Thursday, May 26, 2016

Thoughts on Being Published



It is a surreal moment when you walk past the magazine racks at Barnes & Noble and see your name on the front cover of a nationwide magazine. That moment happened to me this month. I found my writing and photographs between the covers of Artful Blogging, a magazine dedicated to featuring creative and inspiring blogs.


I wish I could say that I doggedly sent Artful Blogging submission after submission of articles about my blog until one was finally chosen, building up my tolerance for rejection in the process. But the truth is I never had the courage to submit anything, my creative life still too fragile to face even one rejection note. Artful Blogging found me, I don't know how, but I have a feeling that somehow my amazingly supportive community of online friends had something to do with being chosen.


Last September I was contacted by the editor of Artful Blogging regarding having my blog featured in their magazine. I had to read the email three times before I believed that it was true. Once convinced it was genuine, I quickly sent a response back saying that I would be honored to have my blog included in their publication. I was told I would be contacted by the end of September with the specific details. September came and went, and I heard nothing. I was disappointed, but rejection hurts a lot less when you don't initiate the piece to be rejected.


The rest of the year sped by, and I forgot about my potential brush with fame. In the meantime I was contacted by a brand-new online publication, Rural, a magazine dedicated to the simple life, no matter where you live. I was asked if I would consider being a contributor for them. Of course, I said yes. My 15 minutes of fame was back. I was told I would be contacted in early January with submission details.


Imagine my surprise one Tuesday afternoon in early January, when I opened my email and found not only a note from Jen, the editor of Rural, but also from Danielle, the editor of Artful Blogging. They both wanted me to submit for their next issues. Suddenly I had two articles to write in a three week time span.

I tackled Rural first, since that was due first. I had to write an essay piece of 150 words or less. Do you know how hard that is? VERY HARD! Thanks to my daughter's cut-throat editing, I did it.  When I had the luxury of 650-800 words for the Artful Blogging piece I thought it would be a breeze, but I spent two weeks agonizing over those 720 words. It wasn't as easy as it sounded. Again, I couldn't have done it without my daughter's relentless editing.


I let Artful Blogging chose the photographs that they would feature in the magazine. How does a mother chose one child over another? Each photograph captures a moment of my life; a place I have been, something I learned, an everyday routine. When the magazine came out, I was most excited to see my photography printed. That was the moment it all became real, I had been published.

Some thoughts about the process:

  • It is a lot easier for me to say that I am a photographer and writer now that I have been published 
  • I love my photography more than I realized
  • The joy is in the journey not in the finished product
  • It is hard writing something that won't come out for another five months
  • I love my blog even more, and the ability to hit publish any time I want to
  • I would never have developed the skills that I have without my blog
  • The friends I have gained through my blog are priceless
  • I need to print more of my work
I will continue to contribute to Rural when possible, other than that I am uncertain of where the future lies. I am going to enjoy the journey and see what comes along.


33 comments:

Sandra said...

Well done! How exciting to see your name on the Artful Blogging magazine! The new magazine called Rural also wanted you to write an article for them. Well now, how do you feel now you're famous?!

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

That's wonderful, Sarah. Congratulations!

Susan said...

I knew you when!
Wonderful Sarah. You're creativity is your own-you have a unique voice and POV (which I note here as low POV-not the from above I can never seem to do). I hope you do own with pride your work. You should.
Enjoy the 15 minutes. Me thinks it will turn into more.
Happy for you.
Susan

Donna Hopkins said...

Sarah, I spotted your name on that cover and read your article that very same day. I am so proud for you! The really telling thing is that I would have recognized your photographs even without your name - because you have a style that is uniquely yours. And I enjoyed reading your story of how you got started with blogging and the little decisions that carry us on this journey. A beautiful article! Now, I'll have to go looking for you in Rural magazine, too! Like you, I am grateful for this community of faithful and encouraging friends.

Unknown said...

Sarah it was richly deserved I have always loved reading your words and now I can say one of my friends has been published !!

Beverly said...

Very exciting and yes you are now famous and published...those are great accomplishments to add to your list. Congratulations Sarah! As Viv says very, "Richly" deserved!!

Unknown said...

Congratulations - you are so deserving of this! You have worked hard at your writing & photography and it shows.
I am so thankful to have stumbled upon you through whatever source it was, do we even remember? And to call you my friend & inspiration now!
I will most definitely be picking up my copy of Artful Blogging very soon!

