tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36494240897503168182024-03-18T03:37:37.673-04:00Seekerville: The Journey ContinuesMissy Tippenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05480008023330542958noreply@blogger.comBlogger1447125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-19435589833088417522023-06-30T01:00:00.181-04:002023-06-30T08:57:41.467-04:00Good Night Sweet Blog<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: start;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 17.12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium;"><b>Mary Connealy</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Good night sweet blog. Parting is such sweet sorrow.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, Seekerville is closing up. I hate it and I'm ready. This blog has meant so much to me. This outlet as a professional writer. This attempt we've all made to help others and express ourselves. There were so many people who helped me learn how to write. And when a group of authors and friends formed an email loop and were just having a ridiculous amount of fun, we decided maybe we had something to share with other aspiring authors.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Seekerville was born. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Giving it up feels wrong because it's been a home online for me for a long, long time. But it also feels right. The effort to find some new way to talk about the lessons of writing are hard. And I feel like I fail at it more often than I succeed. Or I repeat myself.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I accept that we're putting our blog to bed for the last time today. Good night sweet blog.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: start;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 17.12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: medium; text-align: left;">And thank you to my Seeker sisters and to all the readers who've met with us along the way. Today we've got a few more good-bye posts from Seekers present and past. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: inherit; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI4L0bxlNyKExC1B3K_kSy1R1yobg53wjuwxJJ9SCc-_67fEqQsCXz5wF-_IXH4nrnzljzzMB9A6EsIZuQm_ks1_eglbdrnpg_pSCJ-DJdEy0AC1ILHAm0MY4RueVdIVqAS75ywZ4k8Ohom8N2zwp-4BPoRzBChOzlJlLFlSLAs0Jmxl-kCKk4bmCuzk/s640/Mary%20Ruthy%20Debby%20Erica.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisI4L0bxlNyKExC1B3K_kSy1R1yobg53wjuwxJJ9SCc-_67fEqQsCXz5wF-_IXH4nrnzljzzMB9A6EsIZuQm_ks1_eglbdrnpg_pSCJ-DJdEy0AC1ILHAm0MY4RueVdIVqAS75ywZ4k8Ohom8N2zwp-4BPoRzBChOzlJlLFlSLAs0Jmxl-kCKk4bmCuzk/w464-h348/Mary%20Ruthy%20Debby%20Erica.jpg" width="464" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b>Ruth Logan Herne</b></span><p></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: start;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17.12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Seekerville was never just a blog.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: start;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17.12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">It was a give-back from fifteen authors who prayed one another into royalty-paying publication.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: start;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17.12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In a time when self-publishing was raising its head and viability, these authors created a sisterhood of faith, hope and love… and met their goal! All fifteen authors were published and in the middle of that, when only a handful had gotten “the call” we decided to start a blog to help other aspiring authors. We believed in giving, helping, leading and encouraging.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.6933px; margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: start;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 17.12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We were and are blessed! It has given me countless friends and delightful readers and I will be forever grateful for both!</span></p></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tcb_dUK3H0iFbPHK_yFHEdTbax9KaIoa04ZRSd_MnHxNHHKvNrLKhGT7nq-pPnSWQ_i6KbcRI1KaiyIgfL8ujTsmM0-qoRwbQt6WSECJINSSR251HR-wSyeFlfydYuy4kqKVCBluA5lvnmQbaPg9xnmMsLoDJPxDwXTHThA-yu1XHrTWoz6eBwbnCpc/s1600/ACFW%20Pepper.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tcb_dUK3H0iFbPHK_yFHEdTbax9KaIoa04ZRSd_MnHxNHHKvNrLKhGT7nq-pPnSWQ_i6KbcRI1KaiyIgfL8ujTsmM0-qoRwbQt6WSECJINSSR251HR-wSyeFlfydYuy4kqKVCBluA5lvnmQbaPg9xnmMsLoDJPxDwXTHThA-yu1XHrTWoz6eBwbnCpc/s320/ACFW%20Pepper.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqZ23SHVeewzlNOaJD7XISqK4rTDMkdfOxLD5dsrh6HW4fKsuzAIC1UDFo5EfAsAOuWRHM32S_zNNgZDG5K248GHcnDqb9BRZUTeSo8gZWtJDIyxEhYk_JwqFn52GF_LCooypQFf0eNt-eZ-vZx_hBHxeQ2fE2kHJ6wrhw1PuDVZpHfhr2VUuE2INJng/s800/a%20Seeker%20Pic.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqZ23SHVeewzlNOaJD7XISqK4rTDMkdfOxLD5dsrh6HW4fKsuzAIC1UDFo5EfAsAOuWRHM32S_zNNgZDG5K248GHcnDqb9BRZUTeSo8gZWtJDIyxEhYk_JwqFn52GF_LCooypQFf0eNt-eZ-vZx_hBHxeQ2fE2kHJ6wrhw1PuDVZpHfhr2VUuE2INJng/s320/a%20Seeker%20Pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Erica Vetsch</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />What Seekerville has meant to me…</span><p></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Where do I start? We’re supposed to submit a paragraph, and I feel I could write a Julie Lessman-long post and not quite scratch the surface. When Seekerville started, I was a fledgling writer, absorbing everything I could about writing, the writer’s life, and books. I read every day, I commented so much, the original Seekers must have thought I was stalking them, and I learned so, so much. I loved that the Seekers spoke of more than just their own books, but brought in guest posters, too. One of those guest posts changed the way I write. (The Plot Board) I loved the sense of sisterhood, of support, and cheerleading the Seeker-Community provided. When Mary Connealy asked if I would like to join as a Seeker a few years ago, I was all over that opportunity. Though I knew every Seeker and had met them in person, I didn’t realize how our relationships would grow. We’ve shared the ups, the downs, the way downs, the way ups, and the way sideways bits of life, not just those concerned with writing, but with life. They have become a sisterhood, and I don’t say that lightly. I will miss the posts and the community of Seekerville, because it was something quite special. I’m glad the archives will be available for me to refer to when I need to learn or relearn something about the writing life…or just reminisce about some really good times. </span></p></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQiiBz69_z2TJMoghSieqqaVW_gjioTl3pTkcqLu8-TDOUFcFtpcWBjJTOtBfaPlkhxiwntu2M7qgFRik2J049h7hdadn4o-tejLexV92c_Ig4669uqkdALq-wdvvUEwQlpFnNasxOz3YXYuctsuDjIWHELX8lknqBH8BYA8Us7KknDCRrbK3oSCtyPA/s1024/Mindy%20Missy,%20Mary,%20Georgianna.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="999" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQiiBz69_z2TJMoghSieqqaVW_gjioTl3pTkcqLu8-TDOUFcFtpcWBjJTOtBfaPlkhxiwntu2M7qgFRik2J049h7hdadn4o-tejLexV92c_Ig4669uqkdALq-wdvvUEwQlpFnNasxOz3YXYuctsuDjIWHELX8lknqBH8BYA8Us7KknDCRrbK3oSCtyPA/s320/Mindy%20Missy,%20Mary,%20Georgianna.jpg" width="312" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-size: medium; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Missy Tippens</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; text-align: start;">The Seekerville blog has been a huge part of my life for almost two decades. I met many writer friends online through the blog and at conferences when we would gather and experience the joy of meeting in person. Thank you to all who helped form this wonderful, supportive community. Thank you for contributing to the knowledge we shared and fun we had here. You’ve all been a big blessing in my life! I’m so thankful God brought us together through the years.</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; text-align: start;">—Much love,</span><br aria-hidden="true" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; text-align: start;" /><br /></span></div><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20f81uL9VeZKLaqAUw5Wr6sHxc6KrumgqSUi8N_33_lqPj9kngdAa12cnxmuUSa-R-fnChFPL6VnVmxZGSaUh51Io37nLc2fptiKz6PHZCGsWqxAZQT4jbPVib5_19TAbRfWJc4WttLN3r7L6NMNs4c4lf4SBkgx8B1uTkdC66M1feHvbnVix9hG6txs/s1600/Seekers%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi20f81uL9VeZKLaqAUw5Wr6sHxc6KrumgqSUi8N_33_lqPj9kngdAa12cnxmuUSa-R-fnChFPL6VnVmxZGSaUh51Io37nLc2fptiKz6PHZCGsWqxAZQT4jbPVib5_19TAbRfWJc4WttLN3r7L6NMNs4c4lf4SBkgx8B1uTkdC66M1feHvbnVix9hG6txs/w443-h332/Seekers%201.jpg" width="443" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Debby Giusti</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><p style="background: white;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;">So many memories…</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p aria-hidden="true" style="background: white; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">In 2005, I attended my first National Romance Writers of America
Conference. My story won the Touched by Love Contest, and I met the Love
Inspired editor who called one month later and asked to buy my book. The
contest win that led to publication and the interaction with my eventual editor
made my writing dreams come true, but equally important were the friends I made
at that national gathering. We discussed starting a private support loop, which
we did, and two years later, we gave birth to the Seekerville blog. Our goal
was to help other writers on their journey to publication and beyond. Over
the years, the friendships formed with both readers and writers have added joy
to my life and have buoyed me as I navigated the ups and downs of the writing
world. In addition, we’ve been a prayerful community, and I truly believe God
has worked through this blog to uplift, to affirm and to help other writers who
love the Lord.</span></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p aria-hidden="true" style="background: white; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">As we know,
all good things must end, even Seekerville, although it is with a heavy heart
that I bid farewell. Your kindness and encouragement have touched me deeply,
and I’m so grateful. The memories of the love and laughter we shared will never
fade and will be special treasures that will warm my spirit in the years ahead.
Know that you are ever in my heart and in my prayers. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;">I love you all!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; padding: 0in;">Debby Giusti</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; line-height: 1; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><span color="inherit" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 25.68px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 1; margin: 0.1rem 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLZMGjrNzdVHc4kUtS0bS1nomkiVdt6i8DDF-IK5ESxYXSjkbpTmAkvYOz0rXnZ8L5WGQSxqlIbyNSeC3WK2JKfCX5QXgUsp9Qxw1rv2LlSgEgwg6SR6BsYc4PMcoHjE56__G4EcFLopGUXN9QLEAM7k9ac9u7rCB6BldEB6fsq3ta3nwlriAvauwgec/s1189/Janet,+debby,+missy+closeupjpg.JPG" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="609" data-original-width="1189" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLZMGjrNzdVHc4kUtS0bS1nomkiVdt6i8DDF-IK5ESxYXSjkbpTmAkvYOz0rXnZ8L5WGQSxqlIbyNSeC3WK2JKfCX5QXgUsp9Qxw1rv2LlSgEgwg6SR6BsYc4PMcoHjE56__G4EcFLopGUXN9QLEAM7k9ac9u7rCB6BldEB6fsq3ta3nwlriAvauwgec/w580-h297/Janet,+debby,+missy+closeupjpg.JPG" width="580" /></a></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Janet Dean</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I’m
beyond blessed to have been a Seeker, one of 13 writers who joined forces to
support each other on our journey to publication. When we started the blog Seekerville
our intent was to share writing and industry tips meant to help ourselves and
others along the way and to promote books with giveaways and prizes. We had a
blast doing it while meeting and connecting with wonderful writers and readers!
But what we ended up sharing the most were our lives! Writing is a solitary
business and having this vibrant community to visit each day forged special
connections and friendships we’ll always cherish! I learned oodles about
writing from our posts, enjoyed the interaction both online and at writing conferences.
But by far the best part of Seekerville was seeing ours and countless others’ dreams
realized and celebrated in Seekerville! Though I’m retired and no longer write,
I’ll always be grateful to have been part of it! Thanks to all who came, all who
stayed, all who gave so much of themselves! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zAoE4ExvGWRNtLM_r3-N3NYZg35ntabyCkqWLzMmSIJaro9PwHMlaaC-XTltUteg8BJPqhiHDZa7C73dy4cs2GBhMkjPWZzSDowm7wtRFyz_ZgU6hIuSLL3mZDOFtTe2r89K6yVc3RnWXbTL8xp0DCGGcHDxkGipRBUfvzx85uexGAfqX-bcIVXksr4/s1024/seekerville%20bloggers%20acfw%202018%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zAoE4ExvGWRNtLM_r3-N3NYZg35ntabyCkqWLzMmSIJaro9PwHMlaaC-XTltUteg8BJPqhiHDZa7C73dy4cs2GBhMkjPWZzSDowm7wtRFyz_ZgU6hIuSLL3mZDOFtTe2r89K6yVc3RnWXbTL8xp0DCGGcHDxkGipRBUfvzx85uexGAfqX-bcIVXksr4/s320/seekerville%20bloggers%20acfw%202018%201.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mindy Obenhaus</b></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Seekerville has been a fount of knowledge for aspiring
and published authors from its beginning. It’s been a valuable resource for me
throughout my career. I remember being tickled pink when Janet Dean approached
me in 2013 about doing a guest post on the original Seekerville shortly after I
received my first contract. It wasn’t until I sat down to write that post that I
felt the pressure to come up with something of value that would benefit others
still awaiting their first contract. So you can imagine how humbled I was when
I was invited to join Seekerville 2.0 back in late 2017. I felt a huge
responsibility to help other writers grow had been placed on my shoulders, and
I never took that for granted. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;">Back in the heyday of blogging, Seekerville stood out as a
safe place for up-and-coming authors to learn, share victories and
disappointments, and to cheer each other on. It was more than just a blog, it
was a community. Many authors attribute their success to Seekerville, and I’m
one of them. Iron sharpens iron. That’s what Seekerville has always been about.
And I’ve been honored to be a small part of it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfVM8W1Z2qVyeVdDgTzs7A_rdKKZ_uzAC0C72xipfcCLyPS_eqJrpQgHUfNXFOIsyTAWBiWE6bqDPikG5mKdsUofmfnEyjVy12fpUbb9VClHrwKxpYX9jCEGDs5VmBQNPqckq3iyK1cEfqEeWv4gvNpgcjB0Mp_oNNE9_0cEU6Z3rd2_lbaTAbijWRl8/s640/Julie%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqfVM8W1Z2qVyeVdDgTzs7A_rdKKZ_uzAC0C72xipfcCLyPS_eqJrpQgHUfNXFOIsyTAWBiWE6bqDPikG5mKdsUofmfnEyjVy12fpUbb9VClHrwKxpYX9jCEGDs5VmBQNPqckq3iyK1cEfqEeWv4gvNpgcjB0Mp_oNNE9_0cEU6Z3rd2_lbaTAbijWRl8/w534-h401/Julie%201.png" width="534" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 16.8667px; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Julie Lessman</span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">MY GOODBYE TO SEEKERVILLE:</span></b></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How do you close the book on one of the greatest chapters of your life? It’s not easy. But what <i>is</i> easy is reflecting on all the blessings Seekerville has been to so many people over the years.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For me as an aspiring author, Seekerville was a lifeline in a sea of doubt, buoying me with hope, wisdom, and support every step of the way. But far more important than the encouragement and education that Seekerville provided, were the dearest of friends it brought at a time when I needed them most. Seekerville was more than a blog—it was a sisterhood that began with twelve women, each with a dream in her heart. And it was those very women who helped turn every one of our dreams into a reality with laughter, tears, and solid friendships that will go on forever.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the reading and writing community who called Seekerville home, it was a light in the darkness and a lamp unto many of our paths, <span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">inspiring, encouraging, teaching, informing, and supporting both readers and writers alike with the Word of God and wisdom gleaned over the years, both literary and spiritual.</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">So, I say goodbye to Seekerville, both with a heavy heart and a grateful one, that God allowed me to be a part of it and the lives of the many people it has so richly blessed.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br aria-hidden="true" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Hugs and more hugs,</span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Julie </span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><b> Jan Drexler</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">In
the fall of 2010, our family was in the middle of making one of our many
interstate moves. While I was in Kansas waiting for our house to sell and home
schooling our two youngest children, I felt the nudge to start the writing
career that had been pushed aside for years. As I searched the internet to find
out information on how to start this plunge into unknown waters, I stumbled
upon a blog. Fifteen authors – some published, some pre-published – were giving
advice for people exactly like me! And not only advice, but encouragement,
well-timed lessons, and a camaraderie that made that little corner of the
internet feel like home. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">The
invitation to join the Seekers in 2017 was a dream come true! It was a
bittersweet time, though, as we said goodbye to so many original Seekers who
were retiring. I feel that same bittersweet feeling now, as times have changed,
and blogs are no longer the best way to reach aspiring authors. But you all
know where to find us, right? We’ll still be on social media – be sure to look
for us there!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif;">Love
to all, Jan Drexler<o:p style="font-size: 12pt;"></o:p></span></p></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bEigWEgM6dBiThEYK-jo7T0Q-Z5Rlu3rQviwbSZdixv7EUDZ-ikwm8dM6-SD9MnbliyErn_ll6wPJV6JiO_agWqZavSUK3hV1pIzLOyIxoJimx6YL0cI8BVTPsNDhr-EJYiT23V5iedKH7iEuWjrwIHcNjqkgW_xL-XlzpInvaJCvPLGA6Z8HaZw7iQ/s640/ACFW%202011%20CONFERENCE_Seekers%20on%20lower%20deck%20without%20Casey.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4bEigWEgM6dBiThEYK-jo7T0Q-Z5Rlu3rQviwbSZdixv7EUDZ-ikwm8dM6-SD9MnbliyErn_ll6wPJV6JiO_agWqZavSUK3hV1pIzLOyIxoJimx6YL0cI8BVTPsNDhr-EJYiT23V5iedKH7iEuWjrwIHcNjqkgW_xL-XlzpInvaJCvPLGA6Z8HaZw7iQ/w486-h365/ACFW%202011%20CONFERENCE_Seekers%20on%20lower%20deck%20without%20Casey.jpeg" width="486" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit;"><b>Audra Harders</b></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; border: 0px none; color: #242424; font-family: "Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span color="inherit" face=""Trebuchet MS", sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: medium; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><p class="MsoNormal">Hmm, summing up what Seekerville is to me in one paragraph?
Impossible! There are innumerable memories rolled up in all the terrific
events, posts, discussions that have transpired over virtual brunches of
cinnamon rolls, red velvet cake and omelet bars, LOL. But, if I had to choose
one aspect of Seekerville I loved the most, it would be all the Seeker
Villagers who have touched my life over the years. As most know,
Seekerville was born as a group of unpublished authors banded together through
their love of contests and sought to pray each other into publication. Along
the way, we launched a blog to help other unpubbed authors learn about their
craft and offer encouragement along the way. As the Lord says (my paraphrase), <i>Give
with a cheerful heart and He will bless abundantly</i> (2 Cor 9:6-8). If there
was one thing you can say about Seekerville, we are a cheerful bunch and
approach each of our posts with joy, compassion, laughter and of course, virtual
food to feed the masses!! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For me personally, that joy and love was returned to me
beyond measure. Our Villagers are the heart of Seekerville and YOU made our
little safe haven of learning and love a place to cherish through all the ups
and downs of this crazy writing life. Thank you for your faithfulness and
encouragement as we shaked and shimmied our way through 16 years of love.
