Shame on Me

This is a confession post. I said I was going to finish my NaNo book by December 31st, but, quite honestly, I think I was setting somewhat unrealistic goals. Sure I could have written much more than I have these last couple of days, but unfortunately I didn't.

So, new plan. I will definitely hold to this one and keep you updated so I can be held accountable. :-) I'll be finished with it by the end of January. I have looked at the calendar and we don't seem to be too busy (hah, famous last words) so I plan to get a lot more writing in. Not to mention that I'll kind of have to if I'm going to get my 2nd children's book done by April!

Prayers, please, that God gives me inspiration with my stories! Thank you everyone!

Now, off to write!

Getting the Perfect Gift

It is sometimes hard to find a gift that is just 'perfect' for your writer. So, here are just a few ideas.

(Post by me, over at Word Painters!)

Gifts for the Writer

November is Finished, but the Writing is Not!

Hello fellow Writers!

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm slightly relieved November is over. It was a grueling month of sitting at a computer for so many hours a week. Not really fun (for me, anyway!). I enjoy writing, but I just don't care for the process- the sitting, the thinking, the brain blocks, etc.

However, I am very excited to say that I am a NaNoWriMo Winner!

I seriously could not have done it without my family. They are really great. My mom made sure I had plenty of time to write during the day so I was staying up super late at night (which basically means that she either took over some of my chores, or helped out to make it go faster). Then my siblings were great, too, in that aspect of taking over chores or just being an encourager to me. My younger brother often came to see how my word count was doing, give me a high five, give me chocolate, etc. Yeah, he's great. :-)
  My dad helped me keep on track with his words of wisdom: "It's not how many words you write, but what you write that counts." It helped me realize that even if I didn't win NaNo this year, so long as I was satisfied with my writing and felt that I did my best, then that's all that mattered.

One of the biggest challenges for me (and hopefully others, so I'm not alone here!) was making sure I didn't write tons of words, but a story. See, it's easy to get caught up in just writing whatever so that you get as many words in as possible. It really doesn't matter. Honestly, if you're a good writer, you can tell a story in 20, 000 words as opposed to 50, 000 and still do a good job. It's easy to write up a LONG description of a flower on the hillside of some obscure mountain when it really has nothing to do with your story. Its easy to keep repeating the same thing over and over, just in a different way, so you can get your word count up. Yet the hidden point to NaNo, I think, isn't really about hitting that 50, 000 word mark, but it's about making yourself write to reach a goal. However, it is a public goal, therefore you have accountability. If you don't reach that 50, 000 words or don't even write much at all, folks are going to see it. I don't know about you, but that tends to really kick it for me. I don't like failing. I really don't- especially when it comes to writing. I want to be able to accomplish what I've set out to do. Yet there were several times last month that I thought for sure I wouldn't make the goal. Determination set in, however (or perhaps it's just pure stubborness), and, Praise the Lord, I was able to make it.

Now that the month of November is over, I start thinking that I can take it easy... but the reality is, I can't. Not if I want to succeed with my writing, if I want to get my book published.
I'd love to take a break, and yesterday and today I have. However, I am now making a public goal. To finish the novel I started in November by December 31st. Sounds like a tough goal at first, but hey, I just wrote over 50,000 words in one month! I'm already a little more than halfway through my story (the actual story, not word count).
So here is my public announcement that I am setting out to do this. This means that I need you, my fellow writers, to hold me accountable. Sure, I don't have a fancy word counter so that you can see where I'm at, but I do have this blog. I can come and post every so often (can't promise a certain schedule) so that I can be held accountable. If I know I have to come here every week or so to post about how I'm doing, I'm going to be getting in a lot of writing.

However, there is a second goal here... and that is to post more regularly on here. I'm not exactly sure what I'll post about, but I've got a few ideas churning around in my head. So we shall see what we shall see. In any case, I'm glad to be able to pop my head up for a bit of 'blogging air', and now I get to burrow it again in the 'writing sand'... only, now I'll hopefully have more "air" breaks. ;-)

Happy Writing!

NaNoWriMo Begins!

