new venue

I just got word that I've been accepted to take on the position of content editor for a local retreat center's website. I'm tickled that they are so happy about it and I'm glad to get my feet wet doing something that might help build the "$" side of my work while I work on the creative side.  Get this, I will be paid in retreat days-- that cottage in the woods I went to where I knocked out 7500 words in one day? That's the place. I'm psyched! And-- bonus, I can schedule meeting times (to discuss what content, updates, etc.) when they're convenient for me because they'll have babysitters during the meetings. How awesome is that!?

Of course, I know the people (well, one of them well) and that's why this is coming together so well, but it's still pretty freaking neat. 

And... there are prospects for doing this for another friend who is trying to get her web-business up and running.  That one may be "pro-bono" as I'd really just like to get my "work" out there so that I can put it on a resume and be able to point to it and say, "see, this is what I'm capable of" for more realistic, bread-and-butter options- and in the meantime-- I'm working on a short story to send to Writer's Digest and getting my Nano novel tweaked so I can have it ready for submission mid-year or so.

The only, ONLY, hesitation I have with all this- is whether or not I'm really tuning in and listening to what God is putting on my heart. Making sure I'm praying about all of this and not just letting my ego get inflated and soar off into the unknown. It's easy, you know. Little pats on the back like puffs of helium and the next thing you know, poof, that balloon is sailing and there's only one way it's coming back down- insert giant needle from God's hand. After which God says, "Lynn, yes, I have given you a gift, but it's not all about you, try and remember what this is all about, okay?"

So. With some prayer and careful consideration, this will truly be the start of this "real" writerly life.

woo-hoo!

The other day my son asked me what it means when a dream comes true. I told him it's when something you really hope will happen, happens. Well, this dream is starting to come true. I know there will be plenty of deflated balloons ahead, but there is something unquantifiably beautiful about co-creating with the One who created it all. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of this. It really does feel like having a child- this thing has a life of its own, I don't really have control over it, but it's beautiful on its own and I am part of it.

I'll keep you posted :)