Greetings, Lovelies! Long time no post. Oops. Sorry about that. My overthinking habits get me in trouble yet again. I've been thinking that possibly in future I might try throwing some shorter, bite-sized posts up. Not that I tend to write horribly long blog posts, but by the time I get done overthinking them, believe my, my brain is telling me they're massive. Or they just stay unwritten, because I want to explore and overthink every single aspect of an idea before I write about it, so nothing ends up getting written at all, and... well, you get the idea! Yikes! Anyhow, thanks, y'all, for your patience as I work on getting this whole author blog thing figured out.
A couple quick updates on what's been happening lately...
I had the opportunity to participate in a local authors' evening at the Honesdale library a couple weeks ago. That was pretty scary. Got to polish up my non-existent public speaking skills. But it went pretty well. We had a decent group, but not big enough to be a lot intimidating. Only a little. LOL.
My books, Betrayer and Quench the Day are now available for sale at Loose Leaf Pages, an ADORABLE book and tea shop in Honesdale. If you have a chance, stop in and check them out on Main Street, and have one of their fabulous house blend loose-leaf teas.
I've been hard at work on book 2 in the Red Wolf Trilogy, and am happy to report that it's coming along nicely.
And here's a little something to leave you with. It's an idea that's been in and out of my attention for quite a while. I lovingly refer to it as the effort / enjoyment ratio. It goes something like this...
The more effort you put into something, the more enjoyment and fulfillment you will get out of it.
And that, in a nutshell, is why I love writing so much. It's time consuming. It totally takes over my brain space. It's really lonesome. It takes major commitment. Its downright ROUGH some days. But I get so much more out of it than, well... most things. People who love books never fail to say that they're better than movies. Movies are easy. No effort required. You sit and watch and don't think, and when the show is over in an hour or two or three, it leaves you hungry for more. More eye candy. More thoughtless entertainment. It isn't particularly satisfying. Books take hours to read. Sometimes a whole day's worth of hours. They require attention and imagination. It's so much more fulfilling when you close the pages of a book and realize that you haven't just been entertained, you've thought, you've understood, you've been someone else and experienced new things. You've been to another world and back. Well, how much more so when you're writing that book. A single scene could take days to write. You live it, over and over, analyzing every detail and which ones need to be put in and which ones need to be left out. You are completely immersed in what your characters are going through, studying their emotions and experiences until you assimilate them into your own personality and memories. Writing a book becomes a part of you, knitted into your DNA in a way that people who don't write will never understand.
I'm convinced this theory holds true for pretty much everything, not just the satisfaction level of your entertainment. The more you put into something, the more it will give back to you. Whether it's your faith, your marriage, your friendships, or your time at the gym. It's so easy to be lazy and choose the lowest level- the "it's ok" level of happiness and set cruise control. But don't stay there! Kick your life up a few notches from "it's ok" to "it's freaking awesome!" Put it the hours. They're worth it!
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Monday, August 14, 2017
Praying for Hollywood
Hello, my lovelies!
I realize it's been a while since I've posted--again. Don't know about you, but summer always seems to get away from me. But there's always one thing for certain, as I warned a friend recently...with absence of words comes a multitude of thoughts. So much so that I never know how to even begin to sort them out. But as I was re-writing my 'about' page a few weeks ago, especially the part about the importance of storytelling, I kept thinking so much about the entertainment industry, and how... all consuming it's become.
I often wonder about American Christians in general, and myself in particular, when it comes to our entertainment diet. Everyone draws the line in a different place when it comes to our standards, and what we deem as okay in movies or books, or what we are willing to put up with for the sake of a good story. How much filth is ok? Or is it all just a matter of what you've worked out with your conscience? Is entertainment so important that we're willing to watch or listen to people who hate Christ and everything that Christianity stands for trample on our beliefs and the name of our God? How does that fit in with our calling to be holy? Should we really be partaking of any secular entertainment at all? Yet on the other hand, stories ARE important. There are many times that I've been more touched by a spiritual truth from watching a secular movie than I have from reading a Christian book. Even if they did cuss a lot. There are several rabbit trails that my brain wants to latch onto just with that statement, but I'll maybe come back to them a different day. The point is, Christians are being influenced by media and entertainment just as much as the rest of the world, and I certainly don't have all the answers to all the questions I've been asking.
