October Housekeeping and the Birth of a Book Baby

There are some seasons that linger and dance around the fringe of our subconscious while others slip quietly past and yield, with some reluctance, to the next one in line. (Click-to-Tweet)

Spring and summer were both of those for me.

Now October’s here and I’m back in the blogging saddle and about to birth a book baby! (Say that one fast.)

As I I’ve finished final edits on Her Hope Discovered, I also prepped for conference season. In fact, I recently returned from the annual American Christian Fiction Writer’s (ACFW) conference in Nashville. I shared all the details in my October newsletter, but suffice it to say, this was my fifth ACFW conference, and it ranked as one of my favorites. If you pop over to my Facebook page photos, you’ll see one of the reasons why, and she has over 200 million books in print!

While away at conference, I also posted to Instagram, so join me there and check out the fun! (BTW, yesterday I shared a sweet burst of joy from my seventy-nine-year-old mama. ♥ Don’t miss it!)

As fall ratchets up to full steam ahead mode, I’m in the throes of yet another busy, but thrilling, season. Here’s a brief overview.

• This month finds me in last-round edits for Her Hope Discovered, Book One in my Welcome to Ruby series. You may remember, Her Hope Discovered finaled in the 2016 ACFW Genesis contest. (It was one of two books I entered that year and both went on to final!) Release date for Her Hope Discovered is set for January 2019 with preorder tentatively available in late November 2018. Yes, this will be my book baby debut! Can you feel the love?! *hold me*

 

• There’s a big, ol’ bucket of excitement on the way! My publisher’s getting their groove on as we set our little lights to twinkling and pour out some serious holiday cheer. Watch the blog (the month of October) and my social media hangouts for more! Hint: Set out your party shoes. Good things are on the way!

 

• Cover reveal for Her Hope Discovered. It happens in late November! Again, stay tuned because you won’t want to miss my book baby cover reveal, as well as a huge giveaway I have planned! Pssst… Please spread the word!

 

• Limber up those pinning fingers and join me on Pinterest! Remember my super secret Her Hope Discovered board? In November, I’ll make that board “live” as we prepare for launch! You’ll be able to glimpse my book baby in snapshot form as our cast of characters breathes new life. Ooh! Aah! See my vision behind my Welcome to Ruby series and get a feel for this little town and those who live, love, and laugh there. AND… I have another super secret board chock-full of Her Hope Discovered memes! I’ll make that board “live” around the same time and you’ll be free to pin and share. In fact, I so hope you will!

 

As I step back for a moment and consider my journey, I have to admit—it’s somewhat surreal.

It’s so true that no one can prepare us for this—the season before we give birth. Those who’ve experienced it can share their wisdom, but their insights aren’t ours. Likely, we’ve matured through our own trials and errors. (Click-to-Tweet)

We’ve navigated new territory, perhaps similar in nature, but unique to us because it’s our story. The one we, alone, have lived, breathed, and trudged for years, maybe decades.

And too, just as we carved out our story and grew in our craft, fellow wordsmiths came alongside and applauded our journey. They cheered, prayed, and paved the way for us to succeed, which is no slight thing.

It reaffirms the value of what we do—for writers, for readers.

We share stories in book form so others can live vicariously through hope’s eyes.

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SHARING IS CARING

 

As fall ratchets up to full steam ahead mode, I’m in the throes of yet another busy, but thrilling, season. Here’s a brief overview.

(Click-to-Tweet)

 

Each writer’s journey is unique. Still, we share one similarity, and ultimately, it’s why we do what we do. Hint: The answer’s in the last line of this blog post.

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Original Image Credit: sydney Rae / Unsplash

 

TO ENCOURAGE YOU

 

Success… Is It Too Late?

Age is relative. The only barrier is the one we build in our mind. Say good-bye to that!

 

Five Ways We Can Love Better

How we can ditch bad habits for good ones. Inspirational guidelines for today’s ever-changing dynamic.

 

What has your journey been like?

As a writer or a reader, do others’ journeys inspire you to new heights?

What are you doing today to move forward in your journey?

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Thanks for joining me on the this wild and (sometimes) crazy path!

Stay up-to-date with bookish news and all things fun. Subscribe to my monthly e-newsletter here. Welcome to the family!

Much Love and Many Blessings,