Writing isn’t for wimps or what I learned during in my journey … by Pat Nichols

 

If you're just starting out in the business of writing, you'll soon learn that there's a lot to learn. Pat Nichols shares some of her experience. 

Lesson one: 

Nine years after retiring from the corporate world the loss of a close family friend inspired me to write a story loosely based on her life. Why not? I loved to read and thanks to my career I had plenty of experience writing business letters, training materials, even some newspaper articles. So, I opened my laptop and typed chapter one. A year later I finished the manuscript with images of publication dancing in my head. 

Until…

Escape the Comparison Trap by Myra Johnson

My critique partner and I use a shared Dropbox folder for sending chapters back and forth. Whenever I open her next file to critique, which is usually the morning after she uploaded it, a little popup tells me how long since the file was last edited. Counting backward that number of hours, I am often stunned to find she was still working on her chapter as late as 2:00 a.m.! 

For a fleeting moment, I wonder, Am I such a slacker? I mean, this lady is not only a multi-published historical romance novelist but also a crazy-busy wife, mother, homeschooler, and part-time private school teacher. How does she do it???

The Art of Juggling by Susan Anne Mason

I never realized that being an author would mean learning to juggle. Not that I hadn’t been prepared by my ‘pre-publication’ life. After all, I juggled being a wife, a mother, a daughter, and a church secretary. Plus, I wrote in my spare time.

And you’d think that with my twelfth published novel coming out on October 13th, I’d have this writer’s job down pat. But these last few weeks have proven me wrong.

Great is His Faithfulness By Patty Smith Hall

This week was supposed to be our yearly vacation to the beach. It’s that one time throughout the year that my husband and I would completely disconnect from our phones and computers and enjoy some much-needed downtime. I’d take morning walks along the shoreline as I listened to my devotions, then join Danny in the pool for an hour before going back upstairs. While he settled into his game, I’d grab my book and a cold drink, and hunker down on the balcony for a long stretch of uninterrupted reading.

But the rise in COVID cases as well numerous doctor’s appointments for Danny pushed us to stay home this year.

Bummer.

Write On by Theresa Hall

My writing is awful. I’ll never get published. I should just quit.

If you’ve ever said these words to yourself, you’re not alone. I don’t know of a single writer who hasn’t felt this way. And the rejections certainly don’t help. Trust me, I’ve had my share. I wrote several full manuscripts that will never be published. And for good reason. They’re awful. But do I regret writing them? Not at all. I learned something from every single one.

Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep by Patty Smith Hall

I almost quit writing last Wednesday. It wasn’t like I woke up that morning and decided ‘today, I’m going to quit writing’ though I will say it wasn’t too long after that. In fact, I had finished up my morning prayer and was going through everything that had to be done. Manuscript to my editor. An article for a friend. Edits for another friend’s story. Throw in a meeting with my critique group (online) and my mastermind group (again online!) and even I could tell I was in trouble. The weight of everything that needed to be done, along with my family responsibilities pressed down on me, and I couldn’t help but wonder:

Why am I doing all this?

It’s not the money. Most writers make less than $10,000, lots of them make less than $5000. When we were doing our taxes this year, I realized I was spending more on conferences, software and books than I made. Even in my best year, I only made just under that $10,000 mark. One time, a friend of mine figured out that for every word she wrote, she made a half of a penny. Most royalty statements go by without a check attached to it and if there is one, it may be enough to buy a sweet tea at McDonalds.

It’s not the fame. Do you have a clue how many books, both tradition and indie published are listed on Amazon? Hundreds of thousands, millions, and they’re all shooting for the top dog position, that number one slot. And then once you get there, there’s someone else just like you, trying to grab the brass ring from you.

Why am I still writing?

I could quit right now and be proud of the career I’ve had. Many people never see their book on the shelves of the local Barnes and Noble, and yet it’s happened fifteen times for me. I’ve been indie-published many times over, and have fans as far away as India (Cool, right?)

So why do I keep writing?

Because I can’t imagine a day without it. Because I find great joy in the creative process of discovering characters. Because my fingers itch to write each and every day. And if I’m really honest with myself—I didn’t start down this path to get money and fame (though these things are nice.) I write because I heard God’s still, small voice calling me to write. Sometimes, I lose my focus and all my failures come back to haunt me, but then I look up. I come across a verse that speaks to my situation. I get encouragement from an unexpected source. God has called me to write, and until He tells me to stop, I’ll continue writing my little stories.

Why do I write? I write for Him.

I almost quit writing last Wednesday. via @pattywrites #SeriouslyWrite

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Patty Smith Hall lives in North Georgia with her husband of 36+ years, Danny. Her passion is to write tender romances based in little-known historical moments. The winner of the 2008 ACFW Genesis award in historical romance, she is published with Love Inspired Historical, Barbour and Winged Publishing, and is a contributor to the Seriously Writing blog as well as Journey magazine. Patty is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency. 

