If you’re interested in my writing journey and behind-the-scenes details about my books in progress, I’d love to have you visit me over there too.

In other news, I just got back from another amazing ACFW conference. I met so many wonderful people and came away so refreshed and inspired to keep writing. I wrote a little Thank You to ACFW, which tells more about my experience. You can read it here…

Hope you all are having a great week! What’s been going on in your world recently?

Is there anything I can pray for you?

Question 1: How tall are you?

I think around 5’9.

Question 2: Do you have a hidden talent? If so, what?

I don’t know that I’d call it a hidden talent, but I LOVE to swing dance.  It is SO much fun! Even wore a pink poodle skirt once. Yep. 😉 It’s been years, but I still remember some of the steps.  Tell me I’m not the only one who can’t sit still to those classic oldies from the 50’s and 60’s!

Question 3: What’s your biggest blog-related pet peeve?

Well, I wouldn’t call it a pet peeve, but I’m not real crazy for blogs where it’s not clear how to navigate around the site.  I don’t like to have to hunt around for basic stuff like contact info or their “About” page.  I always enjoy visiting sites that are clear, simple and organized well.

Question 4: What’s your biggest non-blog related pet peeve?

Um, not sure where to begin on that one.  It varies.

Question 5: What’s your favorite song?

Oh my, that’s a hard one.  I like a little bit of everything almost, but for the sake of keeping things brief… I’ll stick with Michael Buble’s Home.  Oh, and anything by One Republic! 😉

Question 6: What’s your favorite Etsy shop that isn’t yours?

Honestly, I’m not real familiar with Etsy, but I have seen some cute country signs made out of old barnwood.  I love a pretty sign with a good quote!

Question 7: What’s your favorite way to spend your free time when you’re alone?

If I’m not reading or writing, I’d probably say gardening.

Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?

Doritoes dipped in sour cream.  Trust me, it’s good!!

Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

My hubby and I considered ourselves “dog people” until a little kitten recently showed up on our basement step in the middle of the night.  Apparently she’d caught a ride under the hood of my husband’s car on the way home from work one evening.  Needless to say, she stayed.  Her name is Ellie and she’s curled up in my lap as I write this. 🙂

Question 10: What are your number one favorite nonfiction and fiction books?

Not the “favorite book” question! Ah, how the tables have turned, huh?  I’d have to pick Morning & Evening by Charles Spurgeon as my favorite nonfiction.

I’ll break my fiction answer in to 3 parts (Yes, I know I’m cheating!)

One of my earliest fiction favorites – The Christy Miller series by Robin Jones Gunn

One of the standouts over the years – Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

One of the highlights of this year – The Butterfly and The Violin by Kristy Cambron

Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?

I’m not too picky. Honestly, it’s hard for me to buy much when it’s so expensive.  I mostly just wear mascara and simple chapstick.

Question 12: When were you last embarrassed? What happened?

Let’s just say I had to throw away a torn pair of pants after the last backpacking trip we took. Certain clothing material just doesn’t work when climbing steep inclines. I was not a happy camper, literally!

Question 13: If you could only drink one beverage (besides water) for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Coffee with hot chocolate

Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?

The Notebook, Titanic, Pride & Prejudice, Last of the Mohicans, etc. Yes, I know that’s more than one.  I’m afraid all my favorites tend to make my hubby sleepy! 😉

Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

I was the middle-child homeschooler who loved to read, write, and make homemade crafts.  I especially loved Mom’s “Fall Fun Days” where we’d play games and make projects.

Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

Just give me a quiet country corner – with my sweetheart – and some beautiful mountains nearby and I’m happy!

Question 17: PC or Mac?

I have a PC.  A Mac still looks confusing to me.

Question 18: Last romantic gesture from a crush, date, boy/girlfriend, spouse?

