Are We Having Fun Already?

Truth – I woke up discouraged today. There’s nothing funny about that.

I immediately began to asses the reasons behind my discouragement, and, as usual, it comes right back around to the fact, true or untrue, that I feel like I’m failing as an author. Failing to market my books effectively. Failing to continue to spread the word, to find innovative ways that will have people picking up my books like they were the last bars of chocolate on the shelf. Failing to live up to my own dreams of what having not one, but two books out there might look like.

Dang. The list is longer, but I won’t bore you.

When I have a problem, I try to fix it. So I immediately sent my brain on overdrive as I sipped my coffee, coming up with all sorts of ideas that I could implement to boost interest in my books. But then I thought, to heck with it. This is exactly how you drive yourself crazy. This is why you swore that this year would be different. Less stressful. More fun.

So get over yourself already.

You see the abuse I put up with?

But she’s right. I mean, I’m right.

A wise person once said, “When it’s not fun anymore, stop.” Oh, wait. That was me. Well, writing is still fun for me, so I’m not stopping. I may have absolutely no idea where I’m going with it at this point, but hey, who doesn’t love a little mystery?

Feeling like a failure is no fun. It’s crappy actually. And not necessarily true. SO I am going to laugh it off. And if you’d like to help me, that’d be cool. Every Friday, or thereabouts, I’ll try to post something that gave me a giggle. You can do the same in the comments. Tell me a joke. Tell me about your Mom. Whatever.

I do have a slightly strange sense of humor though, you have been warned.

This is something that recently made me laugh. (Warning: There is some language toward the end that may not be allowed in your house, and I can’t bleep it out…sorry).

How about you? What’s made you laugh lately? 

Baby Steps…

 

The decorations are almost put away. The house is almost quiet. My heart is almost beating at an acceptable rate again after watching two hours of Downton Abbey last night…

Oh, my. What a show. I love it. I love being transported into that fictional world of splendour, hanging out with characters whose lives I have come to find fascinating, waiting to see what will happen next. Television, when done right, can be quite entertaining. As should be the pull of a good book. Whenever I find myself enthralled the way I am with Downton, by a movie or tv series, I always come away thinking, “How can I do that?” “Am I doing that with my books?” or of course, “Why aren’t I doing that with my books?”

We are at the start of a new year. One thing I want to accomplish is to quit comparing myself to other people. To other authors. Last time, I talked about simply being in the moment, enjoying the journey. How can I do that if I’m always checking those blasted Amazon rankings or drooling over another’s success? I know, I know, I know…this is a trap that I have been snared by since my first novel released. I swore I’d do things differently with the second. Yet, here I sit, still banging my head against the wall, wishing I could figure out a way to make those sales numbers go up. Wishing I knew how others did it. Wishing for things I do not yet have.

What a complete waste of time.

Far more profitable for me to take stock of what I do have, and be grateful for it. So, here goes…

Here’s what I do have:

The ability to craft a story. To tell it well and love doing so. To enjoy the process, because I am living my dream.

I can reach out to and connect with my readers, most of whom I am privileged to call friends. You’ve invited me into your lives and you’ve shared mine, and I have the blessing of being able to share the desires, joys and sorrows of my heart with you.

I am able to stay home and continue to craft new stories that, God willing, will one day become new books. For that, I am so grateful.

Here’s what I don’t have:

The ability to control what people like or don’t like.

That’s it. Oh, sure, I don’t have a three book deal at a major publishing house, but so what? In the end, however my books reach the public, big house, small press or self-publishing, this is pretty much what it comes down to.

I’ve known for a long time that not everyone will appreciate my writing style. Not everyone will want to read the kind of books I like to write, or want to hear the stories I have to tell. And I’m okay with that. I’m growing my audience.

I’m taking baby steps.

Today, I sent out my first ever Author Newsletter. And it was fun! (Once I figured out what I was doing…) Sure, I only have two dozen subscribers right now, but that’s better than none. Right?

It’s soooo easy to get sucked into that whirling vortex of pressure to do this and this and this…always pushing, taking great big giant steps in shoes that don’t fit. It’s exhausting, soul-sucking, and oh, so not worth it.

