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5 Lessons Learned from a Year of Being a Traditionally Published Author – Nancy Gavilanes

What a joy it’s been to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of the release of my very first traditionally published book, God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress)!

It’s an honor to be an indie author AND a traditionally published author.

I’ve enjoyed both experiences.

I think my indie experience and my journalism experience from years ago helped me navigate this journey,

As a little girl, I dreamed of writing for magazines. And I got to do that early in my journalism career.

But I never dreamed of writing books, especially after I felt God asking me to lay down my journalism career years ago,

My writing went into hiding for YEARS!

But God had a plot twist for me.

This traditionally published book with NavPress is a huge God-given dream come true for me.

I’d like to share 5 lessons I’ve learned from this writing breakthrough and milestone.

Teamwork Does Make the Dream Work It’s been so lovely to have a team of experts working together with me on God-Given Dreams. The level of detail and attention placed especially on the manuscript was fantastic. I’ve worked with editors on my indie books, but this level of support and expertise was phenomenal.

Collaborating is Key As an indie author, there were tons of decisions I had to prayerfully make on my own. As a traditionally published author, I enjoyed working with editors and designers and a marketing team and a publicist throughout the process. I’m grateful that I’ve known the joys (and pressure) of going indie AND of working with a team.

Community is Crucial Whether you’re an indie author or a traditionally published author, it still takes a village to release a book. I’m so grateful for the family and friends who have prayed and cheered me on along the way. I’m grateful to my endorsers, fellow authors, ministries, individuals and groups that helped to spread the word about God-Given Dreams.

Reaching Readers is the Best It was wonderful to have my publisher’s help promoting God-Given Dreams. From scheduling interviews, to sending promotional book copies to folks to posting about it on social media, it’s fabulous to have help sharing God-Given Dreams with the world. It’s been a blessing to hear from Readers near and far. If my Readers are touched and transformed and inspired to say YES to God’s call on their life, we’ve done our job with this book.

The Call Remains the Same I’m called to write and speak for God’s glory. I write to encourage and inspire and empower people as they walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live their God-given dreams. My platform and reach may expand and grow and I may be invited to speak to more media outlets and groups, but I’m still an exhorter and evangelist at heart. I’m still called to shine for Christ and to remind people to taste and see that God is Good and He Loves You!

It’s been a delight to look back on this milestone year and to see God’s fingerprints throughout the entire process.

Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me!

I appreciate you helping to celebrate the 1st Anniversary of my very first traditionally published book God-Given Dreams. This empowering book is available in print, as an ebook and as an audiobook wherever books are sold.

I hope you’ll pick up copies for you and the wonderful women in your life today!

If God-Given Dreams has helped you say YES to God’s call on your life, I’d love to know. Please leave a kind review and rating on Amazon or Goodreads and feel free to let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

You can read my “10 Lessons Learned from 10 Years of Being and Indie Author” blog post right here.

I’m sharing about being a traditionally published author and indie author on Abounding Faith’s social media and on the Abounding Faith for Today podcast (available wherever you get your podcasts).

May you keep abiding in Christ and abounding in faith, hope and love  💕

To God be the Glory!

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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10 Lessons Learned from 10 Years of Being an Indie Author – Nancy Gavilanes

I’ve been reflecting a lot on my decade of being an indie author.

There have been many highs and lows over the last 10 years.

When I released Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough (available on Amazon) back in March 2015, it was still somewhat rare and taboo to be an independent author.

Not everyone understood what I was doing (that’s OK).

I felt God calling me to WRITE.

I didn’t know any publishers or agents.

But I did have a story to tell. And my journalism experience from years before helped me tremendously.

I’ve worked with my heart and soul on all of my books.

I see being an indie author as being an indie filmmaker or musician.

I say, honor God with whatever assignment He’s entrusted you with in any particular season.

Writing and releasing my first book was a huge writing milestone for me.