Hearts in Flight

Serving her country as one of the Women's Army Special Pilots is Maggie Daniels's dearest wish. But there are obstacles to overcome above and beyond the enemies in the Pacific, including her overprotective family, skeptical fellow pilots—and handsome, distant squadron leader Wesley Hicks. Whatever it takes, Maggie will prove herself to Wesley, until she succeeds in winning his admiration…and love.

Wesley can see that Maggie's a first-class pilot. She's also too fearless by half. The war has cost Wesley so much already. Can he let go of his guilt for a chance at happiness—and can he learn to trust in God…and Maggie…enough to believe in love for a lifetime?

Writing in Quarantine Chaos by Abigail Wilson

Covid 19 and the resulting quarantine has swept across the world, altering not only how we interact with one another but how we work. Writing has always been a solitary profession for me, kids at school, husband at work, as I bask in the quiet shelter of an empty house. Early on I realized productive writing involved silence, and I treasured it. So what do writers like me do when we’re suddenly isolated with our whole families?

Rethink everything.

At first I thought I could write while my children worked on their own online school assignments. At least it would be quiet, right? Turns out, online school requires constant parent participation, which for me only led to increasing levels of stress and frustration.

If this sounds familiar, take a deep breath. Sometimes God encourages us to take a pause and slow down. Writing during the Coronavirus quarantine will never look like it did before. Not only are we dealing with changes to our schedule, but the fear, loneliness, and grief hiding in the harsh unknowns of this threat certainly play a factor in our creativity. Allow yourself a moment’s break.

Then, when you’re ready, consider these ideas to manage your writing life:

1. Limit the distractions you can control. Turn off the alerts—email, phone calls, social media

2. Write at different times of the day, see what works best. Maybe you saved family time for the weekends. Well, now that’s the only time your spouse might be able to distract the kids. Take advantage if possible. What about writing at night or getting up early in the morning? Do whatever works for you and your family’s new schedule.

3. Think outside the box. What about writing in your car, either in the driveway or at a park? Don’t laugh. I do it three times a week, and it has been incredibly helpful. The porch is also a good option.

4. Write the scene you’re thinking about. If you’re an author like me, you write in a linear fashion, but I find now that writing whatever feels right for the time I have can be a bit easier during distractions.

5. Read. It’s research, right? And it gets the mind working. If you just can’t focus on anything new, pull out an old favorite. You might be surprised how easily you get lost in that beloved, familiar world.

6. Pray—“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

In the end, whether five or five hundred words on the page is the new normal, give yourself some slack, and remember to keep your focus on what truly matters—God.

...whether five or five hundred words on the page is the new normal, give yourself some slack... via @acwilsonbooks #SeriouslyWrite

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Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A Registered Nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the National Parks, attending her daughter’s diving meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey releases May 26, 2020.

Season for Pruning by Darlene L. Turner

Spring is here and with it comes the clean-up of debris left from the winter months. The snow hides everything and we must remove the dead vines and leaves in order for growth to happen in a new season. This reminds me of the pruning every writer does in their journey. What can we learn?

Writer community is precious – We need each other to support, encourage, be accountable to, critique, and also to rejoice with. We all know much of a writer’s life is spent in solitude. Just knowing we have a community to reach out to brings comfort. Let’s keep in contact with our friends.

God’s timing is always best – As I pull out the dead vines, I think ahead of when I can plant. Is it time? Or could there still be frost? If I plant too early, I may lose everything. It’s the same with our writing. If we try to go ahead of God and don’t seek Him, we fall flat on our faces. His timing is perfect.

Yes, even in our publication journey. We may want that contract right away, but perhaps we

aren’t quite ready, or we just haven’t found the perfect fit. We can’t rush the process or God’s timing. He’s pruning us to be the best writer we can be.

The BIG picture – I love to think of the beautiful flowers that will pop up and the yummy veggies we will enjoy as I plant every seed. There’s always a reason why our writing journeys emerge the way they do. There could be something better in store for us along the way that we can’t see. God knows the big picture and surrendering to Him is the only answer.

You can find new life hidden amongst the dead – When I weed through the dead leaves and vines, I see new growth. There is life in the writer’s pruning season. We may think it’s all negative when we go through rejections, but we learn and grow from each one. New growth is important in the writer’s world, but we must stop and allow God to show it to us. When we do, we’ll be blessed.

Just like I look forward to the colorful summer blooms, I can’t wait to see what He has ahead for me in my writing journey.

I want to sprout tall for Him!

How about you? Is God taking you through a pruning season? Share your story.

This reminds me of the pruning every writer does in their journey. What can we learn? via @darlenelturner #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Border Breach

When drugs are smuggled across the border it’s their duty to stop the culprits…at any cost.
Forming a joint task force, Canada border officer Kaylin Poirier and police constable Hudson Steeves have one objective: take down a drug-smuggling ring trying to sell a new lethal product. But when the smugglers come after Kaylin and Hudson, this mission becomes more than just a job. Can they live long enough to solve the case?


