Farewell to Seriously Write by Annette M. Irby

 

A little history

It’s hard to believe, after eleven and a half years, that the time has come to say adieu. But don’t worry. All the posts will remain here on the blog for the foreseeable future, with a convenient search option in the sidebar if you’d like to look up a topic or guest’s name.

Warning, gushing ahead!

I remember the day in June of 2009 when I first had the vision for what Seriously Write could be. Previously, I’d launched a couple of blogs and shared articles and book reviews. I knew I wanted to provide an avenue to encourage writers. As a member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) for a few years by that time, I’d had the honor of meeting many editors, authors, publishers, and fellow dreamers. I pondered asking them to guest post about writerly topics. Would they join in? They did! They wanted to give back too, while we promoted their work. A win-win.

Also, through ACFW, I met a local writing buddy, and we became very good friends. Right after launching this site I got in touch with my critique partner Dawn Kinzer and asked her if she’d be willing to join me in writing posts, scheduling guests, promoting, etc. She jumped in immediately. Thank you, Dawn! Seriously Write would not be what it is today without your faithful involvement for over a decade!

Through the years, other hostesses joined us to write posts, network, and schedule guests. Many, many authors, fellow editors, publishers, and fellow dreamers contributed. They shared devotions, how-tos, writing craft tips, journey-to-publication stories, and above all—encouragement. The writing life is challenging, given all the sacrifices and rejection. We wanted to tip the scales in the opposite direction and provide hope and support.

If you served as one of our hostesses over the years—thank you! I’d name you but I’d hate to leave anyone out. You are appreciated! My current fellow hostesses include: Dawn Kinzer, Sandy Ardoin, Terri Weldon, and Mary Felkins. Thank you for all you’ve done to enrich the writing community. Words aren’t enough, but God knows. May He richly bless you all for blessing writers!

Each hostess oversaw a weekday, and I tackled Mondays. I’ve had several awesome folks join me as regular contributors over the years. If you’re one of them, thank you! My current team for Mondays includes: Peter Leavell, Patty Nicholas-Boyte, and Melissa Henderson. Sending gratitude to you for your contributions and faithfulness month after month, year after year.

And dear readers of SW, know that we’ve prayed for you, that you’d be encouraged and blessed. That you’d find tips you could use. It’s been a privilege to serve you, and we hope you’ve found uplifting content here. Thank you for reading and sharing. You’ve encouraged us!

Writers rock!

If you’ve contributed to the blog, whether as a hostess, regular contributor, tech support, or a guest—thank you!! Seriously Write would not have survived this long without your contributions. May God richly bless you.

Technology changes a lot in eleven years! Gratitude especially goes out to Angie Arndt and Emily Conrad for answering panicked emails and helping the rest of us negotiate social media through those changes. You’ve saved the day several times. I think I speak for all the hostesses and some regular contributors when I say a hearty “thank you!”

Encouragement

If you’re here for a last dose of encouragement, here you go: Write on! Don’t give up! Continue studying books in your genre. Keep reading writerly blogs, articles, and books. You can use the search box on the right to find articles here on multiple aspects of the writing life, from homonyms to Hallmark movie adaptations. Keep learning the craft. There is always more to learn. There are always new ways to grow in your writing. Dream new dreams. Trust that God will both inspire your dreams and fulfill them as you delight in Him.

Benediction

We began Seriously Write with a dedication. So, it’s fitting to end with a benediction.

With that, brothers and sisters, I must say goodbye.
Make sure that you improve. Accept my encouragement.
Share the same attitude and live in peace.
The God of love and peace will be with you.
2 Cor. 13:11 GW

Go, and do your creative best for His glory!

Make a careful exploration of who you are and
the work you have been given,
and then sink yourself into that.
Don’t be impressed with yourself.
Don’t compare yourself with others.
Each of you must take responsibility for doing
the creative best you can with your own life.
Gal. 6:4-5 MSG

And finally, a personal favorite:

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us,
And establish the work of our hands for us;
Yes, establish the work of our hands.
Ps. 90:17 NKJV

Thank You, Jesus, for all You’ve done through SW and for blessing the work of our hands. Please guide each reader and writer into whatever is next. The glory is Yours.

With prayers and gratitude,

Annette, along with my fellow hostesses and regular contributors here at Seriously Write. We wish you all His best.

It's the end of an era at #SeriouslyWrite blog. Join @AnnetteMIrby as the blog signs off. #amwriting #authorlife

photo credit: pixabay

YULE Be Blessed by Patti Jo Moore

As the Seriously Write Blog comes to a close, I want to say how very blessed I’ve been getting to know so many of you in this community. Yes, we may have only met online, but I consider you a friend nonetheless.