I’m thrilled that writing Book 1 helped lead to the following breakthroughs (so far):

  • Writing 5 indie books
  • Writing 1 traditionally published book with NavPress
  • Being an Our Daily Bread Author
  • Being a Bible school instructor
  • Hosting 10 events
  • Speaking in a United Nations building, in a Christian college, giving my brief testimony at Times Square Church, speaking to different groups and being interviewed in different media outlets, etc.

While I’ve grown and learned and experienced many wonderful breakthroughs this last decade, I’ve also experienced many challenges and obstacles. And I’m still waiting on God for more breakthroughs.

Here’s 10 lessons I’ve learned along the way:

Starting Small Counts Before I wrote my first book, I was journaling and sharing early devotional pieces with a few trusted friends. I also started blogging to share some of my thoughts and lessons I was learning with others. Not sure where to start with your Kingdom assignment? What’s in your hand? Start there.

Move Forward After I prayed and reflected and planned and sought wise counsel, the time came to MOVE FORWARD and start writing the first draft of my book. I didn’t have everything figured out, but I had to start putting pen to paper and my fingers on the keyboard. What’s one step you’ve been praying about?

Work with Excellence In my case, that meant taking my time writing and revising my manuscript, working with an editor to polish that manuscript and working with a designer to create the cover. It meant making countless decisions about the book’s content and design and publication. It also meant going outside my comfort zone to learn about marketing and being active on social media and attending different events, etc. Writing the book is just the first of countless steps in the process.

Perseverance is Key Even when you’re following God’s path for you, you’ll face trials and giants and obstacles. The journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t give up in the middle of your story. Keep pressing forward and PERSEVERE!

Keep Good Company Some people will genuinely cheer you on and support you as you step out in faith. Others will come and then go when the journey is taking too long. And still others will stay silent and refuse to rejoice with you. Ask God to guard your heart. And pray that God surrounds you with the right people every step of the way.

Be Consistent For me, that meant I was to keep writing, speaking and blogging regardless of my platform size. Continue being a blessing to those who show up. If you’re faithful in the little, God can trust you with abundantly more!

It’s Gonna Take Time The saying is true. Patience is a virtue. God isn’t in a rush. His Kingdom work takes time. Try to find joy and reasons to rejoice all throughout your journey.

Trust & Follow God God doesn’t usually show us the whole plan all at once and with all the details. Bummer, right? LOL But He’s not obligated to tell us everything. We’re called to walk by FAITH! God wants us to want Him more than anything we’re waiting on Him for. And He wants our love for Him to grow deeper and deeper. Don’t fall for the short cuts or counterfeits or detours or get fooled by flatterers or deceivers. Follow Jesus! And honor Him all throughout your journey.

Keep Moving Forward Keep praying and taking one faith step at a time. Don’t lag behind God or try to rush ahead of Him. Walk with God.

Believe Remember the words God has spoken to your heart. Meditate on His promises in the Bible. God can do the IMPOSSIBLE! He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. As my late pastor would say, “If God said it, I believe it. That settles it.”

It’s been so lovely to see many of my Readers experience breakthroughs in their personal life, professional life and in ministry, etc.

It’s been moving to see how my books have encouraged ministry leaders, pastors’ wives, Christian counselors, Christian college and Bible school students and many more.

If Waiting on God Well has helped you in your seasons of waiting, I’d love to know. Please leave a kind review and rating on Amazon or Goodreads and feel free to let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me!

I appreciate you helping to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Waiting on God Well and the 1st Anniversary of my very first traditionally published book God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress, which is available wherever books are sold.)

I’ll be sharing some lessons I’ve learned from being a traditionally published author in an upcoming post and will continue to celebrate these milestones on social media and in episodes of my Abounding Faith for Today podcast (available wherever you get your podcasts). Please stay tuned.

Enjoy this short video with snapshots of this past decade and this celebration blog post.

You can learn about Abounding Faith’s Coaching & Consulting services right here.

May you keep abiding in Christ and abounding in faith, hope and love 💕

To God be the Glory!

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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Details about My Upcoming Book God-Given Dreams (NavPress/Tyndale Alliance) [VIDEO]
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Celebrating the 10 Anniversary of My First Book – Waiting on God Well

Has it really been 10 YEARS since I stepped out in faith and released my very first book Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough! (Available on Amazon).

