My interview with the Truth, Salt and Spice podcast about my NEW book!

Dear Reader Friends,

I'd love for you to listen to my very first interview with Xamayta Graver on her "Truth, Salt and Spice" podcast!

She interviewed me about my faith journey with God, my work as a professional writer and how I wrote my first devotional book, Stories and Songs of Faith: My Journey with God.

Listen and let me know what you think by leaving a comment below! :)

Devotionals for the Heart: The Power of the Written Word

The Power of the Written Word
A devotional by Patrick E. Craig

“The pen is mightier than the sword.” 

This often repeated phrase was first coined by Edward Bulwer-Lytton in his play Richelieu; Or the Conspiracy in 1839. It has been said of Bulwer-Lytton that he “had the good fortune to do, what few men can hope to do: he wrote a line that is likely to live for ages.” And it is true. These words ring down through the years because they reveal an inherent archetypal truth—the written word has enormous power: power to lift up, power to destroy, to bring joy or despair, to illuminate the truth or encase it in shadow.

The Power to Persuade: The written word can change minds, it can bring down kingdoms, and it can set new standards of truth and morality. The Nazi Joseph Goebbels once said, “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.” And all around us in these fractured times we see writers who are telling “a big lie” and telling it often—the media is full of this kind of writing. The fruit is that God and his Word are being excised from the day-to-day lives of many people who are being persuaded by what they read.

The Power to Pervade: The written word is powerful in its capacity to pervade the mind and heart of those who read it. When someone picks up a book, there is an implied acceptance of the ideas the author is trying to get across. The reader is thereby opened to the words and thoughts contained therein. Because of this acceptance, written words can penetrate a resistant heart, simply because the choice to read the book opens the door to the truth it contains.

The Power to Testify: I Peter 3:15 (KJV) tells us…“and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear…”

Your testimony as a Christian is one of the most powerful weapons against the work of darkness that God has given you. And a written testimony of the grace of God and His power to bring love and forgiveness out of the most terrible circumstances is one of the most powerful witnesses to those who are longing for peace in their troubled lives. Consider the impact of a work such as The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, or Through Gates of Splendor by Elizabeth Elliot. These written words have reverberated through the years and are lasting proof that God is who He says He is and that He does what He says He will do.

The Power of Permanence: One of the inherent marvels of the written word is its permanence. A sentence you speak can change with each repetition. I am reminded of the game “Telephone” where someone whispers a phrase into the next person’s ear and the phrase is passed around the circle that way. When the last person compares what they heard to what was originally spoken the results can be amazing and hilarious since the original meaning is usually entirely lost. The written word, on the other hand, remains powerful because it can be replicated exactly and reproduced many times as it was written.

Now, here's the point: Jesus is called The Word because He came to communicate God through the things He did and said. His followers wrote down eyewitness accounts and revelations from Jesus and because of that God is communicated to us through the written word. That word persuades, pervades, and testifies of God on every page. It is also permanent.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

~ Matthew 24:35 (KJV)

So, if you are a follower of Christ and a writer then it behooves you to communicate God to a lost and dying, hurting world through your writing. You must let God communicate himself to you. Listen as the Holy Spirit gives you the story He wants to tell and then use that story to persuade, pervade, and testify of God. I'm not saying preach, I'm saying tell His story. That's what Christian writing is all about.

Homework: Consider writing down your own testimony as a witnessing tool to share with those who need Christ. You might be surprised how effective you can become to witness the power of God and the truth of the Gospel.

~*~
Author Bio:

Patrick E. Craig is a lifelong writer and musician who left a successful songwriting and performance career in the music industry to follow Christ in 1984. 

In 2011 he signed a three-book deal with Harvest House Publishers to publish his Apple Creek Dreams series. His current series is The Paradise Chronicles. The first book in the series, The Amish Heiress, a romantic suspense novel, was published by Patrick's company, P&J Publishing, in August of 2015 and remained on the Amazon Top 100 best sellers list in three categories for seven months.

The second book in the series, The Amish Princess, a historical romance novel, was released in December of 2016 and was on Amazon's Hot New Releases for over a month. Harlequin recently purchased the print rights for both books for their Walmart Amish series. Patrick also just released Cracking The Indie Egg—A Recipe For Publishing Your Own Book and it is available in most major digital bookstores.

Patrick and his wife Judy, make their home in Idaho. They have two married children and five grandchildren. Patrick is represented by the Steve Laube Agency.