I’m smiling now, because I think sub-consciously, I’ve been searching for my theme for this year. You know, sometimes people choose a life verse of Scripture or a particular word that means something to them, and try to live that out over the coming year. It’s not a practice I’ve adopted. But maybe I just did. Maybe this is the year for me.

Baby Steps. 

One foot in front of the other. Walking on wobbly legs. Sometimes taking a fall. Finding joy in the journey. And always, always, always, having a hand to hold when I need one.

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

A Story of Adoption in My Family by Margaret Daley

In my family one of my relatives had a child at the age of sixteen. He was unmarried and the baby was given up for adoption. It always bothered him, wondering where his daughter was. He never had another child although he did marry.

One day he received a call from a young woman who said she was his daughter and she had been searching for him. She was in her mid-thirties and needed some medical information about the family history. From there the conversation moved to getting to know each other. Eventually she went to visit my relative, and they began to build a relationship. He became a part of her family, and she a part of his. Her children looked at him as one of their grandfathers. Her adoptive parents were accepting of my male relative which made the whole process much easier. To this day the relationship has continued after fifteen years.

The neat thing about this story is that she should have never found my male relative, but through a set of circumstances, she did. To the male relative it feels like his family is whole again. I have loved having her in the family.

I wrote a story about a woman looking for her adoptive mother in Poisoned Secrets, a Love Inspired Suspense book. It was prompted by what happened in my family and the emotions and story behind her search for her biological father.

Shattered Silence by Margaret Daley (The Men of the Texas Rangers Series) from Abingdon Press, October 2012:

A serial killer is targeting illegal aliens in southern Texas. Texas Ranger Cody Jackson is paired with a local police officer, Liliana Rodriguez, to investigate the murders. 



 While the case brings Cody and Liliana ever closer, the tension between Americans and Mexican Americans heightens. As Cody and Liliana race to discover who is behind the murders and bring peace to the area, what they uncover isn’t what they expected. Will Cody and Liliana’s faith and love be strong enough to survive the storm of violence?

 Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-three books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website at http://www.margaretdaley.com

Entrusted by Jennifer AlLee – Birthmother

I’ve read lots of articles, blog posts and books about adoption. Primarily, they’re from the point of view of the child who was adopted, or the parents who adopted the child. Very rarely do you come across one written by the birth mother. There’s a reason for that: It’s extraordinarily difficult to explain how you could give away your baby.

Difficult, but not impossible. So here we go.

I was 25 when I got pregnant. At first, I was going to keep the baby. I had a full time job and health insurance. Sure, I had a load of bills and money was already tight, but I figured I’d find a way to manage. And if money was the only issue, I’m sure I would have. But it wasn’t. A bigger issue kept coming up, again and again. I wanted my child to grow up with a father in the house.

My parents divorced when I was six months old, so I knew what it was like to grow up without a dad. I didn’t want that for my baby. I wanted to give her a fighting chance at a good life. I prayed and agonized over it, and finally decided that adoption was the best answer. Not a perfect answer. Not a pain free solution. But the best of the options available.

Still, handing my child over to people I’d never met didn’t feel right. So I found a Christian agency that arranged open adoptions. Not only would I meet the parents, I was able to choose them. We sat down together and talked, got to know each other better. And I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt. that God had taken my painful situation and turned it into the best thing possible. He was making a new family.

When I went into labor, I told the delivery room nurses to give the baby not to me after she was born, but to her parents. I wanted them to be the first ones to hold her, because she would be theirs to care for and love. My intention was not to hold her or even look at her. Not because I didn’t love her or wasn’t interested. Just the opposite. I was afraid if I saw her, I wouldn’t be able to let her go.

God had other plans. Later that evening a nurse, who hadn’t been filled in on the adoption scenario, brought the baby to me for a bottle feeding. So I fed my daughter, held her, smiled at her, told her I loved her. And when the nurse came to take her back, I let her go.

So how could I give away my child? I didn’t. I entrusted her to God, gave her into his care, and he put her in the right family. You might wonder how my daughter is today and whether we’re in touch. She is a lovely young woman who, I’m told, is also a writer. We’ve sort of connected via Facebook. It’s all very new and tentative, but I know she’s out there and she knows I’m here for her anytime she’s ready. All I want is what’s best for her.

That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

How about you? Have you ever had to trust God in a painful situation? Did he come through for you?

