Serious Wednesday: A Taste of Readers' Thoughts About Hunter's Rose

Hunter's Rose, Book Two of the Troubles in the West series.  my newest published book, according to readers, is a delightful read. Here are some of their thoughts:

* WOW, this book was captivating from the very first chapter.

*  I highly recommend this book for anyone who enjoys Christian Suspense Romance books. FANTASTIC BOOK!

* Wonderful read and I hope you take the time to read both books.

* Any time I pick up a book by Carole Brown, I know I will enjoy it, and this book lived up to my expectations. The suspense and danger in this book kept me reading. I found the characters captivating and the storyline powerful. Love and friendship highlight the pages of this book. I also appreciated how the story took some twists and turns. So if you enjoy Christian suspense novels, check out this book for yourself.

* You won’t want to put down this incredible story, filled with intrigue, kidnapping and more.

* If you like plenty of action within a parallel newlywed western, then Carole Brown’s storytelling of “Hunter’s Rose” is about as perfect as can be obtained.

(Book one is Caleb's Destiny)

If you'd like to order YOUR copy of either or both books,, go here:  https://amzn.to/3erjREA

Let me know what you think.

Serious Wednesday: Retreats, Teas and Fun!

Retreats, Teas, and Fun!

When I heard that the recent Women's Retreat (God Can Do the Impossible was the theme), that I was privileged to attend, was having a Tea Party, my heart—I'm sure—beat just a bit faster with excitement. Who doesn't love a lovely Tea Party? 

The setting was beautiful, the colors summery and light. I thought it created a relaxing atmosphere. With friends by my side and light conversation, it was a perfect atmosphere to enjoy an early afternoon tea luncheon.

Of course, the food was varied and delightfully delicious! Mini glazed ham sandwiches, along with chicken salad croissants, stuffed mushrooms and other goodies, plus a delectable selection of sweets served as the menu.

 Everything I ate was totally delicious. I felt I was dining with royalty. :)

When it came to the teas, there was a variety to choose from. 

Let me explain something here:  I'm a late bloomer when it comes to teas. What I mean by this is:  I wasn't raised drinking teas--any kind. 

But after I was married, my husband and a couple of close friends introduced me to a variety of teas, and I've gradually learned to enjoy several different flavors. 

A skit about worrying too much (lots of laughs) inspiring talks that made me cry and smile, fellowship, meeting new friends, singing together and, of course, the laughter, food and relaxation—all created an atmosphere that was perfect for me. 

A

What a weekend!!

Did you know that...

• originated in Africa? (Hibiscus Tea)

• tea first arrived in Britain in the 1650s, where it was served as a novelty in London's coffee houses?

• in the early 1900s, Jane Austen drank green and black teas?

• that these states, it is believed, drink the most sweet tea: Alabama, Arkansas, Virginia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia?

About Hibiscus Tea and the Book:

In my most recent novel, Hunter's Rose, Book Two of the Troubles in the West series (a historical, romantic suspense), one of the protagonists—Rosita—is given a hibiscus plant by her Tia (Aunt) Maria, who relayed the tale of her mother bringing it to the plantation in Mexico years ago, after her marriage, and guarding it as if it was a person. Sharing it with Rosita gave the young girl the opportunity to be able to prepare it for her husband and the other cowboys at their new ranch, along with the mint tea that was growing on their land.

Here's a recipe that Rosita might have used, give or take a few ingredients.

Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Iced Tea) 

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 25 mins

Yields: 2 quarts

Ingredients:

• 2 quarts water

• ¾ to 1 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you like your tea)

• 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers

• ½ cinnamon stick (optional)

• a few thin slices of ginger (optional)

• Allspice berries (optional)

• Lime juice (optional)

• Orange or lime slices for garnish

Method:

• Boil water with sugar and spices:

Put 4 cups of the water and sugar in a medium saucepan. Add cinnamon, ginger slices, and/or a few slices of allspice berries if you like. Heat until boiling and the sugar is dissolved.

• Steep with dried hibiscus flowers:

Remove from heat. Stir in the dried hibiscus flowers. Cover and let sit for 20 minutes.

• Strain:

Strain into a pitcher and discard the used hibiscus flowers, ginger, cinnamon, and/or allspice berries. At this point youu can store the concentrate ahead, chilled, until ready to make the drink.