~*~
Connect with Patrick:
Website - www.patrickecraig.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PatrickECraig
Twitter - https://twitter.com/PatrickECraig
Amazon Author page - http://tinyurl.com/n6sfagg

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Book feature with Mary Marie Allen, women's fiction author

Let's welcome Mary Marie Allen to the blog today! 

She's an author who writes under the women's fiction category of books.

Mary is here to share an excerpt and review of her book, God's Love Most Gentle.

First, here are a few words from Mary:

God wrote, and is writing, the greatest love story day by day with each of us. It’s a love I (Mary Marie Allen) hope others become acquainted with through my writing. 

My primary goal is to encourage women believers who have experienced love and joy in life along with sadness, loss, failure, and guilt. Hurting women often need help remembering God forgives and His love is most gentle. Then they can find love and joy in life once again. 

This is what happens when a pregnant woman with a harmful secret returns from the missionary field.

~*~

Excerpt from God's Love Most Gentle:

Kim sat cross-legged on the bedroom floor with a basin of tepid water nestled in her lap. She dipped a wash cloth and without wringing it plastered it to her neck. Water drenched her blue cotton dress and pooled about her waist and hips. She prayed for rain. Secretly, of course, for Kurt counted each dry dawn as a gift from God and devoted most of each day to construction of the new church.

Nsia entered the room with the laundry basket on her hip.

Kim plunged the cloth again and raised it over her head. She lifted her face. Clumps of wet hair clung to her cheeks and neck. “They said September was the start of the cool rainy season, but this humidity is more oppressive than any Midwest-summer day I remember. I hate the heat.”

Beneath a red headscarf, round dark eyes studied Kim. “I do not think it is the weather that causes your problem, Mrs. Kim. I will ask Mrs. Thema about a drink to help with baby sickness.”

“Are you saying I’m pregnant? I’m not pregnant.” Kim gave a dismissive wave of her hand letting droplets from the soggy washcloth fling about the room. Nsia knelt and set about sponging Kim with the water. Kim sighed. “That feels so good. You’re a blessing, Nsia, and a good friend.”

Nsia said, “You cry. Yesterday you cry over a watermelon.”

“I was thinking of my father. We won a prize for our watermelons one year. He died five years ago. I miss him terribly.”

“You get sick every morning. Eat or not, you get sick.”

Kim bolted upright. Her mouth gaped.

Nsia laughed and covered her smile with her fingers, but her luminous eyes were big with mirth. “You should see your face. You will give Pastor Kurt a fine, fat baby.”

“But, I don’t know what to do. There weren’t any babies around when I was growing up.”

Nsia patted her hand. “Do not worry. I care for you and the baby. I am the oldest of six.”

She smiled at Nsia. “You are like a little mother.”

“Thank you.”

“I miss my mother.” Tears burned in Kim’s eyes. She pushed homesickness away and pressed her stomach through the thin cotton material of her dress. “I don’t feel pregnant.”

Nsia rolled her eyes. “That comes later.”

Kim stood and hugged herself. She giggled. “I’m going to be a mommy. Kurt’ll be thrilled.” She twirled around then nausea overwhelmed her. She grabbed a bucket near the bed and groaned.

Nsia laughed. “Maybe you should rest a bit. Will you tell Pastor Kurt tonight?”

“No. I can’t wait that long.”

“Mrs. Macomb! Mrs. Macomb! ” Uzachi’s urgent voice blasted through the open window. His face appeared and he saw her. “Kim!”

Nsia scurried to fling open the front door. Men carried Kurt into the room and Kim ran to him. “Kurt! Take him to the bed. What happened?”

Uzachi’s face twisted. “Heat stroke. He never complained. None of us noticed anything until he collapsed and fell off the roof.”

A short man with a scarred face snatched up a braided palm frond beside the bed and fanned Kurt. “He fell on his head.”

Kim whimpered at Kurt’s still form. Nsia pressed the dripping cloth into her hand. “Wet him.” She moistened Kurt’s head and worked down his flushed frame.

His body was hot and dry. His breathing rasped in and expelled with a ragged sigh as his chest rose and fell unevenly. Her own lungs seemed frozen and she gulped for air. Kim re-moistened the cloth and gripped Kurt’s wrist. His pulse surged against her fingers. She swallowed back the bile that rose in her throat as the stench of hard-working bodies thickened the air in the small room.

More men, speaking in low, worried tones gathered outside the open window. Soon their voices rose in a clamor of supplication to God.

