It's Not 'Goodbye,' It's 'See You' by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

When my son was a toddler, he developed the most charming idiosyncrasy. He never simply said, ‘Goodbye.’ Rather, with his security blanket tucked safe against his cheek, his eyes drooping with exhaustion after spending a Sunday with his boisterous extended family, he’d wiggle his chubby little fingers at Grandpa and Grandma and murmur, “Buh-bye. See you.”

He never failed to add the ‘See you.’

Over time, the way we interpreted it, a type of instinct seemed to kick in. You see, he never wanted to simply say ‘Goodbye.’ Instead, he clung to the words ‘See you.’ Goodbye was too final. Saying ‘See you’ meant there’d be another gathering, more shared moments, more laughter, more joy and happiness to be found. Together. To this day—and he’s an incredible grown man with a family of his own—he remains the same. That tradition carried over. When we get together, and a parting is at hand, we don’t say goodbye. We say, ‘See you.’

Those precious moments are amplified for me now and I’m hoping that instinct will serve me well as I come to a crossroads and wrestle with a difficult decision. Five years ago to this very month, I joined the Seriously Write team as a monthly contributor. Annette Irby (God bless her – she’s truly a hostess with the mostest) invited me to participate in this remarkable blog and embrace the mission of encouraging fellow authors. Being a cheerleader by nature, I embraced the journey.

During those five years, I gained much more than I gave, believe me, and I pray I’ve succeeded in touching a few hearts along the way. The thing is, life marches in, and marches on. After a lot of prayer and months of deliberation, I’ve decided the time has come to move on. Not to say a dreaded ‘Goodbye’ but to say, ‘See you.’

My prayer for each and every one of you who visit Seriously Write is that you find nourishment, and hope. I want to thank the gifted team that works tirelessly on this blog’s quality, message, and impact. You’re God-given treasures and I’m grateful for the time we’ve spent together, not just as fellow travelers on this crazy-wonderful writing journey, but as fellow travelers on the road to creating stories that honor Christ, affirm faith, and send a message of hope into a hurting world. Sharing my thoughts with you has been a privilege.

But, remember…

This doesn’t mean I’m gone forever. Perhaps the team will welcome me back when I have the occasional spark to share. This isn’t ‘Goodbye.’ This is ‘See you.’ And until time comes, may God bless you and shine through you.

With much love,

Marianne

   

*****

Benjamin Fisher melds with quiet perfection into the tapestry of the Fisher family. The youngest of the three Fisher men, Ben is gifted with skills that keep machines running, crops efficiently harvested, farm structures sound and secure.

But there’s one person in the small village of Antioch, Indiana who has noticed and adored the man since her youth. Hailey Beth Thomas. Hailey Beth’s sister is marrying Ben’s brother in a spring wedding that promises to be the event of the season. Thrown together as the heady romance of an upcoming marriage takes place, love and revelation come to life.

Unknown to anyone else, Ben wants to answer a call to the mission fields of North America that will lead him far from the life he has always known. Ben longs to serve, but he wants a life with Hailey Beth as well. Hailey Beth can’t leave Antioch, but can’t bear the idea of losing Ben.

Are they meant to be together, or will God’s call pull them apart just as they’ve found a way to one another?

*****

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of faith-affirming fiction who has won acclaim from critics and readers alike. RT Book Reviews named her book Forgiveness a 4.5-Star Top Pick and readers laude her books as ‘riveting’ and ‘true to heart.’ She’s a life-long resident of Michigan who calls suburban Detroit home.

Encouraging the Writer Within by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

Spring is inching closer and closer - and with it comes the promise of warmer, sunny weather, and longer days. I can't wait! It's time for a solid dose of encouragement and inspiration. 

Hope you enjoy these slices of wisdom and inspiration - and I hope you find your way not just to the bloom of flowers and earthy soil, but an energizing of the writing spirit as well!  Enjoy!

Which of these pearls spoke to you? For me, it was 'Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.' Powerful - and so true of what we do when we sit down and begin/continue the process of creating. I'd love to hear your thoughts, and your own inspirations! 

Until next month ... happy writing, and keep blooming!

*****

Benjamin Fisher melds with quiet perfection into the tapestry of the Fisher family. The youngest of the three Fisher men, Ben is gifted with skills that keep machines running, crops efficiently harvested, farm structures sound and secure.

But there’s one person in the small village of Antioch, Indiana who has noticed and adored the man since her youth. Hailey Beth Thomas. Hailey Beth’s sister is marrying Ben’s brother in a spring wedding that promises to be the event of the season. Thrown together as the heady romance of an upcoming marriage takes place, love and revelation come to life.

