The Long and Winding Road
October 16, 2009
Fifteen years, seven months, and twenty-three days. As best I can tell, that’s how long it’s been since I first picked up a pen and said, “You know, I’d really like to get a book published.”
If I had known then that it would take that much time to be able to write these words, I maybe would have reconsidered that notion. Maybe. Because at that moment I took one small step onto a road of unknown distance and grade, thinking it would be an easy stroll.
Is that how it is with most dreams? Do we all fool ourselves into thinking the path from where we are to where our goals wait will be straight and flat with a slight decline to push us onward?
As is usually the case when my expectations collide with my reality, the road I took didn’t really take the form I thought it would. Or even should.
Far from straight and flat, my road was a long and winding. There were hairpin turns and potholes that I both fell into and eased my way through. There were steep climbs and harrowing descents. And the faint glimpses of an end were only false horizons that taunted rather than encouraged.
The only comfort I found during those long walks were my faith, my family, and the daydream of a phone call from an unknown someone who would tell me that it had all been worth it. That even though I had much walking left to do, that part of the journey was done.
That unknown someone turned out to be my agent, Rachelle Gardner. And on a warm afternoon about two months ago, she called to tell me just that.
I can now officially say that I’ve signed a two-book deal with FaithWords, an imprint of the Hachette Book Group. My first novel, Snow Day, will be published just in time for Christmas 2010. If you’d like a sneak peek, just click on the Snow Day tab above.
I’ve had much help from two of my blogger pals to fix up what I think is a rather awesome website. Katdish’s artistic ways came in very handy, and Peter Pollock was nice enough (and patient enough) to get things just right on the technical side. I don’t know how I can thank the both of them, but I’ll think of something.
And speaking of thanks.
People always seem to thank God whenever something wonderful happens. Even people who really don’t mean it. I do. The last fifteen years hasn’t always brought out the best in me. I lost faith, love, hope, and everything else I was supposed to never let go, only to find and lose it all again. The whole notion of the suffering saint has never really applied to me. The suffering? Yes. The saint? Not so much. And yet through it all, God was there.
So was my family, who learned quickly that life with a writer isn’t all bubble gum and cotton candy. If I endured much, they endured more.
It’s no accident that all of this has come about now rather than years ago. I’ve only been blogging for a little over a year, but I can honestly say that each and every one of you who have taken the time to stop by my cyber porch for a story have made all the difference. From what I understand, the comments you all have left over the months went a long way to convince my publisher there was an audience out there, even if it was just for a redneck hick like me.
We’ll keep you up to date in the coming months as things move along. In the meantime, feel free to visit often and take a look around. I’ll be right here on my usual days to share what’s on my mind. So grab a rocking chair and settle in. The weather’s fine, the breeze is cool, and there’s plenty of tea.
And the light’s always on.
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111 Responses to “The Long and Winding Road”
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I’m a writer whose first novel, Snow Day, will be published by FaithWords in 2010.
But don’t let that fool you. I’m just as confused as anyone.
And that is fine with me, because the great thing about wandering around in the fog is that you never know what you might run into.
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Congratulations, Billy. May you live the Lord’s perfect plan for your life.
Much love,
Annie
And here you are! Congrats, Billy.
I remember watching my brother graduate from high school. How I stood there clapping with a lump in my throat. That’s exactly how I feel right now, Billy. Congratulations, my brother!
Super congrats there, and I’m glad you didn’t make me feel like I had ADD like I did when I was reading katdish’s blog a bit ago.
This place is WONDERFUL! I can feel the excitement here. I am so happy for you Billy- a well deserved reward for your labor. And with Katdish (i.e. FORCE OF NATURE) handling the publicity, well, the Pulitzer could be in your future!
Peter, I don’t know you but you have done an amazing job here. Very easy to navigate- clean and fresh- you and kat make a good team!
The sky’s the limit!
I have goosebumps.
Congrats Billy. This is big stuff and all part of the ‘plan’ and why you have traveled that road.