“Bring the pills from the desk drawer, Nsia,” Uzachi ordered. Nsia hurried off and trotted back, her hand extended as if to get help to Pastor Kurt more quickly. He placed two salt tablets under Kurt’s tongue. “Keep doing what you’re doing, Kim. I’ll call for help on the ham radio.”

A short time later he returned. His face was grim. “The helicopter can’t come. It’s on a call up in the mountains. That's the other direction entirely. We’ll have to do the best we can and let God do the rest.”

Fear stole words from her mind; a coherent sentence wouldn’t come together. Kim sank onto the edge of the bed and stared at Kurt’s still, pale form. 

~*~

Blurb for God's Love Most Gentle:

When a pregnant widow returns from the mission field family and friends rally to help, but she harbors a secret that may lead to her spiritual downfall. Kim Macomb returns from Zaire, Africa where the 1995 coup has claimed her missionary husband’s life. 

Grief-stricken and pregnant, Kim is only a shadow of herself. Hoping to promote her daughter’s healing, Carol sends Kim, to the calm, godly man who once rescued her. 

Jack’s Montana ranch seems to have the desired effect, but as his son, Mitch, and bad boy Hank vie for Kim’s affections, an agonizing secret drives her further from God. 

Swept up in Kim’s search for peace and forgiveness, those around her face their own frailties and the sometimes unexpected, yet overwhelming truth – God’s love is most gentle.

~*~
Book Review of God's Love Most Gentle:

“I thoroughly enjoyed God’s Love Most Gentle and highly recommend this read! It captivates from the start and takes the reader through the gamut of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I held my breath anxiously waiting for resolution, and my heart warmed at the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father. Seeing the hand of God move in the lives of the characters as He holds them, protects them and carries them through the joys and trials of life. I felt as if the characters became friends of mine and I often wonder how they are doing now! Lol! I’d love to meet up with all of them in a sequel!!” – Myra's 5-star review on Amazon.com

~*~
Author Bio:

Women’s Fiction author Mary Marie Allen lives in northwest Indiana with her high school sweetheart husband, a feisty 97-year-old mother, and a rambunctious German Wirehair Pointer. 

She’s authored four books of poetry, including one children’s Bible story. 

After five surgeries in two years, she’s happy to continue the story of the characters first seen in “God’s Love Most Gentle”. 

She expects book two to release fall on 2018 as “God’s Love Most Faithful”.

~*~
Connect with Mary:
E-mail - marymarieallen2015@gmail.com
Website - https://www.marymarieallen.com
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/PoetAndWriterMaryAllen/
Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/marymakingmerry/

Cozy Christmas Reads: Bell's story

Character interview with Reba Farwell of One Christmas in Winter:

Alexis: Hi, Reba! Thanks for taking the time to be interviewed by me. My first question is about the author of your story. She’s new to this but do you think that she told your story well?

Reba: As someone who makes a living telling stories in movie form, I’d say she did a pretty good job crafting my journey to Winter and meeting Hoyt!

Alexis: Your story is set in Winter, Montana. What’s it like? Use words to paint a picture of your story’s setting.

Reba: Winter is…odd, but I mean that in the best way. It’s like this perfect little down with quirky people but it’s got heart. So much heart! When I first arrived there I was shocked—I mean, we’d been given photos from the location scout, but Winter was even more amazing in person. Cold, but decked out in Christmas lights. And I do mean decked—every shop on Main Street is overflowing with Christmas cheer. It’s a place you want to go to especially during the holidays.

Alexis: You and your crew spent two weeks in Winter, Montana to make your script, “First Christmas Kiss”, come alive in a movie. What was that experience like? Describe the highs and lows, challenges and rewards.

Reba: First challenge: COLD! I mean freezing! I grew up in Arizona and then moved to L.A. and you just don’t experience that type of biting cold down south. Thankfully, our crew were troopers and we rented a bunch of heaters so no one froze too much. Another challenge was the unpredictable weather. Snowstorms may create the perfect backdrop for a Christmas movie, but they also create a lot of issues…like not being able to drive or even get out of your trailer sometimes. But, with the issues came the rewards, like the stunning mountainous backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the crisp and brilliant snow, and the people. Honestly, the people of Winter really made this movie so much fun to shoot!

Alexis: How hard was it to keep your secret from your cast and film crew? The secret being that you wrote the script for the movie.

Reba: It was very challenging, especially since, as a director, they trust my vision. My crew follows me and my imagination through every shot and not telling them that I’d created the “map” (as it were) was very hard. Not telling my co-director Kori was really tough too, especially when we’d be hashing out how to shoot a specific scene and I’d written it to be one way and he saw it another. It was very personal, but like any creative person, you’ve got to let your work “go” a little to make it become the best it can be.

