I Don't Dance Blog Tour Sign-ups!

I think the title pretty much sums it up, but I'm so excited to announce blog tour sign ups for I Don't Dance!  The book will be published three weeks from today, and I can't wait for y'all to join me! If you'd like to know a bit more about the book, you can read about it here. 

Well, that's all I got for today, folks. I'll see you Saturday! *gently nudges you toward the signup* 

Memorial Day 2018

To those who have given the ultimate sacrifice, may we be forever grateful. 

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends

John 15:13 

The sun had sunk halfway below the water that crashed against the rocks dotting the shoreline. Stretching as far as the eyes could see, Lake Michigan was stunning as the waters sparkled in the enchanted light. Yet, the scene unfolding made no impression on the young woman that sat atop the rocks, her gaze locked on an item held in her hands.

A light breeze stirred the air, making the evening comfortable; a welcome reprieve from the humidity of the June day. Strands of hair played around her face, but she made no move to push them back. At last, she looked up and let her eyes sweep the view in front of her. And as she did so, two tears escaped her eyes and worked their way down her face.

There had been many dreams in her lifetime. She could still remember so many of them. Like that dream of being his. It was a dream she had secretly treasured for years before he had finally realized that she was the only one for him. She remembered how she felt when he asked her. He’d looked so handsome in the uniform with his eyes smiling down at her.  

In that moment, her dream had burst forth into glorious reality. She’d never forget what it felt like to be with him. To feel safe and treasured. She’d never forget what it felt like for a dream to become real.

The problem was, this was different. This was reality now. And oh, how she wished with every piece of her broken heart that it was just a dream.

But the folded flag that lay in her hands told her it wasn’t so. Why was it always the dreams that you wished could become reality, and the reality you wished were only a dream?

The ceremony had been today, but it was all a blur in her mind. All she could see was the casket that held the body of the man she had loved her whole life. A man who she was sure she would never stop loving.

And oh, it hurt. It hurt so much more than she had expected. She had known it was possible. And she had tried to prepare herself for the news, if it came one day. But looking back now, she realized it had been in vain. No matter what, she’d hoped that it wouldn’t happen. Sure, maybe it would happen to other families. But her and Peter . . . They’d be okay. Or at least, that’s what she told herself.

But not anymore.

Maybe, one day, the pain would fade. Everyone said it would. But right now, she couldn't imagine it ever getting easier.

Freedom wasn’t free. And never in her life had those words felt as true as they did today. Her Peter had paid the price. And with all her heart, she prayed that his sacrifice was not in vain.

--------------------

“I don't have to tell you how fragile this precious gift of freedom is. Every time we hear, watch, or read the news, we are reminded that liberty is a rare commodity in this world.” — President Ronald Reagan

Little Things

The little things. The wind rippling across fields of grain. New flowers, opening their petals to the sun. Dirt roads. Sunshine filled days. Little siblings bringing you handfuls of dandelions. A friend that is always there to listen. The fact that we're alive today.

Picture from pinterest

Sometimes it's the little things that we overlook in this busy life. But if we take a moment to stop and notice them, we realize...they aren't so little after all.

Life is so busy nowadays. Well, at least for my family it is. And it is so easy to get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle and get so focused on the big events in life, that the little blessings are overlooked. When you're worrying about college and a job and trying to plan the summer and wondering what it will bring, it's hard to make yourself take the time to pause each day and be thankful for the little blessings around you. So often it's not that we aren't thankful for them or don't want to be thankful for them. Instead, it's that our focus is off kilter. We think that each new season of life will hold what we are looking for. And maybe it will. But looking back, we'll always miss the part of our life we're in now. We'll wonder why we didn't treasure those days where in all honesty... we really didn't have that much to worry about.

So instead of looking at the future and worrying about what may happen, pause and look around you. Take some time today to look at the little blessings God has placed in your life. Make a point to enjoy them. To live each day to the fullest. Because you'll never get this day back.