My hubby surprised me Sunday afternoon with a visit to the river by our house.  It was chilly for October, but we took our kayak out on the water anyway.  The sun was shining and it was a perfect evening to float. We even saw an eagle.  It wasn’t so much a “romantic gesture” as it was another sweet way he set aside time for us to spend together.  Love our little adventures!

Question 19: Favorite celebrity?

I don’t really follow celebrities too much. I like a lot of different actors and actresses, but it depends on the movie.  I really like Ryan Tedder as a musician and songwriter, so I guess I’ll pick him.

Question 20: What blogger do you secretly want be best friends with?

There’s many bloggers/writers I’d like to know better.  There’s so many of you out there!  One who comes to mind is Meghan Gorecki– a kindred spirit who is captivated by Civil War history as much as I am.  She’s a “Northern Belle”, but I won’t hold that against her. 😉 I’d love to meet her in person and chat, maybe while touring Gettysburg together!

Whewww! I made it!  Did you? 😉 It’s a little different being on this side of the questions for a change!  In the comments below, tell me something I didn’t know about you or feel free to answer all 20 and post the link here.  Thanks for reading!

From Morning & Evening, Spurgeon applies this one verse in such a way that really struck my heart with conviction and turned my thoughts elsewhere for today… to a place of new steps, fresh fruits *hopefully*, and dreams put to practice.  Perhaps it will benefit your own walk in some way as well.

Mark 1:18  “Straightway they forsook their nets, and followed Him.”

“When they heard the call of Jesus, Simon and Andrew obeyed at once without demur. If we would always, punctually and with resolute zeal, put in practice what we hear upon the spot, or at the first fit occasion, our attendance at the means of grace, and our reading of good books, could not fail to enrich us spiritually. He will not lose his loaf who has taken care at once to eat it, neither can he be deprived of the benefit of the doctrine who has already acted upon it.

Most readers and hearers become moved so far as to purpose to amend; but, alas! the proposal is a blossom which has not been knit, and therefore no fruit comes of it; they wait, they waver, and then they forget, till, like the ponds in nights of frost, when the sun shines by day, they are only thawed in time to be frozen again.

That fatal tomorrow is blood-red with the murder of fair resolutions; it is the slaughter-house of the innocents.

We are very concerned that our little book of “Evening Readings” should not be fruitless, and therefore we pray that readers may not be readers only, but doers, of the word. The practice of truth is the most profitable reading of it. Should the reader be impressed with any duty while perusing these pages, let him hasten to fulfill it before the holy glow has departed from his soul, and let him leave his nets, and all that he has, sooner than be found rebellious to the Master’s call.

Do not give place to the devil by delay! Haste while opportunity and quickening are in happy conjunction. Do not be caught in your own nets, but break the meshes of worldliness, and away where glory calls you.

Happy is the writer who shall meet with readers resolved to carry out his teachings; his harvest shall be a hundredfold, and his Master shall have great honor. Would to God that such might be our reward upon these brief meditations and hurried hints. Grant it, O Lord, unto thy servant!”

Forgive me if I sound like a broken record, but apparently I’m a very slow learner at this whole “procrastination problem”.  I was blessed – and convicted – by this reminder to take my book, not just my blog, seriously. That’s what I took away from this.  I need to spend some time with my story and my characters.  I hate to admit it, but it’s been awhile.  That’s what the Lord spoke to my heart.   I hope the Spirit may speak through this for your own lesson as well.

So that’s what I’m going to go work on right now.  My novel.  That’s why I’m not posting my original review today.  I’ll finish that another time.  For now, I’m going to go write in my book and practice being a doer and forsake my nets for awhile.   I’ll be back on Tuesday with that review. Till then, I’m praying for you! Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Have you ever stopped to wonder what your dialogue in real life accomplishes? When your voice is heard, what is it giving to the hearer?

While most writers may seem to be an introverted bunch, there will always come a point when they can no longer hide behind their pens ( or their screens ). Their stories and their characters can only speak up for them so much. It’s important that we sharpen our own daily dialogue as well.

