Laying Low…

Sorry for my absence here of late. It has been a busy time, a fun time. Just last weekend I hosted my daughter’s bridal shower. Crazy to think that I have a daughter getting married in just two months time…but there you have it. Of course, immediately afterward, I got hit with the worst cold I’ve had in a long while. I did get my flu shot, but apparently it does not protect against the common cold. So last week I hung out with my daughter and tried to get on with life – we even had a spa day – try going under the steamer for a facial with a head full of cold!! But I enjoyed it anyway. This weekend, I’m hibernating.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m not feeling 100% I like to snuggle under warm blankets and just veg. Not much writing happens when my brain is clogged. And I’m trying not to feel guilty about that. Trying not to think about it in general actually, because I’m not feeling very positive about things right now. I don’t deal well with uncertainty, well, who does, right? I like a plan, I like knowing what’s coming next, what to prepare for and how to move past the obstacles. You can’t exactly do that with the world of publishing. The best I can do is keep writing, keep my eyes focussed on what is in front of me, the tangible, the things I can control, and quit worrying about the things I can’t. Oh, but it’s hard.

Still, I am so grateful for so many things today, even as I sit here coughing up a lung. I have so many wonderful friends who support me, my amazing family, so much to look forward to. Discouragement is easy to give in to, but I’m determined to move past it.

Okay, enough said. We haven’t talked books in a while, so let’s do that! These days I’m reading several great novels -

The Girl in the Gatehouse – Julie Klassen

The Girl in the Gatehouse is a historical, rich in detail with captivating characters – I’ve become a fan of Julie’s over the last couple of years, and I was so thrilled to meet her in person this past September in Monterey! We are with the same agency, so we got to hang out a bit. I recommend all her books, and there are a few of them!

Flight of the Earls - Michael K Reynolds 

Flight of the Earls is Michael’s first novel, and although I’m not very far along with it yet, I’m eager to dive in when I have the time to devote to it. The story is about Irish Immigrants, who leave the shores of Ireland for America, in 1846 – I know I’m going to find this fascinating, as I have always loved these kinds of stories.

Swimming to the Surface - Kristin Billerbeck 

Swimming to the Surface I just happened across the other day. Kristin is known for her YA novels, so when I saw that she’d written an adult fiction, I checked it out. I was even more surprised to discover the author has self-published this book, because that option is always in the back of my mind. It is a different story, but one that any Christian who has struggled within the church can appreciate. I’m looking forward to finishing it.

I still have a ton of books on my TBR pile, but those are three I’m enjoying at the moment. Writing wise, I’m still working on First Harvest, and a new story called Home to Castle Hill. Don’t forget, next month, April – Hidden in the Heart is ACFW Book Club’s pick of the month. I hope you will join in that discussion. And, as always, if you have enjoyed either of my books and would like to post a review, I welcome them! Still haven’t checked out my writing? Visit my website for information about my books and read the excerpts!

What’s on your current reading list? 

Why I Won’t Pretty It Up And Put A Bow On It…

 

It has been an interesting couple of weeks.

I have a lot going on right now, and in the back of my mind is always some thought about my so-called career as a writer. Am I doing enough? What next? Should I be working on this or this?

When I have stuff out on submission, as I do at the moment, I tend to play a lot of mind games. It’s a little tedious, but old habits die hard. I’ve been asking myself the big old ‘What If…’ questions. What if I wrote this for a certain publisher – if it got picked up, I could get a start on getting my ‘name’ out there as a legitimate author. A good thought. And not the first time I’ve considered it. But you see, the problem comes with the kinds of stories I would have to write if I were to submit something to this house. They’re good books, don’t get me wrong, but…the style is just…not me. Could I write that way? Sure. But I think what I really had to ask myself is, “Why would I want to?” Just for the sake of getting another book published? Maybe getting a little more recognition than I have now? Selling a few more books and maybe making a little bit more money than I have in the past?

Really? Is that why I’m doing this?

Incase you’re wondering, the answer is no.

