A Letter to my Agent

Welcome to a little behind the scenes into a writers life. My agent is truly a gem. She cares deeply about my well being and what God has for me. I sent her this email last week as I consider what’s next for me.

I’d love to let you in a little on where my heart is right now…

Dear Lisa,

I am actually writing to you from a cabin in Lake arrowhead, Ca. with Sam as we celebrate our 19th anniversary.  Last year was probably the hardest year we've been through in all our years together. I would say our marriage wasn't struggling as much as we both went into great darkness. The church pulled him under and my own heart went into a spiral due to unresolved pain. We have been through the fire and even though we are on the other side, we are still recovering (removing bloody bandages and all). 

My kids are ages 17-7. My son is a senior and hoping to go away for college. I am still homeschooling my three girls (12, 10, 7). Our family life is so full and rich and hard and magical. Yesterday I found a pair of scissors in the fridge. Like I said, it's hard. HAHA. I am deeply committed to raising my little crew and helping them launch into the world. 

Last year we launched our residential and retreat ministry (Sojourn and Sage). The house next door is jam packed with young adults who desperately want to grow in their faith. We graduated our first 8 young adults August 27th at 9:00am and at 2:00pm 9 more students moved in. We LOVE this ministry. We live in a community, disciple, and mentor 6 guys and 3 girls. I have to remember to put on a bra every morning because I never know who will be at my kitchen table. We walk, talk, pray, counsel, and do spiritual direction with these young adults day in and day out. We share meals, the washer dryer, and one TV. It's truly wild and truly a gift. 

I love, love, love sharing "Feel" with the world. This book launch has been my absolute favorite. I don't know if it is because it's my third book, but I feel so free. I am so grateful I got to write this book and I will keep doing everything I can to get it into the hands of people.

That is a sneak peek into my life. Like I said, last year nearly killed me. I wasn't suicidal at all. I was just in a very dark place. I am so grateful I was able to get good therapy, spiritual direction,  and I went away for an intensive week retreat. God saved me through the kind help of others. 

Where do I see my future? 

Well, I want to keep doing what I'm doing. I want to invest in my family, church, and the ministry next door. I want to develop a retreat for pastor’s wives through Sojourn & Sage. I want to keep writing. I have written about 75% of the book "To Love." I've loved writing it without the pressure of a deadline. I started writing it in April and I just don't want to stop. I am writing it for the joy of writing. Any chance I get, I sneak away with my laptop and write. It is my dream to finish my "Stay Awake to Love" series. 

I would also love to write another liturgy book for teen girls. "Feel" - for teen girls. It would be similar to my current book, but with different stories (maybe even written by teen girls) and changing up the liturgies.

I am going to give myself a few months to breathe and promote "Feel." My hope/plan/dream is to finally launch a podcast in Jan/Feb. "Stay Awake to Love" podcast. I've wanted to do this for so long and I think God is opening the doors to make it possible. I'd love to finish writing "To Love." I don't want to rush. I don't want to hurry. I want to go slow. I want to be patient. I trust God with the journey.

If I never get to publish another book, I will be okay.

When I think about strengthening my platform, I think less about numbers and more about watering the field God has already given me. Writing my weekly email, sharing on IG, podcasting, working on "To Love" and sharing my published books is my way of "watering." 

I'd still love to dream about partnering with you on a writing retreat. I am deeply burdened by the hearts of writers these days. 

Lastly, thank you for your kind companionship with me along the way. 

Love always,

Anjuli

There it is. Here I am. I am going to keep watering.

Maybe you need that reminder today too. Water the seeds that God has planted in your life. Be filled up by God’s love and pour out His love all over the landscape of your life. Then watch what He grows.

If you haven’t purchased, Feel, yet—Here is the Link. All of my books are discounted right now. Especially, Awake! $4.45!!!

As always, stay awake to love.

May you discover God’s love in a lot of little ways today!