Tender Walls

I don't know if every writer feels this way but I do... I think nothing is happening with my writing if I don't hear something frequently. My required reinforcement is constant- like a drink of water on a hot day in Florida. Anyways, yesterday I was emailed the news that an article I sent way back in May was just used by a young teen publication and they wanted to pay me. The story can be read by going to the link above. I wrote it during the violent hurricanes we suffered through just after moving here. God has a way of pulling me up short and reminding me that I don't know everything and what is going on everywhere.

It is finished!

I finished my book that had its beginnings in 1999 - I even submitted it to a publisher - the publisher of my choice. Not that it means it would get accepted there, but years ago, I submitted it there and the editor was kind enough to offer me feedback so I feel like part of my journey is to resubmit there and await any or all feedback now!
So now on to write my next book - ugh - if only I could narrow it down.

Synopsis

I had this goal this week to finish editing my book, write my chapter synopsis and then a query letter to send it off - two out of three done! I love this book but now after years of putting it off - I am so happy I am almost finished so I can start on a new one. I began Second Chances back in 1999. The story weaves some of my real life into it as my own history unfolded. As my first Christian romance, I am excited to continue the process and hopefully find a home for it. I would then like to move on to a book that I have been mulling around with the plot in my head for quite awhile.

It's Out!

Everyday Grace, Everyday Miracle is due out today! Lorna has been promoting this book and has many boodk signings set up. I'm excited to read the book and see how God has transformed her life and can do the same for others.

I have a story that is in the works for a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. The final results are almost here...yesterday I received a sample of how my story will look in it. Can I say how excited I am? I feel immeasurably blessed!

Secure the Fort is almost done being edited as well. My part is fun because I get to read everything before anyone else. I warn you - you will cry! Some of the military stories can't help but bring out those tears. My story is under the Marine Corps section. This book will touch many people and I am praying for a far reaching success.

I'm not conforming...really

Why does the month of January force one to take stock of their life?Every year. Not just personal, but the usual physical examination - like I better get more real about my exercise program? My husband came home with an elliptical last night - it lays in a heap - half put together on our garage floor. He is excited. I'm slightly hesitant being that I am a treadmill mama...I can dance on the treadmill - can't quite do that when I am skiing on an elliptical.

He got the kind with a built- in fan - as if that 8"x 8"thing will really do anything in the 99+ temps in Florida this summer. My garage has no air but I refuse to let him put it in the family room after noting his drenched shirt after a go on one at the gym. Yes...we still have a gym membership - but this machine is for those days when we can't drag ourselves to it. That's the plan anyways.

I am the type of person who would much rather take stock of my emotional status rather than body. But I suppose they go hand in hand. If I look good - I feel good - it also means I don't have to go out and shop for new clothes this summer. darn.

Happy New Year

Once again, it is exciting to have a new year upon us. Makes me eager to know what the Lord will do in my life this year and in the lives of those I care about around me. 2006 was an eventful year - filled with many ups and downs. I lost some important people in my life... whether from illness, injury, marriage or moves. But God was faithful and introduced many new people into my life as well as revived old friendships.

My writing opportunities took off in 2006. I was excited to see my first story in Come Away with Me, a book by Faithwriters. Purpose paid me my first check and Crosstimes published several of my articles. Haruah picked up my story Two Words and Penned from the Heart carried a devotional of mine this fall. I won the Women of Passions Christmas story contest and was so surprised about that this year. A few of my more personal stories were published with Maggie Mae magazine out of Orlando but I think my biggest surprise this year was a letter from Chicken Soup telling me I was in the finals for a book --- when and if I get selected for the final cut - now that would be my wish this year.

I also was asked to edit a Christian Military book in the fall of 2006 and I await the soon to be released book Everyday Grace, Everyday Miracle book due out this month and see my story about my bout with Breast Cancer biopsies in printand to be able to share with others God's faithfulness.
Blesssings!!