Saying Goodbye Can Be A Good Thing by Terri Weldon

This is my last post on Seriously Write. The last time I’ll ever pull up Blogger and load a post that will be published on This and That Thursday. It feels bittersweet.

My journey on Seriously Write has been progressive. I guest blogged, then became a regular contributor, and eventually moved to hostess when Dora Hiers felt led to pursue other writing related goals. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.

The ladies on the blog: Annette Irby, Dawn Kinzer, Sandy Ardoin, Dora Hiers, Angie Arndt, and Mary Felkins have been a joy to work with. I’d also like to give a special shout out to the regular contributors I’ve been blessed to work with: Sally Shupe, Patti Jo Moore, Susan Tuttle, and Heidi Chiavaroli.

Sounds sad so far – right? So you may be wondering where the Saying Goodbye Can Be A Good Thing title comes in. Each stage of my Seriously Write journey has been filled with anticipation of what each step would bring. That’s even true of the end of the blog.

I know God isn’t through with me or my writing yet, so I’m left to ask, “What’s next, Lord?” Seeing what God has planned and anticipating what the future holds is exciting. Knowing I’ll have more time to write or time to serve a writing group in some extra capacity is encouraging. Is the end of Seriously Write scary? Not really. When we discussed ending the blog it seemed as if God was leading us to do so. We may not know always what His plans are for us, but we know they are far greater than anything we could plan for ourselves.

Seriously Write has been good to me. I’ve made friendships I hope to never lose. A quote often attributed to Dr. Seuss says it best, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

So I leave you today with a smile. I’m feeling joyful that I was invited to be a part of Seriously Write. Blessings my friends – both now and forever.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all." —2 Thessalonians 3:16 NLT 

Saying Goodbye Can Be A Good Thing

A quote often attributed to Dr. Seuss says it best, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

Terri Weldon feels blessed to be a full time writer. She enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and shopping for shoes. One of her favorite pastimes is volunteering as the librarian at her church. It allows her to shop for books and spend someone else’s money! Plus, she has the great joy of introducing people to Christian fiction. She lives with her family in the Heartland of the United States. Terri is a member of ACFW and RWA. Readers can connect with Terri on her Website: www.TerriWeldon.com

A Blurred Future by Tanya Eavenson

As writers for the Christian market, we need to not only write about people of faith, we need to live like people of faith, seeking God's guidance in our careers. -- Sandy

Tanya: Recently I was asked to share what inspired my new story To Gain a Mommy. It might surprise you, but my inspiration behind this story isn't what most people would think of. It was actually a prayer. 

Several months ago I was asked to take a great position at the company I work for, but the catch was I'd barely have time for my family. So I prayed. In that prayer I asked God for direction for my family, my job, and my writing. 

I love how God knows us. 

He KNEW I had a desire to be a part of a boxed set of stories, working with other authors, and to write my first novella because without a push, I wouldn't have done it.

It all began by a simple post on my FB timeline. Someone posted to say that they had messaged me but wanted to let me know since FB has a couple of message boxes. 

I didn't know this! I clicked on messages and there it was, the extra message box, filled. As I read through them, I had a message asking if I'd be interested in joining the boxed set Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy. 

He answered my prayer! So needless to say, I didn't take the position and through this boxed set, I’ve become an Amazon Bestseller and an International Bestseller in three countries. Isn't God good!

Is there something you’re praying about? Trust in the Lord and He will direct your path.

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Tanya Eavenson is a bestselling author who enjoys spending time with her husband, and their three children. Her favorite pastime is grabbing a cup of coffee, eating chocolate, and reading a good book. Tanya is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Word Weavers International, and writes for Christ to the World Ministries. You can find her at her website http://www.tanyaeavenson.com/ on Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google, or on Amazon.