Alexis: Your lead actor slipped on the ice and got hurt so badly that he could no longer play his role in your movie. What were your first thoughts when that happened?

Reba: First off, I was beyond shocked. Then, I became a little (or maybe a lot) annoyed. I feel like it’s a bit of a no-brainer that you just don’t do stupid things when you’re in a main role like Peter was. It was also a bit frightening seeing as how, without a hero for the story, I wouldn’t be able to complete the on-location shooting.

Alexis: Hoyt Bradley is a hottie! True or false? Lol. Why did you ask him to replace your lead male actor in your movie, “First Christmas Kiss”?

Reba: *Blushes* TRUE! But, aside from that, I wasn’t really given a choice. My boss Clyde pretty much gave me an ultimatum to hire him or else. But…on the other side of things, I’d worked with Hoyt enough (him as the stand in up until that point) to know that he is a really great actor with a lot of natural talent. It helped that he’d done film work in the past too. And with that smolder…well, let’s just say it makes the movie that much better.

Alexis: Hoyt did his best to steer clear of you and your film crew. How did you convince him to star in your movie?

Reba: It was tough—and I’ll admit to sinking lower than I would have liked to in order to convince him. I knew from the get-go that he is a really kind and compassionate man. I knew that if I mentioned how many jobs were on the line if I couldn’t replace Peter, he would step in. But I also had a feeling he wanted the role—even if it was just a small part of him.

Alexis: Have you tried Hoyt’s famous lemon meringue pie or lemonade that he makes for his customers who eat at Bentley’s Diner, which was owned by his late father? If so, describe the taste.

Reba: Funny you should ask! I just convinced him to make me a lemon meringue pie. I brought his mother Cora in on it and she got the Meyer lemons he needed to make it. And the taste? Unbelievable. First off, his crust (a recipe he says his dad told him in confidence) is flakey and amazing. Then there’s the smooth and very tart filling topped off with a thick, fluffy meringue that’s lightly browned on top. He serves his with a dusting of powdered sugar on the plate and a few flakes of lemon zest on the top. I’m now requiring him to make that for me at least once a month.

Alexis: It’s been said that, “Winter (Montana) has a way of bringing people together”. Was that saying true for you? Explain.

Reba: Absolutely! Not only did it bring Hoyt and I together, but it’s also brought me into the most amazing family. Hoyt’s family—the Bradley’s—are the most loving and compassionate people! Since my mom suffers from dementia and doesn’t really remember me, it’s like I gained a whole new family. Plus, the town of Winter has practically adopted me in the short weeks I’ve been there. I may not be a native, but they treat me like one!

Alexis: Winter weather is cold but what is it about Hoyt that makes your heart warm?

Reba: I’ve talked about his good looks and that ridiculous smolder, half-smile thing he does *sigh*…but Hoyt is so much more than what you see on the outside. He loves his family so much and would sacrifice anything for them. Plus, he truly cares about people. He’s not perfect (and neither am I) but I think he’s perfect for me—and that makes my heart very warm indeed.

Alexis: Now that the production of your movie is complete, how’s it doing in the box office?

Reba: It’s doing so well! I’m unbelievably proud—and not because I wrote it, but because of the amazing crew I worked with. I couldn’t have done it without them!

Alexis: How’s your relationship with Hoyt post-production of your movie? Are you still together? What do you want to happen for your relationship with him in the next five years?

Reba: We are very much together and I couldn’t be happier. I just moved to Winter and found a super cute cottage to stay in and Hoyt’s still in his apartment with his brother Beau, though I’ve heard rumors Beau has plans to move out soon! We’ll both be communing back and forth to Los Angeles and wherever we’ll be filming next. I’ve got a few scripts in process and Hoyt’s already been cast in another holiday movie! I’ve loved this transition to Winter and hope that, in the next five years, I’ll be transitioning my last name, if you know what I mean.

Alexis: Thanks for the interview, Reba. Merry Christmas and God bless you!

Reba: Thanks so much Alexis! Merry Christmas to you as well!

~*~
Author bio:

Annabell “Bell” Renshaw has always loved books and the power of a good story. 

She turned those passions toward writing at an early age, finding solace and adventure in made-up worlds when her mother would read to her as a kid. 

She’s grown up now, but still finds herself lost in those worlds. 

She believes in the power of a happy ending and the fact that–no matter what–love will always find a home.

