IT’S TIME TO CELEBRATE!

I am SUPER excited to announce that I have signed a three-book contract with Vinspire Publishing! I am sure I will have specific details to share with you in the near future, but for now, I would like to thank my agent Julie Gwinn as well as Dawn Carrington with Vinspire Publishing for believing in my writing and giving my Amish stories a chance. I hope you will too!

I would also like to thank my dear friend and mentor Shelley Shepard Gray who knew I was writing a story to help my daughters through their grief after the loss of two grandparents. She read this story, recognized potential in that rough draft, and persuaded me to attend a writers conference. So I did. At the conference, I pitched the sequel to that story. Julie Gwinn expressed interest but said she would like to see it written about an Amish teen and not a seventh grade girl as I had intended. I was hesitant but Shelley strongly suggested I give it a try. Not only did Julie offer to represent me after reading this sweet story, but this is the manuscript that sold! The waiting has been the toughest part for me. For the past three years, Shelley has fielded my phone calls, reassuring me through each situation and helping me focus on the positives. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with her.

I am truly grateful to everyone who has offered encouragement and expressed excitement for me at every stage along this journey. I have prayed for this day, and may God have all of the glory!

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26 Comments

  2. Traci Lozier

    I am so extremely happy for you. I know you put a lot of hard work into this and all I can say is congratulations!!!

  4. Laurie Smith

    Thank you so much, Carla! I’ll be sure to keep you posted of the release date.

  7. Judy Neal

    Laurie, your faith, Persistance and prayer has served you well. We are so happy for you. Your love and talent were evident in the letter you wrote to Mike. The past ten years have been filled with obstacles and grief. Coming through into the sunshine is a beautiful gift. Enjoy. I want an autographed copy. Love, Aunt Judy

  11. Laurie Smith

    Thank you so much, Mary Anne! I hope to make it to an upcoming MMWG meeting to announce this news in person. I’m so thankful for your suggestions to improve my writing as well as the input the group has offered from day one. 🙂

  12. Linda Fortner Logan

    I am so happy to be reading your good news and can’t wait to read your books.

  25. Kay Hoekzema

    Congratulations Laurie! I am so happy, excited, and proud of you! Your drive and compassion and commitment to your goals is absolutely fantastic. The sky is the limit or as Buzz Lightyear says, “To infinity and beyond”.
    Love,
    Aunt Kay

  26. Laurie Smith

    Thank you for your support, Aunt Kay! And the Disney reference made me smile. 🙂

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