I PULLED THE TRIGGER
- A little slow moving news for you: last week, from the sandy shores of Round Lake, I pulled the trigger on a decision I’ve been mulling over for several years. I traded in my teaching post this year for a shot at more time with my son, more time in my writing, and more time in STORY.
- I’ve already had several sources alert me that the rumor mill is convinced I’m hopelessly preggo. Not yet, my dears. Not yet. It’s an honor to be included in the conversation at the office water cooler though. ;)
- I’ve been neck deep in STORY stuff for over a year now, but now you can call it official. I’m the Community Designer at Historytellers, the organization behind STORY, Dream Year and soon to be, One Thousand Premieres.
- In the transition, I’ll also be taking on a select number of editing, ghost writing and proposal development jobs. I have some snazzy references in addition to my own publishing credits. For more info on that, email me at sarahraymondcunningham (at) gmail (dot) com.
- Oh and here’s some irony for you: of course this is the year the MEA (Michigan Education Association) put my photo–plucked from an article they’d written about me–on the official yearly calendar and the planner they give out to teachers across the state.
- I’m the poster child who doesn’t teach anymore. Whoops.
- Some more irony for you: today, literally today, I got my first royalty check (read: money beyond my publishing advance) for my book. To some of you who imagine all authors are New York Times best selling authors who divide their time between their five houses in various tropical climates, this doesn’t sound too important. But for those of you who know the uphill fight of a young up and comer in the industry, you know this is a nice day to finally see come.
- Even when the check is only for $25.18.
- It was the .18 that put your impressed-ness over the top, wasn’t it?
Are you thinking of building some independent work on the side of your job (or–gasp–instead of your job)? If you’re interested in trying to start writing your own book, Here are some free resources to help you on your way
Ian August 30, 2011 (11:19 pm)
Congratulations Sarah on your royalty check. Irrespective of the amount, it’s a moment to savour – frame it! (You don’t need $25.18 anyway!)
And well done on taking the courageous step to let go of your teaching job. After a break, you may find a need to “teach”, so will be interesting in this season how/what shape that may take.
Dig deep into the Lord as you commence this new season and may He open your heart to new meanderings. But also take the time to “Be still…” and enjoy His company.
Blessings.x
Sarah August 30, 2011 (11:26 pm)
Thanks @Ian. I hear that encouragement. I’m excited for what the future holds. Appreciate the supportive words!
katie August 31, 2011 (12:15 am)
so excited for this next season for you, sarah!! i am incredibly blessed to serve alongside you with STORY.
Jessica Cribbs August 31, 2011 (12:27 am)
Sarah, So excited for you….and proud. And jealous…$25.18!!??!
You are one sweet success story, who could treat your graduating class to Taco Bell on that.
Congrats to pulling the trigger.
Sarah August 31, 2011 (2:10 am)
Thanks @Katie. Love working with you too. We have a killer team.
Sarah August 31, 2011 (2:11 am)
Thanks @Jess. I know. .79 hard tacos on me. :)
Alece August 31, 2011 (2:52 am)
so so excited to catch your news, woman! love knowing you’re working with Ben and STORY full-time now! (and kudos for that royalty check! that is no small thing?)
Sarah August 31, 2011 (8:46 am)
@Alece Thanks!! Should free up my schedule to roam around Nashville with a certain brunette in stylin’ specs.
Shelly Miller August 31, 2011 (9:14 am)
Sarah, noticed you mentioned be on the sandy shores of Round Lake. That doesn’t happen to be Round Lake in Ontario, Canada? Our family has a cottage we vist every summer on that lake. I rarely meet someone who knows about that beautiful place. Just wondered.
Ben Skoda August 31, 2011 (9:52 am)
This is encouraging– I actually resigned my teaching position last spring after 5 years in education to follow God’s leading into some similar things. No $25 checks yet, but I have high hopes : ) God Bless, Sarah!
Sarah August 31, 2011 (10:39 am)
@shelly It’s actually Round Lake in Manitou Beach, Michigan. But I’ll have to check out the Canadian counterpart sometime soon!
@Ben Thanks. Yeah. The big money comes rolling in when you least expect it. :)
Shelly Miller August 31, 2011 (10:54 am)
Also wanted to mention that your post gives hope. I quit a job as a writer after four years to focus on my kids and branch out as a freelance writer and blogger. Those first assignments/checks have been so encouraging! Thanks for your honesty.
Chris August 31, 2011 (11:04 am)
Thank you for encouraging the rest of us who hope to do something similar someday. I’m hoping to be able to resign my job at a church in order to spend more time with people who aren’t interested in the Church – and with my family. I am also eagerly awaiting my first royalty check.
Thanks for the reminders that it can be done!
Amy Nabors August 31, 2011 (11:12 am)
That is so exciting!! Congratulations on the move & the royalty check.
Renee Johnson August 31, 2011 (12:34 pm)
AHHHHHHHHHHH So excited for you!!!!!!!
Sarah August 31, 2011 (12:42 pm)
@ shelly Thanks for relating. It’s a tricky balance with momming and writing, isn’t it? Mom wins. :)
@Chris I’m glad you’re dreaming of what life can be. Praying some opportunities open to make whatever God is stirring in you possible.
@Amy Thanks. I’ve never had so many people congratulate me on $25 in my life!!
@Thanks Renee! See ya in a few. :)
Bryan a August 31, 2011 (1:15 pm)
Very cool, Sarah! I thought the reason people around Ben quit their day jobs was Dream Year, but I guess it’s just him, not the program. Best of luck!!
Sarah Cunningham August 31, 2011 (5:04 pm)
@Brian Haha. My husband has been encouraging me to make a transition for a while, but we’ve been feeling out the right timing. Ben definitely helped push me to do it sooner than later.:) He’s an influential guy!
Jeff August 31, 2011 (5:13 pm)
Congratulations! Very excited for you. Also, you’re welcome for that .18 if that’s what they give on a Kindle download of the book ;)
Sarah August 31, 2011 (6:51 pm)
@Jeff Maybe I should give you a 10% cut of my 18 cents. Heck, I’m generous. How does 2 cents sound?
Shawn Smucker September 2, 2011 (9:49 am)
Congrats, Sarah! Best of luck with your writing.
Sheila September 2, 2011 (10:10 am)
Congratulations Sarah…I am so glad you are following your heart on this. Smiling at the irony of the MEA photo. Please get in touch soon for coffee!
Sarah September 2, 2011 (10:39 am)
@Shawn Thank you for your ongoing support!
@Sheila I’ll be in touch so soon! I ran into Cassandra yesterday in fact. Beautiful as always. It’s been a harried summer being laid off and making plans to make a big switch… see you soon!
Matt Owens September 3, 2011 (6:56 am)
Congrats on the royalty check. You’re $25 closer to that tropical beach house.
Sarah September 3, 2011 (7:18 pm)
Exactly. Or I’m five Little Caeser’s pizzas richer. However you look at it. =)
One Thousand Premieres | BENJI.ZIMMERMAN September 7, 2011 (8:15 am)
[…] White Board Sessions and the Dream Year, Ben Arment along with Author & Blogger, and recently announced community designer for Historytellers, Sarah Cunningham are launching a massive grassroots […]