5 great memories from 2012...

So, today I wanted to highlight 5 great memories from this year. This isn't in any real order nor is it the only 5 great things that happened this year... ;-)

5-For the majority of The Major's deployment we got to live with my parents. It was a fantastic way to make a difficult 6 months a great time to reconnect with family and my hometown. I loved having my 2 sweet girls get to be around their grandparents for so long and watch their relationships just bloom!

Here are my 2 little firecrackers and my
parents. We so enjoyed all the time.
Going to church with them was
an extra treat.

4-While staying with my parents I was able to celebrate my mom's birthday with her. This is so rare because we live so far away. This year my dad, siblings, & I decided to have her Amish dress remade. How cool is that! Her original dress was destroyed over 20 years ago (it's a long story) and she has been so sad ever since. This was a priceless moment!

She was so surprised and was amazed with how close the
likeness was.

3-On a warm day in June my daughter pointed to the sky when she saw this cloud passing by. This is not a game of "what does that cloud look like" but really...this cloud IS A HEART! I was so reminded on that day of how much God loves me and how even His world boasts of his love and majesty. I love these moments with children...such teachable times in showing how God is with us...

Over the mountains and the seas,
Your river runs with love for me.

2-I LOVED doing this photo shoot for my Love. While The Major was deployed I was writing a WW2 novel and I was all about the 40s. The girls and I did this shoot at a local train station inspired by WW2 home comings. How I longed for the homecoming at this point...but we were still over 2 months away from it. He loved the photos and I am amazed at how authentic my photographer made them appear. My oldest thought this was so much fun...my youngest...well, she hated it...

Dreaming of seeing my guy.

1-What an amazing moment...reuniting with my Love!!!! And watching our girls reunite with him was breathtaking. I can't imagine being away from them for so long and my heart breaks for The Major in how much he missed...but God has been so faithful. We 4 are sooooo very thankful to be together!

There have been so many wonderful memories this year...these are just a few...

...my oldest has learned to read! And in a few short months is reading at an unbelievable pace for just learning and for just being 5. She just amazes me every day.

...my youngest is just so funny. She really keeps me on my toes...she has gotten white out all over her mouth, gotten stuck in a doll stroller, learned to somersault on her own, can climb ANYTHING, and against my efforts had a mouth full of molding clay. Sigh...this was all before she turned 2...I think I have more gray hair.

...my husband ran another 1/2 marathon and got 1st place in his age group! He got 100 on his PT test and today is having his picture taken an article written about it. Love him!

...after finishing a novel this year I was offered to sign with literary agent Natasha Kern. The answer was a resounding YES! I cannot tell you how amazed I am with her expertise! I feel overwhelmed and so thankful.

WHAT A YEAR!!! There are so many of those sweet, cute memories that happen daily that I don't have pictures of but are hidden so dearly in my heart. I'm so thankful for the life God has given to me.

Cheers,
Elizabeth

YOUR TURN: Tell me what have been some of your memories from 2012. I'd love to hear!

5 things...I will blog about...

So, I'm a list-maker. I don't know why but while The Major was deployed I didn't write 1 measly list...except for a grocery list. I have no idea what came over me but I didn't have a to-do list anything like I usually do.

I have been so list-deprived that I am just in the mood to write lists about everything! So, with that, I am starting a series of lists for my blog. I will probably only be blogging every Monday. I know, I should do it more than that, but I am going to do what I can.

Here are the 5 things I will probably blog about...

Here's one of my little DIY projects.
Crayola Air Dry clay of my sweet, little family.

5-Random things I am learning about whatever. Okay, don't laugh. What might some of these topics be? Health. DIYing. Baking. Cooking. Mothering. Marriage. Military life. Goal setting. Random tips!

4-Homeschooling! Yes, I am a homeschooler. I love it and I'll post occasionally about it, I'm sure. My oldest is doing K5 right now and I'm excited to say her reading skills improve daily! I am amazed! I love watching her learn.

3-Books and Authors I love! To include, but not limited to: Allison Pittman, Lynn Austin, Nicholas Sparks, Tricia Goyer, Siri Mitchell, Susan Meissner, Ted Dekker...etc. There are many more!