Unknown to anyone else, Ben wants to answer a call to the mission fields of North America that will lead him far from the life he has always known. Ben longs to serve, but he wants a life with Hailey Beth as well. Hailey Beth can’t leave Antioch, but can’t bear the idea of losing Ben.

Are they meant to be together, or will God’s call pull them apart just as they’ve found a way to one another?

*****

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of faith-affirming fiction who has won acclaim from critics and readers. RT Book Reviews named her book Forgiveness a 4.5-Star Top Pick and readers laude her books as ‘riveting’ and ‘true to heart.’ She’s a life-long resident of Michigan who calls suburban Detroit home.

A Broken Heart Can Lead You to Rise by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

Once upon a time, the seeds of a series planted themselves in my heart. I saw a farm. A family. Midwest strong and vibrant. Within this harvest I saw three brothers. A picturesque piece of rolling land in Indiana. There were low-lying, rippling fields of soybeans. There was turmoil, faith, and overwhelming love.

For the bulk of their lives, my brother and sister-in-law, John and Mary Hilger, oversaw the operations of a 400-plus acre farm much like the one I imagined. They bore and raised six daughters, and life was good. Much like the family I imagined. You couldn’t leave their home without a heap of fresh fruits and vegetables. John’s laughter, his Christ-centered heart, resonated through all who knew him. Mary’s spiritual artwork ( www.spiritualhands.org ) was acclaimed and on-the-grow. Much like the faith I imagined.

John and Mary not only helped me research and develop my series, The Fishermen of Antioch, their example was something to which I longed to pay homage. Within their large, boisterous, loving unit, they demonstrated Christ’s love at its best. Plus, they were mentors to me and key to my spiritual discovery and growth.

So, I began to write a trio of books that honored farm families, stories that celebrated deep roots. I wanted to shine the light of respect upon those who work the earth and harvest without thinking of anything else but community provision. How much like our Father God? In John and Mary’s world, if strawberries rested on the vine after the main harvest, those without means were bussed to their farm to pick the fields clean. For free. Waste of God’s gifts was never an option.

John and Mary saw their family to fruition. As life’s golden-age came upon them, sons-in-law joined the picture. A multitude of grandchildren blessed their lives and there was retirement on the near horizon. They had plans. An art and Scripture-based ministry they’d carry out from church to church was already taking off. John’s engaging recitation of Scripture coupled with Mary’s ordained artwork brought souls to the Kingdom. They couldn’t wait to embrace an exciting new season of life. A few Christmases ago, their family gifted them with a river cruise through Europe that would take them to Germany—a long-held bucket list destination.

Before departing, John and Mary stopped by our house on their way to Detroit Metro Airport. We shared dinner, and, in typical fashion, Deacon John prayed over me as they prepared to depart for Europe. Selfless love. I prayed with and for him as well, but nothing was as special as a blessing from John…

Less than a day after they left, we received a panicked text notification from Mary that read, simply: “PRAY.” We did, of course…but that’s where the story takes a twist. Soon we discovered what prompted her outcry. Following dinner on the first night of their cruise, John suffered a massive heart attack. Thanks to Jesus alone he was in Amsterdam and was immediately transported to a world-class hospital where he was placed in a medically induced coma.

We prayed, we believed, we stormed the gates of heaven. Meanwhile, all six daughters made their way to Amsterdam, battling horrific weather patterns, botched deliveries of passports, and a nightmare of bureaucracy…but by the grace of God alone, they all made it there.

Just hours before John passed away.

My sister-in-law has written a book about her journey through grief. It’s called ‘Finding Beauty in Ashes.’ The story is amazing. Meanwhile, the final book of the Fishermen of Antioch series releases in March. The result, I hope, will honor my original God-given goal, and the rich legacy of a family’s love.

*****

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Within each story we create, there's so much more than meets the eye.

*****

Benjamin Fisher melds with quiet perfection into the tapestry of the Fisher family. The youngest of the three Fisher men, Ben is gifted with skills that keep machines running, crops efficiently harvested, farm structures sound and secure.

But there’s one person in the small village of Antioch, Indiana who has noticed and adored the man since her youth. Hailey Beth Thomas. Hailey Beth’s sister is marrying Ben’s brother in a spring wedding that promises to be the event of the season. Thrown together as the heady romance of an upcoming marriage takes place, love and revelation come to life.