Peggy said...

Congratulations to you for having not one, but two articles published. It is such a validation and an honor that you well deserve. I just recently discovered your blog and am enjoying it daily. You are a great photographer and I am learning so much from your pictures. Combine that with your writing ability and you have made a wonderful blog that has gained the attention now of millions. You should be very proud.

Jeanne said...

How exciting for you and think you well deserve this with your innovative creativity!!

a writing place said...

Congratulations!!!!!

Tessa

Naomi said...

Amazing and so deserved!! I am thrilled for you!

Lynne said...

Wonderful Sarah . . .
Published twice . . .
The best is yet to be, they say!
Doesn't surprise me . . .you have a gift with word, (daughter editing, smile) and your photography is exceptional.
Congratulations!!

Cathy H. said...

Congratulations, Sarah! I was almost as thrilled when I saw your name on the cover because I could say "I know her!!!" The article was great and as always, the pictures wonderful!

Michelle B said...

Congratulations Sarah! I was waiting in a very long line at JoAnn Fabrics, noticed their magazine rack, picked up Artful Blogging and saw your name! I wanted to jump up and down for you right there in the store. :) You are published! I am so excited for you!! Your article and images are gorgeous. I love how your daughter helped you edit the pieces. She is a great editor. And...another great blog post today. :) Congratulations!

sweetbriardreams said...

Congratulations Sarah and so very well deserved. Your blog is so incredibly visual and such a delight to read so no wonder you are now published. Long may you continue!!

Kate said...

Wonderful, congratulations

Kate said...

Wonderful, congratulations

Unknown said...

A very big congratulations to you, Sarah!
This is so truly well-deserved.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sweetpea said...

That is all SO SLAMMIN' WONDERFUL !!!

Here's to an even more wonderful future!

Christi

Teresa said...

Congratulations, Sarah! You deserve all that and more with such a lovely blog filled with great photos!

Annette said...

I have been stalking your blog since finding you Artful Blogging! I find your words and photos inspiring! :)

Unknown said...

I am so proud of you. When I saw your name on the cover-i squealed! AB is something i secretly dream of but not before I blog and shoot more regular. Being published is terrific honor and so well deserved. I've not heard of Rural...I hope to some day tho. Congrats Sarah and consider yourself cyber hugged! xo

Ahayes1225 said...

Hello my dear, you are on your way and well deserved. I can't wait to see what happens next.

RURAL said...

Many congrats Sarah on being published in Artful Blogging, I'm very excited for you, and what a lovely coincidence to have both of us contacting you in the same day. We love working with you, and am so happy that you shared your work with our readers. You have a vision, a talent, and a eye for catching a glimpse of beauty in what many would think of as the most unassuming places, your work brings to light the quote " There is beauty all around us, but the heart must be very still to see it." It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to work with you.

Jen @ RURAL magazine.

Ida said...

Wow that is exciting news. I've had some cards I made published in stamping magazines and that was exciting. As yet I've never submitted photos to magazines. Like you said the joy is in the journey. It's fun to learn from other photographers and I love being able to blog with people like you. This was a wonderful selection of photos.

Denise Fabian said...

I am thrilled for you!!!! I have been writing stories...just not online. I need to revamp my online presence. You've inspired me!

Deanna said...

An outstanding and thrilling moment in your life to see yourself published in a beautiful magazine. I know you work hard at your craft and it's so wonderful to see your talents shine through.

cheryl Crotty said...

Wonderful news Sarah. So happy for you. You give the rest of us hope. Your work is lovely and you have grown into your own voice quietly and persistanly. Enjoy the reward of being published.

chasing the sun said...

Congratulations on being published! Your blog has always been one of my favorites :-)

Angie Lambert Photography and Illustration said...

I'm so happy to hear this news! Congratulations!

Nicki said...

Somewhere on the wide web I saw this and said "congratulations" and I meant every word. I am presently (some weeks after this post) hogtied to the indoors to deal with my health which has had the golden lining of giving me much missed time to catch up on blogs. Sarah - the only thing that surprises me about this is 'what took so long'? Your writing is effortless, your images never failing. As someone else said, "I knew you when" - I say "Finally!".

Jill said...

I was so happy for you and when I found it on the shelf, quickly paged through to find your piece!!

Suburban Girl said...

Wowza! Congratulations to you! (I wonder if I can still get a copy.) I am so happy for you and being discovered.