It's amazing how a few words can make a person ecstatic. I am completely stoked about the month of November. Of course, there are a bunch of things going on (including seeing some dear friends who live in another state!), but the main thing is NaNo. I've never done this, as I mentioned before, so perhaps that's why I'm so excited- I don't know yet how hard it will be! ;-)

50,000 words is a lot. Especially when you average it out 1,667 words a day (or something close to that!) What will be interesting to see is how much I'll actually get done in a day. Can I actually write that many words in ONE day?? Or do I usually write more on a regular basis? It will also be interesting to see if I can keep my procrastinating nature in check. I will be extremely busy this month (aside from NaNo), so that means I'll have to work extra hard and keep focused. However, I know that no matter how it goes-whether I fail or win- so long as I keep my writing glorifying to God and never give up, then I have already won. It doesn't matter what the word count is, or if I actually finish the novel. It just matters that I keep my mind and heart focused on Christ, no matter what.

Now, to my fellow NaNoWriMo-ers, lets get to it and keep at it! :-) To those who maybe want to join and haven't yet- it still isn't too late! It's just the first day, so you have time! Jump on in and give it a go! The cool thing, too, is that if you are under the age of 16, there is a youth division where you get to set your own goals. Sounds really neat! And you'll get to meet a bunch of other writers, too!

Well, off to write! Be sure to check for updates and possibly a few snippets from the book I'll be writing!

Happy NaNoWriMo-ing!

NaNoWriMo

Hello fellow writers!

I'm very excited to announce that I will be joining up in the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). The goal is to write 50,000 (yes, that is fifty thousand... I didn't accidentally add another zero) words in one month. That averages out to about 1600 words a day. That's a lot of writing! I think it will be a super neat challenge, though. Obviously, if you don't complete, it isn't the end of the world. However, there is something about working hard and winning. Don't know if that will happen with me, but I'm going to certainly try! If I do get it (or even if I don't) y'all can plan on seeing a new book being released... *wiggles eyebrows*. I won't tell ya anything about it now, but suffice it to say that it isn't in the children's genre. :-)

If you'd like to join up, that would be fantastic!! Visit the link for the NaNoWriMo official site, and sign up! It's easy, free, and you get to have writing buddies! Can it get any better? Oh yes, add to the list that you actually have a super good excuse to skip school and write... just joking. I don't think that would go over well with parents or teachers. ;-) However, it might be a really good way to motivate you to write more. Get some buddies who can encourage you, write along with you, etc.

Happy writing!

Wisdom from a Friend

I recently asked a friend of mine if she would be willing to be my 'writing mentor'. Someone who could encourage me to write, critique my writing, and basically be a mentor. The friend I asked does freelance writing, has published several articles in various newspapers, online sites, and on her own personal blog. She is a very good friend of mine, but she is also one of the women I look up to as an example.

Yesterday, she shared a gem of wisdom with me, and I thought I would pop in and repeat it on here (because I thought it was just too good to not share!). These were her words, more or less, that she spoke to me.

"This actually came to me when I was washing dishes this morning. If writing is what the Lord has called you to do, so it is therefore your calling, then to not write or not write what He has specifically told you is, essentially, going against the Will of God. You are disobeying Him."

Wow. Believe it or not, I hadn't exactly thought of it in that way. I've thought about my writing as a ministry, but never as a 'calling', per se. When I procrastinate, or don't get some writing done when I need to, I'm disobeying the will of God. Kind of a scary thought.

Thank you, friend, for sharing that with me!! I definitely needed to hear it. :-)

Writing Challenge Update

Hello fellow writers!

I'm popping in to see how everyone is doing with their writing challenge... I'm afraid that I must admit I've lagged behind... in fact, I haven't even started yet. This week has been, shall we say, a tad bit busy. After a fun weekend of working cows (and lying in the mud from a week of rain- which was wonderful, so I'm not complaining), I'm afraid I didn't have much time for writing. However, my goal is to work on it tomorrow.

I've got a lot on my plate, but, as a writer, I'm learning how to manage my time to fit in writing. It seems to me that one will 'never have time' unless they 'make time' for things like this. We have to remember, as aspiring authors (or perhaps already published authors!) that writing isn't just a 'pastime' or 'pleasure'. Well, it is that, in a sense, but it is also a job. When one works, one has to get up in the morning, spend 8 hours a day at the office, and come home. Every. Single. Day. (not including weekends). So, why do I see so many aspiring authors treating their writing like a hobby? If you're going to make this become something, then you have to make it become something. That means that we can't say, while washing dishes or cleaning house, "Oh, I don't have time for this." Nay. We must make the time. Figure out a schedule for yourself. Set aside 30 minutes, or several hours if you so choose, to write. Like the writing challenge, it doesn't have to be just in your growing novel. It could be a letter or a journal entry. It doesn't matter. We simply need to learn to make writing a priority if we want to go anywhere with it. It's as simple as that.