~*~
Blurb for Bell's book: 

Reba Farwell is finally getting a chance to live out her dreams. Sent to Winter, Montana to direct filming for a crucial, on-location shoot, she knows the next two weeks will make or break her career. And she could definitely use a break. As if that isn’t enough, she’s got a secret that none of her crew knows. All she’s asking for is two weeks of small town, Christmas beauty and a little bit of on-camera sizzle.

Five years ago, Hoyt Bradley’s heart and future shattered in one fell swoop that landed him back in Winter. Thankfully, making lemonade—or his father’s famous lemon meringue pie— out of lemons is what he does best. Running Bentley’s Diner has filled the gaps left in the wake of his heartbreak, even if it hasn’t healed him completely. Not wanting to relive memories of his rocky start in the film industry, Hoyt does his best to steer clear of the dreaded film crew, but Winter has a way of bringing people together.

After one fateful delivery and a score of icy bad luck, Reba finds herself in a bind and at the mercy of what Winter can offer. Will she pull the film together in time to salvage her name as a director? Or will the sparks flying off-camera create more of a distraction than she knows how to handle?

Come visit Winter, Montana in this Christmas Novella where the Christmas lights are always on and the snow falls most frequently when loved ones share a kiss.

~*~
Buy Bell's book on Amazon

~*~
Connect with Bell:
Website - www.bellrenshaw.jimdo.com
Instagram - www.instagram.com/bellreadsbooks
Twitter - www.twitter.com/authorbellren
Facebook - www.facebook.com/bellrenshaw
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com/bellrenshaw 

~*~

Enter this book giveaway contest for your chance to WIN a copy of this book by filling out the entry form on the Rafflecopter widget below: 

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A devotional about Grace—God’s Beautification Award

Today, I'd like to introduce you to Catherine Castle.

She's a talented writer and photographer plus she's an award-winning author!

Catherine contributed her time and writing talent to pen a devotional for my blog that I believe will encourage you in your life journey.

Enjoy! :)

~*~
Grace— God’s Beautification Award
A devotional written by Catherine Castle

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."—Ephesians 2:8

A few years back I received a beautification award from the local garden club. I came home from a three-week trip to find a note stuck in the door telling me I had been nominated for a “Best Hillside Garden” award. When I called the number on the note, I was told I had won the award!

While I was gone, one of the club members had driven around town looking for gardens, and she spotted my front yard which was, at the time, blooming with daisies and daylilies. The garden committee member who spoke with me went on about the ribbons of flowers that run through the back garden. She commented on colorful flowers that curve gracefully around the front of the house. She recognized the time I spent watering, weeding, and tending to the garden. She saw purple ninebarks nestled against chartreuse and lime green golden privets and forest green mugo pines. She described the front gardens as stunning and the back garden as awesome.

Naturally, I was ecstatic. I’d never won a garden award before. So, I went out to view my garden. What I saw was three dead evergreens at the top of the hill; the bare branches of a dead forsythia sticking up in brown mulch; hundreds of flowers that need deadheading; the slender, dead trunk of a dogwood shooting up from the center of bushy dogwood suckers; a graying pile of pallet flats at the top of the gully; a three foot sticker weed waving at me from Mom’s daylily bed; and the fungal diseases that claimed the lower leaves—and in some cases, the entire plant—of the brown eyed-Susans.

I was amazed the other gardeners overlooked the flaws, weeds, and work that needed to be done. Instead, all those who judged my garden saw beauty wherever they looked. They looked at my garden through different eyes. Eyes that didn’t see what I saw.

I was gone a lot from the garden that year. Between trips I had just enough time to pull a few weeds from the paths. It was a rainy season, so God watered for me. Thankfully, God is gracious, because without his grace in my garden that year I wouldn’t be the owner of a beautification award.

He is also gracious about my life. When he looks at me, one of his children, he doesn’t see the flaws of sin in my life. Because I am covered by his grace, though in faith and by the blood of Christ, God only sees the beautiful things in me, not the weeds.

I’m proud of my Shaker Farm beautification award, and I went around for weeks with a big smile on my face, saying, “I’m an award-winning gardener.” If a plaque with my name and a tiny trowel attached to it gives me that much pleasure, imagine how happy I’ll be when God’s Beautification Award of Grace grants me a spot in heaven and a golden crown.

I’ll take that award any day.

~*~

Author bio:

Award-winning author Catherine Castle has been writing all her life. Before beginning her career as a romance writer she worked part-time as a freelance writer. She has over 600 articles and photographs to her credit under her real name in the Christian and secular market. 