When Terri Weldon (waving at this precious lady!) asked me to be a regular contributor, I was humbled and honored. I know I still have much to learn on this writing journey, yet if I can offer even a bit of encouragement to one person, I’m happy to do so. And so, in my final post of Seriously Write, may I offer encouragement to you today. Please don’t give up---no matter where you are in your writing journey. If things are going well for you, be thankful, celebrate, and try to bless others with what you’ve learned along the way. If things are not going well, don’t despair! If you’ve prayed and genuinely feel called to write in this season of your life, keep writing. Many authors go through a “dry season” and go for months (or years) with no writing contracts. Some authors feel the sting of a poor review, while others start second-guessing their writing career. Then, just like the first twinkling lights on a Christmas tree, things begin to look brighter. Maybe a new contract is offered, a writing contest win gives a boost, or readers eagerly ask for more books - - all giving much-needed hope to the author.

Just as with any career, the writing journey is not always smooth or easy. But if you seek the Lord’s guidance, work hard, and are willing to share what you’ve learned with others, your blessings will abound. Even in a challenging year like 2020, when many are wondering if they’re having a bad dream and will suddenly wake up to a “normal” year, there are still blessings. Lots of them.

Since Christmas is just around the corner, I want to wish each of you a happy, healthy Christmas - - no matter how different your celebration might look this year. May you feel the joy and peace that comes from being truly thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ. Because if you have Jesus in your life, you are blessed beyond measure.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 

I know I still have much to learn on this writing journey, yet if I can offer even a bit of encouragement to one person, I’m happy to do so. And so, in my final post of Seriously Write, may I offer encouragement to you today.

SCROOGE'S HOLLY DAZE

Holly Sims loves Christmas and children, so when she’s asked to help plan a Christmas festival for foster children, she’s thrilled. As a newcomer to Pine Valley, North Carolina, Holly is eager to become involved in church activities and meet people. When she continues seeing a handsome but sullen man in town, she’s curious about him. Why does he appear so unhappy?

Rick Bates is fine with being an introvert. After being shifted from family to family throughout his childhood, he knows he cannot depend or trust anyone and must guard his heart. Running his small business and taking photographs of nature scenes are all he needs in his life. So why does he continue thinking about the auburn-haired woman he keeps seeing?

When Holly asks Rick to take photos at the Christmas festival, he’s ready to decline—until he learns it’s a festival for foster children. When he arrives at the event, Rick is in awe of the decorations, including countless twinkle lights. But the joy on the children’s faces stirs his heart even more. With help from a Christmas-loving lady, a friendly town, and a kitten named Taco, Rick knows the ice around his heart is melting.

Patti Jo Moore is a retired kindergarten teacher and lifelong Georgia girl. She loves Jesus, her family, cats, and coffee, and is blessed to be published with Forget-Me-Not Romances. When she’s not spending time with her family (including her two sweet grandbabies) or writing her “Sweet, Southern Stories” Patti Jo can be found feeding cats—her own six and local strays.

She loves connecting with readers and other writers, and can be found on Facebook at Author Patti Jo Moore or her personal blog at http://catmomscorner.blogspot.com

Are You Tired? You’re Not Alone By Marie Wells Coutu

Everyone seems to be wearied by 2020. 

The pandemic, the election, hurricanes, fires, a derecho*, illnesses and deaths of loved ones, layoffs and closed businesses, canceled events. Even Black Friday will be different this year, to avoid “spreader” crowds. 

We’re just so tired of it all. 

On Facebook, Kermit the Frog declared he would not set his clock back when Daylight Saving Time ended. “I don’t want another hour of 2020,” he said. 

I get it. 

This post is as much for me as for you. 

What's Your Vision by Sally Shupe

Encouragement comes in many forms. A smile from a stranger. An encouraging word at just the right time. A phone call from a friend you haven’t heard from in a while. An unexpected letter in the mail. During this time of distancing, aloneness, hiding behind a mask, encouragement may be hard to find. You can’t see smiles behind masks. It’s hard to talk behind a mask, so you may keep your conversations short. But, now more than ever, we need to encourage and lift up each other.

One thing I’ve learned about remote working/flexible schedules/etc. is there’s no way to know what someone is going through or facing. If your conversations are over text or email, it’s hard to read tone and what’s not being said. Is your coworker having a hard time being stuck at home? Is your friend busy working and homeschooling?

How are they dealing with that? Now is the time to reach out and be an encouragement to others!

It’s been said writing is a lonely profession. Just you, your computer or pad and paper, and the words. Who says it has to be that way? Let’s band together and be an encourager. Let’s lift each other up. At work, it’s nice to hear someone from high up thank you for your work and dedication. It’s exhilarating to hear from a reader who really connected with your words. Let’s be intentional with our words of praise.