• Add Water:

Add remaining 4 cups of water

Suggestions:

Alternately, you can add ice and chilled soda water for a bubbly version, or if you want to chill the drink quickly. Or...

Add a little lime juice for a more punch-like flavor. Or...

Instead of sugar, you can always use honey. Or...

Serve over ice with a slice of orange or lime.\

Hibiscus Tea is healthy, but research it and make sure it works for you! Most of all enjoy your tea and tea parties! “A cup of tea is a cup of peace.” Sen Sshitsu VX

About the book 

It's the late 1800s, and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought. He's never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita's past is haunting her emotionally. She adores her new husband, but she'll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn't trust him, but because she's worried for his life. Her loving family in Mexico came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. But can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she'll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?

After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—cares nothing for God or any man. His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when. He has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it.

And Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

Buy the Book here:  Amazon

I hope you enjoy the book! 

Happy Reading! 

Serious Wednesday: Researching What?

 

I LOVE research! Of course, I have to confess: I seldom stick to the ONE thing I'm researching. So
many interesting items pop up when you're researching, which means I detour to research those items that MIGHT be used someday.  

Here's a partial list of things I researched for my latest book: Hunter's Rose, book two of the Troubles in the West series:  

* Names. These are really important to me. I like to know what they mean and their country of origin.  Since one of my protagonists is Mexican, I wanted a Mexican name for her. Something authentic and pretty. After all, she came from an important family. Rosita is the name I picked.

*  Flowers. Since Rosita was a protagonist, I thought it fitting that she should love roses. Hunter, the other protagonist knew this and surprised her with a gift of roses.

* Trains. Rosita, traveling with an older friend on a train--I needed to know how fast it would go in the late 1800s, what meals might have been served, layovers, etc. 

* Food. I wanted to know foods that not only Rosita might prepare, but also on the train as she traveled. Quite interesting!

To me, research is important and a fun activity. I may not get everything exactly right, but I sure try hard to do so. 

Remember, authors, to do your research. You'll be glad you did. 

Serious Wednesday: The Birth of Fictional Characters

 

The Birth of Fictional Characters by Carole Brown

One of my favorite things when writing a new book, is to create the characters. When I wrote the first book in this series, there were quite a few comments about Hunter and Maria, the cook. Readers wanted to read a book about Hunter—Hunter's personal story. It was a nice affirmation because I'd already decided that the second book would be about Hunter, his love life and the trouble that created the tension in the book.

Hunter Carson is a fun character. With his father murdered while Hunter was just a child, he very well could have been abandoned to fate. Only another young person's intervention saved Hunter. He grew up to be a man that was both strong and trustworthy. He's a bit quick-on-the-trigger (as the saying goes) but he's also smart, loyal, not a bit stuck on himself, and overwhelmed that a beautiful Mexican girl like Rosita DeSantis could fall in love with him. He has the determination to protect her and the ability to give her pretty much anything she wants—without seeming pompous.

Rosita came from a rich, loving family who adored her, and as an only child was entitled to the family inheritance. Having to abandon that life, she was determined to pursue a different life style even when enduring hardship and fear. Nevertheless, she is a sweet, friendly and a loyal friend to those around her. She knows her own mind, yet is not pushy or obnoxious in her efforts, whether it be love or in scorning the man who insists he wants her back. Rosita is both smart and a real lady.

Carlos De Leon, the villain, on the other hand, is one of those persons who has everything: money, prestige, excellent features and education. Yet he lacks the character to realize that it's not always possible to have everything you desire. Determined to have what he wants and when, he is not afraid to sacrifice the people who he deems is hindering his quest.

And then, there are the secondary characters: those who support and somehow create interest, not only in themselves but in keeping a reader's interest in how and when the main characters will respond to them.

Could it be the downright good-looking Jackson who is quiet and withdrawn has a story? His support of Hunter, the tell-tell signs of his education, and the absence of any real knowledge of his past encourage the reader to imagine who he really is.

Then there's Gabrielle Autumn Mayfair, a quiet, rather shy girl who is more of a follower than a leader—until it comes to a man who catches her attention. Her friends worry that she may get hurt, but Gabrielle is more persistent than either of her best friends realize. This blondish-redhead has an endurance that may prove favorable—or it might end in a tragic heartache.

Sully, Old Peete, Nicolas, Susie and Maria—characters that flavor the reading and add some laughter, tension and mixed feelings about their possible hindrance or helpfulness.