You’re probably more familiar with my recent work.

Before I was an author with NavPress and the Our Daily Bread devotional, I was a journaler turned journalist turned author.

If you’re familiar with my story, you know I was the little girl writing in her diary. I was the 5th grader making mini-magazines at home and dreaming of writing for magazines. I reluctantly became the Editor in Chief of my high school newspaper my senior year. I went on to major in journalism in college, earn my master’s degree in journalism from NYU and work as a journalist.

But I grew further and further from God.

And I definitely wasn’t thinking about writing a book(s).

I was working at a national women’s magazine when I felt God calling me to follow Him. Soon after, I felt God calling me to lay down my journalism career.

My writing went into hiding for years.

I thought the only way I could use my writing gift in a church setting was to write encouraging notes to members of our small group.

I was content with that.

But God had a plot twist for me.

When I took a class about spiritual gifts, I realized I was using my spiritual gift of exhortation (encouragement) when I was writing those Care notes and making Care calls.

And my teacher connected that my spiritual gift of evangelism complimented my journalism background.

But how?

That’s been part of my long and winding faith journey.

I wasn’t following any road map or guru.

I was just praying and obeying and taking one faith step at a time.

As I grew in my faith, served in various ministries at churches, participated and led evangelism outreaches and went on five short-term missions trips to five countries, as well as went to Bible school, the Lord kept leading me to write and speak for His glory.

I shared some thoughts and reflections that I felt God was showing me with a few friends. I was a bit surprised to see how the insights and lessons I was sharing were resonating with them.

Really? I thought those lessons and musings were just for me.

I didn’t realize others could benefit from reading some of the lessons I felt God was showing me.

I really struggled with how I could honor God with my writing gift and skills.

That frustration of wanting to do all that God’s called me to do weighed on me.

I’d pray and seek wise counsel from mature Christians like my Mom and my Senior Pastor and other ministry leaders.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was to WRITE.

A prophetic pastor even mentioned he saw me writing books.

But what should I write about?

I felt peace about launching this very blog in 2013 where I celebrate the Miraculous Lovely moments in life and invite you to taste and see that the Lord is good.

All these years later, I still blog because I enjoy the freedom of sharing my thoughts, ponderings, insights and updates here.

As I continued to ponder what God might want me to write about in a book, God had to spell it out in a giant ad campaign around town.

Write Your Story

Oh! Private and introverted me wasn’t expecting that.

I didn’t have delusions of grandeur.

I didn’t have connections with authors or agents or publishers.

I just wanted to follow God’s plan for my life.

My Senior Pastor once said to me, “God will write your story and you will tell it.”

I had facilitated many small groups and Bible classes by that point in my church and saw that my words were encouraging people.

So I finally started putting pen to paper and then fingers on the keyboard to start writing an ebook.

Yes, an ebook felt like the only attainable goal at the time.

And when a few people started asking about getting a signed copy of my book (huh?) I prayerfully took steps to create a printed copy of my very first book.

The process was a stressful one (just like launching this blog), but God’s grace was with me.

What a blessing and delight it was to celebrate the launch of Waiting on God Well with my family and friends in March 2015!

I still remember that day fondly. It really was a breakthrough moment for me.

Next came my (now late) Senior Pastor inviting me before the congregation. He gave my book a glowing review and said, “Everyone should have a copy of Waiting on God Well where they keep their Bible because of all the Bible verses it has in it.”

He let me speak about my book and asked the Elders to pray for me.

I was also interviewed on a local television show and was asked to speak to different groups.

Some of the sweetest moments have been interacting with my Readers.

I was so moved when I saw many of the ladies at our church’s women’s retreat reading my book that year. I even saw one gal wiping away tears and stopping to pray and ponder as she quietly read each page of Waiting on God Well.

It’s also been moving to see how my books have encouraged ministry leaders, pastors’ wives, Christian counselors, Christian college and Bible school students and many more.