Darlene L. Turner is an award-winning author and lives with her husband, Jeff in Ontario, Canada. Her love of suspense began when she read her first Nancy Drew book. She’s turned that passion into her writing and believes readers will be captured by her plots, inspired by her strong characters, and moved by her inspirational message. You can connect with Darlene at www.darlenelturner.com where there’s suspense beyond borders. Darlene’s debut, Border Breach, launches April, 2020 from Love Inspired Suspense.

Darlene’s social media:

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2Woy8dK
Twitter: https://bit.ly/2Qso27O 

LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/2UhbelT
BookBub: https://bit.ly/2QrdkhP
Pinterest: https://bit.ly/2x2Batz
Instagram: darlenel.turner

The Bigger Story by Susan G Mathis

I love to inspire writers to see their lives as a part of a much bigger story that God has for them by sharing Him with others. Yet it seems that these thoughts transcend writers—they are for anyone who wants to touch the lives of others with God’s truth and love.

Why is our desire to connect with others so important to our human experience, whether in person or through story? While there may be a few hermits and others who are anti-social, most of us long for human interaction. 

We were, indeed, made for relationship.

We are created in His image, the God who longs to be in relationship—with us! Moreover, God wants us to speak into His creation, so He allows us to be a part of His work on this earth.

How cool is that? We don’t have to have a degree or a license or anything the world sees important. We don’t have to be articulate or even a great writer or some spiritual giant. He freely beacons us to be His partner in speaking His truth to whomever we meet!

He’s also planted a desire in us to share His truth, whether that’s as a writer, a friend, a parent—whatever! And even more than that, He wants to fulfill a very special purpose in our lives and in the lives of others.

When my children were small, it was such a joy to share the love of Jesus with them. Now as a writer, I get to share that same truth through my writing. In my novels as well as all of my writing, I include God’s truths in the story and my prayer is that it will touch people’s hearts just as if I were there, sharing those truths face-to-face.

He gave you gifts and talents to use, and He wants you to express them. And He has a unique ministry, audience, or group that only you can reach. He also wants you to deliver a specific message, and feel the joy of sharing life with others.

How can you connect with someone this week and share God’s love with him or her? I’d love to hear what happens. Go for it!

In my novels as well as all of my writing, I include God’s truths in the story... via @SusanGMathis #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Susan G Mathis is an award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands, her childhood stomping ground in upstate NY. Katelyn’s Choice, the first in The Thousand Islands Gilded Age series, is available now, and book two, Devyn’s Dilemma, releases in April 3, 2020. The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy, Christmas Charity, and Sara’s Surprise are available now. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com for more.

Susan is also a published author of two premarital books with her husband, Dale, two children's picture books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan makes her home in Colorado Springs, enjoys traveling globally with her wonderful husband, Dale, and relishes each time she gets to see or Skype with her four granddaughters. 

For up-to-date information on these, connect with Susan here:

Lighthouse Publishing: https://shoplpc.com/devyns-dilemma

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Devyns-Dilemma-Thousand-Islands-Gilded/dp/1645262731  

Website: www.SusanGMathis.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SusanGMathis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/@SusanGMathis

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susangmathis

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/susangmathisaut

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6044608.Susan_G_Mathis

How to Waltz in the Wilderness by Kathleen Denly

Are you in the wilderness? If you’re reading this, chances are you aren’t there physically, but perhaps you are there emotionally and spiritually. What is the wilderness? How do you know if you’re in it? What should you do if you feel lost?

My debut novel, Waltz in the Wilderness, released yesterday. Although this was not the original title, it is the perfect title for my story because of the layered meaning within these words. My heroine, Eliza, experiences the wilderness in every sense of the word. Emotionally, she feels separated from those she loves. Spiritually, she feels lost in her relationship with God. Physically, she must enter and endure the wilderness to search for her missing earthly father. Like many of us, it is in the wilderness that she reconnects with her heavenly Father.

Many parts of this writing journey we’re on can feel like the wilderness. Whether it’s wondering why no agent has said yes to your proposal, which story you should write next, why you should even bother with this writing life at all, or something else entirely, perhaps like Eliza, you’ve experienced or are experiencing, something that has you feeling alone, confused, and unsure which way to turn. You could, as Eliza does, attempt to take things into your own hands and charge ahead, confident that your chosen route is the only way forward. However, as Eliza comes to realize, charging ahead without a guide and protector, often leaves you lost, in danger and even injured. So what should you do?

Look to our Leader.

Be patient in your confusion and lean on Him through any suffering. Trust that He has not abandoned you and has a plan for your good.

When women are waltzing, they often cannot see where they are going. In dancing, women are the followers and men the leaders. We must rely on our men to lead us in a safe path, yet if our connection is weak we cannot know which way he is leading. This is the reason ballroom dancers are admonished not to have floppy arms. That strong frame creates the connection that communicates from the leader to the partner which way, when, and how to move. As followers, we must be patient—attempting to move before the leader prompts us to, weakens our connection.

So whatever your current troubles, I ask you to pause and imagine yourself waltzing in the woods with floppy arms. It would be a dangerous activity with thorny bushes to bump into, above ground roots to trip over, and low-hanging branches ready to knock you down, should you misstep. However, you are not dancing alone. Nor are you dancing with an inexperienced or careless partner. You are dancing with the One who created you, created the world, and loves you more than you can know.