Picture from pinterest

Today I'm thankful for: Sunshine. Country. The whisper in the wind that summer is on the way. The field of corn across from our house that makes for some epic pictures. A friend who stayed up till nearly midnight to talk. A new day full of possibilities. What little things are you thankful for? 

Writing Historical Fiction Authentically

Historical fiction. Since it's one of my favorite genres to both read and write, of course I had to write a blog post about it. ;)

Today I'm going to be talking about writing historical fiction authentically. Which I guess you could also call, “researching for historical fiction.” *shrugs* Whichever angle you prefer. XD

One of my very favorite things about reading historical fiction is all the little details I get to learn about whatever time period the book is set in. There's just something exciting about opening a fictional book and knowing you'll come away with actual facts about the past.

But it can be hard to try and research those details. I mean, it's not like we can time travel back and find out what we need to know. (Oh that would be amazing, though!)

So how do you manage to find out all those little facts and details you must know to write historical fiction?

1. Use firsthand accounts. This works really well for WWII onwards, because there are still people who lived during that time who you can find and interview. Letters that have been preserved and published in books are an invaluable tool for facts. This works well for a variety of time periods, because corresponding often includes small details about life that aren't included in history books.
2. Museums. I know, I know, maybe not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about researching. But really, these provide hands on research for so many different time periods. World wars, the middle ages, revolutionary war...Museums are filled with info that other people have put together for you. It's a win-win situation. ;)
3. Another way to be sure you're writing authentically is yo be careful of the themes you're trying to bring across. Make sure they fit with the time period you're writing. More the likely, a girl during the crusades is going have a lot more struggles then trying to figure out her self worth. Not that it couldn't work, but that is a theme that would fit a contemporary novel much better. The same goes for trying to write feminism in any time period before the 1900s. Not that it can't ever be done, but because it wasn't a large part if the culture, it's hard to pull it off well without it coming across as forced and unnatural. So instead of trying to be the one author in a thousand who managed to pull something like that off, try and find another angle or write about a struggle that was authentic to the time period. Your readers will appreciate it.

So yes. Three tips that I've found works well for writing historical fiction authentically . ;) Have you used any of these methods?

Writing Romance

Anddd...the Indie E-can is in full swing! Today's genre is romance, and there's a lot of fun things going on.

never thought I’d be writing a blog post about writing romance. Why? Because in my mind, I never really wrote romance. Maybe I’d include it as a side plot or some such thing, but I’d never write anything that could be classified as romance.

All that changed this past February when God put a story idea on my heart that wouldn't leave me alone. The result was my novella I Don’t Dance which will be released June 21st. I’d like to share a little here about why I decided to go ahead and write a romance, and maybe I can convince you to do the same. (Even if maybe the thought makes you gag right now. ;))

My idea of romance isn’t falling passionately in love the first time you meet someone. It’s not scandals and love triangles and wondering who the girl will end up with. Romance, in my mind, is two people who are attracted to each other  working together and letting God lead them to see what their future may hold. It’s not easy, and it’s not looking through rose-colored glasses. It’s life. It’s precious. And when God guides, it’s beautiful.
So anyway. That definition might be nice to keep in mind as we go on. ;)

The first reason I decided to write a ‘romance’ is because I was really getting annoyed at reading love stories at seemed to superficial. The characters were obsessed with the attraction to each other, and it made me cringe to read it. I knew enough people who had experienced sweet, innocent love stories to know that such a thing was possible. I just couldn't seem and find any books where that example was followed.

Secondly, I wanted a romance book that I felt I could hand to girls without warning them of the content. I hate having those books are are amazing but you have to be like, “skip this page and this chapter because there were some things in there that were a bit unnecessary.” That kinda defeats the whole point of reading the book when you’re already training your eyes to watch for things. You can’t simply just sit back and enjoy it.