Jennifer AlLee is an author of Inspirational Fiction. You can connect with her here:

Website

I Had To Find My Mother To Find Myself by Catherine Leggitt

At two weeks and one day old, I rode home with my adoptive parents. Of that first family plane ride, I remember nothing except the joy and excitement my parents expressed each time they told me the story—joy and excitement that never diminished, no matter how often I requested the telling. Through their eyes, I never considered being adopted as a negative. I was chosen, as eagerly anticipated as any natural child, maybe more than some.

Two years later, my parents brought my sister home and our family was complete. My childhood came as close to ideal as human childhoods can. Dad grew oranges on a farm in southern California; Mother—Dessie—managed the household and ran the Sunday school at church. They were available, loving, gentle, and excellent role models. 

Laughter, flowers, and music characterized my childhood. Fresh orange juice for breakfast and vegetables from the garden nourished our bodies. Daily prayer and Bible reading nourished our souls. Hot summer nights became excuses to sleep on a haystack under the stars. Going-to-bed rituals included either Mother or Dad reading the classics or poetry.

Yet, in this idyllic setting, something was always missing. A longing for my biological mother, Deloris, grew in my heart over the years. My parents knew a few facts about her, such as her first name, but I had many more questions they couldn’t answer. I thought that finding my birth mother would banish the pesky unknowns that weighed me down like a lead backpack—questions about my nationality, who I looked like, where my ancestors had lived and what they had accomplished. Details all of my friends knew about their heritage that were unknown to me.

I married young and soon had two children. By the time I neared thirty, I was struggling with a turbulent marriage and smothering under a load of self-doubt. I had nearly completed the puzzle of my identity—the frame and corners that defined me were in place as well as some of the inside pieces—but important sections were missing—gaps that made it impossible to see myself as a whole person. I believed that locating my birth mother would provide the solution.

Finding her proved easy. I knew the town where she grew up and her age when I was born so we searched in the high school yearbook and there she was—eyes so like mine she must be related. Armed with her last name and bolstered by my mother’s full blessing, I hunted through area phone books. First I found her uncle, then her mother, and finally, I found Deloris.

We met for lunch at a restaurant. I couldn’t stop staring. Besides the same expressive blue eyes, we also shared big toothy smiles, keen observational skills, and certain mannerisms. Her first question for me, “Do you laugh a lot?”

I asked her a hundred questions and she answered every one.

“What now?” She asked, her hand clasping mine as we stared at each other across the table. “Now that you’ve satisfied your curiosity, where will you go from here?”

The question surprised me. I had no answer. None of my imaginings had ever progressed beyond finding her and living happily-ever-after. I gulped down a lump in my throat. What now?

“Couldn’t we just stay here forever?”

That was over thirty years ago. My mother is gone now but thankfully, Deloris is still a big part of my life. Of course, I was disappointed to discover that finding her didn’t fix me. The things that were broken in me would take maturity and God’s mercy to fix. But a few of the missing pieces in the puzzle got filled in. I heard the other half of the story of my birth. And finding her gave me a new strength, boosted me over a rough period in my life, and spurred me forward in matters related to self-esteem. In Deloris, I discovered a cherished friend and confidant, a wise mentor.

If Mothers are defined as women who stick with you no matter what, loving you and nurturing you while you find your way in life, then I am twice blessed. God knew I would need them both.

To adoptive parents I say: Answer all your child’s questions as honestly and completely as you can. Support their desire to find their natural mother without feeling threatened. Trust God. The years you’ve put in as a parent, the prayers and tears you’ve shed for the child God placed in your care will never be matched or forgotten.

Catherine Leggitt is Author of the Christine Sterling Mystery series -

PAYNE & MISERY, THE DUNN DEAL, AND PARRISH THE THOUGHT Published by Ellechor Publishing

Connect with her at http://www.catherineleggitt.com

A Visit with Christine Lindsay – Birthmother

Sitting in the hospital bed, I held Sarah, my tears splashing onto her tiny face. My counselor softly said, “Christine, she’s your baby. You can keep her if you want to.”

But I wanted a daddy for my baby. And I felt this promise from God—if I stuck to the adoption plan, He would reunite Sarah and me one day, in a unique birth-mother and birth-daughter relationship.