What’s your vision? Starting a book? Deep cleaning a room? Sticking with an exercise program? Share in the comments and let’s encourage each other! We are not alone. If you’re going through something, someone else is coming out of it. Who will you encourage?

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Deuteronomy 31:8 The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

It’s been said writing is a lonely profession. Just you, your computer or pad and paper, and the words. Who says it has to be that way?

Now is the time to reach out and be an encouragement to others!

Sally Shupe lives in southwest Virginia with her husband, has two grown kids-a daughter still at home and a son not-so nearby, and a whole bunch of pets: four dogs, three cats, a rabbit, and birds at the birdfeeder (and the mandatory snowman when the snow cooperates). She is an aspiring Christian author of small town contemporary inspirational romance, with two completed manuscripts and several more in progress.

When Sally’s not writing or working full-time, she is a freelance editor for several authors who write fiction and nonfiction; students working on dissertation papers; a copy editor/content editor for several e-book publishing companies; performs beta reading for various authors; publishes book reviews; is a member of ACFW; and loves genealogy, running, and crocheting.

Sally publishes weekly blog posts that can be found through her website: https://sallyshupe.weebly.com/, and she posts on the first Thursday of the month at https://seriouslywrite.blogspot.com

What A Book Costs Its Author by Emily Conrad

Amazon recently emailed to say I’m “just a couple steps away” from getting the audio version of my debut, Justice, free. I smiled and thought, I’m the author. I didn’t pay a thing to experience the book.

Or did I?

I sobered with the realization that no book comes free to its author.

COVID Crazy! By Shannon Redmon

I think I’m going COVID Crazy.

If there was such a diagnosis, I dare say many of us would claim the condition. Symptoms like over washing of hands, the excessive use of sanitizer and Zoom fatigue, plague our once normal routines.

However, my most severe symptom is … the longing to return to church. To worship my God with fellow believers. To feel the lightness in my soul as we align our hearts with God, united.

Sometimes, I go out of my way to drive by the parking lot and pretend everything is still the same and then God reminds me many people’s lives have been far worse affected than mine. I pray for those who have lost loved ones to this mean, evil sickness and pray the virus will die out so we can all do the things we love once again.

I also realize that my past casual attitude toward the freedom to assemble was wrong, but thankfully God is not limited to our buildings nor held by man-made restrictions.

The law will not quiet Him nor will the gospel of Jesus be stopped.

His message of faith, hope, love and forgiveness will continue to march forward with life changing good news, the COVID virus beneath his nail-scarred feet.

In our church alone, God has reached over 70,000 people with the gospel of Jesus Christ through online efforts! Isn’t that amazing? Over one-hundred thousand dollars has been raised in t-shirt sales with the entire amount going to help those who lost their jobs in our tourism community. Millions of prayers around the world are rising to His ears. Lives are changing. Souls are at peace.

That’s what God does. He makes something beautiful out of the ugly.

He can do the same in our personal lives and in our writing, too.

God wants much more for you, for us. He sees our hearts at every scary, isolated moment and pleads for surrender to Him, even in the midst of a world pandemic. He can take the pieces of mounting despair and make us whole again, if we chose to surrender to Jesus Christ.

Will you give your life to Him today?

For those of you who are like me and long for the encouragement of other Christ followers, please share with me in the comments below, what amazing things you’ve seen God do during this crazy COVID time.

God isn't limited to our buildings nor held by man-made restrictions. His message of faith, hope, love and forgiveness will continue to march forward, the COVID virus beneath His nail-scarred feet.@shannon_redmon #covid #encouragement

Shannon Redmon remembers the first grown up book she checked out from the neighborhood book mobile. A Victoria Holt novel with romance, intrigue, dashing gentlemen and ballroom parties captivated her attention. For her mother, the silence must have been a pleasant break from non-stop teenage chatter, but for Shannon, those stories whipped up a desire and passion for writing.
There’s nothing better than the power of a captivating novel, a moving song or zeal for a performance that punches souls with awe. A rainbow displayed after a horrific storm or expansive views on a mountaintop bring nuggets of joy into our lives. Shannon hopes her stories immerse readers into that same kind of amazement, encouraging faith, hope and love, guiding our hearts to the One who created us all.

Shannon’s writing has been published in Spark magazine, Splickety magazine, the Lightning Blog, The Horse of My Dreams compilation book, and the Seriously Write blog. Her stories have been selected as a semi-finalist and finalist of the ACFW Genesis Contest and won first place in the Foundation’s Awards. She is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. The StoryMoore Blog is named in memory of her father, Donald Eugene Moore.

