Excited About What I'm Reading!

My to-read pile beside my bed is so large right now that I've had to relegate some of the books to my closet shelf! I'm currently reading an advanced reader copy of this book.

And I'm really enjoying it! This is Grand Central's first inspirational historical romance - and it's a good one. I'm excited to be part of the team with my WWI series and I will definitely be giving Jennifer's book my recommendation!

What are you excited about reading?

*Today Jessica Nelson is reviewing Lady Outlaw on her blog and doing a giveaway!

 

A Pic and a Post!

(Look what we found in Walmart this weekend!)

Today I'm answering questions over on Melissa Tagg's blog, which is quite an honor. She has a fabulous blog, plus Melissa is funny and nice!

Come find out more about my upcoming WWI series with Grand Central Publishing and enter to win a copy of LADY OUTLAW.

*To see where else I've been this month, check out the side bar for all the details on the LADY OUTLAW blog tour for September!

No Sufficient Words!

As I write this Thursday night, I feel tired and humbled. My kids got to bed way too late - like hours late in my 2-year-old's case :), and my kitchen sink is still full of today's dishes. But it doesn't matter. What matters tonight and in the days ahead is the gratitude I feel right now.

Thank you to everyone who came tonight to the launch party for LADY OUTLAW. Thank you to everyone who helped us pull this party off with a bang. Thank you to everyone for your support! It is truly amazing, humbling and encouraging.

Big Announcement!

For those unable to attend the launch party, I wanted to share my big announcement here! I will be publishing a three-book, inspirational romance WWI series with Grand Central Publishing. The first book is slated for release in March 2014 - the 100-year anniversary of the start of WWI. Grand Central has been doing romance for a long time, but they're just starting into inspirational romance and I'm so excited to be part of that venture.

Launch Party Photos!

(Old fashioned candy jars & candy -

these play a role in Caleb and Jennie's first meeting)

 (Me talking about the book)

(Cake with little cowboy hats, horseshoes and cacti on it)

(Me and my critique group - Elana Johnson, Sara Olds & Ali Cross -

love these ladies!)

(Lee Caldwell doing a horse -training demonstration)

(Me signing books - no hand cramps yet!)

More LADY OUTLAW Fun!

- If you'd like to win a copy of LADY OUTLAW, hop over to the blog of my good friend and critique partner Ali Cross for a giveaway!

- Check out Clean Romance Reviews today for her review of LADY OUTLAW.

A Dream Come True

Eight years ago this summer, when my oldest son was just a couple of months old, I began writing my first book. This was my first serious attempt to accomplish a goal I'd written in my journal at the age of 11 - write and publish a book.

(Me and my son by the Atlantic Ocean - Sept 2004)

I wrote during naptime, went to my first writers' conference and finished my book. I wrote another book (which became Lady Outlaw). I had another son and wrote another book. I lost a baby girl at 20 weeks gestation, then later had my second daughter - all while reaching for this dream.

Three times I had a manuscript with a publisher - and all three times I received a "no." I queried most of  last year and racked up more rejections.

This wasn't the quick jump to publication I might have envisioned early on.

The end of last summer, I hit a real low. I knew this was what I was supposed to be doing, but it wasn't happening like I'd hoped or thought.

If I could have only seen what would happen four months later - an acceptance of publication from Harlequin and signing with my agent. I couldn't see it, but Someone could. Through all the struggle and rejection, the Lord was right with me. He knew it would be eight years of work and growth and triumph and failure. But He knew that it was exactly what my journey needed to be - for me. 

Today I feel an abundance of gratitude to Him, to my family and to all the friends and family who've helped with fulfilling this dream in any way. Thank YOU!

Who's been the biggest help in reaching for your dreams & goals? What is the biggest stumbling block to fulfilling our dreams & goals?

*Today my good friend and critique partner Elana Johnson is giving away 3 copies of Lady Outlaw on her blog!

*And check back here on Friday - I'll have pictures from my Western-themed launch party happening tomorrow night!