If I Hadn't...

If I hadn't married my husband and met his family, said yes to a women's church group invitation, and taken the final step to walk into that church, this blog might not be here today.

I was considering this last night before bed, reflecting on my writing and the journey I've gone through to get to this point and realized that without all these small choices I would be in such a different place than I am now.

I've only been a Christian for 3 and 1/2 years, which means I lived well over two-thirds of my life without Jesus (or should I say, without realizing I could have and did want a relationship with Him). In that time, I'd gotten married, had one child, written five books and wondered countless times if my writing was ever going to go anywhere.

I believe I knew I was meant to be a writer before it ever seemed feasible that I was meant to write about relationships with God. I believe it was a wonderful gift that, before I ever knew the purpose of, I got to practice and practice, until I discovered the true reason for. I can't imagine not being able write and reach people with stories of inspiration, love, loss, fun, family, friends. And the awesome part of it all is that God knew this at the beginning. That my endless query letters before I became a Christian and all the rejections I received were going to lead somewhere. Somewhere good. Ten years ago I started sending out the first of my query letters, seeking an agent (in the secular world), knowing little of God or the Christian life. Now, almost exactly ten years later, I write Christian fiction. I write knowing that, though it would be nice to reach thousands and thousands with my work, reaching only one would be worth it because God knew that in the beginning as well.

Have a wonderful weekend and God Bless!

Sony Readers, Kindles and E-books, oh my!

I keep hearing this new lingo passed around all over the Internet and in certain coffee shops and bookstores and figured I'd better do some research of my own. E-books may not be so new to me, but Sony Readers and Amazon's Kindle are just recent additions to my vocabulary. I feel sort of like I did when Blackberry's came out or those odd Bluetooth things and I had no idea what they were. And everyone was talking about them and I would smile like I knew precisely what they were talking about but, in truth, I am electronically and technically challenged and I had no idea! And don't get me started on that new Twitter word everyone keeps tossing around. I am definitely going to have to Google that one later.

But, being that I am a writer, in a modest sense of the word, I imagine knowing exactly what Sony Readers and Kindles are might be to my advantage. For those of you out there who aren't familiar with these new devices (though I doubt these days there are many), they are snazzy new little portable reading devices that download and display-for your reading pleasure-those wonderful E-books that are becoming more and more popular. Evidently they are paperback sized or a little bigger and hold over a hundred books. The Reader and the Kindle obviously have their own unique differences, but all with the same purpose.

So, does anyone out there own one of these? I can't quite imagine reading a book any other way than on paper. With a pretty cover. Something I can keep and read again if I so choose. I hear, however, that these new portable reading devices do imitate a book page quite well. An "electronic paper display" Amazon says, "reads like real paper." And I imagine it travels much better than a suitcase full of books.

What do you all think? Though I was suspicious and doubtful at first, I believe these new devices and the idea of E-books is gaining a little momentum. I halfway expected those ideas to drift away after the fad was over, but I seem to be hearing more and more about them. Makes me kind of curious...what do you think?

A Good Book

Somehow, against the odds (and to the detriment of the cleanliness of my house), I have managed to read six books already this year. Trying to catch up on all those I didn't have time to read last year, I guess. But there was one new one I just received that I wanted to mention because I enjoyed it so much. Perhaps enjoyed isn't the word. I felt something when I read this book. It moved me.

William P. Youngs, The Shack, just entered my sphere of influence and, probably only because I received it as a gift, I decided to read it. I know this book has been around for awhile. I came across it somehow several months back, before the full impact of its popularity had hit, and, honestly, thought that it wasn't a book for me. So I didn't pursue it any further. But it popped up again. I heard good things about it from people I trust so I couldn't resist.

I'm not writing this post to review the book. I am only writing about the book to encourage those of you who haven't read it yet to think about doing so. I can almost guarantee that whatever you're expecting from it, you'll be wrong. I sure was! (In a good way, I should add). There was profundity when I didn't expect it, simplicity when I most needed it, and an astonished feeling when I completed it. It's a good thing I'm not reviewing this book because I don't think I could put the rest into words.

With all that in mind, however, I must say that this book is a committment. At least, it is in order to receive its full impact. It will touch your mind and your heart several times, often without warning, and does an interesting job of tossing many preconceived notions out of the window.

Any of you who have been convinced or at least intrigued by my short little post of praise, should scoot yourselves on over to Amazon.com if you want to read more about the book or, even better, read some real reviews.

What about the rest of you out there? What did you think of The Shack? Or, what are some of your favorite books that you've read recently? I am always looking for something new and good, particularly if it comes with a recommendation!

A New Beginning

For me, blogging is a new beginning. Thanks to a very helpful friend (you know who you are and thanks again!), I got this blog up and running. Even better, this new blog is hopefully just a prelude to all that's to come in the future.

As it stands, my first published novel should be out this Spring. It is titled, Through It All. The brief synopsis is...

Shannon Montclaire is only 15 when an amazing prophecy maps out an uncertain set of events in her life. Shortly afterward, she looses her parents in a terrible car crash and enters a nearly decade long journey that leads her further and further away from God. While still discovering her own independence, Shannon returns to her hometown with the outlook that she doesn’t need the Lord’s help in any way. Soon, however, her close friends Amy and Wesley discover that not only has she grown apart from God, she’s lost her faith. As her journey continues, Shannon faces the inevitable events from the prophecy and her faith is tested further. Through incredible times of tribulation, love and loss, Shannon will realize again the miracle of being loved by God.

So any of you looking for an inspiration fiction novel with a little bit of humor, a bit of romance and a story that will grip your heart, then stay tuned. I'll let you know as soon as I know more!

Book Review - Hannah Grace (Daughter's of Jacob Kane, Book 1) - Sharlene Maclaren

Hannah Grace is content with her life in turn-of-the century Michigan in a lovely town called Sandy Shores. Along with her two sisters, she helps run her father’s general store in addition to being courted by the town physician.

She’s well on her way to a proposal when Gabriel Devlin, the new sheriff, comes into town. Despite a flicker of attraction, the appearance of a young runaway boy puts them at odds.

As the two enter a mutual agreement to take care of the boy, trying to coax him into trusting them, they discover his past is more complicated than they thought. Criminals are on their way to Sandy Shores and suddenly a random death joins the mystery of the lost boy.

Hannah and Gabe work together, drawing closer in their concern and mutual faith. Suddenly, Hannah sees a whole new possibility for a future and Gabe has decided to pursue her love. In the wake of suspense, adventure and romance, Hannah and Gabe must figure out the history behind the missing boy and keep the town safe.

Hannah Grace is a wonderful story, start to finish. The characters are humorous and believable. I will definitely read more Sharlene Maclaren novels.