Connect with Shannon:
www.shannonredmon.com
The StoryMoore Blog
Facebook
Twitter @shannon_redmon
LinkedIn
Check out Shannon’s story in a compilation with other authors published by Revell.
The Horse of My Dreams

When Discouragement Strikes, Try These Things By Sondra Kraak

When I wrote my post two months ago, promising to be back in April with thoughts on discouragement, I had no idea how apropos it would be.

No doubt, discouragement has crept into some aspect of your life these past weeks of unprecedented self-isolation. I’ve seen many writers on Facebook talking about how hard it is to write during this season.

On a personal note, my family’s summer plans were destroyed, not just because of coronavirus, but because of an unexpected health problem with my husband. We had planned months for our family sabbatical, during which we’d travel around the west backpacking and camping, making memories our children (ages 13 and 10) would remember forever. A once in a lifetime trip, we called it. It’s been hard to let myself feel the disappointment of this loss.

Perhaps you are suffering from the same heaviness of having life—and your carefully laid plans—upended by circumstances beyond your control.

This heavy mantle is what I call discouragement. Discouragement is disappointment on steroids. Disappointment is a natural, emotional reaction to something that doesn’t go our way, someone who’s let us down, or an expectation not met. Discouragement is when that disappointment takes up house in our hearts. When I am disappointed, hope still glimmers at the edges of my frustration. When I am discouraged though….hope is locked away, and the key is nowhere to be found.

Kind of like what we see with Cleopas and his friend as they walked away from Jerusalem toward Emmaus after Jesus’ death. Luke 24 tells us this story, highlighting the soul-crushing discouragement of these disciples. Unaware that they are walking with Jesus, they say to him, “They crucified him, but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.”

My breath catches at the utter sorrow of this statement.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life” (Proverbs 13:12).

Maybe discouragement is making you sick. This is no light thing with no easy solution. Seeking a licensed counselor is always a wise option. We are, as this pandemic has showed us, community-oriented people who need to talk, pray, and be with others. Finding someone to help you work through the deep waters of life is a great option.

Asking questions of ourselves is also a great option, and maybe the place to begin. Ask yourself:

• Where am I discouraged? If it’s hard to pinpoint, imagine yourself as Cleopas and his friend. Finish this statement, “I had hoped….” Journal out where your emotion takes you.

• And now ask, what am I going to do about this discouragement? Cleopas and his friend pushed on in normal activities: they ate because they were hungry. Sometimes, it’s as simple as that. Do the next right thing. At other times, it’s more complex. Thomas had to touch Jesus to move past his discouragement. Peter had to have a fireside fish-fry with Jesus, in which he humbled himself before his Savior three times with, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”

Here is an example from my career as a writer:

• I am discouraged with my sales. I had hoped that I would make more money last year to help my family, but the world of independent publishing is a hard one right now.

• I am going to set deadlines for myself and keep writing. I will not look at the sales of others. The next right thing is the next sentence typed. And then after this book, I’m going to take a break—whatever that means. This break will probably include some humble fireside fish eating with a risen Savior, and maybe some professional help if I feel so led.

Finally, from a practical standpoint, here are some tips for writing through discouragement in this crazy time.

• Don’t neglect your physical needs of healthy food, exercise, and sleep.

• Check in with a writer friend once or twice a week for encouragement and accountability

• Don’t pretend everything’s fine. Journal each day, allowing yourself to confess hard things.

• Set boundaries with the members of your household. Let others know your expectations about when and how much you want to write.

• Keep a list of the things that must be done (laundry, vacuuming, etc.), then don’t let that list control your time. Do a few things each day and draw others into the tasks. You don’t have to do it all.

• Tend your soul. Pray, read scripture, listen to music, list thanksgivings. Whatever feeds your spirit, do it. Reach for joy but give yourself permission to feel discouraged.

How are you doing as a writer right now? I’d love to hear stories from the front lines of your battle with discouragement, or simply your new way to do life as a writer during this time of quarantine.

Reach for joy but give yourself permission to feel discouraged. @SondraKraak @MaryAFelkins #amwriting #encouragement #authenticity #seriouslywrite

Connect with Sondra
Website  www.sondrakraak.com
Instagram
Facebook

Such A Hope
NOTE: On sale for $0.99 through April 28.

Washington Territory, 1871

Anna Warren grew up on the seat of a wagon, the daughter of Seattle's busiest freighter. After her father’s death—a tragedy away from home—she returns to their cabin on the outskirts of Seattle, seeking the sense of belonging that eluded her childhood. But will her desire to pray for miraculous healing for the sick and wounded endear or alienate her to the community? Her most aggravating challenger is also her staunchest defender and has brown hair and eyes, stands six feet tall, and farms with unchecked tenacity. Tristan Porter. This farmer her father had befriended holds more secrets than Yesler’s Mill holds logs.