<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Bless you all, Audra <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjLe5SMH_8VH4EOQaYOrl7K57ZTOVI_yTrTPVNwMflb572oK6hk9R0cKYslD7YX59dhOk22If4AllfspkK3HT_dLJG6dQ9MwP6NQEOkQLRlothdZguN6Fqiabh3RLxaD6UhlmIUPpaDqFLzQ1KmuzSCvTiWV7IusmQpkchHBlcE5THvwemsT0lyIrdAVS/s2560/ACFW%202010%20cake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="2560" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjLe5SMH_8VH4EOQaYOrl7K57ZTOVI_yTrTPVNwMflb572oK6hk9R0cKYslD7YX59dhOk22If4AllfspkK3HT_dLJG6dQ9MwP6NQEOkQLRlothdZguN6Fqiabh3RLxaD6UhlmIUPpaDqFLzQ1KmuzSCvTiWV7IusmQpkchHBlcE5THvwemsT0lyIrdAVS/w400-h300/ACFW%202010%20cake.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><b><span color="inherit" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 16pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Glynna Kaye</span></b></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 12pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">That’s where it all started in 2005 when, through “meeting” each other in writing contest winners’ circles, God drew the original Seekers together. We shared industry news, teamed up to serve as beta readers, encouraged each other, challenged each other, prayed for each other--and became friends. Some soon escaped from “Unpubbed Island,” others of us gradually set sail one by one.</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the autumn of 2007--almost 16 years ago--we launched <i>Seekerville The Blog</i>, wanting to share with other writers what we were learning on our journey. We hoped that through sharing posts on our personal experiences, the craft of writing, the publishing industry, words of encouragement--and prayer for all--that other aspiring writers might attain their own publishing dreams. What came about during Seekerville’s “heyday” was a living, breathing, close-knit community of Seekers and the scores of fabulous and faithful “Seeker Villagers” who called the blog home! (A good number of whom are now published!)</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 14pt; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">I’m so grateful for my Seeker Sisters and all the many Villagers who joined us on the journey. THANK YOU! And thank you to our Heavenly Father who brought us together for a purpose and an amazing time in our lives!</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5SY7NDTpUqxSlLpe1HZn9tIXi3E_Cp2hmZl2w7rl7LL4r1EvhpZfe6g2ozA_TR_yVAloIEdg7jb-Yc1Fe4E8IbHZKR-APerTHldMbSW9bJ2otwuyDa1ExBPLnRH87XiqzecsBNbJzGyQO2WYVrHr6nfUPTK0ecj1RAymijuXDUK3sP6K0Do0HOq4PcA/s529/The%20Golden%20Girls%20from%20RWA%202005.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="481" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB5SY7NDTpUqxSlLpe1HZn9tIXi3E_Cp2hmZl2w7rl7LL4r1EvhpZfe6g2ozA_TR_yVAloIEdg7jb-Yc1Fe4E8IbHZKR-APerTHldMbSW9bJ2otwuyDa1ExBPLnRH87XiqzecsBNbJzGyQO2WYVrHr6nfUPTK0ecj1RAymijuXDUK3sP6K0Do0HOq4PcA/w406-h446/The%20Golden%20Girls%20from%20RWA%202005.jpeg" width="406" /></a></div><br /><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: 700;">Myra Johnson</span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span color="rgb(13, 13, 13) !important" face="Arial, sans-serif" style="border: 0px none; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face=""Segoe UI", "Segoe UI Web (West European)", "Segoe UI", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", sans-serif" style="color: #242424; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">I’ll always be grateful for the invitation back in 2005 that brought me together with 14 other determined writers in support, encouragement, and prayer for our journey toward publication. As one by one we began sailing off Unpubbed Island (some sooner than others!), creating the Seekerville blog in 2007 seemed like the perfect venue for giving back to the larger community of writers and to share what we were learning along the way. I am honored to have served as one of the original Seekerville bloggers during its first 10 years, and I’m thankful for the new Seekers who came on board after several of us “retired” to pursue other avenues in our writing careers. I will never forget Seekerville for all the writing tips, learning opportunities, laughter, and regular “kicks in the pants” that comprised our daily fare. Most especially, I cherish the friendships. You will all ALWAYS be in my heart! —Myra Johnson</span> </span></p><p class="x_MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YCl5iR1qCKJDcDSIiYxxthArd6oIrwyPn9tI0T_iRz34XtABRFim1NsJcgoD0RZLjObGFwjCVHb4wMqb9lJ7ws5WDttpu0G6g5vxzR3ih-eEh7LHCVMca4aia_R0QmD9ik2d2ElC5KYcPmXvcYepMp_NCfmv8KDEQms8JJys8GAXyUwlXP16aXQtqA8/s2592/dana%20marycate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YCl5iR1qCKJDcDSIiYxxthArd6oIrwyPn9tI0T_iRz34XtABRFim1NsJcgoD0RZLjObGFwjCVHb4wMqb9lJ7ws5WDttpu0G6g5vxzR3ih-eEh7LHCVMca4aia_R0QmD9ik2d2ElC5KYcPmXvcYepMp_NCfmv8KDEQms8JJys8GAXyUwlXP16aXQtqA8/s320/dana%20marycate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="text-align: start;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Dana R. Lynn</span></b></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So many thoughts are going through my head. Seekerville has been a part of my life ever since I began my writing journey in 2013. I remember the excitement of joining others for Speedbo, the Seeker version of NanoWriMo. I would read the posts to glean what wisdom I could as I pursued my dream. And continued afterwards when I received that first contract. But Seekerville was more than a resource. Through online interactions and in person meetings at conferences, I developed real friendships. It was an honor to join the Seekers for the past year. And while this is bittersweet, I know that the relationships I formed will last beyond the blog.</span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Blessings!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyE743dQx_uN3c7ZGNnokBcG4RFxhQqX8MOc5cNvOl7tuMxuMNAzk-jjVQlzDrk1BjksPRbpfvotyK7gZ3FgbSRPAiq4kjxU-NBzLu-ZLu_s6iPLFj3tWf3of6ZrtvJQmZ8FrpBrDcMkKtHMeGMEpPdWAWifeJY7BTOHsN-UayyCR57cCPoevCqf1OQE/s2048/acfw%20Dana.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyE743dQx_uN3c7ZGNnokBcG4RFxhQqX8MOc5cNvOl7tuMxuMNAzk-jjVQlzDrk1BjksPRbpfvotyK7gZ3FgbSRPAiq4kjxU-NBzLu-ZLu_s6iPLFj3tWf3of6ZrtvJQmZ8FrpBrDcMkKtHMeGMEpPdWAWifeJY7BTOHsN-UayyCR57cCPoevCqf1OQE/s320/acfw%20Dana.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRfyD1mIc1M7acQsD8uFFhSxX69NPW6MvTmyZ3NPZYJx-3A0Z1yLsP3Ky47CVYeL-3S9IiMZN1JvIhrEgpATc9j_bW2jPPKugWls1T-6yYDIBH1Jn_lx3L9BTMhPH156ONIaK9oMJ2qCQNX74PoNT8rIGg0YsGMNmzjUeNGXZeJKLsVekEcsTUtjjG7Y/s640/Original%20Seekers%20together.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="677" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRfyD1mIc1M7acQsD8uFFhSxX69NPW6MvTmyZ3NPZYJx-3A0Z1yLsP3Ky47CVYeL-3S9IiMZN1JvIhrEgpATc9j_bW2jPPKugWls1T-6yYDIBH1Jn_lx3L9BTMhPH156ONIaK9oMJ2qCQNX74PoNT8rIGg0YsGMNmzjUeNGXZeJKLsVekEcsTUtjjG7Y/w508-h677/Original%20Seekers%20together.jpeg" width="508" /></span></a></div></div></div>Mary Connealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09598386111251769803noreply@blogger.com98tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-41926689633525201652023-06-28T00:00:00.000-04:002023-06-28T00:00:00.140-04:00Learning Persistence from Taylor Swift<p> <span style="font-size: medium;">I'm on a very tight deadline at the moment, but I'm also in my last week of school, so time is precious. I started to write a new blog post, but I realized I was PROCRASTINATING from writing the final scene in my first draft.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As I was debating new vs an oldie (another chance to procrastinate), I came across the one I'm posting about. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Since everyone and their uncle seems to be either talking about <b>Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour</b> or <b>FOMO on Taylor Swift and The Eras Tour </b>(I kid you not, I got an email today from a teaching blog that used FOMO Taylor Swift as the hook!), I decided to go with the flow.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It seemed appropriate for a couple of reasons -</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">1) It followed a post on procrastination</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2) My daughter has been listening to Taylor non-stop every time we are in the car together </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">3) Seeing all these photos of Taylor's record-breaking, sold out tours makes is sweet to look back at the persistence of an 11 year-old and see just how far she has come.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VS1HcqiRNTM" width="320" youtube-src-id="VS1HcqiRNTM"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Way back when, I shared this post:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family: "cambria"; font-size: 12pt;">A few
months I did a blog on the P word – procrastination.</span><br />
</p>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Today,
I’m back to talk about a different P word, the one that determines the
possibility of success – Persistence.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
two quotations that have guided my writing career for as long as I can
remember.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
first is:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A professional writer is an amateur who
didn’t quit.</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> (Often attributed to Richard
Bach, bus he supposedly disavowed saying it.)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have
read a lot of differing opinions about that quote ranging from arguments about
what constitutes a professional writer to what determines the level of success
required to claim writer status. I’m not really interested in any of those
arguments. In my mind, it comes down to this – <b>writers write</b>. So
whether you do it for a lot of money or none, if you haven’t quit yet (or have
and came back to it), then you’re on the right/write track.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
second quote follows naturally from that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She wrote what she loved, until she
loved what she wrote, and she sent it out one more time.</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have no idea where this quote came
from. I have it on a scrap of paper that is so old it’s turned yellow and
brittle.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I
tried to Google the source of that quote, I got a bunch of links to Taylor
Swift’s new album. It’s really tempting to tag Taylor in this post and see our
views skyrocket. I have no idea why that quote triggered Taylor's name, but
when I thought about it, I was glad it had.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> A
lesson in procrastination vs. persistence</span></i></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
other day, I was supposed to be writing, but when I signed on to Twitter to
join my #1k1hr group, #TaylorSwiftonGMA was trending. I very easily got sucked
down a rabbit hole of Taylor Swift videos. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Avoiding
that kind of rabbit hole is a constant struggle for me. My husband used to
drive me crazy flipping channels on the television. It seemed he’d stay on
something just long enough for me to get hooked. He would move on, but by that
time, I would be begging him to turn it back (to some show I'd probably be
embarrassed to admit watching), because once I'm hooked, I need to find out
what happens.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Which
is what happened last Thursday on Twitter. First there was a video about Taylor's
father handing out pizza to the people who waited on line overnight. Then there
was Taylor singing a song from her new album. Then... and so on.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's
important to note here, I've never particularly been a Taylor Swift fan. I was just curious
about what all the fuss on Good Morning America was about. My interest had been
piqued. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Am I
alone in this? I know we joke about going to Facebook to check one thing and
discovering we've spent an hour instead of the scheduled 5 minutes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As it
turns out though, watching Taylor Swift videos for an hour wasn’t without some
benefit. One of the clips on GMA gave a history of her career starting as an 11
year-old girl determined to make it in Nashville. She explained that her mother
and little brother waited in the car while she delivered karaoke demos she’d
made. She talked about walking up and down Music Row knocking on doors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: #666666;"><b>"I
would say, 'Hi, I'm Taylor. I'm 11; I want a record deal. Call me."</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;">I cannot imagine having that kind of dedication
at my age, let alone at 11. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;">But the story didn't end there.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;">I found an article on ENews that included this:</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%;">
<span style="color: #666666; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"She
came back from that trip to Nashville and realized she needed to be different,
and part of that would be to learn the guitar," Andrea told <i>EW</i>.
"Now, at 12, she saw a 12-string guitar and thought it was the coolest
thing. And of course we immediately said, 'Oh no, absolutely not, your fingers
are too small—not till you're much older will you be able to play the 12-string
guitar.'<br />
"Well, that was all it took. Don't ever say never or can't do to Taylor.
She started playing it four hours a day—six on the weekends. She would get
calluses on her fingers and they would crack and bleed, and we would tape them
up and she'd just keep on playing. <a href="https://www.eonline.com/news/1064340/it-s-a-love-story-the-history-of-taylor-swift-s-fiercely-tight-bond-with-her-parents">ENews</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;">What intrigues me is how someone has that kind of
drive to succeed - especially at such a young age. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;">Taylor is not unique in her work ethic. We hear
stories all the time about athletes and their superior dedication to their
sport, practicing endless hours until they can sink that three-point shot
flawlessly, or lead a team to another Super Bowl victory. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<b><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</b></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;"><b>What can we, as writers, learn from this mindset?</b></span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;">That question has really been on my mind a lot
lately. Writing is not a career for the faint of heart. It requires a lot of
hard work, is often solitary, and you can go many years honing your craft
before you manage to snag that contract.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; color: black;">And when you do, you just get to do it all over
again.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some
writers succeed brilliantly, and others, as in my quote above, never rise to
that professional level for one reason or another.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I found
some interesting thoughts on that topic in an article at a teaching workshop I
attended this week. I'm going to link the article. Take a minute and go look -
it's short.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="https://www.fastcompany.com/3054213/three-reasons-why-you-arent-reaching-your-full-potential"><span style="color: blue;">Three Reasons You Aren't Reaching Your Full Potential</span></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The article states: The question, then, is why some
people are better at developing their potential than others. </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What intrigued me about the answer was the psychological
analysis. I'm just going to share a couple of key quotes that intrigued me.
They will all make more sense if you read the article.</span><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
The trouble is that most people don’t seriously want what they say they want.<br />
’I want’ means, ‘if I want it enough I will get it.’ Getting what you want
means making the decisions you need to make to get what you want.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In other words,
few of us are willing to do what it takes to achieve what we desire.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Some aspirations
are simply superficial desires for status, not declarations of will followed up
by action.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.15pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Real motivation is
the key ingredient. Those who actually succeed at getting better are obsessed
with their goals, turning that motivation into genuine talent over time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These
thoughts hit home with me, because throughout my life, whenever I was working
on something that I cared passionately about, I was unstoppable. My energy was
boundless, nothing could stand in my way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I
find myself faltering, it's usually because some little voice in my head is
whispering, Do you really want it enough to work this hard?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Obviously
adolescent Taylor Swift did. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Is
writing something you feel passionately about and are you ready to make the
decisions you need to succeed. Are you willing to put in the time to develop
the talent? Are you ready to bloody those fingers?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you’re
not a writer, is there something else that you are passionate about to this
level?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let's
chat.</span></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm off to persist on this draft!<br /></div>
Cate Nolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10424872139114718902noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-9965235508467569632023-06-26T01:00:00.001-04:002023-06-26T01:00:00.142-04:00Five Ways NOT to Start a Story<p>Erica here. It's a smart writer who doesn't waste effort. Yesterday, I was the presenter/speaker at the ACFW MN NICE chapter in the Twin Cities, and I thought I would use a bit of what I taught there for this blog post. :) </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7XzrKWsEbA4esiAQTAsmIaQFdV-sTBVzvnQNqUGS2ywYelu8wBFiL1bw4F_ZLcPFxXeVqmvUFuyXBpnyYYPzbaNzgcRafRzMXW5HOr6FjscAPuDBKWaSkDoyr40UbSUvjp3ZovHnITVZDm5u3FbEqRJT4bysWozmzkAL6V8S--5lVQG18xLQhb_9Adw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7XzrKWsEbA4esiAQTAsmIaQFdV-sTBVzvnQNqUGS2ywYelu8wBFiL1bw4F_ZLcPFxXeVqmvUFuyXBpnyYYPzbaNzgcRafRzMXW5HOr6FjscAPuDBKWaSkDoyr40UbSUvjp3ZovHnITVZDm5u3FbEqRJT4bysWozmzkAL6V8S--5lVQG18xLQhb_9Adw" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From Wild0ne via Pixabay</div><br /><br /><p></p><p>I spoke on Five Pages to Impress: How to Start a Story Strong. One portion of the presentation was a 'what not to do' section, based upon what I see so often when judging contest entries.</p><p>1. <b>Please do not start with a prologue.</b> I know. Writers love a prologue, but 97.5% of the time, they are completely unnecessary. They mess with the timeline, obscure just who the protagonist is, and often they steal the writer's thunder, revealing something they should be saving until later to totally blow their readers' minds. If you think your story opening isn't strong enough without your smash-bang, action-packed prologue...you're right! So change your opening chapter!</p><p>2. <b>Do not start with a dream.</b> Please. Just. Don't. Dreams are overdone. It's promising the reader the story will be about one thing, and then pulling a bait and switch on them when it turns out the POV character was just dreaming. (Bobby Ewing, anyone?) Dream sequences delay the start of the real story, and are not based in the reality of the real tale. </p><p>3. <b>Do not start with someone arriving somewhere.</b> Please. It's the ultimate cliché. Heroine steps off the train onto the dusty platform in Dodge City. Heroine drives her Prius up to her grandmother's house, that she's soon going to sell to a developer once she cleans it out, but she's convinced by the hunky, flannel-clad neighbor next door to stay in town and convert it to a B&B and marry him in the process. Arrivals often slow the story to a crawl as the protagonist reflects on all that brought him/her to this point. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">4. <b>Do not start your story with a Back Story Dump.</b> Back story dumps tell the reader a lot of stuff they don't need to know at this point. But, how can I make the reader care if they don't know the character right away? Listen closely. I'm serious, lean in, because I'm about to drop a pearl of wisdom here that, if you follow it, will put your contest entry/agent submission/opening chapter FAR above many that I see. It is not your job to make the reader care about your character right away. It is your job to make your reader CURIOUS about your character right away. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Do you get that? If a reader is curious about a character, they will keep reading. They will come to care for the character because they cannot wait to know what happens. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Back Story Dumps slooooooow the story to an absolute crawl. It's like reading someone's resume. It's telling me through a mini bio about the character. Back story does not reveal as much about the character as you think. Knowing About someone isn't Knowing them. Treat your story opening not like the introduction of a new board member, but as making a new friend. You don't walk up to someone you've never met and say, "Hey, I'm a single-mother from Tennessee who was abandoned by her father when she was three, got pregnant when she was fifteen, and joined the army at eighteen." Stuff like that needs to come out slowly. </p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">Character isn't revealed through reciting a story's past. It's revealed through Dialogue, Action, and Subtext. What the character says, what they do, and what they think but don't say.<br /><br />5. <b>Do not start with a bunch of Happy People in Happy Land. </b>It's boring. If you have no conflict, you have no story. "But what about establishing the normal world for my character?" you ask. Oh, by all means, do that. But give them something to want right away, or some obstacle, even if it is minor, to overcome. Put your heroine up a ladder in a dark storeroom trying to replace the lightbulb, but afraid of heights of any kind. The reader will learn a few things about the heroine without you even having to tell them. She's afraid of heights. She is determined even when she's scared. Through her mutterings or thoughts, you can reveal if she's snarky, given to brave self-talk to get through a circumstance, or if she prays when she's scared. It's an everyday occurrence that reveals a lot, and makes the reader wonder right away if she's going to accomplish her task, if she's going to cave to the fear and stop trying, or if she's going to topple off the ladder into the arms of her handsome neighbor.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">I judge a lot of contest entries during the year, and these are five of the most common problems I see with story beginnings. I'd be curious to know what other ones you're aware of, or what you've heard is not a good way to start a story.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">In other news, the <b><i>Joy to the World </i></b>Regency Christmas Novella Collection is now available on Audiobook! How cool is that? My contribution, Wonders of His Love, features a spin-off character from my Serendipity & Secrets series, and a handsome Scottish portrait painter.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><br /></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt-imMzWcFrhSfVAU1H_rVy129SgE847u6KfOlkSetAspqhPOXpS68Gj1W0G_slfOniSlNcd3yUlM7dx8ogDPLnWI008YT5uH0JMm5mFixVKGw2dhClp3enQ9YqYM0hea7tv_1Hysdq5QBU2X6F1EfWUKUG5KmP6Z3otQDvAizq4aduAO9akFJ3Pz6Tw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgt-imMzWcFrhSfVAU1H_rVy129SgE847u6KfOlkSetAspqhPOXpS68Gj1W0G_slfOniSlNcd3yUlM7dx8ogDPLnWI008YT5uH0JMm5mFixVKGw2dhClp3enQ9YqYM0hea7tv_1Hysdq5QBU2X6F1EfWUKUG5KmP6Z3otQDvAizq4aduAO9akFJ3Pz6Tw" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You can get your audiobook copy <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Joy-World-Regency-Christmas-Collection/dp/B0C1THDL75/ref=sr_1_1?crid=10EOX8SP02O4J&keywords=joy+to+the+world+regency+christmas+collection&qid=1685483333&sprefix=joy+to+the+world+regency+christmas+collection%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k0GlAfqP287XJnb45o7ik7DTkBRV7VU-tO2xv1W4I6uXG2nK8SrJEHZSNoDykuRKKfK16nS1gCmVef2tOcDWaI015MJ-c1sTwXIaF4Lv_kgimru9B3XYdhapb7TsLKLID_QvN7afmMX90c2dntjMI43kmNuutdp0mU7Lggj886htQNETMqAPsw908A/s480/17554119_10154995926951142_8896832131880891072_n.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #c55b19; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0k0GlAfqP287XJnb45o7ik7DTkBRV7VU-tO2xv1W4I6uXG2nK8SrJEHZSNoDykuRKKfK16nS1gCmVef2tOcDWaI015MJ-c1sTwXIaF4Lv_kgimru9B3XYdhapb7TsLKLID_QvN7afmMX90c2dntjMI43kmNuutdp0mU7Lggj886htQNETMqAPsw908A/w200-h200/17554119_10154995926951142_8896832131880891072_n.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(215, 206, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="200" /></a></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst"><span face=""Amazon Ember", Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #0f1111; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;">Best-selling, award-winning author, Erica Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum. You can connect with her at her website, <a href="http://www.ericavetsch.com/" style="color: #c55b19; text-decoration-line: none;">www.ericavetsch.com</a> where you can learn about her books and sign up for her newsletter, and you can find her online at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspirationalregencyreaders" style="color: #c55b19; text-decoration-line: none;">https://www.facebook.com/groups/inspirationalregencyreaders</a> where she spends way too much time!</span><br /><br /> </p>Erica Vetschhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08772984806574666959noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-38376008694316024422023-06-25T00:00:00.012-04:002023-06-25T00:00:00.141-04:00Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests<p style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIosP17OesHZ-wiCV_x6GneOjbIrjJh0daR-b-FTaoH2HY96wdHvOT70_8QHo7e5s8-Yjsj_28lOO1VY2898fVP7wY8dPqqqTR6TDL2H2gPUApelrjUl_srb7I8aEdbhVR2JryH7BBDB0nSJ3zx_SovbQxZTILGPHJZePSh1CHgXPuxOwhjqJ0dYVjyig/s3774/Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3774" data-original-width="2023" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYIosP17OesHZ-wiCV_x6GneOjbIrjJh0daR-b-FTaoH2HY96wdHvOT70_8QHo7e5s8-Yjsj_28lOO1VY2898fVP7wY8dPqqqTR6TDL2H2gPUApelrjUl_srb7I8aEdbhVR2JryH7BBDB0nSJ3zx_SovbQxZTILGPHJZePSh1CHgXPuxOwhjqJ0dYVjyig/w344-h640/Spas_vsederzhitel_sinay.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Christ Pantocrator of St. Catherine's Monastery at Sinai, <br />a 6th-century encaustic icon. [PD-US]</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Jesus said to the Twelve:</b></span></span><span style="color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">"Fear no one.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Nothing is concealed that will not be revealed,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">nor secret that will not be known.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">What I say to you in the darkness, speak in the