I banked on that promise.

Three days later, the gray, steel, elevator doors on the hospital ward closed between Sarah and me.

The years passed, and I met my wonderful husband. Three times over my empty arms were filled with our children. I couldn’t have been happier. But I couldn’t forget Sarah. As time inched closer to Sarah’s 18^th birthday I prayed harder for our reunion.

I could see it all—a big family dinner, Sarah’s family and ours, all sitting around the table, celebrating.

People ask me why I searched for Sarah instead of waiting for her to search for me. I felt at the time that God doesn’t wait for us to come to Him, but He goes looking for us.

Two years later, the day came that I’d been praying for 20 years. I was scared to death. So afraid Sarah wouldn’t be able to love me. So afraid of rejection.

My husband and I got to the counselor’s office before Sarah and her fiancé arrived, and we were given the bad news—Sarah’s mom and dad didn’t want to meet me. They were at home sobbing . . . broken-hearted.

I was stunned—they don’t want to meet me.

With these thoughts spiraling through my mind I opened the door to where Sarah waited. A beautiful, young blond woman stood up to meet me. For years I’d imagined us falling into each other’s arms and crying like people did on TV. But all I felt was intense sadness that this beautiful young daughter and I were complete strangers.

Reunion

It was clear God had given Sarah exactly what I’d prayed for. She was confident, happy, studying to be a nurse, planning her wedding. Why was I not overflowing with joy?

Because I wanted to be a part of her life, and her in mine. But Sarah’s life was full, so busy, there wasn’t much time for us to get to know each other.

I had never felt so rejected. Though I hated my self-pity, I couldn’t stop thinking how God had disappointed me.

He’d had 20 years to put this reunion together, and this was the best He could do?

Months later my husband found me crying on couch, and he put a brand new journal and pen into my hands, and said, “Write it”.

So I started writing—the heartaches, the emptiness—and healing gradually came. As I studied the Bible, this verse became my life motto.

Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands…

 My love for my kids, including Sarah, pales in comparison to God’s love for us. It wasn’t Sarah that I needed to make me whole on the inside, nor any of my children, or my husband.

I needed God to fill that gaping hole in my heart.

I began to realize I also had no right to feel rejected by Sarah’s parents, and I lightened up on them.

Twelve years have passed, and a relationship between Sarah and me began to flower. Today we’re more like a favorite aunt and favorite niece.

But God wasn’t finished yet.

In 2011, my debut novel was released. Shadowed in Silk has nothing to do with adoption. It’s set in India, has romance, deserts, Russian spies, guns… One day my publisher sent me photographs of models for the front cover. On a whim, I sent Sarah’s picture to my publisher. They thought she was perfect.

I can’t explain how wonderful it was to see birth daughter’s face on my novel when it was the pain of losing her that inspired me to write.

The book came out, and Sarah and her husband came to tell us they had decided to be missionaries, providing medical care to third-world women and orphans. One of the missions they would be working with most would be the Ramabai Mukti Mission in India.

I nearly fell off my chair.

I’d never told Sarah, but the true-life Ramabai was the Indian Christian woman who was the inspiration behind one of my main characters in Shadowed in Silk.

Only a tender-hearted Heavenly Father could do this.  He had given me that unique relationship with my birthdaughter that I’d asked for all those years ago.

 Sarah on the Mission Field

Christine in India

Christine Lindsay is the Award-winning author of Shadowed in Silk which was released in 2011. She lives on the west coast of Canada about 200 miles north of Seattle. Like a lot of writers, her cat is her chief editor. 

 Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all other online locations.

Click here to read Chapter One  or check out the book trailer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV3YX94ntSI

Introducing Author April Gardner!

Business or Hobby—How Do You View What You Do?

When I discovered I needed a business license to be “legal,” applying for and obtaining one for my fledgling home business did something for me I never expected.

I’m an author and, more recently, an editor with Astraea Press. True to their claim, authors don’t make much money. I got my first royalty check nearly three years ago and, for whatever reason, have struggled to go anywhere much with sales. Paying taxes hasn’t even been necessary.

But to be perfectly honest, I viewed writing more like a hobby than a business. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want it to be a hobby. I WANTED to earn money, but a person’s mindset has everything to do with whether or not that will happen. If a girl doesn’t take her work seriously, if she doesn’t appropriately value her skills and time, no one else will either.