From the time I started writing, I knew I wanted to convey a particular message. I knew that my style of writing would get down and dirty and probably not be considered wholesome enough for a vast majority of church goers. This was confirmed when Yesterday’s Tomorrow came out, and I was questioned, quite seriously, about the fact that my characters did and said things that this particular reader did not approve of or think should appear in a ‘Christian’ novel. And she had a point. My characters were lost. They were in the middle of a war zone for one thing…and yes, they did and said things that might make some little old lady’s hair curl. Before anyone freaks out and wonders what exactly is in that book, it’s quite acceptable I assure you. Obviously not acceptable for everyone, but that’s okay with me. I could not write that story any other way. And, yes, I prayed about it. I knew without a doubt, when that book was accepted for publication, that I had not sold out.I hadn’t prettied it up and made it into something it wasn’t. It was good the way it was. Thankfully, more than a few people agreed with me, but even if they hadn’t, I knew I’d written it the way I was supposed to.

So here’s my question:

Can we sanitize sin?

Can we take our ugly, brush off the dirt, wrap it in shiny paper, stick a pretty bow on it and call it beautiful? I don’t believe we can. We can leave it the way it is, step around it, ignore it, let someone else deal with it, but it’s still going to be there an hour later. Or the next day. And the next. At some point, we have to deal with it ourselves.

The real world is not pretty. People make poor choices. Devastating choices. Turn on the television for five minutes and get a load of the crap that we’re being fed on a daily basis. Is there no hope for a world that desperately needs it? I think there is. But I don’t think we can ignore what’s happening around us. I don’t think we can ignore the disintegration of the family. The anger in a teenager’s eyes. The lack of self-worth and self-respect found in our young women, and young men too. Alcohol abuse, drug abuse, gambling…you name it, it’s out there in some way shape or form in at least one of your neighbors homes. Maybe even in yours. I don’t think we can ignore these things. I don’t think we should. I think we should talk about them, write about them, pray about them.

But don’t ignore them.

Yes, I understand that we all love a happy, sweet story. I’ve read them and enjoyed them. I love my HEA (Happily Ever After) just as much as the next person. There’s a market for these books. But it’s not the market for me. I have things to say in my own way. And I might offend some people in the process. But I think it’s important to realize that everyone has a different way of telling a story. You may not like mine. But I won’t pretty it up for you. If you want to talk salvation, let’s talk sin. You can’t have one without the other.

This past Friday, after a wonderful eye-opening conversation with a dear writer-friend, I posted the following on Facebook:

I will not write words I think the world wants to hear. I will write words I know the world NEEDS to hear. I will keep it real and not sanitize it – because the real world is ugly and dirty and desperate and in need of HOPE. Today, I give myself the freedom to express my heart the way God intended me to, and the faith to trust Him for the outcome. 

Where that will take me in the publishing world is a big unknown. But if I’m trusting, then I also need to start believing. My stories will be written, and somehow, in some way, shape or form, I will share them.

And maybe you, in turn, will share yours with me.

Marketing Or A Root Canal?

 I’ve never had a root canal and I pray I never have to, but when I’m faced with marketing my books, I sometimes think I’d rather face down the dentist’s drill.

This is not for the faint of heart, folks.

To be honest, I think I suck at it. For one thing, I’m kinda introverted. The idea of shouting about myself from the rooftops makes me shudder. I’m also not terribly organized, so it’s been hard to formulate a great marketing strategy that actually works. And there’s the kicker. What works and what doesn’t? What should I spend my time on that will really help promote my books? Who do I talk to? Who do I ask to help influence my writing? Who will get up on the rooftop with me, and tell the world they’re missing out if they haven’t read a Catherine West novel yet?

Well, seems I’ve exhausted my list of family and friends already…

I’m asking all these questions because I have no answers. I don’t know why some books just seem to take off and some don’t. Is it better marketing, better writing, a bigger network? There are so many avenues these days, an author must choose wisely where she hangs out.

I enjoy GoodReads and spend a bit of time trying to interact there. I like the fact that readers can post reviews, and I encourage this, as I do think the number of positive reviews of a book can influence a purchase.

