Blissful Life Journey

Valentine Treat - Decadent Chocolate Cake and Icing, of course!

2012-02-13T21:59:00.000-05:00

What is Valentine's Day without the treat of all treats, CHOCOLATE! Although this photo, courtesy of Ifood, also shares in the second best dessert to have alongside the chocolate cake, a bowl of French vanilla ice cream. The best of both worlds!

I have a delectable chocolate fudge cake recipe that I'd like to share in honor of the day of love and chocolate. Bon appetit.

Decadent Chocolate Cake

1/2 cup dark corn syrup
1 stick of margarine or butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1/2 cup sugar
3 large eggs lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 cup flour
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350. Grease one 9 inch cake pan. In a saucepan, combine corn syrup, and butter, bring to just a boil over medium heat. Stir in chocolate morsels. Remove from heat.
In medium bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and vanilla, stir in chocolate mixture.
In another bowl, combine flour and nuts, add to chocolate mixture
Pour batter into cake pan. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Transfer to wire rack and cool for 10 minutes. Turn cake out of pan and cool completely.

Glaze
2/3 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
1/4 cup dark corn syrup
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 teaspoons whipping cream

In a saucepan melt chocolate, corn syrup, and butter over low heat. Stir in cream. Pour glaze over cooled cake.

Great Article on 25 Ways to Increase Blog Traffic

2012-02-08T13:52:00.000-05:00

Blog traffic everywhere! How do you make yours stand out?

I found this article 25 Ways to Increase Blog Traffic from Writers Digest with hints by Robert Lee Brewers a valuable compilation of timely tips to drive people not into a traffic jam of blogs, but to your specific blog. In an era with so many blogs on a variety of topics, it's important to find ways to make yours stand out among the rest. The article gives you a good headstart on doing just that.

Why make your journey in blogdom complicated? Make it easy for you and for others to find you.

Winner of the Journal Announced

2012-02-03T21:51:00.001-05:00

Winner!!

(Update) I drew another name as the reader did not get back to me. The winner of the moleskin journal is Joy.

Be sure to stop back soon!

Next up is Carla Gade!

Upcoming guests:

March - Margaret Brownley

April - Linda Rondeau

More inspiring blogs, recipes, etc on the journey of life!

An Inspiring Life Journey

2012-02-01T12:13:00.000-05:00

This week I wanted to point you to an inspiring story I'm sharing via my other blog called Blissful Hiking. I have a guest blogger there, Brandi, who shares her love of hiking despite a visual impairment. She is most definitely walking out her passion on her life journey even with the obstacles. What a testimony she has of living life to the fullest.

May you be encouraged to walk out your faith, no matter what happens, and take time to enjoy the journey.

"Love Finds You in Bethlehem" Makes the Bestseller List!

2012-01-24T20:08:00.000-05:00

With thanks to my agent Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency for pointing this out - "Love Finds You in Bethlehem, New Hampshire" made the top 20 books for fiction on the CBA Bestseller List!

It's never too late to enjoy a great story in a beautiful setting such as the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Having had the opportunity to hike the area many times and even enjoy the fresh snowfall while researching this particular book, I can say there is none like it. I feel privileged to write about it.

The book is available in print, Kindle and Nook at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and CBD.

Franconia Notch in the White Mountains

The streets of historic "Bethlehem" in New Hampshire

Guest blogger Preslaysa Williams and "Writing My Life"

2012-01-12T22:51:00.000-05:00

Blissful Life Journey welcomes guest Preslaysa Williams on the importance of journaling your life's journey. She is also offering a giveaway! See below for details on how to enter!

"Writing My Life"

Since becoming a mother…or maybe since hitting the big 3-0, I’ve been pondering death. Not in a morbid way but in an “Oh my gosh, I’m getting older and before I know it my body will hit the dirt, my spirit will rest in Jesus and sometime after that I’ll stand before God to give an account for what I’ve done with the time He’s allotted me” way.

I can be intense sometimes.

To deal with my not quite mid-life crisis, I’ve started to track my life. I take pictures. I recorded my daily activity in journals: foods I eat, times I exercise, pages I write, prayers I send up to God. Journaling allows me to get all of that mental intensity out of my brain and onto the page. However, after a few months, journaling became too cumbersome and disorganized. My entries were written in multiple notebooks and scattered throughout my house. Journaling became messy, and I eventually stopped.

So after accepting the fact I’m a left brained, creative person (go figure), I started searching for a simple way to journal. Now, I keep one journal (not five!) and it records my daily prayers and Bible reading, a simple daily ‘to do’ list and my goals for the year. I found a way to systemically keep track of all this life that passes through my fingers via seconds, minutes, hours, and days. The fact that it’s a blank journal is key. I can divide it in whatever way I want.

