Going a little Camel Crazy?

Maybe this will help.

NEW BOOK!

Yes, it's really me! I haven't blogged since... January! I have a lot to share, but let's start with my new picture book Camel Crazy!

Get it at Amazon!

If you do what you've always done...

"If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you always got" (James P. Lewis).

I thought of this quote last night as I sat down to visit with a friend.

It's easy, very easy, to do what we've always done when it comes to writing, marketing, or anything else we deem important. What may not be so easy to figure out is why the results are the same, especially when we are doing all we can do to make whatever it is we want to have happen - work.

Are you stuck? 

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

I started out as a journalist, and I thought this experience would help me in publishing my first book. My first book was published by a local publisher, so, for all intents and purposes, it did work. But I wasn't happy with the publisher, so after my brother helped me to buy back the rights to my first work of fiction, I began my journey into the self-publishing arena. And I have continued to be self-published, some 21 books later.

Don't get me wrong, the journey has been great. I have sold a "few" books, met some great people, learned quite a few things, and enjoyed the writing process, but it seems to me as if I'm still in the wading pond. 

I have a new manuscript that I have high hopes for, but I am concerned about a few things. The book needs just the right illustrator. It also needs some terrific marketing with a well-known company, to back it up. I do my best with both, but honestly, it would be nice for a change for someone else to take the reins with me as backup.

I sent the story off yesterday and have no idea what will happen. Let me just say that sending it off wasn't easy. It was kind of like sending your kindergartener into the world, hoping, no praying, that he/she will be safe. 

I will need to wait four to five months for an answer, something I haven't had to do for a long, long time.

Will you pray for me? Option two is in the back seat, but I would really like option one to work out. What I know is that the Lord has directed me thus far, and I expect nothing less now. 

Success in 2024

If you're like me, you want to become a successful writer. You spend hours learning the craft and writing your heart out. You read books similar to yours, and books that are different; a writer can learn from anyone, you know. 

You receive positive feedback from readers and negative feedback from a few. And if you're smart, you take a look at both.

At the beginning of the new year, and this year is no different, you take a look at what has worked for you in the past, and what hasn't, particularly with marketing. You may even sit down and write what has and hasn't worked for you on paper to plan your strategies for this year.

You may be discouraged. You may feel like your work has equaled little sales. You may want to quit. But this feeling doesn't last long. It never does. In a day, a week, or perhaps a month later, you are continuing on your journey.

If writing didn't affect your heart and soul so much, you probably would have quit long ago. But the success you seek has come, almost imperceptively, and today you realize there has been movement. You are a better writer than you were ten years ago. You are a far better writer today than the day you first began. 

You are a success. Maybe not the success you first envisioned with the hefty paychecks and millions of fans, but the success you were intended for. A few lives changed. Writer friends who support you. A few fans who love your work, including children who love your stories.

This year you will try something new. You will bring out an old manuscript and clean it up. You will spend more time sharing your knowledge with new writers. You may even get out of your comfort zone and try something you've never tried before - perhaps a podcast interview.

Whatever you do, you'll remember why you write in the first place. 

May your success continue in 2024, and may you find joy in your writing pursuits.

Kathryn

Two FREE books today and tomorrow

 

December 22 and 23, get these two books.

At Amazon

At Amazon

Beans? Pie anyone? Two children's books FREE December 15 and 16!

 

At Amazon

At Amazon

FREE today! December 8th and 9th!

 I Walked with Jesus 1 and 2 will be FREE on December 8th and 9th!

At Amazon
Currently #33 in Inspirational Religious Fiction

At Amazon

December 15 AND 16, the next weekend, get The Human Bean and Mooseberry Mooseberry Gooseberry Pie!

At Amazon

At Amazon

December 22 AND 23 the weekend following, get The Parables of Virginia Bean (Conquering Your Goliaths, The Feast, and The Gift all in one book). 

At Amazon

If you didn't get your hands on the individual stories I had free in November, now's your chance!

Finally, on December 23, Get the Conquering Your Goliaths Guidebook!

 

At Amazon

By now, you've probably read all three Virginia Bean stories and have a desire to work through some Goliaths in your own life.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Day 4! Enlightened: My Personal Journey with Christ Through Scripture Journaling FREE

 Do you like to journal? 

See how journaling and scripture reading can bring you closer to God.

FREE today!

At Amazon

Day 3! The Gift: A Parable of the Key FREE TODAY!

FREE
At Amazon

See it at It's Write Now


Currently

• #3 in Christian Self-Help
• #3 in Christian Classics & Allegories (Kindle Store)

See new book trailers for Conquering Your Goliaths and The Feast!