2-My writing career and the direction I am heading...to include my spiritual journey as well! I finished a book these past few months and I'm very excited about it! I hope to share more with you soon.

1-Writing and publishing in general. The world of writing is constantly evolving. From ebooks to publishing houses shifting and merging. I am pretty new to this world but I hope to take you along for the ride!

I really don't know if these are in order of importance or frequency of what I'll post about...but listing them backwards gives so much more suspense and mystery...I am such a mystery, aren't I! Ha!

Do you have a blog? If so, tell me about it in the comments and what you like to blog about!

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Encouragement from the Trenches

I've been reading through Ephesians with an online Bible study from a great site called Good Morning Girls. You should google it.

This week I was struck by a message I needed to hear in chapter 4.

1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Get it?

Let's follow our calling...not someone else's. Let's not compare our calling to anyone else's calling. Our focus should be on our calling and on our ONE God...another repetitive message in this passage.

Okay...ready...set...go! Your calling is waiting.

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Bettering My Skin

So, I'm sticking to my focus goal of healthier me...

I had a chemical peel last week for my skin. I have a lot of scarring from years of acne issues...from puberty all the way until, like, last week. {grin} Okay, I'm exaggerating a little.

I bought new products that are amazing from the Aesthetician that she created herself. She was so amazing with my skin and may as well be a nutritionist. I've always had a dairy issue and in the past 2 years or so have been off and on again on a low-gluten diet...knowing that I feel better with less gluten & wheat in my system. She was so knowledgable I left with better skin & more wisdom!

I met the Aesthetician through my sister (who has a great website on fitness: http://embodyfitness.wordpress.com/...it's awesome) and she's also going through a similar skin issue as me...she has also experienced amazing improvements. I wouldn't recommend just any aesthetician, but if you find one that works with as natural products as possible, might be worth a shot!

I also bought an exfoliation brush. My skin seriously is already looking WORLDS better.

My running slipped a bit while I was away and then the kids were sick, delaying our trip home for 2 days. But got back on the treadmill today and ran...and let me tell you, it wasn't pretty.

I'm now searching for the right natural makeups that will enhance my skin rather than re-clog it all...will let you know what I find. ;-)

BUT...I am already starting to become a BETTER ME! ;-)

Some of you may ask why all the focus on "skin-deep beauty" perhaps. Maybe some would even consider me vain? Well, all I can say is that I've lived with major acne or acne scarring for over 20 years and I've just had enough of it. When you've lived with it for that long, I think it's okay to try to see what can help. And, a lot of skin issues have to do with the health of your body & system...including sticking to a healthy diet. I want to improve it all. And, rest assured, God is working on the deeper stuff, too. ;-)

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Interview with Gina Conroy!

I've had the pleasure of e-meeting Gina through several online channels. She's a fascinating woman and I have a lot in common with her...namely that we're both Christian wives, writers, and mom's who homeschool! I'm happy to introduce to you...

GINA CONROY!

Give us a blurb about your book?

Cherry Blossom Capers is a collection of four stories featuring four women who encounter love, danger, and mystery beyond their neighborhood near Washington, D.C. 

My novella, Buried Deception, combines my love of mystery and suspense with my fascination with archaeology. I’m going to steal the words from Vickie McDonough, award-winning author of 24 books and novellas, who said this about my novella, “Murder. Thefts of priceless artifacts. An ornery, little boy with a penchant for getting into trouble. Gina Conroy's fast-paced debut novella has it all and takes readers on an emotional ride. A charming romance winds up this satisfying who-dun-it.” 

It’s a fun series of novellas where characters from previous stories have cameos in the others! So if you’re someone who hates to say goodbye to a “friend,” then you’ll enjoy the reunions in Cherry Blossom Capers. 

 What inspired you to write this book?

Several years ago when I was homeschooling, we took the kids on a cross-country trip up the east coast. I remember walking through Mount Vernon’s Mansion wondering if all the antiques were real and what would happen if one of them was a forgery? The mom character with her rambunctious kids came first, NOT that I would know anything about that sort of thing. Then came the snarky, but lovable, brooding security guard. Again, not that I would know anything about sarcasm...