When ugly rumors arise about her spiritual gift and her property, Anna fears her quest to find belonging will be thwarted.

Tristan holds the truth to set her free, but revealing it will require him to face the disappointments of his past and surrender his plans for the future—a sacrifice he’s not sure he can make.

No-No Naysayers Have You Down? Seek Out the Encouragers by Cynthia Herron

From the moment we’re born, encouragement takes root.

Mom and Dad cheer as we try and succeed at new things.

Friends motivate us with kind words and recognition.

Our influential sphere—confidantes and colleagues—inspire us to persevere and think beyond the comfortable.

During our life journey, as we mature, we realize the value of encouragement. It buoys us during life-stretching seasons. It strengthens our resolve and boosts our confidence.

It grows us in ways we don’t often recognize until we’re farther along on the path.

Perhaps, it’s this encouragement that shapes our next journey. Perhaps, it’s the sum of everything we’ve ever experienced and the realization that without the bad, we can’t fully appreciate the good.

We can’t inspire others in their journey unless we’ve struggled in our own. (I’ve shared my journeys here and here.)

And sometimes, we balk at the journey because, let’s be honest—the muck and mire part aren’t fun. The crud is real and it’s hard.

We may want to linger a while and absorb the emotion.

That’s okay.

For a time.

Then we move on.

We go to those bright spots that prompt joy—the ones that cause hope to surge.

Whatever your bright spot—writing, gardening, crafting or creating—here are five thoughts to consider during your journey.

I promise you’ll feel better.

1. Why Positive People Have More Fun – Have you met “Jackie”? Here’s why I ask.

2. How to Stay Motivated Despite Chronic Complainers – No-No Nellies will zap your energy. Healthy ways to disengage now.

3. Trapped By Doubt? Ditch It! – Sometimes, you’ll fail. Relax. You’ll move past it.

4. Ditch Doubt, Define Your Destiny – Reboot your mindset and reshape your thinking. Why your life depends on it.

5.Don’t Be Daunted by Dream-Crushers – Kick agendas to the curb. Reframe your focus.

Bonus: Why Joy Matters – Happiness isn’t a given. Truth beyond the crud.

Now, a little story for you.

When I was in grade school, I dreaded the possibility of one day having a specific teacher. Even as a child, I recognized his teaching style as iron-fisted and unyielding.

“Mr. Downer” (not his real name, of course) was tall, dark, and anything BUT handsome. His brooding countenance didn’t lend itself to attractiveness. He never had a kind word for the students and he rarely smiled. To complete the picture, Mr. Downer’s thick, bushy eyebrows beelined across his lower forehead making him seem perpetually frustrated.

The day I found out he was to be my teacher for the next school year, I promptly threw up. I wondered how I’d ever survive.

Already, I sensed he didn’t like me. Mr. Downer detested anything fun. Laughter, smiles, questions, creativity. You name it.

Still, just like my favorite heroine, Pollyanna, I pulled out my “glad card” and determined to be glad for at least three reasons:

• It could always be worse. I didn’t see how, but that’s the line I’d always heard adults use.

• Maybe Mr. Downer wasn’t such a grumpy soul after all. I bet I could cheer him up. And maybe, just maybe, a pig would fly.

• Perhaps, Mr. Downer was a great teacher. And one can put up with a lot if there’s motivation to learn. Good grades = grade advancement and a new teacher the following year.

I’ll never forget the morning I whispered to my neighbor…and got caught.

I was actually answering my classmate’s question, but of course, I was the one Mr. Downer heard.

Yikes.

Immediately, he summoned me to the front of the classroom.

“Recite the ABCs for us.”

Oh no.

I was in fifth grade. I knew Mr. Downer’s tactic, but I didn’t fully understand the term yet. I understood the emotion though. Humiliation.

“Um…oh…kaaay.”

I proceeded to rattle off the alphabet to the horror of all my classmates and to the smug satisfaction of Mr. Downer. AND, worse, he made me do it a second time.

“Slower.”

My stomach hurt. My knees knocked. The room swirled around me.

Mr. Downer gloated.

It was the longest 47 seconds of my life. To this day, I’ll never, ever forget it.

This experience shaped my life’s journey.

It didn’t define it, but it gave me perspective.

I resolved to encourage.

From that day forward, I would never, ever intentionally make anyone feel the way Mr. Downer had made me feel.

Only meanies use heavy-handedness. Only meanies force, coerce, manipulate, or maneuver.

