A Writer is Never Alone

There are times a writer feels they are all alone in their quest to create a story that will entertain others. I've been feeling that lately. Family obligations and work responsibilities tear at me, pulling me in a hoard of directions.  When this happens, I find that I don't spend enough time stopping to just praise The Lord. I rush through my scripture reading and my devotions and my prayers become half-hearted before a Holy and loving God. Funny thing is, I never accomplish a whole lot and the time I have seems less than on the days I give Him more praise. 

On these days, I picture God sitting on His golden throne, shaking his head and his finger at me in the same loving way I do with my grandson. "No, no, no!" I see Him saying, His eyes shining brightly, yet sadly, Him knowing that if I would just listen to Him, just open His Word, I would find peace from the rat race I am running from. To top it all off, during these times I never seem to actually put pen to paper.

 It is then that I hear the stillness in His voice letting me know I am not alone, that He is still there prodding me to put Him first, before my pen is put to paper. This happened not long ago....again. When I remembered to stop and put Him first, my writing improved and wonderful things started to happen. Not things that others might understand or think are very important, but personal things that needed improvement in my life. 

Now I have a big note on my writing desk. It says, "THY will be done." It's my gentle reminder that "He" is more important than "me." It becomes easy once again to write my stories, because I know I am not alone. 

Then for no good reason, my Savior encourages me again. I get an email from Kindle saying that Run, River Currents is a semi-finalist in the 2013 Kindle Indie Awards! I am amazed, but I know that He must be shaking his head once again wondering how long it is going to take me to realize that He withholds nothing from His children. 

I expect nothing and deserve nothing before this Holy God, but today, Even as I am feeling tired and a bit worn out from chasing my precious grand-baby, I am very, very grateful that my God stands beside me, and I no longer feel alone.

And for news this week, Monday to be exact, Run, River Currents and the Button Legacy will have one more day of each book being .99 cents! Tell your friends and if you read them, please write a review. Authors really appreciate feedback! Have a great week!

Great Time to Read The Button Legacy!

Tell your friends and neighbors that today and tomorrow,   both Run, River Currents and The Button Legacy are available for .99!  Doesn't get any better than that!

Thanks to all of you for sharing with your friends!

Also, the new Book Fun Magazine is out at Http://www.bookfunmagazine.com/i/141120/119 

Click on the cover and page through to read my latest article!

Have a wonderful Fourth of July!

Upcoming Author Interview with Sara Pritchard!

I got some good news today! Author, Sara Pritchard has agreed to do an interview with me in the near future. This wonderfully quirky woman has meant the world to me and she is about to release her third novel, Help Wanted: Female in July! Anyone who knows Ms. Pritchard also knows about her immense talent. She is  wise beyond her years and has been a mentor to so many up-and-coming authors.

Sara is the author of Crackpots, a New York Times Notable Book of the Year and the novel Lately. Her readings at various venues around the country are both hilarious and entertaining and show off her ability to create unique stories that draw the reader into a common world of uncommon characters .

Don't miss this chance to get to know Ms. Pitchard! Tell your friends to join us here. I'll be announcing the date shortly!

The Button Legacy is Published!

I received delightful news that my novella, The Button Legacy is now published and available for .99 cents on Amazon and Barnes and Noble as an ebook! This story is one that ties back to my first novel  Run, River Currents.

It is the story of the faith and love told from the viewpoint  of Emily's grandfather, John Polk. He relays the stories of God's grace through old buttons contained in a tin box that sat on top of an oak hutch in the kitchen of his home.

I  would be delighted to hear from those who  had. read the very dark story of Run, River Currents, as this story is tender and full of hope. Thanks to all who have been so supportive! 

The Editing Process is in Full Swing!

So many exciting things going on! Let's put them in order of importance.

1. God really blessed me with the presence of my 17-month-old grandson for the past 3 weeks. I flew to Alaska, picked him up and had him all to myself until my son arrived. This baby could not be more precious. We laughed and played and talked, well, he talked:-) His favorite word is "bird."  Before he joined his mom and dad, I was able to teach him to "pray." When we sat down to eat, I'd say, "Jaxon, let's pray!" He'd clasp his little hands together and grin. He'd keep his eyes open, but he stayed very still as I prayed. How joyous a time we had! It broke my heart to have him leave, but I'll see him again soon!

2. My dear editor, Lori Higham, once again has my work in the editing process. The Button Legacy is on track for publishing as an e-book by July. I'm very excited, as this novella is an uplifting prequel, or you might say sequel to Run, River Currents.

3. The book cover, designed again by the talented Greg Simanson is beautiful and I am very proud of it.

4. I have been invited by the library of my hometown, Fort Fairfiled, Maine to present yet another program as I tour around New Brunswick, Canada in August. My older, and I always have to mention that, older, sister Sue and I will be doing the tour and I am so excited to spend some time with her while I am doing something I love!

I'll be giving a writing seminar in several places as well as reading from both of my works. I'll keep you informed and thank you for all of the wonderful support I have received!



 

The Name Has Arrived!!

Just to keep you all up to date, the novella is beginning the editing process and plans are in place for publishing by early summer.

The Button Legacy is now the title. The novella, or short novel, will be told from John Polk's view. He was the grandfather of Emily Evans, the main character of Run, River Currents. This character is so real to me. John is, or should I say was, one of my greatest personal influences. He was a good Christian man who lived his life in a way that honored Christ and finally led me to the Lord.

The story is about the button box mentioned in Run, River Currents. It sat high on an old oak hutch in my grandparent's house. When it was pulled down, and any button pulled out of it, a story ensued. I hope this novella will be a tribute to the good experiences, among the very bad, I had as a child.

And in the end, the reader will come to see where Emily ends up in her own life, all because of The Button Legacy.

Any Thoughts on a Title?

It's been a bit since we last visited! I'm much more tan this week after spending several days in Grand Cayman with some very good friends. It's amazing how the sea air clears your thoughts!

Since getting back I have been at the keyboard punching out the last chapter of The Button Box. Hoping to complete it shortly. That said, writing never seems to be really done. You must write, then rewrite, then edit, then rewrite, then add words, then edit, then reorder, then edit, then proofread, before throwing it all to the wind!

This particular story is both a beginning and an end to Run, River Currents. The story is about a box of buttons and the stories attached to each button in the box. The button box was mentioned in passing a couple of times in Run, River Currents. The box and its stories were a great source of peace and joy for Emily, the main character. The story is told from the perspective of Emily's grandfather John, a strong Christian man. It is tender and full of hope, unlike the darkness that permeated Emily's life.

With all of that said, I'd like some input as to what the possible name of the novella might be? Send in your thoughts by May 10 and I'll share them with you all for a vote!