And, with that being all said, then I shall humbly say that I must listen to my own words. Tomorrow I shall begin with my writing challenge. I might be behind from most of you, but that doesn't mean I've missed anything or ruined my writing career.

Even though I'm behind, I'd dearly love to hear how everyone else is doing! Please drop a comment and let me know.

The Days I Feel Like a Failure

Have you ever had a day or two where you really just feel like.... a failure? It's a big word to swallow, and not one that is very fun to say or use. However, it's one I tend to use on myself a lot- especially when it comes to writing.

I know that I'm not a perfect person (nor will I ever be), but there are days when I think I *should* be perfect, and I'm simply not trying *hard enough*.  I wake up in the morning with grand plans of things to do (writing is usually included in them), but by mid afternoon I realize that I've only gotten half the things done on my list, and writing isn't one of them. A good writer is someone who makes themselves write every day, even if just a few words, or simply typing up a long email to an old friend. So, if I didn't do either of those things, then what does that make me? A bad writer?

My answer would be yes. The *real* answer, though, would be 'no'.

I've found, in my years of writing, that writing is really a habit. That's all. Sure, it's a great one to have if you use your writing to Glorify the Lord, but it's a habit nonetheless. It's something that becomes part of you like chewing on your nails when distracted, or twirling the end of your hair while doing homework. It isn't something you think about, really, but simply do.

How do we make habits? It is something that is done with hard work and perseverance. It takes time, and it takes focus. Consider an exercise routine. If you can pass the 3 day mark, it suddenly seems easier to get up in the morning and hit the floor. It isn't as difficult to remember to do it. It isn't as hard to make yourself do it. It suddenly becomes part of the routine, a habit.

I believe it is the same way with writing. It takes hard work, perseverance, and some effort on your part, but in the end, the results will be satisfying. So, here is something I'd like to propose: A Writing Challenge. The good news is that it only last two weeks. The bad news is that it will be hard work, but you'll have to stick to it.

I'll admit that I came up with this myself, and, although I've never proven it to work or not, I have had enough experience with forming habits (good and bad) to know that this sort of method is usually works out. The other good news is that I'll be doing it with you, and posting about it as often as I can remember. :-) The bad news to that is that I often forget to come and blog (as evidenced by my lack of posting here recently). However, I'll do my best.

Now, for the challenge. Like I said, it only lasts two weeks. Remember that, just like exercising or dieting, it's ok to have a 'fudge day' thrown in there. That doesn't mean you've failed. It simply means that you needed a break from it. We all need breaks in anything we do, so don't beat yourself up over it.  I did provide break days after every 3 days, but if your own day gets to be too busy, it's ok. Just try not to make a habit out of 'fudging'... haha, get it? A habit... oh never mind. Anyway, moving on. The goal here is to simply accomplish writing something, anything, every day (except break days). It is simply training oneself to form the habit of writing on a regular basis.  Ok, so here it is: (when I say 'book only' this would be in your manuscript for whatever book you might be working on currently)

Writing Challenge 101:

~Write 200 words (email, letter, journal entry, book, etc)

~Write 300 words (book only)

~Write 400 words (email, letter, journal entry, book, etc)

~Break

~Write 500 words (book only)

~Write 600 words (email, letter, journal entry, book, etc)

~Write 700 words (book only)

Week Two:

~Write 800 words (can be divided between different writing entries-book, journal, etc)

~Write 900 words (book only)

~Write 1000 words (big one, so again divide if need be)

~Break

~Write 1100 words (book only)

~Write 1200 words (book only)

~Write 1300 words (book only)

See? Not too difficult, right? Well, I guess we'll see about that. The nice thing is that if you get a little bit behind, no big deal. If you start late, no big deal, just jump on in! If you get ahead, that's great! All we're working on is simply training the brain to fire those writing neurons. Exercising our writing muscles. So, who'll join me in this challenge? Let us work towards forming this new habit, and not considering ourselves as failures simply because we didn't finish writing that chapter like we wanted to. 

Writing On! 

A Few Writing "Tips"... or Something Like That...