So while you’re in the woods, quit trying to peek over your shoulder or pull your leader along. Take a moment and check your connection. Strengthen it through communication (prayer) and getting to know your leader (Bible study). Then, enjoy the dance.

A time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Ecclesiastes 3:4 (KJV)

Many parts of this writing journey we’re on can feel like the wilderness. via @KathleenDenly #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Kathleen Denly writes historical romance stories to entertain, encourage, and inspire readers toward a better understanding of our amazing God and how He sees us. Award winning author of the Chaparral Hearts series, she also shares history tidbits, thoughts on writing, books reviews and more at KathleenDenly.com.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KathleenDenly.author
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/KathleenDenly
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KathleenDenly/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KathleenDenly

Website: https://KathleenDenly.com/

Waiting, Writing, and Why You Must Not Quit by Cynthia Herron

On the first Wednesday of the new year, I like to run the most read Wednesday post of the year before. This one by Cynthia Herron is it. Enjoy! And we look forward to providing you with more writing tips and encouragement on 2020 Wednesdays! ~ Sandy

Most writers will tell you the in-between seasons are the hardest. I won’t sugarcoat it. They are.

Waiting (especially a prolonged season of waiting) is like a knife to the weary writer’s heart. As each hope-filled day passes, so does a tiny bit of our resolve.

We struggle to make sense of the “close, but no cigar” or “not quite there” feedback, while realizing, too, traditional publishing is evolving.

Our season of waiting may entail many dynamics. Maybe we need to refine our craft, work on character development, and eliminate POV bugs. Maybe we need to seek honest feedback from critique partners and mentors. Maybe we need to rethink our genre.

Then again—our season in the abyss may not have anything at all to do with our writing. Perhaps, it’s just not our time.

Of course, you’ve heard it before—the writing life isn’t for the faint of heart. That’s the G-Rated version.

And what about those uninformed souls who ask the tough questions and then add a footnote? Like this gem, instance.

“What on earth’s taking you so long? You’ve been at this forever!”

I have to shake my head.

No idea.

They. Really. Have. No. Idea.

It’s not just a matter of taking pen to paper or putting fingers to a keyboard. It’s not about writing the story. (Oh! If only!) It’s not about getting the agent. The publisher. The whatever.

Let’s get real.

It’s about the season. The timing. The God-ordained This is YOUR moment!

Yes, perhaps, there are things we, as writers, can do to hasten our moment.

• Read books on the writing craft 
• Join writing groups and attend conferences 
• Enlist mentors 
• Enlist critique partners (vastly different from beta readers) 
• Hire an editor 
• Write as much as we possibly can 

Those things make sense.

BUT when we’ve done all that and more, and God’s answer is still “Not yet,” we have no other alternative but to wait…and trust.

Trust that our writing ministry isn’t about us.

Trust that our story will still wait.

Trust that God sees the bigger picture.

Trust that He will bring our season to fruition.

Trust that we can’t quit now.

Why trust? Well, I’m so glad you asked!

• God can change circumstances in a heartbeat. 
• He can orchestrate happenstance into the here and now. 
• He can alter detours into divine appointments. 
• He can and does demonstrate deliberate turn-of-events in our favor. 

If you quit now, you’ll always wonder.

If you quit now, your stories may die, but the words won’t.

If you quit now, your human flesh might be appeased, but your soul will still ache.

Why?

Because your writer’s heart will still beat.

For that deeply intrinsic thing God’s gifted you with.

Your craft.

Write, dear writer, write!

Have you ever experienced a waiting season? If you’re in a season of waiting—be it writing related or something else—how are you staying proactive?

*This post originally appeared on Cynthia’s blog. 

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Is the sure thing worth risking for the possibility of maybe?

Charla Winthrop, a savvy business woman seeking a permanent lifestyle change in small-town Ruby, learns that things aren’t always what they appear when she takes up residence in a house steeped in charm and a hint of mystery.

Rumor has it that Sam Packard the town carpenter is her go-to guy for home remodeling, but can Charla convince him to help her—with no strings attached, of course? Alone far too long, Sam’s prayed that God would send him a wife and a mother for his daughters. However, the new Ruby resident is hardly what he imagined. A new place to call “home,” the possibility of what might be, and the answer to someone’s prayers unite this unlikely pair with the help of the town’s residents.

Nestled in the Ozarks’ hills and hollows is Ruby, Missouri, a quaint, cozy town where “neighbor” is merely another word for “friend.” Ruby will charm and delight as will her quirky, lovable characters who will steal your heart, but hand it right back—with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Savor your new friends’ sorrows and successes in the community where offbeat is perfect and mishaps and mayhem never tasted so good!

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. She is 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.

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.