Twitter is a phenomenon unto itself and I’m not sure I quite get it. I have over a thousand followers, but do they all really see my tweets? Do they care? Probably not. I’m not convinced you can sell anything through Twitter, but you can promote. Same goes for Facebook. I have a personal page and an Author Page (if you haven’t Liked it yet, please do!), but there again, I’m always asking myself how much is too much? Should I really be pushing my books over Facebook? Do people think I’m a pain in the rear if I do? Do they think I’m dumb if I don’t?

Social media, for me anyway, has always been fun. I love Facebook (hi, I’m Cathy and I’m a Facebookalohic…) I love the interactions with family and friends on both my pages, so I’m hesitant to take advantage of that. I’ve seen the barrage of updates and tweets from authors promoting their books daily, sometimes several times a day. Frankly it turns me off more than anything. It’s like those telemarketers that call the minute you sit down to dinner…nobody wants that kind of reputation. I sure don’t. I’d rather create a community where I can get to know my readers and they can get to know me, and let the marketing evolve naturally. But how do I create that community without letting people know about my books? It’s a conundrum I haven’t quite come to grips with.

So what’s the answer?

If you’re an author wading through marketing waters, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What works for you and what doesn’t? 

If you’re a reader, tell me what might work for you? What gets you to take another look at a book you hear about through social media? Why do you hit that ‘purchase’ button?

Why wouldn’t you? 

To discover Catherine’s novels, Hidden in the Heart and Yesterday’s Tomorrow, please visit her website. You can read the first chapter of both books HERE.

 

 

Ain’t Nobody Got Time For Dat!

Right?
If you have no idea what the title of this post means, you’re excused. Maybe you don’t have kids, YouTube or the Internet at all. It’s okay. It happens. Believe me, I wouldn’t know anything about Sweet Brown and her quest for a cold pop gone wrong either if it weren’t for my kids rolling around on the kitchen floor one night, laughing hysterically over something they’d just watched on YouTube. And watched again. And again. And again.

So, I was curious. I sat down with them  and watched, and this is what I saw:

Okay, I admit it. I laughed. And I watched it again. And a few times the next day. And I laughed harder.

Then this came along:

Iconic stuff in the making.

What, you think I’m kidding?

Sweet Brown is now doing commercials, yes, she’s got time for dat…and I’ll bet she has more money now than she did when she went in search of a cold pop one night and found her apartment complex on fire.

Life is funny.

Sweet Brown didn’t set out to be famous. She just opened her mouth and told her story. In her own way. She kept it real. And we related. Something about the woman just draws us, makes us laugh. For whatever reason, she’s a likable character.

All too often we fool ourselves into thinking we need to be so much more than who we are. We need to be thinner, richer, more successful. We need more friends. More this, more that.

Ain’t Nobody Got Time For Dat! It’s exhausting for one thing. Take it from me. I’ve been there.

A long time ago I used to think certain things were important. That they made me who I am. That if I didn’t have the right clothes, the right friends, the perfect marriage, well-behaved kids…then somehow I was failing. So I worked really hard to make it look like my world was perfect. And it was far from it. I might have fooled a few folks here and there, maybe even friends who knew me well, but I couldn’t fool God. I finally faced the music and fessed up, and started to get real. It’s amazing really, the freedom that comes with authenticity.

Today, I’m not perfect, but I’m not trying to be. I look back on those early years of married life and raising kids without a clue, and I smile. I even thank God for those days when I felt like I just couldn’t breathe, couldn’t take one more step. Because they taught me to lean on Him. The lessons I learned to get to where I am today have become invaluable. I will continue to make mistakes, but I won’t hide behind them. With me, what you see is what you get, like it or not.

Authenticity is a rare gift these days, and one I value highly. I strive to keep it real, not only in life, but in my writing. I want to create characters that my readers will relate to, because they see something of themselves in that story, and they want to go along for the ride. I keep it real because I know that true healing comes in the honest moments. I keep it real because I know from bittersweet experience, that sometimes the only way up is down. I keep it real, because, well…because it’s no fun being fake.

Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That!

Tell me about it. Are you struggling to keep it real or have you found the joy in authenticity? 

Like authentic characters who struggle through their daily lives just like you? Then you’ll enjoy Yesterday’s Tomorrow, and Hidden in the Heart. Give them a try today! Available in paperback and Kindle.

Testing, testing…

Well, I tried to post several times yesterday, but for some reason my new page wasn’t showing up.