light;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">And do not be afraid of those who kill the body
but cannot kill the soul;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">both soul and body in Gehenna.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Are not two sparrows sold for a small coin?</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Yet not one of them falls to the ground without
your Father's knowledge.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Even all the hairs of your head are counted.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many
sparrows.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Everyone who acknowledges me before others</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">But whoever denies me before others,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
</b></span><span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>I will deny before my heavenly Father."</b></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Matthew 10:26-33<o:p></o:p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. </span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for</span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents. </span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! </i></span></b></div></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">God bless you and keep you safe.</b></i><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.4px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 15.4px;"> </span> </p>Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-90033883036377166582023-06-24T02:00:00.108-04:002023-06-24T02:00:00.134-04:00Weekend Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, <a href="http://seekerville.blogspot.com/p/legal.html">take a minute to read them here</a>. It keeps us all happy! </b></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. </span></b></span> <b>Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. </b>**(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)<br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Jan </b>showed us how heroes come in all forms with the same basic criteria in her post<b> What Is A Hero?</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Tuesday: Pepper </b>offered some excellent places to find your own<b> Bookish Cheerleaders</b></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Wednesday: Debby</b> <b>Giusti </b>talked about the content in the front of the book in her post<b> Front Matter...Back Matter...What Matter? The winners of Amish Blast Investigation are Connie Porter Saunders and Kathy Bailey. Congrats, ladies!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Thursday: Winnie</b> talked to us about her recent trip to Deadwood, South Dakota. Winners of her giveaway of choice of any of her books are <b>Glynis, Sandy Smith</b> and <b>Karen Jennings</b></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Erica Vetsch </b>will chat about Five Ways to NOT Start a Story. :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Wednesday: Cate </b>will be here to chat about <b>Taylor Swift and Persistence<br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Releasing June 27!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/s2650/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="color: #c55b19; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/w253-h400/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(215, 206, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="253" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">A deadly explosion.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A dangerous search for the truth.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, </span><span class="a-text-italic"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Englischer </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pre-Order</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Blast-Investigation-Inspired-Suspense/dp/1335587810/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LJL6QSH0YO8O&keywords=aMISH+BLAST+iNVESTIGATION+DEBBY+GIUSTI&qid=1678829890&sprefix=amish+blast+investigation+debby+giusti%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1" style="color: #c55b19; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</b></span></div></div>
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<b><a href="https://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2023/06/walking-through-valley-of-writing.html" target="_blank">Walking Through the Valley of Writing</a></b> by Martin Wiles at The Write Conversation<div>
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<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://selfpublishingformula.com/5-ways-to-build-an-audience-for-a-debut-book/" target="_blank">5 Ways to Build an Audience for a Debut Book</a></b> by Daniel Parsons at Self-Publishing Formula</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.writerscookbook.com/dont-know-characters-backstories/" target="_blank">What Happens When You Don't Know Your Character's Backstory?</a></b> by Kristina Adams at The Writer's Cookbook</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist/writer-bullet-journal-for-national-novel-writing-month?utm_source=Klaviyo&utm_medium=campaign&_kx=rKqArRZqEuM-uDJ1sWDEMJmJxohmqvIAqFGpVe3vedY%3D.N4sebt" target="_blank">Creating a Writer's Bullet Journal</a></b> by Nicole Sattler at Bullet Journal</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/whats-the-difference-your-characters-ghost-vs-wound-vs-lie-vs-weakness/" target="_blank">Your Character's Ghost vs Wound vs Lie vs Weakness</a></b> by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.livewritethrive.com/2023/06/19/writerly-advice-that-is-worth-listening-to/#more-12262" target="_blank">Writerly Advice That Is Worth Listening To</a></b> by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2023/06/7-tips-to-help-you-grow-your-social.html" target="_blank">7 Tips to Help You Grow Your Social Media Without Sacrificing Time to Write</a></b> by Edie Melson at The Write Conversation</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://bookbrush.com/4-tips-for-using-your-blog-as-a-marketing-tool/" target="_blank">4 Tips for Using Your Blog as a Marketing Tool</a></b> by Staci Mauney at Book Brush blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://killzoneblog.com/2023/06/true-crime-thursday-victim-villain-antagonist.html" target="_blank">Victim, Villain, Antagonist</a></b> by Debbie Burke at Kill Zone blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2023/06/21/how-to-research/" target="_blank">How to Research</a></b> by Toni Shiloh at Learn How To Write A Novel</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Audra Hardershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654717451512952428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-75176109520034096152023-06-22T04:16:00.002-04:002023-06-22T04:20:10.137-04:00Author Get Together<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduHbAi5u3GlYuiLVlB-eEUyYWqj9P2GGmKkfGi4Ak3rwd2-DFiCgPKTIIhR2rCPuGJfnXxJbztAOn0b60ZYEaL959auE9MX3vsLVStD_X5I1e3Wfeprp8FgfI9nZBAUxfEIaHb-9bBksadA0zlKHVnOgWF8dnBt1E2qzzH2xgYih4nBKuvtYKW15zTdSk/s652/WG-header%202020-04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="207" data-original-width="652" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgduHbAi5u3GlYuiLVlB-eEUyYWqj9P2GGmKkfGi4Ak3rwd2-DFiCgPKTIIhR2rCPuGJfnXxJbztAOn0b60ZYEaL959auE9MX3vsLVStD_X5I1e3Wfeprp8FgfI9nZBAUxfEIaHb-9bBksadA0zlKHVnOgWF8dnBt1E2qzzH2xgYih4nBKuvtYKW15zTdSk/w549-h175/WG-header%202020-04.jpg" width="549" /></a></div><br /><p>Hello everyone, Winnie Griggs here. Back in the old days (pre-Covid lockdown) I used to attend 4-5 reader and/or writer events a year. My last event of this type was the Emerald City Writers' Conference in Oct 2019. Until this past week.</p><p>Eight members of the other blog group I belong to, Petticoats and Pistols, traveled to Deadwood, South Dakota to combine a writers' retreat with a multi-author booksigning event called Wild Deadwood Reads. The booksigning is an annual event - this is its 6th year - and is held in conjunction with the town's Wild Bill's Days celebration. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUwe8P1BA-8nuuaL5WKUhoOaJjXAwEoysz4xhYx9XxNJSSkVvj5FJhaMqLt-FKv-5OxOjyxdgJmm9kjR8PdVVeQdtTrvvQyaJTzAkWzaoDS3CrdAjWkHrhgZsNUBQRawlyyEtXuapvV_TpGyNdRwrkmmqw-fQPu-tQaXIDSHWJ_UYFs54bIRIo8qiugj4/s500/WDR%20logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJUwe8P1BA-8nuuaL5WKUhoOaJjXAwEoysz4xhYx9XxNJSSkVvj5FJhaMqLt-FKv-5OxOjyxdgJmm9kjR8PdVVeQdtTrvvQyaJTzAkWzaoDS3CrdAjWkHrhgZsNUBQRawlyyEtXuapvV_TpGyNdRwrkmmqw-fQPu-tQaXIDSHWJ_UYFs54bIRIo8qiugj4/w441-h230/WDR%20logo.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>One member of our group, Kari Trumbo, had gone a few times before and when she came back from the event last summer her excitement about her experience there generated the idea of planning a group trip in 2023. The idea was kicked around for a while, interest was measured and excitement started to build. One driver of this was the fact that even though we've been together as a group for a while (some of us longer than others) most of us had never actually met face to face.</p><p>So all the months of planning paid off last week in what resulted a really fun event. It was so great to be among other writers again. This is a little of how it went.</p><p>The first day was Thursday. All eight of us got together that morning in a house some of our group were staying in. The morning was devoted to writerly discussions and in just getting to know each other better. There was lots of talk, sharing, laughing and overall fellowship. Then we all had a yummy lunch together, provided by one of our group - the fabulous Karen Witemeyer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAws0gF9gDr_2wgkVqRu1s4v52_RweyNlSxGqgumE9FyK1WMgYG0XOoU7uYTMynpzXmmdLIN4pZ6zO4aNyLjsULChRsQqSRXVffflUZs668uO-ucvZZs8Ko9F-bRdDQsboTcasTc1d8P70bYAvS5mbbrReXS7Qe-W694TKWZ4hpThzHLgDfZJHh8QF54Rk/s500/Lunch.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="409" data-original-width="500" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAws0gF9gDr_2wgkVqRu1s4v52_RweyNlSxGqgumE9FyK1WMgYG0XOoU7uYTMynpzXmmdLIN4pZ6zO4aNyLjsULChRsQqSRXVffflUZs668uO-ucvZZs8Ko9F-bRdDQsboTcasTc1d8P70bYAvS5mbbrReXS7Qe-W694TKWZ4hpThzHLgDfZJHh8QF54Rk/w389-h318/Lunch.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>After lunch several us ventured out to the Days of '76 Museum<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;">.</span></span> It was full of interesting exhibits, including this one on hearse wagons. And while I was there I came up with an idea forr a brand new series that I'm truly excited about!! (More on that when I've fleshed it out a little more!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp6HuQ0agjMZIXSp1oEJOMovApKjfCIXCogdBTc50mOrZSldb2SxDnAdhrELLEv0M1w3Oz-k4iOCz59CZ_qANSly8NjYOg4O7ipSg8kVvsI7OxswpQXKeg2VIdCrZbAEDTJyfFfH7_UZwrX4kgj72SR8-oL5UdmhxNN55fbvr2aSf5Lt4CrG9A0txbcCt/s500/museum%2006.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijp6HuQ0agjMZIXSp1oEJOMovApKjfCIXCogdBTc50mOrZSldb2SxDnAdhrELLEv0M1w3Oz-k4iOCz59CZ_qANSly8NjYOg4O7ipSg8kVvsI7OxswpQXKeg2VIdCrZbAEDTJyfFfH7_UZwrX4kgj72SR8-oL5UdmhxNN55fbvr2aSf5Lt4CrG9A0txbcCt/w392-h294/museum%2006.JPEG" width="392" /></a></div><br /><p>Our next stop was the Mount Moriah Cemetery where notables such as Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok are buried. The photo below includes Karen Witemeyer and Julie Benson in the background.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaoGL21ugQHTXzP8MqA41bZVv65F6Al_2CylNrorb09xelzI2QJROQ9JR9P3nkXzc-y8n7ClmN8DTvfsry8Yy7XcFvxsUwyjUFnzqflHrqJ82sASh1jyh9cNK5vyZsi0dv668t3slkRugBdX7V22QNrWbocVSGtb8gkz8Ac8JBaLMSr23l7QHBj5MoxGu/s500/Cemetary%2002.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEaoGL21ugQHTXzP8MqA41bZVv65F6Al_2CylNrorb09xelzI2QJROQ9JR9P3nkXzc-y8n7ClmN8DTvfsry8Yy7XcFvxsUwyjUFnzqflHrqJ82sASh1jyh9cNK5vyZsi0dv668t3slkRugBdX7V22QNrWbocVSGtb8gkz8Ac8JBaLMSr23l7QHBj5MoxGu/w282-h376/Cemetary%2002.JPEG" width="282" /></a></div><br /><p>On Friday we all separated and did our own thing, enjoying the 'playing tourist' thing. My daughte accompanied me on this trip because she'd never been in that part of the country either and loves to explore. She and I, accompanied by Mary Connealy and Julie Benson, took the opportunity to visit Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument. A fun bonus, since Jan Drexler lives near Mt Rushmore, she and her husband met up with us there! It was such fun meeting her face to face and her husband is a real sweetie too.</p><p>Here's me and my daughter in front of Mt Rushmore</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b-aiGpvbRYrKVWGgkyurwltE0UnS4ZevbSZSt7-I-HSTYSf3Dpkloi4MjdJcz_1MrFB0Px_Bwn0GrD7URNQxC4mYKuWWGrs68xOqZ_JC-snKfHBkzs-f9HCDqxloyW5fGM7Pvi59hNhJ70AGyeP025SdI1aoCsULGdykzPwqa6yW47GptkLGVU5PYs6c/s480/Mt.%20Rushmore.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="345" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6b-aiGpvbRYrKVWGgkyurwltE0UnS4ZevbSZSt7-I-HSTYSf3Dpkloi4MjdJcz_1MrFB0Px_Bwn0GrD7URNQxC4mYKuWWGrs68xOqZ_JC-snKfHBkzs-f9HCDqxloyW5fGM7Pvi59hNhJ70AGyeP025SdI1aoCsULGdykzPwqa6yW47GptkLGVU5PYs6c/w285-h397/Mt.%20Rushmore.jpg" width="285" /></a></div><br /><p>And here's Mary, me and Julie in front of the Crazy Horse monument along with a better picture of the monument itself</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oAeMne0IyXVcM1InvCrVbNePR70nGxkYjn0PQXDJRcEfvIWGfbwdcMEq5IEMf6PsSYsQH_Urwj1EwcrlmKXIa1m7-P886ncPw8f1CLvPmU6KGObw_FuNcoO2gXh-BU_j2XG-w1itTIPd9tza97NDry39jcLcR_MSgpgq3KfMSezF2q1ZY3JUboV5hNOU/s811/Crazy%20Horse.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="811" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oAeMne0IyXVcM1InvCrVbNePR70nGxkYjn0PQXDJRcEfvIWGfbwdcMEq5IEMf6PsSYsQH_Urwj1EwcrlmKXIa1m7-P886ncPw8f1CLvPmU6KGObw_FuNcoO2gXh-BU_j2XG-w1itTIPd9tza97NDry39jcLcR_MSgpgq3KfMSezF2q1ZY3JUboV5hNOU/w534-h237/Crazy%20Horse.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then Saturday was the booksigning itself. To give you an idea of the size of the event there were 92 authors and 100s of readers who walked through during the event. It was such fun to meet readers, both those entirely new to me and the ones I'd 'met' online. And I had the honor of sharing my table with Mary! Here is a collage of a few photos from the event</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3pSmzC7Sj35AAI3OQPdCQb_i6cADumeKPQTjh2NY632UAueOBYHvmr_t0MBlsSmJy_KY50P4FSFePmmvlblBJ9f_cGktPT_sqOPD6HDhZkEjOLLGPfSjCPSNm6t4nQw5DBny74uzklKY4f42j0JgW-STgNssrWKpBWhWK9t8b5k_-aDMQ-Cgs22qXEXX/s870/Signing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="870" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3pSmzC7Sj35AAI3OQPdCQb_i6cADumeKPQTjh2NY632UAueOBYHvmr_t0MBlsSmJy_KY50P4FSFePmmvlblBJ9f_cGktPT_sqOPD6HDhZkEjOLLGPfSjCPSNm6t4nQw5DBny74uzklKY4f42j0JgW-STgNssrWKpBWhWK9t8b5k_-aDMQ-Cgs22qXEXX/w556-h346/Signing.jpg" width="556" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">All in all it was a great reentry into the world of author and reader gatherings. I had a great time and it was a wonderful four days - especially as it gave me the opportunity to spend time with so any really wonderful people.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxsItBxQHVKZWvgs_zmrOP6ukJ9gixuHFt2vx7Fv7XfC4urPKQ2TZpOop9gOa5UMzFkny5MmVQahfzX0gO2Kcyehif5pzvlNkfz2qSQVZvax-9fLaSlKuNpoe5wCKfZM3pfAS-4PS_p0yOPPNyB5uAUzTORxaYMtL3WGzqgJT6BlnWvExNPQ0JlcLJCrQ/s529/divider001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="38" data-original-width="529" height="23" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxsItBxQHVKZWvgs_zmrOP6ukJ9gixuHFt2vx7Fv7XfC4urPKQ2TZpOop9gOa5UMzFkny5MmVQahfzX0gO2Kcyehif5pzvlNkfz2qSQVZvax-9fLaSlKuNpoe5wCKfZM3pfAS-4PS_p0yOPPNyB5uAUzTORxaYMtL3WGzqgJT6BlnWvExNPQ0JlcLJCrQ/s320/divider001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So tell me if you've ever visited this part of the country or had an opportunity to attend a similar event. Leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for your choice of any of my books.Winnie Griggshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02295070748234710260noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-80542764932185000922023-06-21T00:00:00.091-04:002023-06-21T00:00:00.139-04:00Front Matter...Back Matter...What Matter?<p style="text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeBxd1JxDSmdGpIF9uJwths1ev51tTA8DCF8TExyCv31k5vE97r1p9foJhc4s3fNOltBw1J-ACfzzAK1A1gVJdUuCzS2KOKwkjt5I7O0NTG2TZpZlZ-JgIpaJq4tyMv9_9GVhKWWS43bIrJy_qWpVKhMCE9p3d0hRk8YpLJQdGRCBnKTEDOdk1rqbLMzM/s940/seekerville%20title%20ABI.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeBxd1JxDSmdGpIF9uJwths1ev51tTA8DCF8TExyCv31k5vE97r1p9foJhc4s3fNOltBw1J-ACfzzAK1A1gVJdUuCzS2KOKwkjt5I7O0NTG2TZpZlZ-JgIpaJq4tyMv9_9GVhKWWS43bIrJy_qWpVKhMCE9p3d0hRk8YpLJQdGRCBnKTEDOdk1rqbLMzM/w640-h536/seekerville%20title%20ABI.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">By Debby Giusti</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"> </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Soon after my first book went to contract,
my editor asked for the front matter and back matter to be submitted along with
my completed manuscript.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">“Matter? What matter?” I asked, feeling
totally clueless.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">I soon learned that front matter
refers to information on pages included before the beginning of the story. Similarly, back
matter is anything added after the end of the story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Today, let’s take a closer look at
the front matter. I’ll cover the back matter in my next post.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">I write for Love Inspired Suspense. The
first page in each book includes pull quotes from the story to tease the reader.
The second page has the author’s bio and a list of some of the author’s
previous publications. The title and copyright information follow. All of those
pages are considered front matter.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SEPutpFJXQhNlw4ynvkt4yzjY9YciTEtPJNhaRF3Rb78r40Fxe-RZV6uJhe7BVj7Y1R8IxVTcJxXLxoAD1Jm05XY6JAlJMfj-6P_uaDbzplIGqtSlwuGY0yJiG0lA9mPPCVnw09E8qVeRDuo9C73NjLD-Ovj3SjSWF-qgROjdGGG-CdwBzCjmkxao6Ei/s940/IMG_6079%20ABI%20Scripture.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7SEPutpFJXQhNlw4ynvkt4yzjY9YciTEtPJNhaRF3Rb78r40Fxe-RZV6uJhe7BVj7Y1R8IxVTcJxXLxoAD1Jm05XY6JAlJMfj-6P_uaDbzplIGqtSlwuGY0yJiG0lA9mPPCVnw09E8qVeRDuo9C73NjLD-Ovj3SjSWF-qgROjdGGG-CdwBzCjmkxao6Ei/w400-h335/IMG_6079%20ABI%20Scripture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The page following the copyright in Love
Inspired books as well as in many other Christian stories is a Bible verse that
ties in with the plot or character development.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amish Blast Investigation</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">
releases on June 27, and for that story, I chose Luke 12:24 as my Scripture
verse. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” The story
involves an Amish baker, Becca Klein, who helps the estranged son of a kindly
older man, who was killed in an explosion at her bakery, uncover the truth about
his dad. Becca has a lot to learn about life and love so the verse is
applicable to the story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">In lieu of a scripture verse, secular
books sometimes include an epigraph, which could be a quote or short paragraph
that doesn’t refer directly to the story but may have bearing on the theme, setting
or mood of the story. A foreward or type of recommendation for the book is written
by someone other than the author, usually a person of prominence, and may be
included as well as a preface by the author that tells how the book came to be
written. Some books include an introduction that provides insight into what topics
the reader can expect to find within the story. All of these are considered
front matter.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Authors who interview subject matter
experts for research will note their help in the acknowledgements. Often the
author adds a caveat that any mistakes made are the author’s and have no
bearing on the expert he or she interviewed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv__0L2ADILlzUfwUEWhTwnNXq_A9GfRsWvgHzI3pXGUS04ctiaZVqIGGHAmPLnYAVZN0mu7J2waJxG-CA4Rw82O7VSi5t8Vi6-DvnvYGer99sF61MRc-rqW_5gitOxSFDTUJh_cirmZLbjK6AdjPIHr7tYdbDYA7mSFZ1E9zGrFrFwj28qehMcAlP9JO7/s940/ABI%20dedication.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv__0L2ADILlzUfwUEWhTwnNXq_A9GfRsWvgHzI3pXGUS04ctiaZVqIGGHAmPLnYAVZN0mu7J2waJxG-CA4Rw82O7VSi5t8Vi6-DvnvYGer99sF61MRc-rqW_5gitOxSFDTUJh_cirmZLbjK6AdjPIHr7tYdbDYA7mSFZ1E9zGrFrFwj28qehMcAlP9JO7/w400-h335/ABI%20dedication.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">An editor, agent or even the entire
staff at a publishing house might be added to the acknowledgments. Before
selling my first story, I often scanned this information in newly released
books to learn which agents represented which authors. The information helped
me determine the agents I should query when I sought representation for my own story.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">The dedication is another bit of
front matter found in both secular and Christian publications. I’ve dedicated
books to my husband, my children, my parents, to law enforcement officers, the
military and to reader friends whose support has meant so much to me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Amish Blast Investigation</span></i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">
is dedicated to Carol Rose. In my book, I explained that Carol is “a beautiful
woman with a huge heart who not only cares for the aged and infirm but also
provides support and encouragement for their families. God bless you, Carol," I wrote in the dedication, "for your compassionate ministry to those in need.”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjU1WrWnBL8EAt2jCOGABHI4cEmha3zAT0pwKy6Ex-jBatbY-WQVUZyKytvWCFRbG1nCOtrRFN4WuNvo5oqiOAEdb2l1Fwt5T_5XvaEDEf8pxxDCkJMHcjaq4rmngNT_8gHHMICXi6WO6RBMsv70EcKWzRcKi9aYCj83O5xxuen94Pa3MMH_wOeb1a66y/s640/IMG_6056%20Carol%20and%20Debby.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="586" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHjU1WrWnBL8EAt2jCOGABHI4cEmha3zAT0pwKy6Ex-jBatbY-WQVUZyKytvWCFRbG1nCOtrRFN4WuNvo5oqiOAEdb2l1Fwt5T_5XvaEDEf8pxxDCkJMHcjaq4rmngNT_8gHHMICXi6WO6RBMsv70EcKWzRcKi9aYCj83O5xxuen94Pa3MMH_wOeb1a66y/w366-h400/IMG_6056%20Carol%20and%20Debby.jpg" width="366" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carol Rose & Debby</td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;">Carol cared for my dear friend’s
husband who had Alzheimer’s. She has also helped a number of other seniors from
my church who needed in-home care. It was an honor to dedicate the book to
Carol. I named a character after her as well.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do you read the front matter before
you buy a book? Does it have bearing on your purchase? Have you ever had a book
dedicated to you? What about prefaces, forewords and introductions? Do they
help “sell” the story?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Writers, share your thoughts on the front
matter? Do you spend time choosing a Scripture or deciding upon your
dedications and acknowledgments?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leave a comment to be entered in two
drawings with each winner receiving a copy of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amish Blast Investigation</i>.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Happy writing! Happy reading!</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wishing you abundant blessings,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Debby Giusti<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.debbygiusti.com/">www.DebbyGiusti.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGBzojGL-MFyYE5S15Sc0v2oabay_Qh3j3MfF5Q2Cpto81xzMkF9UZAS7YfjGaFZc9FeTMBPXVIrwsKNczMtDuwUkDhSjBivVu-CTgLQn3HiGSY7cAe27IlMsthPGPRHDD_GrDzJHfQgCGIzvym6-zoZESsaRYXkZ2kzBOD5ytZm-aVWlpuawH0drL9o2/s2650/9781335587817.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1675" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIGBzojGL-MFyYE5S15Sc0v2oabay_Qh3j3MfF5Q2Cpto81xzMkF9UZAS7YfjGaFZc9FeTMBPXVIrwsKNczMtDuwUkDhSjBivVu-CTgLQn3HiGSY7cAe27IlMsthPGPRHDD_GrDzJHfQgCGIzvym6-zoZESsaRYXkZ2kzBOD5ytZm-aVWlpuawH0drL9o2/s320/9781335587817.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><b>Amish Blast Investigation</b><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A deadly explosion. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">A dangerous search for the truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one
of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though
estranged from his father, <i>Englischer</i>
Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died.
