My Life, Interrupted

I can't believe it's been one year since I've posted. Well, yes I can. What does surprise me is that my "followers" haven't abandoned my blog! I thought I owed it to you guys to explain my absence. Hope you don't mind my transparency.

One year ago, right after Spring Break, I filed for divorce. In the months that followed, I moved out of my house and in with my mom for the summer, and spent three months job hunting. In August I started working, sold the house we'd lived in for the past 10 years, and bought a condo. Moved into the condo with my daughter over Labor Day weekend and immediately dealt with everything associated with a new school year (and grueling marching band season). In October, my 25-year marriage officially ended.

So began my life as a single, working mom. The physical outcome has been exhausting, of course, but the emotional struggles have been the most draining. Draining for me, my daughter, and my son (who lives with my ex). We all experienced more than a few meltdowns as we muddled through a difficult time of adjustment.

Right now I work part-time as an administrative assistant, and part-time as a freelance writer, currently looking for full time employment. So, while I have continued to write and keep myself immersed to a certain degree in the world of publishing, I have had to put my fiction on the shelf, so to speak. At least for a time. Fiction is my passion, and perhaps my calling, so I truly believe I will get back to it one day. But it is what it is. Right now, I honestly don't have the time or energy to devote to it. My creativity has been pressed to a distant corner of my brain, being crushed by the stresses of everyday life. I withdrew the contract for the third Madi book from Oak Tara, and I also released my agent, as I didn't - and wouldn't any time soon - have anything for him to pitch for me.

I am not looking for sympathy. But I do know many of you can relate. Maybe not about the divorce, specifically, but about the curve-balls life can throw at you. We all have "stuff." Difficult stuff. Stuff that knocks the wind out of us. Stuff that send us rocking in the corner or gorging on gallons of ice cream. Stuff that makes us question our faith. Stuff that requires putting our dreams on hold for a season.

That is where I am. I have made many mistakes in the past year. Made too many bad choices to count. I will continue to screw up, but I am learning, adapting, and hopefully growing.

If there's one thing (besides the grace of God) that I'm most thankful for, it's my friends. I have a wonderful, supportive group of friends who listen to me ramble and cry, provide fun nights out, make me laugh, encourage me, and give me a kick in the butt when I need it. Which, FYI, is more often than I'd like.

Anyway, I just wanted to give this update and say thanks for not "unfollowing" me during this crazy past year. Not sure if or when I'll get back to blogging regularly, but I've missed it, so hopefully it will happen.

And for all of my friends going through "stuff" right now, I leave you with this:

Attention Peeps...

 

I hope to be back in a week or two. See you then!

 

Blog Hop: The Next Best Thing

Over the past several weeks, many authors have been participating in a Blog Hop, titled The Next Big Thing. Basically, we answer 10 questions about our up-and-coming book. Mine happens to be book #3 in The Madi Series, which will actually be published as a 20,000-or-so-word novella, rather than a full length novel like the first two. Thanks for allowing me to share. And if you're looking for great reading material, be sure to check out the links at the bottom of this post for more authors participating on this blog hop. 

What is the working title of your book? SYLVIE AND GOLD

Where did the idea come from for the book?  The idea came while writing Madi’s story. I love the character of Sylvie (Madi’s best friend) and while I adore writing from Madi’s POV, I realized I’d love the chance to write from Sylvie’s perspective, too. And there is a specific storyline I knew I could pursue (set up in the first two books), so it was perfect. Although, I have to add that Sylvie and Gold will be a novella – not a full-length novel – to wrap up the series.

What genre does your book fall under?  My Madi Series is women’s fiction with elements of humor. It’s told in the first person and includes lots of sarcasm, fun, and real-life stuff women will relate to. Addiction to chocolate, for one. Although Sylvie is a health-nut in the first two books, even she finds herself battling the chocolate war in this book.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?  Oh, boy. I'm off to do some googling... OK, I'm back. That was fun! I've decided that Tina Fey could easily pull off the part of Madi. Patrick Dempsey as her husband, Rich. As for Sylvie, I'd cast Eva Longoria, and although not a comedy actor, I picture Zach looking a bit like Ian Somerhalder. As for the cantankerous role of Madi's mother, Maxine Sanders, I'd definitely say Doris Roberts would fit the bill.

