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| Misty M. Beller |
What prompted you to start writing? Did you always dream of
having your stories published? Was it something you began on a whim? Author Misty Beller shares what made her decide
it was time to put her imagination to work. ~ Dawn
The
Power of a Bucket List
This morning, I was telling a friend how proud I was that
he’s taken the initiative to accomplish something he’s wanted to do for years.
In his case, the accomplishments involved Invisalign and a pretty serious diet,
but it made me think back to several years ago when I first created my bucket
list.
The idea of a bucket list been on my mind for a while, and I
finally took the initiative when January 1st rolled around. You want to know
what was the first item I listed?
“Write
a novel that's published.”
Yes! Reading has always been a huge part of my life, but as
I held pen and journal in hand, I put words to the secret dream I’d never
admitted to anyone.
Now that I’d actually recorded that dream on paper, I
realized I had to do it. I made the commitment.
So, I had a general idea that I wanted it to be a Christian
western romance. But where to start? That blank Word document seemed much more
daunting than it had for any college essay or work memo. Somehow, all the thousands of novels I’d read didn’t give
me a clue how to start my own!
I finally decided I needed to find a good book to help me
plan, so off to the library I went. I stumbled upon (i.e. God led me to) the
best possible book to help me get started with a great plan: Plot and Structure by James Scott Bell.
For all you writers out there, I can’t recommend it highly enough!
From there, I soaked in every bit of writing instruction I
could from some amazing groups and individuals. Midway through that first
story, I discovered this neat group called the American Christian Fiction
Writers. Wow!
Writing and I have had a love affair since then, and I’ve
spent countless hours sitting with my laptop pouring out words onto the screen.
God has blessed my journey as a hybrid author, and now with six books released,
I have the special privilege of a full-time writing career. I pray for His
guidance and inspiration for every new story. Writing is in my blood. It’s my
passion. A true gift from my Heavenly Father, and I pray daily that he uses the
words for His purpose.
But now, as I begin my eighth novel, my mind drifts toward
that bucket list. Who would have thought it would turn into all this? What
other dreams has He planted for me there? What else will I miss if I don’t take
action?
What
about you? What’s on your bucket list? What’s the next dream you’re going to
pursue?
Lilly Arendale has fought the anger of prejudice all her life. Her Guatemalan mother and wealthy English father were very much in love and gave her the best of upbringings, but their family was never accepted in either country. Now, orphaned and alone in the mining town of Butte in the Montana Territory, the effects of racism have left Lilly with a one-year old daughter and a fierce desire to avoid men at all costs.
Marcus
Sullivan is a born adventurer, and the new preacher in town. He’s not afraid to
take a few risks and his ways may be unconventional, but he’s determined to add
some joy into the lives of these townspeople. Especially the beautiful young
mother who won’t have anything to do with him.
When
the threat to Lilly intensifies and her worst fears comes true, how can she
find the strength to release control of the one thing that matters most—her
daughter’s life? As Marcus steps in to help, the danger only
escalates. Has he finally taken a risk he can’t overcome?
Misty M. Beller
writes Christian historical romance, and is author of the bestselling Mountain
Dreams Series, including her latest release The Lady and the Mountain Promise.
Misty was raised on a farm in South Carolina, so her
Southern roots run deep. About eleven years ago, she made a career change from
farm life into the business world, where she worked as a Senior Manager and
Director of Process & Training. She’s now loving the life of a full-time
writer, wife, and mother.
You can find her on her website,
reader blog, marketing blog for authors, Goodreads, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.