Yes, and no... it's sometimes rather exciting, too!! =D 

*Ahem* Um, yes... I believe we can all raise our hands at this point. :-) 

Very true, I've heard... I've never experienced the reader crying over my books before, but I have made myself cry (and, no, it wasn't over one of my children's books... :-) 

Doesn't seem quite so bad when you put it that way, does it??

These were just a few things off of my Pinterest Account. Thought I'd share them on my 'writing blog' as they were 'author appropriate'. :-) I've been considering sharing bits of some of my books on here as well, but I haven't come to conclusion yet. Would any one be interested in that sort of thing?

Exciting Plans on the Horizon!

I am rather excited to announce that I have some exciting plans for the near future! (Oh yes, that made a LOT of sense, didn't it?). Well, it's all true, no matter how much sense it makes. I've been concocting some wonderful plans in this little head of mine and I'm extremely excited to share them with you all.... next month!!!!

Yes, next month, because that's how long it will take me to put it all together. I can't even give a specific date because I just don't know when it will happen exactly- but it will happen (Lord Willing!!).

Other news on the home-front is that I plan to start posting some book reviews on here very soon. A friend suggested it and it was pretty much a 'duh moment' for me (oh, of course! I'm an author, I have an author blog... why didn't I think of doing that before??). Well, in any case, I decided I should definitely add that to my list of things I'd like to post on here. Hopefully I'll become a more regular writer on this blog to keep it up to date!

So, until next time.... Cheerio!!! (as in the 'goodbye' term, not the cereal term....) =D

Final Date for Book Orders!

I realized when I posted about placing a book order that I never did place a 'end date'.... My mistake, so I figured I'd better hop in here and fix it. :-)

I will be placing the order by Monday evening. So, if you would still like to buy a copy (or more) please let me know. Also let me know if you would like it signed and who it should be signed to.

You can find all the details on this previous page.

Thank you!! :-)

Updates and Prayer Requests

I've decided it would be a good idea to pop over here and do a quick update post, as well as post some prayer requests. I'm a very strong believer in prayer, and I think that sometimes it's difficult to ask for prayer because it's like asking for help- something we particularly fond of doing (me included). Updates first, however. :-) 

1. Sales on Amazon have been wonderful. I've reached a total of 8 sales since the end of April and this month so far. Praising the Lord for that! Please continue to pass the word around. 

2.  Equipment for my recording has come in. I'm extremely excited to begin working on my Audio Dramatization of my children's stories. (prayer request for this below)

3.  It's been great to see some reviews up on Amazon about my book... If you have a review, please post it there, or email it to me and I shall put it on my blog. I'd greatly appreciate it. 

Prayer Requests:

1.  Prayers that the Lord will continue to use my book for His glory. Whether it be by selling more copies, or simply having me obey His command of publishing it and giving it all to Him.

2.  I would ask for prayers for this upcoming project. It's going to be a long haul to get it all done, but I'm also extremely excited. Having done audio dramas before with some friends, I sort of have the hang of it. However, it will still be a HUGE learning process. I'm sure there will be tons of ups and downs. Please pray that I get it done quickly. I definitely want to have it done by the end of this year. I still have to write up the scripts (which should be too hard, seeing as the stories are already finished). I'm thinking of possibly adding more stories so that the CD length will be longer and more worthwhile. I'm also needing volunteers to help out with the voices. Prayers that God will send those that I need.

3.  I would also ask for prayer on whether or not I should continue with my second book. I did have major plans to keep writing more in the series, but I'm feeling a 'halt'... From God? I don't know yet. Satan can do all sorts of things to get us off track, and if he is simply trying to prevent me from writing, then I need to continue on. However, if it is of the Lord, then I want to listen. Prayers, please, that God will make HIS will clear to me. 

Thank you so much for your continued support!!! You have no idea how much it means to me. 

God bless!!

Putting in a Book Order!

Hello everyone! I hope you have had a wonderful week so far. :-) Mine has been filled with painting walls (which I hope to post about because it also has something to do with my book writing), scheming for my next book, and working on scripts for my audio dramatization of my stories. Life is good! :-)

I have decided to go ahead and place another book order, but would love to order some books for you as well! So, if you (or someone else you know!) is interested in purchasing their own copy of "On Grandpa's Knee", please let me know!

I'm still offering the special discount of $10.00 plus free shipping on your first book! If you order more than one, I just ask that you tack on $1.00 per every book after that to help with the shipping costs. If you are interested, you can Email Me to let me know how many books you would like to order.

Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing from you!