Only meanies bully or belittle.

Encouragers, on the other hand, demonstrate integrity and compassion. They’re confident, not cocky.

Encouragers serve others. They gently guide and correct with the right motivation. They’re deliberate, but not in dehumanizing, devaluing kinds of ways.

Encouragers may make tough decisions for valid reasons, not to inflate their own egos, but to propel others forward toward a mutual God-sized mission.

Today, as you navigate your journey, think about your life calling. Look to those folks you admire and ask yourself why.

What is it about him or her that sets them apart?

Are they on a collision course with ego or a trajectory path to truth? (You know, truth for the sake of what’s right. Not what’s convenient or the next best thing.)

Evaluate a person’s character, his track record, and what he has to offer.

Encouragers don’t manufacture respect.

They own it without force. Creative angling isn’t necessary.

They’ve earned it.

Your takeaway?

Allow others to encourage you. Forego the drama. Forget theatrics.

As you soak up the sunshine, revel in it. Remember it.

Tuck all the “feels” down deep in your heart.

Trust your journey.

Share it.

***

How has someone encouraged you during your journey?

How can we motivate others who need a pick-me-up?

Cynthia writes Heartfelt, Homespun Fiction from the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Her Hope Discovered, her début novel and the first in a three-book series, released December 2018 with Mountain Brook Ink. 


“Cindy” has a degree in psychology and a background in social work. She is a member of ACFW, ACFW MozArks, and RWA. 

She is a 2020 Selah Award (Double) Finalist, a 2017 ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2016 ACFW Genesis (Double) Finalist, and a 2015 ACFW First Impressions Winner. Her work is represented by WordServe Literary.

Besides writing, Cindy enjoys spending time with family and friends. She has a fondness for gingerbread men, miniature teapots, and all things apple. She also adores a great cup of coffee and she never met a sticky note she didn’t like.

Cindy loves to connect with friends at her online home. She also hangs out on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.


For love, fun, and encouragement ~

Sign up for Cindy’s monthly e-NEWSLETTERS

His Love Revealed, Welcome to Ruby, Book 2

Mountain Brook Ink, November 2020

Her Hope Discovered, Welcome to Ruby, Book 1

Mountain Brook Ink, December 2018

Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble |  Books-A-Million

When You Give Up Your Dream By Janalyn Voigt

Janalyn Voigt

Have you ever had to lay down a dream? As soon as you do, you wonder, did I make the right call? What choice did I have? I poured months or years into it; what will become of that project?Janalyn Voigt, fellow Mountain Brook Ink author, is here today with her story of laying down a dream. Read on for encouragement! ~ Annette

I held my breath as I opened the email, but then expelled it in disappointment. Another rejection. I scanned the words on my screen. My agent had run out of publishers to approach with my proposal. She’d hoped that my writing voice was unique enough to land a contract, but the Western historical romance market was crowded.

I’d been so sure that the Montana Gold series was God-led. I’d felt an unction to write books set in Montana while gazing across the Ruby Valley. The title of the first book had dropped into my head out of the blue. Giving up felt wrong. The characters I’d created seemed real to me. How could I bury them?

Fortunately, my agent wasn’t offloading me, but her inference was clear. It was time to switch genres. It was tough to let go of my plans, but I couldn’t ignore that the doors to write Western historical romance were closed. If God had wanted to open one for me, He’d have done it. I could only trust that He had something else in mind for me. I focused on writing a proposal in another genre.

I’d met Miralee Ferrell when we were both featured as Christian authors at the Missoula Festival of the Book. As the author of Tales of Faeraven, a medieval epic fantasy series, I’d been invited to represent Christian speculative fiction. Miralee and I struck up a friendship, and she offered me advice on the Montana Gold series. Miralee hadn’t yet started her publishing house, Mountain Brook Ink. Neither of us guessed that she would one day acquire my series. That happened almost by accident.

Several years later, I learned that Miralee would attend a local writing conference where I was speaking. I invited her to coffee with no thought of pitching the Montana Gold books to her. The sneaking suspicion that I should do so crept up on me. I pushed the notion away, but it wouldn’t leave me alone.

It took another kind of surrender to pitch my series. I’d given my dream to God. Attempting to revive that particular aspiration made me vulnerable to further rejection and heartbreak.

I needn’t have worried. Miralee loved the story idea, asked to see the proposal, and contracted me to write the series. Writing for Mountain Brook Ink is a joy, a blessing I’d have missed if I hadn’t surrendered my writing dreams to God.

The Author of Salvation loves us too much to allow us to slip into idolatry. That is the danger when we love our own will more than we do our Savior’s. It’s not wrong to harbor hopes and dreams, but we must cast them like crowns at Jesus’s feet. Who knows, maybe then God, if He is willing, will restore them to us.