Madi

Rich

Sylvie

Zach

Maxine Sanders

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?  “Nobody ever told Sylvie Williams that pursuing her happily-ever-after would be this stressful.”

Well, that’s actually a tag-line, not a synopsis. I’ll go ahead and post the entire blurb:

A widow and single mother for eight years, Sylvie Williams has fallen in love and is getting married again—to Zach Sanders, her best friend’s brother. But planning her dream wedding has turning into a nightmare. Dealing with her son’s sexting issues, maintaining the peace with her meddling and feisty future mother-in-law, and planning her own mom’s sixtieth birthday party—a week before her own wedding—adds up to a little too much to handle. And if that’s not enough, Zach’s ex-wife has come back to town after a seven-year absence. The normally cool and collected Sylvie is stressed to the max. Will she completely lose her cool—or finally find the happily-ever-after she longs for?

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Like the first two novels in this series, Sylvie & Gold will be published by Oak Tara Publishing.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?  Still working on this one. It won’t take as long as my first two books, as the word-count will only be a fourth of what each of those were.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?  I’ve been compared to Kristin Billerbeck, Tamara Leigh, and Janet Evanovich. I’m honored to be compared to all three of these wonderfully talented authors!  

Me and my crazy friends!

Who or What inspired you to write this book?  My own life and the lives of my friends. Seriously. Laughing at myself is one of the best ways to pass the time, and I thank God for the friends He’s brought into my life who can do the same. Not to mention give me great fodder for my characters.  

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest? My publisher has dubbed this series as “Delightful. Witty. Entertaining. Real. Poignant. Light-hearted Women’s Fiction at its best.” While I certainly hope my stories are delightful, witty, entertaining, and poignant, the word in that description which I feel is most fitting of this series is, “real.” Women can relate to Madi and Sylvie because they battle the same things we all do. No, not just chocolate, although that’s one of them! Madi and Sylvie have insecurities that affect their relationships – as we all do.

If there’s one thing I know is that we all have “stuff.” Maybe not exactly the same stuff as everyone else, but “stuff,” nonetheless. What I hope to convey is that God’s grace is enough to cover our insecurities, our faults, and weaknesses, even when we mess up and our lives feel insanely out-of-control.

Thanks for allowing me to share about my book. I encourage you to check out the following authors next week as they share information about their up-and-coming books:

JAN CLINE

DEBORAH HARPER


Check out these authors who have already participated in this blog hop to get some more great reading material! 

PAMELA S. MEYERS

MIRALEE FERRELL

KIMBERLY ROSE JOHNSON


Don't forget...This is the last day you can grab your FREE Kindle copy of Heart Bouquets! Click on the book cover to get it now!

Top 5 romantic movies...and a FREEBIE for YOU!

Ah, Valentine's Day...

Love in the air... chocolate on display in every grocery store...romantic movies rented out by the thousands... romance novels lining bookstore shelves.

Well, you'll have to find your own love and buy your own chocolate (sorry!) but I have put together a list of my favorite 5 classic romantic movies, which you can check out below. 

AND I have a wonderful romance book for you. The best part? It's FREE!

Last week, I shared that my short story, Blind Date, was selected as one of 6 short romances to be published in the Heart Bouquets anthology by Write Integrity Press. Today through Friday (February 13-15), HEART BOUQUETS will be offered FREE on Kindle. Is that cool, or what? Be sure to snag your copy while it's FREE! 

Did I mention that it's FREE?

Click on the cover to be taken to the Amazon page to grab your FREE copy!

 

Sharing FREE stuff is one of my favorite things to do. Especially books! Especially books that contain my writing! And I certainly am in good company. The other authors included in this collection are fantabulous! Don't forget to tell your friends! Tweet it, Facebook it, blog about it. And most importantly, enjoy it!