Besides writing, Catherine loves traveling with her husband, singing, and attending theatre. In the winter she loves to quilt and has a lot of UFOs (unfinished objects) in her sewing case. 

In the summer her favorite place to be is in her garden. She’s passionate about gardening and even won a “Best Hillside Garden” award from the local gardening club.

Catherine's debut inspiration romantic suspense, The Nun and the Narc, from Soul Mate Publishing is an ACFW Genesis Finalist, a 2014 Beverly Hills Book Award Winner, a 2014 EPIC finalist, a 2014 RONE nominee and a Carolyn Readers Choice Award finalist.

~*~
Connect with Catherine:
Amazon author page - http://www.amazon.com/author/catherinecastle
Blog - http://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com/blog/
Facebook - http://facebook.com/catherinecastleauthor

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7085414.Catherine_Castle
Stitches Thru Time- http://stitchesthrutime.blogspot.com/

Soul Mate Publishing authors blog site- http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AuthorCCastle 

Website - http://catherinecastle1.wordpress.com

Introducing Mary Manners, award-winning romance author and devotional writer

Meet Mary Manners:

Mary is an award-winning romance author who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee (her words exactly)! She's a very sweet person who holds down a day job as an assistant principal yet still manages to create beautiful story worlds filled with fictional characters who captivate your heart and inspire your imagination within the first few pages of Mary's books! 

She's one of my favorite authors and I'm blessed to call Mary a friend. Now you're going to love this, Mary is going to contribute a devotional to my blog on the last Monday of every month starting July 2015! 

So today, my goal is to introduce you to this talented writer through an author interview with questions and answers that were previously published on other blogs (Mary gave me permission to do this) with the hope of helping you get to know Mary who is now a regular guest on my blog.

So without further ado, allow me to introduce Mary Manners to you! :)

~*~

*Questions in bold, answers from Mary not in bold...

What made you decide to start writing?

I cannot remember a time when I didn’t write. In fact, my earliest memory consists of me sitting on the floor beside the washing machine in my family’s laundry room and scribbling (I didn’t yet know how to read or form words, but I could certainly scratch across the paper) because I had a story in my head that just had to come out and be shared.

Since that day, I have never stopped writing. To me, writing is as essential to life as breathing. I am convinced that, prior to the use of my trusty laptop, I killed a forest of trees on my quest to record all of the stories woven through my brain and my heart.

I wrote my first full-length novel in the sixth grade. Thanks to my supportive parents and a few wonderful teachers who encouraged me along the way, my fledgling confidence flourished and I figured I’d be published by the time I turned thirteen (after all, S.E. Hinton had managed a similar feat with her acclaimed and edgy young adult novel, The Outsiders). God had other plans, though, and many years (and countless edits) would pass before that first novel finally became published as Wisdom Tree.

Why do you write inspirational romance?

I feel very strongly about sharing messages of faith and hope with my reader-friends. To me, writing is a ministry. 

What elements do you consider most important in a contemporary Christian romance? 

First of all, that the characters are relatable and by no means perfect. Toss in a bit of trust, honor, loyalty, faith and a sweetness that is woven throughout. Of course, sensuality is important, as well. Our society seems to have forgotten the tenderness in holding hands coupled with a gentle kiss or stroke of the cheek. And, of course, a happy ending is always in order. 

You're prolific and have written so many wonderful books and novellas! Do you have a personal favorite (including series books)? If so, do you mind sharing the title and telling us why it's so special to you?

Though my favorite story is usually the one I am currently working on (I tend to fall in love with my characters and have a hard time saying goodbye), Wisdom Tree is the book of my heart. I actually wrote it when I was in the sixth grade (of course, over the years it went through copious edits) and it is emotion-filled straight from my heart. The characters have lived with me for so long that I feel as if they are family. I would love to do a sequel one day. 

What advice would you give to aspiring authors? 

Write, write, and write! Get involved with a critique group and online or in-town writer’s workshops. Build a network of support where you can learn and thrive. Most of all…believe in yourself! 

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not writing? 

Of course, I love to read, so I do a lot of that. I spend time with my family hiking and watching movies. I also love to run, and have finished three marathons. 

Can you tell us three things about you that readers might find interesting/

surprising/fun? 

First, I love coffee. My favorite writing days begin at about 4:00 a.m. with a cup of black coffee and a veil of pre-sunrise darkness. It’s cool to me to write while the world is still nestled soundly in bed. Second, I spent many years running marathons. This training has helped me tremendously to stay true to my path as a writer, especially when the going gets tough. Third, I write while I push mow the lawn. Yep, that’s right…I live on three acres and I push mow the entire thing. My neighbors used to try to help until I told them to let me be because I was crafting stories. Now they stop by when they see me plodding along to ask what I’m writing. 

