A Labor Of Love
Today is a big day for me as I’m turning in my 60,000 (technically it’s 59,139 but whose counting) word manuscript!
Since January of this year I’ve been spending my nights and weekends pounding out a book with the working title of “Plan B.” If everything goes as planned Thomas Nelson (who’s been incredible to work with) will be releasing the book in the Spring of 2010. While I still have tons of work to do in the editing process, it feels so good to hit this first milestone.
So, what’s “Plan B” about?
In a nutshell the book is about how we respond when life doesn’t turn out the way we hoped life was going to turn out. It’s about how we deal with shattered dreams and unmet expectations. It’s about how we continue to follow a God that we’re not sure is really with us anymore.
I really covet your prayers over the next couple of months as we finish editing the book. At this point I’m spending a lot of time praying this book will be a bright light to people stuck in a season of darkness.
Wow, can’t wait, something i need to read now! Can we get it out by this Friday?
Congratulations, i’m sure God will use the book in ways you can’t think or imagine.
So proud and happy for you Pete!
Congrats with the book. I’m believing with you for its success.
But…I’m gonna guess you meant to say its coming out Spring 2010:)
.-= MichaelHolmes´s last blog ..Yeah he messed up! But We Should Forgive Kanye West… =-.
I’m so stinkin’ proud of you! It’s going to be great!! Congrats on making it to this big day.
.-= Jenni Catron´s last blog ..Sunday Highlights =-.
Wow, Pete! This sounds like a powerful book, and it’s definitely addressing something that we all struggle with. Looking forward to reading it.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Courage and Cowardice =-.
Wow Pete! How have you had time to write a book in between everything else?? I am impressed!
I’m proud to call you my pastor and I can’t wait to read it and share it with my friends. I am praying for its impact in the lives of every hand that touches it!
.-= Megan´s last blog ..Pray for Sergio =-.
Pete:
Congrats! I can’t tell you how excited I am to see this book get released and get a copy.
Man, it is great to know you are our Pastor! Cannot wait for the book!
Yay! That’s a lot of paper there! And there’s something special about being able to touch all those words you wrote instead of just seeing them on the screen!
.-= Amy´s last blog ..The Crafts-man =-.
Pastor Pete!
So very proud of you! I am a Thomas Nelson employee and we are all so very excited to have you as a member of our family! Cannot wait to read the final product!
Congratulations of your very hard work
.-= Ashley ´s last blog ..Big City Lights =-.
I am so proud of you Pete and I can’t wait to read Plan B! I will be in line to buy the book on release day…. praying that God will use your book to reach those who are searching for Him..
congrats, Pete! i like the simplicity of the working title…
How awesome! I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations on completing such a huge undertaking. I will definitely be praying with you that it will bless those who read it. I have been blessed and challenged as a reader of your blog. So I am sure the book will be impactful as well.
.-= Chrystie´s last blog ..The Other Side =-.
Sure sounds like a great book. I look forward to reading it!
.-= Wendy Gedack´s last blog ..Retreat in the Rockies =-.
Props to you, Pete! Congratulations on such a great achievement. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
.-= Lillian´s last blog ..Manic Monday: Enchanted Brides Show Recap =-.
I need to read that now. Seriously.
Congrats on getting the first draft done!
.-= Jason´s last blog ..Kanye West: A Cautionary Tale =-.
Can’t wait to read this one. I do book reviews for Thomas Nelson, hope it’s on my list to reveiw!!
.-= crumbsonmyfloor´s last blog ..Step away from the Beanbag chair and no one will get hurt =-.
I am praying.
.-= Melissa Salomon´s last blog ..Dedication and new video! =-.
WOW! This is so exciting! Congrats! I pray that Father uses it to IGNITE a passion in His children!
.-= sheriyates´s last blog ..Love Dare – Results =-.
This was my favorite sermon series you’ve ever done. I heard it for the first time this summer and have added it to my quarterly listening list. Can’t wait to read the book!
Praying for you!
.-= Lindsey´s last blog ..Birthday Blessings =-.
Amazing!! Can’t believe the day is finally here. I am so blessed to be a part of this powerful project.
Having read the manuscript, I can confirm that it will be a life-changer for so many people. I’m still personally dealing with some “punches” from chapter 3…
.-= Shannon Litton´s last blog ..Passion or paycheck? =-.
My Man! Can’t wait to check that out! Good Job. Congrats.
.-= @b_rewster´s last blog ..Musing =-.
How exciting! Way to go Pete!!
.-= ashley´s last blog ..I’m Sorry =-.
I found the announcement via a fellow Twitterer and out of curiosity, here I am. I need “Plan B”. Sounds like you wrote this book especially for me, and I’m looking forward to its release!