Late last year, I came to a critical juncture in my career. Frustrated and weary, I decided I’d either swim or sink, but I was going to do it on my own. One of my 2012 New Year’s resolutions (the only one I’ve ever stuck with) was to have my writing support itself 100%—no more begging money off my very sweet and willing husband. I’d pay for business cards, fliers, or that $1,000 conference, or I wouldn’t have them.

It seemed an outrageous notion. I honestly didn’t think I could do it and actually get anywhere, but for half the year, I did OK.

This summer was turning point. It happened the day I decided to get a business license.

It took me some weeks to get around to making it official, and if you want to read step-by-step how I went about doing that, you can visit my last Reflections post.

Come to find out, investing (yes, investing!) in a business license was exactly what my floundering career needed. The moment I held that license, I felt like a business woman. Stupid, I know, but it’s true. I view my job in a whole different light now. Notice my use of the word “job”? Yep, writing and editing isn’t a hobby anymore.

It’s what I DO. And I treat it with all the value and respect of a business. I have a budget and daily, weekly, and yearly goals. My time is blocked for certain activities, putting the most time toward my DPAs (dollar producing activities).

I require others to value and respect my work and time, too. No middle of the day chats with friends. I love you all dearly, truly, I do. But if you call me while I’m working, I’ll let the phone go to voicemail and get back with you at my next scheduled break.

At the risk of sounding New Age, let me point out that the mind and one’s attitude are a powerful things. Do not underestimate them.

God called me to this job. He believes in me. I should believe in me too! After which, I’ll give Him all the glory for the skill, energy, and encouragement He provides along the way.

I’m not a name-it-and-claim it kinda Christian, and I’m not rolling in the dough (far from it!!), but I’m got business cards, fliers, and went to that $1,000 conference. No thanks to my sweet, willing husband’s wallet.

In addition to that, at the suggestion of a my very business savvy sister, I set a goal to reward myself for my hard work. She told me to think of something–a luxury–I’ve wanted but couldn’t afford. Something I’d never spend the money on because there’s always something else more important that needs to come first.

So I did.

Somehow, that goal in mind made me work harder, and to my utter astonishment, I not only  reached my goal, I surpassed it. Now, I work from my patio on my lovely new furniture. (Pix above)

And you guessed it, I have set another reward-goal for myself.

My business has supported itself probably 95% this year. 2013 will be even better. Actually, in 2013 I plan to make a PROFIT. There have been times since January I’ve had to say “no” to whatever marketing venture I wanted to explore, but for the most part, God has provided.

What was the big change? It’s as simple as this–I’m viewing what I do as a business, and THAT makes all the difference.

How do you view what you do? Is it an accurate perception? What are your time and skills worth? Put a monetary value on them, then shoot for it!

–April W Gardner is an award-winning author, an editor,

and the founder of the literary contest site, Clash of the Titles

April’s latest release!

Lizzie Browning loves nothing more than her tiny, island-home of Guernsey, but when German bombs drop on her crystal beach, her peaceful world is shattered. For months, the big war on the continent has been nothing more than stories in the paper, but as the enemy takes over Guernsey, the war rushes to her doorstep. For Lizzie, younger brother Andre, and cousin James, the time to escape is now, and they know just how to do it.

Phillip Seifert, the odd boy from down the street, has all the markings of a genuine Nazi-lover. Lizzie knows better than to trust him, but he somehow manages to weasel his way into James’ good graces. Phillip joins the gang in their audacious escape plan, and Lizzie can do little more than pray he doesn’t get them all shot. But Lizzie soon learns that God doesn’t always answer prayers in the way she expects. He might actually plan for them to live under Nazi rule…forever.

Connect with April!
Website

Blog Swap with Katie Ganshert!

Today we’re doing something a little different! My friend and super amazing author Katie Ganshert, is here to talk to you, and I’m over on her blog! Cool,huh?

Why are we doing this? Good question!

Well, as you know, I’m an adoptee and I love talking about adoption. Katie and her husband Ryan are in the process of adopting a child, so we thought it’d be fun to interview each other about adoption!

AND – We’re both going to giveaway a copy of our books, so be sure to leave a comment for us on the respective blogs!! 