But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and
they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover
the truth?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif">Pre-Order <a href="https://tinyurl.com/2p8p2ja2" target="_blank">NOW</a>! <o:p></o:p></span></p>Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-85343181287472533572023-06-20T00:30:00.008-04:002023-06-20T00:30:00.134-04:00Our Bookish Cheerleaders!<p> <b><i>Cheerleading is harder than it looks.</i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5Ur7Ks_8E9AnvmWPLAtVEwD3nbdY7o-YKDzTOnBqeY4onaSe3FPqM0iF8d9-wH_jEDLYe2PiYkW_6ELwWaDFcM_WyX2hc-wtbZT6VgtPhO7AVKJfqqbJPBYlXfr6A4djIb5uoE7ro41JjZOkLN4vgxprGGEFnxDCQ8o3aXU6eJe4xtvvbh40zZdX2pgA/s1280/cheergirl-311225_1280.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1246" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5Ur7Ks_8E9AnvmWPLAtVEwD3nbdY7o-YKDzTOnBqeY4onaSe3FPqM0iF8d9-wH_jEDLYe2PiYkW_6ELwWaDFcM_WyX2hc-wtbZT6VgtPhO7AVKJfqqbJPBYlXfr6A4djIb5uoE7ro41JjZOkLN4vgxprGGEFnxDCQ8o3aXU6eJe4xtvvbh40zZdX2pgA/s320/cheergirl-311225_1280.png" width="312" /></a></div><br />How do I know? Well, when I was in middle school, I became a cheerleader. 2 years! And, because I was a...um...good-sized girl, I was always one of the bases for stunts. Keeping those small and light girls at the top of the triangle alive was one of my jobs. <p></p><p>But cheering for my team? THAT wasn't the hard part! I loved encouraging them on - win or lose. I think that's why when I went to high school, I volunteered to be the mascot. Celebrating my team and encouraging the players and audience brought as much (if not more) joy to me than those around me because 1., I loved my team. 2. It was loads of fun. 3. I wanted others to love my team too.</p><p>That's why I appreciate the cheerleaders of our bookish world so much! There are THOUSANDS of readers who love our stories, have fun cheering for our stories, and want others to fall in love with our stories too.</p><p>Where can we find these reading cheerleaders? </p><p><br />Let me share a few examples of different places where bookish cheerleaders are rocking it!! </p><p>1. <b>In person</b> - Of course, any time you can have an opportunity to build a community in person, it's fantastic. Though most of our cheerleaders are on social media/online, it's AMAZING how folks will come out to an in-person event, sometimes traveling HOURS, to celebrate one of their favorite authors. It is AMAZING!</p><p>2.<b> Bookstagram -</b> Okay, ya'll. This group of readers are hardcore! I ADORE them. IG has been a social media outlet for me over the past 3-4 years and being surrounded by bookstagrammers has been SUCH a blessing. If you're not familiar with them, check out some of my favs like @bookstagrambyalissamorgan @books.n.blossoms, @jessthebookhoarder, @the.book.maiden, @dareyoutoread and @the_reel_bookery are just a FEW of the zillions of cheerleaders who celebrate books. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixA8vGzgomaNun_0CERaW1HbsLkP1K8vJp_C9R4L2GvERxlst8enjgtpTFPfCkUUK788wqpxiXMvEuqC7QoRHnOcJZ370PauCSGcw9rhsi-vI1YtCxapanaUGXwQxRfRJ-8JN1l8ivXeRPqFqC-OsNFL9x8vBUVSUMdNLncG5AdAcOOD1HYNdVkX6etITO/s483/booktok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="483" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixA8vGzgomaNun_0CERaW1HbsLkP1K8vJp_C9R4L2GvERxlst8enjgtpTFPfCkUUK788wqpxiXMvEuqC7QoRHnOcJZ370PauCSGcw9rhsi-vI1YtCxapanaUGXwQxRfRJ-8JN1l8ivXeRPqFqC-OsNFL9x8vBUVSUMdNLncG5AdAcOOD1HYNdVkX6etITO/w237-h207/booktok.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><p></p><p>3.<b> BookTok </b>- I'm not as involved with TikTok because it overwhelms me, but the tokers there are just as excited about books as those on IG. If you want to narrow down what you see on this ever-growing and sometimes confusing social media platform, I suggest you narrow down your hashtags to #christiantiktok #christianbooks #christianfiction and #booktok. Some names to toss out here are @lindsay.dee, @valicityelaine, @jenniferautumnkropf, @laurenzyano, @chronicallybookish...just to name a VERY few!</p><p>4. <b>BookTube </b>-I'm super new to this one and am considering starting one myself just because I think it might suit my personality a bit better than TikTok, but this is a great place to meet bookish cheerleaders AND it allows for longer videos, organizes them all in a one-stop place to find, AND already has a community of BookTubers to cheer you on and introduce you to more books to read! One of my FAVORITE Booktubers is @BookLoverAmanda. Besides her accent being FANTASTIC (Go Tennessee!), her enthusiasm dances off the screen! I've just started following @Celestria and her love for books shines through on her videos too! Fantastic cheerleaders to add to your list!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9YxWo_QLawjukrH19le0_215SqpTozhqYjZDx7CErGc3wi8Fe04Fptzce10MbZV1tY5kiTyV_jlgd8Ara8Af2cU-nZQL_SqdhDGOW9AefGXOepSHOZ5uqd6_jtn0GSI0QV7YBmmCEL-u3fbCMU6xIU7lmNjM6d2lKLAyCzZ2d8P5JICghxxcD1EdO9dA/s1179/bookoveramanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="435" data-original-width="1179" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9YxWo_QLawjukrH19le0_215SqpTozhqYjZDx7CErGc3wi8Fe04Fptzce10MbZV1tY5kiTyV_jlgd8Ara8Af2cU-nZQL_SqdhDGOW9AefGXOepSHOZ5uqd6_jtn0GSI0QV7YBmmCEL-u3fbCMU6xIU7lmNjM6d2lKLAyCzZ2d8P5JICghxxcD1EdO9dA/s320/bookoveramanda.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>5. <b>Facebook </b>- If you've never visited Avid Readers of Christian Fiction, a Facebook group, you are MISSING OUT! These folks are some of the very best cheerleaders on the planet and are constantly celebrating great Christian Fiction reads. Warning...you WILL be sucked into this delightful group of bookish people who also love Jesus! (Btw, isn't that a great shot of author Karen Witemeyer? :)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN95OBVCY_xGM7Weu9PrBiQTDqcs3yYj5448LhltyfMjVMwDLM7_y9vRMiIp2h2s2mJBbXLscI4dDkAcXhK1JZLbVXc-GUgwkex71pBJaqKbfGCaqJfaYMML7SOHwobsHI3sJJxaUBHfQS1Ld54QyDUWZelQ930o0VhY4IcxjTuTg_d8ucdL2n7i2xYjE/s1364/Avid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="1364" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN95OBVCY_xGM7Weu9PrBiQTDqcs3yYj5448LhltyfMjVMwDLM7_y9vRMiIp2h2s2mJBbXLscI4dDkAcXhK1JZLbVXc-GUgwkex71pBJaqKbfGCaqJfaYMML7SOHwobsHI3sJJxaUBHfQS1Ld54QyDUWZelQ930o0VhY4IcxjTuTg_d8ucdL2n7i2xYjE/s320/Avid.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>So...what cheerleaders would you add to the list? Do you have a certain place online or in-person where you get the best cheering opportunities?<p></p><p>************************************************************************</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvhFkgpfV5Jp1lxOgXlPgVHe8TZX3q1d7k8g3v7vxqprOgj-DokXe2A2wzYpFZ_GSBfWdhBph9MbAaH4V6qHppJgKlHfUYBUWbomvAd46dP7uEZXULrhZS0RUdBKrcy5DpKcTPucKeAbhvp0EmIk3FYw-OrLCZPpP85qp4g3elAiLKmGSfLfUMO_HCX5L/s597/pepperquiltlaughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="398" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIvhFkgpfV5Jp1lxOgXlPgVHe8TZX3q1d7k8g3v7vxqprOgj-DokXe2A2wzYpFZ_GSBfWdhBph9MbAaH4V6qHppJgKlHfUYBUWbomvAd46dP7uEZXULrhZS0RUdBKrcy5DpKcTPucKeAbhvp0EmIk3FYw-OrLCZPpP85qp4g3elAiLKmGSfLfUMO_HCX5L/s320/pepperquiltlaughing.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Hlk126349147"><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes romance “peppered”
with grace and humor. Writing both historical and contemporary novels, she
loves to incorporate her native Appalachian culture and/or her unabashed
adoration of the UK into her stories. Her 20<sup>th</sup> book came out in
February 2023. She currently resides in the lovely mountains of Asheville, NC
where she is a wife, mom to five great kids, a speech-language pathologist, and
a lover of chocolate, jazz, hats, and Jesus. Her dual timeline novel, <i>Hope
Between the Pages</i>, was a 2022 finalist for the prestigious Christy awards. Pepper
loves connecting with readers and other authors<i> </i>through social media
outlets like Facebook & Instagram. <o:p></o:p></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You can
learn more about Pepper and her books on her website at </span></i><a href="http://www.pepperdbasham.com/"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">www.pepperdbasham.com</span></i></a><i><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></i><span style="background: white; color: #111111; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p><br /></p>Pepper Bashamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01131323931119566198noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-37247049472767703082023-06-19T02:00:00.007-04:002023-06-19T02:00:00.151-04:00What is a Hero?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmthdO-igggXKCxyuDWmKXtFhR3ekNieECJoxm7dpFxYrCODtmWUDFcZ2_odK0nt88d_X4OFYhohw6O4bv267tZ8DNbgZdnZGmwxvfk1P2zFSd5JWKcYjUouT-YzraJUAdik70mxQzq5aqqti79TTuebxStznp26TgAbj_ttdolke2ykCY3sPTe00/s1000/Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgmthdO-igggXKCxyuDWmKXtFhR3ekNieECJoxm7dpFxYrCODtmWUDFcZ2_odK0nt88d_X4OFYhohw6O4bv267tZ8DNbgZdnZGmwxvfk1P2zFSd5JWKcYjUouT-YzraJUAdik70mxQzq5aqqti79TTuebxStznp26TgAbj_ttdolke2ykCY3sPTe00/s320/Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Happy Day-After-Father's-Day!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I thought I'd take a little time today to explore heroes. Every story has one, whether we're talking about romance stories, westerns, fantasy...or your own personal hero.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Like many of my friends (too many,) I lost my first hero this year when my father passed away. Like all fathers and daughters, we had a mixed relationship. I was a pistol as a child (just look at the expression on my face!!!) so I take a lot of the blame.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WqTSVvl_IwHQPUat2EnZGrHmWoKr_xVToMdDdBqxkwql1fkGpBseyNdufnpMphqVBdZ7yiLZ8PD8Dg2hbJq3Nr5ndo6H5TUM0KFDmI4HDNytl-2bFD5-HJl0kn9soHLBeM9O4nLcMnqNA0JtJSfhoFC8YBo4BmbUIxlXBt3EmZo0spdBsqNJKtMr/s1063/001%20(26).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="1063" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WqTSVvl_IwHQPUat2EnZGrHmWoKr_xVToMdDdBqxkwql1fkGpBseyNdufnpMphqVBdZ7yiLZ8PD8Dg2hbJq3Nr5ndo6H5TUM0KFDmI4HDNytl-2bFD5-HJl0kn9soHLBeM9O4nLcMnqNA0JtJSfhoFC8YBo4BmbUIxlXBt3EmZo0spdBsqNJKtMr/s320/001%20(26).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But even when we disagreed, he was still my hero. His work as a pastor was tireless, serving on various committees in our church denomination and in the community. He stood up for what he believed in, and he changed people's lives.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Which brings me to our question of the day: What is a hero?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's my definition: A hero is a man who is loving and tender. He is quick to defend others, but slow to anger. He is steadfast. He is able. He is controlled strength. He stands in the gap when all others fall away.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's look at a few fictional heroes to see what makes them who they are. If these guys all look like typical models, it's because they are. All photos are from Shutterstock. :-)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwICOXWRLeHaCWUg6dQH1dqLo28PqSmO9DVm-lLiXlDDjZm3GlMuuyAECPMdFeUE9pICGcsWk_1pzr2IigRVw8o8eyNfyNO5OfBDIhd119AdGZAb6SZhhkClzLi9rxI92MGyqDFNnfEv9O5ISTk87HeKSddgL54DCoWW_BemOK0rDUdB5FGOgb_wn5/s5969/Jase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3964" data-original-width="5969" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwICOXWRLeHaCWUg6dQH1dqLo28PqSmO9DVm-lLiXlDDjZm3GlMuuyAECPMdFeUE9pICGcsWk_1pzr2IigRVw8o8eyNfyNO5OfBDIhd119AdGZAb6SZhhkClzLi9rxI92MGyqDFNnfEv9O5ISTk87HeKSddgL54DCoWW_BemOK0rDUdB5FGOgb_wn5/s320/Jase.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Jase</b> is twenty-six years old, and tired of dating. It's hard to meet someone, and the nice girls that his best friend sets him up with are...well...to be honest...a bit <i>boring</i>. There's nothing wrong with settling down and raising a family. Someday. But until then, he'd love to meet someone who enjoys skiing, mountain biking, or a day on a hiking trail.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What makes Jase a hero? He's an overcomer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Twelve years ago he and a friend were swimming in a local lake - just fooling around the way guys do. Jase challenged his friend to a race across the lake, but when Jase reached the other side, Austin was gone. Just gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jase has worked hard to overcome the guilt over leading Austin to his death - for not saving him - for suggesting the race in the first place. And with the help of some good friends and faith in his loving Lord, he is in a good place now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At the beginning of his romance story, Jase is good. On the surface, at least.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until he falls in love with Michelle, an Olympic swimmer, and he has to face his fear of the water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkhmCdcwYUdrDnlD3lXsiL-PqaHAnfh6RuC5Q9Bqgkpc5zbuhV4ppcLyy0gPuPaYl5c-LnRCELdebW8TlhAQXkWWnR653RTRGBqT8h1eqbUbC5c5e8ckB-XXwEjyOveZtDkWVbmBVdSiQ7ELDpnLAH3qGZpw7vTWlL2UJ_V2lYDmi7PHLjKQTRcSU/s3840/Tony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkhmCdcwYUdrDnlD3lXsiL-PqaHAnfh6RuC5Q9Bqgkpc5zbuhV4ppcLyy0gPuPaYl5c-LnRCELdebW8TlhAQXkWWnR653RTRGBqT8h1eqbUbC5c5e8ckB-XXwEjyOveZtDkWVbmBVdSiQ7ELDpnLAH3qGZpw7vTWlL2UJ_V2lYDmi7PHLjKQTRcSU/s320/Tony.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Tony </b>(not his real name) is a careful man. Careful to stay in the shadows. Do his job. Shut up. Don't get involved. Do nothing that would make someone interested in him...in his past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Until he notices Delilah. A new girl in his apartment building. They get home from work at the same time, so he starts making sure she gets into the building safely at night. He listens for her to shoot the bolt home on her door. Against his better judgement, he starts caring about what happens to her.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A few days after Delilah moves into the building, he witnesses her making a drug sale on the street.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Don't ask how he knew what was happening - but he knew the scene all too well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What happens in his romance story? He saves Delilah, of course, but he puts himself at risk when he does. Because Delilah's drug dealer is the brother of the man who went to prison as a result of Tony's testimony in court.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But he'd risk everything - even his life - to get Delilah out of that mess she's in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0HbSh_BAbHhlCOyw-t3NGr401j7A6seQQuBfpjrbslFOuVfa2pHAKnlL1QbEktfuqGWa2PrZli8mTburugeQFmVvsn4iQuzxBWSsOCxjlAGYRZug_VnVW9-KO0T7UrAQe4zCgBgIRxaNaFBBHUe1ZEp7nMNmsqJ2SmLNYY1YkC5P4-fHShp7TxOe/s6192/Chuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="6192" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP0HbSh_BAbHhlCOyw-t3NGr401j7A6seQQuBfpjrbslFOuVfa2pHAKnlL1QbEktfuqGWa2PrZli8mTburugeQFmVvsn4iQuzxBWSsOCxjlAGYRZug_VnVW9-KO0T7UrAQe4zCgBgIRxaNaFBBHUe1ZEp7nMNmsqJ2SmLNYY1YkC5P4-fHShp7TxOe/s320/Chuck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Does <b>Chuck </b>surprise you?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">You might think he looks like someone's grandfather rather than a hero - but look again. Chuck is retired now, but he spent his adult life working as a contractor, building dream houses for other people. He raised his kids, loved his wife, was successful at his job. But one day, only a few months before he planned to retire, his wife was diagnosed with cancer. Treatments ate up their life savings until his wife of forty-six years finally succumbed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not only had Chuck lost his life partner, but all the plans they had made for "someday" were now gone like smoke.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But Arlene had left Chuck a legacy - her Bible full of notes, outlines, underlining, and one piece of instruction on the front page: "Chuck, read this. Don't wait until it's too late."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">He read the Book and it changed his life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now Chuck wasn't only a hero, he was a hero working for Christ. He put his construction skills to work in his church's mission organization and built houses, schools, and hospitals in some of the remotest corners of the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Where is Chuck's romance story? After losing Arlene, Chuck never dreamed he would ever love another woman. But when a hammer-wielding retired teacher shows up on his construction site in Peru, he realizes that God has other plans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTdWmqn5yeJgA9KWEaDvnXbRAbKAMOfkI60uSPv-e2qWpusoGsTfgp7QTk7vuyYfAH6JfRzpMsNpY7DEEqo3WTiY3OLSNNms8APuX2gvz1PC2Vmvg6ud5ydkS8jYfIpUEFIXO1SEh68LzcbvlkAFXfyZcBjwdIY1sz0wNVeym1JDtct57EGUbS1rK/s5000/thomas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3333" data-original-width="5000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTdWmqn5yeJgA9KWEaDvnXbRAbKAMOfkI60uSPv-e2qWpusoGsTfgp7QTk7vuyYfAH6JfRzpMsNpY7DEEqo3WTiY3OLSNNms8APuX2gvz1PC2Vmvg6ud5ydkS8jYfIpUEFIXO1SEh68LzcbvlkAFXfyZcBjwdIY1sz0wNVeym1JDtct57EGUbS1rK/s320/thomas.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><b>Thomas </b>came home from deployment with a missing leg and a missing buddy. Craig had been killed by a sniper's bullet in Afghanistan, not knowing that his wife was expecting their first child. So when Thomas stopped by to give Craig's personal effects to Anne six months later, he was met by the undeniable evidence that Craig's child was on the way. </p><p></p><p>He couldn't turn his back on his best friend's child. Anne needed his help.</p><p>Even though he was still recovering from his own wounds, Thomas stepped in where Craig couldn't. He painted the house, hired a neighbor kid to mow the lawn, took Anne to childbirth classes, stood by while she sweated through the hot summer...and fell in love.</p><p>And that is Thomas' romance story. When Anne needed support, Thomas sacrificed his own comfort to give it to her. What started as an effort to provide a father figure for Craig's child ended in a happily-ever-after for the two people who loved Craig the most.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>So, what is a hero?</b></p><p>Overcomer? Protector? A man who devotes his time and talents to the Lord? A man who sacrifices his own life plans for another?</p><p>Who is the hero in your life?</p><p>Tell us in the comments! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p></p>Jan Drexlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05609332074458434806noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-61922773868962217302023-06-18T00:00:00.018-04:002023-06-18T00:00:00.139-04:00Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests<p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7o_e2bsHe6yPzHJ_yYOYafIS2RJ1OVSiB9UzcwUSHrpdy4rZqFh3sO96Jzz6J7UlSN6hMvklY-PhsLFK266-XUok_IOcrfTaFJ0TrIsVnvW0m83hS-REuLVMYl8TNiDxo0GBaBYH4BBj9vdWvm5Z2MZHDKRMXrH7GY7vIlTMasf_aJReBEHRfdLb1w/s800/800px-Ghirlandaio,_Domenico_-_Calling_of_the_Apostles_-_1481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="800" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG7o_e2bsHe6yPzHJ_yYOYafIS2RJ1OVSiB9UzcwUSHrpdy4rZqFh3sO96Jzz6J7UlSN6hMvklY-PhsLFK266-XUok_IOcrfTaFJ0TrIsVnvW0m83hS-REuLVMYl8TNiDxo0GBaBYH4BBj9vdWvm5Z2MZHDKRMXrH7GY7vIlTMasf_aJReBEHRfdLb1w/w640-h386/800px-Ghirlandaio,_Domenico_-_Calling_of_the_Apostles_-_1481.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vocation of the Apostles, a fresco in the Sistine Chapel by Domenico Ghirlandaio, 1481-82.<br />[PD-US]</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>At the sight of the crowds, Jesus’ heart was
moved with pity for them <br />
because they were troubled and abandoned,<br />
like sheep without a shepherd.<br />
Then he said to his disciples,<br />
“The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few;<br />
so ask the master of the harvest<br />
to send out laborers for his harvest.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Then he summoned his twelve disciples<br />
and gave them authority over unclean spirits<br />
to drive them out and to cure every disease and every illness.<br />
The names of the twelve apostles are these:<br />
first, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew;<br />
James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John;<br />
Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the tax collector;<br />
James, the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddeus;<br />
Simon from Cana, and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing
them thus,<br />
“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.<br />
Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.<br />
As you go, make this proclamation: ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’<br />
Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.<br />
Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>Matthew
9:36-10:8<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. </span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for</span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents. </span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! </i></span></b></div></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">God bless you and keep you safe.</b></i><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"> </span> </p>Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-24843703519129127542023-06-17T02:00:00.134-04:002023-06-17T02:00:00.131-04:00Weekend Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Tuesday: Dana </b>offered us a glimpse into her schedule with<b> My Summer To Do List</b></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Wednesday: Ruthy on Hiatus </b>but still with us as we scooped up a throwback post on<b> 8 Clues on Writing a Cozy Mystery</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Thursday: Pam </b>offered a bit of promotion for<b> ACFW Storyfest Takeover Blitz - PLUS a Not To Be Missed GIVEAWAY!</b></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Jan </b>will be sharing some musings about heroes and how to turn real-life, flesh-and-blood heroes into a swoon-worthy hero for your inspirational romance.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Tuesday: Pepper</b> is our hostess today! </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Wednesday: Debby Giusti will be talking about her upcoming release, AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION, and other writing tidbits. Be sure to stop by and leave a comment.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Thursday: Winnie</b> is our hostess today! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVCq2H7_r3xvzSsR3YyqAjuC3NVpayKusNJ5lArSVSfIwS9krUUENPFQlTvodf8iNwjCatlfD_-g6VbAsExHgHj0eXOFK1TJPj1pHzn9INccF0eBVgTXDFs4Dbz4WtMHM1lVe6tDFK6rF/s1600/WE+sight.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="781" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVCq2H7_r3xvzSsR3YyqAjuC3NVpayKusNJ5lArSVSfIwS9krUUENPFQlTvodf8iNwjCatlfD_-g6VbAsExHgHj0eXOFK1TJPj1pHzn9INccF0eBVgTXDFs4Dbz4WtMHM1lVe6tDFK6rF/s320/WE+sight.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Jan is pleased to announce that The Case of the Artist's Mistake is a semi-finalist in the ACFW Carol Award contest!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Case-Artists-Mistake-Sweetbrier-Mysteries/dp/B0BJYD53G8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V9YJOM8T7GPT&keywords=the+case+of+the+artist%27s+mistake&qid=1686951789&sprefix=the+case+of+the+arti%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3209" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqUTjOYLJAk9r7DEJpHAkyB9kJ9NCUVtSgQ9hLJpFESnqmIqGRqKW_Stptoi09f1bSRbca2PA4mORYpQK8v3EqMri12-Lv0pOW3YIXXf-jK6eH6ByXpA2OAF2r0uwpfufcMIV5Zf7zutqxKJhWtPz5fgqIhpSlM04kE2Y4YUAS9GQEmgKacOgSPopO/w400-h299/Promo1%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Releasing June 27!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/s2650/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="color: #c55b19; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/w253-h400/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(215, 206, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="253" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">A deadly explosion.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A dangerous search for the truth.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, </span><span class="a-text-italic"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Englischer </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pre-Order</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Blast-Investigation-Inspired-Suspense/dp/1335587810/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LJL6QSH0YO8O&keywords=aMISH+BLAST+iNVESTIGATION+DEBBY+GIUSTI&qid=1678829890&sprefix=amish+blast+investigation+debby+giusti%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1" style="color: #c55b19; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</b></span></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /></div></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.tinaradcliffe.com/post/7-tips-for-writing-a-book-review" target="_blank">7 Tips for Writing a Book Review</a></b> by Tina Radcliffe<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.lonestarliterary.com/content/texas-writes-diann-mills-36" target="_blank">Does Your Character Have Integrity?</a></b> by DiAnn Mills at Lonestar Literary Life</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/the-daily-routine-of-a-full-time-writer/" target="_blank">The Daily Routine of a Full-Time Writer</a></b> by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://stevelaube.com/the-perils-of-responding-to-criticism/" target="_blank">The Perils of Responding to Criticism</a></b> by Tamela Hancock Murray at Steve Laube Agency blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2023/06/12/novel-marketing-and-christian-publishing-with-thomas-umstattd-jr/" target="_blank">Novel Marketing and Christian Publishing with Thomas Umstattd Jr</a></b> at The Creative Penn</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2023/06/07/the-healthy-writer/" target="_blank">The Healthy Writer</a></b> by Emilie Haney at Learn How To Write A Novel</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2023/06/develop-prewriting-routine-and-make.html" target="_blank">Develop a Pre-Writing Routine and Make Your Writing Productivity Soar</a></b> by Larry Leech at The Write Conversation</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.janefriedman.com/when-do-you-need-an-author-website/" target="_blank">When Do You Need an Author Website</a></b> by Grace Bialecki at Jane Friedman</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2014/11/choosing-which-thoughts-to-italicize.html" target="_blank">Picking the Perfect Thoughts to Italicize</a></b> by Janice Hardy at Fiction University</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://bulletjournal.com/blogs/bulletjournalist/enneagram-bullet-journal-setup" target="_blank">Enneagram Bullet Journal Set Up</a></b> by Natasha Miller at The Bullet Journal<br />