Purchase Her Hope Discovered from your favorite retailer: Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Barnes & Noble | Books-A-Million

Move to a Boot and Have a Hoot by Mikal Dawn

There’s a saying out there. I don’t know where it started, but I know my best friend and I would always repeat it when we were faced with a situation that made us roll our eyes and pull out our hair: “What do you do when you live in a shoe? Move to a boot and have a hoot!” It was our way of encouraging each other to get outside of ourselves and whatever mess we were facing and look at the bright side of things.

Well, this year, I’ve found myself in a situation.

My debut novel published in May 2017. The situation? That was the first book in a series of three, and, well…I haven’t published book two yet. And it’s December 2019. Yikes! In my defense, I’ve written two novellas that go between books one and two. And my husband retired from the military after 21 years and we had to uproot our family again and move to another state. But these? They sound like excuses, don’t they? Because they are. Let me just say it out loud: I’m a procrastinator. And I give in to my anxieties. Often. So now that it’s December, I’ve just royally bombed at NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month, held every November), and I’m barely into writing book two after almost three years (but don’t forget those two novellas!), what am I going to do?

Move to a boot and have a hoot.

When we’re faced with challenges in writing—or just life in general—it’s important that we pull ourselves together and look for the good. How do we do that? Well, first, it’s impossible to do it on our own. We need the Author and Finisher of our faith.

1. Lift our problems off ourselves and put them on Christ’s shoulder. “Cast(ing) all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). He is our Rock, our Provider. Outside of Him, nothing is possible, so why do we keep trying? Trust Him.

2. Set aside a dedicated time to work through the story (or problem you’re facing). I don’t know about you, but when I’m faced with something, it will often infiltrate everything else I do. It’s always on my mind. But when I set aside time to (a) pray about it, and (b) work through it, I find I’m able to get it out of my head and leave it at Christ’s feet much easier. For writing, this means finding the best time of day, plopping myself on the couch with my laptop, latte, and licorice (red, thank you very much), and really focusing.

3. Celebrate! This is the best part of “moving to the boot and having a hoot!” Looking for the good in things, even if they aren’t directly related to writing or whatever issue you’re facing, really helps with our attitude. Whether it’s going for a jog (yeah, not me thanks!) or throwing yourself a little dance party in the kitchen (definitely my speed—I even had a dance party while cleaning my kitchen this morning), when you find joy in the midst of the hard, that shoe mysteriously turns into a boot, giving you a little more breathing room. 

When we’re faced with challenges in writing—or just life in general—it’s important that we pull ourselves together and look for the good. via @MikalDawn #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Mikal Dawn is an inspirational romance author, wedding enthusiast, and proud military (retired) wife. By day, she works as an administrative assistant for an international ministry organization, runs her kids to all their sports, and drinks lots of coffee. By night, she pulls her hair out, wrestling with characters and muttering under her breath as she attempts to write while dinner is burning. And drinks lots of coffee. When she isn’t writing about faith, fun, and forever, she is obsessively scouring Pinterest (with coffee in hand, of course!) for wedding ideas for her characters.

Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Mikal now lives in Oklahoma with her husband, Mark, two of their three children, and one lazy, ferocious feline who can often be found taking over her Instagram account. Find Mikal on mikaldawn.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.


Embrace the magic of the Christmas season with these contemporary twists on timeless tales.

Upon a Dream — A rare sleeping disorder keeps Talia from performing, but when Philip recognizes her gift, he’ll do whatever it takes to see her onstage. 

Claim My Heart — Li Na and Colin Wen face off in a Mulan-esque courtroom battle where the real win might be losing their hearts.

A Snow White Christmas — Sheltered heiress Amala White flees her conniving stepmother’s plans and finds refuge with a handsome orchard owner and his seven quirky uncles.

Christmas Ella — Reality TV meets Cinderella story when a location director is swept off her feet by a rising star.

A Splash of Love — Las Vegas glitz meets Land of Enchantment culture in A Splash of Love, a modern twist on the Little Mermaid.

Available on Amazon for ebook (and Kindle Unlimited) and paperback.

Look Up! by Elizabeth Musser

Often when I see a musical, one song will resonate with me so that it replays itself ad nauseum in my brain for days and weeks and months afterwards. Such was the case when I watched the wonderful film Mary Poppins Returns back in February. Here we are many months later, and I’m still singing, “Count your blessings; you’re a lucky guy for you’re underneath the lovely London sky.”

But I don’t mind.

Everything about the lyrics in this song makes me smile. First of all, the London sky doesn’t exactly have the reputation of being that welcoming for much of the year. But can’t a gray sky be lovely? It’s all about perspective as the song goes on to tell us.

When we write, we are giving our readers a certain perspective and hoping that they’ll catch on. Part of that perspective for us as Christian authors is to infuse our stories with hope.

The song from the film continues, “There’s a different point of view awaiting you if you would just look up.”

I want to give encouragement to my readers, but sometimes I sense the Lord simply wants my readers to be an encouragement to me. He whispers to me on those days when I’m feeling distracted or uninspired or discouraged, “Count your blessings and look up!”

As writers, we need to do this throughout each day so that our imaginations which are often creating conflict and angst don’t hijack the joy of the present. It’s a juggling act, isn’t it?