Characters—one of the best and most fun parts of a book. I hope you readers will get to know the characters in Hunter's Rose and love (or hate) them as much as I did when creating the story.

Available:

http://amzn.to/3erjREA

Serious Wednesday: This Month: A Contest for Readers

Do You Love to Read? 

Then this contest is for YOU!!

If you've read BOOK ONE of the

Troubles in the West series, 

(Caleb's Destiny),

and you want to win BOOK TWO

Hunter's Rose,

then this one's for you:

To win a copy of 

Hunter's Rose,

Here's what to do:  

1.  Share about this contest,

then post your link here in the comments on where you shared

2.  Tell me why you should win this contest

3.  And why you want to read 

It's easy and fun! 

Follow the directions above

Make sure you do all THREE of the requirements,

AND then later this month,

I will choose ONE person to win

a KINDLE copy of 

Hunter's Rose,

Book Two

of the

Troubles in the West series. 

Have fun! 

Serious Wednesday: A Warm Welcome to Linda Weaver Clarke!

I'm delighted to welcome Linda back to Sunnybank Secrets! She's a delightful author with quite a few novels. I hope you will check out the novels she's highlighting today!

Courageous Women Throughout History

The women of the past were brave and spirited ladies who knew what they wanted in life and wanted to make a difference. In the late 1700s, Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, was the first woman to stand up for women’s rights but America wasn’t ready for equality at that time.

There were many who spoke out on women’s rights. Elizabeth Stanton was one of them. She said that women should have the right to vote and receive an equal education. She had received higher education at Troy Seminary in New York and felt all women deserved the right to be educated.

When she gave lectures on the subject, it was frowned upon. A pastoral letter from a minister in Massachusetts said a woman who speaks publicly is “unwomanly and unchristian.” The pastor also mentioned that it would “threaten the female character with widespread and permanent injury.” Was this how the men really felt back then? Why were women being held back? Even though it was not proper, women still gave their opinions.

Elizabeth was also an abolitionist and fought adamantly against slavery, prejudice, and inequality but it was not readily accepted. When Elizabeth Stanton went with her husband to a convention in England that was against slavery, she tried to give her opinion but was put down and told that women were not permitted to give speeches. It was solely a man’s place to speak publicly.

Frederick Douglass, who was a public speaker, author, and statesman, said: “When the true history of the antislavery cause shall be written, women will occupy a large space in its pages; for the cause of the slave has been peculiarly a woman’s cause.”

Susan B. Anthony was another who fought for equal rights. When she defied the laws and voted illegally on November 5, 1872, in a presidential election, she was arrested and fined $100. But she refused to pay it. She said, “Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God.” She was angry when she heard the politicians say that women wouldn’t understand politics, so there was no need to have them vote. It was up to the men to decide what was best.

These courageous women were an important part of history during this time period and made a difference. Did you know the first four states to give women the right to vote were Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Idaho? It did not take long until women began running for office in each of these states.

Do you have some courageous ancestors that were an influence on you? I had a great grandmother who stood up for her rights and would not allow anyone to intimidate her. She was told by a group of men that if she denounced her religion then they would not burn down her home. The leader of the mob was a large burly man and she had every right to be frightened. But Martha would not give in to fear. She was a devout Christian and would not deny her Faith. With strength and courage, she stomped her foot and said: “You may burn it and be damned.”

I had another great-grandmother who was an influence on my life. When she saw some thieves stealing her grapes, she knew they would not be afraid of her if she tried to chase them off. An idea came to her. Frances put on her husband’s cavalry uniform, tucked her hair inside his hat, and grasped his sword from its scabbard. Bravely marching outside onto the porch, she brandished the weapon in a threatening manner and demanded in a loud voice “Leave or perish!” I’m sure she smiled inside when she saw them take off like scared rabbits. And maybe she was quaking in her shoes just a little from the experience?

All of us have challenges in our lives. Sometimes we wonder if we are the only ones who are experiencing difficulties. Have you ever felt that each trial you have endured was so difficult that you wondered where the “light at the end of the tunnel” was? Many times we don’t bother talking to anyone about it or asking for help. But we are not alone in our grief. Others have walked the same path.

It touched my heart when I read about another great grandmother’s experience, which was written by her daughter. Her courage and difficulties touched my heart.