Lately, it seems like, I keep hearing so much in Christian circles about praying for America, praying for our politicians, praying for revival, praying for this coming generation, praying for our missionaries. All good things. Go ahead and pray about politics-- that's a good thing. But it isn't politicians that are leading this country around by the nose. It's Hollywood. Is anyone praying for them? And I don't mean the independent Christian movie makers that are finding their niche in the Christian community. I mean mainstream Hollywood. Is anyone bothering to pray for them? Or what about the Christians who are working there? It can't be easy trying to follow Jesus in an industry that delights in scorning Him, and anyone who believes in Him. Sure, there are a few top stars that claim to be Christians... but they didn't get where they are by starring in low-budget, indie, faith-based films. Sometimes I wonder how much of a Christian you can be when half your movies are rated R. But it's not my industry. I don't know what may or may not go on behind the scenes, or how much influence they could have, if they tried, or how much influence they try to have. I can't judge, because I'm not there. It's not my spiritual journey, it's there's. And they get judged for it, from both sides. Is anyone bothering to pray for them? Just asking.
A friend and I were discussing this the other day, and how she was feeling called to pray for one celebrity in particular, and it just sort of stoked the firestorm of thought I'd already been mulling over. This is important. I need to pray for our entertainment industry. Whether its a specific person, or the body of Christ there, or just a general turning of the tide. I'm praying for them. Think about it.
I realize it's been a while since I've posted--again. Don't know about you, but summer always seems to get away from me. But there's always one thing for certain, as I warned a friend recently...with absence of words comes a multitude of thoughts. So much so that I never know how to even begin to sort them out. But as I was re-writing my 'about' page a few weeks ago, especially the part about the importance of storytelling, I kept thinking so much about the entertainment industry, and how... all consuming it's become.
I often wonder about American Christians in general, and myself in particular, when it comes to our entertainment diet. Everyone draws the line in a different place when it comes to our standards, and what we deem as okay in movies or books, or what we are willing to put up with for the sake of a good story. How much filth is ok? Or is it all just a matter of what you've worked out with your conscience? Is entertainment so important that we're willing to watch or listen to people who hate Christ and everything that Christianity stands for trample on our beliefs and the name of our God? How does that fit in with our calling to be holy? Should we really be partaking of any secular entertainment at all? Yet on the other hand, stories ARE important. There are many times that I've been more touched by a spiritual truth from watching a secular movie than I have from reading a Christian book. Even if they did cuss a lot. There are several rabbit trails that my brain wants to latch onto just with that statement, but I'll maybe come back to them a different day. The point is, Christians are being influenced by media and entertainment just as much as the rest of the world, and I certainly don't have all the answers to all the questions I've been asking.
Lately, it seems like, I keep hearing so much in Christian circles about praying for America, praying for our politicians, praying for revival, praying for this coming generation, praying for our missionaries. All good things. Go ahead and pray about politics-- that's a good thing. But it isn't politicians that are leading this country around by the nose. It's Hollywood. Is anyone praying for them? And I don't mean the independent Christian movie makers that are finding their niche in the Christian community. I mean mainstream Hollywood. Is anyone bothering to pray for them? Or what about the Christians who are working there? It can't be easy trying to follow Jesus in an industry that delights in scorning Him, and anyone who believes in Him. Sure, there are a few top stars that claim to be Christians... but they didn't get where they are by starring in low-budget, indie, faith-based films. Sometimes I wonder how much of a Christian you can be when half your movies are rated R. But it's not my industry. I don't know what may or may not go on behind the scenes, or how much influence they could have, if they tried, or how much influence they try to have. I can't judge, because I'm not there. It's not my spiritual journey, it's there's. And they get judged for it, from both sides. Is anyone bothering to pray for them? Just asking.