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tanya-Eavenson/e/B00B2UO5TE/

iTunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/author/tanya-eavenson/id592895861?mt=11

Barnes & Noble: http://ow.ly/YhpB1

Kisses, Kids and Bundles of Joy: 7 Christian Winter Romances

Snuggle up with seven brand new, never before published Christian winter romances from bestselling and award-winning authors. Kids and babies abound in this collection of novellas that will warm your heart all winter long.

To Gain a Mommy - Tanya Eavenson - When Hope Michaels decides to face her past, she unknowingly purchases the house across the street from her former fiancé—the man her twin sister married, then widowed. Fire Captain Carl McGuire can put out any flame, except for the one Hope sparks within him—some things never change. 

One Winter Kiss - Lindi Peterson 

Childish Ways - Jenn Faulk 

The Baby & the Bachelor - Cindy K. Green 

For Tracy - Trisha Grace 

Tropical Kiss Or Miss - Liwen Y. Ho 

Foolish Heart - Cindy Flores Martinez

The Urge to Write by Becky Lyles

Becky Lyles

What is writing to you? And how does God fit in? Join Becky Lyles today as she shares some encouraging words to begin your writing week. ~ Annette

The Urge to Write

by Rebecca Carey Lyles

Some of us call the itch to put pen to paper (or fingers to computer) a hobby. For others, like my friend who’s a corporate writer, writing is a business. Many, if not most, writers fit into my category, which is a bit different. We write to make money, but we don’t make enough green stuff to quit our day jobs.

I’m privileged to serve as an editor for my day job. Helping authors improve their manuscripts is challenging and fun. However, as I edit, a nagging voice at the back of my mind says I should be writing the next book, creating a blog post, sending out a newsletter, ordering bookmarks, setting up a giveaway...

The same voice kicks in when I tackle other non-writing projects. This summer, I helped our daughter plan her fall wedding, played hostess to summer visitors, took on a new volunteer responsibility, and traveled. I also fielded contractor questions and made color, fixture and dimension decisions as workers remodeled a small area of our home.

While all that fun activity was going on, I formed a marketing plan to launch my latest book, Winds of Freedom, which I thought would debut in June. And then it was July. Finally, all the pieces fell into place in August. But now that it’s early autumn and additional duties have kicked in, I don’t have time to hit the marketing hard or write. Yet, God is in control, and time is in his hands.

He has a plan for me and for the book—and for you. Psalm 138:8a says the Lord will work out his plans for our lives. Several psalms tell of God’s delight in the details of our daily steps. He even rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).

Although I provide the feet for God’s plan, his Spirit is the engine and the guide. All I have to do is pray for guidance, listen to his response (which can come through his Word, circumstances, the advice of others, or a Spirit nudge), and follow his leading. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3 NIV)

I’m not a theologian, but I have a feeling the “committing” is what makes God’s plans our plans. As a result, those plans will succeed. “Prayer is aligning ourselves with the purposes of God.” (E. Stanley Jones) “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13 NIV)

By God’s power and purpose, I will conquer—and so will you. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV) Lord willing, I will carve out time to market the current “Winds” book. And I’ll begin writing the third book in the series as soon as my daughter and her new hubby leave for their honeymoon (well, shortly thereafter J). “Do not despise these small beginnings. For the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” (Zechariah 4:10a NLT)

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Rebecca Carey Lyles grew up in Wyoming, the setting for her Kate Neilson novels. She currently lives in Idaho, where she serves as an editor and a mentor for aspiring authors and as a coach for women transitioning from prison to life on “the outside.” Winds of Freedom is the sequel to the award-winning first book in the Kate Neilson series, Winds of Wyoming. Learn more at www.beckylyles.com.

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Winds of Freedom

Winds of Freedom

Winter storms blast across the Whispering Pines Guest Ranch, and a cold wind blows through Kate Neilson’s soul. Despite her pain, Kate’s well-being takes a backseat to the needs of loved ones: her best friend, who’s been ensnared by evil; her failing great-aunt, whose dementia care keeps Kate guessing; and Laura and Mike Duncan, whose ranch and livelihood are threatened by a land-grabbing neighbor.