daily that will draw you closer to your goal. Practice your talents.
Contact people who might be willing to help you reach your dream. The small
steps you make will be what carry you to success.
If
you are encountering a situation similar to mine, tell me about it!
If
you have any questions about the publishing industry, college life, or my
coffeehouse crush, email me! I’ll post interesting questions and my answers on
this blog.
Also, send me a review
of THE PRIME WAY PROGRAM and I’ll send you something in return!
In
the following videos, I discuss my experience pitching to literary agents,
share some tips, and also introduce my college roommate. Pardon the laughter, text
alert, and web cam!
Due
to the fact that I’m now a busy college student, my upcoming blog posts will
revolve around time management, writing versus school, and author patience.
Society continues to tell young people that being a
teenager requires them to “make mistakes,” “live in the moment,” and that important
actions must wait until adulthood. Those who rebel against this ideology are persecuted.
Why?
Why can’t great things be celebrated even if
the great-deed-doer is not a legal adult?
My goal was to be a published author by age sixteen. NO wasn’t a relevant word in my
vocabulary. I was going to publish. My book was going to be read. By age
sixteen.
It was going to happen.
At first, I wanted to traditionally publish. I
submitted to several agents who all liked my book but wouldn’t represent me
because of my age.
My age!
Because of self-publishing, I achieved my goal and am
now pursuing traditional publication for my latest book. I’m passionate about
inspiring teens to rise above expectations and do GREAT THINGS. Whenever I meet
a young person who is pursuing their life vision, I get excited!
Age shouldn’t be a success-determining factor.
A crazy dream shouldn’t be discouraged.
Talent, drive, and hard work should be
celebrated.
THREE CHEERS FOR TEENS introduces three teen success-stories
from three different industries. It’s meant to offer encouragement to teenagers
pursuing their dreams and motivate those who are trapped in “teen ideology.”
I hope the following interviews will inspire you as
much as they inspired me.
MariBeth
Nolte (LA Models)
I first
met MariBeth when she modeled for the trial cover of my latest book. She has
accomplished a lot and isn’t afraid to take a stand against people’s opinions
and stereotyping of the modeling industry. Her work ethic, professionalism, and
drive will take her far!
When did you first
discover your love for modeling?
When
I was just about 5 or 6 I loved posing around the house with my dad. He would
tell me to show an emotion and take pictures of me all the time. If social
media had of been as big as it is now he would have been one of those obnoxious
parents posting pictures of their kid nonstop. I also did a few pageants when I
was younger hoping they would lead to the modeling side of things, but they
never compared to the instant love I fell into with modeling once we finally figured
everything out.
Tell us about the
moment you decided to pursue modeling? Who helped you achieve your dream?
The
summer before my junior year of high school I decided I wanted to focus on
modeling. Charleston is a big town but not a big town for the modeling
industry. I did photo shoots for boutiques in Charleston. I met a photographer
for Charleston Hospitality Group, and he helped me get a job doing weekly
fashion shows at one of their restaurants. I began to network which helped me
to get more jobs. I made the decision not to play high school volleyball that
fall and chose to go to a casting call for Charleston Fashion Week. Out of the
1200 models who came out, I was chosen to be put in the model book with around
200 other models. I then went on to be chosen for Rock the Runway competition
which was made up of 10 girls and 5 guys. While I didn’t win Rock the Runway it
put me in the right place to meet the right people to help me make a move to a
larger market.
How long did it take
for you to find a “breakthrough”? What led to that opportunity?
When
I finished my junior year I went to New York to meet with Karen Lee Grybowski,
the lead judge from Charleston Fashion Week. We had met, and she liked my
personality and thought I had potential. Karen had me darken my hair and do a
couple of photo shoots for test shooting. I then looked at agencies in New York
and Los Angeles, showing them my new test shots, and signed with LA Models!
What are some of the
obstacles you’ve had to overcome while pursuing your goals and how did you conquer them?
School
was an obstacle I had to face. Originally I planned to attend college in NYC
and model while I was in school. After learning more about the market I decided
to model full time. At the end of my junior year I needed Government and
Economics to graduate. So I took those online over the summer and will be
finishing school a year early. I have a three year contract so hopefully by the
time I’m 19 (almost 20) I’ll know for sure this path is right for me.
Do you have any
advice you’d like to give teenagers pursuing a similar dream?
My
main advice is to honestly be yourself. Growing up in a small town it was the
thing to play sports. No one did anything but that. While I wasn’t picked on
for modeling, other than the occasional mean girl comments everyone gets, it
was obvious I was the odd one out. Luckily, I had the self-confidence to know
this is what I wanted to do and went out and did it. Another awesome tip would
be to become educated on the industry. If I didn’t have my mom to help me with
all of it, I’d probably still be in high school dreaming of doing what I’m
doing right now. It’s definitely a world where you have to make the
connections.
Tell us about your
accomplishments.
My
biggest accomplishment so far is getting signed with L.A. Models, one of the
largest agencies on the west coast. Smaller accomplishments like Charleston
Fashion Week and getting a job that let me walk on a runway every Thursday
helped me to be prepared.
