Shauna Letellier

Rest & Relief for Ragged Souls

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Turtle in a Bucket: An Announcement

By shauna 25 Comments

Zach and turtle

The turtle and his primary caretaker.

The first time my boys captured a painted box turtle and put it in a five gallon bucket, I felt like I had hired a babysitter. For free.

For hours the boys watched that poor turtle try to claw his way out of that bucket. He was picked up, turned over, and dropped. Occasionally they’d dash into the house for a handful of lettuce, grapes and even animal crackers, to see if they could coax their captive babysitter into eating something right before their very eyes!

The turtle wasn’t interested in eating, though. He only wanted out.

But amphibious claws against the inside of a plastic bucket don’t get much traction, and he made very little progress toward his goal.

Eventually, we carried our traumatized pet in his bucket off to the lake. Not only did he turtle-run from the bucket, he swam away, and achieved his goal. Escape. Freedom. The whole, big, beautiful underwater world he was made for.

Last January, I wrote about my own little goal (which you can read about here). I wrote a book proposal and, with the extraordinary help of my literary agent, we submitted it to various publishers.

At times I’ve felt like that turtle. Working toward a dream, but making about as much progress as a turtle trying to climb the wall of a plastic bucket.

Two weeks ago, however, I had the privilege and pleasure of signing my first book contract!

And it wasn’t an internet scam. It’s the kind of contract where the publishing company has a name you recognize, authors you’ve read, and real, live, friendly editors to speak with.

I am terrified and excited. I think that means I’m terri-cited…which almost sounds like an essential oil.

I’m still moving kind of slow, but I’m out of the bucket. I have a better view of where I’m headed, and I’m plodding toward a manuscript deadline this fall.

And while “slow and steady” might not always WIN, by God’s grace, it always finishes.

Thanks to each of you for your encouragement along the way. You didn’t laugh and point when I was circling around the bottom of the bucket looking for the way up. Instead, you’ve asked, prayed, read, commented and shared thoughts and encouragement.

And while it wasn’t lettuce and grapes, it has nourished hope, fueled tenacity, and given me the tentative courage to keep moving.

And for that, I am gratefully indebted to you.

Thanks for joining me on the adventure.

 

P.S. If you’re interested in book progress updates, occasional prayer requests, the official title, the final cover, and, of course, the first opportunity to pre-order (Did I just type that!?!), be sure to subscribe over there on the sidebar. You’ll get new blog posts in your email inbox as well as book info that’s best shared in an email and not on the world wide web. 🙂

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Filed Under: Books, Writing

Comments

  1. Tami says

    June 28, 2016 at 8:46 am

    Yeah!!!!! This is great news! So happy for you Shauna!!

    Reply
    • shauna says

      June 28, 2016 at 9:25 am

      Thanks, Tami! You’ve been a steady encouragement 🙂

      Reply
  2. Tessa says

    June 28, 2016 at 10:03 am

    Amazing! So happy for you and can’t wait to get my hands on that book!

    Reply
    • shauna says

      June 28, 2016 at 11:45 am

      I’ll be sure to let you know when you can! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Tiffany says

    June 28, 2016 at 10:05 am

    This is awesome news! Good luck! I am so happy for you!

    Reply
    • shauna says

      June 28, 2016 at 11:46 am

      Thanks, Tiffany! Appreciate your encouragement!

      Reply
  4. Stephanie says

    June 28, 2016 at 10:26 am

    SO excited for you! Can’t wait to see what you do in the years to come. 🙂

    Reply
    • shauna says

      June 28, 2016 at 11:47 am

      Thanks, Steph. Appreciate your help and encouragement along the way. And from an avid reader, that means a TON! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rachel Hettinger says

    June 28, 2016 at 10:48 am

    AMAZING!!! I cannot wait to read it! So happy for you 🙂

    Reply
    • shauna says

      June 28, 2016 at 11:53 am

      I cannot wait to finish it 😉

      Reply
  6. Shelli says

    June 28, 2016 at 11:03 am

    Congratulations, sweet friend! <3

    Reply
    • shauna says

      June 28, 2016 at 11:53 am

      Thanks, Shelli! Keeping my eyes and ears open for news from you 😉

      Reply
  7. Cheryl Heftie says

    June 28, 2016 at 11:21 am

    I am looking forward to it. I wanted to sign up for the book updates but didn’t see the sign up on my phone. Maybe I need to wait till I get home.

    Reply
    • shauna says

      June 28, 2016 at 11:52 am

      I think you’re already signed up, Mom 🙂

      Reply
      • Cheryl Heftie says

        June 28, 2016 at 9:44 pm

        I guess you’re right. Lol

        Reply
  8. Hannah Bollinger says

    June 28, 2016 at 12:24 pm

    Couldn’t be happier for you, friend! You are a blessing to me and you bless others through written words and beyond!

    Reply
  9. Char Keller says

    June 28, 2016 at 12:49 pm

    That is great Shauna ~ can’t wait to read your book.

    Reply
  10. Becky says

    June 28, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    I am so so happy for you and proud of you! I can’t wait read it!

    Reply
  11. Kevin Espeland says

    June 28, 2016 at 11:15 pm

    I don’t probably see all your posts and blogs, but for the ones I do, I enjoy reading them. You have a wonderful gift…good luck!

    Reply
  12. Jill Dean says

    June 28, 2016 at 11:33 pm

    Way to go Shauna!! I’m so happy for you!! I love this young Zach picture! ?

    Reply
  13. Brenda g says

    June 29, 2016 at 7:41 am

    Pretty cool shauna. The turtle does eventually cross the finish line ?

    Reply
  14. Nita Redden says

    June 30, 2016 at 4:03 am

    Absolutely love your posts!!! So happy for you!

    Reply
  15. Kay Cooper says

    June 30, 2016 at 8:25 pm

    I am thrilled for you, Shauna! I felt it was just a matter of time. You have a gift, and you deserve this opportunity. We will all benefit from your talent! I look forward to getting your book. (Of course, I’ll want to get it signed.) : )

    Reply
  16. Kathy says

    July 19, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    Wow, that’s awesome! I’ve enjoyed your blog immensely so I will definitely be reading your book! Hope the process goes well.

    Reply
    • shauna says

      July 23, 2016 at 10:26 am

      Thanks so much, Kathy! I’ll keep you posted on the progress. Hope yours is coming along 🙂

      Reply

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HI THERE!

I’m Shauna, and I help worn-out Christians find permanent rest and relief by retelling gospel stories that highlight Jesus’ kindness toward ordinary people like us.

In my books and on this blog, I weave history, theology, and fictional detail into a fresh retelling of familiar Bible stories. I started writing them because I needed them. When I shared my stories, people said they made the Bible come to life.

If you could use some permanent rest and relief, download my free Bible story devotional.

 

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