15 years? It feels like it took that long for the contracts to be signed after we got the site all ‘ready’.
Congratulations on the book deal, Billy. It’s been an honor and a pleasure helping you get things spruced up around here!
Looking forward to getting my signed copy around this time next year
This is a very encouraging post to those of us writers aspiring to one day be published!
Billy, I just left you a comment on the old blog. I will repeat again that when I read those four words my heart jumped. I feel I have really gotten to know you and you have blessed me tremendously. I came to know of your blog at a very difficult time in my life and a lot of what you wrote inspired and explained a lot to me. Thank you for all that! I will kind of miss the old blog because it become like a friend I have known for a long time. But I am looking forward to getting to know this new place.
I would really like to learn from you the lessons you have learnt about patience…15 years +months+days!
Again CONGRATULATIONS and yes God is always there. I am learning that more and more.
Billy, you know I think the world of you. Congrats! I’m thrilled we could FINALLY go public with the news that feels like we’ve been sitting on forever! I’m thrilled to be working with you, and excited about your future.
And your team – Kathy, Peter, Brian – wow everyone, great job on the blog here!
Congrats Billy!
[...] His big announcement post can be found at: http://www.billycoffey.com/2009/10/long-winding-road/ [...]
This is wonderful news, Billy…many congrats. May God continue to richly bless your journey!
“The two most engaging powers of an author are to make new things familiar and familiar things new.” ~Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson must have been thinking of you, Billy, when he wrote that quote.
15 years… Like a “blue chip” wine that increases in value over time, your books are gonna climb up The New York Times Best Seller List with a big C for C-o-f-f-e-y!
Congratulations on an awesome book deal! What a well-deserved moment to celebrate with the family and friends that have stood behind you on the journey to publication!
I can’t wait for Snow Day! Glad I asked for a copy before it’s sold out… Beautiful website! It rocks.
Beautiful post! Congratulations.
Billy,
Congrats on the book! Congrats on the new site – it is very welcoming!
I’m excited to follow you on this new journey!
Many blessings,
Jill
Congrats!! You’ve worked hard for this and you’ve earned it!! Love the title of your novel!
Congratulations! May God continue to bless you.
Congrats a thousand times over!!!!! What great news for a Friday morning! Celebrating for you, Billy! Can’t wait to buy your books!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are such an inspiration. The website is beautiful! The news is fantastic! And I can’t wait to stand in line for you to sign my copy of your book.
God is good, God is great!
Looks like you are comfortably settled into your new home …Congratulations on your very exciting news. I can’t wait to have a copy in my hands! Praying God blesses you every step of the way…
LOVED reading your announcement, Billy! So thrilled for you and looking forward with enthusiasm to reading Snow Day—as well as your words here. Enjoy this day!!
Congratulations! I’m so happy & excited for you! Love the new site
and of course, can’t wait to have your book on our shelf!
Hoo Ha Ha!
Billy,
Congratulations. I’m thrilled for you. Blessings.
Giving you the biggest *high five* right now, Billy!
SO stinking PROUD of you! WOOT WOOT WOOT!
Love your new site too……crisp and clean.
Peace~
*~Michelle~*
ps. How cool that you announce your first book’s title today…..it’s snowing here in CT.
Congratulations, Mr. Coffey
A grand, grand day today!
He marks your path.
And we anticipate an amazing journey….
Blessings, my friend….
All’s grace,
Ann
Billy, I am so grateful to have been on part of this journey with you, watching your words speak so deeply from your heart. Congratulations on your book. God’s timing is just that – God’s timing. We are all blessed that you had the patience to wait for Him.
So happy for you, Billy! I just might need to send a whole case of beef jerky and the giant bag of Skittles!
)
Billy, congrats on finally ‘making it,’ and achieving your goals. And thanks a bunch for a great interview. Awesome way to help make such a great announcement. And the new blog looks great, complete with manly cowboy hat picture.