So, here we go!

Welcome to This Is A Blog About Books…And Life, again, Katie! Tell us about yourself!

I’m a slightly-frazzled, ever-inquisitive Midwest gal who loves Jesus, my family, writing, adoption, and grace. I’ve been married to my delivery-guy-turned husband for eight wonderful years. We have a four-year old son and a goofy black lab named Bubba. My debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, released from Waterbrook Press this past May and my second novel, Wishing on Willows, releases this March. We are in the process of adopting a little boy or girl from the Congo.

How long did it take you to know for sure adoption was God’s plan for you?

Even though God had been working on our hearts for quite some time, it took us awhile to officially say Yes to adoption. To be honest, the whole thing scared us. We didn’t have the money, and like you mention on my blog today, adoption is very rarely a fairy tale, which is something Ryan and I both knew ahead of time because of several friends who were journeying through it.

Life was comfortable with the three of us. Why mess with that?

But one day, when I was reading the book of Esther, I felt in the depths of my spirit, God saying, “Katie, I have a blessing out there for you and you are going to miss it if you don’t step out in faith.”

Later, after a lot of prayer and even more research, I remember getting on my knees and telling God over and over again, “Lord, this is way over our heads. If this is from you, if you really want us to do this, you need to be clear. Because this is Way. Over. Our. Heads.”

A couple hours later, we went to church and kid you not, our pastor said these exact words during the sermon, “If you want to be filled with the Holy Spirit, then get in over your heads.” During the car ride home, Ryan looked at me and said, “Kate, we can’t let money stop us from doing this.”

God couldn’t have spoken any more loudly or clearly.

 That’s a very cool testimony of how God confirms the desires he puts on our hearts! What excites you most about this journey?

Getting to know and be a mother to this little person.

 You’ll be a great one, I’m sure! So what scares you most?

Having nothing to give our child in regards to his/her history. This past September, we received a referral (this is adoption-speak for being matched with an orphan). We received a picture, a name, and as much information on health and history as was available.

This little boy was two years old and his entire life was summed up in a measly, heart-breaking sentence. Not only did we know nothing about his birth parents, we didn’t even have a birthday.

A few weeks later, we lost that referral (a heartbreaking experience). Chances are, the next referral we get won’t be that much more detailed.

I’m afraid of a pair of beautiful brown eyes looking up at me someday and asking, “What’s my story?” And I won’t know the answer. I won’t have anything to give.

As an adoptee who’s lived through the ‘wanting to know’, I can imagine that will be difficult, but I have no doubt God will give you the wisdom and strength to deal with it when the time comes. It’s an exciting journey! What preparations have you had to make to finally get to that day where you meet your new son or daughter? Will you travel to the country of his or her birth?  

Lots! And we’re still more than a year out from traveling. We’ve done a massive amount of education—from seminars to online courses to reading books to researching Congolese culture. We put on a very time-consuming fundraiser to help offset the insane cost. We’ve connected with several families in our area who have all adopted internationally. We continue to talk to our son about his brother or sister. And we pray—for our child and for God to provide—financially and emotionally.

We join you in prayer and look forward to your updates as you get closer to bringing home the newest Ganshert! Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us today, Katie! 

Katie says:

Even though my debut novel, Wildflowers from Winter, doesn’t deal with adoption, it does explore a common theme in many adoption stories. And that’s this idea that God can use the broken, barren seasons in our lives to make something beautiful. If this sounds like a story you’d like to check out, you can read the first three chapters for free here. I’d also love to give away a copy to one person who leaves a comment!

About Katie

Katie Ganshert was born and raised in the Midwest, where she writes stories about finding faith and falling in love. When she’s not busy plotting her next novel, she enjoys watching movies with her husband, playing make-believe with her wild-child of a son, and chatting with her girlfriends over bagels. She and her husband are in the process of adopting from the Congo. You can find her online at her blog and on Facebook.

(And don’t forget to check out her books, Wildflowers from Winter, available now, and Wishing on Willows, coming in March!)

Bethany Quinn was happy to leave her small town ten years ago to create a new, successful life. But when tragedies strike at home, she is forced to return and face the pain of her childhood. Out of options, Bethany tries to find a place where love and faith make sense again.  