Tell us about a transitional moment/experience in your life?

A transitional period in my life came after I had picked up writing again after ten years off to raise my four kids. I didn't know it was possible to write and raise kids, so when my youngest was two, I thought it was time! Except, I think I had all this stored up passion and went a little overboard as my life got out of balance.

About the time I picked up writing again, I did something I swore I'd never do. Homeschool. My oldest was going into 4th and my 2nd, 2nd grade. It was the most trying time of my life and when things did get out of balance, God asked me to lay down my writing for a season. You can read my heart wrenching surrender here. The writing sabbatical lasted eight months and it's all documented on my blog in my Letting Go and Things that Make Me Go Ouch posts! Now my youngest is 9 and I think I'm finally on track to finding that balance!

Where can we find you on the web and what should we expect?

For a more personal account of my life and triumphs and trials as I pursue my dreams along side my kids' dream, you can find me blogging at Defying Gravity.

I share my writing insecurities and celebrations, but also share fun stuff about my family like when my kids got a Disney audition call back! After all, my blog is all about helping people follow their dreams, and I have to include my own children!

For posts related to all types of writing, I blog ever Friday at Writer...Interrupted, the site I founded when I was trying to figure out how to balance raising my family with pursuing my writing career. The rest of the week writers, agents and editors guest post and the archives is full of great information for the busy writer!

If you just have to keep up with my daily life, follow me on Facebook or for a more professional view of my life there's my Author Page. I'm also on Twitter and have a Facebook Page just for Writer...Interrupted.

Gina Conroy is president and founder of Writer...Interrupted where she mentors busy writers. Knowing how difficult it is to raise a family as well as a career, she chronicles her triumphs and trials on Defying Gravity, hoping to encourage those on a similar path. She is represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary, and her first novella, Buried Deception, in the Cherry Blossom Capers Collection, releases from Barbour Publishing in January 2012. Gina loves to connect with readers on Facebook and Twitter

Happy Thanks-LIVING!!!!!

In the spirit of the season I wanted to share what our pastor talked about in church this past Sunday. He challenged us to live out our thanks, instead of just celebrating the day of Thanksgiving.

A few high points...

*Thanks-living is giving God our best!


*To give our best to God, we must sacrifice keeping the best for ourselves.


*God never asks us to give what we do not have.


*God always deserves the best of what we DO have.

Seems simple, doesn't it...but when we put it into action, suddenly we are challenged. How much time do we give God...or really the question is...what quality of time are we giving Him? Just what's left-over or do we carve out the best time in our day for Him? Do we practice and live out our thanksgiving and appreciation to others and Christ in front of our children or just remind them generically to learn the words: "thank you."

I sure am glad God doesn't expect me to serve where I'm not called...but He does expect me to give my best where I am called. Right now I feel called to work full-time in the nursery for Sunday School...every Sunday. Through this I have met one of the most wonderful women. I just love the time we have together, sharing our praises and prayer needs, while we play with and care for the babies. It's amazing when submission to Him leads to such blessings.

YOUR TURN: Are you THANKS-LIVING? 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Book Review: Beside Still Waters by Tricia Goyer

Hi everyone!

I'm excited to share with you another vloggy book review. I tried desperately to keep this to 2-3 minutes, but it's just not going to happen unless I'm an auctioneer. So I hope you take 4 minutes of your time to listen to this review of this great book.

I hope you enjoyed that review and will run out right now and buy that book! ;-)

Also, you can check out Tricia Goyer at her WEBSITE.

You can also find her at TOGINET for her show LIVING INSPIRED. Her show is every Thursday from 4-5...so don't miss it. Past shows are available on podcast.

YOUR TURN: Do you read Amish Fiction? Why or Why Not? I'd love to know what your thoughts are on this very hot genre!

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Who moved my...honey?