You can do this too. Never underestimate the power of a blank notebook. In it, you can record your life in all of its beautiful intricacies. And because it’s your journal, you can make it into anything you want…

Question for You: How do you record your sojourning on this earth?

Fun Giveaway: One lucky blog commenter will win a brand new Moleskine journal. Winner announced on February 1^st. Please leave your comment where it says "Post a Comment."

Preslaysa Williams is a wife, mom and writer. When she’s not rebooting the laundry or chasing around her toddler, you can find her typing away on her laptop. Visit her online where she blogs three times a week about her three favorite things: Faith, Family and Fiction.

Training a Dog…and Training Ourselves

2012-01-09T22:39:00.000-05:00

Just a week ago my husband and I adopted our newest member of the family - a collie mix named Katie. As is par for the course, she was extremely overweight, had little in the way of exercise, and yes, was severely untrained. I decided to use the Command Collar – a Perfect Dog system developed by Don Sullivan to help train the dog to commands and develop an understanding of its role in family. We had used it with our blue tick, Eve, and after many, many months (blue ticks are very stubborn animals and bred to hunt on the run) she is now able to wander about with minimal supervision and correction.

Our blue tick coonhound Eve

The command collar is a useful tool to help a dog learn basic obedience. According to Don, the most important thing you can teach your dog is to lie down on command. Of course Katie does not like the idea of lying down, for that means submitting in the order of a dog’s mind. Lying down before the master is allowing the other person to take authority over one’s life. It is an act of true submission.

Wow, what a metaphor! I have felt for many weeks now the gentle tug of a command collar on me as God is trying to get me to “lie down” and make Him master over the things in my life. Wow, and do I put up a fuss, much like Katie is doing now. She has nipped at me and growled, not wanting to let go of her lease on life and allow me to take control over her. I guess in many ways we also find ourselves nipping, arguing, and getting angry when God wants to take control.

But in the end the “command collar” has given our first dog, Eve, the ability to run free within the boundaries we set for her so she is not in danger. So it will be with Katie. And so it can be in our lives. Lie down in our Master’s presence. Find rest in Him. And experience true freedom you’ve never known.

A New Year Resolution Worth Keeping

2011-12-31T21:22:00.000-05:00

A new year is upon us. 2012. Also an election year. Doesn't it leave you wondering what lies in store? It always does me. I welcome a new year but then I ponder what I might be doing, what new adventures I might face, what circumstances I will find myself in. So many things I don't know. The unknown can be a little unnerving.

This past year saw two new books come out, a hike of the Appalachian Trail for the second time (southbound) completed, a speaking ministry born, and several trips experienced and enjoyed (to Bermuda, points West like Yellowstone, and Florida).

I saw the following post below on a friend's wall on Facebook and thought I would share it. If there is nothing else I know, one can always consider how to live better and love more in a New Year.

Merry Christmas from Blissful Life Journey!

2011-12-21T21:52:00.000-05:00

Wishing you much joy, grace and peace this holiday season.
I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming New Year of my love for books and writing as well as hosting new guests on the Blissful Life Journey blog.

Emmanuel = God With Us

Wisdom and Holiday Cheer from Guest Margaret Daley!

2011-12-14T19:07:00.001-05:00

Blissful Life Journey welcomes guest Margaret Daley introducing her Christmas novel, His Holiday Family and with some words of wisdom concerning this hectic time of year.
For extra holiday cheer, Margaret is offering a copy of her book! Leave a comment below in answer to Margaret's question along with your e-mail address to enter!

This time of year can be so hectic and busy that we don't take the time to really enjoy what is going on. To savor the moment, especially with our friends and family. I was feeling that way until I saw my granddaughters. They changed everything. I love watching them play--no cares, using their imaginations. Being with them is an adventure.

Then tonight I watched the Christmas show of Glee. At the end one of the characters was supposed to tell the story about Frosty the Snowman. He didn't. He decided instead to read the story in the Bible of Christ's birth. Again I was reminded about why I should stop and enjoy this time.

It's moments like the two above that point to what is important in life.

Have you ever had moments like that is the midst of a hectic time?

Margaret Daley, an award-winning author of eighty-one books, has been married for over forty years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense thread and corralling her three cats that think they rule her household. To find out more about Margaret visit her website.

When Hurricane Naomi tears through a small Mississippi town, a daring rescue unites two heroes. Nurse Kathleen Hart is a single mom racked by guilt over her husband's death. Firefighter Gideon O'Brien—orphaned as a young boy—has lost too many people he cared for. To rise above the storm's devastation, Gideon helps Kathleen and her sons rebuild their home. As Christmas approaches, they discover that even the strongest of storms can't destroy a romance built on the foundation of faith.

Don't forget to leave an answer to Margaret's question along with your e-mail address to enter the book drawing! Ends December 21st at 9 PM, est.

