Friday, July 5, 2013

Patricia Bradley: God's Take On Quitting

Everyone's Story is excited to welcome upcoming debut author, Patricia Bradley. Why the extra enthusiasm? Because it's been a pleasure to watch Pat blossom from  a frequent visitor and commenter to this blog to becoming a published author. I feel like I'm cheering along a true sister! And, when you think about it, aren't we all sisters and brothers, united by the heart of God? Please join us this week as we not only share how Pat became an overnight sensation via 33 years with a 3-book deal, but why you may just not want to give up on a God who doesn't give up on you ♡


WHEN DO YOU QUIT? By Patricia Bradley


I want to thank Elaine for having me on her blog, especially since I don’t yet have a book that I can promote—Shadows of the Past won’t be released until February 1, 2014. I’m hoping Elaine will ask me back then. (Blog note: Done and did. Patricia will be back on Everyone's Story January 31, 2014!)



As I considered the topics to write about, the Genesis finalists were announced, reminding me of all the years I had entered it. And that reminded me of how many years I have been writing. You really don’t want to know the answer to the question that I’m sure just popped into your mind.

You do want to know how long?

Oh. Well, let’s see. I’m not one of those writers who began writing as a child. I was too busy reading. In the eighth grade I remember staying up all night to read Exodus by Leon Uris. That same year I read Hawaii by James Michener and To Kill a Mockingbird. It didn’t enter my mind that I could write a book. No, that came later, much later, when I was thirty-five.

And since I am now 68, that means I’ve been writing off and on for 33 years. Thirty-two of those years were spent submitting manuscripts and receiving them back with an I’m sorry, but this doesn’t meet our needs. Or This isn’t quite right for us. Or…you get the picture.

On top of that I entered contests— the Genesis at least six times, the first time not even being in the top half, afterwards inching closer to the finalist list. Every year it hurt to not final. Judges comments were helpful, but in essence they were saying: Your baby is ugly!

So, why did I keep writing? Or maybe the better question is, how did I keep writing?

I had a story I believed in.
With every revision, I saw that my writing and the story were getting better.
I got help.

The last one is the most important. After I won the Maggie in 2008, I thought the book was a shoo-in for publication. I promptly sent it off to a couple of publishers and promptly received it back with a form rejection. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. This was a great manuscript. It won a contest, for Pete’s sake.

A year later I met Susan May Warren and invested in a critique. It changed my writing life. I learned how to write actively, not passively. A couple of months later, Rachel Hauck and Susie worked with me at their Deep Thinker’s Retreat and told me when she read my story, she felt as though she was on the outside of a window looking in. I learned how to bring my character to life, to get into his or her head and to understand why they did what they did—the lie they believed about themselves.

After three years of honing my craft, I finaled in the Genesis and got an agent—the great Mary Sue Seymour. And, I thanked God every day that Shadows of the Past wasn’t published right after I won the Maggie. It.Wasn’t.Ready.

Neither was I. God was refining me as well as my writing. I learned how to enjoy the journey and to depend on Him. As I sat at the table waiting for the Genesis winner in the Romantic Suspense Category to be revealed, God whispered in my ear, “This isn’t in my plan for you.”

Winning the Genesis was His plan for Arlene Coulter, not me. I was truly glad for her because I knew God had a plan for me like Jeremiah said, and on October 26, 2012, God revealed that plan—a three-book deal with Revell.

3 Questions for Pat:

Your signature is "I asked God to teach me patience and He gave me a book to write." From what you've shared with us, believe me, I can relate! Has your years of striving to become published taught you any other Life Lessons?

Another Life Lesson I’ve learned is that if I’ll wait on God, He’ll give me more than I could imagine or think. I would have been happy with one book published, but He gave me three.

What is the significance of the haunted house photo?

The old house in the photo is the Martin family home and plays an important part in the story. It was what I always pictured on the cover of the book, but Revell went in a different direction. And that’s a blog post in its own right.

Looking back in hindsight at the years that shaped you as an author, do you have any regrets about the time factor?

I think we always wish for something to happen sooner. If I could have a do-over, I would take on-line courses earlier, and I would get in a critique group earlier. Of course, I still would have had to wait for the Internet.