I think and hope it is now!

Anyway, I thought I’d share a snippet of what I’m working on – no idea when this might get done, but if you want to check it out, head up to In The Works, and the top of this main page and click on that page.

Enter a comment, follow this blog if you’re not already, sign up for my newsletter, and tell me what you think the book is that I’m working on, and I’ll one lucky winner a copy of Hidden in the Heart! Hint, you will have a better chance if you’ve read Yesterday’s Tomorrow!

So that’s it. I apologize if you already saw this yesterday…sometimes computers are just really annoying!

Finally Able to Announce….

 

 

My new novel, Hidden in the Heart, will release SEPTEMBER 15th, through OakTara Publishers. As you may have gathered from some of my posts this summer, getting this book out has been more than a little stressful. But I suppose the saying is true, All good things come to those who wait…

So now I am in the midst of trying to organize influencers and reviewers and figuring out a marketing strategy that works…with no time to spare. But I’m excited. This story means a lot to me and I’m thrilled that it is finally going out into the world. I hope you love it like I do.

About Hidden in the Heart

Everything Claire wants seems to be beyond her reach…

 After losing her mother to cancer and suffering a miscarriage soon after, Claire Ferguson numbs the pain with alcohol and pills, and wonders if her own life is worth living. Adopted at birth, Claire is convinced she has some unknown genetic flaw that may have been the cause of her miscarriage. She must find a way to deal with the guilt she harbors. But exoneration will come with a price.

With her marriage in trouble and her father refusing to answer any questions about her adoption, Claire begins the search for her birth mother.

For the first time in her life, she really wants to know where she came from.

But what if the woman who gave her life doesn’t want to be found?

For all those who have loved, experienced loss, and lived life’s roller-coaster

IF you are a BOOK REVIEWER (seriously reviewing books, posting on Amazon, GoodReads, CBD etc… and are interested in reviewing Hidden in the Heart, please contact me at catherine at catherinejwest dot com

The book isn’t up on Amazon yet, but I have put it up on GoodReads.

You can check out my Facebook Author page as well, spread the word and share the news with your friends!

On a different note, I found out today that my first novel, Yesterday’s Tomorrow, received the Silver Medal in the Reader’s Favorite Awards, so that’s pretty cool!
Thanks for helping me celebrate!

 

Meet Author Deborah Raney!

If I start talking about this amazing author, I won’t be able to stop. I’m sure most of you reading this have read at least ONE of Deb’s wonderful novels. I remember reading A Vow To Cherish many years ago, and thought, wow, so this is what this Christian fiction stuff is all about. I can do that. I want to do that. And so began a very long journey to my becoming a writer, and finally seeing my work in print. Deb’s been such an inspiration to me in so many ways, especially as an encourager as I ventured forth to write Yesterday’s Tomorrow. I definitely credit her in large part for that book finally finding a publishing home, because she kept telling me not to give up on it!

With her involvement in ACFW and the way she mentors other writers, Deb is truly a shining example to all of us as she gives back to our writing community. And yes, if you haven’t met her in person yet, she really IS as sweet as she looks!

I’m absolutely thrilled to have her on the blog today, and I hope you enjoy her visit as much as I will!

Who Are You?

In this order, I am: a child of God, a wife, a mom, “Mimi” to four precious grandchildren, a daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. And I am a full-time novelist. I also love to teach writing and mentor new writers at conferences from California to North Carolina. It seems odd to list “novelist” at the end of that long string of titles, especially when sometimes the hours I spend writing are so much greater than the time I get to spend in those other, vastly-more-important roles. But I hope I always treasure people above things. The truth is, I love every one of the roles God has given me, and have found immense blessing in each one. My dream as a young girl was to be a stay-at-home mom (I wanted a dozen children, but when we got to 4, it seemed like 12 and I am perfectly content with our two sons, two daughters, and the four grandchildren (so far) who have blessed our lives.

Where Are You Now?

My husband Ken and I live in the beautiful, bountiful, friendly state of Kansas, and every chance I get, I spend time in the lovely prairie garden Ken has created

in our backyard. This is my favorite view of the garden from the back deck

(For more photos, check out my garden blog: www.kansasprairiegarden.blogspot.com.)