Unknown to anyone else, Ben wants to answer a call to the mission fields of North America that will lead him far from the life he has always known. Ben longs to serve, but he wants a life with Hailey Beth as well. Hailey Beth can’t leave Antioch, but can’t bear the idea of losing Ben.

Are they meant to be together, or will God’s call pull them apart just as they’ve found a way to one another?

*****

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of faith-affirming fiction who has won acclaim from critics and readers. RT Book Reviews named her book Forgiveness a 4.5-Star Top Pick and readers laude her books as ‘riveting’ and ‘true to heart.’ She’s a life-long resident of Michigan who calls suburban Detroit home.

The Angel Who Wanted to Stay by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

Happy New Year! We’ve turned the page to welcome 2019, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably packed away the nativity scene, the lights, the evergreen garlands formerly draped over entryways to welcome family and friends. It’s a bittersweet time, too, isn’t it? Reliving precious memories, contemplating the happiness and tears of a year gone by as a new, blank canvas stretches ahead of us.

I was swept into that introspective world as I took down the tree this year, and that’s when something strange and beautiful happened. For the second year in a row, I came upon an angel. The Angel Who Wanted to Stay. Here’s why that means so much to me now…

A year ago, amidst what felt like constant snowfall in Michigan, hubby and I toted our empty tree through a carpet of white, depositing it at the curb in front of our home for pick up by the municipal recycling team. It wasn’t until a brief thaw, in February, that I was walking to the mailbox, and caught sight of this lovely angel ornament, face up on the ground, an arm broken and resting nearby, but she was lovely as ever. 

She's been one of our ornaments for probably close to ten years, but held no heirloom-type designation. She was simply a beautiful representative of heaven who captured our hearts and imagination and made it onto the branches of our tree. With a lump in my throat, I lifted her from the dirt and grime, cleaned her off, repaired her, and stashed her to be hung on the tree this year, as always.

Fast forward a year.

Just a few short weeks ago we spent New Year’s Eve packing away Christmas décor. We started to carry our tree to the curb. From somewhere within the empty branches tumbled our pretty pink angel. I nearly cried all over again. Truly, we’re extremely careful about removing and storing our ornaments. We don’t ever want to lose these beautiful pieces of history. However, this angel—I promptly named her ‘The Angel Who Wanted to Stay’ – fell gently to the floor and I retrieved her all over again, wrapped her in tissue paper, and tucked her into a prize position in our ornament storage box.

Remember when I said she held no heirloom designation? That changed this year. With her lovely, demure features, her arm stretched in hopeful welcome toward heaven, I now treasure her dearly, and will make a conscious effort to find and box her from now on. She wants to stay in the tree…yet she wants to remain with us as well—for the second year running.

Somehow, some way, I believe God is trying to tell me something with that message. Blessings, friends, and may the New Year bring you blessings, joy, peace, and most of all love!

*****

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Discover the story of an ‘Angel Who Wanted to Stay’!

Do you have a Christmas mystery to share?

*****

Aaron Fisher is the middle-born Fisher man, but through necessity, he’s embraced the role of family leader. He’s always been the stronghold, the standard bearer. Aaron conforms. He fulfills and most often exceeds expectations. He’s stoic and strong—the sheep that stayed on course with the Savior.

Seen as the one most likely to marry a known and well-suited woman from town, Aaron intends to continue the traditions of faith, farming and family left behind in the footsteps of those who preceded him. Until he meets Emma Briggs.

A gifted RN, Emma enters Aaron’s life when his father experiences health issues tied to a weakened heart. She’s a newbie to Antioch’s medical facility who calms the family’s storm, but Emma harbors a secret, an undeserved shame she’s disclosed to no one in this tight-knit, rural town.

Emma is a mystery—the new and unknown quantity of Antioch. Aaron is part of its foundation and pulse. Can Emma’s past be reconciled to the present? Can she find acceptance in a new place—a new season—with the love of a lifetime?

*****

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of faith-affirming fiction who has won acclaim from critics and readers. RT Book Reviews named her book Forgiveness a 4.5-Star Top Pick and readers laude her books as ‘riveting’ and ‘true to heart.’ She’s a life-long resident of Michigan who calls suburban Detroit home.

The Tradition of Storytelling by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

I host Christmas Eve festivities for my extended family each year. What that means is, as you read this post, I’m frantically performing ‘white glove’ inspections of guest sleeping quarters, I’m decorating, I’m gift wrapping, I’m baking, and…I’m thinking, as always, about storytelling.