Patricia's Ah-hahs To Tweet:

Great Writing Encouragement: Meet Romantic Suspense author Patricia Bradley. (Tweet This)

Should you quit writing? Patricia Bradley is thankful she didn’t! See why. (Tweet This)

See how Patricia Bradley became overnight hit via 33 years with a 3-book deal. (Tweet This)

Patricia Bradley: I asked God to teach me patience and He gave me a book to write. (Tweet This)


Author’s Bio:

Patricia Bradley lives in North Mississippi and is a former abstinence educator and co-author of RISE To Your Dreams, an abstinence curriculum and workbook. But her heart is tuned to murder and suspense. Patricia’s mini-mysteries have been published in Woman’s World, and her debut novel, Shadows of the Past, will release February 1, 2014. Until then check out her last short story in WW, “Blood Kin”.



When she’s not writing or speaking, she likes to make jewelry or throw mud on a wheel and create odd and unique pottery.

Places to connect with Patricia:
Twitter: @ptbradley1


45 comments:

  1. Wonderful post, Patricia! That's where I am with my writing--waiting on God to open the right door. It's hard to wait, but as you said, it presents a valuable lesson in patience and God's timing. Bless you! I'm rejoicing with you as you wait for your book's release!

    Thanks Elaine, for hosting Patricia. :-)

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    1. Gwen, I appreciate your visit today. I'm also excited for Patricia. And if we follow her sweet advice, I'm believing that both you and I will also be announcing our debut novels :)

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    2. Gwendolyn, thank you for stopping by and for cheering me on. Writing is such a learning journey!

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  2. It has been a delight to walk the writing road with Pat -- and happy dance with her as she's won contests and gotten an agent and a contract! Next: celebrating her release day!!

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    1. You have been such an encourager, Beth! And I'm so proud of your two books that have been published since we first met!

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    2. Nice to see you again, Beth. And for me, it's been encouraging watching you both!

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  3. Elaine, I really appreciate you giving me a spot on your great blog! This has been fun, especially since I was able to post my cover here!

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    1. It's a great cover, Pat. Did you have much input in it?

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  4. Patricia...wow - you are the definition of perseverance :-) You've been hanging in there a long time...that's so great! I must say, your story really inspired me. I'm in the learning mode too. I just self-published my 1st Historical Romantic Suspense novel after 6 months of working with a professional editor...and what a learning experience that was. I know I'm just getting started, but it's amazing how much I needed to learn as a writer! I want to keep taking courses. Right now I'm doing Jeff Goins "Tribe Writers" but I would also like to give "My Book Therapy" a go. I know I need to get 'deeper' with my characters.

    Anyway, I just wanted to say...thanks so much for hanging in there. You are an inspiration to me...and I'm sure to many other writers !

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    1. Lorna--it's sure a pleasure to see you here. Always. I too was inspired by Pat's story so much that I've reread it several times now :)

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  5. There is so much to learn,LornaFaith, but thankfully now we can get help so easily. And My Book Therapy is a-ma-zing. Love their Monday night chats! Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. I love hearing your story, Pat. You're inspiring for many reason. I can't wait to read Shadows of the Past!

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    1. Kimberly, thanks for visiting Everyone's Story! Hope to see you again.

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  7. Thank you Kimberly! It seems as though February will never get here.

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  8. AnonymousJuly 05, 2013

    Like you I too am still in the production stage and its years in the making but God truly has a time for us all to shine, and before hen to encourage and rejoice with others you went ahead of us .

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    1. Thanks for your visit. And you know what? I think you're already shining with your encouraging comment :)

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    2. Thank you for your encouraging words! So glad you stopped by.

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  9. Hi Pat & Elaine -

    Can I ever relate to this story! It took eight years for my book to get published.

    Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. I know your story will encourage many writers.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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    1. Nice to see you again, Susan. I appreciate YOUR encouragement!

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    2. Publishing is soooooooooo slow, isn't it Susan! So glad you stopped by.

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  10. It's always a great encouragement to hear how others have refused to give up and they finally reach their goals! Congrats!