Where Are You Going?

I hope I’m always only going exactly where God directs me to go. Three and-a-half years ago, my husband was laid off from his job after twenty-five loyal years with the same company. Since that frightening day, we have learned so much about following God one step, one day at a time. I’ve always been a person who liked to have her ducks in a row and a neat check-list to follow each day. But I’m learning that God doesn’t necessarily work that way, and what a HUGE adventure it has been to toss our lists and dreams and goals aside for a season, and just run with Him. Though there have been some rough patches, we have both recently decided that the layoff was the best thing that could have happened to us at this time in our lives. Our trust in God has grown in amazing ways, and He has provided every single one of our needs (which are a LOT less than we might have thought <g>). He’s also provided many, many things that we now realize are luxuries and blessings from His hand. And though we are technically poorer than we’ve been in many years, we are richer in so many––far more important––ways.

DEBORAH RANEY’s first novel, A Vow to Cherish, inspired the World Wide Pictures film of the same title and launched her writing career after 20 happy years as a stay-at-home mom. Her books have won numerous awards including the RITA, the Carol Award, National Readers Choice Award, HOLT Medallion, and have twice been Christy Award finalists. Deb’s newest novel released from Howard/Simon & Schuster in May. She and her husband, Ken Raney, enjoy the wildflowers and native grasses in the Kansas prairie garden in their backyard. They also love traveling together to teach at conferences, and to visit four children and four small grandchildren who all live much too far away. Visit Deb on the Web at www.deborahraney.com.

 

AFTER ALL (Book 3 in the Hanover Falls Novels series from Howard/Simon & Schuster) Eighteen months after the tragic Grove Street Fire took the life of her husband, David, and four other heroic firefighters, Susan Marlowe thinks she’s finally beginning to heal. But then she discovers that David carried a secret to his grave. A secret that changes everything she thought their marriage had been. For the sake of their sons, can Susan forgive the unforgivable?Andrea Morley lost her closest friend in the fire. But she has no right to mourn him. Instead, she must forever grieve in silence—because her dearest friend was someone else’s husband. Peter Brennan carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. As Hanover Falls’ fire chief, he was responsible for the brave firefighters who lost their lives that awful November night. Can he ever shake the feeling that he should have somehow prevented the tragedy? As he tries to rebuild the team at Clemens County’s Station 2, it seems he might find comfort in the arms of the woman he least expected.

 

Celebrating Life’s Little Victories…

While it is hard to believe this picture was taken over a year ago, I still smile when I look at it. Because, if you can’t really figure it out, that’s me, signing a copy of my book, Yesterday’s Tomorrow. My book. For a “wannabe published” author, I have to say, yes, it’s everything you dreamed it would be. And then it’s not.

It’s not immediate fame and fortune.

It’s not the phone ringing off the hook with your agent presenting you with ten different movie deals and a bazillion dollar check if you write five more books just like that first one.

It’s not the end of all your hard work, blood, sweat and tears.

It IS humbling.

It IS exciting.

It IS validating.

BUT…and I hesitate here, because I know I’ve written so much about this before and I hate to bore you to death…but I do believe this needs to be said again. So my BUT here is simply this:

Having one book published does not mean you’ve made it.

The sad thing is, I was really hoping it did.

I was hoping that as soon as one book got out there, people would be clamouring for the next. Publishers would be hounding my agent for my next book, asking for sequels from the first, the movies deals…you know. All the regular Joe Schmo stuff we all dream about every night.

None of that happened.

As much as I can wholeheartedly say I believe Yesterday’s Tomorrow was meant to be published, I’m still trying to figure out why. Because if I worried about my sales figures, let’s just say right now I’d be wearing a very form fitting white jacket, in a lovely padded cell. And I doubt I’d be offered any wine to calm me down.

Yeah. I kind of let the whole Amazon rankings thing fall by the wayside a while ago. The funny thing is, as much as my sales figures suck, people still seem to like the book. I’ve done well in the contests I’ve entered, in fact I’ve just been told that my book finaled in The 2012 Reader’s Favorite Awards, in the Christian Historical category. That’s pretty cool. It’s not a place on the NYT’s Bestseller List, but hey…it’s a little victory. And I’m okay with that.

