FINALLY!

It hasn't been easy, but it's finally ready to go! You can purchase the paperback at my E-store Createspace and by the middle of next week it should also be available on Amazon.com. The e-book is available now at Amazon.

Tenacity is the Word of the Day

This is my Determined face. Can you feel it? (Nikki, this one's for you.)

Publishing to Kindle was easy. But formatting my novel to print through Create Space has been a lesson in perseverance. I’ve been meditating on Winston Churchill’s words of wisdom: “Success is the ability to move from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.” I’ve definitely struggled with enthusiasm, but at least remained doggedly tenacious.

The first proof copy of my novel revealed a need for changes to both the cover design and interior format. I have now completed those changes (after much hair-pulling and a few tears) and am ordering a second proof copy. If it doesn’t reveal any other major flaws, the paperback will be out by next week.

Nothing EVER happens according to my timeframe. EVER. Maybe there’s a reason for it, like some secret supernatural reason. Or maybe it’s just life and another opportunity to practice perseverance. Either way, here I am, still working at it.

The Journey

You may have heard me talk about how writing brings me joy, but you may not have realized how difficult this journey has been for me. The creative process is the part that makes me feel at peace, like I’m doing exactly what I was made to do. After that, the demons attack.

The journey of completing this novel, of surrendering it to friends for proof-reading and criticism, and the idea of letting everyone read it has been emotionally exhausting. At every turn, I’ve had to fight back the voices of the past that were loud with criticism and quiet when it came to encouragement. I’ve had to fight my own insecurities that tell me I have nothing to offer, and the voice of experience reminding me that I’ve never succeeded before.

It hasn’t been an easy road to travel. Two years ago I swore I would never write again. But I truly believe that this is what God has created me for and prepared me to do. Timing is indeed everything. And the hardest part of the journey begins now, as I must follow through on what I’ve begun.

Just formatting the document for the paperback version has been a test of my resolve. Now I must find a way to increase awareness of my novel’s existence to the world. And juggle all of life’s demands and still find time to finish writing book 2.

But the God who has led me this far will not forget me now. And words cannot express how grateful I am for the people who haven’t let me give up along the way, who’ve pushed and encouraged and prayed for me.

Please keep it up!

It's Here!

I am excited to announce that the e-book version of my novel is now available on Kindle! You can purchase it here: Amazon

The trade paperback won’t be completed for a few more weeks, but I’m working on that and will post an update as soon as it becomes available. It’s been a bit of a nightmare. Prayers are welcomed.

“Through Every Valley” is Book I in the series “Of Wind and Sky”

Description:

In one horrible instant, the course of her life was changed forever. She would never trust again.

Vivian Lawson came to Wyoming because it was her husband’s wish. But the discovery of his true nature leaves her bitterly determined to never trust a man again. And his sudden and timely death leaves her widowed on the western frontier, burdened by betrayal and guilt.

As swiftly as a ship sinks to the ocean floor, everything that mattered most to him was stripped away.

Rob Hudson returned to Annapolis, Maryland after years of fighting to preserve the Union and set the slaves free. But when the pursuit of his dreams leads only to loss and disappointment, Rob sets out on a westward adventure that will test his courage and reshape his character.

Sometimes the paths of our lives take us into deep valleys or rushing rivers. But through it all, there is hope.

When their paths cross on the open prairie, a new journey begins. One which will demand that they confront the shadows of their pasts and dare to believe in a brighter future. Together they must learn to surrender their broken hearts to God and to trust Him with their deepest fears and dearest dreams.