 

Day 2! The Feast: A Parable of the Ring FREE TODAY!

Today get The Feast: A Parable of the Ring 

FREE!

At Amazon

See it on Free Book Tips
Reading Deals.com and
ebook Daily!

Conquering Your Goliaths is FREE!

Check out my book at Book of the Day.org. Read a sample here.

See my newest review at Free Book Tips!

And remember Conquering Your Goliaths is available for a FREE read on KindleUnlimited (Free Trial)! Check it out at Best Book Monkey!

You may also want to view my new trailer with reviews! 

Here is the direct link to Amazon!

Keep it going!

• 
  
• 11/25/2023
• #5 in Christian Self-Help
• #7 in Christian Classics & Allegories (Kindle Store)
• #18 in Two-Hour Self-Help Short Reads
• 
  

Conquering Your Goliaths, FREE on November 24

Check out Conquering Your Goliaths!

Read a sample today, and get the eBook FREE tomorrow!

Read a sample at Book of the Day.org

Watch the video trailer here

Ready...set...FREE!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I have four FREE books slotted for the end of November beginning on the 24th, Black Friday. They are

Conquering Your Goliaths - 24th

The Feast - 25th

 

The Gift - 26th

and Enlightened - 27th!

Halloween is in Sight, so are some FREE books!

Trick or treating is just around the corner, and I have been thinking about what treat I might be able to leave inside your Halloween bucket or pillowcase.

I have a couple of YA mysteries that will be FREE on the 30th and 31st of this month, so you'll want to fly on over to Amazon to pick up your eBook. 

Tie Died will be FREE on the 30th.

Buckled Inn will be FREE on the 31st.

You may want to bookmark this post so you can find the books easily when the day comes. They will be FREE on these two days only. 

I have four books slotted for the end of November beginning on the 24th, Black Friday. They are

Conquering Your Goliaths

The Feast

The Gift

and Enlightened

All inspiring and motivating! 

Video Trailer - I Walked with Jesus - 2

FREE TODAY!

December 9-10

Click here to see the video trailer!

I Walked With Jesus - book two is now available!

The time has finally come!

Get I Walked with Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing - Acts of the Apostles TODAY!

The eBook and the paperback are here!  

The followers of Jesus must have felt lost and unsure after Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

Sure, they had been taught. They had been healed. They had seen miracles at Jesus’ hand. But could they live His word without being near Him?

Could the lame man who returned to the temple day after day for healing continue to wait? Could the eunuch whom many hated get answers from God? What of Tabitha who arose from the dead? What was her life like before that great day? What of other followers of Jesus – on the day of Pentecost – who were strengthened, fed, and led? How did they remain faithful?

Find out on your continuing journey with Jesus through the “Acts of the Apostles.”

Book one in paperback is just $3.42! Get it at Amazon.

Chapter 1 - I Walked with Jesus, book two

As promised...

The Handmaid.

The story of Mary after her son's ascension to heaven, begins this second book of stories from the New Testament. 

Get the entire book in paperback or eBook here!

The Handmaid

Luke 1

Mary loved her son even before he was born. Like most mothers, she found if she rested, fed her soul as well as her body, and made time for reflection, the energy she received at the hand of God was more than sufficient to carry her pregnancy even at the last. 

Though she was not always treated kindly as a young girl by her friends because of her timidity, as she grew, she discovered the wisdom in this. If she had something to say, she would say it, and others would listen. Her mother and father treated her kindly, and her brother and sisters spoke well of her. Her family didn’t have much in the way of worldly goods, but they had each other, and that’s what mattered.

Mary had learned about God at a young age, and, like most girls had been shown her place in Jewish society. She respected this place, though she often thought about being equal to the young boys with whom she associated. It wasn’t until Mary grew that she began to see the truth of the matter.

When the angel came, Mary was at first surprised as anyone would be. But her heart calmed as she spoke with the angel. She wasn’t alone. Others walked passed her, but she could not hear their voices. It was like she’d been brought to heaven while still kneeling on the earth.

“Hail, thou that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women,” the angel began.

She was amazed. Not only at the bright clothing the angel wore but the manner in which he saluted her.

“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

“How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” she asked after a moment of reflection.

“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

The words of the angel spoke volumes of love to Mary’s soul. How could she doubt what God could do? Her heart burned as the words came: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

She’d gone to see Elisabeth after the departure of the angel, and the truth she’d known even before her arrival there became a second witness. Truly God could do all things.

Her son was born six months later, and they named him Jesus as the angel had spoken.