Thirdly, I wanted a book where the family was involved. I’m not even going to get into the whole ‘whether or not the parents should be involved’ debate. I’m pretty certain most of you know where I stand on that. But regardless, I feel like so few books have the siblings involved. Coming from a family of ten, it was always assumed that any guy who was interested in any of us girls would have to get along with our siblings. Because they’re kind a huge part of life. So I wanted to write a story about a guy and girl who’s families already were great friends and got along. Because the romance just just include two people; it’s includes their families, too.

And last but definitely not least, I wanted to read a romance where God was a huge part of it. I didn’t just want the characters to believe in God, or to refuse to date if the other wasn’t a christian. Those are good, but I wanted more then that. I wanted Christ to be a part of the romance story. Because after all, He is the author of our love stories.

So yes. the four reasons I decided to write a romance. Have I convinced anyone else to join me? ;)

Indie e-Con Scavenger Hunt 2018 Stop #12

Hello all! Welcome to the Indie E-con. Maybe you've seen a bit about it around, but aren't quite sure what it is. Well, it's an online writing conference for anyone who would like to attend. There are prizes, contests, informative posts, and much more. Today is the kick-off for the Indie E-con, and this is the twelfth stop on the scavenger hunt. I'm hosting one of our amazing authors, Angie Thomspon.

-If you want to know more about the Indie e-con and find out more info go here.
-To start the scavenger hunt at the beginning go here. 
-To read my post on Morgan's blog go here.

The Quote That Changed My Story

Angie Thompson

What if I told you that one of the most pivotal influences in my whole writing journey was a quote? Okay, you’re probably not surprised. What if I told you it wasn’t a quote from a book but from a movie? Well, I’m sure you’ve heard that bookworms do sometimes watch movies. But what if I told you it wasn’t a quote from a Hollywood blockbuster but from a little, independent Christian film called “Facing the Giants”?
Are you scratching your head yet? If you’ve seen the movie, maybe not; it’s got a lot of inspiring scenes and soundbites to choose from. But what if I told you that God used a quote about making the football team to completely overhaul my perspective on writing?

No, the quote didn’t inspire one of my stories. It didn’t clarify a fuzzy character motivation. It didn’t send me away determined to write something just as inspiring and powerful.
What it did was to bring me face to face with my own fears and insecurities in a way I’d never seen them before.
The quote God used to rock my world and my writing came in a scene where former soccer player David is talking to his dad about the idea of trying out for the football team. After David gives several reasons why he wouldn’t be a good fit, his dad asks, “Are you saying you’re not interested? Or that you’d like to try out, but you’re afraid?”
David replies, “What if I don’t even make the team?”
And his dad answers, “Well, you’re already not on the team. You can’t be any more not on the team than you already are.”
The scene went on. The movie went on. There was more inspiring talk about fear and failure and potential. But with the words above, my life had changed.
Not immediately, mind you. In fact, my first response was to shake my head and say, “That’s different.” But the Lord began to prod me. To ask me why. To make me dig down into a little corner of my heart that I’d never tried to explore.
And when I got there, I found that I didn’t fear missed opportunity. That there was something else at the core of my fear of failure. That what I feared most, deep inside, was rejection.

You see, if David never tried out, he would always have a “might have been good enough” to cling to. But if he tried out and didn’t make the team, a little part of his hopes and dreams would die. Someone would have judged him not good enough. Not competent. Not worthy.
He wouldn’t be “not on the team” by his own choice, but by the choice of another.
As I wrestled with the quote and my reaction to it, I was forced to face my own personal giants--the looming fear of rejection and desire for approval that lurked in the shadows of all my goals. I’d always hoped to be a published author, but in my heart was an undercurrent of fear that found voice in David’s hesitant, “What if I don’t even make the team?”