Taking up a dream afresh calls for courage. Life offers no guarantees, but one thing is certain. Doing nothing leads to failure.

Dare to try.

Has God ever turned your surrendered dream around? Come be encouraged! @JanalynVoigt

~~~~~

The Forever Sky

Can a young widow with no faith in love, hope for a future with the man who broke her heart?

Maisey isn’t about to give Rob another chance to reject her love. Why should she believe that the man who left town without a backward glance three years ago cares about her? Life had taught her all about broken dreams, and she didn’t want to hope again. If only her young daughter would stop adopting Rob as a father, ignoring him—and her own emotions—would be a whole lot easier.

Thoughts of the woman he’d left behind haunted Rob for three long years. It wouldn’t have been fair to ask Maisey to wait while he mined a gold claim. After making his fortune, he has returned to his family in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. Rob is ready to settle down, and he’d rather do so with Maisey. But after their first encounter, it is clear that he’s lost her forever.

Circumstances force Maisey and Rob into one another’s company. They learn, through hardship and loss, that the only way to one another is to surrender first to God’s love.

Based on actual historical events during a time of unrest in America, The Forever Sky explores faith, love, and courage in the wild West.

~~~~~

Janalyn Voigt fell in love with literature at an early age when her father read classics to her as bedtime stories. When Janalyn grew older, she put herself to sleep with her own made-up tales. Her sixth-grade teacher noticed her love of storytelling and encouraged her to become a writer. Today Janalyn is a multi-genre author. Janalyn writes the kind of novels she likes to read – epic adventures brimming with romance, mystery, history, and whimsy. She is praised for her unpredictable plots and the lyrical, descriptive prose that transports readers into breathtaking storyworlds. Janalyn Voigt is represented by Wordserve Literary. Learn more about Janalyn and her books at http://janalynvoigt.com.

Never Give Up! By Elva Cobb Martin

Have you ever thought of giving up on getting your book finished and published? Well, I want to encourage you. Never give up that dream. God is in the business of helping you finish what He has begun in your heart, according to Philippians 1:7 “Being confident of this very thing that he which has begun a good work in your will perform it...”

I wrote my first novel, Summer of Deception, after attending a writers' conference. Once I started submitting it to publishers and agents, it was rejected 26 times. But I kept revising and rewriting. Meantime, my husband and I were called into full-time ministry, and the manuscript went into my attic for the next 20 years. End of story. Right? 

Nope. Summer of Deception, an inspirational romantic suspense, was contracted and published in 2017, thirty years after that first draft. It has spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers’ List for Women’s Religious Fiction. A prequel, In a Pirate’s Debt, the story of the pirate ancestor of the hero in Summer, soon followed. November 12, Marisol, a heroine who would not give up, was released.

My Five Steps to a Book Contract

Step 1 – Keep God’s Confidence in Yourself and Never Give Up

Many may reject your manuscript, but someone will love it, if you don’t give up.

Step 2 – Hone Your Craft (Planning Your Novel blog series  http://bit.ly/2HbB5qM)

Carve out praying time, writing time, sharpening craft time, and reading time in your genre.

Step 3 – Find Writing Workshops and Critique Groups

How about your local American Christian Fiction Writers’ Chapter?

Step 4 – Help Other Writers

This is a spiritual principle. You will reap help you need when you sow into others.

Step 5 – Learn how to Submit to Editors and Agents

 Follow their submission guidelines.

Can you add to my list? What helped you not give up?