I read your excerpt from Snow Day. It’s beautifully written and something I would love to read. Looking forward to buying it. Congratulations on moving forward on this exciting journey. May God continue to bless your path.
~ Wendy
Wow!! This is wonderful!! Congratulations, Billy!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Billy Coffey and Annie K, Candy Steele. Candy Steele said: The Long and Winding Road – http://bit.ly/2z0WyR [...]
What a joyful day. I join the celebration!
God’s got His hand on you, Billy Coffey. He’s given you discerning, spiritual eyes to “see” the deeper things — and then to share your insights with such clarity.
It will be fun to watch from the bleachers here, to see where He leads you. When you’re on your book tour, we’ll need to figure out a way to get you up here to visit the Iowa fan club.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: You rock, brother, because God is rockin’ in you.
Grace and peace,
Jennifer
“Congratulations” seems empty somehow as you reveal what you’ve passed in this journey – it is so much more, a dream come true, passion fulfilled and revealed, you on paper accepted, with words that tell only the story within your story, His story for you. It is the sigh of relief at the end of a long, long day, a time for rest and anticipation, a rejoicing. I am almost jealous, seeing this end for you, plugging away at my own winding road around clients and babies and life and disappointed expectations. But I cannot grudge you this victory – it is God’s after all, and what a gift!
I look forward to reading your story; what I have seen of your back-story makes me want more.
Oh, and I love the new site.
Followed you here, and thrilled that you follow Him where He leads you!
Woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
I’m shouting from the rooftops over here, Billy!
Last night, when I was hoping for news just like this for you, I could hardly concentrate on family movie night. And it was Back to the Future II and III. I Before now, I never thought ANYONE could ever replace Doc Brown as my hero. But today I’m happier for you than I ever was for Doc and Clara and their Jules-Verneian time machine train.
That’s saying a lot.
I consider myself blessed to have joined you on this portion of the road.
Thank you God for shining the light just far enough ahead for us to take the next step.
Congratulations, Billy! the new site looks great too! Turns out the company I work for does some of the distribution for Hachette – so I’ll be selling your book! how cool is that?
Congratulations!!! I love how the Lord is always faithful when he calls us to something even when it is not in our timing. Way to stick with it.
I tried to get a gravatar, but it was taking to long to email me confirmation and I was all impatient to comment you. Yeah, I have issues.
Billy, I am so, so, so happy for you! I cannot wait until your book. And I’m buying copies for my family and friends because they’ve been hearing about you from me and they behold the awesomeness of your writing like I’ve been priviledged to.
And Kathy, girl, this site ROCKS. You and Peter are geniuses. I’m so proud of you two as well. You guys are going to be such a great support to Billy as God keeps carving this path for you all.
Big blessings and lots of hugs!
Congratulations, God bless, and thanks for sharing your journey/experience, an inspiration to all striving artists. Celebrate big and write on!
That’s awesome. I actually found you through following Rachelle on twitter I think. The funny thing I remember Rachelle saying a few months ago she was going to make “the call” to someone that day and I replied saying something about how lucky the person was. And it was probably you. So lucky you
Huge congrats!!
Oh, Billy. I am absolutely, positively, THRILLED for you! glad I could have even the SMALLEST part in getting you where, I believe, you belong. Just WOW.
Congratulations!! It’s great when all the hard work pays off.
Holding on to hope!
Congratulations on the book deal and this great website!
When in business, I learned that “overnight” success takes about fifteen years – looks like it holds true.
Man….you’ve come a long way! So very cool to think that a year ago when you started your blog we all read and loved and commented and laughed and cried. Now, today, we get to celebrate your book deal. I’m so very excited for you and PROUD of what you have done all to give glory to God. HE IS GOOD and HE has been faithful to the promise He placed in your heart 15 years, 7 months and 23 days ago. :0)
I’ll be first in line to buy your books, my friend!!!
Click
I’m so happy for you! I love the way you described your journey. With humility, Billy. I suppose it wouldn’t be true humility if you claimed your humility, but it’s there and it’s refreshing.