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</div>Audra Hardershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654717451512952428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-17134945322065344632023-06-15T01:00:00.023-04:002023-06-15T01:00:00.139-04:00ACFW Storyfest Takeover Blitz - plus a NOT TO BE MISSED GIVEAWAY<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c59e39;"><img alt="Storyfest JustRead Tours Takeover Blitz Tour" class="aligncenter wp-image-25918" height="237" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banner_StoryFest_Takeover_JR.jpg" width="640" /></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Hello Seekerville! Pam Hillman here. I'm so excited to have the opportunity to tell you about ACFW Storyfest. 2022 was the inaugural year for the Storyfest readers' retreat, and it was amazing. I'll be honest, as a bit of an unknown author, I was blown away and honored beyond measure by the readers who were in attendance who'd read my books. </span>I was just as much in awe of the readers as they seemed to be of regular ol' me.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: medium;"><i><b><u>It was truly a mutual admiration society event! lol</u></b></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Honestly, the whole thing was just grand. Grab your family, your best friend, your sister(s), your book club, your cousins, and join us in St. Louis for Storyfest. I promise you'll have a blast.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;">Now on to the JustReads Tour info. below where there are prizes to be had!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;">* * *</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Welcome to the Takeover Blitz for <em><strong>ACFW Storyfest</strong></em>, hosted by <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2023/06/14/welcome-to-the-acfw-storyfest-takeover-blitz-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a>!</span></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #4c1130; font-size: x-large;"><strong>You are Invited</strong></span></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black; font-size: large;"><em>ACFW Storyfest </em></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><em>August 24-26, 2023</em></span> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><em>Hyatt Regency at the Arch, St. Louis</em></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">When hundreds of authors gather for their annual ACFW conference in August, readers are invited to participate in their own event on the same premises. Storyfest will present a full program of meet & greet or meals with authors, casual conversation, games, panels, swag bags of story-related treasures, and the opportunity to hear from the heart of readers’ favorite authors.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Per reader requests, the ACFW Storyfest team is also including reader-only workshops to help answer reader questions and gain reader feedback. The ACFW bookstore will also be open to readers. Last year’s attendees recommend bringing extra luggage for the book and swag haul.</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/if1MXIzbxHo" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.acfwstoryfest.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Learn More about ACFW Storyfest 2023</strong></a></p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Participating Authors:</strong></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Sami A. Abrams" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24046" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sami-Abrams-HR-5-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Kate Angelo" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-21911" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kate-Angelo-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-20833" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/PepperBasham-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Laurel Blount" class="alignnone wp-image-20186 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Laurel-Blount-headshot-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Sara Brunsvold" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25923" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sara-brunsvold-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Colleen Coble" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25924" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/colleen-coble-2021-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Sara Davison" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-21641" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Headshot-Sara-Davison-2021-final-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Lynette Eason" class="alignnone wp-image-21914 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Lynette-Eason-150x150.jpeg" width="150" /> <img alt="Loretta Eidson" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25925" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/loretta-eidson-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Joni M. Fisher" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25926" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/joni-m.-fisher-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Liana George" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-17918" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Liana-George-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Sarah Hamaker" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-22001" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/sarah-hamaker-HR-3-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Sarah Hanks" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25927" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/sarah-hanks-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Brandy Heineman" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25928" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/brandy-heineman-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Rebecca Hemlock" class="alignnone wp-image-25959 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/rebecca-hemlock-2-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Pam Hillman" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25930" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pam-hillman-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Angela Hunt" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25931" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/angela-hunt-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Denise Hunter" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25932" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/denise-hunter-2-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Kelly Irvin" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25934" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/kelly-irvin-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Dana R. Lynn" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25935" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Dana-R-Lynn-LR-1-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Tracey J. Lyons" class="alignnone wp-image-25936 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tracey-lyons-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Joy K. Massenburge" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25937" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/joy-k-massenburge-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Nancy Mehl" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25938" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/nancy-mehl-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Shaen Layle" class="alignnone wp-image-25939 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Shaen-Layle-150x150.png" width="150" /> <img alt="Dana Mentink" class="alignnone wp-image-25940 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dana-mentink-2021-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Robin Caroll" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25941" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/robin-caroll-150x150.png" width="150" /> <img alt="Dineen Miller" class="alignnone wp-image-25942 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/dineen-miller-150x150.jpeg" width="150" /> <img alt="DiAnn Mills" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25943" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Mills_DiAnn_12-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Carol Moncado" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25944" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/carol-moncado-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Mindy Obenhaus" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25667" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Mindy-Obenhaus_014HR-1367x2048-1-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Candice Sue Patterson" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25945" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/candice-sue-patterson-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Lisa Phillips" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25191" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Lisa-Phillips-HR-4-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Deborah Raney" class="alignnone wp-image-25946 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/deborah-raney-150x150.jpeg" width="150" /> <img alt="Shannon Redmon" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25947" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/shannon-redmon-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Terri Reed" class="alignnone wp-image-25948 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/terri-reed-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Helena Smrcek" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25949" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Helena-Smrcek-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Betsy St. Amant" class="alignnone wp-image-25950 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/betsy-st-amant-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Melanie Stevenson" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25951" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/melanie-stevenson-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Carrie Turanksy" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25952" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/carrie-turansky-150x150.png" width="150" /> <img alt="Marilyn Turk" class="alignnone wp-image-25953 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/marilyn-turk-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Darlene L. Turner" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-24010" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/DT-4-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Virginia Vaughan" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25955" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/virginia-vaughan-HR-2-683x1024-1-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="John Matthew Walker" class="alignnone wp-image-25956 size-thumbnail" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/john-matthew-walker-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Kimberley Woodhouse" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25635" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Woodhouse_Kimberley-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Lenora Worth" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25957" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/lenora-worth-150x150.jpg" width="150" /> <img alt="Kathleen Y'Barbo" class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-25958" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/kathleen-ybarbo-150x150.jpg" width="150" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;">Sami A. Abrams, Kate Angelo, Pepper Basham, Laurel Blount, Sara Brunsvold, Colleen Coble, Sara Davison, Lynette Eason, Loretta Eidson, Joni M. Fisher, Liana George, Sarah Hamaker, Sarah Hanks, Brandy Heineman, Rebecca Hemlock, Pam Hillman, Angela Hunt, Denise Hunter, Kelly Irvin, Dana R. Lynn, Tracey J. Lyons, Joy K. Massenburge, Nancy Mehl, Shaen Layle, Dana Mentink, Robin Caroll, Dineen Miller, DiAnn Mills, Carol Moncado, Mindy Obenhaus, Candice Sue Patterson, Lisa Phillips, Deborah Raney, Shannon Redmon, Terri Reed, Helena Smrcek, Betsy St. Amant, Melanie Stevenson, Carrie Turansky, Marilyn Turk, Darlene L. Turner, Virginia Vaughan, John Matthew Walker, Kimberley Woodhouse, Lenora Worth, Kathleen Y’Barbo, and more</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="2023 Storyfest" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-26043" height="246" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/SF-1-2-400x246.jpg" width="400" /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.acfwstoryfest.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Register Now for ACFW Storyfest 2023</strong></a></span></p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Tour Giveaway</strong></span></h3>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">(1) winner will receive their choice of one registration fee to ACFW Storyfest in St. Louis OR if unable to attend Storyfest, a swag bag STUFFED with swag, including the Storyfest booklet and signed copies of books by up to 10 participating authors!</span></p>
<span style="color: black;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="StoryFest JustRead Giveaway" class="aligncenter wp-image-26016 size-large" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Giveaway_StoryFest_TakeoverBlog_JR-400x400.png" width="400" /></div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight June 14, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 21, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. If selected, the swag bag will be sent after the event in late August. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.</span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><em>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</em></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/kcEtt/storyfest-takeover-blitz-giveaway" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><strong>Enter Giveaway</strong></a></span>
<span style="color: black;"><script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script></span></p>
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<p style="text-align: center;">Follow along at <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2023/06/14/welcome-to-the-acfw-storyfest-takeover-blitz-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Tours</a> for a full list of stops!</p>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="JustRead Publicity Tours" class="wp-image-13204 size-thumbnail aligncenter" height="150" src="https://justreadtours.files.wordpress.com/2020/12/justread-logo-final.png?w=150" width="150" /></div>
Pam Hillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604636348596615139noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-40681572578941364422023-06-14T02:00:00.001-04:002023-06-14T02:00:00.131-04:008 Clues About Writing a Cozy Mystery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp60580YP2RdiDND2psoE_C47t0cTps9Ioae0bFUvdAUkZr3vvrilmQkHyRfee_ICNsz5opDWL0w_JE9qp5SRwfa3kSdnGHas8czBjo7EITVXwictNkhsQzwOy-V93S_PyCDEdmEPxRr5g7zwPFXcGkQkyiZletgtTJidUpgHSEoJGQZlvYy2W_XfPQ/s1500/The%20Best%20of%20Ruthy%20banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvp60580YP2RdiDND2psoE_C47t0cTps9Ioae0bFUvdAUkZr3vvrilmQkHyRfee_ICNsz5opDWL0w_JE9qp5SRwfa3kSdnGHas8czBjo7EITVXwictNkhsQzwOy-V93S_PyCDEdmEPxRr5g7zwPFXcGkQkyiZletgtTJidUpgHSEoJGQZlvYy2W_XfPQ/w510-h171/The%20Best%20of%20Ruthy%20banner.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Audra here.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As we continue filling in for Ruthy on hiatus, I chose this legacy post from June 8, 2017 on writing a Cozy Mystery. I hope you enjoy my choice and leave comments on Ruthy's views!!</span></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b>THE BEST OF RUTHY <i>presents</i>:</b></p><p><br /></p><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 22px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.75em 0px 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://seekervillearchives.blogspot.com/2017/06/8-clues-about-writing-cozy-mystery.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">8 Clues About Writing a Cozy Mystery</a></h3><div class="post-header" style="font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em;"><div class="post-header-line-1"></div></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4059475635245754270" itemprop="articleBody" style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 480px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><i>I had to change the title of this post... it started as </i><b>"6"</b><i> clues... and grew to </i><b>"8"</b><i>, hence the flexibility of the world wide web... but 8 it is!</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I will never write a mystery. </i></b>(Ruth Logan Herne, 2008)</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><a href="https://www.shopguideposts.org/mysteries-of-martha-s-vineyard.html" style="background-color: white; color: #2288bb; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="https://www.shopguideposts.org/mysteries-of-martha-s-vineyard.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">MY FIRST MYSTERY RELEASES SOON!!!!</a></i></b> (Ruth Logan Herne, 2017) </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxVxDdMQpfMAVfaXo3RwX9Imgja37HkTAePv35178k2ATz3kDVLvKT5ZN6mkOhyphenhyphenQMrRKdEPEpCR2KuZeeipSTZKqnmngxh0CIZYFlzwn-YIOq9IHA0CcoRsGxqzxZ_hFZCjR4ya1HtAI/s1600/Guideposts+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1134" data-original-width="1600" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxVxDdMQpfMAVfaXo3RwX9Imgja37HkTAePv35178k2ATz3kDVLvKT5ZN6mkOhyphenhyphenQMrRKdEPEpCR2KuZeeipSTZKqnmngxh0CIZYFlzwn-YIOq9IHA0CcoRsGxqzxZ_hFZCjR4ya1HtAI/w412-h294/Guideposts+3.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="412" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.shopguideposts.org/a-light-in-the-darkness-book-1.html" target="_blank">2023 - Available at Guideposts</a></b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Grandma Eichas used to say "Never say never."</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Sage words.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">She'd also say "Better they cry now than you cry later."</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">More sage words, but that first saying "Never say never" has never been truer than it is today. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">I've written my first mystery and I'm halfway done with my second and I had no idea they would be THIS MUCH FUN!!!!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Huge thanks to Susan Downs of Guideposts for bringing me on board for this delightful series "Mysteries of Martha's Vineyard". Yes, of course, I want you to go buy the book.... and yes I want you to love it. There are 8 authors in this series, 3 books each... and the heroine is a 58-year-old woman finding a new path after losing her husband.... And I have to believe you will love, love, love Priscilla Latham Grant and her cousins Joan, Trudy and Gail... </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">But over and above all of that, lies this: writing a mystery isn't as difficult as I once believed... and it's so much fun that I'm amazed. So if you've ever considered this mode of story-telling, the very same thing that made Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle and Mary Stuart and Daphne Du Maurier world-famous... it's this.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let's break it down:</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. Sleuth (or sleuths):</b> A mystery needs a problem solver. That's your sleuth. It can be a Jane Marple, a Hercule Poirot, (both Agatha Christie), Kinsey Millhone (The Alphabet Mysteries), Stephanie Plum (Janet Evanovich) or many, many others. Your sleuth has to be relatable. They don't have to be perfect, or cunningly bright (Poirot and Monk and Columbo come to mind).... They don't have to be gorgeous ( Jessica Fletcher (Murder, She Wrote) comes to mind, or Jane Marple or the second Mrs. DeWinter in DuMaurier's "Rebecca"...) and they don't have to be all that likable (Monk, Holmes...) but they have to possess some form of puzzle-solving skill. That ability to put together thin pieces of facade to create a true ornate table-top puzzle.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Setting: </b>Whether your mystery is set at 221b Baker Street, the Orient Express, a Midwestern town or a New England village, how you set the story(ies) is a part of your ongoing thread... and can affect each story in different ways. Setting is important in what it adds to the stories... but it is also flexible because CRIME HAPPENS EVERYWHERE!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY4lRKCMgPj-GDvA7Q4VBjP83ZI1zEjtVI-FBNHhp9Cljq5J0BWNFhiiqHi50OXFlXU39ehGIypAEJoSZGvLn6iuT83JIVQoRtByVaBs3-rjd_KBsfMJfJAEgRUPFJ_7Jxswi_aONonA/s1600/When+the+setting+fits+the+story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkY4lRKCMgPj-GDvA7Q4VBjP83ZI1zEjtVI-FBNHhp9Cljq5J0BWNFhiiqHi50OXFlXU39ehGIypAEJoSZGvLn6iuT83JIVQoRtByVaBs3-rjd_KBsfMJfJAEgRUPFJ_7Jxswi_aONonA/s320/When+the+setting+fits+the+story.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="180" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">3. Suspects: There is no mystery without suspects. </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">While that </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">seems</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"> obvious, it's important to figure out who those suspects will be, and give them parts throughout the story. Not everyone conveniently has all of the suspects and victims trapped in a house (</span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">And Then There Were None</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">) Agatha Christie... So your suspects need to have a reason why they might fall under suspicion. In a "cozy mystery" they don't even have to be real bona fide suspects.... but they need to have a reason to be under a cloak of suspicion. What are they hiding? What do they know?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WOWxmLGFsBF8saio4289u16foU504YhSXIQieMhlRKwODxYWdncJ2I_J8cILzSK6hjta8fgcs07igECVqBOrBQF1QvSfpd6xOus_eK1mBIQVJBAOG3Dm8zEnXRkrJb7HIltYoVN9fQQ/s1600/Nancy+Drew+and+Agatha+Christie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WOWxmLGFsBF8saio4289u16foU504YhSXIQieMhlRKwODxYWdncJ2I_J8cILzSK6hjta8fgcs07igECVqBOrBQF1QvSfpd6xOus_eK1mBIQVJBAOG3Dm8zEnXRkrJb7HIltYoVN9fQQ/s320/Nancy+Drew+and+Agatha+Christie.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;">4. Clues!!!! </b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Oh, this is the most fun yet! Sprinkling clues in and among the regular normal every-day conversations and observations to tempt the reader to wonder... was that a clue??? And if it looks too obvious, the answer might be no!!! Just like the many choices in Milton Bradley's "CLUE" game, there are obviously many options in a mystery... which ones lead to the final solution?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. Red Herrings.... </b>Here's the bend in the road that takes you down the wrong garden path, the wrong direction.... the assumption that proves it's wrong to assume! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>6. Gripping Opening Chapter... </b>This could be graphic in a suspense or murder mystery (think openings of "Castle"<i><b> before</b></i> they ruined the show) and then off-set by humor and human interaction for the duration.... or in a cozy mystery, it's gripping but not necessarily scary or frightening... maybe thought-provoking or emotionally inciting/exciting.... </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>7. Action-packed scene toward the end!!! </b>All right, don't get your knickers in a twist... For a cozy, you don't want to go Jason Bourne-deep-end, floating body death scenes here.... but you want something to upset the comfort of the cozy mystery, to threaten the peace and love we find in small towns or island settings, of urban neighborhoods... Something needs to HAPPEN HERE.... and when it does, it might show part of the path or it might show the culprit/villain.... but it's not the end of the book. Because now you want a: </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>8. Wrap Up.... </b>After raising myself on a diet of Nancy Drew, Cherry Ames, Agatha Christie, Trixie Belden and Sue Barton.... I loved the wrap up, the reasoning behind how they figured things out!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji18xbY0StZvG3kaZtsisvAKowDzq6urHQfF53R_JcMqlgDV4GjzmSM2848YV70_BljPKtOAbuuB_Mhs341QwfUoQSnsdcpcGCn6mtX89BVF3QwlnEyCx2zTm4fsZcQto57Vt9dlR7EnY/s1600/Cherry+Ames+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="206" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji18xbY0StZvG3kaZtsisvAKowDzq6urHQfF53R_JcMqlgDV4GjzmSM2848YV70_BljPKtOAbuuB_Mhs341QwfUoQSnsdcpcGCn6mtX89BVF3QwlnEyCx2zTm4fsZcQto57Vt9dlR7EnY/s320/Cherry+Ames+books.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="180" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Now your readers will be DELIGHTED if they figure this out toward the end and beat you to it! If they figure it out too early, they will</span><b style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><i> Not Be Happy.... Yes, You've Ruined The Book For Them</i></b><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">... Because part of the fun of a mystery is the puzzle solving.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">The reader longs to pick out the clues and then follow them to a logical conclusion BEFORE THE SLEUTH figures it out!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Now sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn't, and if it doesn't work because you didn't give clues... or you didn't lay the groundwork... well... Oops. Your bad! Because sprinkling in a few hints along the way is our job.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Figuring them out is the reader's responsibility.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>Here's my back cover blurb for book 9 of the series:</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i><b>When a raging storm, a multi-million dollar robbery, a Hollywood movie and a missing child stir up interest in a cold case, Priscilla must risk her friendships and her reputation in order to reveal what really happened to little Katie Farnsworth the night Hurricane Bob slammed into Martha’s Vineyard nearly thirty years ago.</b></i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: cambria, serif; font-size: 14pt;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Nothing hits home like the loss of a child, so the poignancy of this story has classic Ruthy depth... wrapped in a cozy mystery package. And I think you'll love it! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">What do you think about mysteries? Have you considered writing them? How is a mystery different from a suspense?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Well, in a suspense, someone is AFTER THE SLEUTH.... or the heroine, or the hero.... Someone generally wants them dead. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">In a mystery, the sleuth may feel threatened.... but the sleuth is after the perpetrator, following clues and deducting theories.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Not a subtle difference... a major difference. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b>Think Castle vs. The Bourne Identity.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Castle bumbled his way through, case by case...</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Jason Bourne was a human killing machine, misunderstood and programmed to be heartless... except they forgot one thing. They left his heart in his body, and the heart never truly forgets.,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">Let's talk mysteries... your favorites and your hopes and dreams!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;">I've got a couple of other mystery authors coming by this summer for a Summer Series of Mysteries... feel free to consider this <b>Installment #1!</b></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://www.shopguideposts.org/mysteries-of-martha-s-vineyard.html" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">LINK TO BUY BOOK HERE!!!!</a></b></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"></span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" /><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq_vSJauKdak35Ul3LNB-9ImnSOI3eoK6L4OFZ0D_OY0zowvnLkWUedjC6-gg_igYUF1OgFGKadtxyu8xEWC0r0IG8mku-xg1DyUmb6Zp19B8-zPIYuZICsh2makvu7K-3adsj6lGB3w/s1600/A+Light+in+the+Darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #2288bb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaq_vSJauKdak35Ul3LNB-9ImnSOI3eoK6L4OFZ0D_OY0zowvnLkWUedjC6-gg_igYUF1OgFGKadtxyu8xEWC0r0IG8mku-xg1DyUmb6Zp19B8-zPIYuZICsh2makvu7K-3adsj6lGB3w/s320/A+Light+in+the+Darkness.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="205" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"></div><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>Audra Hardershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654717451512952428noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-26371551410919196722023-06-13T05:20:00.003-04:002023-06-13T05:20:50.911-04:00My Summer to Do List<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Good morning, friends!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">As most of you know, I’m a teacher. This week school
has let out, so I thought I would give you a list of 10 things I am looking forward
to doing this summer:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Spending
more time with my family. Always a plus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Traveling.
