Today I had the honor of interviewing Janet Chester Bly, author of 10 books, co-author of another 18 books, and contributing author to yet another 5 books. When she wasn't busy writing or seeking markets for her works, she was busy raising three boys and helping her husband pastor his church. Discover why Janet believes rejection letters aren't failures, but stepping stones towards success...

How did writing become your career? Did it find you or did you find it?

In June 1974, Steve graduated from seminary and accepted a call to his first church (1st Presbyterian, Woodlake, CA). That made me an instant pastor's wife with all the expectations and duties that coincided. But now that Steve discovered what God wanted him to do, I began that same quest. I tried every ministry the local church provided, took classes, attended seminars, etc. all in a restless search to find the place in the kingdom that fit me.

One of the things I tried was Mt. Hermon's writer's conference. That pursuit slowly grabbed my attention and confirmed my abilities. The best thing that happened: I got Steve involved, too. I believe we make an effective writing team. Neither of us could accomplish what we have without the other's creativity, encouragement, editorial help and general input.

What has been your biggest obstacle when it comes to finding the confidence in yourself to reach for those higher paying writing assignments and what did you do to conquer that obstacle?

Several times in the past couple years, a very challenging project has been presented to us and if we let it, we'd so freak out we couldn't write a word. We've had to mentally consider this like any other writing assignment, pray and release, clear our minds and stir the creative flow thru walks and long drives, and work like crazy to meet the unreal deadlines. This, however, comes through long years of practice.

What has been your biggest struggle locating writing assignments and how did you overcome that struggle?

I learned early on that "success is never certain and failure is never final". That still holds true for us even today.

With all our published books, we're never guaranteed a contract by anyone. Each book proposal is considered under the changing market demands and the sales numbers of former projects and the mix of new people at that house. We keep looking for the next open contact (thru writers' conferences and online groups), that next developing idea, or that next step that seems to be "our thing to do". It's a constant, ongoing process that's always evolving. We try to stay up with the overwhelming (at times) changes going on, but also remember who we are-that is: what fits us in message and marketing tactics. We wish we could find a resting place where the writing ministry, sales wise, seems to just "happen" and we don't have to work so hard, but there is no such thing in sight--yet.

Visit her at http://www.blybooks.com/

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