So do figures matter when I know people are enjoying the story? Maybe even getting a message from it?

I would love to say they don’t. But I know that isn’t true. If I was with a big publisher and my book bombed, I doubt they’d be taking me on to write another one.

A year ago, honestly, I probably had much bigger hopes and dreams for my book. Today, I’m learning to be satisfied with my here and now. Because I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

I’m not sure what the future holds for me, Catherine West – Author. I pray I can continue to do this thing that I love – but I don’t know if that is my reality. Truthfully, I don’t know that in a year from now I will have another book with my name on it. And I don’t know that I won’t.

So for now, my choice is simple.

I celebrate the here and now.

I celebrate that I finaled in a contest that, at the end of the day, probably won’t mean that much. But for me, tonight, it does. Because it says that out of fifty or whatever books, mine was one of five that readers enjoyed most. And really, if I’m not writing books that readers enjoy, then I better stop writing.

This whole being published thing is an interesting journey, one I’m still trying to figure out as I go.

When I read about and look at pictures of the devastation in Colorado over the past week, my heart grieves. Who am I to even worry about my future as an author when my friends out there are worrying about homes, loved ones and where they are going to sleep tomorrow night?

They are faced with choices too. Grieve and cry “Woe is Me!” or stand tall and proclaim, “Blessed Be The Name of The Lord.” I am proud to say the latter is exactly their choice.

Blessed Be The Name of The Lord. 

So for now, for today, these are my thoughts.

I choose to celebrate the little things. Even when the world around me makes no sense.

I, like my wonderful brave friends in Colorado, choose to trust my God.

Blessed Be Your Name. 

The Moment That Changes Everything…

If you’re a romance fan, whether you’re just a reader, a lover of romantic movies or a writer, you know that there comes a point in every story, that single defining moment – that AHA!, lightbulb moment –  that changes everything. It could be the hero finally realizes what he’s been missing all this time and declares his love for his girl. Could be the girl wakes up one day and realizes what a mistake she’s made sending that guy away, because she loves him. Can’t live without him. It’s the kiss in The Notebook. The “You Complete Me,” scene in Jerry Maguire. That scene in a book that makes you put it down, sigh and reach for the tissues.

You know what I mean, right?

Well, I thought it might be kind of cool to share a few scenes with each other today. Have you written anything lately that you think is swoon worthy? Seen a movie that touched your heart and make you tear up? Read a book with exactly that kind of scene in it? Nice authors will give you more than one. Maybe you have an amazing romantic moment of your own between you and the love of your life to share. Don’t be shy! There are plenty of tissues to go round.

I’ll give you a couple of my favorite scenes to get us started – Here’s one between Kristin and Luke, from my novel Yesterday’s Tomorrow -

‘She heard his heavy steps on the concrete behind her. He placed his hands on her shoulders, gently turning her to face him. In his eyes stirred questions she wasn’t sure she had answers to.
“Do you really want to stay?”
She searched his face, desperate for anything that might reveal his heart. “I don’t know,” she whispered, unwanted tears stinging. “This place—there’s something about it. I can’t explain…”
“You don’t have to.”
She didn’t have to. She knew he loved the very same things. The natural beauty of Vietnamrounded emerald hills older than Confucius himself, rich with ancient history that kept account of the beliefs and religions its people followedthe quiet way the villagers spoke as they allowed her into their huts and offered up Vietnamese hospitalityand
the children. She loved the children in a way she would never have imagined. And had someone told her a few months ago that she would have anything in common with Luke Maddox, she would have laughed until she cried.
Yet here they were.
Luke’s smile was sad as he brushed away her tears with the base of his thumb. “What do you want to do, Kris?”
“I don’t think I want to go home.”
“Good. I don’t want you to.”
The declaration settled into her soul, nudging it ever so slightly toward hope.
His hands moved her hair out of her eyes and came to rest around her face. He pulled her closer and placed his forehead against hers. He sighed, soft and low, as though he’d given up the fight. And then his lips claimed hers.
His kiss, sweet and lazy, left her breathless and longing for more.
“Oops.” Luke drew back, rubbing his nose against hers.
“What was that?” She slipped her arms about his waist and smiled as he tightened his embrace. She loved the way his eyes caressed her now,
filled with a new light that thrilled her.
That she could feel such pleasure in the middle of hell seemed ludicrous.
“I don’t know. Let me refresh my memory.” His lips found hers again, and she allowed it. One moment in time would not change anything…or it would.
She didn’t care anymore.’

