Writing is just plain hardwork.  Often the job seems to offer little reward, except for the intrinsic pleasure of communicating one’s thoughts on paper.  Conferees at writing conferences often hear, “Write what you know, and keep writing, but in all likelihood you won’t get published.  The market is tough.”

Well, as I’ve said in other places on this site, I follow Proverb 16:3 in what I attempt –  “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”   It has worked for me.  In the last month, I have celebrated many successes. Praise the Lord!

Finding the right agent ranks right up there in difficulty with finding a publisher.  God put a great one in my path.  Patti Hummel is now doing the grunt work of an agent in getting my Christian novel, A Web Too Tight, in the hands of publishers.

Patti is not only a literary agent, but she is also an author and a publisher.  I have twelve stories in Patti’s new book, From my Heart to Yours – Inspirational Messages from the Wives of Ministers.  I received my copies today. Hurray!

Though there are periods of drought in the writing world, when the drought breaks, often many blessings pour.  Another of my blessings outpouring from God this month was my receiving a contract from Tate Publishing for my third devotional book, Laughing with the Lord.

If these blessings were not enough, God must have said, “What more can I do for Barbara Eubanks?”  He answered that by placing my picture, as one of the Sand Moutain Lit Chicks, on the cover of the January 2009 issue of Anniston/Gadsden Christian Family Magazine and using my article about our literary critique group inside as the featured story.  As any author/speaker knows, all promotion is helpful.  This has already started bringing in more speaking events.

One other professional “biggie” of the month was my joining International Speakers Network.  This network will take on the task of booking me for larger speaking venues.

Now God has inspired me to write and speak about the GLORY of God.  Who but Him knows what form this may take.  I will be speaking on the theme “Show Me Your Glory” at a ladies’ conference at Shocco Springs (a Baptist retreat center at Talladega, Alabama) for First Baptist Prattville, Alabama.  Possibly my study and research will evolve into a Bible study book on Glory.

Sometimes the Lord just shows out while making our plans succeed; that’s exactly what he has done for me this month.  Thanks you, Jesus