PHOTO CREDIT

Ever get home from the grocery store and realize that something has turned up missing? I made a mad dash to WalMart a few days ago and 1 item I needed for baking was honey. I didn't need much more and I threw everything in the minivan (MV) and we raced out to a pond to feed some ducks.

Fast forward to the next morning and all the girls wanted tea (I have 2 girls and I had 3 of my nieces also with us for the week). Low and behold...I cannot find the honey to add into the tea. We searched high and low and even ran back to the MV and still...NOTHING. We ended up using agave for tea instead and those cookies I really want to bake are going to have to wait until I get to the grocery store again.

Isn't that frustrating? It reminds me of how I can live my life sometimes. I can get so busy that while I go through all the motions...cooking, parenting, thanking hubby for kitchen help, cleaning...but weeks go by and I realize I have been missing something. The Honey.

Sometimes the honey that I haven't enjoyed enough of is my God time with Bible study and prayer. 

Sometimes the honey that turns up missing is real quality time with my husband where we can have a date or much needed chat over coffee.

Sometimes it's sitting and reading to my oldest daughter or laying on the carpet and letting both girls tackle me. And...boy, can they tackle.

Sometimes the honey is creating. Writing.

The sweetness of all of these honeys in my life are my greatest passions and when any 1 of them get pushed aside or just turn up missing...I am just not right. I'm so glad God gives us the ability to recognize where the honey is missing and gently (and sometimes not so gently) guides us back.

YOUR TURN: Has your honey come up missing? What do you feel like is missing in your life lately? I'd love to hear from you and encourage you to seek Him.

Cheers,

Elizabeth

"Elyon is beyond my mind" ...from WHITE by Ted Dekker

So, this post is going to be a little different. I wanted to share a short portion from a book I just finished.

WHITE by Ted Dekker...it's from his CIRCLE TRILOGY. White is the 3rd installment and I'm about to start Green which is the 4th. It's part of a HUGE series that I think originally spanned 10 books...but I think that was before he wrote Green and his new Book of Mortals series. Just go to Ted Dekker's site and figure it out. ;-) I'm still a little confused as to the puzzle piece that is this "circle" but I'm not confused about the stories that I've read and the message inside them. It's sooooo worth it.

There is a lot of symbolism in the books and here is a portion that I seriously loved so much as it helped me see my relationship with Jesus more clearly. The Great Romance that Dekker reveals in his books in such a beautiful way is truly the relationship that I know we have with Christ, as His Bride...when seeing it revealed so intensely through his characters, it just brought me back to so much awe for our real Savior.

(When you read Justin...read Jesus)

"...I would have guessed that after Justin's death you would understand him better. Elyon's anger is directed toward anything that hinders his love. ... Anything that hinders his bride's love, he detests."


"...Elyon is beyond my mind. But his love is boundless. ... Even when you stumble as William does now, Justin vows to forget and remembers only William's love, however imperfect it might be. ... Elyon is thrilled with his bride and desperate to woo others into his Circle."


"This is the Great Romance." {insert goose bumps here}

(these portions come from the Circle Trilogy book, page 1012)


I know, this is technically fiction...but the picture of us as the Bride of Christ when you really read the entire passage is so beautiful. It's captivating. It reminds me that the precious Bible is His love letter to us, His Great Romance for US! Even as imperfect and ridiculous and wavering that we are.

I'm so blessed to be in His circle. A circle that will always protect me and surround me with His everlasting love.

Blessings,
Elizabeth

My Self-Publishing Journey

Yes, I self-published my book SEASONS: A REAL STORY OF AN AMISH GIRL.

full spread of my book cover

This story started in my head over 20 years ago. Wow, that makes me sound old...I'm only 33. I loved my grandma's stories and I started memorizing them and learning everything I could about her young life. 

When I was an ambitious single in my 20s I didn't really give this story more than a "nod" at family events. While I really loved the idea of it and wanted to write it...I, quite honestly, had zero confidence that I could actually write it and write it well. It suddenly started to sound like a bunch of disjointed stories that didn't have any real "story" tying it together. 