Blessings!
sweetness!
.-= kc´s last blog ..My Top Nine Takeaways from The Nines =-.
*high five*
.-= *~Michelle~*´s last blog ..Too close for comfort =-.
Wow! You don’t cease to amaze me! Someone else has already said it, but how do you manage to fit so much into your days? I would love to write a book. Maybe one day I will!
I love the picture on the post. I don’t know whether it was deliberate but I can see a cross coming through the light. If you have not designed a cover for the book, that section of the picture would make a beautiful cover for it.
Blessings,
.-= ransom33´s last blog ..How to combat the spirit of discouragement =-.
I had no idea you were doing this! Can’t wait to read it… definitely a subject I’m interested in. I’ll be praying!
Sounds like a great concept. A real, honest look at questions I find many pastors are afraid to admit. I look forward to seeing this one develop.
.-= Andy Borgmann´s last blog ..Healthcare Needs The FDIC Not The USPS (or UPS) =-.
Congratulations!!!
I was looking at “wall words” yesterday and ran across a sign that said “It’s never too late to live happily ever after”. For some reason that silly saying stayed with me yesterday and I really think having it in the back of my mind could make my daily life a little happier.
Personally…I CANNOT wait to get my hands on Plan B. Thank you Pete for this labor of love. I just know that everyone who reads it will be encouraged and blessed. Definitely praying for you, your family and of course CP through all this.
Blessings~
Fran
.-= Fran´s last blog ..Watch out MLB and NFL….here come two of ‘em!!! =-.
I am very proud of you Pete. I would like to be first in line for an autographed copy of which I will gladly pay full retail.
.-= Harold´s last blog ..Isaias Gabriel – Making The Difference in the DR =-.
Many congratulations! I’m looking forward to reading your book; the topic is certainly an important one.
When I turned in my 55,000-word manuscript to Zondervan, I was too tired to celebrate. We waited until I woke up THE NEXT AFTERNOON to go out to dinner! Ah, the sleep-deprived life of the writer.
.-= Rachel H. Evans´s last blog ..Why Calvinism Makes Me Cry =-.
Im so excited for you! Congrats! I have hated seeing it in the house and not be able to read it
I cant wait for it to be done that was one great series at CP
.-= jessica´s last blog ..A Great Big Gift =-.
Congratulations Pete! What a day- the only thing is… I wish it’d come out tomorrow!!
Go Pete!!!
.-= holly´s last blog ..Let’s go #9!!!! =-.
Congratulations!!! Move over, Rick Warren! Here comes our Pete!
WOW! I loved this sermon series (via podcast.) I’m so looking forward to reading the book!
.-= @Katie0517´s last blog ..My Religion =-.
This is crazy because just this Sunday I was sitting in the service having a conversation with the Lord in my heart — something to the effect of Pete is writing or he needs to write. Well it started out with “Lord, why isn’t Pete published…he needs to be writing and getting your message out there!? signed, Jewel” and He just gave me this peace about it…that is awesome! Will be praying, editing is a hard process!
Pete, I can’t wait to read your book, out next Spring tentatively entitled, ‘Plan B’. Praying for the next six months as the book is refined and filtered down to a concise, and beautiful book of hope, inspiration, and 2nd chances. Blessings to you and your family!
CONGRATS
Can not wait to read it
God bless
Kim
Sounds awesome! Can’t wait to read it…will be praying as I’m sure the process is a bit stressful.
How exciting though! Congratulations!
.-= joyce´s last blog ..Just Coasting =-.
Congrats!Praying your edits go so smooth you will not believe it. As a Thomas Nelson Book Blogger I look forward to getting a copy.
Can’t wait Pete! My wife and I struggled for 8 years to become pregnant…Those were 8 long years of tears living in PLAN B! When our baby finally arrived in February I felt God’s smile, but it was in those 8 years that I truly felt His presence. Thank God for Plan B!
Can’t wait to read your book! What a huge need it will fill!
.-= Brian´s last blog ..Fasting: Direction – not intention – moves the heart of God. =-.
The Plan B series helped Karen get through so much, I look forward to the book.
.-= jody´s last blog ..Too tired =-.
Congratulations!!!!!
wow! congrats!!!
.-= Maureen´s last blog ..Mediterranean Monday: Eilat (אילת) =-.
i am so proud of you, baby! your diligence and hard work show on every page.
.-= brandiandboys´s last blog ..There’s Always a Brewer Story… =-.
This book sounds awesome Pete!!!!!
.-= Lauren Kelly´s last blog ..The AC Prayer! =-.
Thank you guys so much. I really appreciate the encouragement.