I’m 24 years old and I’m still terrified at the idea of speaking in front of a large group of people. Who am I kidding? I still get nervous sometimes speaking one-on-one to strangers. I’m a writer and yet I stumble over my words way too often and accidentally string non-words together in such a way that frequently amuses my hubby. I’ve realized in those moments how grateful I am to be able to edit my way through my written work. You can’t take back so easily the words that slip off your tongue. That’s why we have to make our spoken words count for something.

Yes, writers need to be masters of the pen, but they also need to be masters of the tongue. Every day of our lives there will be a need to speak words of life and love.

“Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

Colossians 4:6

There are so many wonderful verses on speaking edifying words to those around us. There are also many on the dangers of speaking the wrong words. Our tongues must be ruled with caution.

“The tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth… Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.”

James 3:6a & 9-10

The book of James practically shouts out the dangers of the tongue when not used for the Lord’s service and in the way He tells us. May we learn from Scripture how to use our mouths to glorify God and apply that to our stories as well.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”

Psalm 19:14

Writers spend a lot of time creating conversations between fictional characters. We must not forget that our own dialogue is extremely important to our life story, which God has purposed and called to serve Him too. May He strengthen, correct and guide our own dialogue for His greater story as well.

Remember, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”  Matthew 12:34

Are you guarding your tongue as a fire or are you underestimating the power of your words?

Do you find it easy or difficult to voice your thoughts?

Is there a verse that speaks directly to you? I’d love to hear it!

Admit it, within those pages we all thrive on the surprise. The dangers and secrets that are often at stake. And the possible down-the-road repercussions. So many things hang in the balance and we love every suspended minute of it, don’t we? While we’re rooting for our beloved characters and holding our breath to see if they will rise to the challenge or fall, we can handle crossroad moments like these. But in real life – our lives – do we welcome challenges with that same kind of faith, strength, and courage we hope and expect in our characters?

I imagine this question pops up all sorts of scenarios for each of you and varies heavily on the level of your adventurous spirit. The challenging moment that jumps first to my mind is last weekend’s backpacking trip with my hubby. And I’ll tell you right now, he’s the adventurous one of the two of us by far, so you can probably guess where I’m going with this. 😉 It was my first backpacking experience and we hiked 17 miles through the Paddy Creek Wilderness carrying 35-40 lbs on our backs.

It started out as pretty as any novel setting, towering pines and dogwood trees accompanied our trail with wildflowers at our feet and beautiful rock bluffs above our heads. I do believe time spent in the woods is never a waste, but when we lost our trail for over 3 hours that first day, we were met with an unexpected challenge that had me temporarily wishing I was reading rather than living the experience.

There came a point for me when the back pain, blistering feet, and dizzying noonday heat had me at my breaking point. I didn’t feel like pressing on, but I knew I couldn’t stop for long and catch my breath either. I discovered the point of no return was as emotionally taxing as it was physically. “If only’s” repeated themselves in my head over and over again like an annoying song. If only we hadn’t gotten lost. If only I hadn’t gotten my feet wet crossing the creek. If only my pants hadn’t ripped.

Needless to say, things were not going according to plan. But when do they ever, right? Reality and fiction definitely have this in common.

Little did I know at the time, the Lord was sending doses of lessons my way disguised as difficulties. Here are a few lessons I want to remember when I’m throwing my characters into great challenges of their own. Maybe you or your characters can relate too.  Love how the Lord uses real life moments to help us write fiction, don’t you?

[pullquote]Even the bleakest moments have their bright spots. It’s a beautiful mess we live in where the painful and pleasant blend, and the conflict can also bring peace.[/pullquote]

–AT THE POINT OF NO RETURN, YOU DISCOVER JUST HOW WEAK YOU REALLY ARE. For me, this sort of thing is easier to read in a book than to live it. How I would love to tell you I faced my recent challenge with unwavering resolve and courage, but I can’t. I survived to tell the tale, yes. 😉 That doesn’t mean I survived the difficult moments with flying colors. I complained. I cried. And I prayed a LOT! Thank the Lord for my hubby and our desired goal that day, which was to reach the spring-fed creek complete with a waterfall.

