Karen, thank you for the gracious gift of your space here to talk a little about my journey to publishing. And poetry! I look forward to sending someone a copy of "Hearts on Pilgrimage: Poems & Prayers."
Great interview! Thank you. I work in a mission agency with a longish history in publishing (originally China Inland Mission, now OMF International - the UK entity). Self publishing is an increasingly popular option and our contents manager provides guidance on this. Jody’s experience so helpful on this. We’re a small organisation and rather than do everything in house we’ve worked hard to build partnerships with publishers. That takes time but has been rewarding.
Thank you for this series, Karen! I am so curious about the publishing world and all the hands it takes to “make a book”. I loved hearing Jody talk about her self publishing experience as well.
Thanks Karen for this interview. Jody, thank you for your generous insights and thoughts on writing and publishing. I’m soaking them in. Additionally I appreciate your encouragement, it has meant a lot to me. 🧡
Hi Mel, the appreciation is mutual. I am so grateful to Karen to be able to share my thoughts with her readers, especially if it helps other writers. Soak it in :-)
Sheila, thanks for saying so. Reading your Arizona garden poetry and poignant reflections about staying married through the hard times has given me much to ponder. Writing is such a balm, yes?
"I was at the C.S. Lewis Writer’s Conference last May and someone shared the original meaning of ‘published.’ It simply means “to make generally known."
However, we often equate a writer being published with an actual, physical book or perhaps a byline in a magazine or journal."
As a writer of pen-and-paper letters, for me, this definition changes everything. 💌
Reagan, I'm so glad you found that helpful, and vyou are a kindred spirit...I enjoy writing personal notes and letters on a pretty regular basis. Thanks for commenting.
Hello, ladies. Karen, thanks for offering others’ perspectives on this topic. Jody, you probably don’t remember me, but we followed each other on IG. Now, I’ve followed you over here for my blog. The potential community interaction was my biggest motivator. I’m still “unpacking boxes,” however, so there is much setting up and learning left to do. It gives me great joy to see you both thriving on this platform, and I pray the Lord blesses you abundantly and pours the balm of His healing hope into your hearts. Grace, mercy, and peace to you in Christ Jesus.
This all makes me so happy! I saw the Substack email come in and literally went--"Wait! Jody Collins? My Jody Collins?" And it was! :) I met her through K. C. Ireton (https://kcireton.substack.com/) a number of years ago and she is a gem. :)
Karen, thank you for the gracious gift of your space here to talk a little about my journey to publishing. And poetry! I look forward to sending someone a copy of "Hearts on Pilgrimage: Poems & Prayers."
Great interview! Thank you. I work in a mission agency with a longish history in publishing (originally China Inland Mission, now OMF International - the UK entity). Self publishing is an increasingly popular option and our contents manager provides guidance on this. Jody’s experience so helpful on this. We’re a small organisation and rather than do everything in house we’ve worked hard to build partnerships with publishers. That takes time but has been rewarding.
Thanks for sharing that development and perspective. Very interesting!
Peter, that sounds like fascinating work. Being strategic with people and partnerships, so wise. Thanks for commenting.
Jody has been an encouragement to me as well, through publishing twists and turns. So grateful for your generous, poetic heart.
It is always a joy to walk alongside a fellow poet, Megan.
Thank you for this series, Karen! I am so curious about the publishing world and all the hands it takes to “make a book”. I loved hearing Jody talk about her self publishing experience as well.
I’m so glad you are reading along and liking the series!
Thanks Karen for this interview. Jody, thank you for your generous insights and thoughts on writing and publishing. I’m soaking them in. Additionally I appreciate your encouragement, it has meant a lot to me. 🧡
Hi Mel, the appreciation is mutual. I am so grateful to Karen to be able to share my thoughts with her readers, especially if it helps other writers. Soak it in :-)
Very helpful, practical advice from experience. Thanks Jody and Karen.
Jody is so encouraging! I’ve been so blessed by her words.
Sheila, thanks for saying so. Reading your Arizona garden poetry and poignant reflections about staying married through the hard times has given me much to ponder. Writing is such a balm, yes?
Yes it is!
Wow - what a revelation:
"I was at the C.S. Lewis Writer’s Conference last May and someone shared the original meaning of ‘published.’ It simply means “to make generally known."
However, we often equate a writer being published with an actual, physical book or perhaps a byline in a magazine or journal."
As a writer of pen-and-paper letters, for me, this definition changes everything. 💌
Reagan, I'm so glad you found that helpful, and vyou are a kindred spirit...I enjoy writing personal notes and letters on a pretty regular basis. Thanks for commenting.
Hello, ladies. Karen, thanks for offering others’ perspectives on this topic. Jody, you probably don’t remember me, but we followed each other on IG. Now, I’ve followed you over here for my blog. The potential community interaction was my biggest motivator. I’m still “unpacking boxes,” however, so there is much setting up and learning left to do. It gives me great joy to see you both thriving on this platform, and I pray the Lord blesses you abundantly and pours the balm of His healing hope into your hearts. Grace, mercy, and peace to you in Christ Jesus.
Christina my dear I definitely remember you, and I'm glad you followed me and we found each other, tinuviel. *Wink*
This all makes me so happy! I saw the Substack email come in and literally went--"Wait! Jody Collins? My Jody Collins?" And it was! :) I met her through K. C. Ireton (https://kcireton.substack.com/) a number of years ago and she is a gem. :)
Hi Meagan! What a small, wonderful world, eh? God is good!
Absolutely!!! :) I love it!
So fun to see this interview between the two of you.
It's a small, wonderful writing world, isn't it? Karen is so gracious!
Loved this interview! Jody, thank you so much for your insight and encouragement, and Karen, thank you for hosting!