Never give up that dream. via @ElvaCobbMartin #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

~~~~~~

Elva Cobb Martin,  a mother and grandmother, lives in South Carolina with her husband and a senior mini-dachshund named Lucy, and a sea green bird named Atticus. She is the upcoming president of her state chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers, a retired teacher, minister, and now calls herself a full-time writer. Better make that rewriter. A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. She desires to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement.

http://www.elvamartin.com

http://carolinaromancewithelvamartin.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin 

http://twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin

https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin/ 

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.

You've Got Talent - Don't Bury It! by Emily Conrad

The novel intimidated me, so I did the mature thing and put off reading it.

I knew from the cover alone that the story followed a Mary-like character through an assault and into an unplanned pregnancy that costs her dearly. You could describe my debut novel Justice the same way. 

The only difference I knew of between this other novel and Justice was the author. I’m a little-known writer just starting out in her career. This other book, The Atonement Child, is by a legend of Christian fiction: Francine Rivers.

Obviously, she would’ve done a better job with the subject matter than me. People who read Justice would think I was writing a knock-off of this earlier story—though I hadn’t been aware of The Atonement Child until after Justice was written.

I’ve heard other aspiring authors lament bigger names publishing a book similar to their own work-in-progress, so I know I’m not the only one intimidated by the competition.

Perhaps others then, too, have felt insecure and intimidated in other areas of their writing life. For example, some of the women I now count my closer writing friends also intimidated me at first.

They had larger platforms, fancy agents, multiple books published, and witty social media presences. What could I offer them by way of friendship? But then, I started interacting with them and discovered that we’ve each been granted specific talents and strengths. It turns out, those talents and strengths meld well together.

So, I’m learning that everyone has something to offer—myself included.

When we hang back in fear, we’re missing an opportunity to cheer on someone else’s strengths and to learn about and use what we have to offer.

Everyone misses out when one of us buries our talent out of insecurity.

Just imagine what could’ve happened if, before I’d found a publisher, I’d learned of The Atonement Child and stopped in my tracks, never reading it and never moving forward with the story on my heart.

That would be acting like the servant in the Parable of the Talents who buried the talent he’d been given instead of investing it.

I feel for that servant. Perhaps he looked at the guy with the five talents, trading away and making a profit, and wondered how he could ever possibly keep up.

I can’t! My master’s going to be so disappointed in me!

Playing the comparison game, he may have noticed he was only given one talent. My Master must have less faith in me. If even He knows I don’t measure up, what can I do but bury this talent? Surely it’s safer in the ground than in my hands.

The word “talent” means something different in modern language than it means in the Bible. I like how it carries over, and how loaded it is when I write about burying a talent.

But the original meaning is important. A talent was twenty years’ worth of wages. Imagine what you could do with that!

Well, that one servant did imagine, and he imagined getting himself in trouble. So, he buried the talent.

When he returns the talent to his master, the master isn’t pleased. He gives that investment to someone else, saying (and this is important, so don’t just skim it because you know the story):

"For the one who has will be given more, and he will have more than enough. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” Matthew 25:29, NET

This seems harsh until I consider each of the servants should’ve fallen under the category of “one who has.” Despite the differences, they’d all been given a significant sum. Twenty years’ wages! 

What made a servant with twenty years’ wages “one who does not have”?

His fear-driven perspective. He bowed needlessly to intimidation.

We need to be careful, lest we do the same. Often, the difference between those who have and those who have not is not a matter of gifting or possessions, but rather a matter of our perspective.

Like the servants in the parable, we are all richly supplied to serve our Lord and Master. Yes, some will have larger audiences, but aspiring or published, indie or traditional, young or old, we’ve all been created with a purpose.

We've all got talent specific to our time, place, and audience. It’s up to us to not bury it.

I saw this again proved true when I gathered the courage to read The Atonement Child.

As I turned pages, the intimidation factor fell away. I saw I had built the story and its author into something larger than life. Rivers is still a master of Christian fiction. She still has a larger audience than me.

And yet, we both have our callings and our strengths and places in the market.

Francine Rivers is Francine Rivers. She has her style, her themes, her characters and plot twists. 

Emily Conrad, it turns out, is Emily Conrad. She’s different in style, themes, characters, and plot. 

There was no need for me to be intimidated. We’re different, and we’re each tasked with being faithful to our calling, however that looks.

Whoever you are, and wherever you are on this writing journey, you’ve got talent. Don’t bury it.

Whoever you are, and wherever you are on this #writing journey, you’ve got talent. Don’t bury it. via @emilyrconrad #SeriouslyWrite

                                          ✏️📖✏️📖✏️📖✏️📖

Emily Conrad writes Christian romance and a blog to encourage women of faith. Her debut novel, Justice, released from Pelican Book Group in 2018. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and two rescue dogs. She loves Jesus and enjoys road trips to the mountains, crafting stories, and drinking coffee. (It’s no coincidence Justice is set mostly in a coffee shop!) She offers free short stories on her website and loves to connect with readers on social media.
www.emilyconradauthor.com
facebook.com/emilyconradauthor
Instagram.com/emilyrconrad
Twitter.com/emilyrconrad
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Justice-Emily-Conrad-ebook/dp/B0792HGXQN/ 
Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/justice-emily-conrad/1127841580 

Justice

Jake thought he was meant to marry Brooklyn, but now she's pregnant, and he had nothing to do with it. Brooklyn can’t bring herself to name the father as she wrestles with questions about what her pregnancy means and how it will affect her relationship with Jake. If Harold Keen, the man who owns the bookstore across from Jake's coffee shop, has anything to do with it, the baby will ruin them both. Can Jake and Brooklyn overcome the obstacles thrown in their path, and finally find the truth in God's love and in each other?

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.