Serious Wednesday: True or False: Becoming a Writer...

True or False:  Being a writer is lots of fun! 

True! It is. 

Seeing the progress you make on your document or novel, 

• seeing your piece published in a magazine or newsletter... 
• or holding your book in your hand...
• and reading the readers' interest/love/emotion in their comments and reviews are satisfying and encouraging. 

But, wait! It's also false! Because? 

• It's hard work to become an accomplished and successful author
• You'll reach plateaus where you think you'll never get off of
• Cruel or supposedly helpful remarks and critiques will discourage you
• You'll learn you have to grow a tough skin
• You have to do a lot of research
• You'll have to edit...edit...edit...and edit some more. 
• Publishers will reject your work.

But eventually, if you're determined enough and work hard enough, follow solid advice and do all you can to make a dream become reality, you'll see results. 

And all the work won't matter anymore...

At least until you begin another article or book. 

But it's all worth it when you type those words: THE END! 

Keep Writing! 

Serious Wednesday: Welcome, Linda Weaver Clarke! And a GIVEAWAY!!

 Welcome to talented Linda Weaver Clarke who writes historical, romance and mystery novels. 

SHE will giveaway the book: 

ONE LAST DANCE

 to everyone who comments on this blog post! 

Never Too Late To Dream

I believe it’s never too late to accomplish one’s dreams. Some people have a bucket list that has daring things to do or something they longed to do for years. It is never too late and you are never too old to do something you have longed to do.

After raising six daughters and believing it is never too late to dream, I decided to go back to college. It was a scary thing to do and I don’t know why I was so worried. At the age of 50, I graduated from college with a Theatre and Arts Degree. After that, I performed for a concert series. It was unbelievably fun and enjoyable until I got reflux and lost my voice. Feeling discouraged, I didn’t know what to do with my life. But . . . when one door is closed, God opens another door for you to walk through. And that was exactly what He did for me.

An interest in writing engulfed me. So I went to the library and studied every book available about writing. I wanted to write family-friendly stories for all ages. So I sat down and wrote a few books until I was brave enough to send one to a publisher. At the age of 56, I became a published author and won an award for my first book, which surprised and delighted me. After writing five historical romances, I wrote 12 cozy mysteries and then wrote three swashbuckling romances. Since I was a fan of Robin Hood, Zorro, and The Scarlet Pimpernel, I couldn’t help it. I even wrote some non-fiction and a children’s book. 

Being an author has been an interesting path to travel. The most recent series that I just completed is a historical mystery romance series set in the 1830s. It is called A Willow Valley Historical Romance. Each romance has a mystery to solve.

One Last Dance is the first book in this series, which will keep you guessing until the end of the book. When Felicity meets their charming new neighbor, she soon discovers that he is hiding his true identity. Nicholas Adams is on a quest. When she finds out that someone is after a valuable heirloom, a precious treasure found in her attic, her life takes a new turn.

“This book has my favorite genres: historical, romance, and mystery. Although I enjoyed the romance, what I liked most was the mystery. Intrigue and suspense kept me hooked and I loved the air of mystery behind a few of the characters. It kept me guessing to the end, and of course, it had a sweet, happy ending. This is one of my favorite books by Linda Weaver Clarke.” –Inishowen Cailin, Book Reviewer

Book trailer:

https://vimeo.com/310912310

Angel’s Serenade is the second book in this series. Each day as Emmeline practices the piano, she doesn’t know the new doctor in town secretly sits on his porch to listen to her music. As Emmeline gets to know the charming doctor, they become intrigued by her neighbor’s mysterious behavior. Will they discover his secret? And who is the leader of the River Pirates, who is causing so much havoc?

“Clarke has created a sweet romance that will warm the heart, and it’s wrapped up in fascinating yesteryear details of courting, medical practice, and river pirates. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy sweet romance with a bit of mystery.” –Author Gail Pallotta

Book trailer:

https://vimeo.com/408058731

In A Pleasant Rivalry, Angelica is surprised when she finds out that an old school chum has returned to Willow Valley. Since she writes articles for the Chronicle and Simon owns the Willow Valley News, they just happen to be rivals. The competition is on. Who will be the first to discover the identity of the jewel thief or the arsonist? To her surprise, Angelica realizes she is losing her heart to her rival.

“I loved this book!  It was a great historical read and full of surprises.  I totally didn't expect what happened… to happen.  The time period was an interesting one and I love how the author intertwines historical events into the story.  It was a new and refreshing tale.” –Sunnie Reviews

Book Trailer:

https://vimeo.com/427914575

Holidays in Willow Valley is full of surprises. This book is a collection of six holiday stories, something that I hadn’t done before. What were the holidays like at Willow Valley in 1840? While writing this book, I learned to appreciate our holidays.