Meet Mesu Andrews!

Today we have a treat in store, with a visit by author Mesu Andrews! She’s here to share a bit about herself as well as tell us about her new book, Love’s Sacred Song!

Hi Cathy, and thanks for inviting me to share with your readers! I laughed out loud when I saw the three questions you sent! Great questions!

• Who Are You?
• Where Are You Now?
• Where Are You Going?

The trick is: what about me, in each of those questions, would readers be interested in hearing?

Let’s begin with a story…that sort of gives y’all a flavor for who I was, am, and will probably be! My husband and I have known each other since third grade. He was a snotty little red-headed boy until seventh grade, and then we became good friends. He was the quarterback. I dated a linebacker. But when the linebacker broke off our five-year relationship in college, it was Roy who took me on a date the following week…to a football game, of course. The next weekend, we went out again, and he asked me this question: “Where do you see yourself ten years from now?”

Overwhelmed with the loss of a long-term relationship, the tears flowed, and Roy was a rock as I poured out my hopes and dreams that had been shattered. With all my heart, I wanted to be a wife and mom, to love and be loved. Fast forward three DAYS. I get a phone call from a friend who attends college with Roy. She’s furious that I’ve made wedding plans and haven’t included her. Totally stunned, I ask what she’s talking about. “Roy said you two are getting married.”

I was furious!!! I called him, demanded that he drive to my house so I could yell at him in person. I called him every name but his own (this was in my B.C. days). His response? A cocky grin and, “We are getting married. You just don’t know it yet.” Two months after that conversation, he led me to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Six months later, we were indeed married (And nine months + two weeks later our first child was born, but that’s another story).

Who am I?

I’ve worked in banking, optometry, and cosmetics. I’ve been a student’s wife, coach’s wife, factory worker’s wife, pastor’s wife, and professor’s wife—all while married to the same wonderfully infuriating man. I consider myself a full-time wife, learning to be a mom to adult kids, and beginning to enjoy the firstfruits of grandkids! OH! And somewhere in there I write!

I need God’s Word like I need air to breathe. It fascinates me. The stories, in their context, become living things in my mind. And then when I read a Psalm written by David or Moses or Solomon—it’s a cry from the heart of a friend to the God we both serve. I learn the lessons Paul learns on his missionary journeys. I hear the Pharisees’ ridicule of my Savior. Scripture is God-breathed. Living and active.

Where Are You Now?

After a 2002 life-altering illness kept me in bed for six months and homebound for nearly a year after, my priorities and stamina have changed considerably. I continue to struggle with chronic health issues, the most annoying being daily migraines. Fibromyalgia and POTS keep me close to home most days, but the Lord gives strength for every ministry door He opens.

I’m still learning the craft of writing. When I began this journey, I knew absolutely nothing about plot or characters or POV or…well, you get the picture. All I knew was the Word. So that’s what I write about. Biblical fiction is my “big project” passion—specifically Old Testament because I believe so many believers misunderstand God’s wrath as hate rather than love. My “ongoing-project” passion is the weekly e-devotional ministry. You can sign up to receive the (free) full version in your inbox each Monday morning, or check out my website to read the highlights of each week (http://mesuandrews.com/category/devotionals/).

Where Are You Going?

I’m thrilled to say that I’m going deeper into God’s Word! Revell has blessed me with another contract for two more books scheduled to release in March 2013 and March 2014. The 2013 release will explore the heart-rending marriage of Gomer and Hosea and teach of Yahweh’s inexpressible love for our wayward hearts. The 2014 release will delve into the dark world of Jezebel’s daughter, Queen Athaliah, who almost succeeded in annihilating David’s royal lineage; but even pure evil couldn’t snuff-out God’s saving light.

Thanks so much for letting me share a little about the past, present, and future! It’s been fun! I love to hear from readers, so please contact me with comments or questions!

Mesu has graciously offered to give away a copy of Love’s Sacred Song, so be sure to leave a comment for her to have a chance to win the book! 

About Love’s Sacred Song -

Overwhelmed at the thought of ruling Israel in King David’s shadow, young King Solomon seeks the Lord and is given God’s wisdom to rule. However, the northern tribes of Israel remain as unsettled as Solomon’s heart. Will he avoid civil war by taking a Treaty Bride from his own nation? Will the king be content with his harem or learn sacred love through passion’s fire?