–YOU REALIZE THE NEED FOR YOUR SUPPORT TEAM. By the grace of God and my hubby, I survived that trip. My heroes were certainly with me. 😉 Do the characters in your story have someone to push them and encourage them onward? Or maybe it’s not a person, but perhaps an impending threat, a regretful memory, or even an animal that encourages your protagonist to take another step. Even if they’re walking alone, they’ll need something or someone to press on for. Give them plenty of motivation to reach their goal.

–YOU ALSO LEARN WHAT’S MOST IMPORTANT TO YOU. You discover what perseverance and endurance really look like up close. And just how rewarding it can be to reach your desired haven. That moment we finally made it to the waterfall on our hike, it was the sweetest, softest music to my ears.

–YOU MUST LEARN TO ADAPT.  YOU MUST LEARN HOW TO ACCEPT THE UNEXPECTED. Our favorite books certainly demand a lot of our characters at times, pushing them outside their comfort zones and challenging them through great difficulties and decisions.

[pullquote]

Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are fearful-hearted, “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; He will come and save you.” Isaiah 35:3-4

[/pullquote]

We shouldn’t shy away from those moments in real life either. Despite my sore muscles, I wouldn’t have preferred to avoid the experience altogether. Sure, I would welcome a few less miles next time and no detour, but you get my point. 😉 Like it or not, conflict is often needed for the outcome to be truly rewarding. Yes, that includes difficult challenges. Even painful ones, perhaps. Our storybook worlds prove that.

But maybe, if we’re lucky, hopefully there will always be a waterfall to finally grace those last weary steps.

Never give up. You or your characters.

And try to not lose track of your trail. That will help. 😉

Has there ever been a “Point of No Return” for you, a challenging moment you’ll never forget and learned a life lesson from?

If you’re a writer, can you tell us about a defining moment your character memorably rose – or fell – to the challenge at hand?

Please, don’t mistake me. There are MANY authors I highly admire and respect. Our praise, however, should ultimately rise higher to the only perfect One who could ever wield such weak creatures as you and me for instruments and ministers of grace. To Him, the honor is truly due.

So why am I fretting so many days away, psyching myself out before I’ve even begun?  I’ll tackle smaller, easier projects, ones I know I can mentally – even literally – cross off my “To Do” list, while the larger, looming projects – a.k.a my novel – produce less pleasing and productive results. Do you ever feel this way?

[pullquote]”Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 (KJV)[/pullquote]

So many doubts and thoughts keep swirling in my head.  I’m not ready to write a novel. I don’t know enough about the Civil War.  (Will I ever?!)  😉  I can’t write like others can.  I still have so much to learn.  Maybe I should wait?

But wait for what, that I couldn’t answer. I’ve been holding back, with eyes nearly bulging over this massive undertaking ahead of me, questioning myself if I really have the guts to keep going. It has to be perfect. I began to believe the lie and this goal of illusion.

But if I commit, Lord, I’m going to fail. Any pursuit at perfectionism is destined for that end. I can’t do this on my own. That much is true. He never said life wouldn’t be a battle.

Then this morning, in Beth Moore’s study on Esther – yep, Esther 😉 – she made a great point:

“Beloved, do we believe that the only way to do something acceptably is to do it perfectly? Sometimes God is more aware than we of just how much He requires of us. He knows how hard its going to be for us.

I could stop and sob with relief. I’ve never conquered my nervousness over speaking or my self-doubt in my writing. My heart pounds before I speak, and afterward I’m drenched to the bone with sweat. Every time I send in a manuscript, I wonder if a single word was worth hearing. Still, I persist because it appears to be God’s will. Can you relate?