I was already working on Abounding Faith: 30 Bible Heroes Who Will Inspire You to Believe God for the Impossible! (Book 2, available on Amazon).

Back then, I knew God had much in store for me. He was calling me to keep moving forward.

I need to pause and praise God for so many breakthroughs and milestones that have taken place this decade including:

  • 5 indie books
  • 1 traditionally published book with NavPress
  • Being an Our Daily Bread Author
  • Being a Bible school instructor

Only God could do that!

These years have been tough though.

It’s included a lot of prayer, much hard work, many challenges and obstacles and my Dear Dad being promoted to heaven.

My Dear Dad was one of my biggest supporters. He loved seeing my books and watching me speak at my events.

I’m so grateful to God that my Dear Dad got to see much of the fruit and harvest from my Kingdom work.

I’m still waiting on God for some breakthroughs.

Aren’t we all?

That’s the beauty of knowing how to Wait on God well.

We’re all waiting on God for healing or breakthrough or restoration or the salvation of a loved one, and even Jesus’ return!

It’s so important how we wait.

If Waiting on God Well has helped you in your seasons of waiting, I’d love to know. Please leave a kind review and rating on Amazon or Goodreads and feel free to let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

Thanks for staying on this faith journey with me!

I appreciate you helping to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Waiting on God Well and the 1st Anniversary of my very first traditionally published book God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress, which is available wherever books are sold.)

I’ll be sharing some lessons I’ve learned from being an indie author and traditionally published author in upcoming posts, on social media and in episodes of my Abounding Faith for Today podcast (available wherever you get your podcasts). Please stay tuned.

Enjoy this short video with snapshots of this past decade.

I’m also celebrating this writing milestone in Episode 69 of my Abounding Faith for Today podcast that’s available wherever you get your podcasts.

To God be the Glory!

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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March ODB Devotional Date – My 14th Devo Overall

My 14th devotional article is appearing in the Our Daily Bread devotional TODAY MONDAY, MARCH 10 🙌

It’s my third devotional article for ODB for 2025 🙌

I’m sharing a little about my short-term missions trip to Brazil. I still have so many lovely memories from that amazing March trip.

Please be on the lookout for my article in print or on Our Daily Bread Ministries’ website, app, podcast, YouTube channel or social media.

If you’re encouraged by my article, please feel free to say hi on Abounding Faith’s social media 👋

If you receive the monthly printed Our Daily Bread devotional, I’d love to know!

Please feel free to share this article with others who could use some encouragement.

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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Celebrating the 1st Anniversary of God-Given Dreams (NavPress)

What a joy it’s been to share God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress) with Readers near and far!

It’s been a blessing to hear that God-Given Dreams has inspired Readers and encouraged them as they’ve sought to discover and live God’s plan for their life.

I wrote this book for the lovely women of diverse backgrounds, ages and life stages I’ve crossed paths with over the years.

It’s so wonderful to be able to encourage my Readers.

I pray God-Given Dreams will continue inspiring my sisters in Christ across the country and around the globe.

I pray the insights, stories from various women in the Bible (Bible Beauties), personal anecdotes, reflection questions, prayer prompts and my Six Cs of Transformation framework will empower you on your faith journey.

If you’ve been inspired by reading God-Given Dreams, I’d love to know. Kind ratings and reviews on Amazon or Goodreads are always very much appreciated.

As you continue to walk by abounding faith, hope and love and dare to live YOUR God-given dreams, remember:

  • You are God’s Beloved Daughter
  • You are Created, Called and Chosen
  • God has Good Works for You to Do
  • You and I have been Called for Such a Time as This!

May you continue to shine your light for Christ.

Be sure to grab copies of God-Given Dreams for you and the fabulous women in your life today! Be inspired as you say YES to God’s plans for your life.

God-Given Dreams is available wherever books are sold. This empowering book is available in print, as an ebook and as an audiobook.

Thanks for all your prayers and support!

To God be the Glory!

To see a short snapshot of what this year has been like, check out Abounding Faith’s social media.