Congrats!!!
Congrats, Billy! I’m not even slightly surprised that you have a book coming out next year. And I can’t wait to buy it! *big smile*
Ooooh, congratulations! How exciting to finally see the fruit of the Lord’s labor in your life.
Hope the book process goes well for you.
This website gives me a feeling of peace and contentment, like sitting by a fireplace with tea in the middle of winter with a good book. If Snow Day is anything like this, I’m definitely going to buy it.
I can’t express how thrilled I am for you! I can’t wait to read your books — all 345 of them (yes, I have high expectations).
Congratulations! It is nice to read about someone who stayed with their calling and worked through it.
Great website, by the way. I came over here from Rachelle’s blog.
Congratulations! It couldn’t have happened to a nicer person. You inspire me, every day.
Yay!
I was just thinking about you this morning…. those first lonely blogging days… and how we walked together a spell… and you went on ’round the corner. And… oh my… look what was beyond the bend.
Congratulations. Again. (and again, and again)
Beautiful site too (Katdish, are you listening?
Congratulations! Looking forward to reading your book! I love to celebrate with new writers.
Love the new site. Can’t wait for Cmas 2010!!!
~Brenda
Congrats my friend, so very proud of you. You deserve this.
CONGRATULATIONS! Kudos on achieving the dream so many of us nurture! This is a well deserved honor! Can’t wait to read the book!
Look at your lovely site and all these shiny comments! So happy for you, Billy!
Congratulations, Billy! Fifteen years is a long haul, and I hope your success will bring you and your family spiritual blessings as well as financial ones..
Congrats! That is awesome news, and thanks for your candor about your journey. It is a great encouragement to the yet unpublished!
Great news, and great new site! Congrats!
I love books. Can’t wait to buy yours!
Hello Billy, I arrived here from your twitter post and I am impressed! Just reading your blog entry was warming to my soul. Thank You! Congrats!
BIG CONGRATS!!!!!! Today is officially Billy Coffey (*blush* I hope I spelled it right) day in my world. I’m praising God for your dreams come true.
Billy, the site looks fantastic, the book sounds amazing and I’m so thrilled for you!
Way to hang in there when I know it wasn’t easy…
I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you, and I know what I want for Christmas next year!
Hey, Billy. I’m so happy for you! God has great things planned for you, my friend!
It seems almost Cliche’ to mention that I am on that journey. I mean, who isn’t? anymore everyone seems to be writing a book. Well, i’ve written one- it’s just a matter of God doing something with it.
This is a post which humbled me and my own lofty ideas, gave me hope and really- overall just touched me. The rawness you mention of your journey perhaps carries more weight and testimony- if you will- than actually being published. Thanks for such an honest post…
congrats Billy! Keep working hard as God uses these gifts he’s given you for His glory.
What an amazing journey bro. Billy and you did take us with the ups and down. But finally…Congratulations!!! This is a great new site…Happy for you that your book is being published!!! God bless you and may He continue to guide you in this new door He opened for you.
What a great site Billy! Congrats on your upcoming book! I am sure it will not be your last!
Billy,
Congratulations on the dream every writer hopes one day to not only write about, but to begin making calls and tell everyone that they know, they are finally published. Here is hoping that this book of yours and the ones to come, will make it to the New York Times Best Selling List and they can’t keep enough copies on the shelf to meet the demand. I guess in the end, you can finally say, it was worth it.
To begin the blog, enabled us to get to know you. It wasn’t just one good story but story after story that touched each of us on a personal level and changed us. Made us want to become better people, better friends, better parents.
Congratulations again on using the gift God has given you and letting all of us celebrate with you on your wonderful new journey. Much love and success to you, Billy Coffey!
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
I love your new site, and I am very happy for you.
Wow!!! What incredible news! I’m so so excited for you, to learn how you’ve walked, plodded, stumbled, run down that very long road and now see your dream becoming reality. I’m doing the happy dance up here (way up north in Red Sox nation). Even if you are a Yankees fan….I’ll still buy the book.
