On Saturday I attended the 13th annual Rose Glen Literary Festival. I was fortunate enough to meet several authors and purchase many more books to add to my every growing “To Be Read” Pile. Everything in my Rose Glen Literary Festival book haul was inscribed, making this collection extra special. During the festival, I saw several speaker presentations, including Tala Shatara and Jenny Hale, two of the authors I purchased books by. The stories shared by these two women particularly spoke to me so I want to share some of what I resonated with me here today.
Finding Plan B by Tala Shatara
Shatara’s book is about finding that beautiful Plan B when Plan A does not go the way you intended. Her book speaks of Plan B as something that God will reveal to you, and that it was your actual destiny all along. During her talk at the festival, she shared about her personal struggles, including the loss of both a relationship and job, all of which lead to the actualization of this book. Shatara began looking for her Plan B when she moved back home with her parents after the traumatic life change. I imagine the writing of this book was a rather cathartic experience for her, much as I have found writing on this blog quite therapeutic for me as well, but she hadn’t found her Plan B as of the release of the book. While promoting the semi-memoir/self help book, she managed to land a wonderful job as a TV host at an ABC affiliate in Eastern Tennessee. Shatara considers this the “Plan B” that she was destined for all along. I asked her, “How did you know you would find Plan B, when you hadn’t yet found it while writing this book?” Shatara stated that faith and her firm belief in God is what got her through.
I love that she has reached so many milestones career wise at such a young age. I also appreciate that the life she has now [her unforeseen Plan B] is so fulfilling. As an outsider, I wonder if maybe the book did in fact lead to what would become her actual Plan B, but that her Plan B is not exactly what she thinks it is. I mean, had she not written the book, she might not have been able to work through her self-doubt enough to even dream of landing the TV job. She stated that she spent a long time after her move back home kind of just in limbo, feeling sorry for herself. The book really got her through this. She needed to get all these feelings out and I am sure the writing schedule helped motivate her and give her daily goals. Had she not had the confidence that she gained from seeing the finished product, the tangible result of all her hard work, I don’t believe she would be where she is today. Shatara suffered from years of self doubt. The TV host position is awesome, for sure, but it really is just a symptom of her real Plan B: confidence. She found herself. As long as she believes in herself, I believe she can be who she truly is meant to be – no matter what jobs and/or relationships may come and go.
Click here to find Tala Shatara on Instagram.
Butterfly Sisters by Jenny Hale
What spoke to me most about Hale was that she was a teacher for over a decade but it just didn’t ignite her. I think most of us have had jobs that appear to others as fulfilling but that just aren’t a good fit for us. I know I have. Because they seem so good to people on the outside, the decision to leave can often be even more difficult. But deep down, you know you will never be truly happy as long as you stay. Hale, an avid reader, really wanted to write. So, she penned her first novel while she continued to work her full time job in education. I believe she said that her first book was awful [she did not publish it, but I would have to read it to believe it was “awful” lol]. However, she eventually found success, with a book that was made into a Hallmark movie!
Fast forward a few years and Hale has had more Hallmark success and she owns her own publishing firm, Harpeth Road, where she helps other aspiring authors realize their dreams, too. I love how brave she was and still is. She began writing her first novels [when she had no idea if she would even see any success] while being both a mother and a wife. It would have been much easier to stay in that teacher position and let go of her dream. But, to be truly happy and fulfilled, sometimes we really just have to take a leap of faith. Now, at close to 20 books in, I would say it was a leap that paid off.
Click here to find Jenny Hale on Instagram.
I also purchased book by new-to-me authors Nan Klee and Anita Primrose. Look for my reviews of all these books in the coming months on Goodreads. Be sure to follow me on Goodreads if you aren’t following me already.
About The Rose Glen Literary Festival
The Rose Glen Literary Festival is a book festival that takes place annually in Sevierville, Tennessee. The festival includes a luncheon with a keynote speaker, as well as other author events including book signings and talks. The event is free to the public, except for the luncheon that you will need a ticket for. Click here for more information about the Rose Glen Literary Festival.
15+ Things To Do In Sevierville, Tennessee
A Tour Of The Clarion Inn Willow River, Sevierville, Tennessee