Hannah and her husband came here to America in the mid-1800s for a better life. On the ship from England, Hannah’s one-year-old daughter became very ill, which resulted in deafness. One year after arriving in America, Hannah gave birth to a baby boy but she was not meant to have him long. He died six weeks later. A year later, the sheriff came to her door and announced that her husband had been murdered on the streets of St. Louis, Missouri. Realizing she had to make a living for her children, Hannah took a job as a maid at the largest hotel in St. Louis, hoping to earn enough money to move on.

What a courageous woman! Would I have been that brave if I were Hannah? Would I have turned around and headed back to my family in England? Her family volunteered to pay her passage if she returned. But she chose to stay instead.

“No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it.” ~ Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This was Hannah’s attitude as she tried to search for the “light at the end of the tunnel.” How many times do we search for that light, wondering where it is and hoping that our trials will soon end? Is God watching over us? Is He there when we need some comfort? In our darkest moment, does He know how we feel? I believe He does.

Five years later, Hannah earned enough money to board a riverboat and head northward, far away from St. Louis. That was when she met a wonderful man who fell in love with her. 

My great-grandmothers were an example to me. If I were in their shoes, I wonder if I would have had that much courage. After reading their biographies, I took their stories and created a series of novellas called Women of Courage. Hannah was the inspiration for the first novella. Using her experiences, I created a historical romance called The Light at the End of the Tunnel.

In The Light at the End of the Tunnel, Hannah is a young single mother who has had some hardships since arriving in America. But the trials in her life only make her stronger. Wanting to be independent, she opens a hot chocolate shop. At first, it’s a struggle. But she will not give up.

In A Lady of Refinement, Serenity is an educated young woman from Wales. After arriving in America, she decides to teach adults how to read and write. She is determined to help the citizens learn the enjoyment of reading. One of her favorite books is Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. No one seems to measure up to this valiant knight until Jonathan comes along.

In A Mississippi Sunset, Laura gives lectures regularly, encouraging women to fight for their beliefs
and be heard. Equality is her message. But she soon finds out that women who speak publicly are looked down upon and criticized, saying it is unwomanly and unchristian to speak publicly. But she has faith in God and knows He will help her in the cause for justice.

Here's a link to a video that Linda created to share about her books. Check it out!

https://vimeo.com/721762655

Connect with Linda here:  

Learn about your heritage at FamilySearch: https://www.familysearch.org

Author’s Official Website: http://www.lindaweaverclarke.com

My Family Friendly Blog:
https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Thanks for joining Linda and me today! 

Serious Wednesday: Hunter's Rose is Coming! Win it!

 In case you don't remember...

I mentioned in a recent earlier post,

a bit about Hunter's Rose.

To clarify,

Hunter's Rose is the second book in the

Troubles in the Wes series.

(The first book is Caleb's Destiny).

Preorder for this book will be available beginning in July!!

Don't miss out on this opportunity

to read Hunter's Rose at a discounted price!

Answer this question for an opportunity

to win a free Kindle copy!

Question:

Rosita's past engagement with Carlos De Leon

went sour before she fled Mexico.

Now married to Hunter Carson,

she's still being followed by Carlos. 

Does he still love her?

Or is there something more sinister

he wants from her?

Hunter's Rose!

Serious Wednesday: A Chance to Win My Book and Many Others

 Here's an opportunity to win $500 or these forty-plus books!

Go here to sign up:  

https://promosimple.com/ps/1d71d/2022-summer-kick-off-multi-author

Serious Wednesday: More Opportunities to Buy a Book for $.99!!

Readers!

Here's another opportunity for you to

obtain a book for a great price!

Only $.99 Kindle price

Catch Me If You Can

(Book One in the Nursery Rhyme series)

is just $.99.

A touch of romance,

A hint of whimsy.

A cat with perceptive intelligence.

A woman who's determined to find the answer in spite of threats, scary situations, 

an unfriendly manager, and unwelcoming workers. 

Can she?

Check out the book here:

 Amazon

Reviewers have this to say about the book:

*  Lively characters. Snappy dialogue.
Fantastic work.

*  The author has given us well-developed characters, plenty of plot twists and turns and has given me a whole new look at the childhood ditty about the Gingerbread Man. There is a mystery that must be solved, a business to save and a perpetrator to be found. So just sit back, enjoy the ride and try to figure out who does not want to be caught!

*  Wow!! This story is definitely the author’s best to date. It is somewhat mysterious, a bit creepy but oh so intriguing.Did I figure out who the guilty person was? No but that just shows me how good she is at keeping readers in suspense til the very end.