So glad I stumbled upon you! I don’t always leave comments, but MANY in my household have spent a few evenings on your porch. Can’t wait for the book! So excited for you! Makes me want to write again. : )
Billy, I am so excited for you! What a joy and blessing. God fulfills all His promises when we hold on. The site looks wonderful too–way to go on all accounts.
Congratulations and GOD bless you!
andrea
Hey, you and I both know that redneck hicks are the best…especially from Virginia!
Congratulations, Billy. I’m very happy and excited for you!
Blessings,
Beth E.
Adding to the cheering section, Billy, this is amazing. You deserve it from what I’ve read thus far, and from what I’ve “felt” from the heart of yours in them.
Looking forward to owning and reading your book.
Hey, Billy-boy! You KNOW that I am one of your biggest cheerleaders! I love the new site and am totally excited about Snow Day! We’ll talk later about it being on my site! I think, no, I KNOW you are my favorite storyteller! May the Lord bless you in all that you do!
Go, Billy! Go, Billy! Go, Billy!
Congratulations Billy! And thanks for sharing your story for my upcoming book. BTW – your new site is beautiful.
Congratulations, Billy! How very exciting and I cannot wait to read your book! Hooray!
And I love your new site too!
Congratulations Billy! What a blessing for you to be published!! Can’t wait to read your book and until then will be right here reading every heartfelt, thoughtful, dig down deep and make us think post you have for us
Bless you Billy and soo happy for you and your family
We are all very proud of you Billy
This is so exciting, Billy! Congratulations on having made it this far. Your writing is an inspiration to many, and you deserve this success that you’ve worked so hard and been so faithful for. Looking forward to reading Snow Day!
Couldn’t be more excited for you (and for us!) Can’t wait to get go get my copies!
Lord bless ya!
Bravo! I read the beginning of your novel, and I’m captured already. Enjoy the journey.
Congrats, Billy!!! WOOHOO!!!
Congratulations! Always enjoy your writing. Can’t wait for the book.
Congrats! Can’t wait to read your book.
Love the new design and all the pictures.
I am so thankful you hung in there with your dream of writing, for God has used you to touch my heart over and over.
Happy weekend!
Many congrats, Billy. You sound like a humble, gentle soul. All best to you in the beautiful journey that is continuing to unfold!
Congratulations!
I have only been a follower for a short time, but I can truly say, you have inspired me, changed me and made me think.
I am so glad that I have found your blog and I certainly look forward to your book.
Big Congrats to you!! My first book is due out about the same time. It’s nice to see someone else on the same road marker, just about to round the same curve in the road. God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think.
Congrats, Billy. You so deserve this book contract. I can’t wait to buy your book for all my friends and relatives who for some reason are still afraid of the internet (or at least on dial up and afraid of getting hooked on blogs.
and of course, myself. I read what you have up from “Snow Day” and find it amazing. I can hardly wait to read the rest. God bless you!
Congratulations!!! Love the new blog, by the way! Looks great!
Hey, Billy! I’m late to the party and all…(snuck a look yesterday at work to see the big news but no time to comment) congrats! Very exciting! I’ll be praying for you through the whole process.
Congratulations on your signing a contract for 2 books, and I look forward to reading Snow Day.
I found you via Katdish BTW.
My own first book was published in fall of 2008 and I almost levitated when I held my first copy in my hands. I co-wrote it with 5 authors (Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts: Stories to Warm Your Heart and Tips to Simplify Your Holiday).
Now I will look further and see if you are on twitter. My name there is /terragarden.
God Bless your writing!
Oh I AM SO HAPPY I FOUND OUT ABOUT YOUR BLOG—through another fellow blogger who mentioned you on her blog. I believe it was Andrea on Blogging Mamma.
I am really going to enjoy this.
I just moved to the country of Southern Alberta from a bustling city. Married my childhood sweetheart from 41 years ago. Learning about life in the country and the JOYS of the peace and beauty there.
