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| Darlene Panzera |
If
you’re struggling with what’s happening—or not happening—in your writing world,
you’ve come to the right place. I think you’ll be encouraged and inspired by
what Darlene Panzera shares about
her own journey to publication. ~ Dawn
The
Place Where Miracles Happen
Hi, my name is Darlene Panzera. I write clean, wholesome,
value-laden stories for the secular market and often wonder if I am in the right
place. But every time I ask, “Shouldn't I be writing Christian inspirational?”
the Lord clearly whispers the verse from 1 Corinthians 3:6, “I have planted,
Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” I’m reminded that what I am doing
is necessary—I am planting seeds. And I need to trust that I am in the place I
need to be.
Six years ago, before I published, I found myself in a
different place. When the economy collapsed I had to take a job in a gray,
windowless warehouse where I stood on a 2’ by 3’ rubber mat serving food
samples. Five family members passed away and the emotional toll was so great it
felt like there was a black cloud hanging over me. I continued to pray and
forced myself to get up at 5 a.m. each day to write, hoping what I did would
make a difference, hoping I could change things on my own.
However, 2 1/2 years later nothing changed and I reached the
point where I couldn't go on. I had to quit my job to save my sanity even
though my family needed the money and it didn't make sense. I have been a
Christian most of my life, but we all have those little pockets of our lives we
still like to hold on to. It's hard to give up complete control. But left with
no inner strength left inside me, that is what I did. I told God I didn’t know
what was ahead but my life was in His hands.
Less than four months later I won a one-time contest because
my manuscript had been the right one, at the right time, at the right place.
New York Times best-selling author, Debbie Macomber, selected my story to
publish along with her novella, Family
Affair. There is no doubt in my heart that it was God’s doing. That win
launched my career, and 8 books later, God continues to be my writing partner.
It is at the end of writing a novel that I feel God’s
presence the most. Just when I'm utterly exhausted, and can't think, and I’m
ready to say, “I can't do this!” and quit writing forever, that’s the place
where miracles happen. Those are the times after prayer that connections are
made, whole scenes are placed in my head, and the words seem to be whispered
into my ear. Never do I feel so close to God as in those moments. The place of
total surrender.
So the next time you sit at your computer staring at a blank
page, remember that writing is an act of faith and let these verses be an
inspiration: “With God, all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26) And His
promise, “I will be with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matt. 28:20)
Bree
Collins has finally come home to Fox Creek, Montana, to manage her family's
guest ranch. She knows she can handle any challenges that come her way, but
when the infuriating Ryan Tanner reappears in her life, Bree suddenly has
doubts about her ability to stay professional—and away from the handsome
cowboy.
Ryan
Tanner is in a bind. He needs to train a young foal for the upcoming show but
its mother would rather bite his hand off. Just his luck the cute cowgirl from
his past arrives back in town. Bree just so happens to have a reputation for
taming animals of this nature. Ryan is willing to make a deal with her, but he
has no intention of being swayed by her sweet smile or the tenderness she shows
his young son.
Yet
when fate brings them together, falling for one another becomes the easiest
thing in the world. Ryan might just want to wrangle this cowgirl's heart…but
will Bree give him the chance?
Darlene Panzera
is a multi-published author of sweet, fun-loving romance. Her career launched
with THE BET, included in bestselling
author Debbie Macomber’s FAMILY AFFAIR.
Her newest 3-book series, MONTANA HEARTS,
debuts October 2015 from Avon Books, a division of HarperCollins. Darlene lives
in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three kids and says, “I love writing stories that inspire people
to laugh, value relationships, and pursue their dreams.”
Visit Darlene at her website: www.darlenepanzera.com