Copyright © Catherine West Yesterday’s Tomorrow 2011

And here’s one of my favorite scenes between Gray and Victoria, in my new book (not yet published) Reprisal -

“It was good to talk. I’m glad you called.”
“Actually, you called me.”
She laughed. “I’m hanging up now. Tell everyone I said hi.” She paused, sniffed again. “Gray?”
“Yeah?”
“Remember when we met and you said I’d live to regret the day I walked in and took over your life?”
Guilt punched his gut and Gray made a fist against the pain. “Yeah, I remember.” Like it was yesterday.
“You were wrong. I have no regrets.”
He sucked in air and sat in a downpour of feeling.
Disbelief, amazement, gratitude and love flooded every inch of him. This was unlike anything he’d ever felt in all the time they’d been together. This was real, here, now.
His.
He’d spent years chasing down all the wrong things when the most wonderful thing in the world had been right there beside him the whole time.
And he’d let her go.
He wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice.
“I love you, Victoria Montgomery. Just so you know.”
She breathed into the phone a moment and then sighed. “I kind of figured you did.”
“And?”
Sweet laughter infiltrated the darkest parts of his soul and he fell in love all over again.
“I love you too, Gray. Although most days I don’t have the slightest idea why.”
“Give me a second chance and I’ll help you figure it out.”

Copyright © Catherine West Reprisal 2012

Your Turn! Share your favorite romantic scenes with us!

That’s All She Wrote…

Many who know me understand just how long and hard I worked to achieve my dream of becoming a published author. It took years. Years of believing I had a story worth telling. A story others would relate to and relish, characters readers would love as much as I did.

That dream came true on March 15th, 2011, with the release of Yesterday’s Tomorrow.

And now, a year later, in this season of spring, of new growth and second chances, I’m facing down a few giants.

What if you only get one shot? What if your dream comes true, but it’s a fleeting moment that fades far too quickly? What if that’s all there is?

As I sit here on this Easter Sunday, Resurrection Day, I am mindful that today is a day of new beginnings. A day to put aside the past and press on toward the future. A day to look forward, in anticipation of what is to come.

And I find myself paralyzed. Dreadfully afraid that I’ve had my piece of the pie and the pan is empty. Would it be enough? Would I be satisfied with the gift I’ve been given and not want more? Could I be?

You see, through circumstances beyond my control, I find myself at a crossroads where my writing is concerned. I have some tough decisions to make and I’ll be making them soon. Decisions that will affect what happens next in my short-lived career as a published author. Decisions that ultimately, whether I want them to or not, make me feel as though I’ve somehow taken ten steps back instead of moving ahead as planned. Decisions I will not celebrate.

What if that’s all she wrote?

This is where the proverbial rubber meets the road. For me. Right here. Do I face what is to come with the faith that God who has started a good work in me will see it through to completion? Or do I throw my hands up and lament the (albeit temporary) end of a dream? The end of years of hard work and perseverance. And ultimate victory that provided much joy.

I hope this is just a speed bump. I know I will continue to write. The stories are there. Inside of me. Waiting to be told and told well. But who is to say those stories will find an editor, a publisher to take them on and turn them into books? No guarantees. I knew that going into this game. I’ve been lucky. Blessed.

But today, like many, many others out there, I am faced with the unknown.

Today I must grasp all head knowledge and convince my heart it still makes sense. Maybe one day it will. Right now, it doesn’t. But I do know that God has a plan. And it is good. And so I will fight discouragement. I will continue to try to find joy in the journey. I will continue to write with the belief that one day, perhaps soon, perhaps not, my stories will be shared once again with readers.

Today I will look up, even through tears, and I will trust. Believe.

And hope.

What are you facing in this season of new beginnings? Where does your strength come from? Let’s encourage each other today!