As promised above, just for fun, here is my list of 5 favorite romance flicks. Let me know if you agree, and feel free to add your own picks in the comments.


1. GREASE

Released in 1978, this musical film is an all-time classic. I wore out my Grease soundrack album as a teenager (I so wanted to be Sandy and belted out those songs with my hairbrush mike a gazillion times). Since then, I still periodically watch this movie and it never gets old. So pop in that DVD, grab your hair brush, and relive Danny and Sandy’s feel-good love story one more time.

2. DIRTY DANCING

Patrick Swayze. Tank top. Need I say more? Swoon….

Of course, there’s a great love story in there somewhere, too. You just have to take your eyes off Paddy long enough to find it.

3. LOVE STORY

Grab the tissues. You’ll need them for this tear-jerking story of how love triumphs over economic-class differences. The award-winning Love Story is sentimental, tragic, and oh-so-good.

4. TITANIC

Keep those tissues handy. Here’s another one that will tug at the tear-ducts. No matter how many times I watch this timeless and moving film, it never loses it’s magic. It’s got it all – suspense, excitement, tragedy, humor, sensuality and, of course, romance. Hint for you ladies: the action in this film will appeal to guys. If he only commits to watching one romantic movie with you, this one is definitely it!

5. AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

There’s something about a military romance that’s, I don’t know, sexy and intriquing. An Officer and a Gentleman is one of those films that sticks with you, long after the credits roll. It’s been quoted by movie critics as, “the best movie about love I’ve seen in a long time.” The ending is fantastic – a guaranteed spine chiller (in a good way!) Watch Richard Gere in this break-out role that prompted him to win  the title of, “Sexiest man alive.”


So this gives you a start at the video store. Don’t see your favorite Oldy-but-Goody on my Top 5 List? Post yours in the comments. I’d love to hear them!

Hey...check out these fun Valentine's posts by my fellow HEART BOUQUETS authors, to be posted over the next couple of days:

TOP 5 ROMANTIC COUPLES

TOP 5 ROMANTIC DESTINATIONS

TOP 5 ROMANTIC GIFTS FOR COLLEGE SWEETHEARTS

TOP 5 ROMANTIC SONGS FOR MARRIED COUPLES

5 MORE ROMANTIC MOVIES

BONUS: from my Princess Mentality Blog:
 10 FAVORITE LOVE SONGS FROM PRINCESS MOVIE

Don't forget to snatch your FREE copy of HEART BOUQUETS!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

This Little Writer Went to Market...and you can, too!

A couple of years ago, I taught a workshop at the FaithWriters conference, which I titled, THIS LITTLE WRITER WENT TO MARKET. I figured since THIS little writer (that would be me) went to market, maybe what I've learned along the way could help other little writers who want to go to market, too.

In the many years I've been a freelance writer, I've gotten lots of questions from people wanting to dip their toes into the world of freelancing. Most specifically, people are interested in where and how to submit their work to paying markets. They would love to make money with their writing, but have no idea how to go about it.

Ever since that FaithWriters conference, I've wanted to create an ebook with the information I taught in the workshop. It took me over two years, but I finally did it! And now that ebook is available for you. It's a brief guide (15-23 pages, depending on the format you select), but it includes sections on writing for greeting cards, magazines, and anthologies. There is also a section on writing contests and online opportunities. You'll find lots of links and resources to check out (and click on), and also samples of cover letters, and a brief explanation of "rights."


Here is the official description:

This short and practical guide is written specifically for Christian writers who are ready to make money with their writing and step into the world of freelancing. If you're wondering how to get started and where to submit your work, this guide will help. Also a section on writing contests. Includes sample cover letters, as well as many links and resources to Christian markets and helpful freelancing sites. Although geared towards Christian writers, this guide contains practical tips that can be applied to the general market, as well.