*End date for ordering is this coming Monday Evening (27th of May). Please let me know by then....

Success at the CAPE Home school Convention

Hello everyone! I thought I had better drop in and do an update. First of all, thank you so much to everyone who prayed that my book would get here in time. Praise the Lord, it actually arrived several weeks before convention. So happy about that. :-) The Lord just continues to amaze me as He orchestrates everything with  this book publishing process (from the very beginning all the way to getting my book out to different retailers.)

Just last week I was blessed to be part of the exhibitors at the New Mexico Home School convention. My friend, Alicia, and I shared a table. We cleverly called it, "Homeschool Authors"... actually, I think she is the one that came up with that title.. :-) In any case, it was quite brilliant and made for some neat conversations with homeschooling parents.

Alicia was selling her book, "To Birmingham Castle". If you haven't seen the interview I did with Alicia, you can check it out here. The book that she published was written very well and had tons of historical facts and adventure. She researched for about 5 years before publishing so that she made sure she was as accurate as possible. It definitely paid off! Alicia was able to sell out on the second day, which was fantastic! We were all pretty excited- yes, I say 'all' because we had several visitors and helpers who came frequently to our table.... but, hey, who could resist the free chocolate we were passing out?

We forgot to start out our first day 'right'. We had both said that we wanted to pray together for the Lord to bless our sales and let us just shine for Him. So, we forgot to that the first day. The second and third, however, we were able to have some time before we opened to seek the Lord. It is quite amazing how it can make your day go so much better when you start out right! :-) Not that we were too surprised or anything, but it was still nice to see and feel that change.

The Lord blessed me as well and I was able to sell out- at the last minute! I remember thinking, as the people in charge began calling through the vendor hall for vendors to start shutting down, "Well, Lord, thank you for letting me sell most of my books..." then it occurred to me that we hadn't officially closed and He could still sell my last three books.... and sure enough, He did. It was quite exciting. :-)

Needless to say, Alicia and I had a wonderful time at convention. We hope to do it again next year and we'll see how the Lord grows it.

In the meantime, here are a few pictures from the convention. They were taken by my friends Rachelle and Kelsey. Enjoy!

(The candy that was in that jar was the 'convention saver'... espresso candy! Literally kept us going... and all the mom loved it, too.... hmm..)

 (The pictures below were taken by Kelsey- Thank you for letting me use them!)

(This is a book that we were honored to also have at our table. The illustrator, Debbie, did an amazing job. It is simply Psalm 1 put to pictures to help children memorize their scripture. I thought it was fantastic! She has done the artwork for the Curious George show as well.)

Well, that is all I have! I will be returning soon with some other update posts. Also, you can now find links to purchase my book on the sidebar.

First Book is in the Works!

Well, technically speaking, its been in the works for a while now. However, it is just finally getting to the 'I'm only a few clicks away from getting it published'. I'm extremely excited and can't wait to share it with you all soon!

God has been so good and has blessed me tremendously throughout this entire process. He has given me such a wonderful family who has helped me by doing chores, getting dinner, washing dishes, and everything else in between to make sure that I had time to do this. My parents have been such wonderful support, my siblings have been such a great encouragement to me. I've had a young man doing my cover for me. He's been wonderful, too, and has dealt with all my picky comments.

There are so many things that the Lord has worked out for me to get this done. I feel so truly blessed. I am now just trusting that He will allow the publishers to get my book done quickly and efficiently as the convention is just around the corner! Prayers that He will just keep opening doors would be so appreciated it.

Thank you to all that have given their support and encouragement throughout all of this. It has been such a blessing and so wonderful. I don't know what I would do with all of the family and friends that have been there for me on this with prayers and everything else! I even received emails from friends every now and then asking how things were going and letting me know that they were praying and hoping everything was going well.

So, I wanted to give a huge thanks for all of that, but I also thought I would share a bit of a sneak peak of how the book is looking so far. I'm just sharing a clip of the inside and a few illustrations. Please remember that these are copyrighted.

A corde meo honoráre Deum!
Sarah Elizabeth

Author Interview: Alicia A. Willis

I'm very excited to share this interview with you all today. Alicia has been a dear friend of mine for quite some time. I was so happy for her when she released her first title, To Birmingham Castle, the first book in a series of three. It is an amazing book with tons of accurate history and a vivid story line. I really enjoyed reading Alicia's answers in the interview and I hope you do too.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

Hi! My name is Alicia Willis, and I am an avid historian, writer, published author, church pianist, and musician. Other than that, I am a huge coffee/chocolate fan and I am a born-again Christian.