Move ahead now, I'm 29 and pregnant with my first baby. I live in Colorado with my JAG husband. I have finished 3 manuscripts total...only 1 of which are worth anything and that 1 still needs a MILLION edits. This story started pricking my heart. So over the next few years I started & stopped writing this story several times. 

Fast forward, I'm 31 (almost 32) and finally I feel like it was time. The book voice of Liddy suddenly spoke to me...authors understand this phenomenon, and I wrote the first chapter long-hand sitting up in bed in 1 sitting. It finally felt right. I had been involved in a critique group for almost a year at this point that was filled with SERIOUS writers...and writers with SERIOUS TALENT. 

It was over a year later when it was fully written and edited and I started working on publishing options. I had always anticipated self-pubbing this book b/c I didn't think there was a market for an Amish memoir written by a granddaughter...so not a "true true" memoir. But my critique group encouraged me that while self-pubbing might have to happen b/c I did not have the time to wait (grandma was almost 85) that I should still market it well. 

So...a big reason I self-pub'd this is because my grandma was 84 when the book was complete and sick with pneumonia. I was petrified something would happen to her before I could hand her a copy. I didn't have a literary agent (and still don't) and definitely didn't have a House that was knocking my door down for this quaint book. So...since I didn't have a budget for this, I used CreateSpace.

Grandma reading the
proof copy of Seasons for
 the first time. She was
like a kid in a candy store.
**Yes, I snuck this picture
with my phone. Worth it.**

I did NOT self-pub because I thought I would be an instant success, a best-seller, or because of impatience. I didn't have any more years to put into this project because my grandma NEEDED this book in her hands. It was so very important to her and since in the publishing world there is no guarantee about anything I knew I had to do this myself. I am so glad I did. Just the look on her face when she was able to read through the proof copy of Seasons...priceless.

If someone had told me everything I'd have to do in order to self-pub this very well, I think I would've been extremely intimidated. But I honestly went a step at a time and just worked on the step I was on. I always considered the next step but until I got there I didn't worry my head over it. 

In the midst of this I also had another baby & I moved across the country. God was so faithful. Yes. Yes. Yes.

A friend of mine offered to do the book cover...didn't he do an AWESOME job! In paperback you can see what intricate work he did to wrap the scene around the back and then add a photo of my grandma, like she is now, in the back cover. It is gorgeous and so much of what I imagined. He didn't charge me a penny. 

Then I studied book trailers and made one of my own. You can view it here. It is a touch longer than it should be, but I love it and I've gotten a great response on it. I released the trailer about 2 months before the book. Set up a better website and created a fan page on FaceBook. 

The book released in early August and it's been a whirlwind ever since. We went up to my grandma's house for a release part over Labor Day weekend (also my youngest daughter's 1st birthday!) and I was BLOWN AWAY! There was well over 100 attendees (not including all the sweet little Amish kids) and we sold 250 books...I would've sold more if I'd brought more. I didn't think I needed more. Grandma and I signed and signed and signed...it was truly such a surreal moment to be signing my first books with my AMISH GRANDMA!!!!!! 

I cannot explain the amazement I have with all of this and how proud I was to be the ONE who got to write this story. It went from an obligation that I thought would be just a book that would distract me from my "real" writing (fiction) into pushing me into real writing for the first time. What a love I have for the written word and for the Writer of All Words who drew me into this amazing responsibility. Thank you, Lord.

That is why I self-pub'd. Am I going to self-pub again? I am hoping my next book that is 7 chapters deep right now will get a contract. BUT...I am overjoyed that this is the journey that I took. I absolutely love this story. I believe in it just as much as the fiction manuscript I'm working on now. I believe Seasons needed to be written and the sales we are experiencing far exceed any of my expectations, truly. I it such a joy to see my sweet almost 85 year old grandma (her birthday is in a few weeks) reflect back on her life with such joy and peace...and then share it with all of us with such grace.

I cannot tell you how truly humbled I am that I got to be the mouthpiece, the writer, of this story.

YOUR TURN: Is there a story in your family that you think should be written? If so, tell me about it in the comments section. I'd love to hear from you.

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Book Review: Forsaking All Others by Allison Pittman

Here's another VLOG book review on a fantastic book Forsaking All Others, by Allison Pittman.