Usually I’m not underneath the London sky, but the Lyon, France sky where my husband and I serve as pastoral care missionaries. But we’re back in the States for the launch of my new novel, When I Close My Eyes. Yesterday, under my north Georgia sky, I watched my grandchildren frolicking right outside the window of my office, making it very hard for me to concentrate on writing and delighting me with the simple experience of being together on the same continent. So I looked up from my manuscript, waved to them, and hummed that tune in my head.

This morning, I drove up on Lookout Mountain underneath an autumn-blue sky to speak to a book club. In my talk, I addressed the major themes in the novel: depression, hypocrisy and grace, sharing from my own experience with depression. I was blessed and encouraged by the honest conversation that followed as these women responded to both the story in my book and my personal story. I sensed the Lord saying, “I don’t waste anything in your life. I’m using your story to impart hope. Look up!”

A few days ago, I was talking on the phone with my father in Atlanta. He told me that his new next-door-neighbor had just discovered that I was an author and that she’d read and greatly enjoyed some of my novels and couldn’t wait to meet me. Look up! That was a fun and unexpected blessing for my father, this woman, and me.

A few months ago at our little church in France, my husband, Paul, met a young Dutch woman named Judith who was visiting her sister in Lyon where her sister and husband attend our church. Paul mentioned to Judith that we had traveled to The Netherlands often because my novels are published there. Then Paul introduced me to Judith, and I explained that I write Christian fiction. Her eyes got wide when she asked me my name and I replied, “Elizabeth Musser.”

“I’ve read your books and love them!” she said. “And I just bought another of your novels to give to my mother for Mother’s Day.”

We chatted for a while, both of us certainly blessed by that serendipitous encounter. Later that week, I mailed a few signed book plates to Judith to put in those books.

So often we can’t see the impact of our words on others. “Is what I’m doing really making a difference, Lord,” we may ask. Then He pulls back the veil, ever so briefly, and gives us a peek at the lovely sky, reminding us that there’s a different point of view awaiting us if we will just look up. He intertwines lives at the right time so that indeed we’ll be blessed.

My sky today keeps changing from sunny and blue to moody and gray to frivolous with puffy white clouds. I think it is going to rain soon. But I’ll keep looking up. Won’t you, too?

As writers, we need to count our blessings throughout each day so that our imaginations which are often creating conflict and angst don’t hijack the joy of the present. via @EMusserAuthor #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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ELIZABETH MUSSER writes ‘entertainment with a soul’ from her writing chalet—tool shed—outside Lyon, France. Her new novel, When I Close My Eyes, was released on November 5 of 2019. For over thirty years, Elizabeth and her husband, Paul, have been involved in missions’ work in Europe with One Collective, formerly International Teams. The Mussers have two sons, a daughter-in-law and three grandchildren. Find more about Elizabeth’s novels at www.elizabethmusser.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and her blog.

When I Close My Eyes

Could she ever share the secret of The Awful Year?

There is one story that novelist Josephine Bourdillon shirked from writing. And now she may never have a chance. Trapped in her memories, she lies in a coma.

The man who put her there is just as paralyzed. Former soldier Henry Hughes failed to complete the kill. What’s more, he never received the full payment—funds that would ensure surgery for his son.

As detectives investigate disturbing fan letters, a young but not-so-naive Paige Bourdillon turns to her mother’s tormented past for answers. Could The Awful Year be worse than the one they’re living now?

Set against the flaming hills of North Carolina and the peaceful shores of the Mediterranean Sea, When I Close My Eyes tells the story of two families struggling with dysfunction and finding that love is stronger than death.

Our Ways versus The Lord’s Ways by Cindy Williams

“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.” Jer. 29:11

"The End." We write those sweet words at the end of our story and breathe a sigh of relief… maybe post it online or celebrate with friends. We’ve plunged our characters into danger, immersed them in intrigue, struck them with love. They’ve been driven with purpose, fixed on their goals.

But what if you get to the end and realise that all their plans, all the things they were so concerned about, all the situations that drove them to achieve or fight or flee were not what the story was about at all!

This is the case with my new book, The Silk Merchant of Sychar. It is based on the John 4 account of the Samaritan woman at the well: a woman who had had five husbands and was currently with a man not her husband.

In the culture of her time marriage and children brought honor and security. Yet this woman had married and lost one man after another – five times! Imagine what thoughts occupied her mind. When she went out to the well, was she thinking of Jesus? Was she planning to do something great to please God? I don’t think so. She was coping with life in all its messiness.

Yet God used this woman as one of the first evangelists for Jesus. She was so excited after speaking to this Jewish man that had told her ‘everything she ever did’ that she rushed back to town to tell everyone. As a result, the town leaders invited Jesus to stay – a radical move as there was no love lost between Jews and Samaritans. He taught them for two days and many believed.

The Lord works the same way in our life. We may be trying to live a life pleasing to God or simply trying to get through the day. We may be doing the things we think He wants us to do and writing the words we feel called to write. Yet when the Author of Life planned and created us perhaps He wove in a few fine golden threads that He uses to His glory without us even trying, or maybe even knowing.