Here’s a short video with ideas for how you can help me celebrate this writing milestone.

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Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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Q & A With Abounding Faith for Today Podcast Host Nancy Gavilanes

I’m taking some time to answer a few of the questions that you may be wondering about and questions that people have asked me over the years.

I’m starting with a few basic questions in Episode 67 of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast.

It’s available wherever you listen to podcasts.

Whether you’re new around here or have been here for quite some time, I hope you’ll enjoy this short Q & A.

I’m answering the following questions:

  • Who is Nancy Gavilanes?
  • How did you start writing?
  • Why did you choose the name Abounding Faith and not Abundant Faith?
  • Are you a writer or speaker?

Got a question you’d like me to possibly answer on my blog or podcast? Let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media.

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Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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My February ODB Devotional Article Date – My 13th Devo Article Overall

My 13th devotional article is appearing in the Our Daily Bread devotional this Friday, February 21 🙌

It’s my second devotional article for ODB for 2025 🙌

I’m sharing a little about my ice skating days. It feels a bit more poignant with everything that’s happened in the figure skating world lately.

Please be on the lookout for my article in print or on Our Daily Bread Ministries’ website, app, podcast, YouTube channel or social media.

If you’re encouraged by my article, please feel free to say hi on Abounding Faith social media 👋

If you receive the monthly printed Our Daily Bread devotional, I’d love to know!

Please feel free to share this article with others who could use some encouragement 💕

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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Help Me Celebrate TWO Big Book Anniversaries & Milestones

I’VE GOT TWO BIG BOOK ANNIVERSARIES THIS MARCH 🙌 🎉 🔥

Will you help me celebrate?

If you’ve been blessed by Waiting on God Well: How to Prevent Breaking Down on Your Way to Your Breakthrough (Book 1 on Amazon) or God-Given Dreams: 6 Ways to Live Your Divine Purpose (NavPress, available wherever books are sold), I’d love to know✨

How have either of these books encouraged and inspired you along your faith journey?

🔥 Please let me know on Abounding Faith’s social media

🔥 Kind ratings and reviews are greatly appreciated on Amazon or GoodReads 💕

🔥 Please tag me on a pic of you and your copy of either book on Abounding Faith’s social media

Add Waiting on God Well and God-Given Dreams to your home library today and grab copies for your loved ones 📚

Stay tuned for more celebration posts as we get closer to these writing milestones.

You can check out a short video clip here.

Glory to God 🙌

Thanks for being on this faith journey with me 💕

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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Season 11 of the Abounding Faith for Today Podcast is Here

I’m so delighted to share that Season 11 of the Abounding Faith for Today podcast is here!

The Abounding Faith for Today podcast is such a special place where I get to share thoughts, reflections and updates and where I encourage and pray for you as you walk by faith, hope and love and dare to live your God-given dreams!

I’m sharing my “One Word” for this year and praying for your new year in Episode 66.

The Abounding Faith for Today podcast will inspire and empower you along your faith journey.

You’ll be glad you took a few moments to check out the episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.

Please take a moment to subscribe to this uplifting podcast, leave a kind rating and review and tell your friends about this podcast.

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Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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Today – My 1st Our Daily Bread Devotional Article in 2025

I’m elated that my 12th devotional article is appearing in the Our Daily Bread devotional TODAY, Monday, January 27 🙌

It’s my FIRST devotional article for ODB in 2025 🙌

I’m sharing about how God redeemed my writing gift and encouraging you to share your gifts with others.

Please be on the lookout for my article in print or on Our Daily Bread Ministries’ website, app, podcast, YouTube channel or social media.

If you’re encouraged by my article, please feel free to say hi on Abounding Faith’s social media 👋

If you receive the monthly printed Our Daily Bread devotional, I’d love to know!

Please feel free to share this article with others who could use some encouragement 💕

_____________________________

Join Abounding Faith’s Email Community to get updates about different projects I’m working and to get encouragement sent straight to your inbox. Sign up right here and get access to the FREE “Discovering Your God-Given Dream Checklist” today!

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