In the midst of what I affectionately refer to as my own version of ‘Christmas Cray-cray’ I stretched out in bed and read a devotional that stilled me and left me thinking about the tradition of sharing history, circumstance, and experience via the art of storytelling.

When I thought about it, I realized: This happens most especially at Christmas.

The most ancient and beautiful custom we have is that of sharing our stories and history with those we love who gather around us, sharing food, fellowship, and love. In my home, we assemble at a table overflowing with the favorite dishes we simply couldn’t do without each year: Grandma DeCou’s sugar cookies, Grandma DeSantis’ artichoke hearts following a traditional Italian feast of pasta, meatballs and salad.

Around this table, there’s reminiscence of growing up, lessons learned, people present, people passed; each moment forms the tapestry of our family table cloth, each story forms a piece of our shared lives. Christmas is a time rife with the exchange of not just gifts, but family history, some of it sweet, tender, and funny, some of it bitter-sweet.

Through it all, storytelling sparks continuity. Storytelling sparks a desire in the hearts of those who follow in our footsteps to carry on those precious traditions—not out of obligation but out of love and joyful remembrance. Out of respect for all the ways we stay connected even if logistical and heavenly distance keeps us apart.

I wonder if that isn’t how Jesus’ ministry not only built but sustained. He shared table with his disciples, and that table his disciples followed that tradition, moving Christianity from home to home, heart to heart, neighbor to neighbor, nation to nation, until nothing could stand in its way. So much like our own lives and families, right?

Nothing can stand in our way this holiday season. Share the laughter, share the tears and joys, share the victories and close-calls with those you love the most. My encouragement this month, my hope and prayer, is to share the truth that, even if you’ve heard Uncle Homer’s story a hundred times before’, maybe you can hear it for a hundred and one times. After that, remember to share it. To keep that flickering candle flame moving from taper to taper. Such is how legacies are not just born, but enriched, and passed on to the next generation.

This Christmas, light the world. Share your history, your light and never doubt its impact to shine for decades to come.

*****

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Share your history, your light. Never doubt its impact.

The most ancient and beautiful custom we have is sharing stories and history.

*****

            Dustin Farrell is expected to succeed. He’s gifted with the means and ability to take the world of business development by storm…and he’s doing just that, right on plan.

As Christmas approaches, he’s called home, to Hope Creek, Tennessee. He’s been given a slam-dunk objective from his investors: Take a small, local art shop and expand it into the retail mainstream.

Lillianna Bennett, Dustin’s former high school classmate, is part owner of Purple Door Art Market. Long ago, her shy sweetness captured his imagination, but nothing came of the affectionate flame between them.

Until a reunion at Christmas Inn. Dustin presents his offer, realizing the wallflower of his youth has bloomed into a confident, talented woman with the kind of free-spirited heart for which he always longed. And he wonders: Is a life of expectation, and ‘more’ what he really wants? Will his professional quest end up compromising Lillianna if her gifts and business become part of a wider view?

Most of all, will love be lovelier...the second time around?

*****

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of faith-affirming fiction who has won acclaim from critics and readers. RT Book Reviews named her book Forgiveness a 4.5-Star Top Pick and readers laude her books as ‘riveting’ and ‘true to heart.’ She’s a life-long resident of Michigan who calls suburban Detroit home.

It's All About Discipline by Marianne Evans

Marianne Evans

My writing time—those moments when I can sit in front of my computer and completely lose myself in my characters my stories—is limited.

Only by acts of supreme discipline, by making sure I commit even a small part of my day—every day—to my craft have I been able to keep moving forward as an author. There are no tricks. No secrets to share. All I have is this, and it’s truth: Long-term writing requires discipline. 

If you find yourself in the same boat as me, keep three words in mind: Sit, plot, type. 

Some of what you produce will be garbage. Some of what you produce will be beautiful, and take you (and maybe even your story) by complete surprise. But at the end of the day, in order to succeed, you have to log the word count. You have to commit yourself to task of sticking to your scheduled writing time even if you’re exhausted, even if that blinking cursor just keeps blinking at you. Push forward, even if you write no more than a few words, a few scene ideas, a few plot twists. 

Also, don’t limit yourself. If you’re trying to write chapter 3, but developments in chapter 5 are calling, write chapter 5. Don’t waste precious time agonizing. Write the scene that’s living in your heart and mind, then save it to be inserted later. Or, outline that plot twist and save it. When I create, I write fresh, and then re-read it the next day when I continue my story. This gives me an opportunity to polish and tweak, to add layers. I review again and again as my story grows, so I don’t hang myself up on writing perfectly the first time. Round one? I simply want to write from the heart. 