Give us a hobby and a random fact about yourself:

One favorite hobby is crocheting. My random fact is probably that I have been told by all of my book agents that I have a British accent and my mannerism is totally British. (Strange, considering I was born/raised and also currently live in New Mexico.)

When did you first begin to write?

I first started writing when I was about 10. When I first started, it was such a passion that bouts of writer’s block would make me feel guilty and even depressed. :-) I didn't get serious about wanting to be a published author until I was about 13-14, however.

What inspires you to write?

The lack of truly historical novels about the Middle Ages has been one huge inspiration. Another is the lack of modernly-written family-friendly reading material.

When do you do most of your writing?

Hmmm. Whenever I have time? Whether it be 2:00 PM or 2:00 AM? :-)

We know that you have completed one book so far and you have another in the making, is that correct?

Yes! To Birmingham Castle was published in May of 2012 by CrossBooks.  In Search of Adventure, the second book in the same series (The Comrades of Honor Series), is currently a finalist in a contest by my publisher (praise God!). Lord willing, if all goes well, full-blown publication should start in April/May. I am also the author of a Kindle novella, God of Her Fathers.

How many do you plan to have in your series?

Lord willing, The Comrades of Honor Series will have three titles.

You are also currently working on a novella, I believe, set in the old west?

Yes! Just published to Kindle, God of Her Fathers is a western tale, depicting the struggles of a young woman left widowed on the bleak Kansas plains. The story line includes a handsome stranger, merciless desperadoes, and Ellen’s heartwarming struggle to follow her Lord’s leading.

Where do you get ideas for your characters?

Hah! Well, sometimes I observe people. Tyler Nichols, the handsome stranger of God of Her Fathers, was based off of a close friend. Other characters (such as Brandon de Walheign of To  Birmingham Castle) were fun combinations of masculinity, courage, and sarcasm. J

Do you have a certain ‘method to your madness’ to the  structuring of your books or do you usually just ‘wing it’?

Sometimes I wing it; other times, I structure it. It depends on the form of publication I will be using and whether or not I see a need for rigidness. My current writing project, the last book in my series, is being rigidly structured and outlined!

Is having a book published like a dream come true for you?

Yes!!! It was one of my number one dreams and the Lord made it come to pass!

You will be selling your book at the CAPE convention this year; are you excited about that?

Yes, I am, particularly as I will be in the company of a very dear friend. J

Do you have any helpful tips or recommendations for future writers?

Don’t ever give up! And, don’t be afraid to tear your book apart in your search for true talent and the ability to write well. Revision is painful, but you cannot obtain true growth without it. J

Anything else you’d like to share?

Thanks for having me, Sarah! I look forward to working with you at the CAPE Homeschool Convention and am eagerly anticipating the release of your titles!

Thank you for the lovely interview, Alicia! I can't wait to see more of your titles coming out and I look forward to getting a chance to read that new novella! You can purchase Alicia's book at the following link. Also be sure to go and visit her website and blog and subscribe!  Alicia is also willing to answer any questions you might have that I didn't cover. So feel free to drop them in the comment box below. :-)

Alicia's Blog

Alicia on Goodreads

Website

To Birmingham Castle

God of Her Fathers: A Novella

If you're an author and would like to be interviewed, please contact me for further details.

They Have Arrived!

I was so excited when I received a package during the middle of last week. This box contained only a few items, but they made me rather excited....

Business cards!!! I ordered some business cards from VistaPrint.com (a very reasonable place to get all sorts of printing needs done.) and they finally arrived. I was rather excited, as you might guess. I think they turned out really well and I am very pleased with them. Here are a few pictures I took. (yes, I was that excited).

Don't they look cool? I also got a nice case to carry them in, and some return address labels for if/when I need to mail out books or whatever. :-) I'm rather excited to start using them. ;-) 

Ad Deum esse Gloria! 

Welcome to Writings from the Heart!!

I am so very excited to be starting up this website! At this place I shall share different writing posts, updates on my books, giveaways for books, interviews of different authors, and lots more! Please be sure to follow me here, on Google+, and via email! With the email option you'll get my recently posted blog posts right to your inbox.

Also be sure to comment, share your thoughts, and leave feedback!

I look forward to sharing my writing adventures with all of you!

To God be the Glory!!