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Finding Hope in the Waiting

September 8, 2022 By Cara Putman

This week I’m in St. Louis for the ACFW conference and board meetings…It’s been three years since we’ve been able to meet face to face and this is so fun. It’s so good to be in the same space as my writing friends and able to meet so many new ones. There is an energy and power that comes from sharing space with other creatives. I love what I do in my day job, but it’s different from hanging with writers who get this life.

I’m also very excited to spend time with readers at Storyfest, which is running at the same time as ACFW. I’ll meet myself coming and going but it will be the best possible time. There is so much that fills me up with joy and energy when I’m here. If you love books or write, you should plan now to join us next year.

One of the challenges that comes with an event like this is to avoid the comparison game. There is always someone who is further down the road than you are or has the contract you wish for. Publishing is a long ballgame. It’s important to stay focused on doing the next best thing. Plant the seed. Write the words. Invest in the growth. Do the work. Keep the faith.

My encouragement to you is the above: Don’t waste your energy on things you cannot control. We are called to be faithful to the call. And then let God handle the rest. Trust Him with the process. Whether you’re a writer or have a different call, trust Him with the process. Focus on what you can control and leave the rest to Him.

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Cara Putman

An award-winning author of more than 40 books, Cara is a Clinical Associate Professor in business law and ehtics to graduate and undergraduate students at Purdue University. She lives with her husband, four children, a perfect cat, and a sweet yet rambunctious shelter puppy in Indiana.
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Comments

  1. Deborah Raney says

    September 8, 2022 at 5:07 am

    Can’t wait to run into you, Cara! Ken and I got in yesterday afternoon and it is SO good to be back in person!

  2. Angie Quantrell says

    September 8, 2022 at 7:05 am

    Oh, fun! I miss our in-person SCBWI conferences…virtual is just not the same. Love the encouraging reminders too. Have fun!

  3. Jodie Wolfe says

    September 8, 2022 at 8:11 am

    Hope you have a great conference. It’s been a while since I’ve attended an ACFW conference.

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