Allison Pittman is one of my favorite authors. I love that she writes so authentically and the range from prostitution in the wild west to romantic love over baseball to polygamy...and as if that's not enough, even about the spiritual lessons she has learned from her furry-friend, Stella. Seriously, she covers it all!

You can buy her books here (and a lot of other places): AMAZON

YOUR TURN: What do you think of this book? Have you read or are you going to? What are you reading? I'd love to hear from you!

Cheers,

Elizabeth

Book Review: Love's Pursuit

OOOOO, this one is really worth watching. Back cover & link below the video.

Visit: Siri Mitchell

Love's Pursuit (back cover summary)

In the small Puritan community of Stoneybrooke, Massachusetts, Susannah Phillips stands out both for her character and beauty. She wants only a simple life but soon finds herself pursued by the town's wealthiest bachelor and by a roguish military captain sent to protect them. One is not what he seems and one is more than he seems.

In trying to discover true love's path, Susannah is helped by the most unlikely of allies, a wounded woman who lives invisible and ignored in their town. As the depth, passion, and sacrifice of love is revealed to Susannah, she begins to question the rules and regulations of her childhood faith. In a community where grace is unknown, what price will she pay for embracing love?


I wish I could read it all over again for the first time!


Cheers, 
Elizabeth

Book Review: Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones

Check out my first vlog? video-log? v-log? Not sure whatchacallit...but check it out. ;-)

So, I'd love to hear from you if the vlog is fun or if it's just way better to be able to "skim" through a review? And, I promise, I won't do a "Seasons" commercial each time... ;-)

Cheers,
Elizabeth

PRICELESS!

Available now on Amazon!

I am amazed that I am finally to this point. It seems like YEARS (it has been years) since I started the journey on this road...this SEASON of life that brought me to writing non-fiction...CREATIVELY. Lots of phone conversations with my grandma and visits that were consumed with interviewing and reading out loud what I'd already written. I wanted the stories to be accurate.

And now we're here.

Praise. The. LORD!

If someone had told me all the steps I'd have to go through self-publishing I think I would've just imploded! Once the manuscript is done the "fun" begins. I cannot believe all the details, the typesetting, the crying whining complaining because typesetting is really hard work, beta readers, kindle version, nook version, more typesetting, almost forgetting something important in the acknowledgements, the photography for the cover, then selecting a few good ones, trying several types of covers, working with my amazing friend who designed my cover...then having my sweet Amish grandma AGREE to having her photo taken for the back cover. Seriously, I cannot express how overjoyed I was at that.

This is my grandma (mammie) Lydia Lee Coblentz. LOVE HER!

Never in a million years did I think that I'd have her as part of the back cover art of the book. And I just love the photo (I took it myself, hehehe). She's such a dear woman.

As a young girl always telling the family, "yep, I'm going to write mammie's story someday," I am not sure I actually believed it would happen. But my large family, like a elephant, has a great memory and not a family gathering went by without someone bringing it up...or so it seemed. And now it's here...like a delivery of a baby...only less messy...but there was a lot of pushing involved. {sigh}

I really pray that my grandma's story is read and re-read...that her life will show the power & faithfulness of our Creator. That the contentment that she learned during the worst of times when she and her family had nothing will help us all be content when we are sitting pretty in our comfy chairs with our fridges and pantry's full of food and our selection of shoes so our feet don't get too hot or too cold.

Being able to hand my grandma this book...now that's priceless.

Kindred,
Elizabeth

You can find the book trailer in the book tab on the website.

See Elizabeth faint!

When I opened this box of books I felt complete excitement and then in the very next moment a strong sensation came over me. Was I going to cry? Get sick? No...it was just the feeling of unadulterated terror. Seriously.

I hesitated even picking one up. I barely flipped through it even. I was sure if I started reading at any point in the book I'd suddenly see

See Liddy run. She can run fast.