I don’t do this enough. But I do hope to leave my state a time or two, although
I have no set plans.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Getting
outside and taking advantage of sunny days. I especially hope to go swimming at
the beach a few times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Read
some longer books. I tend to read short books during the school year because I
have limited time. I hope to have more time to devote to it this year.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Write.
Well, of course. But this time, I hope to be able to do it in a more relaxed
fashion. And I don’t want to write on weekends.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Go
to daily Mass. I never get to do this during the school year. But I want to get
to church more and spend quiet time with God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Organize
my house. Yeah, I say this every year. Still, one can dream.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Plan
my daughter’s wedding. Yippee!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Go
on a writing retreat. I haven’t done this in a couple of years, so hopefully
this year will be my year!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Be
grateful for every day God gives me, no matter what it brings, rain or shine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span> </span>I would love to hear about your summer plans! One winner will win a book of choice, provided I still have a copy!</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><o:p></o:p></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0qoVLXXoh3dL4YhJij9F-6q6keSqBlUfT_-r8QQGqV1s7xKKMEiLLowrvC0Wz7pQG8SPo-6ZTotwLQKJ_rHTtp4kWKuWfPUhjE45rzIHwO7ZkKyBot7uH_ZRnAYRznwwaJi0JqJKGG6dwB76Tjv9txz8ppr8ZABwYb9u9Uda5HBimeHW4mI3yrhy5A/s1498/Dana-R-Lynn-LR-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp0qoVLXXoh3dL4YhJij9F-6q6keSqBlUfT_-r8QQGqV1s7xKKMEiLLowrvC0Wz7pQG8SPo-6ZTotwLQKJ_rHTtp4kWKuWfPUhjE45rzIHwO7ZkKyBot7uH_ZRnAYRznwwaJi0JqJKGG6dwB76Tjv9txz8ppr8ZABwYb9u9Uda5HBimeHW4mI3yrhy5A/s320/Dana-R-Lynn-LR-1.jpg" width="214" /></a></i></div><i><br /> <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">Dana R. Lynn is a USA Today and
Publishers Weekly bestselling author who believes in the power of God to touch
people through stories. She met her husband at a wedding in Pennsylvania and
told her parents she had met her future husband. Nineteen months later, they
were married. Today, they live in rural Pennsylvania and are entering the world
of empty nesters. She is a teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing by day and
writes stories of romance and danger at night. Dana is an avid reader, loves
cats and thinks chocolate should be a food group. Readers can contact her or
sign up to receive her monthly newsletter at </span><a href="http://www.danarlynn.com" style="font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">www.danarlynn.com</span></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; text-indent: -0.25in;">.</span></i><p></p><br /><p></p>Dana R. Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17649630182279568107noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-30513343064824187792023-06-11T00:00:00.025-04:002023-06-11T00:00:00.139-04:00Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKd5szzQLQeO33kvmhNlorGWJooEI0u0wRGrhaZEN955grW3qv_KuGSB5f5IYnizqK191DQg1IkuBG0r1PUQImgGm9LvO6CAthpdc6rTilyureASYFw03LPKWqSGWLYgFfbyoSF7RbisjDn-4Z-SaSdQgZV0kLo6mtRieCjOGXGiNXbWYUNAwcJWrUg/s599/443px-Nicolas_Poussin_-_The_Institution_of_the_Eucharist_-_WGA18310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="443" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKd5szzQLQeO33kvmhNlorGWJooEI0u0wRGrhaZEN955grW3qv_KuGSB5f5IYnizqK191DQg1IkuBG0r1PUQImgGm9LvO6CAthpdc6rTilyureASYFw03LPKWqSGWLYgFfbyoSF7RbisjDn-4Z-SaSdQgZV0kLo6mtRieCjOGXGiNXbWYUNAwcJWrUg/w474-h640/443px-Nicolas_Poussin_-_The_Institution_of_the_Eucharist_-_WGA18310.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Institution of the Eucharist, Nicolas Poussin, 1640, The Louvre, Paris. [PD-US]</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Jesus said to the Jewish crowds:</b></span></span><span style="color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">"I am the living bread that came down from
heaven;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">whoever eats this bread will live forever;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">and the bread that I will give</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">is my flesh for the life of the world."</span></span></b></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" /><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">"How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Jesus said to them,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">"Amen, amen, I say to you,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and
drink his blood,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">you do not have life within you.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">has eternal life,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">and I will raise him on the last day.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">For my flesh is true food,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">and my blood is true drink.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">remains in me and I in him.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Just as the living Father sent me</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">and I have life because of the Father,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">so also the one who feeds on me</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">will have life because of me.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">This is the bread that came down from heaven.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Unlike your ancestors who ate and still died,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
</b></span><span style="background: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>whoever eats this bread will live forever."</b></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>John 6:51-58</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. </span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for</span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents. </span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! </i></span></b></div></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: 15.4px;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">God bless you and keep you safe.</b></i><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="font-size: 15.4px;"> </span> </p>Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-27725592117885020732023-06-10T02:00:00.151-04:002023-06-10T02:00:00.134-04:00Weekend Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>If you are not familiar with our giveaway rules, <a href="http://seekerville.blogspot.com/p/legal.html">take a minute to read them here</a>. It keeps us all happy! </b></span><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">All winners should send their name, address, and phone number to claim prizes. </span></b></span> <b>Please send to Seekerville2@gmail.com. If the winner does not contact us within two weeks, another winner may be selected. </b>**(All winners' emails will receive a response within a week. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, we may not have received it. Please leave a comment in the following Weekend Edition.)<br />
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Mary </b>has a new book out! The winner of a copy of <b>Laws of Attraction</b> is JCO.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Wednesday: Mindy </b>was here to share her thoughts on <a href="https://seekerville.blogspot.com/2023/06/building-your-readership.html" target="_blank">Building Your Readership</a>. The winner of a copy of <i style="font-weight: bold;">Loving the Rancher's Children </i>is. . . <b>Glynis!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Jaime</b> is our hostess</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Tuesday: Dana</b> is our hostess </span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Wednesday: </b>Our<b> Best of Ruthy </b>series continues with <b>8 Clues About Writing A Cozy Mystery</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Thursday: Pam</b> brings us news about the <b><a href="https://www.acfwstoryfest.com/" target="_blank">ACFW Storyfest Readers Retreat</a></b>. You don't want to miss this, so mark your calendars. </div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">The Element of Love</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">is</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">ON SALE FOR $2.99</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">in all ebook formats.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/yujvz9rd" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For Kindle</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-element-of-love-mary-connealy/1139650745?ean=9781493435999" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-size: large;">For Nook</span></b></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And if there are other ebook formats I don't know what they are but the book is for sale on them, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XA9vOnmBNgrJ-ca68Emarm0F_zGMC3AktnX7bulsz9QkhLMBHi5_j-oN3JG6lmZInrsbtYiYNUwkrJgdQYWR6sNdlTSKe9NUQypY8nsrhplQqh9N1g0hNG_NLMCw-gRX_iq3YleYXdzh5KuONumTkqWK3pJ2muROayPBmH5DTaw33yDgUsShThOG/s545/Element%20of%20Love%20new.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_XA9vOnmBNgrJ-ca68Emarm0F_zGMC3AktnX7bulsz9QkhLMBHi5_j-oN3JG6lmZInrsbtYiYNUwkrJgdQYWR6sNdlTSKe9NUQypY8nsrhplQqh9N1g0hNG_NLMCw-gRX_iq3YleYXdzh5KuONumTkqWK3pJ2muROayPBmH5DTaw33yDgUsShThOG/s320/Element%20of%20Love%20new.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<b><a href="https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/imposter-syndrome-for-writers/" target="_blank">Imposter Syndrome for Writers is a Real Thing</a></b> by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors<div>
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<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://writerunboxed.com/2023/06/06/phrases-youre-probably-using-wrong/" target="_blank">Phrases You're Probably Using Wrong</a></b> by Tiffany Yates Martin at Writer UnBoxed</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://stevelaube.com/dont-write-the-book-without-the-blueprint/" target="_blank">Don't Write the Book Without the Blueprint</a></b> by Megan Brown at Steve Laube Agency blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://killzoneblog.com/2023/06/television-tropes.html" target="_blank">Television Tropes</a></b> by Terry Odell at Killzone blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2023/06/08/3-advantages-to-establishing-a-writing-routine/" target="_blank">Advantages of Establishing a Writing Routine</a></b> by Lisa Jordan at Learn How To Write A Novel</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2023/06/sometimes-writers-need-soul-care-when.html" target="_blank">Sometimes Writers Need Soul Care When Things Go Right</a></b> by Edie Melson at The Write Conversation</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2023/06/why-no-one-is-reading-past-your-first.html" target="_blank">Why No One is Reading Past Your First Chapter</a></b> by Janice Hardy at Fiction University</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.well-storied.com/blog/how-to-develop-your-storys-themes" target="_blank">How to Develop Your Story's Themes</a></b> by Kristen Kieffer at Well-Storied</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/06/traditional-vs-self-publishing/" target="_blank">The Varied Paths of Traditional vs. Self Publishing</a></b> by Laura Vanarendonk Baugh at Writers In The Storm</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://rmfw.org/2023/05/12/10-tips-for-writing-a-boring-story/" target="_blank">10 Tips for Writing a Boring Story</a></b> by Kelley JP Lindberg at Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers (RMFW) blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/chicken-with-creamy-mushrooms-and-snap-peas-recipe-1972982" target="_blank">Spring Weeknight Dinner of the Week</a></b> Chicken with Creamy Mushroom and Snap Peas at Food Network</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Audra Hardershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654717451512952428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-40983321915632015292023-06-07T01:00:00.095-04:002023-06-07T01:00:00.132-04:00Building Your Readership<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A5VlbagJyCSNVoLuNDaLanwNiF8I1yqd9jNM7ugy46NbQQm2TyL4yoS38YFqcIQFrf6cJyFfz_PLFvgZPhddm3ikKR3fg7tEtSBO4dfYQ2qouHd1VcEWwNGfz8yFuwU6t8GzfBPIxVz61usjNUgW6HLR5ZkFkFyWDLVdpbOIVclbtk-9ekHRy6PD/s1518/BookBrushImage-2023-6-6-13-657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1518" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9A5VlbagJyCSNVoLuNDaLanwNiF8I1yqd9jNM7ugy46NbQQm2TyL4yoS38YFqcIQFrf6cJyFfz_PLFvgZPhddm3ikKR3fg7tEtSBO4dfYQ2qouHd1VcEWwNGfz8yFuwU6t8GzfBPIxVz61usjNUgW6HLR5ZkFkFyWDLVdpbOIVclbtk-9ekHRy6PD/w640-h320/BookBrushImage-2023-6-6-13-657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> by Mindy Obenhaus<p></p><p>You’ve worked for years, honing your craft and, finally, you’ve received that seemingly elusive book contract. You get a publication date. You tell everyone you know about your upcoming release. You blast the cover across your social media accounts. You do some guests posts for blogging friends. Maybe a podcast. But will it be enough?</p><p>Let me pause here to say that I’m coming at this from a traditionally published viewpoint. I’m not tech savvy, nor am I familiar with all that’s out there. These are just some things I’ve learned along the way. But the one thing I do know is that the number one way to build your readership is to get your book into the hands of readers. <b> </b></p><p>Building a readership is like building a friendship. It doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, nurturing and patience. Trust has to be built. If a reader likes your first book, they’re more apt to pick up the next one. More importantly, they might tell someone else about your book and word of mouth is a powerful thing. Anyone remember the shampoo commercial back in the 70s that showed the power of telling two friends? Then they told two friends, and so on. But in order for them to do that, the first one has to read your book. Which leads me back to my previous point... </p><p><b>The number one way to build your readership is to get your book into the hands of readers. As many as possible. </b></p><p>How do you do that?</p><p><b>Launch Teams</b> – I’ll admit that I’m new to the world of launch teams. But when life went wonky right before my most recent book released, my relatively small team stood in the gap for me. They stepped in and flooded social media in my stead. For me, the purpose of a launch team is to make people aware of my books by creating buzz and leaving reviews. The burden is always lighter when we have others to help us carry it.</p><p><b>Giveaways</b> – Giveaway a book to one lucky newsletter subscriber. Do a Flash Giveaway on one of your social media outlets. You specify a cutoff time and have them leave a comment to be entered. Yes, people like to receive free books, but you might end up with some new fans as a result.</p><p><b>Promotions and Virtual Book Tours</b> – Things like Booksweeps list builder promos are a good way to get the ball rolling. They’re relatively inexpensive and you’re usually giving away digital copies of your book. </p><p>If you can afford it, I recommend some sort of tour through a company like JustRead Publicity Tours. And I’m not just saying that because Carrie and Beth are a part of this blog, but because I know from personal experience. Many reviews have said, “This was a new-to-me author, but I look forward to her next book.” Would they have picked up my book otherwise? Who knows? But I’ve gained many new readers as a result of their campaigns. </p><p>No matter what you choose to do to build readership, the goal is to--say it with me--get your book into the hands of readers. That’s why you’ll often see digital books priced under $2 on Amazon. Publishers know it works and so do indy authors. Folks will buy 99 cent books all day long. And they sometimes find a new favorite author.</p><p>When was the last time you found a new-to-you author who quickly became a favorite? Authors, if you have some tips for building readership, please chime in. In keeping with my advice, I’m giving away a copy of my new release, <i><b>Loving the Rancher’s Children</b></i>, to one lucky commentor. Simply leave a comment to be entered. If you comment as Anonymous, please leave your name in the comment. (US mailing addresses, choice of print or ebook. International, ebook only)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_75ZUhoQt6tY4W7HF7fxDylAVXloCyhZhvQ2c_oDp0FNfhKsg1v7UOrOPN5Fu4RR8zI4wtbSNHJuaWYLUY3WRJty-nrUva-UPOe8NONL7fcmazVA7BDSJDM2BHHp7weltqaqt0zci2hg85y8UAN553AbpQCBd9g2IlPoQ26DNJ-imlHcrn3O9_e9/s1200/BookBrushImage-2023-5-2-14-281.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf_75ZUhoQt6tY4W7HF7fxDylAVXloCyhZhvQ2c_oDp0FNfhKsg1v7UOrOPN5Fu4RR8zI4wtbSNHJuaWYLUY3WRJty-nrUva-UPOe8NONL7fcmazVA7BDSJDM2BHHp7weltqaqt0zci2hg85y8UAN553AbpQCBd9g2IlPoQ26DNJ-imlHcrn3O9_e9/w640-h334/BookBrushImage-2023-5-2-14-281.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPOscSTS65zdIbDibpeMkTga1uC7IcSa19zw-PtxnpKgQn2nEp7QG4kR3sWIBhBXLhrdPEu08Y_ZCjjNzPj0KaQWcVDXPxY0z6PfplEnfeYsvZu51j2e-p5ysgaWfRJ_Pj08cdOjbJok/s1600/Mindy+Obenhaus_032+%25283%2529.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #c09f80; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="804" data-original-width="803" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRPOscSTS65zdIbDibpeMkTga1uC7IcSa19zw-PtxnpKgQn2nEp7QG4kR3sWIBhBXLhrdPEu08Y_ZCjjNzPj0KaQWcVDXPxY0z6PfplEnfeYsvZu51j2e-p5ysgaWfRJ_Pj08cdOjbJok/s200/Mindy+Obenhaus_032+%25283%2529.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(215, 206, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="199" /></span></a></div><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining, and sometimes adventurous, manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer and the occasional coyote, mountain lion or snake. When she<span style="font-size: medium;">’</span>s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel. Learn more at <a href="http://www.mindyobenhaus.com/" style="color: #c09f80; text-decoration-line: none;">www.MindyObenhaus.com</a></span></p><p><br style="text-align: left;" /></p></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p>Mindy Obenhaushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15049730175697756032noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-66748064351270603552023-06-05T01:00:00.068-04:002023-06-05T01:00:00.139-04:00Laws of Attraction Giveaway--And a sale!<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkUYvZE9POtH37PsSzgvMz1XHoqdTa_rf05yJu83__Lp6nSE7OIijXh_y5V1dw9qZVw0gBQABYWJ1I5bXmxTol9EzXmL41Crqet6qpbMOyWnlqQA40uGOVgCN1GITRblYpIr8RuHHj1324eF0Y_LtgQCfIO8aNKgTjR3ywI3d2rYmOJmG1swschb0/s800/3%20books%20Laws%20of%20Attraction%20featured.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLkUYvZE9POtH37PsSzgvMz1XHoqdTa_rf05yJu83__Lp6nSE7OIijXh_y5V1dw9qZVw0gBQABYWJ1I5bXmxTol9EzXmL41Crqet6qpbMOyWnlqQA40uGOVgCN1GITRblYpIr8RuHHj1324eF0Y_LtgQCfIO8aNKgTjR3ywI3d2rYmOJmG1swschb0/w449-h337/3%20books%20Laws%20of%20Attraction%20featured.png" width="449" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Laws of Attraction</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Book #2 in the </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wyoming Sunrise Series</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Releases this month!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To celebrate I'm giving away a signed copy of </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/fr2fhenf" target="_blank">Laws of Attraction</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">to One Lucky Commentor</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Laws of Attraction is, to me, the heart of this series, the inspiration for it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I read a book about the First Woman Justice of the Peace in America. She was in Wyoming. So I thought, maybe my book could be about the SECOND Justice of the Peace.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever noticed that no one argues over the second anything?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oldest?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Most expensive?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Prettiest?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fastest?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Tallest?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sure, claim 1st place and people want to fight.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">No the Grand Canyon isn't the most beautiful view in America.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">But if you say your view is SECOND, everyone smug-ly thinks</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">, </span><span style="font-size: large;">dang right you're second, cuz MY choice is first, you go ahead and be second.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I'm sure somewhere there is a second female Justice of the Peace, but no one is in here demanding I admit that. So far!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Phew.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0_MyDu1-Pyi3Tmqrhr3JvkYXAW6KTTiOG8B5cswJj0dN-MYkmP1JaCj3u4DHZd3tmmkzQsZ8U59PIrzzJBqAtO4WWC2n4q9FME922lpVyCMemwHgIXyH52fNKw0n1QKauduoPoEmlaLwqzr4p71QrVT3pqY1PUxHU3vlkXNxsRyAz4t5onZGHzry/s300/51YERIbbv7L._SY300_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="194" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0_MyDu1-Pyi3Tmqrhr3JvkYXAW6KTTiOG8B5cswJj0dN-MYkmP1JaCj3u4DHZd3tmmkzQsZ8U59PIrzzJBqAtO4WWC2n4q9FME922lpVyCMemwHgIXyH52fNKw0n1QKauduoPoEmlaLwqzr4p71QrVT3pqY1PUxHU3vlkXNxsRyAz4t5onZGHzry/s1600/51YERIbbv7L._SY300_.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><br />Nell is a seamstress...in a frontier town full of men. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>The few women who live in or near Pine Valley, Wyoming make their own dresses. Nell LOVES making pretty dresses. She likes lace and ruffles and ribbons. </span><span>Early on after she moved to town, she made the dire mistake of agreeing to make a cowboy a pair of chaps, even though she has no idea how. But he brought in an old pair and a piece of tanned cowhide, and she figured it out and now, everyone wants a pair of chaps.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">They don't care what she charges or how long they have to wait. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nell is making a fortune and she's not happy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Until she finds a hapless homesteader widower, with three poorly dressed, half-grown daughters.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">They all need dresses. He has no money. Nell wheedles him into letting her hire them and earn their dresses. She'll teach them how to sew. She'll teach them how to make chaps.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySS2woU4I5YiRYSKnsV5ouMjyHW-IndiO_1g4RX5RGQnFfXLagAbKWQaXCb5a1Y0YATiUTYAT5mixVXXtbRq13VMqWKsUsvI15ryRGxFopW0fOwH0FUbOWJM9hvfbmN8-KfjUjaLfPPLjDZqAh0JvcRtbYpyRP5Mo2fhGhhCzqzm1Mj9LTvHojoVZ/s230/Christmas%20in%20November%20Mary.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="230" data-original-width="230" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySS2woU4I5YiRYSKnsV5ouMjyHW-IndiO_1g4RX5RGQnFfXLagAbKWQaXCb5a1Y0YATiUTYAT5mixVXXtbRq13VMqWKsUsvI15ryRGxFopW0fOwH0FUbOWJM9hvfbmN8-KfjUjaLfPPLjDZqAh0JvcRtbYpyRP5Mo2fhGhhCzqzm1Mj9LTvHojoVZ/s1600/Christmas%20in%20November%20Mary.