You're on a tight deadline, so what happens when life happens? A tragedy. A mind-numbing challenge that robs not only your breath, but your muse? Today Marianne Evans shares some of her secrets for carrying on and writing in the midst of real life. You'll be encouraged! ~ AnnetteThe Art of Being Selfless
by Marianne Evans
Have any of you longed to throw up your hands in abject surrender and cry out with the following: "God, I’m trying! I’m trying to follow Your call in my life, and I’m working as hard as I can to fulfill what I see as Your plan in my life, but reality keeps getting in the way. I just can’t seem to make the pieces match and meld. I just can’t seem to get it done…"
Some of you who know me understand the bittersweet year that was 2011. On some levels, it had been a dream year…with the affirmation of book sales and unparalleled confidence displayed by my editor and publishing house, Pelican Book Group.
But then came the month of June.
On June 16th, my father passed away from a sudden and quite literally heart-breaking health episode. From there, seismic life changes occurred. Life changes that snared what precious little writing time I could find and sent them upward in a puff of smoke.
Through the latter portion of 2011, I wondered if all the joy, hope and optimism had vanished from my life, if the momentum and pleasure of my writing life had vanished from my life.
In the months following my dad’s passing, I found myself thrust into the role of care-giver and support column to my mom as our entire family wrestled with the void left behind following my father’s death.
I won’t lie. Writing has become a struggle to maintain, but through it all, God’s faithfulness shines. I received incredible affirmation from my editor about my upcoming release, Devotion, and its potential to grace bookshelves both electronic, and brick and mortar. I’ve also signed on for a new, three-book series. Hope shines in the darkness, letting me know God has a plan, and a purpose for the calling he has placed on my heart.
Life changes bring about shifts in emphasis, and new, God-given footsteps. But what about the regular pattern of life? What about the routine, for me my writing, which has been such a calling on my heart, and passion?
In going with the flow, in embracing the shifts in life’s sand, we come to new, and sometimes even better understandings of our goals—both as writers and as Christians.
How has a life circumstance come upon you and changed what you want, and need, to do? How have you handled it? I’d love to hear your testimony!
From This Day Forward
Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.
Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.
For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?
'Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.
http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover
COUPON CODE: FALLPREVIEW 2012
~~~
Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories she creates. Her acclaimed novella, Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the four-book Woodland Series. Next, Evans tackles the topic of a loving marriage in turmoil in her Christian fiction debut, Devotion coming in November, 2012 from Harbourlight Books. Also in 2012, Evans kicks off her second Christian romance series with White Rose Publishing. Search & Rescue will be book one of the Sales Place series, which revolves around the folks who frequent a cozy and historic riverfront diner in downtown Detroit. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is very active in a number of RWA chapters as well as ACFW and the Michigan Literary Network.
Connect with Marianne at:
www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
Facebook Reader Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744
Twitter Handle: @marmo212