I’d love to sit on your porch, drink you tea, pick your brain and watch a sunset.
Cool that you came from a Mennonite background—-there are lots of Hutterites here in Alberta (did I spell that right)
Anyway I am looking forward to learning more about and FROM you and good luck in your writing career. You have a beautiful way with words.
Thank you for this post! Can I tell you honestly that I praise God that you reached the other side, yet my heart stings a little knowing that I’m stil on the opposite shore. . . . or maybe I’m swimming against the current somewhere in the middle.
I pray that your writing captures the hearts of millions for Christ.
wow, congratulations! i first knew about you on the first blog carnival. keep it up billy. and may God use you to reach more people through your book.
Way to go, Billy! After 15 years, you deserve it man. Now go and knock it out of the park!
Billy, I have tears of joy in my eyes over your new site! God bless you, cowboy/brother
Can’t wait to get Snow Day!
Great post
Congratulations, Billy! I knew this was a great place to stop by every now and then for a visit. I just didn’t know how good.
I am truly happy for you! and your family. Can’t wait to read the book.
lisa
Congratulations! Life can take many turns but it is definately on us the road we take. Robert Frost said it best, we have to choose the road less traveled. It make take us months, years to get where we may want to be but the Lord surely guides our Steps!
Congratulations both on the great website and your upcoming book. I know about the long and winding road. Mine has been a bit shorter (only nine years), but hilly and full of twists and turns. Likewise, my debut book will be released from FaithWords in 2010, and I’m ever mindful of authors with whom I share a connection. We are blessed indeed, and I look forward to reading your book. The beginning was stunning.
Blessings. May the days fly by until your dream is fully realized.
Congratulations on reaching this milestone. Sometimes we like to say things will happen “all in good time”; I like to say “all in God’s time”. I’m glad your time has come. Blessings!
Billy,
Congratulations! I’ve been working on my novel for six and a half years now. It’s good to know that persistence pays off. Enjoy your long delayed success!
Kimberlee Conway Ireton
Well here I am , comment #106 and if you actually read this it will be an amazing prrof of diligence! But I want you to know that I am delighted that your winding road ended up where you dreamed it would. I am still travelling on mine but I dream too. Wonderful news!
Dear Billy,
I was reading Rachelle Gardner’s blog post this morning, that’s how I came across your website link and I’m glad I did. Congratulations! Your story is inspiring, especially today – feeling a bit like you before your big dream came through. And I shouldn’t, I have been published, but to continue being a published writer is another story. To keep on dreaming and having faith is a never-ending, unpredictable road, but I’m already half way, so I won’t be going back. I love to live and belief that struggle or suffering (as we call it) is the ocean we need to cross before reaching shore and the sooner we get there, the better. Now, if you’re an adventurous sailor (uhm) and you’d like to sail the Seven Seas, you know you need plenty of lifesavers and God’s speed. Have a wonderful trip, wherever you’re heading. Enjoy!
Billy, I am so excited that your dreams of being published have finally become reality. I truly enjoy reading what you write. It inspires me to take different perspectives and to be a better person. This is what God intended for you…to open the hearts of those who read your writing so they can move closer to what God intended for them. How does it feel to be changing the world? Your book is already on my 2010 Christmas list! Many many congratulations.
Wow! I’m impressed, too. I’ve seen your name mentioned on the sites of some friends and decided to drop by. I’m glad I did!
Sometimes I lose your blog but I am ALWAYS so happy when I find you again : )
Billy – I came across your site from Faith Barista – don’t know why, but clicked on your friendly face. I have read your testimony – and saved the link for my 14 yr. old son to read. He likes to just have fun – though he seems more miserable than having fun. He thinks everyone expects him to have his life figured out – and he doesn’t. I tell him he doesn’t have to know what he wants to “be” at 14. Anyway, for that reason and many others – I want him to read your story when he comes home this evening.
You have really touched me – from everything you have written on here – and as an AVID reader – I will be looking for your book when it comes out. God bless you Billy Coffey….