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br />It's all going to be such fun. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>And then the murderous stagecoach robbers, the Deadeye Gang strike again. </span><span>Nell, the widow of a lawman back in Missouri, knows a whole lot about investigating a crime just from listening to her lunkhead of a dead lawman husband.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">When she gets involved in investigating the crimes, and then the local Justice of the Peace resigns, the sheriff pitches her name to take over.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And then people start trying to kill her.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Judge Nell needs to discover and expose the robbers. Brand needs to figure out how to be the fathers to girls.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">They all need to stay alive long enough to fall in love.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's talk about <b>bragging rights</b> for your town or church or school or whatever.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">I happen to live in the SECOND oldest settlement in Nebraska. Well, nearby, not IN.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Every town has a claim to fame. What's yours? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">And have you ever worked this type of bragging rights into your story?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Laws of Attraction coming in June, leave a comment to get your name in a drawing for a signed copy.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">AND</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWkZt0M73DLM_YFAnaJKAua7zCWamjjdy8e99g4Bkhq4Cf1DRpn9ItCHV7GtN7gRmhzJcaGHGC3uzZVuLJQ5WHsaruixyQDSg17CW9g_x4qlKsB8i9z5x05sd2qozqfx4pKjRxSyelxO0ESfuga35KW_XLq_AxXcp8yhPTcfOGHU88Q5V-d01QDBZ/s545/Element%20of%20Love%20new.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="355" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMWkZt0M73DLM_YFAnaJKAua7zCWamjjdy8e99g4Bkhq4Cf1DRpn9ItCHV7GtN7gRmhzJcaGHGC3uzZVuLJQ5WHsaruixyQDSg17CW9g_x4qlKsB8i9z5x05sd2qozqfx4pKjRxSyelxO0ESfuga35KW_XLq_AxXcp8yhPTcfOGHU88Q5V-d01QDBZ/s320/Element%20of%20Love%20new.JPG" width="208" /></a></div><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">On Sale Now in all ebook formats:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><u>The Element of Love</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">$2.99</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09B2PBGTW/ref=sspa_dk_detail_0?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B09B2PBGTW&pd_rd_w=ftqbF&content-id=amzn1.sym.f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_p=f734d1a2-0bf9-4a26-ad34-2e1b969a5a75&pf_rd_r=48ZFE20NJVMPM4SZ8CVY&pd_rd_wg=NdoZP&pd_rd_r=05b064aa-e714-4e75-80e7-36cf39fbddfe&s=digital-text&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw" target="_blank">Buy on Kindle</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-element-of-love-mary-connealy/1139650745?ean=9781493435999" target="_blank">Buy on Nook</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div><p></p>Mary Connealyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09598386111251769803noreply@blogger.com51tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-29547198981855352522023-06-04T00:00:00.014-04:002023-06-04T00:00:00.139-04:00Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests<p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">THE MOST HOLY TRINITY</span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphrIoIPQKnXQMyD8mrA4i9vtO4lw1Un6fjz-vzpHDudenEOgJSJu9o2h7oPJOvwEoGstIn0BjACdjum1it-gCa3IfteeKR9aGKacUAhHohCu1Vdxj0X-i-aaMqLRlOSAeJ6-CSvE7bmFYn_JpVMifDsSMYJZ8gQj254tsJJWBIyBOPo0Ehc9z_9-dcQ/s5434/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer_-_Adoration_of_the_Trinity_(Landauer_Altar)_-_Google_Art_Project%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5434" data-original-width="4969" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhphrIoIPQKnXQMyD8mrA4i9vtO4lw1Un6fjz-vzpHDudenEOgJSJu9o2h7oPJOvwEoGstIn0BjACdjum1it-gCa3IfteeKR9aGKacUAhHohCu1Vdxj0X-i-aaMqLRlOSAeJ6-CSvE7bmFYn_JpVMifDsSMYJZ8gQj254tsJJWBIyBOPo0Ehc9z_9-dcQ/w586-h640/Albrecht_D%C3%BCrer_-_Adoration_of_the_Trinity_(Landauer_Altar)_-_Google_Art_Project%20(1).jpg" width="586" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Adoration of the Trinity by Albrecht Dürer (1511): from top to bottom: Holy Spirit (dove), God the Father and the crucified Christ. [PD-US]</td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">God so loved the world that he gave his only
Son,</span></span></b><b><span style="color: #363936; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">so that everyone who believes in him might not
perish</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">but might have eternal life.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">For God did not send his Son into the world to
condemn the world,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">but that the world might be saved through him.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Whoever believes in him will not be condemned,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">but whoever does not believe has already been
condemned,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
</span><span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">because he has not believed in the name of the
only Son of God.</span></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>John
3:16-18</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. </span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for</span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents. </span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! </i></span></b></div></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">God bless you and keep you safe.</b></i><span face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 15.4px;"> </span> </p>Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-53492590671094547752023-06-03T02:00:00.138-04:002023-06-03T02:00:00.155-04:00Weekend Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Memorial Day - Seekerville Closed</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Thursday: Audra </b>shared her thoughts on the <b>Power of Setting</b></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Mary </b>will be in the house today!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Wednesday: Mindy </b>will be here to share with us.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">In Stores NOW!</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/s2650/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="color: #c55b19; font-size: 15.4px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/w253-h400/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(215, 206, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="253" /></a></p><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">A deadly explosion.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A dangerous search for the truth.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, </span><span class="a-text-italic"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Englischer </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Order</span></div><div style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Blast-Investigation-Inspired-Suspense/dp/1335587810/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LJL6QSH0YO8O&keywords=aMISH+BLAST+iNVESTIGATION+DEBBY+GIUSTI&qid=1678829890&sprefix=amish+blast+investigation+debby+giusti%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1" style="color: #c55b19; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</b></span></div></div><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<div><b><a href="https://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2023/05/21-bible-verses-to-use-to-pray-for-your.html" target="_blank">21 Bible Verses to Use to Pray for Your Writing</a></b> by Edie Melson at The Write Conversation</div><div><br /></div><b><a href="https://killzoneblog.com/2023/05/starting-over-it-never-gets-easier.html" target="_blank">Starting Over. It Never Gets Easier</a></b> by PJ Parrish at Killzone blog<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2023/05/30/lead-magnets-to-promote-your-new-release/" target="_blank">Lead Magnets to Promote Your New Release</a></b> by Jennifer Chastain at Learn How To Write A Novel</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.writerscookbook.com/writing-parent/" target="_blank">How to Keep Writing as a Stay At Home Parent (Without Losing Your Mind)</a></b> by Geoff White at The Writer's Cookbook</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://bookbrush.com/understanding-permission-legal-considerations-for-writers/" target="_blank">Understanding Permission: Legal Considerations for Writers</a></b> by William Bernhardt at Book Brush blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://stevelaube.com/the-writer-who-doesnt-know-what-they-dont-know/" target="_blank">The Writer Who Doesn't Know What They Don't Know</a></b> by Lynette Eason at Steve Laube agency</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/05/two-success-factors-no-one-wants-to-talk-about/" target="_blank">Two Success Factors No One Wants To Talk About</a></b> by Jaime Buckley at Writers In The Storm</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://selfpublishingformula.com/how-to-balance-passion-and-profit/" target="_blank">How to Balance Passion and Profit</a></b> by Daniel Parsons at Self-Publishing Formula</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.livewritethrive.com/2023/05/29/why-story-endings-are-often-predictable-and-thats-okay/" target="_blank">Why Story Endings are often Predictable - And That's Okay</a></b> by CS Lakin at Live Write Thrive</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="http://blog.janicehardy.com/2011/01/cure-for-common-problem-how-pov-can.html" target="_blank">How Point Of View Can Solve Your Writing Problems</a></b> by Janice Hardy at Fiction University</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><div>
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</div></div></div>Audra Hardershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654717451512952428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-61921492992329453072023-06-01T02:00:00.022-04:002023-06-01T02:00:00.139-04:00The Power of Setting<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0hMwqXYEDSnBsaqtQ4uZY3Lr4I6yxsLJKmDgFnLJ94OEMXeP1Da8W2il4qw9JiRqINgGCkEuHNtSgtjKf7XVZdCOExSq_5Cq-sao_OPnEBnbRiBeiF_TKzJX3Fa9FLqWt_QnVgBRa9-HUB5o665GUfFR_rFh6HWKHAFkmx4V8-A8RUBH3U8hiFXeuw/s1500/the%20power%20of%20setting.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1500" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0hMwqXYEDSnBsaqtQ4uZY3Lr4I6yxsLJKmDgFnLJ94OEMXeP1Da8W2il4qw9JiRqINgGCkEuHNtSgtjKf7XVZdCOExSq_5Cq-sao_OPnEBnbRiBeiF_TKzJX3Fa9FLqWt_QnVgBRa9-HUB5o665GUfFR_rFh6HWKHAFkmx4V8-A8RUBH3U8hiFXeuw/w640-h214/the%20power%20of%20setting.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>When most readers pick up our novels, they’re anticipating an escape. They want to find a few moments away from their everyday lives to live in a world with their favorite (or soon to be) characters. While characters and plot are undoubtedly essential components, never overlook the vital role that setting plays. As authors. we must craft the setting of our stories to evoke emotions and enrich the plot. We need to create an experience for our readers that makes them look forward to our next book or continue reading our series, because we given them a book that’s the entire HEA experience.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXuZDi3iFmzb8yak62-7VNe_U1y674oWyGtnzBS4kxWFZ1oZgocZ-YTkjUSm-Y_SvxScSZi95cS9C6aB88QeynfUyf4eo4HMLIY3wgH0cuJ056cfCxOdCMyfzgYAZbTFjeMcovH1uJ8mhEEMXSp7720Q2teQU_NKvtLGZByxZLcwDKFVLNHN1PoCvqw/s1200/Settings%20blog%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMXuZDi3iFmzb8yak62-7VNe_U1y674oWyGtnzBS4kxWFZ1oZgocZ-YTkjUSm-Y_SvxScSZi95cS9C6aB88QeynfUyf4eo4HMLIY3wgH0cuJ056cfCxOdCMyfzgYAZbTFjeMcovH1uJ8mhEEMXSp7720Q2teQU_NKvtLGZByxZLcwDKFVLNHN1PoCvqw/w182-h182/Settings%20blog%201.jpg" width="182" /></a></div><br /><p><b><u>Setting as a Character</u></b></p><p>Just as we carefully craft our characters with backstory, hopes, and dreams, the setting of a novel often assumes the role of a character, as well and should be treated with the same diligence. A well-developed setting possesses its own personality, history, and distinct characteristics that influence the story and its inhabitants. Let’s bring in the masters as examples: J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth or Arthur Conan Doyle's fog-shrouded Victorian London. These settings aren’t just backdrops, but “story engines” that shape the events and drive the actions of the characters. By infusing the setting with depth and personality, we can draw our readers into our fantasy world, allowing them to feel as though they are truly part of the world within the pages.</p><p><b><u>Setting as a Source of Conflict</u></b></p><p>Setting can be a fertile source of conflict, intensifying the challenges faced by the characters. Whether it's a bleak and desolate post-apocalyptic wasteland, a medieval castle fraught with hidden dangers, or a small mountain town with it’s own everyday drama, the environment can present formidable obstacles that characters must overcome. Depending on the plot of your novel, the setting can also reflect societal, cultural, or political tensions, adding layers of complexity to the narrative. Imagine a tinder dry California town threatened by wildfire, or a 9.0 earthquake that shakes a major city that then needs to brace for the ensuing tsunami. By integrating conflict within the setting, we not only heighten the stakes but also invite a deeper connection between our reader and the story's events.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-nFFpZwJdn7J7icjZ-34Ono59sGU1XuEjIgUe-21ubaApVXpwkKIA47bhINmt-3DweA_s6_53p47GChIWhXfx-6JrnIBWBTyJPdRT4wqIMkJpV5ce4_baZlr8wvoxFRxDYqQEPDMULX1S0lKkROuSuLLr-j64Q_VbcHPyt6wWg8z9TaQ3XSum7okQA/s1200/Settings%20Agatha.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-nFFpZwJdn7J7icjZ-34Ono59sGU1XuEjIgUe-21ubaApVXpwkKIA47bhINmt-3DweA_s6_53p47GChIWhXfx-6JrnIBWBTyJPdRT4wqIMkJpV5ce4_baZlr8wvoxFRxDYqQEPDMULX1S0lKkROuSuLLr-j64Q_VbcHPyt6wWg8z9TaQ3XSum7okQA/w191-h191/Settings%20Agatha.jpg" width="191" /></a></div><br /><p><b><u>Setting as an Emotional Catalyst</u> </b></p><p>The power of setting lies in its ability to evoke emotions and immerse readers in a particular atmosphere. From the cozy charm of a small-town café to the foreboding gloom of a haunted mansion, the ambiance created by the setting can elicit a wide range of emotions. Can we all say Agatha Christie, Stephen King, Ray Bradbury? A well-described setting can transport readers to another time, place, or state of mind, enabling them to experience joy, fear, nostalgia, or awe alongside the characters. By building on powerful sensory details of the setting, we can foster an emotional connection that our readers won’t soon forget.</p><p><b><u>Setting as a Reflection of Themes</u></b></p><p>A thoughtfully crafted setting can serve as a symbolic representation of the novel's themes and motifs. The physical environment can mirror the internal struggles or conflicts faced by the characters, offering a glimpse into how our character perceives themselves and their situation. Think about it — a decaying, dilapidated cityscape may symbolize societal decay or the loss of hope, while a lush, vibrant forest might represent growth, renewal, or freedom. By posturing the setting with the story's underlying themes, we can create a deeper layer of meaning, even if our protagonist is fighting for the future of her bakery or to wrangle back possession of his ranch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgQ04i_5palcuC8hir7oBedwZ1PwRaCCQgK46Us_LKJhjNIo4EwdbpFAEF0yGyrDpmkVw8s4NYJQhOxx4UWysCn_RC_ZskCzJ46M_I8Ap6DQj-SG3-LvbFCIQuMRUqp3jJ-pHxCETOvKLvCAAy8X3Hqehc-CDp_6qfx8EZAIwVybqRlceLCz7RqiTBA/s1200/Settings%20Art%20form.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfgQ04i_5palcuC8hir7oBedwZ1PwRaCCQgK46Us_LKJhjNIo4EwdbpFAEF0yGyrDpmkVw8s4NYJQhOxx4UWysCn_RC_ZskCzJ46M_I8Ap6DQj-SG3-LvbFCIQuMRUqp3jJ-pHxCETOvKLvCAAy8X3Hqehc-CDp_6qfx8EZAIwVybqRlceLCz7RqiTBA/w197-h197/Settings%20Art%20form.jpg" width="197" /></a></div><br /><p>Storytelling is an art form and the importance of setting can’t be overstated. A well-crafted setting breathes life into a novel, immersing readers in a world that exists beyond the confines of their imagination. It acts as a character, a source of conflict, an emotional catalyst, and encourages the reader to see beyond the simple stated text. By recognizing and appreciating the impact of setting, both authors and readers can embark on thought-provoking journeys that resonate on a profound and unforgettable level. </p><p>So, next time you sit down to work on your novel, or open a novel as a treat for reaching a goal, pay attention to the setting—think about the story going from “That was a good read” to “Wow! When is the next book coming out!”</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">* * *</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Audra Harders writes "rugged stories with heart" featuring fearless men who haven't a clue about relationships, rescued by ladies who think they have all the answers. In real life, she's married to her own patient hero, has two adult children, and a very strong-willed Corgi. She began writing right after her second kidlet was born and sold her first book to Love Inspired mere months before that same young adult graduated from high school. Surviving those years in between reminds her God does have a plan for her life...and that He has a tremendous sense of humor. You can visit Audra at:</div></div></div><p>Website:<b> <a href="http://www.audraharders.com">www.audraharders.com</a></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>We know that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. </i>~Romans 8:28 RSV</p>Audra Hardershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654717451512952428noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-46583008823915477022023-05-29T03:05:00.001-04:002023-05-29T03:05:00.142-04:00Seekerville is Closed Today<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZNHFkapuXsQJmBW2-Pn35EFzlmgGg5P4Tc00iH7GuHHJv98njNlItNuC4aqqAKbxOfwVIUMcnAfRF7Whce6rIskAytGcom0GfGuJ3_kLPo7PkI8BKAql4-IUnMJuPNZRUnsMk92YlImu0Fw7sMqN3_Y3N_aCUDTrnLEwNz_IZWU-oB6nMSa5XLj6ZA/s843/Memorial%20Day%202023%20-%20Glynna%20Kaye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="843" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZNHFkapuXsQJmBW2-Pn35EFzlmgGg5P4Tc00iH7GuHHJv98njNlItNuC4aqqAKbxOfwVIUMcnAfRF7Whce6rIskAytGcom0GfGuJ3_kLPo7PkI8BKAql4-IUnMJuPNZRUnsMk92YlImu0Fw7sMqN3_Y3N_aCUDTrnLEwNz_IZWU-oB6nMSa5XLj6ZA/w640-h446/Memorial%20Day%202023%20-%20Glynna%20Kaye.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16pt;">Memorial Day is a
day set aside for honoring and remembering the military personnel who have died
in the performance of their duties in the US armed forces. </span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Please take a few
moments today to reflect on the sacrifices that so many have made to protect not
only the cherished freedom of the USA, but that of other countries around the
world.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">Please stop by
again soon!</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Glynna Kayehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11914006944057671962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-12673737220507246922023-05-28T00:00:00.030-04:002023-05-28T00:00:00.143-04:00Sunday Scripture & Prayer Requests<p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><b>PENTECOST SUNDAY</b></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaS08dPXAwJ3q_dyWSVY9xzLLB8M1wokjFZBZmjRy0Uvg5ZbgC2dcG5QlQ4QbKzTxHHWCFJW_sP1tQ8sc33NlRNdbMQHKrpCZVzIOup6HNtn8qGqTdI8sy1s6ZRbBqA0XAgqSzV3NimOrxIPvQrZvMDROKhJljGd4ay9ifSZZg6n9tTGZ6Uhigd8DYg/s397/Vienna_Karlskirche_frescos4b%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="298" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZaS08dPXAwJ3q_dyWSVY9xzLLB8M1wokjFZBZmjRy0Uvg5ZbgC2dcG5QlQ4QbKzTxHHWCFJW_sP1tQ8sc33NlRNdbMQHKrpCZVzIOup6HNtn8qGqTdI8sy1s6ZRbBqA0XAgqSzV3NimOrxIPvQrZvMDROKhJljGd4ay9ifSZZg6n9tTGZ6Uhigd8DYg/w480-h640/Vienna_Karlskirche_frescos4b%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresco of the Pentecostal dove representing the Holy Spirit <br />at the Karlskirche in Vienna, Austria.[PD-US]</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><span style="background: white; color: #363936; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the evening of that
first day of the week,</span></span><span style="color: #363936; letter-spacing: 0.25pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">when the doors were locked, where the disciples
were,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">for fear of the Jews,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Jesus came and stood in their midst</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">and said to them, “Peace be with you.”</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">When he had said this, he showed them his hands
and his side.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">And when he had said this, he breathed on them and
said to them,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">“Receive the Holy Spirit.</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;">Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: inherit; text-align: start;" />
</span><span style="background: white;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: large;">and whose sins you retain are retained.”</span></span><span style="font-size: 15pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>John 20:19-23</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The Seekerville bloggers have been praying for YOU and for our entire blog community. </span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">If you have any special intentions that need additional coverage, leave a request for prayer in the comment section below. </span></b></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Please pray for our country and for an end to the problems that plague us at this current time, such as the increased cost of fuel and food and the rise in crime. Please pray for world peace, for</span></b><b style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> the protection of our military, law enforcement officers and border agents. </span></b></p><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i>We are so grateful for all of you—for your friendship and your support! </i></span></b></div></div><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><i><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 17.12px;"></span></i></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">God bless you and keep you safe.</b></i> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>Wishing you a joyous Pentecost!</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b>May you be filled with the Gifts of the Holy Spirit</b></span></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"><b> today and in the year ahead.</b></span></i></p>Debby Giustihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09463321611980242375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-2046340961211972642023-05-27T02:00:00.094-04:002023-05-27T02:00:00.135-04:00Weekend Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Erica </b>gave some thoughts on why authors don't often get to keep their original titles.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Wednesday: Cate</b> put on her educator's hat and talked about<b> Lessons from a Classroom: The Power of Yet</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Thursday: Pam </b>engaged with her discussion of <b>A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners</b></span></div>