My brain jarred back into grammar school and all I could see were those yellowed pages (even when they were new) with cute cartoony illustrations on every page. Surely nothing I wrote could turn out better than an old look-see reader, right? For several long minutes that's exactly how I felt. The feeling did pass but I still haven't dared reading anything more than the dedication or the first line of the acknowledgements. I just am so afraid I'm going to see some glaring error or embarrassing typo.

I've read traditionally published books from authors widely read and loved by all and found errors. Little typos mostly. I don't think any less of the writer or even the editor, for that matter. Fingers & toes crossed for happy & gracious readers for Seasons!

For the past hour I've been wrapping up a few books to send to my first set of influencers. What a feeling. I can't really explain it. But what I can explain is how THRILLED I am to be at this point and not a year ago where I was still writing...still pregnant in my 3rd trimester...still naive at how much work self-pubbing would be. I'm just overjoyed that, while marketing is no easy job, I'm here! I feel very accomplished for having followed-through with this book and for the way it's turned out. I love the cover. I love the story. I believe in the story. I hope a lot of readers will too!  All praise to God's faithfulness. Truly. The dedicated and encouraging help of my mom, husband, a smattering of friends, and my AMAZING weekly writing group. {okay, I digress, this is starting to sound like an Emmy award speech...hahaha}

I hope those of you who are reading this blog will buy the book on Amazon, read & enjoy it, tell your friends, and write a review for me on Amazon and/or your blog.

I'll leave you with this:

Cheers,
Elizabeth

OUCH...painful!

It is so painful when you take a break from blogging and then have to return. It's not that I don't enjoy blogging but in the midst of my busy-ness it was a bit of a relief when I just turned on the "off" button in my head with my blog.

I'm a military wife...a JAG officer's wife, more specifically. We've had 3 official PCS (permanent change of station) moves since we married 7 years ago...and 2 other moves. So 5 moves in 7 years...seriously, now that is painful. Several furniture pieces I have noticed during this 5th move are also showing signs of pain...some have the weeble-wobbles, dings, the ever present "lean"...and then there are some trusty pieces that I just wish would break or fall off the truck so I had a good reason to get rid of it. All in all...this move was flawless. Praise the LORD!

Sure, we get our move paid for...we have packers, and movers...and reimbursement on damaged goods. But moving is NOT easy. It's difficult on every member of the family and often the burden to get the family back to routine and the house feeling like HOME lands on MAMA. ;-) ME!!!! A privilege and responsibility I take very seriously. It just so happens that when we moved on July 2, I was also in the middle of planning for my first book release in mid-August. Approving the "proof" copy, still working on marketing and blog interviews, planning the book launch states away, ordering business & marketing cards. {taking a deep breath}

Let me also mention that I was EATEN by fire ants on the day our household goods arrived, landing bites in the double digits, my husband was asked to start work the day after our household good arrived (he ended up being able to "get out of it" and help me unpack, THANKFULLY), my 4 y/o daughter cried buckets because the Pevensie children from the Chronicles of Narnia can't sleep-over, and my 10 month old is getting 4 teeth in as I type! Yes...you may laugh...I have! I laugh & pray & laugh some more & pray A LOT more! I might've cried a little too... {sigh}

Can I just say that God is faithful. I've felt overwhelmed from time to time over the past few weeks...but for the most part I realize that EVERYTHING happens in His time. Whether I get a handle on marketing this book very well or not...it's all Divine. It's all in His plan.

Wow...doesn't that just take some pressure off.

Cheers,
Elizabeth

Writers are cool...

I'm so in love with the fact that when I go to writing group I not only get to be around really cool and great writers...but also sisters and brothers in Christ!


Last night 3 of us ladies went out to a nearby coffee shop and had such a wonderful time in conversation about writing, church, politics, family...just so many different things. We laughed...I almost cried...and we laughed some more. Not because I almost cried but because Allison & Brenda are really funny!


Christian Writing so very much transcends just "writing". The whole rest of the writing and publication world just can't hold a candle to knowing that not only are we writing about the Message of Christ but we get to link arms with other amazing men and women out there with the same goal in mind.


Life. Long. Friends.


Eternal, actually...

I am so thankful that God called me into Christian Fiction.


Blessings,
Elizabeth