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    1. Thanks for your visit today, Cynthia. I can never get my fill on true-life inspirational stories, whether on the topic of writing or any other life issue. That's why I'm so happy Patricia has joined us this week, and is uplifting others. Sure, she's shared about her particular writing journey, yet, her words really can be applied to the bigger picture of life.

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  11. Thanks Cynthia and Elaine. Whenever I thought about giving up, it always came back that the next editor or agent might be the one...so I would keep going. :-) I've also applied that to just about everything in my life.

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  12. Pat, you are such an inspiration. I love how you talk about how God has a plan for each of us. May this contract be followed by many more!

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    1. Thanks Johnnie! So glad you stopped by. Can't wait to read your next book!

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    2. Johnnie, I'm grateful for you visit to Everyone's Story! May your writing continued to be blessed :)

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  13. Patricia , what a delightful story of your faith and God's faithfulness.

    Hooray for you. I can only imagine the things the Lord has taught you through the waiting. Congratulations.

    Elaine - another great profile. thank you for sharing Patricia with us all.

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    1. Always a pleasure to see you here, Ian. I've been so encouraged by both your pre-publication story & Patricia's. I wish you both a long career, full of many books that will bless many readers.

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  14. Thank you for stopping in, Ian. I remember when you were on Everyone's Story and enjoyed reading about you. And I remember that you know a little something about waiting. :-) Great to "see" you again!

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  15. Thank you for this encouragement today, Patricia. Waiting is my specialty! Glad to meet fellow waiters today! "Be strong and very courageous." Joshua 1:7

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    1. Norma, it's so nice to see you again--hope you're well. I've come to specialize in waiting too All kidding aside, it's just like Patricia says: it's a matter of when God wants something to happen. More & more I'm learning that He has wonderful reasons!

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  16. Norma, after I wandered around in the desert for a while, the first verses God gave me when I returned to Him was Joshua 1: 7 and 9!
    So glad you stopped by.

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  17. Pat (and Elaine), sorry to be late for the party! Pat, thanks for sharing your wonderfully encouraging story. Love your tag line about patience. So true :)

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    1. Kathy, it's never to late for you--or anyone--to join the party! So glad for your visit. Isn't it nothing short of wonderful to celebrate a debut author? Blessings to both you & Pat.

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  18. Kathy, so glad you stopped by and late is fine. Yeah, I've learned not to ask God for something like patience and mercy--He'd be sure to put something in my life to devolop it. lol

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    1. Pat, you just succeeded in making me LOL so much I startled my cat :) Love your sense of humor!

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  19. I'm so glad you featured Pat here. She truly has an inspiring story, has crafted her art as carefully as jewelers chisel diamonds, and I can't wait to read her beautifully plotted and crafted books hot off the press.

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    1. Dolores, me too! I'm so looking forward to Pat's novels. Here's a tip I read somewhere just yesterday: all pre-orders on Amazon count (in ratings) as sells & helps boost the ranking of authors. Just saying... :)

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    2. Thank you so much for such your sweet words, Dee. Thanks for stopping by.

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  20. AnonymousJuly 10, 2013

    Really enjoyed this interview with Patricia Bradley. It is such an inspiring story. I will certainly be watching for the release of her book.

    Ann Ellison
    abilene_nana@yahoo.com

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    1. Oh Ann--hello! I think many readers are looking forward to SHADOW'S OF THE PAST's release next year. Patricia will be back with us on Everyone's Story January 31st. Although I don't want to hurry winter, I'm so looking forward to her guest appearance again.

      Then again, each guest of mine is a true gem of a blessing.

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    2. Thank you so much, Ann! Your words blessed me. And yours Elaine. I love your blog--you have such interesting guests (and not just because I'm on it.lol)
      It has been so much fun this week.

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  21. Pat, it's hard to imagine, but your visit with us on Everyone's Story has come to an end... so glad you're already booked for another appearance on January 31st ♡ Heartfelt thanks for being such a wonderful guest. If this viewership & the number of comments is any kind of gauge to the reception your debut novel--and any others--will do, I know you're headed for success. No matter what, God has blessed you, my friend, with an unending faith in Him and that's a valuable lesson to us all.

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    1. It has been a great week and I look forward to coming back in January! Thanks again for having me!

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