What would have happened if Esther had waited to go to the King until her hands stopped shaking and her heart stopped pounding?

Do you feel if you can’t do something to perfection, you ought not bother? Perfectionism is a disposition to regard anything short of perfection as being unacceptable.

I’m not suggesting we shouldn’t do our best. I’m simply saying that sometimes just surviving certain tasks without falling apart is our best and in those times God is not ashamed of our performance. He’s proud of us for fighting overwhelming human emotions to do His will. God isn’t interested in our stellar performances but in our hearts. He loves our willingness and obedience despite our insecurities.”

My dear friends, make sure your ultimate goal in life – and your writing – is not to attain perfection, but find peace in obeying and honoring the Lord through the work of your hands. He alone makes us conquerors through Him that loved us. (Romans 8:37) We’re called to glorify Him with our hearts above all else. He knows our weaknesses, our insecurities, and our fears. All praise be to Him, He can work mightily through us anyway.

It’s time we stop holding back.

In what area of your life are you holding back out of your fears and/or insecurities?

Have you been pursuing perfectionism over obedience?

Do YOU think the perfect writer exists?

I was particularly hesitating over when to join ACFW. I knew I wanted to – and that I should – but the answer to “When?” was not yet clear. For over a year now, I had been watching from the outside in at this fascinating writing world with the kindest people you’ll ever meet, hoping someday I could join them.

I would never have guessed a year later I’d have my own blog, get to chat with authors like Julie Lessman and Karen Witemeyer, and be reading (and reviewing ) more books in the space of a few months than I had read the entire last year. My writing work increased and I felt closer to the Lord than ever before. Piece by piece He has been preparing my path.

But I was still dragging my feet with ACFW.

Nothing but empty excuses and unfounded hesitancy and yes, a little fear of the unknown held me back.

After a year of waiting and wondering and second-guessing myself many times, the Lord started pushing my stumbling feet forward. I can tell He’s going to push me right out of my comfort zone the deeper into writing I go. But He’s also been reminding me, “My presence will go with you and I will give thee rest.” (Exodus 33:14)

As Charles Spurgeon writes in his Morning & Evening devotional:

“May the Spirit of God assist us to leave the mists of fear and the fevers of anxiety, and all the ills which gather in this valley of earth, and to ascend the mountains of anticipated joy and blessedness. May God the Holy Spirit cut the cords that keep us here below, and assist us to mount!  We sit too often like chained eagles fastened to the rock, only that, unlike the eagle, we begin to love our chain, and would, perhaps, if it came really to the test, be loath to have it snapped.”

In the last couple weeks, He’s given me a sweet phone call with author Keli Gwyn, who helped me understand ACFW better and gave this inexperienced writer hope. He encouraged me through Kristy Cambron’s warm welcome, Casey Herringshaw’s dedication, and recent introductions to the sweet ladies from my local ACFW chapter. I had no clue I had writing friends out my back door! And I found out the conference this year will be held in St. Louis, a small 3 hour road trip for me. Hmmm. 😉

Finally, this over-thinker was stopped in her tracks. The Lord was done with me trying to delay the inevitable. It was time to jump in. Despite my inexperience. Ignoring my doubts and insecurities. Forgetting my questions about the unknown. He’s already there and He’s calling me to follow.

So needless to say, I recently became a member of ACFW.  I’m so excited to further commit to this pursuit and continue learning as I go along. And I’m extremely thankful to each of you who helped guide me.  I know He has set my feet on this path and I can’t wait to see where He will direct my steps from here. It’s an ongoing journey for sure! I praise Him for His sovereignty in my life. And in your life too.

Are you dragging your  feet in an area where God is calling you forward? It may not be ACFW. It may not even have any connection to writing. Just keep your eyes and heart open, my friend. As I’m learning myself, always ask counsel from the mouth of the Lord first in every decision you make.  “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7)

If you are a member of ACFW, I would love to hear from you too in the comments below. How did your journey begin? 😉