He was a beautiful baby. As his chubby hands reached for her face, she would kiss them, and speak to Jesus of God’s love. He grew into a good, kind, son. He was always thinking of her, teaching her the ways of God. And as he continued into manhood and her husband, Joseph, left the earth and returned heavenward, Jesus was a great comfort to her in her loneliness. The first few months after Joseph’s passing, He consoled her, His loving arms surrounding her, His voice soothing her aching soul.

By the time of Jesus’ crucifixion, she’d made His teachings a part of her life. She knew the truth of the resurrection. He was here! They’d eaten together at his arrival, and He’d shown her the marks of the nails in His hands and feet. She’d touched His side – the babe she had carried in her womb. He lived!

At first, she thought He’d returned for good. But then the news had come. His teachings were nearing an end. He had many things to do, to help His father. Not Joseph – He smiled as he’d spoken it – but His Father in Heaven.

She dared not ask if He’d seen her Joseph, but Jesus seemed to know her thoughts.

“I have seen many loved ones. And others are waiting to hear the gospel. Missionaries have been sent to the waiting spirits in prison.”

“Can it be so?”

“Surely, Father is well pleased.” He took her hand in his. “And you, how are you, Mother?”

“I am not eager to have you go,” she said.

“But the 40 days of teaching, of preparing hearts and souls for the greater work, are almost spent. It is time.”

“I know… And yet…”

“You will miss me, as I will miss you. But my spirit will be here, and the gift of the Holy Ghost…”

“I know.”

“It is the greatest gift of the Father. The Holy Ghost will teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

“Still…”

He embraced her then and, as the tears fell, her heart ached for the separation that would soon come. Only when she met His eyes again did she see tears in His own.

“You will always be my mother.”

She sobbed then, huge gushing tears, and He held her tighter.

“It is more blessed to give than to receive,” words given over an outdoor fire some two weeks past, filled her soul long after Jesus had ascended to heaven. How could she give now that He was gone?

 Her children spent time near her; her grandchildren pulled at her skirt for attention, and she had given it. At home, it wasn’t difficult. When she was away from home, that’s when giving became more difficult. But she would do it.

For weeks, she dreamed of her son. And as the months passed and the dreams dwindled, a softening returned, and she was able to live again. She hadn’t experienced the transfiguration for herself, but Peter, James, and John had spoken of it often. They had seen Jesus, her very son, as he looked in his glorified state. As she closed her eyes on those lonely nights when her children and grandchildren had returned to their own homes, she could see Him as He was during the 40 days – as she remembered Him.

And she was carried forward.

I Walked with Jesus - book two!

 

COMING MID-SEPTEMBER!

Cover Reveal for book two of I Walked with Jesus

 

Here it is! Book two of I Walked with Jesus! Now is the time to get the first book! The paperback is only $3.44! 

Synopsis:

The followers of Jesus must have felt lost and unsure after Jesus’ ascension to heaven.

Sure, they had been taught. They had been healed. They had seen miracles at Jesus’ hand. But could they live His word without being near Him?

Could the lame man who returned to the temple day after day for healing continue to wait? Could the eunuch whom many hated get answers from God? What of Tabitha who arose from the dead? What was her life like before that great day? What of other followers of Jesus – on the day of Pentecost – who were strengthened, fed, and led? How did they remain faithful?

Find out on your continuing journey with Jesus through the “Acts of the Apostles.”

I will send out chapter one in a few days - this is the updated version that will be in the book. Expect I Walked with Jesus, book two, to be out mid-September. We're almost there!

Do You Have Reviewer's Block?

We have all heard of writer's block, but what about reviewer's block?

I usually post once a day, but today, while trying to find potential reviewers for my latest book, "I Walked with Jesus," I came upon this great list from Kate Tilton (katetilton.com).

Photo by La-Rel Easter on Unsplash

Can your review answer any of the following?

• What feeling did [insert book name] leave you with?
• Would you compare [insert book name] to other books you’ve read? If so, what do they have in common? What books is it like?
• What feelings did the book capture well?
• Was there a uniqueness about the book that you’d like to convey?
• Was there something this book did that you haven’t seen done before, or haven’t seen done a lot?
• Did you finish it really quickly? Was it a page-turner? Did it keep you up all night?

As often as authors are out there trying to get reviewers for their books, this was a great list of questions for reviewers to consider before writing their reviews. It may even help them to write a better review or, at the very least, get them past "Reviewers Block". 

What do you think?

I like this idea a lot. We're all busy people, and if we can get a review out sooner versus later, I'm all for that. Plus, I don't want anyone who's promised me a review to back out at the last moment because he/she wasn't sure where to start.

Kathryn