If you're interested, I encourage you to upload your copy. THIS LITTLE WRITER WENT TO MARKET is available on the following sites for only $1.99:

FaithWriters.com - The PDF version is available on FaithWriters. Personally, this is my favorite version because of the readability. The FaithWriters version includes an extra sample of how to submit to opportunities posted on the FaithWriters site.

Amazon.com - Kindle version

Smashwords - Various formats

Valentine winner and a sneak peek...

Thanks to everyone who entered my Valentine's Day giveaway. I used an electronic random name selector today.

And the winner is...

VONNIE!

(who also happens to be my mom! First time her name's been selected in one of my giveaways, so I'm thrilled for her!)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S...

 Exciting news! Remember the romance contest by Write Integrity Press that I posted about a while back? Well, I learned this week that my entry, Blind Date, was chosen to be included in the Heart Bouquets anthology! Watch for a post on the 13th with a link to the book. It will be offered FREE for the first 3 days, so you'll want to snatch it up quickly! But even if you miss the freebie, it will be parked at .99 cents after that. But hey...free is FREE, right? Here's a sneak peek at the cover
(just looking at it makes me smile). 

Wired for Romance

I have to share the post I was so graciously asked to contribute to my friend, Jessica Patch's blog last week. Jessica is one of my wonderful online friends. She also happens to love my books (which is NOT why I consider her a friend, by the way). I love her blog and I know you will, too. Which brings me to the post I have to share.

I've posted a teaser. You'll have to click on the link at the end of this post to finish the article. And if you'd like three great romance facts that will benefit you and your husband, you'll definitely want to finish it!

Thanks for indulging me. And thanks to Jessica for featuring me AND proofing her work (you'll see why, below).

Enjoy!

From the blog of Jessica R. Patch:

Burn Calories by Kissing: Guest post by Lynda Schab! 

You read that right! But you almost didn't because at first I had the title, Burn Calories by kissing with Lynda Schab! I'm sure she's glad I proofread my stuff! 

Lynda does list some interesting facts about kissing, but she's talks about marriage and romance and how that ties into her second novel, Madily In Love. I've had the privilege of reading both her books and I'm begging, begging you to buy them. Today. Seriously. Fun and light-hearted, yet deep spiritual messages. I laughed, man did I laugh, and I even cried at times. So enough gushing and let's hear what Lynda says about real romance! 

Romance: A feeling of excitement and mystery associated with love.

Who doesn’t want that? I mean, do you know anyone who doesn’t want to feel excited about spending time with the one they love? If I had to guess, I’d say 98% of us crave or desire romance.

Now for my next question: Who actually has that?

Keep reading... 

New Year, New Blog, New Mentality

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

OK, I'm a week late, and my last blog post was way back on December 21st, but who's counting?

I have an excuse. Really. I've pretty much been spending the past 2 weeks getting my house back in order after the holidays. Add to that my son's 19th birthday and a several-day CSI marathon with my daughter, and that doesn't leave a lot of time for blogging.

Priorities, people!

Not that I haven't done a little work here and there. I've kept up with my regular freelance assignments, and have been reading books for review. Oh...and I even created a new blog, which I think you'll like. It's all about princesses. Disney princesses, Kate Middleton, and of course, princesses like us. You know, the NON-princess-type princesses. In other words, real women.

The term "Princess Mentality" has been floating around my brain for a while now, ever since I was writing Mind over Madi. Those of you who have read it may remember that it contains a princess theme. There are not only fun references to Disney princesses, but the main focus is Madi's search for her inner princess, the "daughter of the King" mentality.

So if you're like me and love a good princess story even though you can't really relate to the whole fairy tale thing, I hope you'll take a moment to check it out. The official address is http://theprincessmentality.blogspot.com/


Anyway, after a two-week sort-of hiatus, today it's back to it. Back to work, back to blogging, back to working on my novel that's due in a few months. Gulp.

And, of course, it's back to counting calories and losing all of that excess holiday chub. Double gulp. Or non-gulp, as the case may be.