The Lord knows the plans he has for us and when we finally get to meet him we may be amazed at what seemingly insignificant events in our life bring a smile to his face and the words to his lips: "Well done good and faithful servant."

"...when the Author of Life planned and created us perhaps He wove in a few fine golden threads that He uses to His glory..." #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Cindy Williams is an Australian author. For over twenty years she spoke and wrote about

healthy eating. Now she writes a more varied diet – of history, health, food and faraway places.

Exercise is her stress relief. Prayer is her sanity. Coffee and croissants are her downfall.

She writes stories of flawed women who battle injustice, and sometimes find romance.

She reviews for the Historical Novel Society, blogs for International Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers, and teaches scripture in schools.

Her first novel, The Pounamu Prophecy, was short listed for the 2016 Caleb Prize.
One woman, five husbands and a weary rabbi at the well who
knows everything she ever did.

The day after they bury her husband Leah Marcellus loses her
baby. A widow and childless, what man will want her now?
Her father arranges a second marriage – a profitable business
arrangement – sealed on Mount Gerizim, the holy mountain
where every true follower of Yahweh worships. But Leah’s heart
belongs to another. Her passion only brings trouble - jealousy,
murder and lies.

Leah’s skill at the loom and the secrets of dye – the woad, the
murex and madder – brings her renown among the Roman
women of wealth.

Yet death and betrayal soon steal her security. Leah is determined
to protect her family ... at any cost.

From the olive groves of Samaria to the bloodied sand of a
Roman stadium to the exquisite silks brought from the East,
The Silk Merchant of Sychar weaves colour into the biblical
account of the woman at the well.

Writers Beware: Your Real-life May Intrude on Your Creativity! by Julia David

Like everyone, I pray for the leading of the Holy Spirit for hope, purpose, and redemption through my words, plots, and characters. And a good out and out page-turning love story. But now that I'm six books in this career, I see some interesting patterns.

By day I have a job helping pregnant and parenting teens get their high school diploma. Funny that quite a few of my well-intentioned heroines deal with an unplanned pregnancy. I was a foster parent for fifteen years and adopted two sisters from foster care. My whole Leaving Lennhurst Asylum series is what it was like for the discarded and disadvantaged children before there was the foster care system.

One of the characters I can write with ease is the overworked church girl. Even though my stories are historical, she flows from my fingers. I lived for years believing that more was Godly. Fatigue was a lack of faith, and service was the way to approval. Ugg. Don’t get me wrong; the gospel goes forth today because of women who serve and sacrifice. (and write) But it took me years to understand, my approval and acceptance were demonstrated on the cross. I can't earn His love or work for it. It’s already mine.

The common saying in writing is," write what you know." Or write what you've lived. Whole-hearted creative women use all of life's highs and lows in the raw and vulnerable message of their writing. Who knew this life was going to be fodder for a good love/redemption story.

God knew since He’s telling that love story through all of us. 