A friend and I were discussing this the other day, and how she was feeling called to pray for one celebrity in particular, and it just sort of stoked the firestorm of thought I'd already been mulling over. This is important. I need to pray for our entertainment industry. Whether its a specific person, or the body of Christ there, or just a general turning of the tide. I'm praying for them. Think about it.
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Quench the Day is OUT! And Thank You...
It's SO HOT today, man! I don't know about you, but I'm having a hard time function or even thinking. It's one of those days when you just want to find a cool place and curl up with a book. So I figured I'd take a break from regular writing and catch up with you all here, since it's already been awhile. Summer has a way of getting away from me. It's just so busy! But if I don't make the time to chill with some form of writing, I always end up stressed. Call it the writer's curse.
Quench the Day has been up on Amazon for a week now, so this isn't exactly a new announcement. In fact, I really haven't done any marketing at all, much as I wanted to, and need to. Between the delayed release date, running the Kindle Scout campaign, and summer's craziness, not much has been going according to wish or plan. But that's ok. Mostly I just wanted to give a shout out and a big thanks to those of you who supported my Kindle Scout campaign. Even though Quench didn't get nominated, I was totally blown away by all the Facebook shares, and the kind words and recommendations you all gave. It really means SO, so much. Thank you, my lovelies! If you haven't had a chance to check out my book on Amazon, please do. And if you like it, tell someone about it! Writers are, first and foremost, reader powered, reader fed, reader sustained, reader driven...you get the picture. We need our readers! And in my case, I also accept lots of prayers...
Quench the Day has been up on Amazon for a week now, so this isn't exactly a new announcement. In fact, I really haven't done any marketing at all, much as I wanted to, and need to. Between the delayed release date, running the Kindle Scout campaign, and summer's craziness, not much has been going according to wish or plan. But that's ok. Mostly I just wanted to give a shout out and a big thanks to those of you who supported my Kindle Scout campaign. Even though Quench didn't get nominated, I was totally blown away by all the Facebook shares, and the kind words and recommendations you all gave. It really means SO, so much. Thank you, my lovelies! If you haven't had a chance to check out my book on Amazon, please do. And if you like it, tell someone about it! Writers are, first and foremost, reader powered, reader fed, reader sustained, reader driven...you get the picture. We need our readers! And in my case, I also accept lots of prayers...
One day to fall in love, and a king’s jealous curse to rip them apart…
Fiercely independent Rowan Keir has met her match in the king’s cousin, Aaro D’Araines. Fleeing social pressure from her family, Rowan travels to the western district in hopes of gaining her freedom. Instead, she ends up in the middle of an ongoing feud between Aaro and the cunningly murderous King Ormand. Both men are dangerous, and to her chagrin, both of them set their sights on her. Worse, an abrupt marriage to Aaro might be the only way to escape Ormand.
But when their plans go wrong, both their lives are shattered. Rowan, cursed to spend the rest of her life as a wolf, seeks refuge in the wilderness, while Aaro swears revenge and turns himself into a killer.
Their only salvation could be in each other, but with both of them thinking each other dead, by the time they learn the truth, will it be too late to change the monsters they’ve become?
Monday, June 19, 2017
New Direction
Hello again, my lovelies!
Bet you didn't think you'd see me again this fast, did ya? ;)
A lot has been happening this past week. I don't want to go into a long story with a bunch of details, but suffice it to say, I've been struggling through a lot of questions for a long time, and haven't gotten a lot of clear answers along the way. This week seemed to just pile on more. But then God started doing some crazy things, and reminding me of Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." I guess there's a lot of things you could take away from that verse, especially in context. But God always has our good in mind. Most importantly our spiritual good, but really, He's a good God, and a good Father, and delights in showering us with blessings of all kinds, whenever possible. Sometimes we don't take the time to notice and appreciate them, but they're there.