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<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b>Monday: Memorial Day - Seekerville closed. Join in celebrating our freedoms and our Veterans!!</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Thursday: Audra </b>will be talking about the<b> Power of Setting</b> </div>
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<h2 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">Now Available!</h2><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(215, 206, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #565656; font-size: 15.4px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32yen7WBMTes0CerE94lC0e7KnAfIpAWiLnrHVCHsMc2AkdxctRbcaqGrrxsHLgrD4UFWtE5AuBYz8UxmTE5NCOf2g3dnF8B2sIh6o0LRLKfC5BvJUZf1mvb3TEXtlxD0zvHd4yHbdBiWA9FYBo7vFXeqH7cs8UjhstV-CXR3vwRjp800XtlXCoKy/s2650/LTRC.jpg" style="color: #c55b19; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg32yen7WBMTes0CerE94lC0e7KnAfIpAWiLnrHVCHsMc2AkdxctRbcaqGrrxsHLgrD4UFWtE5AuBYz8UxmTE5NCOf2g3dnF8B2sIh6o0LRLKfC5BvJUZf1mvb3TEXtlxD0zvHd4yHbdBiWA9FYBo7vFXeqH7cs8UjhstV-CXR3vwRjp800XtlXCoKy/w253-h400/LTRC.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="253" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.32px; text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><b style="font-size: x-large;">Book three in best-selling author Mindy Obenhaus's Hope Crossing series.</b><div><h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></h3><h3 style="margin: 0px; position: relative;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A short-term solution could lead to long-term love</span><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></b></h3>When Alli Krenek returns to her hometown, she's surprised to find herself <span style="font-family: inherit;">agreeing</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> to become a nanny to Jake Walker's children. Seventeen years ago, Jake betrayed Alli's trust, and she's avoided him ever since. But the more time she spends with Jake, the more his two little ones melt her heart and Alli beings to see the man Jake has become. Is this their chance to finally heal old wounds?</span></div></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></div><h3 style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Get your copy today!</span></h3><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Loving-Ranchers-Children-Uplifting-Inspirational/dp/1335585761/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=loving+the+rancher%27s+children&qid=1679670742&sprefix=loving+the+rancher%27s+ch%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-1" style="color: #c55b19; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Amazon</a><span style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;">, </span><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/loving-the-ranchers-children/9781335585769/pd/585762?product_redirect=1&search_term=loving%20the%20rancher%27s%20children&Ntt=585762&item_code=WW&ps_exit=PRODUCT|legacy&Ntk=keywords&event=ESRCP" style="color: #c55b19; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">ChristianBook.com</a><span style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;">, </span><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/loving-the-ranchers-children-mindy-obenhaus/1142690018?ean=9781335585769" style="color: #c55b19; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a><span style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;">, </span><a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Hope-Crossing-Loving-the-Rancher-s-Children-An-Uplifting-Inspirational-Romance-Series-3-Paperback-9781335585769/2770725681" style="color: #c55b19; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Walmart</a><span style="font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center;">, </span><a href="https://www.target.com/p/loving-the-rancher-s-children-hope-crossing-by-mindy-obenhaus-paperback/-/A-88114068#lnk=sametab" style="color: #c55b19; font-size: 15.4px; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Target</a></span></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">AMISH BLAST INVESTIGATION</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: normal;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">A June 2023 Release!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/s2650/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="color: #c55b19; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2650" data-original-width="1675" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5JInUgMso0YXZZjHR2Rh31O_eZosp9pTH23KSfYJg_Gs2bQsN0RkqOf-w2871B9_qckONBlqpOENjFxZaFhskOsO0zc0H15Z9PdabRhDqzrGiLoYylASJDeYZ-hPGJoGde-PdhooRFM0Q5lCs0YAWvwA-2H_f14poOagAn_6pnDaYFERZ7FKa_6dnvQ/w253-h400/9781335587817%20(1).jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(215, 206, 199); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="253" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #0f1111;">A deadly explosion.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />A dangerous search for the truth.<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />After an explosion rocks Becca Klein’s bakery and kills one of her customers, she teams up with the victim’s son to find justice. Though estranged from his father, </span><span class="a-text-italic"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Englischer </span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">Luke Snyder is compelled to help the Amish woman uncover why his father died. But ruthless killers believe Luke’s father gave Becca something they want, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Can Luke keep Becca safe until they discover the truth?</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pre-Order</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Amish-Blast-Investigation-Inspired-Suspense/dp/1335587810/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3LJL6QSH0YO8O&keywords=aMISH+BLAST+iNVESTIGATION+DEBBY+GIUSTI&qid=1678829890&sprefix=amish+blast+investigation+debby+giusti%2Caps%2C226&sr=8-1" style="color: #c55b19; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">HERE</a>!</b></span></div></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.janefriedman.com/to-set-beta-reader-expectations-have-an-honest-conversation/" target="_blank">To Set Beta Reader Expectations, Have an Honest Discussion</a></b> by Lisa Cooper Ellison at Jane Friedman<div>
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<div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://writetodone.com/vision-board-for-writers/" target="_blank">Vision Boards for Writers: Ways to Achieve Your Dreams</a></b> by Sarah Rexford at Write To Done</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2023/05/23/what-if-my-readers-listen/" target="_blank">What if My Readers Listen?</a></b> by Peter Leavell at Learn How To Write A Novel</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://anindieadventure.blogspot.com/2023/01/does-fomo-rule-your-writing-life.html" target="_blank">Does FOMO Rule Your Writing Life?</a></b> by LA Sartor at An Indie Adventure</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-create-insanely-complex-characters-using-shadow-theory/" target="_blank">How to Create Insanely Complex Characters Using "Shadow Theory"</a></b> by KM Weiland at Helping Writers Become Authors</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://prowritingaid.com/ai-writing" target="_blank">9 Best AI Tools for Essays, Business and Blogs</a></b> by Sarah Oakley at ProWritingAid</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/05/i-was-right-all-along-how-to-write-the-right-way/" target="_blank">I was Right all Along - How to Write the Right Way</a></b> by Johnny B Truant at Writers In The Storm</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://killzoneblog.com/2023/05/tips-for-distant-settings-redux.html" target="_blank">Tips for Distant Settings (redux)</a></b> by Terry Odell at Killzone blog</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://thewriteconversation.blogspot.com/2023/05/common-obstacles-writers-face.html" target="_blank">Common Obstacles Writers Face: Perfectionism</a></b> by Henry McLaughlin at The Write Conversation</div><div><br /></div><div><b><a href="https://www.livewritethrive.com/2023/05/22/querying-basics-5-tips-for-landing-a-literary-agent/" target="_blank">Querying Basics: 5 tips for Landing a Literary Agent</a></b> by Dario Villirilli at Live Write Thrive</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Audra Hardershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17654717451512952428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3649424089750316818.post-54363292839166893082023-05-25T01:00:00.077-04:002023-05-25T01:00:00.137-04:00A Deep Dive into Retractable Vinyl Banners<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiv1DM5lEzNxgsFPEv-qY_3NHrcP6kAaVn_PA-p5lzoxg7TkfB7qpmurE3wGkXnRhmA7F65CaXQ0h3uiXRx4HQli0TpyjKDXJwPy_HDGilYEsPoOKVt48_FrKncgdXqndY_ZptoTkRPjxIrE06kHKJnsmdFQMB-pNSCprbvCnlVLC5SL3qtfg2WTI9g/s400/Pam+Hillman+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="96" data-original-width="400" height="96" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiv1DM5lEzNxgsFPEv-qY_3NHrcP6kAaVn_PA-p5lzoxg7TkfB7qpmurE3wGkXnRhmA7F65CaXQ0h3uiXRx4HQli0TpyjKDXJwPy_HDGilYEsPoOKVt48_FrKncgdXqndY_ZptoTkRPjxIrE06kHKJnsmdFQMB-pNSCprbvCnlVLC5SL3qtfg2WTI9g/w400-h96/Pam+Hillman+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Okay, ya’ll know me. My Seekerville blog posts are fast and furious and they usually deal with some issue that I’m trying to research for myself. And, unfortunately, the post itself tends to be quite messy, thrown together like most of my cooking. I’m sorry about that. I just came off a 4 week babysitting gig because the daycare lady was in the hospital. Thankfully, she’s on the mend and back at work, but I’m still a bit discombobulated.</span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But, anyway, tacked on to the end of my babysitting day, I’ve been involved in getting the ACFW Conference, ACFW Consignment bookstore, and ACFW Storyfest rolling the last few weeks. One thing led to another and my thoughts ended up on retractable vinyl banners.</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you thoroughly confused yet? lol</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWId2E-uqzuOhOcGPZlTlkHknIqOc0Os08MXLHdcxIqRwmF5YFMHlak6GZYbjjzAY0_hP5fyJFTr_ix7vcUL5bQjyeTRgaihao7cWJEgERsiuVP3TJTjNVH_6XTi9s2fZYjzIrJJz4enJlFSRQn6kICdCAMGEgIyNLRAtsrnuvUjvdceXcyjUyMY5DQ/s526/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-24%20at%2010.21.32%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="214" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaWId2E-uqzuOhOcGPZlTlkHknIqOc0Os08MXLHdcxIqRwmF5YFMHlak6GZYbjjzAY0_hP5fyJFTr_ix7vcUL5bQjyeTRgaihao7cWJEgERsiuVP3TJTjNVH_6XTi9s2fZYjzIrJJz4enJlFSRQn6kICdCAMGEgIyNLRAtsrnuvUjvdceXcyjUyMY5DQ/w163-h400/Screen%20Shot%202023-05-24%20at%2010.21.32%20PM.png" width="163" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.acfwstoryfest.com/" target="_blank">ACFW Storyfest<br />Readers' Event</a><br />August 2023</td></tr></tbody></table>Well, it happened like this. I’ve been meaning to get a retractable banner for awhile now. I just kept putting it on the back burner. I need one for when I go to local book signings close to home. And even further afield. Authors who plan to sell books at the ACFW Consignment bookstore in St. Louis can purchase advertising space and can use a retractable banner. So, I was thinking I might need to get a banner before then. In the meantime, ACFW staff designed some eye-catching banners for Storyfest, and well, I had a blog due and decided some of you might be as intrigued about what makes a good banner as I am.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s1">I asked around and got some really eye-catching banners to share with ya’ll. I’ll be honest. I don’t think I’ve seen a BAD one yet.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>And since there’s nothing new under the sun, </span><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">I found this great article of 9 Tips on Creating a Unique Retractable Banner. I’m going to just hit the high points, but I’ll share the link to the full article for you to really dig into.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The author did such a good job of outlining everything and it’s worth a read.</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I probably could have just sent ya’ll to his article, but there aren’t any examples, and since that’s the main focus of today’s blog, well, here we are.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;">One of the first questions he asked in his article was </span><span class="s3" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;">what do you want your banner to accomplish?</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, for writers, most of the time we’re standing right there by our banner, right there with our books. We want people to come over and look at our books, engage with us, hopefully BUY a book or two, and last, but not least, sign up for our newsletter. Maybe even follow us on SM.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What do you want on your banner?</b></span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top billing should be your author name, which is YOUR logo. Like Pam Hillman with Author underneath that. Or, even better, be more specific. If you have a tagline, use that. Mary would use “Romantic Comedy with Cowboys”. For my banner, I would probably put “Historical Christian Fiction.” Leaving the word “author” off completely.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">C.F.E. Black has “heart-stealing fantasy” and underneath that “fast-paced science fiction”. So perfect for her brand.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><br /><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzx_lR1QRoYQkIcuIr_a_tSR7-cKR82uAxQajr8S5zUpwLwadv9HcTOTgEbnvvDx3rbmOxFEUQTbaj4YohyWKwPUpJ0m62hET1D89Ss3AYfMBQsdtSb_Ocjcz2E0YNUgWHUBy317wDQ20ststCVZ9QnHcChUSX4441TibFjepebhMPdfHs5ycBHonsA/s1280/Banner%20C.F.E.%20Black.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzx_lR1QRoYQkIcuIr_a_tSR7-cKR82uAxQajr8S5zUpwLwadv9HcTOTgEbnvvDx3rbmOxFEUQTbaj4YohyWKwPUpJ0m62hET1D89Ss3AYfMBQsdtSb_Ocjcz2E0YNUgWHUBy317wDQ20ststCVZ9QnHcChUSX4441TibFjepebhMPdfHs5ycBHonsA/s320/Banner%20C.F.E.%20Black.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://www.cfeblack.com/" target="_blank">C. F. E. Black</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Generally, most people will know that you’re an author by the piles of books around you, but sometimes at festivals and local events, they don’t always grasp that. They just think you’re selling books. More than once, they are surprised to find out that I AM the author. So spelling out on your banner that you’re an author is a good thing.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Call-to-Action</b></span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the bottom, you’ll want to include your website address, maybe even a QR code. If you want to use your banner to point people to your presence on Social Media, the best way to do that would be with QR codes. If you plan on having a giveaway for people who sign up for your newsletter, follow you on FB, IG, Twitter, etc., having those QR codes right there would make it so easy for them to pop it in. However, you don’t want to get too crazy with these links and QR codes on a banner. It’s probably enough to just send include your website. For newsletter signup, you could provide a QR code right by your guestbook and those who are IT savvy could just sign up right there.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You want your banner to state who, what, and where (where being your presence on the internet). You’re not wanting to point people to your house or a storefront, so don’t put a physical address (unless you DO have a storefront), a phone number, or even your email address. If they need to get in contact with you, your website address is the best way. Or, through Facebook these days.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Branding</b></span></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVY_JlXxKJQsgJZozrboDjFvH9Ieg_F3k82gmhb8YMXbQp2M20tNzvouKV0Br3OmfFEEwHdI3c61aB-zMY5k4X8dGxLtqkA5s2IV3Xsb14SxyOUGdPz657QZThToUX-w32GYQkgQlBejMEjcds4tp_MPdtQ3AwoVJCtzxfT8WX0YuS8h2NaLfchFJsA/s1000/Banners%20Davalynn%20Spencer.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixVY_JlXxKJQsgJZozrboDjFvH9Ieg_F3k82gmhb8YMXbQp2M20tNzvouKV0Br3OmfFEEwHdI3c61aB-zMY5k4X8dGxLtqkA5s2IV3Xsb14SxyOUGdPz657QZThToUX-w32GYQkgQlBejMEjcds4tp_MPdtQ3AwoVJCtzxfT8WX0YuS8h2NaLfchFJsA/s320/Banners%20Davalynn%20Spencer.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://davalynnspencer.com/" target="_blank">Davalynn Spencer</a></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />We’ve covered who and where. Let’s talk about what… as in your brand. Decide what color schemes, fonts, and images go with your brand. All the author banners I've included in today's post do a good job of staying on brand. Davalynn Spencer writes </span>Western romance set along the Front Range of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Her banner reflects that. C.F.E. Black, and Linda Kozar's banners are perfect representations of the type of books these authors write.<p></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A bit about Banner Size, Vendors, and Pricing. Retractable banners range from 2’ x 5’3” to 2.9” x 6’9” tall. Go as big as you can afford. Almost all venues can handle something as tall as 6’. Remember that you want to catch a reader’s eye from a distance, and you need your banner to stand out above the crowd.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">VistaPrint and Banners on the Cheap are two vendors I’m familiar with. Prices can range from $50-$180 and most of these quotes include the retractable stand that comes with your banner. If you’re not in a hurry for a banner, get your design ready, keep an eye on prices and you can sometimes cash in on a great deal (as low as $50) with VistaPrint.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Less is More</b></span></span></p><p class="p3" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_SwzyK-9M7Hum8mlZIF80hrKn6pCPWQo6MqBkQb-mAO8Ddjwlk57kcXMK4GxQJjs7f7fXgsg6XJY8bh1AEVgAJld8wFZnQ3t3VBlRBmQ-vSzbQ5ROg7BMsW-FzMILnjeci89VtS7RHpYlEZ5jFABme3M11bAswe7q7iAm7CQPUmXq-u19flhOYJkIA/s4032/Banners%20L%20Kozar.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_SwzyK-9M7Hum8mlZIF80hrKn6pCPWQo6MqBkQb-mAO8Ddjwlk57kcXMK4GxQJjs7f7fXgsg6XJY8bh1AEVgAJld8wFZnQ3t3VBlRBmQ-vSzbQ5ROg7BMsW-FzMILnjeci89VtS7RHpYlEZ5jFABme3M11bAswe7q7iAm7CQPUmXq-u19flhOYJkIA/s320/Banners%20L%20Kozar.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="http://www.lindakozar.com/" target="_blank">Linda Kozar</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br />I think we’ve all heard the less is more mantra, and we take it to heart. 99% of the time, I agree. Notice the examples I’ve shared today. They DO follow this pattern. But Linda Kozar broke the mold and went with a collage of her books as the background on her banner. (Pay no attention to Linda and all her author friends photobombing her banner! I see you Kathleen Y’Barbo. And you, too, Janice Thompson!) And it totally works for Linda’s bright, fun, contemporary style. And if you visit her website, she’s staying on brand as well. You’ll notice that even though the background is busy, it doesn’t intrude. It enhances! While you don’t want to put too much text on a banner, the book cover collage doesn’t FEEL like text. It sort of blends into the background. Linda put a banner swatch across the middle with her name and headshot in her signature pink and the entire thing pops. (Now I want to do a banner swatch… Hmmm.)</span></span></p><p class="p4" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></p><p class="p7" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 233); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Color</b></span></span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Building on the paragraph above, a bit more about color. Look at Linda’s banner again. Bright pinks, reds anchoring the top corners of her banner, pastel blue. On brand. C.F.E. Black, again, staying on brand with black, brown, tan, a hint of fire. ACFW’s Storyfest banner which is not an author banner, but promotes the Storyfest Reader’s event is also on brand: black and gold.</span></span></p><p class="p5" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes it takes a few books, a few years to reach a color scheme that really works for you, but once you do, use that to your advantage.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s3" style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Final takeaway</b></span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We’ve covered a lot in today’s post, but there is so much more in the article referenced, so feel free to dig deeper into the topic there. Staying true to your brand is so important.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Also, you want an evergreen banner that you can use over and over again. So I wouldn’t include dates, locations, or words like “new release” or “local author” on your banner.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A special thanks to authors <a href="https://www.cfeblack.com/" target="_blank">C.F.E. Black</a>, <a href="https://davalynnspencer.com/" target="_blank">Davalynn Spencer</a>, and <a href="http://www.lindakozar.com/" target="_blank">Linda Kozar</a> for coming to my rescue and providing their banners for this blog post.</span></span></p><p class="p6" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 16.1px;"><span class="s2" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><h1 class="pw-post-title et eu ev be ew ex ey ez fa fb fc fd fe ff fg fh fi fj fk fl fm fn fo fp fq fr fs ft fu fv bj" data-selectable-paragraph="" id="e1f5"><span style="font-size: small;">Want to read more? Check out this article. <a href="https://medium.com/@PrintsLA/retractable-banner-design-9-ultimate-tips-to-create-an-attractive-display-banner-5c737f1c875e" target="_blank">Retractable Banner Design : 9 Ultimate Tips To Create an Attractive Display Banner</a></span></h1><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWKWmf0cL3379_XJEsEzrn7blhQ0XmkN4x5NPD6ujbAWK3iDQJwoZF0earng6cR586PuYA2Cag0_NANgG6s4zhuYOGuOEASnX47DjItSY0hdOhrtw1mf7Yo81koBmr44zKbHhIJ0vcrirhrS_nMLq1ta1H2a8AH2t1VwOv3UVbEhKJ8s16kfPQ9KXmg/s2048/*PAM%20HEADSHOT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWKWmf0cL3379_XJEsEzrn7blhQ0XmkN4x5NPD6ujbAWK3iDQJwoZF0earng6cR586PuYA2Cag0_NANgG6s4zhuYOGuOEASnX47DjItSY0hdOhrtw1mf7Yo81koBmr44zKbHhIJ0vcrirhrS_nMLq1ta1H2a8AH2t1VwOv3UVbEhKJ8s16kfPQ9KXmg/s320/*PAM%20HEADSHOT.jpg" width="199" /></a><span style="font-family: Cambria; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">CBA Bestselling author PAM HILLMAN was born and raised on a dairy farm in Mississippi and spent her teenage years perched on the seat of a tractor raking hay. In those days, her daddy couldn't afford two cab tractors with air conditioning and a radio, so Pam drove an Allis Chalmers 110. Even when her daddy asked her if she wanted to bale hay, she told him she didn't mind raking. Raking hay doesn't take much thought so Pam spent her time working on her tan and making up stories in her head. Now, that's the kind of life every girl should dream of. <a href="http://www.pamhillman.com"><span class="s1" style="color: blue;">www.pamhillman.com</span></a></div></span></div><br /><div><br /></div>Pam Hillmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08604636348596615139noreply@blogger.com6