~*~
Author bio:  Mary Manners is an award-winning romance writer who lives in the beautiful foothills of East Tennessee with her husband Tim and the cherished cats they've rescued from local animal shelters...Lucky and Gus. She loves swimming, running, flavored coffee and Smoky Mountain sunsets.

Mary was named Author of the Year by Book and Trailer Showcase. She writes inspirational romances of all lengths, from short stories to novels—something for everyone.
~*~
Buy Mary’s books: Amazon.com - http://amzn.to/1ID4DmT
~*~
Connect with Mary:
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mary-Manners-author/303173983043284
Twitter- https://twitter.com/marymanners1
Website - http://www.MaryMannersRomance.com

True Love Stories: I Did Not Know Real Love Until I Knew God

"In my heart, I would talk to the Lord. I would read my Bible. I would meditate. I devoted my evenings to spending quality time with Him, and the more time I spent with God, the more I craved His presence. I communicated with Him and He communicated with me. I felt loved. I felt desired. I felt secure."

 ~Positivity Inspires

The true love story featured today is about how a currently single woman who is known by her writer name, "Positivity Inspires" found her calling, purpose, passion and identity in building a solid foundation of a relationship with her Creator God.

Broken by the lessons of life in the "real world," she turned to Jesus Christ and He saved her from becoming trapped inside the fortress of an emotional wall she built in order to safeguard her heart and prevent people from causing her pain. 

Only as she took time each and every day to seek the Lord and walk in His purpose and plan for her life did she begin to trust again. Only after she became complete in Christ was she able to open her heart to love again.

There's a quote that says, "Why wish upon a star when you can pray to the One who created it?" Positivity Inspires prayed to the Maker of the stars and He healed her heart. 

I hope her story inspires and encourages you as much as it encouraged me to seek safety in the care of the One who created the stars and my heart. 

~*~
I Did Not Know Real Love Until I Knew God
Written by Positivity Inspires

I was a sheltered child who was raised in the church. Ever since I could remember, my parents taught me about Jesus and how much He loves me. They instilled in me the importance of maintaining a relationship with Him. Being the obedient daughter that I was, I attended church faithfully and did everything I felt I was supposed to do – pray every morning and night, study my Bible faithfully, sing in the choir, pay attention in Sunday school, etcetera. I grew up knowing of God, but I oftentimes questioned if I truly knew who God was.

Time passed and I found myself in the working world exposed to various people. I was away from my family, but I made friends. I dated, and needless to say, after discovering what the real world truly entailed, I was terribly disappointed. I learned some lessons – lessons about people in general, lessons about men, lessons about relationships, lessons about life.

Brokenhearted and dispirited, I built my own emotional wall. I was determined that I would allow no one, other than my immediate family and of course, the Lord, to gain access to my heart. I was terrified to open my heart to others, and I was in desperate need of God to reassemble all of my broken pieces and repair me. I needed emotional healing, and the Lord knew this.

I was not aware of what was occurring on the inside of me at the time, but I noticed that I began making it a practice to come home every day after work, sit in my favorite chair, and ensure my television and electronic devices were off. In my heart, I would talk to the Lord. I would read my Bible. I would meditate. I devoted my evenings to spending quality time with Him, and the more time I spent with God, the more I craved His presence. I communicated with Him and He communicated with me. I felt loved. I felt desired. I felt secure. I was blessed to have a special kind of companionship that words cannot describe. I was getting to really know Christ. I was falling in love, and all of those tiny fragments that were scattered about were coming together. The Lord was repairing my heart. Actually, He was forming a new heart. In this timeframe, He gave me a crash course in “what love is” and “what love is not”. Infatuation is not love. All of those times I thought I was being loved, I discovered that I was not. All of those times that I thought I was in love, I discovered I was not. I did not know real love until I truly knew God.

Also, during this time, the Lord taught me the importance of patience – patience to wait on my God-appointed husband. Do I want to get married one day? Yes. Would I like to have children one day? Absolutely! I look forward to that special appointed time when I will meet my spouse. However, for now, I am enjoying my relationship with Christ. Every day our bond becomes stronger and stronger. He gives me everything I need and more. His love is the ultimate love, and no one can surpass that. 

