Debbi Migit shares how God’s prompting landed her a book contract. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing for a signed copy of her Young Adult title, September Shadows (head’s up – this is one of my editing babies) and a copy of her nonfiction title, Child of Promise. Deadline: June 26th, 11:59 pm central time.
“Drive safely. Call me every day.” My husband, Phil, loaded my luggage in the trunk and did one more walk-around, checking the tires. “You’re good to go,” he said.
I wasn’t so confident. As I drove the initial leg of my journey across Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, I continued to question God about the purpose of this trip. Although I love to attend writer’s conferences, this time I was going alone to the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. I knew no one.
I glanced over at the bag that held my book proposal. I had several copies of a one-sheet, a paper that gives agents and publishers contact information and a paragraph about your writing project.
September Shadows had simmered in my mind for several years. I envisioned a series of books, set in Montana, about three sisters who were trying to create a new life after the sudden death of their parents. I had all kinds of adventures planned for them. But I struggled with the idea of writing a Christian romance, worrying that it wasn’t ‘spiritual enough’.
“God, is this really You?” I’d been asking that question since I first felt prompted to sign up for the conference. One of my strategies for making decisions is the concept, “Follow peace.” Each time I asked, peace came. I knew this trip was at His leading.
But September Shadows? I had one-sheets prepared for a few other projects I thought would be more useful; a Bible study or a prayer journal. Around Indianapolis, I decided to lay it on the line.
“OK, God, this is decision time. I need to know what project to present this week. I’ve invested a lot of time and money in this conference, and I want to be a good steward. Please give me a sign or some assurance of what to do.”
MONTANA
The enormous billboard was in front of me before I even stopped speaking.
“Is that sign big enough?” I was sure I heard God chuckle.
I was just able to make out the restaurant advertisement displayed in much smaller letters before the billboard was in my rearview. But the word Montana was seared into my mind. Montana, the setting for my series.
At the conference, I sat in the hallway with several others, waiting our turn for the fifteen minute appointments with publishers, agents, and editors. I’d met with a well-known writer who encouraged me to pursue the series. An agent appeared intrigued, but needed the entire finished manuscript before she could represent me. My last appointment was with Kathy Cretsinger, head of Mantle Rock Publishing.
The informational page said Mantle Rock didn’t publish young adult books, which was the genre for my series. I sighed and walked to the sign-in sheet to cross my name off Kathy’s list. No need to waste her time.
“Talk to Kathy.”
I recognized that Voice. It had faithfully guided me through so many decisions in my life. I put down the pen and returned to the waiting area.
When my name was called for the appointment, I took my place across from Kathy and shared my vision for the Justice, Montana series.
Two months later, I signed a contract with Mantle Rock for the first of three books in the series.
As I networked with other Mantle Rock authors, I noticed one that lived only five miles from me. I
contacted her, and we made a date for lunch.
Rita Klundt described her experience at the Kentucky conference, and we determined that in the future we would attend together. As we connected that day, we followed clues to an amazing discovery. Rita and I had been friends in high school over 40 years ago! We spent precious hours catching up that afternoon.
A year later, Kathy Cretsinger sold her company to Scrivenings Press, and I had a new publishing home. In February 2021, they released September Shadows. Last week I completed October Outlaw, the second book in the series, which is scheduled for release in February 2022.
In April, Rita and I were roommates at the first Scrivenings Press authors conference.
And this week I will virtually return to the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference. The two years since I made that first trip have been challenging-for all of us. But I continue to be overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness as I ‘follow peace’.
About Debbi: Award-winning author and speaker, Debbi Migit, lives in central Illinois, surrounded by pumpkin patches and corn fields. Her first book, Child of Promise, is the true love story of a family formed through adoption. After ten years of infertility, Debbi and her husband, Phil, were just months from adopting when God said, “Not this way.” Child of Promise is the story of audacious faith resulting in multiple miracles; it encourages readers to remember their own promises and believe again.
She has won multiple awards and contests, writing stories that are filled with faith and hope. She loves to share personal anecdotes about God’s faithfulness, infusing her talks with authenticity and humor.
Debbi and Phil are the adoptive parents of Alex (32), Ethan (21), and Kate (20). The God-ordained spacing of their children offered the unique opportunity to parent a teen and two toddlers-at the same time. This is the season Debbi fondly calls the TNT years!
Debbi’s hobbies include reading, writing, and avoiding arithmetic. Her favorite color is turquoise, and she collects Trixie Belden books and typewriters. If playing Candy Crush was a paying gig, she would be rich.
Debbi’s new romance/suspense series begins with September Shadows, and is set in Montana. After the mysterious death of their parents, three young sisters are determined to stay together and make a new life for themselves. This new life includes faith-testing danger, adventure, and romance. September Shadows is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Books-a-Million
About the book – September Shadows:
Justice, Montana Series – Book One
After the sudden death of their parents, Jess Thomas and her sisters, Sly and Maggie, start creating a new life for themselves. But when Sly is accused of a crime she didn’t commit, the young sisters are threatened with separation through foster care. Jess is determined to prove Sly’s innocence, even at the cost of her own life.
Cole McBride has been Jess’s best friend since they were children. Now his feelings are deepening, just as Jess takes risks to protect her family. Can Cole convince Jess to trust him−and God−to help her?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win?
Get your copy now! September Shadows – Scrivenings Press
Question for Readers: What are some ways God uses to direct your steps?
Come back June 22nd for Linda Rondeau!
First he moved our family to a new town and I met a lady in our bowling league, she became my best friend. He husband happened to be a preacher and they led me, my husband and all three of our kids, to God. We became such close friends that they became second parents to our kids and when we had to move again they watched over my mother-in-law for us even though she did not attend their church. Our lives were changed in 1979.
wfnren at aol dot com
I LOVE how God orders our steps! What a beautiful testimony!
I prayed many years for a husband and when I met my husband the Lord gave me a clear feeling of peace about marrying him. I knew that marrying him was truly part of His plan for me.
Following peace is always a good plan and brings wonderful rewards 🙂
Through my family, my children and teens ministry <3
I have a winner! Cherie J won the drawing. I appreciate Debbi for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.