Serious Wednesday: Here's Your Chance!

 Don't you just love a good sale?

Here's an opportunity to read the first book in the 

Spies of WWII series:

With Music in Their Hearts

(In this series, you'll find:

Three Spies

Three Redheads,

Three Love stories and suspense)

It's only $.99 for this first Kindle book, 

it can be YOURS!

Check it out here:

Amazon

What reviewers are saying about this book:

*  Ms. Brown’s historical novel is a delight.

*  I opened to chapter one in my Kindle and heard the music coming from the piano at the boarding house. I felt a part of the intrigue and saw the characters as they interacted with one another. Carole Brown’s World War II spy novel With the Music in Their Hearts is a fascinating read. The realistic dialogue, setting and characters' dress drew me into this 1940’s mystery.

*  I love WWII era stories and was eager to read With Music in Their Hearts. Carole Brown did a great job of capturing the essence of the era. The colorful cast of characters entertained me, the story engaged me, and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end!

Book two is:  A Flute in the Willows

Book three is:  Sing Until You Die

Happy Reading! 

Serious Wednesday: Hunter's Rose: A Hint about the Book

 Troubles in the West Book 2

Blurb:  

It's the late 1800s and Hunter Carson has married the woman of his dreams and settled on the land he bought in a home that most people couldn't afford. His wife—the beautiful and exotic Mexican Rosita DeSantis, is totally in love with him—but something is wrong. Just days after their marriage, why is she crying and touchy? Has she fallen out of love with him already? Or is there something far more serious going on with her?

Rosita's past is haunting her—both physically and emotionally. She adores her new husband, and she'll do anything to keep him from knowing what happened in Mexico before she fled the country. And not because she doesn't trust him, but she's worried for his life. After all, the Mexican Lord—Carlos De Leon—has a plan and will do anything to accomplish it, and Rosita will do anything to keep him from succeeding.

Carlos De Leon cares nothing for God or any man. 

His only desire is to obtain what he wants and when.

Hunter Carson has never known God or even much about him. But his tender heart can be touched. Will he learn and accept the teaching?

Rosita De Santis Carson, an only child, had a loving family who came to accept God into their lives through the ministry of a missionary. Can she hold onto her beliefs through the trials and tests she'll face when Carlos De Leon insists on forcing her to marry him?  

COMING SOON!

Serious Wednesday: Welcome to Linda Weaver Clarke and her Newest Book!

Isn't this stunningly beautiful? --

Linda Weaver Clarke's newest book,

And she's willing to give one commenter an

e-book copy of it!!

How cool is that?

Don't forget:

For every comment, you'll get one chance to win an e-book copy of this book! 

 

Linda's thoughts: 

Seeking a Better Life: Women of Courage

Some immigrants learned about America and its opportunities from the newspaper while others heard about it from traveling missionaries. Many were seeking relief from political and religious persecution but others were just following their hearts. They didn’t know what the future would bring to them. Frances Davies, my great-grandmother, was one of them.

She left her beloved homeland of Wales to live in America, the land of opportunity. Frances had attended a private school and received an education that set her apart from other young women. She was referred to as a “lady of refinement.”

Her Aunt Susan didn’t want her to leave and begged her to stay in Wales. She said that Frances would inherit her fortune if she stayed but Frances stood firm and unyielding and wanted to join her brothers who had immigrated to America a few years earlier. No matter how hard Aunt Susan tried, she could not influence her niece’s decision.

When I read about my great-grandmother’s experiences written by my grandmother, I was impressed with her courage. She was only seventeen when she left for America. That would take a lot of bravery. But that wasn’t all. She faced some thieves, dressed in a cavalry uniform, and chased them off her property. Then she saved a man’s life who had been gored by a bull in his abdomen.

When I decided to put together a series of novellas called “Women of Courage,” I took many of my great grandmother’s experiences and gave them to a fictional character named Serenity, bringing her story to life.

A Lady of Refinement is a historical romance set in 1844. Reading is Serenity’s favorite pastime, where she can go on one adventure after another. She wonders if anyone can measure up to the heroes in her books. But the adventures soon become real after arriving in America.

When Jonathan meets Serenity, an educated and courageous woman from Wales, he becomes intrigued with her and wonders how he can win her heart. Her brother gives him some advice, but Jonathan begins to question his wisdom. Should he trust his friend or is he leading him astray?