What are your goals
for the next ten years?
I
honestly have about a million goals in the modeling business. Anybody who knows
me should know my ultimate dream would be to walk as a Victoria Secret Angel. I
also plan to one day walk in Miami Swim Week and Milan, Paris, London, and New
York Fashion Week. I want to travel the world working as a model and have the
reputation in the industry of being a hardworking and consistent model that
people want to work with. Plus, being one of the models who become best friends
with Taylor Swift would be super cool, too.
Instagram @itsmaribethbaybee
Tessa
Emily Hall (YA author of Purple Moon)
Tessa dedicates
her time to assisting young writers, inspiring teenagers, and drinking coffee.
A lot of coffee. I met her last year when we reviewed each other’s first book
and began scheduling an author tour. She has become my best friend, mentor, part-time
editor, and “fellow soldier in the trenches of publishing.”
When did you first discover your love for writing?
I first
fell in love with storytelling when I was 3-years-old. Any time I was bored, I
would ask my mom, an art teacher, for a new project to create. This one
particular time she suggested that I try writing my own book.
So, I
dictated a story, The Colorful Dolphin,
to her and illustrated the pictures. This was the first of many books I wrote throughout
my childhood.
The process
of capturing my imagination with only a pencil and paper was (and still is!)
exhilarating to me. I never cared whether or not others read my stories; I
simply found joy in becoming another person and “day-dreaming” through my
pencil.
Tell us about the moment you decided to pursue publication? Who
helped you achieve your dream?
When I was
in elementary school, I longed to have a book published.
I clearly
remember running my hand along the cover of children’s books and smelling their
pages, imagining what it would be like to have my stories printed as well. I
couldn’t wait for my stories to become “official” and in the format of an actual book!
When I was
in middle school, I made it my goal to become published by the time I graduated
high school. It was also then when God laid it on my heart to write
inspirational novels for teens.
At the
time, I’d never even heard of the Christian fiction genre—but one day, I typed
into Google “Christian fiction for teens” and was thrilled to discover that it was actually a genre!
The summer
between my 8th grade and 9th grade year, I made a last
minute decision to enroll in an online school so I could fit creative writing
into my daily schedule.
That was
the best decision I could’ve made.
My parents
have always been supportive of my dream to become an author. If it wasn’t for
them, I wouldn’t have attended my first writing conference at 16, which is
where I met my future publisher.
And even
though “being an author” sounds like a far-fetched dream for a teen to pursue,
my mom always said, “Someone has to do it; why can’t it be you?”
How long did it take for you to find a “breakthrough”? What led
to that opportunity?
It was
completely a God-thing! I am still in awe when I think back to how He arranged everything.
When I was
16, I attended my first writing conference and brought the first three chapters
of my novel, Purple Moon. I wasn’t
planning on pitching to anyone. In fact, I didn’t think there was an agent or
publisher at the conference who was looking for YA fiction.
The main
reason I went was so I could learn more about the craft and network with other
writers.
God,
however, had other plans.
When I was
speaking with an editor over a Christian devotion site about the possibility of
writing for them, a man had overheard that I wrote fiction and asked to see my
first chapter. After reading it, he seemed very impressed and asked several
questions about the plot.
You can
imagine my excitement when he told me that he was a publisher for Lighthouse
Publishing of the Carolinas!
At the
time, they had only published non-fiction books but were just beginning to
branch out into the fiction market. He then asked if I would send the rest of
the manuscript once I returned home, of which I gladly agreed.
A few
months later, Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas offered a contract for Purple Moon. I didn’t sign it until six
months later, after much prayer and consideration.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve had to overcome while
pursing your goals and how did you conquer them?
The main
obstacle I’ve had to overcome was my fear of public speaking.
As crazy as
it sounds, I’ve had a passion to be a speaker since I was, again, 13. I knew I
wanted to visit schools to promote my book once it was published, but the idea
of speaking to groups was terrifying!
So a year
after PURPLE MOON was published, I took that leap. And guess what? None of
those fears came true.
Do you have any advice you’d like to give teenagers pursuing a
similar dream?
Make the
most of your youth. This is the advice I give any teen when they come to me for
advice on pursuing their dreams, and it’s stemmed from the scripture
Ecclesiastes 11:9.
Years down
the road, you may look back and wish you would’ve made the most of the time that
you have today.
For many
careers, including writing, it can take years for you to finally reach your
goal. If you begin striving for your dreams now,
then you will be spending your time wisely by getting a “head start”.
God has
given each of us a gift that we are to use for His glory and to minister to
others. He didn’t tell us to wait until after we graduate high school or
college to begin tapping into these gifts.
Also, don’t
compare yourselves to other teens. Embrace your uniqueness and the dream that
has been placed on your heart.
If you
follow the path that is specifically created for you and give your talents to
Christ by using them for His glory, then He will open the doors—all in
accordance with His will and His timing.
Tell us about your accomplishments.
Not the easiest
task for an introvert … lol!
Other than fiction
writing, I am also passionate about writing non-fiction articles and devotions
for teens.