“This book contains six short stories of different holidays celebrated in the 1840 time period. These are enjoyable stories to read any time of year, not just in holiday times. The characters and the book carry Christian values, which I love. These are very entertaining stories!” --Sunnie Reviews

Book Trailer:

https://vimeo.com/438375608

I soon realized that writing short stories was a pleasure and quite fun. So I decided to try it once again. So I wrote the fifth and last book in this series called Tales of Willow Valley. It is a collection of five “Love Stories.”

“If you are in the mood for some sweet, clean, historical, romantic short stories then look no further. I enjoyed each story and how the women are not sitting back waiting on a man, but are take-charge women that start their own businesses, aren’t afraid to face ruffians, and encourage women to fight for their rights. It is amazing what you can learn when an author does research into events in the past to make sure their works are as authentic as possible.” –Story Book Reviews

As of today, I am the author of 32 books and 28 Audible audiobooks. You can order any of my books from Amazon and Audible Audiobooks at my websites below.

My Book Blog: https://lindaweaverclarke.wordpress.com

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

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

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

Linda’s Website: www.lindaweaverclarke.com

Thanks for joining me today, Linda! 

Folks, please check out her blogs and be sure to comment to receive the book: One Last Dance

Sunday Morning Sunshine: Uncertainty

Life is strange, sometimes hard, sometimes uncertain, but we know we can face our fears and our questions by turning to God and his power. Today, here are some quotes that may give you a little encouragement.


Of all the liars in the world, sometimes, the worst are our own fears. ---Rudyard Kipling

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. --Oswald Chambers

Don't let today's disappointment cast a shadow on tomorrow's dreams. --Unknown

Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don't!
You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait! Pray without ceasing. And hope! --Unknown


Don't give up! TRUST! BELIEVE! HOPE!

Rambling Friday: I Wish I May, I Wish I Might...Someday...

I've been hearing a lot about BUCKET LISTS, and have decided I need to create my own for when we totally retire. (Someday!)

So here goes:

• But another camper. No, I don't want a motor home (unless it's a small one. We've had one and it's way too big for my taste and for what I think we need.)
• Visit the rest of the states. We've traveled to close to forty of them, I think, so we need to finish out with visits to the rest. 
• Specifically, I'd like to see the giant forests of California, see the wine country, although I don't drink, and Mt. Rushmore. 
• I want to take my family to Florida. Yes, hubby and I both have been there, but I want my grandsons to see and experience it too.
• While in Florida, we want to see the Everglades.

• I want to re-do my gardens. They're a mess!
• I want to see all my prospective and ideas for books published before I say good-bye to this world. (Please, God?)
• And I want to grow. Grow closer to God. Grow closer to my wonderful hubby. Grow closer to my beloved family.

No, these are not my ONLY items on my bucket list. It's just a beginning. It's a start. And I don't know how long it will take to check each one of these off the list or even if I'll be able to check all of them off. 

But it's nice to have a start, don't you think?  

Make a list today! 

Sunday Sunshine: April Showers Bring May Flowers

Ah, rainy days...

What's the old saying? April showers bring May flowers? 
And it's true. Just so it is in life. We may go through hard times but that period only makes us or breaks us, and it's up to us to decide which it will be. Think about it. Even if I die because of the hard times, I don't have to admit defeat. I can rejoice for all the good, exciting and rewarding times I've experienced, I can breathe easier for the times I created or encouraged good, for the friends I made and the family I had, for the things I learned and the best I could do or the lessons I learned and shared.

So, today, I'm sharing some rainy day pics and a few of the beautiful sunny days too! Enjoy!

Behind every storm cloud, there's a sun shining! 

You've got a friend...or two or three!

Enjoy the showers! 

Beautiful sunrise...

New beginnings!

Embrace the sun,

Your adventures and life!

Don't be afraid to dream,

hope for tomorrow's efforts,

wish for the seemingly impossible!

Enjoy life!

Rambling Friday: Dreams

Have you ever had a dream that, when you woke, it still seemed so real, you felt fear vibrating from the very fabric of your being? Or one that was so delightful, you wished with all your being it was true? I have.

I've had the dream of being chased. The outstretched hand, or pursuing individual so close I could feel his breath on my neck.  Or the one of a bear squeezing me tightly...