The holidays are coming, and there is so much for which to be thankful, so many blessings to rejoice in and to share. As an author, try to remain dedicated to the stories you have to tell. Guard your time as best you can, and keep pushing forward. It’s all about the discipline. 

Until next month friends—be thankful, share richly, and be blessed!

~~~~~

Dustin Farrell is expected to succeed. He’s gifted with the means and ability to take the world of business development by storm…and he’s doing just that, right on plan. 

As Christmas approaches, he’s called home, to Hope Creek, Tennessee. He’s been given a slam-dunk objective from his investors: Take a small, local art shop and expand it into the retail mainstream. 

Lillianna Bennett, Dustin’s former high school classmate, is part owner of Purple Door Art Market. Long ago, her shy sweetness captured his imagination, but nothing came of the affectionate flame between them. 

Until a reunion at Christmas Inn. Dustin presents his offer, realizing the wallflower of his youth has bloomed into a confident, talented woman with the kind of free-spirited heart for which he always longed. And he wonders: Is a life of expectation, and ‘more’ what he really wants? Will his professional quest end up compromising Lillianna if her gifts and business become part of a wider view? 

Most of all, will love be lovelier...the second time around?

~~~~~

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 He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.” 

Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. 

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.

Need a Kick in the Motivation? By Marianne Evans

I don't know about you, friends, but in my little slice of the world, life is moving at Mach 3 and I'm just hanging on for the ride. Between work life, writing life, family life, I get to feeling drained at times. Are any of you battling the time monster?

Those are the moments when I count on my faith, my family, my friends, to lift me up. So, with that in mind, I hope you'll allow me the privilege of, hopefully, giving you a shot in the inspiration. 

I pray you enjoy the following, and discover a few moments of joy and uplifting hope!

To start...….

Are you moving a mountain in your life right now? Is the season before you draining and full of an uphill exertion? Maybe there's purpose? An end result that isn't quite visible yet? …

I'm a 50-something, and, at work and in my writing life I sometimes wonder: Am I still "valuable?" Are my goals and objectives, my words and efforts, still important to building God's kingdom? When I feel doubt, I force myself to acknowledge the following:

It's often said worrying about tomorrow steals the joy you can find today. 

That in mind, I thought these words were so on-point (and I certainly need to take them to heart!! How about you?)

OH....YEAH. The power of perseverance. There have been (and, at times, ARE) times I come so close to quitting on the things I love. Is the same true for you? Do you feel knocked down?

KEEP. GETTING. UP.

Another powerful message of affirmation and being an overcomer.

C'mon now...you can DO it!!!!

And, when things don't go to plan....?

Tweak that crown on your head, stare into the mirror and remember...you belong to GOD!!

In conclusion, here's the most important piece of encouragement

I can offer you today...

With hugs, love, and many blessings to you, friends - until next month!

~~~~~

Sometimes, the hardest path to walk is the one that leads you home.

After college, Phillip Fisher shook the dust of Antioch, Indiana from his dress shoes and took off for Indianapolis. For the eldest of the three Fisher men, a business career promised stability and a fruitful future...until unemployment and exhausted resources force him back home.

He returns to Antioch to find his father's declining health, a family farm in disrepair, and heavy doses of resentment from his brother Aaron.

A repentant Phillip pays regular visits to Sundae Afternoon, the sweets and sundry shop run by Mila Thomas. Sundae Afternoon and the Thomas Grocery Market are staples of Antioch, just like the Fisher farm. A less than steady peace exists between the families, but Phillip always intrigued Mila. She admires his attempts to break free; at the same time, his return speaks of a noble, caring man.

But what happens once the farm is restored? What happens when Phillip is called back to Indianapolis? Mila’s roots are firmly grounded, and Phillip might leave all over again. Is returning home and the discovery of an extraordinary love, enough to bring them together forever?

~~~~~

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 He prompts her to create. Readers laude her work as “Riveting,” “Realistic and true to heart,” “Compelling.”

Her Christian fiction debut, Devotion, earned the Bookseller’s Best Award as well as the Heart of Excellence Award. Her follow-up novel, Forgiveness, earned Christian Small Publisher Book of the Year honors as did her book Hearts Communion. She is also a two-time recipient of the Selah Award for her books Then & Now and Finding Home. 

Marianne is a lifelong resident of Michigan and an active member of Romance Writers of America, most notably the Greater Detroit Chapter where she served two terms as President. You can connect with Marianne at www.marianneevans.com.