~*~
Author bio: Better known by her pen name, Positivity Inspires (trademarked) is a writer, speaker, and servant of the Lord. She was introduced to Christ at a very early age and was raised in the church. Her ministry focuses on encouraging Christians to continually strengthen their bond with Christ, study His Word, and live it daily.

Although Positivity Inspires writes in more than one genre, she is best known for her Christian/Inspirational works. Some of her blogs can be found on her website and on the “The Christian Post”, a major Christian newspaper based in Washington D.C. She is currently writing her first book “Adversities and Adversaries: You Can Overcome," which is tentatively scheduled to be released in 2015. At the suggestion of a radio host, she also plans to produce an Internet-based radio broadcast in the year 2015 or 2016 in an effort to reach an even wider audience.

Positivity Inspires has spoken at several churches and has been recently interviewed by the hosts of the “Morning Show” on Missions Radio. 

As a successful career woman who has earned a doctorate in her field, she also greatly understands the importance of placing God first and cherishes her relationship with Him. She is one who is passionate about her ministry and possesses a strong love for Christ and for others.

~*~

Connect with Positivity Inspires:

Blog: http://positivityinspires.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PositivityInspiresPage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PInspires

Instagram: https://instagram.com/positivity_inspires/

True Love Stories: A Better Love Story

Is it possible to be single in this modern world and content? 

My guest today says "yes" to that question! Welcome Emilie Anne Hendryx, a professional photographer who captures true love stories of real-life people with her Nikon DSLR camera, a writer who's working on her first romantic suspense series and a musician with a heart for the Lord. 

Today, she has a special message for all the single ladies (and men) who are searching for true love or not content because they have not met "The One" person who makes their heart skip a beat, the one person they cannot imagine life without, the one person they want to marry and be with forever. 

I hope you are reminded as you read Emilie's story, that before meeting "The One," you need to be content in all God has given you. Pursing romantic love is a natural and needed aspect of the human experience. But falling in love with Jesus Christ and being secure in your relationship with Him as your Lord, Savior, Redeemer and Truest Friend is key to establishing a romantic relationship with "The One" on a steady and firm foundation that can only be found in Christ.

But don't just take my word for it, read Emilie's story and enjoy her refreshing view on singleness, waiting on the Lord and finding true love.  

~*~
A Better Love Story 

Emilie Anne Hendryx's true love story

How do you write a love story without an ending?

I guess that’s assuming a love story must have an ending. As a writer of romantic suspense, I think of love stories that way. Sure, my characters may be running for their lives but there’s still the beginning of romance, the admission of true love, and an ending that leaves no doubt the couple will be living happily ever after in some way or another.

I can’t say my personal story is as neat and tidy as that, but I can testify to the fact that God has created a beautiful romance in my life and in my heart.

I was four years old when I accepted Jesus into my heart, as the saying goes. Growing up in a Christian home created a lot of opportunity for my faith to develop and be fleshed out, though I still saw lots of insecurity in my appearance and a desire to “hide” from the perceived judgments of others.

Entering into Jr. College, the pull from the Lord became stronger. Like the point in a story where the heroine must risk embarrassment by admitting her feelings for the hero. 

Thankfully, there is no embarrassment when admitting you desire to go deeper with the Lord. There is only grace and truth. 

I remember those years very vividly. I made a renewed commitment to know God. It wasn’t about the faith of my parents or even the faith of my friends, but my faith and desire to obey and follow Jesus—no matter what.

Fast forward to today. I sometimes feel like Rapunzel in the tower, waiting for her Flynn Rider to flash the “smolder” look my way. 

(Flynn Rider and his "smolder" look)

He hasn’t found me yet, but I feel no less loved because of it. Part of that contentment comes from understanding that knowing God is enough. More than enough, actually. 

But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. - 1 Timothy 6:6

I want my life to be focused on practicing godliness and actively loving God, not on what I don’t have (insert what’s true for you: a husband, a child, a better job, a house). When my eyes are focused on Him, I find the ability to love others. My trials fade in the face of His love, developing into something even more beautiful than what I could create on my own. And the cycle continues daily through His renewed strength.

That, to me, is more beautiful than any happy ending.

~*~

Author bio: 

Emilie lives in Washington, D.C. and fills her time with creative pursuits. She writes, takes pictures, reads, plays guitar, and drinks too much coffee. She’s a member of ACFW and My Book Therapy. 

Emilie is currently working on a romantic suspense series while dreaming up a YA dystopian world on the side. She’s got a soft spot in her heart for animals and a love for the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. 

Connect with Emilie on her blog, Facebook author page, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.