Slowly and gently, God opened my eyes to see that David’s dad was exactly right. Not trying out didn’t carry the same sting for David, but it didn’t put him any closer to reaching his potential. Not accumulating a stack of rejection letters meant fewer tears for me, but it didn’t put me any closer to sharing my stories with the world.
In fact, I discovered that not trying was a shield. A prop for my pride. A selfish way of hiding my light under a bushel for fear it would be extinguished if I brought it out. But I serve a God big enough to defeat my fears, wise enough to carry my dreams, and gentle enough to shelter my heart.
The message finally took root.
It was nearly ten years after this revelation when I finally wrote a story that I thought might be worthy of publication. And when I finished it, I hesitated. The fear was still real.
“You’re already not on the team.”
I sent it to a small publisher. It was rejected. Maybe it really was as flawed as the editor thought.
I cried. But I lived. And I proved the truth of the quote that had made me send it. I wasn’t any further from my dream than I had been while sitting in my kitchen with an unsubmitted manuscript. The rejection stung. But I had done my part.

Nearly two years later, I had a massive streak of inspiration where I wrote and edited a completely new book over the span of a couple months. I’d been learning more and more about independent publishing and wanted to be able to give my grandpa a real book for Christmas (as opposed to the printer-paper manuscripts he usually gets). I went for it and suddenly found myself confronted with the monster task of telling my friends, contacting reviewers, and getting the word out online. Not one potential rejection but dozens. (Yes, just dozens; I’m still working on the marketing thing.)
“You can’t be any more not on the team than you already are.”

In His grace, God has used that quote to remind, center, and encourage me more times than I can count on this long and sometimes rocky journey from writer to author. It reminds me that rejection doesn’t destroy, that fear stagnates, and that my part is to step out, to try, and to leave the results in His hands.
So congratulations, David. After all these years, we’ve both made the team. :)

Life

Writings, editing, conferences, book sales, traveling, friends, craziness, change. Okay, I think I summed up April quite well.

*waves* Hello, readers. How was your April? Mine was insanely busy and wonderful. A lot happened, and I have a feeling that it kinda set a precedent for how the summer is going to roll. We already have SO much planned.

On the writing side of things... Rebekah Morris, a friend of hers, and another friend of mine shared a booth at our local homeschool conference! It was so much just to hang out and be able to have fun and talk to people. Talking about and attempting to sell books to people I sorta knew was weirder, and I came to the conclusion I'd never be a good salesperson. xD If you were on Instagram you probably saw a lot of pictures of our time there. We had a lot of fun and it was an amazing experience. ;)

I did participate in Camp Nano. Originally my goal was to edit 60K in A Question of Loyalty, but life had other ideas and I ended up lowering my goal to 35k. The good news is, I did manage to edit that much, so I'm happy. As of now I'm taking a break from the rest of it to focus on getting I Don't Dance published, and then during July camp NaNo I'll, Lord willing, be able to finish it up and send it to beta-readers in early August.

Andddd...I Don't Dance! The publication date is just a little over a month away! Beta-readers finished up with it today, and I'm just about completed with the last huge edit I plan on doing before sending it off to the amazing Abi who is going to give it one last edit before publication. My cover designer is working on perfecting the back cover and spine for the paperback, and let me just tell y'all... It's gonna look amazing!  I'm honestly so excited for the release of this book. Perhaps more then with any other book I've published. I never thought I'd be writing a contemporary christian romance novella. In fact, if you had told me I would, I probably would have chuckled and dismissed the idea.
But God has other plans that are so often different and better then ours, and the journey of this book has been amazing. It's definitely my baby. *cuddles book*

On a totally different note...
I've been thinking a lot about dreams and the future this month. When we were little, we dreamed of what we would do when we were older. We wanted to grow up and do something special. The world was an exciting adventure we couldn't wait to travel. And I think too often as we get older and adjust to the duties and routines that life demands, we lose sight of that God-given dream. But just remember, God put that passion in your heart for a reason. Trust Him. Don't be afraid of the unknown. Wait for His guidance. And then don't let anything stop you.

So yes. Somewhat of an update on how April went and a random rambling thrown in for good measure. ;) How was your April?