What about you? Are you getting back into the swing of things after the holidays? Anything new for you planned in 2013? And a better question is: on how many checks have you accidentally written 2012?

HOT OFF THE PRESSES!

Happy November!

And it is REALLY a happy November over here, let me tell you. Not only because I am still coming off the high of a three-day shopping trip with my mom -- we got the most fabulous deals and I loved spending quality time with my mom! -- but because earlier this week, the UPS man delivered the best gift ever to my door. No, not a million dollars, but something definitely worth that much to me!

My book! Several copies, as a matter of fact. And, as you can see from this photo, I was pretty excited!

Madily in Love is the second book in The Madi Series. It is now available through the Oak Tara store, and should pop up on Amazon and Barnes and Noble any day now, and on Kindle a few weeks after that. 

I am currently offering signed copies at a 30% discount through November 15. $12 for the book, and if you need it shipped, it's just another $3.00. You can either click on the BUY NOW button on this blog or my website, OR contact me to make other payment arrangements.

By the way, as promised, I have randomly selected a winner of MADILY IN LOVE from all of those who purchased a copy of Mind over Madi in the last couple of months. And the winner is...

REBECCA PAINTER!

Congrats, Rebecca! Hope you enjoy it! 

Looking ahead... 

Keep an eye out for my annual Thanksgiving/Black Friday/Cyber (Subscriber) Monday giveaway. Haven't quite decided on the details yet, but I always look forward to giving something away to thank you guys for following my blog and supporting me in all of my writing endeavors.

Christmas in October!

Well, today I'm off with my mom on our annual two-day Christmas shopping trip. Yes, I said CHRISTMAS! It's really not that far off, you know! And I am so ready for some heavy-duty power shopping!

Speaking of Christmas, I have a gift suggestion for you.

MADILY IN LOVE! 

My manuscript went to print yesterday and will be available well in time for Christmas!


A special thanks to Christa Allan for her endorsement of the Madi series, adding to the endorsements from Virginia Smith, Sandie Bricker, Loree Lough, Julie Carobini, and Megan DiMaria. By the way, Christa is a fabulous author and if you haven't read her stuff yet (Walking on Broken Glass and The Edge of Grace are both amazing!), you'll want to pick up a copy.

So stay tuned for ordering information for Madily in Love very soon. I'll also be looking for reviews, interviews, and blog spots, so let me know if you have any openings to host me. In the meantime, check out the front and back covers (I know you already saw the front, but this is the final-final cover). :-) Thanks for letting me share.

Oh - and don't forget...if you order a copy of Mind over Madi (either using the link in the left sidebar here or on my website OR on OakTara.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or anywhere else), you will be entered to win one of the first copies of Madily in Love. Just let me know you bought a copy and you're entered. Easy-peasy! Thanks to those who have already picked up a copy. I'll be choosing a winner at the end of next week!

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Cover Ch-ch-ch-changes

A while back, I shared the cover for Madily in love, which will be releasing very soon! And while I loved it (Oak Tara does a fabulous job on book covers!), after thinking about it for a few days, I wrote to my editor and suggested a slight change.

The tiara was a big part of Mind over Madi because of the whole princess theme, but it doesn't really fit with Madily in Love (although there may be a couple of princess references). I asked if they could remove the tiara and add a heart instead. Well, they did better than that. They not only added the heart, but also included the diamond from the tiara, to tie it into the first cover for consistency.

Brilliant!

Can you guess where the diamond will show up for Sylvie & Gold? (Hint: It has a wedding theme)

Anyway, I hope to be able to share an exact release date for Madily in Love with you soon, but for now I am thrilled to present you with the updated cover. I'd love your thoughts!

Don't forget, anyone who purchases a copy of Mind over Madi is automatically entered to win a copy of Madily in Love as soon as it's released. There are a handful of you already entered. Either order a copy from Amazon (either print or Kindle) or any other bookseller, and let me know you bought it, or click on the BUY NOW button in the left sidebar of this blog (or the right sidebar of my website) to order a signed copy for only $11 (shipped!). I'd love for you to win one of the very first copies of Madily in Love!