It's a little early to say what all might be gonna happen, but I'm getting the feeling here that God's making some changes in my life. Ones I've been praying about for a really, really long time, and sort of despaired of ever making happen. No, I'm not talking about a publishing contract, sadly. But other good things. And along with these twists of fate, God has been giving us some pretty obvious cues that He's here, taking care of things. I'm pretty excited to see what's in store for the summer, but I'd still really appreciate prayers as I try to pour more time and effort into making a go of the writing thing. I've been asking for a long time if it's what God wants me to be doing, especially when it just never seems to go anywhere... and honestly, I still don't know. But I see He's offered me an opportunity to give it the time and attention I've always longed to, so I'd like to give it my best, and hope that I can please Him, as well as you all. But prayers for direction, a full return to health (still battling remnants of that adrenal thing), and wisdom are still needed. Thanks in advance!
So, one thing I kind of wanted to do, since I may, MAYBE, actually be able to spend a little more time on my blog as well, is to ask you all what you'd like to see more of? I know there's not that many of y'all, and you're kind of a quiet bunch, but I'd really appreciate some feedback as I figure out where I want to take things. Let the voting commence.
Bet you didn't think you'd see me again this fast, did ya? ;)
A lot has been happening this past week. I don't want to go into a long story with a bunch of details, but suffice it to say, I've been struggling through a lot of questions for a long time, and haven't gotten a lot of clear answers along the way. This week seemed to just pile on more. But then God started doing some crazy things, and reminding me of Romans 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." I guess there's a lot of things you could take away from that verse, especially in context. But God always has our good in mind. Most importantly our spiritual good, but really, He's a good God, and a good Father, and delights in showering us with blessings of all kinds, whenever possible. Sometimes we don't take the time to notice and appreciate them, but they're there.
It's a little early to say what all might be gonna happen, but I'm getting the feeling here that God's making some changes in my life. Ones I've been praying about for a really, really long time, and sort of despaired of ever making happen. No, I'm not talking about a publishing contract, sadly. But other good things. And along with these twists of fate, God has been giving us some pretty obvious cues that He's here, taking care of things. I'm pretty excited to see what's in store for the summer, but I'd still really appreciate prayers as I try to pour more time and effort into making a go of the writing thing. I've been asking for a long time if it's what God wants me to be doing, especially when it just never seems to go anywhere... and honestly, I still don't know. But I see He's offered me an opportunity to give it the time and attention I've always longed to, so I'd like to give it my best, and hope that I can please Him, as well as you all. But prayers for direction, a full return to health (still battling remnants of that adrenal thing), and wisdom are still needed. Thanks in advance!
So, one thing I kind of wanted to do, since I may, MAYBE, actually be able to spend a little more time on my blog as well, is to ask you all what you'd like to see more of? I know there's not that many of y'all, and you're kind of a quiet bunch, but I'd really appreciate some feedback as I figure out where I want to take things. Let the voting commence.
- An ongoing story, chapter by chapter, like I did with Unseen Things
- An ongoing story that you get to vote for what happens next.
- More devotional series posts.
- Literary posts-- book reviews, writing advice-- that kind of thing.
- Simple, artful living type posts-- thoughts, ideas, and maybe a little philosophy on the art of living gracefully and simply with a heart for Jesus and stories.
Let me know what you think!
Monday, June 12, 2017
Blogging Failures
Hello, lovelies!
This whole blogging thing just ain't working for me.
I don't know how people do it, with these beautiful, successful blogs, with their awesome writing careers and brands that they somehow magically make work. Are they really THAT focused on some one particular thing in their writing life that making it their one theme-- their "brand," actually comes easily? And do they really have enough time on their hands to keep up on posting ALL the time, in addition to their regular writing? And HOW for the love of Pete, do they gain this magical thing called a following?
Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate those of you, you faithful few, who keep up with my blog and social media regularly. It means a lot to know there are a few people out there interested in what I do. But it's a precious few.
I don't know how many countless times I've sat down and made big plans for this blog, for coming up with a solid brand, for posting regularly, for doing unique, fun things on a regular schedule... ha. Ha ha. HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!! As much of a planner as I am, it's just not a realistic dream at this point. Do I still want to do fun and unique things? Of course. Would I still love to grow my audience? Well duh. Turns out though, I'm just not Superwoman. My life is just too complicated, busy, and crazy, and, as proved by that nervous breakdown incident this spring, trying to force myself to do everything just doesn't work. If there's anyone else out there who feels the pressure and just can't juggle all the demands, you're not alone! But admitting that I can't do it all, that I can't please everyone every time, that sometimes I need to just chill, has been a major step in getting back to feeling like a sane person. Not everyone is going to be happy when you say no, but when its a choice between health and sanity, vs. keeping up with everyone's expectations, please, choose sanity. They'll get over it, I promise.
This whole blogging thing just ain't working for me.
I don't know how people do it, with these beautiful, successful blogs, with their awesome writing careers and brands that they somehow magically make work. Are they really THAT focused on some one particular thing in their writing life that making it their one theme-- their "brand," actually comes easily? And do they really have enough time on their hands to keep up on posting ALL the time, in addition to their regular writing? And HOW for the love of Pete, do they gain this magical thing called a following?
Don't get me wrong, I really appreciate those of you, you faithful few, who keep up with my blog and social media regularly. It means a lot to know there are a few people out there interested in what I do. But it's a precious few.
I don't know how many countless times I've sat down and made big plans for this blog, for coming up with a solid brand, for posting regularly, for doing unique, fun things on a regular schedule... ha. Ha ha. HAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!!!!!! As much of a planner as I am, it's just not a realistic dream at this point. Do I still want to do fun and unique things? Of course. Would I still love to grow my audience? Well duh. Turns out though, I'm just not Superwoman. My life is just too complicated, busy, and crazy, and, as proved by that nervous breakdown incident this spring, trying to force myself to do everything just doesn't work. If there's anyone else out there who feels the pressure and just can't juggle all the demands, you're not alone! But admitting that I can't do it all, that I can't please everyone every time, that sometimes I need to just chill, has been a major step in getting back to feeling like a sane person. Not everyone is going to be happy when you say no, but when its a choice between health and sanity, vs. keeping up with everyone's expectations, please, choose sanity. They'll get over it, I promise.
So the two major things I've been struggling with when it comes to this whole blogging thing, are:
- Sticking to a theme.
- Sticking to a schedule.
And here's my ultimatum.
No pressure.
No more promises that things are changing, that there will be more happening on the blog, that as soon as things stop being QUITE so crazy, I'll do better. Things never. stop. being. crazy. And honestly, all this trying, trying, trying, gets to be counter productive. So here's what's going to happen. I'm going to post cool, unique, fun things, along with probably some boring things, and it's going to happen when it happens. Maybe I'll pick up a following, maybe not. But I'm going to be writing what's on my heart, regardless of whether it fits a brand. It's just going to be my crazy, country, writing life, and all the simple, good, amazing things that fill it up. It's going to have more flavor of the things that make me-- and my writing-- unique. The fantasy worlds that I create are driven by the life I live, the things I believe and hold dear, and the ideas I love, just like every other writer. How can you try to fit that into a box? Maybe someday I'll find a way. Maybe someday I'll finally make it as a writer, and be able to spend the hours I want keeping up with all the things they say you have to do... maybe someday I'll reach that lofty height of having a publisher, a marketing team, and a website that's run by someone else... In the mean time, welcome to my sloppy life.
Love,
me
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