Go-for-Launch… It Happens Soon!

For an author, there are few things as exciting as her first book launch. Add to that the holiday hustle and bustle and all the giddiness that surrounds this wonderful season of giving, and you have the perfect recipe for the best Christmas ever.

This bookish dream is about to become a reality!

It’s a time of expectancy and delight coupled with moments of exhaustion and a wee bit crazy.

Launching a book during the holidays is a mixed bag of blessings and goosebumps. Here’s why. (Click-to-Tweet)

On one hand, my thoughts are scattered in myriad directions. On the other hand, I’m well aware of specifics and timelines and things left to do.

It’s a little overwhelming to consider the big picture, so perspective is key. One day—one thing—at a time. Cue the Christmas carols and please pass the coffee!

As I prepare to celebrate our Savior’s birth (the “main event”), I’m also holding on the launch pad, gearing up for my own birthday—the birth of my book baby. Go-for-launch day happens soon! (Click-to-Tweet)

While launching a book in no way compares to the holiest of seasons, it is, I think, my very own Christmas miracle. How fitting is it that Her Hope Discovered, my début novel and the first book in my Welcome to Ruby series release at the start of a brand new year?

It’s something I’m trying to wrap my mind around.

A bit surreal and a little scary, too, this project of my heart is finally coming to fruition. I can’t wait to see where God takes it!

As I fly through holiday prep—baking, shopping, and decorating—I’m cognizant of timing. How our Heavenly Father orchestrates everything, from the big to the minute, according to His will, plan, and purpose. Even something like an eighty-three-thousand-word book (small, in comparison to the birth of His son) is guided by His hand.

Incredible.

Another thing?

Believe me, even my book’s title (which, by the way, my publisher let me keep) isn’t lost on me. How cool is it that Her Hope Discovered would not only be my début novel but also intersect with real life, too?

Though my characters’ stories are different from my life story, the significance of those three words—her, hope, discovered—highlight my writing career, as well as demonstrate my faith journey. If not for ark-sized faith, I would have departed the publishing path years ago. (Click-to-Tweet)

Writing is a crazy, up-and-down, moment-by-moment job. At times, it’s stressful and disappointing. Like with many jobs, there are highs and lows and in-betweens.

Too, writing is a solitary career best summarized by our stories—the ones we create in silence.

Still, despite our craft’s plateaus and pauses, there’s beautiful truth that comes with the territory. Somewhere along the way, we develop our sea legs. We realize that without the tsunamis, we wouldn’t recognize the rainbows.

The good doesn’t necessarily cancel out the bad, but it prods us to continue. Two legs, two feet, ten toes at time. (Click-to-Tweet)

We walk. Trudge. Crawl. Swim. Whatever we’re called to do to accomplish our mission.

Thanks for joining me on mine! *clink*

***

SHARING IS CARING

 

The thing I waited for, prayed for, and nearly gave up on happens soon! Will you join me?

(Click-to-Tweet)

THOUGHTS TO ENCOURAGE YOU

10 Things You Should Know About the Writing Life

Truth-bomb with a big, ol’ dose of encouragement!

 

Provision (Trusting God When It’s Hard)

On time, every time. Not always what we want when we think we need it. Why God’s provision and timing are better than our own.

 

Original Image Credit: SpaceX / Unsplash

 

How has God’s timing played a role in your life?

What’s been the hardest part of your journey?

What’s been the biggest blessing?

***

Well, my friend, it’s coming down to the wire! It’s almost launch time!

Follow my blog and join my newsletter family for all the fun and exciting updates! (Pssst... When you sign up for my blog updates/e-newsletter, be sure and click on the link in the confirmation e-mail that will arrive in your inbox. This double opt-in process not only assures me you really do want to hear from me, it also completes the sign-up process.) 

The Kindle edition of Her Hope Discovered, book one of my Welcome to Ruby series, is available for pre-order now! Order the print edition in mid-December!

To whet your appetite:

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!

See what others are saying about Her Hope Discovered. Read more here.

Follow my Amazon page and connect with me at ACFW Fiction Finder here and here.

My December newsletter rolls out soon and it’s chock-full of great things! I’d love to welcome you to my newsletter family!

Much Love and Many Blessings,