Whole-hearted creative women use all of life's highs and lows in the raw and vulnerable message of their writing. #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

~~~~~~

Author of Christian Historical Romance, Julia David loves the wild walk of faith. A former

Women’s Ministry director turned romance writer is a great example. A serial thrifter and DIY’er for fun, she camps around Oregon and Northern California with her large imperfect (a husband that could skip camping and live in peace) family. The next series, Loves Pure Gold coming from juliadwrites is a fun romp of love in the early Gold Rush Boomtowns of California.

Writing While Waiting by Kathy Harris

Don’t ever pray for patience, because God just might give it to you. At least that’s how the old saying goes.

Who hasn’t been frustrated occasionally when things don’t happen as quickly as we had planned? I don’t know about you, but there are times when I even start doubting that they will happen.

Let’s take the elusive dream of publication, for example. I think writers are particularly vulnerable to impatience. The road to publication is a long one. Throw in a few stop signs, roundabouts, dangerous curves, and detours, and it’s easy to become discouraged.

Unfortunately, discouragement is the number one enemy of productivity, and if we’re going to be published, we have to write. So, how do we avoid the vicious cycle of discouragement vs. writing?

Deadlines.

Just as discouragement is the enemy of productivity, deadlines are the nemesis of doubt, discouragement, and impatience. Deadlines are an act of faith. When we set a deadline, we’re telling ourselves that we can. We’re committing ourselves to the task. We’re showing ourselves to be faithful that God will deliver. In His timing.

In April of this year, I wrote a blog post on deadlines for the ACFW Blog outlining why I think deadlines are one of the best ways we can move ourselves forward as writers. In fact, I believe that self-imposed deadlines can keep us ahead of the game, putting us in a place where we don’t have to scramble when opportunity knocks. And it will.

All in God’s timing. 

Just as discouragement is the enemy of productivity, deadlines are the nemesis of doubt, discouragement, and impatience. via @DevineDetour #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Kathy is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Christian Authors Network, MCRW, and RWA. She is the former publicity chairman for her local writer’s group and a member of The Book Club Network Volunteer Board of Directors. Follow Kathy on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/KathyHarrisAuthor), Twitter (https://twitter.com/divinedetour), and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/kathyharris_author).

On Those Days You Wonder Why… by Hannah Currie

My debut YA novel, Heart of a Royal, releases 15 October 2019. There’s something so ridiculously exciting about being able to say that. Not only because it’s cool in its own right (my name is on the front of a book!!!) but because it’s a miracle. Really. One of those things where God did what only God could do.

I’m an introvert, well-accustomed to the fight against anxiety, have a chronic disease which limits my strength and live on the opposite side of the world to the majority of Christian publishers. I set out on this road to publication almost a decade ago with no publishing contacts, a tiny platform and very little chance of ever making my way out of anyone’s slush pile. It was disheartening, to say the least.

And yet, every time I wondered if it was time to give up on my dream of being published, God would send along someone to give me hope.

A rejection, with a personal note from the agent telling me what I’d done well. A competition judge saying they couldn’t wait to read the whole book. A text from a friend complaining that an early draft I’d sent her had kept her up all night reading – the night before she was heading off to Olympic trials. A hand-written note from my 95-year-old Grandma, whose memory is failing but still prays for my writing and wanted to let me know. The time I knelt beside my bed one night, crying and begging God to give me some direction only to wake up the next morning to an email, totally out of the blue, from a multi-published author who’d been an anonymous judge in a competition I entered and wanted to encourage me and ask if there was any way she could help me figure out what next.

I knew God was faithful before I started writing but looking back, over almost a decade of writing and sending out proposals and not knowing what the next step would be until it was right under my nose, I couldn’t possibly doubt it.

He is faithful, and he is the God of the impossible. One look at my book and I’m reminded of that.

Whatever you’re facing today – an empty page, a rejection, a character who won’t behave, the letting go of a dream, more expectations than you can handle or one of those million-and-one things that’s just one too many to deal with – God is faithful. There is hope. God still does miracles. He’s held you before, he’s still holding you now. You aren’t forgotten. Your dream still matters. Where you are today is not the end. God is still writing your story just like he’s writing mine.

And I, for one, can’t wait to read it! 

Where you are today is not the end. God is still writing your story just like he’s writing mine. #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Aussie author, Hannah Currie, loves God, family, people (in small numbers, let’s not go crazy here!) and writing. A book nerd from birth, she knows firsthand the difference a good book can make in a person’s life. Even, and especially, fiction. She and her husband live with their three adorable kids in sunny Queensland, where it really is beautiful one day and perfect the next. Except, maybe, during heatwaves. They’re not so fun. She loves to connect with readers at www.hannahcurrie.com.

Growing in Courage by Gail Johnson

The following post from Gail Johnson ran on my personal blog in 2018. She has graciously agreed to share it with the readers of Seriously Write, because we all need an extra measure of courage on occasion. ~ Sandy

Some people are born courageous while others must learn how to cultivate it. I fit into both categories. I was fearless as a child, but later I had to learn how to squash the weed of fear so the fruit of courage could grow. And the gardening never stops.

When I planned to write my memoir, I faced questions. Why should I venture out into unknown territory, a place of vulnerability? What will people think of me after sharing my story? Where will I find the answers to finish this task?

But no matter what I did, my story refused to leave me alone. One morning I conceded and put my notes together. Oh, boy! The more I typed, the more dissatisfied I became. I failed to find the perfect formula to share my story. Still, something rose inside of me.

I printed out the pages and laid them on the table. After scrutinizing the text, I could see the personal stories needed rearranging. So I took scissors—yep, scissors—and separated the stories and then taped them where I believed they should go. By the time I had finished, they were in the order they are in the book.

Meanwhile a friend, who is a developmental editor, contacted me and asked if I needed her that year. I stared at the question. I had a choice. Say no, or commit to write like a madwoman to reach my goal.

Suddenly, the Lord impressed me with a date. I typed that date into a message even while fear screamed, “Have you lost your mind? You can't do this. You’ll never finish on time.” Still, I hit the send button.” She penciled in the date. I felt sick.

Courage is not instantaneous. It grows as we reach our goal step-by-step. I arrived every day to write, cry, mourn, and hope. And I’m so glad I did. It was the most liberating experience of my life.

Viewing my story as a finished manuscript, I connected the disjointed notes and saw every drop of God’s grace in my life. And during the following months of rewriting and publishing, I watched the Lord knock over every obstacle of fear and doubt. To this day, I have yet to miss a deadline. He truly is faithful.

Experience teaches us courage. Go ahead. Take that leap of faith!

Other than prayer and Bible reading, how do you grow your courage?

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Gail Johnson enjoys sharing her passion for life and Christ through the power of the written word. Whether it’s through stories, articles, or songs, she invites her reader and listener to “taste and see” the hope she has found in a faithful God and loving Savior. Born and raised in Georgia, she is a wife and mother of two adult children. She enjoys lots of family time, good music, maple pecan ice cream, and southern living.