@Shannon, I really appreciate all the help you’ve given me through this process. You’ve been amazing.
Congrats Pete…proud of you. I know God is going to use this book to touch a lot of lives.
.-= Brad Ruggles´s last blog ..The Incredible Unipotamus =-.
I’m happy for you, Pete! This is a great accomplishment.
Very cool, man. Let me know when you’re ready to publicize it.
.-= Jeff Goins´s last blog ..The Matrix: Red Pill Vs. Blue Pill =-.
Great news! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
.-= Kelli´s last blog ..You Want Fame? Fame Costs…. =-.
Congratulations! I’m sure it will be a huge encouragement to everyone who reads it. My only comment is that Plan B is also the title of a book by Anne Lamott that came out in 2005. Although its full title is Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith.
P.S. I love reading your tweets. Hope to visit Crosspoint one of these Sundays.
.-= Thelma Bowlen´s last blog ..Faithfulness =-.
Congrats Pete!! Thats awesome!
I see the title Plan B and all I can think of is The Practice! I love that show, and I’m sure I’ll love your book too.
Congratulations on such a huge accomplishment!
Can’t wait to buy the book and notify all my pastor friends in Ohio to get it. Congratulations Pastor, I’m so proud of you!
I’m so excited Pete!I wondered what it would be about and wow! How timely. I CAN NOT wait to get one! I sure hope you do a book tour and come to the A!!!
.-= Robin´s last blog ..Part 2~Week in the Life of a Crazy Woman…Menopause and Weight Watchers…oh no, 7 Dwarf Alert… =-.
That’s so great to hear you are done!!
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve referred people to the Plan B series on the website – it’s something that EVERYONE can relate to on some level and it’s been a huge source for me in the last year.
Fantastic!
PS-need a publicist??
Can’t wait! “Plan B” is the first sermon series I listened to from CrossPoint.tv!
.-= Alison´s last blog ..Go HOGS Go! =-.
This is wonderful! I can’t wait to review it and blog about it! And of course, an interview is a must (please!)
Lord bless your writing and editing. So many people will be blessed because of your faithfulness to share the message God has put in your heart.
We’re eagerly awaiting the release date!
.-= Tina Dee´s last blog ..Billy Coffey Tuesday ~ Come Follow Along! =-.
Wow Pete! That is awesome. Can’t wait for the release!
Love the concept and you’ve got a great title. WOW!!
I know it’s gonna great amazing.
Love the concept and you’ve got a great title. WOW!!
I know it’s gonna bet amazing.
Awesome, Pete. You are in good hands with Thomas Nelson. One of their former editors works with us and she is top quality. She speaks highly of all the other editors there as well. Can’t wait to read this.
.-= Robert´s last blog ..Tiger Wins By Eight. Earth Back On Its Axis. =-.
I look forward to reading it. I know that many hours have gone into it and that you must feel and awesome sense of accomplishment.
http://www.afterthemiracle.com
.-= Jim F.´s last blog ..Dealing with tough Scriptures =-.
Congratulations! Great topic, can’t wait to hear your thoughts on Plan B! You always take something and go a little further than my thought process takes me. I love the unpredictability of your teaching. I’ll be praying, too. So exciting.
.-= Anita´s last blog ..Religion Lies =-.
So what’s your “Plan B” if everything does not go as planned? Just kidding
Congratulations!!! I cannot wait to buy it and read it.
.-= Nick´s last blog ..Contrasting Visions =-.
Looking forward to it! We just got a fantastic sermon on this very topic this past weekend as our pastor preached on the 2nd half of Acts 15. It’s had me thinking a lot about what happens when God sends on detours and different paths.
.-= Christine´s last blog ..A Thirteen Year Journey Begins With One Step =-.
So proud of what God is doing through you. Congrats…and I feel so blessed to be an integral part of Cross Point.
very exciting Pete, excited for you.
.-= Tyler´s last blog ..The Transformation Plan =-.
Add me to the list of folks that are ready to read it this weekend!
Congratulations!
Make sure TN releases copies to book review bloggers!! I will read that bad boy!
.-= Aaron B. Reddin´s last blog ..Saline-O-Ween….tell your friends!!! =-.
Way to go Pete! That looks ridiculously impressive.
Email me a copy, please? Or twitter it in 140 word incriments
.-= Jen´s last blog ..Death in the Family =-.
@Jen, I just did the math. It would take me 1,850 twitter messages to twitter the entire book.
Anyway I can get that book now???? I am not sure that waiting a year is attractive to me. However I can’t wait to get my hands on it
That’s awesome, Pete! Congratulations!