I am a former
teen columnist for WholeMagazine.org,
a former editor over the faith department for Temperance Youth Magazine, former writer for MoreToBe.com, and am on the Teen Advisory Board for Devozine.
My articles
and devotions have been published in numerous publications and websites,
including: Guide Magazine, Devozine,
Ibegat, Temperance Youth Magazine, MoretoBe.com, Imagine Magazine,
RealTeenFaith.com, and Rad
Revolution.
I currently
write a column for teen writers, titled Dear
Young scribes, at AlmostAnAuthor.com.
I am also a
screenwriter for Favoron Productions,
have edited a screenplay for God of Moses
Entertainment, and am currently gearing towards editing another screenplay
for their upcoming project as well.
In 2013, my
blog, ChristisWrite.blogspot.com,
received 2nd place in the blog category at Blue Ridge Mountain
Christian Writers Conference.
In 2014, Purple Moon was a finalist in the YA
Fiction and First Novel categories.
Okay, my
bragging session will now come to an end. =)
What are your goals for the next ten years?
I hope to
continue having opportunities to reach teens through the words I write and the
words I speak.
My ultimate
desire is to write novels for teens that are inspirational, yet authentic when
it comes to reflecting their every-day-lives. It is my goal, with every book,
for teens to come away from it with a sense of hope for their own lives.
I would
also love to continue writing for magazines and screenplays as well—any avenue
that will allow me to minister through the process of creation.
However,
even though I am a firm believer in dreaming big, I have learned to hold these
plans loosely. The future I have in store for my life isn’t always the one God
has in store—but I’m excited to see where the journey takes me!
Cameron
and I met during Belmont University’s freshman orientation. He is extremely
talented and has “trippy” style. His story will inspire young musicians to
pursue their life vision.
When did you first discover your love for rock-and-roll?
I first
discovered my love for rock and roll at sort of a young age. I remember having
Elvis, Ritchie Valens and Hendrix when I was around 7 and it blew my mind! I
loved their voices and the way they made me feel. At the time I had a little
heap acoustic guitar but couldn’t play, so I sat around and learned from
records. Then when I was a bit older, I heard the music of Led Zeppelin, Motley
Crue, etc. I just loved the sounds of the guitars and the whole band going full
out! It made me want to get an electric guitar and emulate what I heard.
Tell us about the moment you decided to pursue music? Who helped
you achieve your dream?
The moment
I chose to pursue music is the moment I realized I couldn’t see my life without
playing guitar and making music. At the time that I was discovering rock and
roll, I was also into baseball and sports. When I got into 8th grade
I dropped sports and decided to make music my priority. At first I played solo
a couple times with two guys who worked at the boys and girls club on the
reservation that I grew up on. They put on some talent showcases and displayed
the talent of the youth. I wasn’t a part of the boys and girls club, I only
played at the events. After seeing groups like Aerosmith, Motley Crue, and The
Black Crowes, I decided that I wanted to put together my own band, which became
The Osceola Brothers. I got my two younger brothers and taught them the little
what I knew on bass and drums and from there on we took off. The people that
really helped us were my parents, they’ve been really supportive throughout the
years and we are really thankful for that.
How long did it take for you to find a “breakthrough”? What led
to that opportunity?
It took a
little while to really get going with our music, but you have to do that to
really gone your craft. We played many events where there would hardly be a
crowd. After a while doing that, we got booked to play the Seminole Tribal Fair
which was held in the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida. Still we were
playing to not many people, but it was more than we played for. But from then
on we booked better and bigger gigs.
What are some of the obstacles you’ve had to overcome while
pursuing your goals and how did you conquer them?
Some
obstacles that I’ve had to overcome are just knowing that the road to success
isn’t going to be easy. Also just not being taken seriously and underestimated
at times by some people at events we played. I feel like they would think that
we weren’t that good considering we were in our early teens at the time. The
way we overcame that is just to keep on playing, not caring and just giving our
all every time we play.
Do you have any advice you’d like to give teenagers pursuing a
similar dream?
Some advice
I would give teenagers pursuing their dreams are to never give up, the road to
success isn’t going to be easy but don’t let that stop you. Also don’t let
people try to tell you what you can and can’t do, always give 110% every time
you play and just play like it’s your last time playing! Lastly stay true to
yourself.
Tell us about your accomplishments.
Some
accomplishments include some shows we have played. Over the course of the four
years we have been a band we have gotten to open for some major acts such as
Indigenous, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Sarah Evans, Candlebox,
Creedence, Clearwater, Jonny Land and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Also I was blessed enough
to be a part of the 2014 Experience Hendrix Tour. I got to share the stage with
most of my heroes such as Eric Johnson, Chris Layton, Billy Cox, Jonny Land,
Buddy Guy, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and more!
On a very
recent note, just last month we were booked to play a festival before Lenny
Kravitz and more in Barcelona, Spain, it was an amazing, trippy experience
haha! We were also included in a documentary that aired on TV in June.
What are your goals for the next ten years?
My goals for the next decade are just to keep making music that I believe
in whether or not I'm in the music business.