I've also had one of the most gorgeous pair of red shoes. When I woke, I yearned for those shoes...










There are all kinds of dreams:

• Dead dreams: Explains itself. Either dreams of dead people or dreams of no value. 
• Pipe dreams: Dreams that are out-of-this-world impossible or nearly that.
• Daydreams: when a person should be pursuing intelligent activities but instead thinks of other things, whether good or bad. Your imagination wanders with awareness decreasing, visiting the past, the future or present. BUT...your consciousness does pull back into your present world.
• Lucid dreams occur when you realize you are dreaming. Sometimes dreamers wake themselves up once they realize that they are only dreaming, while other dreamers cultivate the skill to become an active participant in their own dreams.
• Nightmares:  an individual wakens in a state of fear and panic with a sweating body and racing heart. It seems real, a person is reluctant to return to sleep and it cannot be forgotten. It often forces you to face troubling situations in your life.
• Recurring dreams:  Themes that repeat themselves over weeks, months and even years. Sometimes a person feels puzzled because they do not understand what is going on. Something going on in your life you fail to address. Something you refuse to correct because of the unpleasantness of doing so. 
• Sweet dreams: pleasantness, happiness, joy, wonder

And many more.

Have you had a dream lately? 
What kind of dream?

Wishing you good dreams (and a good night sleep!)

Sunday Morning Peace

A Garden Spot

A garden spot may be a noisy place where droning bees

seek honey, spiders weave their silver lace upon the trees.

And little birds sing songs the livelong day.

Or it may be so silent that it seems the flowers sleep.

And shy, mysterious virgin dreams their vigil keep, 

And God communes with earth the livelong day.

--Pringle Barret

Blessings!

Gettin' Ready

Right now I'm getting ready to talk with more editors.

Of course, by the time you read this (I'm getting this ready for next week: see how thoughtful I am? Laugh.), I will have already "been there, done that."

But it won't hurt for you to read what's going to happen in your future reading material in my life, will it? Huh? Did that make sense? Oh, well.

Anyhow.
I requested TWO editors this year instead of an editor and an agent. See, I've already got this terrific agent, so I needed two editors. Hopefully, I'll get my pick, but if I don't get my first two picks, the third and fourth ones aren't bad either. In fact, they're great too.

Besides, I can always hover in elevators, doors, lobbys and other such places editors are known to hide in (that's a joke really), and waylay them with my supreme pitch. It'll probably bowl them over, and who knows, I'll probably have dozens throwing themselves into a frenzy of a bidding auction trying to get me to sign on the dotted line . . .

(Oops. Forgot myself. You just got a private read into a fantasy of mine. LOL)

Anyway.
Agent Diana does want me to talk with one certain editor and that's on my priority list. Meeting with as many editors as I can cram in, is there right at the top. I'm anxious to meet with the other agents from my literary agency (altho Diana can't be there this year), and meet some of the other authors. Also, I'm excited (sort of) to get to see some of my critique partners and friends I've met. (Slowly, but surely: that's me. Sigh)

Anyway.
I mean, Oh, well.

Wish me a favorable trip and say a few prayers for me. I'll love you forever if you do. That's a promise. I also promise to never forget you when I get rich and famous, and to always sign my books for you, and to . . .

There I go again. Dreaming . . . or wait, maybe I'm prophetic.

Yep. That's it. I can see in the future.

Love you all!


Quote:
Doubt is a pain too lonely, to know that faith is its twin. --Khalil Gibran


Blessings

Dreamin' On

Got to thinking tonight (watch it! I saw that smirk!). What if you could have your dream vacation with whoever and wherever and whatever you want with you.

What would it be?

Islands?
Mountains?
Desert?
Home?

Not positive sure where I'd want to go, but here's some things I'd like there:

rocks
trees
plants
flowers

Cool breezes
Mostly sun, occasional rain with rainbow--gotta have some rainbows. Not too much lightning or thunder.

My pets
Family (well, most of the time!!)
friends (a few at a time, please. Can't handle all of you at once!)

Sometimes just hubby and me.

Nights out, riding, eating out, sitting and watching the stars and moon, talking, laughter, silence

Good books, including my Bible

Good food
Good water

My computer. Couldn't leave without that. Why, what if I got some good plots and thoughts to type?

Oh, yeah. (Blush here) I guess I'll have to have my cell phone.
No arguments now, I've got a good reason . . . what if my agent calls with "the call?"

You wouldn't want me to miss that on the dream vacation of my life, would you?

Happy dreams, folks.



Quote:
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. --Theodore Roosevelt


Blessings!