Louise Pledge, a reviewer, wrote: “How I enjoy finding a book that will not let me put it down until I'm done!  This was the case with A Lady of Refinement.  Linda Weaver Clarke used a true story of her ancestors as a base, and it rang familiar to me, as my ancestors also migrated to America from England during the same time period. The main character, Serenity, is the refined lady, and it was such a delight when she bested a few arrogant males.  My favorite character, however, was Jonathan, who was very taken with Serenity.  Time will tell if he is successful at capturing her attention.”

After arriving in America, Serenity found that many an adult could not read or write, so she set to work teaching an evening class, especially for adults. Each night she teaches her students how to write their names so they wouldn’t have to put an X for their signature. When Jonathan joins her class, her world takes a new turn, one she didn’t expect. What was her reaction?

Author Gail Pallotta wrote: “At first she sees him as a quiet man, but when she witnesses some of his heroic actions she thinks of Ivanhoe, a character she admires in a book. Even though she’s drawn to Jonathan, she has a rule that won’t allow her to date a student, and she’s sticking to it. Jonathan’s infatuation leads him to try many approaches to get to know Serenity better, even to the extent of following her brother William’s sometimes bad advice.”

How did Jonathan react to William’s bad advice? There are some comical scenes in this story that will make you laugh out loud. Gail went on to say: “I enjoyed this sweet love story, especially Jonathan trying desperately to win over Serenity, while she hesitates to get to know him. Based on true events of the authors’ ancestors, the book takes the reader back to a gentler time when men were more chivalrous and a woman like Serenity more difficult to win over.”

This book is available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Refinement-Women-Courage-ebook/dp/B09PHZK76M

Author Links:

Linda’s Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

Historical Romance Blog: https://historicalromances.wordpress.com

Audiobook Blog: https://familyfriendlyaudiobooks.wordpress.com

Cozy Mystery Blog: https://cozymysteryseries.wordpress.com

Thanks for stopping by, Readers!

Rambling Friday: Okay, Here's My Excuse...

Where have I been? 

I've been down with...

Covid. 

Yeah. 

After all the precautions hubby and I've taken to be soooooo very careful, 

we both came down with it the same time. 

But...

I ended up in the hospital with very low oxygen, blood clots, and pneumonia. 

Fortunately, I had good care providers, lots of support, and plenty of prayers. 

I'm home now, doing great with only a few remaining post-covid problems,

and back to work on my writing and other things I need to catch up on. 

I'm so very thankful!!

Serious Wednesday: When Interruptions Happen

I've learned a lot in being an author through the years. It's not all laughter and fun. Sometimes it's hard work. Sometimes it's happiness. And sometimes it's knowing you've got it right. 

Life happens. It flows. It interrupts. 

My biggest interruption in 2021? Well, let's just say, it was another surgery. A second REPAIR REVERSE shoulder surgery. Leading up to it I was nervous. Did I really want this? Go through the hassle of the surgery with a different surgeon, more inactivity, more hard nights of sleep trying to find the right position to get comfortable with, more pain, go through weeks of therapy? 

But it happened. I loved the new surgeon, loved all the people who helped with it, the registration people, the nurses were all so good to me. My therapists are excellent, understanding and push me with kindness to do my best. 

On top of that, I've been emotionally exhausted dealing with all of the above, plus keeping up with promotions, my responsibilities as an author, my pages on FB, setting up details and responding to my fans, helping my hubby with his ministry, dealing with our beloved pet's serious illness--twice! 

So, yes, life interrupted my writing. I was stuck on a plateau of not knowing what to type on that blank paper on my screen. Was it frustrating? Worrying? Irritating? 

Indeed it was. 

But you know what? I had a breakthrough. I had an idea, then another, and another, and now, I'm on my way to finishing this book I'm working on. 

Was all this trouble worth it? I don't know. It interrupted my life. My writing. But I came through it--I think, just a bit stronger. 

My advice when things interrupt YOUR writing, your plans, your life? Endure. Trust that it will come out all right. There be a cause for why it's being interrupted at that specific time. Or not. Whatever. Take it as a sign that this is a time to try to repair, heal, grow stronger. 

Trust that this is a special time for you and relax. 

After all, what more can you do? Your normal life will resume soon enough, and if there are changes to it, then either accept them or correct them. Take charge of your attitude. 

You'll be happier and better able to hit the ground running when the tide turns for the better. 

Happy New Year!