The Master Creator

I'm re-posting this blog entry from 2008 because it's exactly the way I've been feeling for the past few days, as Art Prize 2012 is about to wrap up in Grand Rapids, and the sun has been shining down so majestically on the brilliantly-colored leaves. I love Michigan! Fall always causes me to more deeply consider the Master Artist.

It is good...

My absolute favorite time of the year is fall. No, not because my kids are finally back in school after a summer of noisiness (and bickering) and I'm relishing the quiet (although, that's wonderful, too!). The reason fall is my favorite season is because there is no other time of year when my breath is so totally taken away simply by beauty.

As I drove across town to my bible study this morning, the magnificence of God's glorious creation brought me to tears. The brilliance of the reds, yellows, oranges...so prominently displayed by the sun's radiance. In those few moments, I was reminded once again that our God is a God who loves beauty. Who IS beauty. It exudes from every ounce of His being. And he created it just for me. He delights when I delight in his splendor.

This morning, I felt closer to God than I probably would have if I had been reading the Bible in my living room just by experiencing the beauty of His creation.

As a writer, the desire to create has been planted in my heart. To take a blank sheet of paper (or computer screen) and turn it into something beautiful. Because I was created in the image of God, the desire for my work to be good has also been planted in me. There is nothing wrong with wanting to create something for others to enjoy. Delight in.

Whether it's a poem, a short story, an article, or a full length novel, I long for people to take pleasure in my words. To laugh, to cry, to pause and think.

Most of all, I want to point people to the Master Creator. The one all beauty and enjoyment comes from. My work may be well written. It may have a good plot and likable characters. It may even have a good message. But when it brings someone closer to Christ, that's when I can step back from my work and declare, "It is good."


"Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking; I compose songs on your wonders." - Psalm 145:5

Dog Days and Writing Dreams

My 15-year-old daughter begged for a dog for a long time. As in, years. She's a huge animal lover and has the biggest heart ever, and believed if only she had a dog, all would be right in her world. Last Christmas, right at the top of her wish list, was the word DOG. She even made a slide show (complete with photos) for my husband, depicting all the reasons she should have a dog. Reasons like how it would teach her more responsibility. She would have someone to jog with. She'd have a furry, huggable friend who would be there for her when she was having a bad day (aw......)


Well, it's been over 10 years since we owned a dog, and my husband and I had plenty of reasons not to give in to my daughter's pleas. Like the fact that our yard isn't fenced. We can't afford it. We don't want the responsibility (a biggie for me, especially when I would be the one home with it every day).

Much to her dismay, my daughter did not get a dog for Christmas.

Over the past few months, my heart has been softening toward the idea. She convinced me that a dog would be a blessing to our family. Once she roped me in, we went to work on my husband. And three weeks ago, we adopted Rocco, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (say that 10 times fast).

The first few days were awesome. We couldn't have asked for a nicer dog. At only two years old, he still has a ton of energy and is a chewer, so we bought a crate and plenty of chew toys. Already well-trained, he sat when commanded, and he didn't even bark! Wow! Talk about the perfect dog.

And then the honeymoon phase ended.

Rocco started testing the limits, spazzing out, chewing on everything, getting mouthy (as in, play-mouthing, which had to be nipped in the bud), and barking for no reason. We were yelling at him constantly, stressing out, and asking ourselves what in the world we were thinking! Even my daughter was getting frustrated. This wasn't how she envisioned it to be! Where was the dog who met her calmly at the door? Sat quietly at her feet while she did her homework? Curled up at the foot of her bed at night? Trotted obediently beside her while she jogged?

Within one week, our enthusiasm dropped several notches.

Don't get me wrong. Rocco is generally a good dog. We're just going through an adjustment period. One we pray doesn't last long, so we can settle into a calmer routine. We currently have a balance of good days and bad days, but hopefully it won't be long before we have mostly good days with only an occasional bad one.