About the Author:

Mesu Andrews is an author and speaker who passionately brings the biblical world alive for her audiences. Mesu and her husband, Roy, served in pastoral ministry for fourteen years, and in 2007 the Andrews’ moved to the Pacific Northwest, where Roy accepted a teaching position at Multnomah University. They have two grown daughters, Trina and Emily, and a Rottweiler-pitbull named Bouzer.

Mesu’s debut novel, Love Amid the Ashes, released in March 2011 and tells the breathtaking story of Job’s life through the eyes of the women who loved him. Love’s Sacred Song is scheduled for release March 1, 2012 with two more biblical novels on the horizon for 2013 and 2014.

Connect with Mesu on her Website! 

Meet Author Robin Bayne!

Robin is here to chat with us today! First, here’s a bit about Robin!

Robin Bayne is the award-winning author of six novels and five novellas, along with a variety of short stories. She has contributed to collections including God’s Way for Teens, God’s Way for Fathers and Cup of Comfort Devotionals; and published articles in Writer’s Journal and Christian Communicator. She has given workshops at regional and online romance writing conferences and the Writer’s Digest World’s Largest Writing Workshop. She lives in Maryland with her husband of twenty one years. Robin recently compiled a book of devotionals for writers titled “Words to Write By.”

1. What inspires you mentally?

Describing what inspires me is as difficult as describing where I get story ideas— all different things. Anything and everything. Reading something wonderful, meeting someone new, a cool breeze or the scent of flowers. Oh, and the purchase of a new pen or pretty notebook.

2. What are a few things readers may not know about you?

I once won a trip to Hawaii and a PT Cruiser from Freddie Mac in relation to my day job. Unfortunately, this actually cost me $ 8000 in taxes!

I love to visit Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia. I love that time period in history, but can’t imagine living then without running water or air conditioning!

3. What inspires you physically?

I love to burn scented candles and sip a blend of green tea and lemon ginger. If I have the energy, a walk outdoors or on the treadmill is helpful.

4. What do you read for fun?

I read romance of all types (except vampire) and devotionals, Christian non-fiction.

5. What is your greatest asset in regards to your writing?

My greatest asset would have to be my faith– it’s the only thing that will always hold its value.

6. What are you working on now?

I just started a new story, a reunion story. I love the boy-meets-girl-again type of romance, I think because there is so much emotion already between them.

7. What advice would you give new writers?

I would advise them to read all they can in their genre, and once they start writing, find a good critique partner or group before ever submitting anything.

Robin’s Book – Samaritan

Tim Gardner has worked hard to rebuild the family business after his older brother nearly destroyed it. He’s restored the clientele base and the restaurant’s reputation. But if Rachel Martin can’t get her act together, she won’t fulfill his orders for the Gardner’s Gazebo signature dessert, a gold-leaf cheese cake, which also happens to be Rachel’s secret recipe. When Rachel Martin’s partner abandons their bakery and catering business to study with the master chefs in Paris, she’s left with nothing but bills and obligations-and no one in Portlandville seems able or willing to help her. No one except for Timothy Gardner, and she knows the handsome young man is only after one thing—her cheese cake. But as she gets to know him, during her time of need, she wonders if maybe there’s a little bit more in the mix. And as Tim gets to know Rachel, he finds himself wanting to be her Good Samaritan–permanently.

Order link:  http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/samaritan

Connect with Robin! 

http://www.robinbayne.com

http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/rlbayneauthor

And Just For Fun! 

Recipe for “All That Glitters” Cheesecake  (from “Samaritan”

Purchase:

– edible gold leaf, edible glitter or “Luster Dust” (from cake store or online)

– pre-made graham cracker crust (freeze while mixing other ingredients)

You will also need:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 1/8 cups granulated sugar or Splenda
Dash salt
3 eggs
3/4 teaspoon vanilla

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add the sugar, salt, eggs and vanilla and beat just until mixed. Pour into crust and bake at 350º 20-25 minutes, until filling is set.

Cool, apply gold leaf (easiest to tear or cut into flakes as garnish) gold dust or glitter, then chill well before serving.

Makes 8-12 servings
Do not freeze.

 

 

Robin