.-= Kendra´s last blog ..Fearless – by Max Lucado =-.
Congratulations!!! I am quite excited about your book. Plan B was the first sermon series from Crosspoint that I listened to and thought it was great. I have also passed it around and suggested it to others to listen to….
Congrats again!!!
S.
.-= Susie A.´s last blog ..My Word–Part 2 =-.
Pete… Congrats on getting this far in the writing process. I got hooked into you blog when you guys originally did the Plan B sermon series. It still speaks volumes because we are still in our Plan B.
I really look forward to reading the book when its out
Congrats again.
.-= Adam O´s last blog ..Positive Post Tuesday… =-.
Congratulations!
.-= Torybee´s last blog ..A Child’s Story? =-.
That is truly incredible that you have basically written a book in 7 or so months .. Writing 15 page papers in college was far enough for me!
But I am very excited for this book, and feel it will speak volumes into my life right now .. I guess, I’ll have to just wait until 2010 to hear your words of wisdom!
Congrats again!
I am looking forward to it Pete!
.-= Randy Wood´s last blog ..Context, Concept and Precept =-.
Pete! That’s awesome! Can’t wait for the book and will definitely say a prayer for you!
I’m proud of you. I will look forward to reading it. It is good to share what God puts in our hearts and minds and writing is such a great medium for communicating those things. You will be blessed because you were obedient. No matter where it goes.
.-= jamie willow´s last blog .. =-.
WOW. Pete, I’m so insanely proud of you. And I’m so excited about the number of people you will reach with this, not just in the Spring when it’s released, but for years to come. That’s the amazing thing about writing a book… you’re not only leaving a legacy with your life in the present, but you’ve now left something tangible for those who will come after you. That’s pretty amazing.
And I think I need to read that book *NOW* since you’re pretty much talking about my life right there, but I’ll try to be patient while waiting for the spring.
.-= gitz´s last blog ..The Ripple Effect =-.
Cool. Can’t wait to read it.
Very exciting! I could use this book right about now. Looking forward to reading.
.-= Brenda´s last blog ..A bit much =-.
Congratulations, Pete!
May you celebrate this moment, which I’m sure you arrived after quite a many moons of hard work.
Looking forward to catching it later when it’s out. The title has already hooked me. It’s definitely a touchpoint for today’s climate spiritually and in our personal, everyday lives.
.-= Faith Barista | Bonnie´s last blog ..A Newbie’s Quick Guide to Faithgazing =-.
I can’t wait to read your book. This sounds like the book I need to reading right now. God bless your work.
Sounds great. There have been so many times I have went to lifeway looking for this book!
I have had about 3 people who’s wives have cheated on them ask me for something to read the past two weeks. There a million books about how to have a good marriage but nothing for these guys.
Get it done!
.-= brad´s last blog ..If you work at a church…….. =-.
I cannot wait for to read your book. I have admired your work for some time now.
JP
.-= JP´s last blog ..Bill Clinton’s Endorsement of Gavin Newsom =-.
Happy Book day. I’m looking forward to reading it.
.-= Carolyn´s last blog ..Prepare to have your heart broken…. =-.
I canNOT wait to read your book. I will absolutely pray for you!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..And if he still doesn’t answer, I simply say . . . =-.
Pete, I am so excited about this book. As others have commented, that was when I first came to your blog…when I saw your video about Plan B on Angie’s blog. It really spoke to me and since then your blog has been such an encouragement to me in my walk. Can’t wait to buy your book!
Kewl. Did you need me to endorse it for you? I’m available. Then maybe you could endorse my book? Technically, I haven’t written a book, and no one as asked me too. But it could happen…
Praying for you Pete. Seriously – great topic.
.-= katdish´s last blog ..The Puzzle Pieces of Faith (by Bonnie Gray) =-.
Soudns like the story of my life! God is good and Plan B seems to always be the Plan Best! I look forward to the book.
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..Night of Joy 2009 =-.
so, so great, pete! seriously…
i am looking forward to reading it. i think my life went from plan B to plan X since december! so i know it’ll be a timely read for my heart…
i’m gonna be in nashville the last weekend of september. planning to attend to cross pointe and hope to be able to say a quick hi to you and brandi.
.-= alece´s last blog ..God’s heavy hand =-.
super excited for you. well done!
.-= Crystal Renaud´s last blog ..Farting Rainbows =-.
I pray the message in your heart will come through in the text!
I didn’t know you were writing a book. I totally must have missed that post. But yay you and yay for the process. I hope that this is amazing for all of you involved. I will totally pray for you and for your family during this time.
Totally looking forward to this! No details, but we are having a “Plan B” season in our lives right now. Can’t wait to get the book!