This whole experience reminds me of getting published. Can you relate?

You paint a picture-perfect image in your head about what it will be like to be published. You'll see your book -- with your name on it -- on the shelf! You'll have long lines at your book signing table! You'll be rich! Famous, even!

And then your dream comes true! Maybe you receive an advance that you know is only the beginning of those enormous royalty checks you'll receive down the road. Seeing your book in print for the first time brings on a feeling of euphoria you've never felt before. Dozens of people show up for your book launch and copies are quickly snatched up by eager readers. When friends, family, and acquaintances utter your name, it is with admiration. Reverence. After all, you are...a published author.

And then the honeymoon phase ends.

There's work to be done. Marketing. Public speaking. Trying to get stores to carry your book. Events you don't feel like doing. Interviews and blog tours you barely have time for. And then there's finding time to start working on your next book. Sales peter out...family and friends now speak to you like they did before. Like you're a normal person. And where's the money that was supposed to be rolling in?


Over a very brief period of time, your enthusiasm for the whole process wanes.

Sigh...

Don't get me wrong. I personally wouldn't trade being published for anything. And I'm so thankful for the opportunities I've been given. But I'm quickly learning it's not all it's cracked up to be. Currently, I've been having a balance of good days and bad days. If I can get to the point where I have mostly good days with an occasional bad one, my prayer will have been answered (zero bad days would be better, of course, but that's not realistic).

This post isn't meant to discourage you. I wrote it mostly to remind myself that although excitement and dreams are definitely a good thing -- a God-thing -- unrealistic expectations are not. My goal is to learn that while bad days may be inevitable, bad attitudes are not. Staying positive in the face of "reality" is key.

Something we can take with us in every area of our lives...especially when dealing with a naughty dog.

Have you entered the giveaway for 101 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE ORDINARY?

Winner will be randomly selected and announced on Friday, September 28

This too shall pass...

It's been a rough couple of months. Starting with the death of my grandma on August 11, it's been one thing after another.

Last week was the roughest yet. The least of it has been our washer pooping out, forcing us to spend $450 we weren't intending on spending right now.

Then my husband got in a minor car accident, and he's since been dealing with a bit of neck pain.

Then, after a few weeks of a racing heart, lack of energy, and feeling like she was going to pass out, we took my 15-year-old daughter to the doctor. She had a blood test, which determined she is extremely anemic. As in, levels should be between 12-16 and hers were a 6.9. Yikes! That's blood transfusion-low. She is now on double doses of iron and hopefully when she goes back for her follow-up appointment later this month, she'll be doing better. In the meantime, her grueling marching band schedule, and the start of school will be a challenge until she's back to her normal energetic self.

The same day my daughter went to the doctor, my 18-year-old son started having pain in his left side. He chalked it up to...well...intestinal issues. But when the pain spiked on Thursday, I took him to Urgent Care. Turns out, he has a kidney stone. OUCH. They say this can be worse than labor. I've never had one of these annoying stones myself, but judging from my son's pain, I totally believe it! The poor kid.

The way it was explained to us is that kidney stones are shaped like snowflakes, with jagged edges. The ureter is very narrow, and as the stone makes its way south, it scrapes along the edges of the ureter, causing intense pain. Well, one whole week ago, the stone was halfway to the bladder. But despite doing all the right things (a.k.a. praying, drinking LOTS of water, and some deep breathing), it STILL hasn't passed.

Talk about frustrating!

Not only is it excruciating for my son, whose Labor Day off from work wasn't so relaxing, it's turned our household upside down. Just before the pain started, he'd emptied his entire room out, to re-organize, add a bookshelf, and clean his carpets. Because he can't lift anything and has been unable to put everything back (we offered, but he wants to do it himself), our basement is a disaster area. Which I could live with, except for the fact that we just adopted a DOG (may be posting more on that at some point). So the dog is limited to the main level until our basement is put back together.


Needless to say, we're ALL hoping this kidney stone will pass soon so life can get back to its normal chaotic state.

I've had "kidney stones" pop up in my everyday life, haven't you? Grief over the death of a loved one, illness, financial problems, marital issues, unexpected emergencies, rejection... I try to do the right things (a.k.a. praying, drinking in God's Word, deep breathing, and LOTS of chocolate), but those edges continue to irritate, scrape, and create a lot of pain (and tears!)

But, I try to remind myself (several times a day, if necessary), that THIS TOO SHALL PASS.

Eventually...painfully...but, most importantly, definitely.

Unlike real labor, my son won't have a baby at the end of all this. Sometimes life throws pain at us that won't produce anything good at all. At least not that we can see right away. And those are the toughest times of all. But God has a way of using our aches and pains to make us stronger, give us a better appreciation of how blessed we are, and bring us closer to Him.

What "kidney stones" do you have in your life at the moment? Are you doing the right things while you wait for them to pass?

Ta-da!!

Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming that I have one book published. And now...double pinch...another is soon to hit store shelves.

Talk about walking on clouds!

It became even more real yesterday when my editor sent me the cover composition of MADILY IN LOVE, book #2 in the Madi series. I love love love how it turned out and am thrilled to share it with you!

So...here it is. What do you think?

Obstacles in the Path of Your Passion

A couple years ago I taught an interactive workshop at the FaithWriters conference, and titled it WRITING IS NOT FOR WIMPS.  Basically, I talked about finding the strength to overcome six main obstacles we face as writers Obstacles like "Lack of Support," "Procrastination," and "Time and Energy. " (Any of those sound familiar?) After the class, I got lots of great feedback, so I've compiled the information into an e-book, in hopes of offering a little encouragement and advice to other Christian writers out there to become the writers God created them to be.

If you're interested in checking it out, it's available through the FaithWriters e-book store: http://ebooks.faithwriters.com/ebook-details.php?id=750. You can also snag it right here on my blog (Look for the Buy Now button in the left sidebar).

It is in PDF form, which means you'll probably have to read it on your computer or print it out (it's 25 pages). It's nothing fancy, but I included a few fun pictures and think it turned out pretty well, and I actually had fun putting it together. I haven't figured out how to do the Kindle thing yet, but I may try that at some point.

Here's a brief description of what you'll find in WRITING IS NOT FOR WIMPS:

"You have a passion to write. But passion alone won’t make you successful. There are plenty of challenges that may frustrate you and tempt you to give up on your passion altogether. Rise up and kick that writing wimp to the curb, and emerge as the strong and successful writer God intended you to be."

 

I sold my first copy within 24 hours of putting it in the FaithWriters e-book store, which I thought was pretty cool. If you do pick up a copy, I'd love your feedback and/or a full review. And if any of you attended that FaithWriters workshop, you'll find this to be a great refresher on what you learned there.

Oh, by the way, I also have another e-book in the works on freelance writing, with lots of advice for those of you who want to start earning money doing what you love. Hoping to get that out in the next month or two.

Thanks for letting me share. 

A Golden Light Anthology Series

A couple months ago, I came across a link to Chamberton Publishing, who had put out a call for submissions for an upcoming anthology series called A Golden Light. I submitted a short story for the Christian/Inspirational edition (titled Lamplight) and was thrilled to receive a quick acceptance. This series will first be available in ebook form in October, followed by print copies. Besides the Christian edition, there will also be Sci-Fi/Fantasy (Limelight), Historical (Gaslight), Children's (Nightlight), and Young Adult (Spotlight) By the way, YA submissions are still being accepted through September 1st, so be sure to check out the guidelines HERE. And yes, they are a paying publication!


Check out the cover of the book in which my story will appear. Is it gorgeous, or what?

Also check out the book trailer for the series.



I'm excited to be a part of this series and hope the books sell well so they'll continue with more anthologies. E-books will be available for $5.99 in October. Learn more about the Golden Light series and Chamberton Publishing on their website: ChambertonPublishing.com