(Update) Kathleen is the winner!
Thanks everyone for visiting Blissful Life Journey and be sure to sign up for this blog to come to your Inbox.

Void where prohibited. For US residents only. Odds at winning depends on number of entries received

Special Handmade Ornaments and Their Significance

2011-12-11T20:38:00.001-05:00

This past weekend was a big time to purchase the Christmas tree from the many lots. It got me thinking as I decorated our Fraser fir this year about the many ornaments I have collected over the years and what they mean to me. Especially those handcrafted with love by others (some who are no longer with me) that are my prized ornaments year after year. I'd like to share a few of them with you.

This may not look like much - a piece of foil formed into a ball and attached with yarn, but this ornament was one of the first my son made at the tender age of three.

This handmade knitted stocking was made by one of my best friends and given to me when I was in high school. Notice the L for my first name. She died tragically a few years back, and the only way I found out about it was during an attempt to reach her for a class reunion. So sad, but I have this ornament to cherish the friendship and the memories.

My grandmother and my namesake Laura Schreiber made many of her own Christmas ornaments such as this one, along with others she crocheted by hand. They are cherished pieces that decorate our tree every year in memory of her. She died at the age of 97.

And lastly, one cannot forget the Reason for the Season and this cherished ornament. My parents brought it back for me from the actual place of our Savior's birth, in Bethlehem. It is handmade out of olive wood.

A Journey Long Ago to Give Thanks

2011-11-23T21:04:00.004-05:00

Many years ago I did extensive research on Squanto (also known as Tisquantum) and the Pilgrims and even wrote a short novella detailing their lives and what brought them together in what is now Massachusetts. On this Thanksgiving, I offer a portion of the manuscript that details that day in which Indian and white man celebrated together with a day of feasting and games.

May we all seek to live in such harmony and goodness, sharing in the bounty of the earth in fellowship with each other.

(Novel Excerpt)

That fall, the Pilgrims gathered in a great yield from their fields. Besides the vegetables and baskets of corn that could be made into noohkik and cornbread, there were dried berries called cranberries and barrels of salted fish and eels. As William Bradford and the leaders watched the foodstuffs being placed inside the storehouse, they decided to declare a feast to honor Almighty God for His great provision and care during their first year here in the New World. William sent Squanto with a message to Massasoit, inviting the sachem to come celebrate the goodness of the Creator God with them.

Massasoit eagerly accepted the invitation. The town erupted into chaos as the people prepared for the arrival of their native neighbors. The women bustled about, cooking large amounts of food in kettles. Captain Standish gave instructions to the militia on a show planned as entertainment for the occasion.

Soon the Pilgrims heard the sounds of the Indians approaching from the south. Massasoit came with ninety Indian braves, scantily dressed in leather skins and glowing with fresh paint. The Pilgrims looked at the number and gasped. William encouraged them not to despair but to show hospitality. More food was brought out and several additional fires ignited to help cook the meal. Everyone enjoyed the great feast and the games of skill that afternoon which included running, leap frog, and a shooting contest led by Captain Standish. When the sun set that evening, Massasoit declared the celebration a success and decided to remain another two days.

William managed a small smile, yet inside, his heart sank. Two more days of feasting! “Dear God,” he prayed that night in the house given to him as governor of the plantation, “how shall we provide for all these people? If we eat the small amount of food we have stored away, there will be none left for the winter.”

A knock came on the door of his house that evening. William rose and opened it to reveal the tall, muscular form of Squanto, his dark eyes focused intently on him. Immediately he invited Squanto in, offering him a spot of brandy and his best chair. For a time neither said a word. As William watched him drink the brandy, he could not help but think of the stories surrounding this native - how Squanto had been carried off in a slave vessel but secured passage back to this land, only to find his family destroyed in his absence. William shook his head, wondering why he would choose to remain with the Pilgrims. Finally William said softly, “Squanto, you are truly a blessing sent to us by God. Without your help, we would not have this harvest.”

Tisquantum sat back and eyed this young sachem of the village with a thoughtful expression. He pointed to the Geneva Bible spread open before him on the table. “I wish something, great Governor.”

“What is that?”

“Teach me this talking book about Kiehtan. I see such books in England and in Spain.” In a soft voice, he spoke of the godly men in Spain, especially Friar Luis who talked about the white man’s God. “I full of hate because of the white man. I want to kill white men. Friar told me I must forgive, like God-man Jesus forgive.”

William sat on the edge of his seat, studying the Indian before him

He continued. “I leave and come home to my land, but no home here. My people die of white man’s sickness. Many Wampanoag ask why I not hate white man for this.”

“Instead you come and help the white man,” William said, their eyes interlocking. “And what has taken the place of your hate and your sorrow, my towam?”

“Kiehtan of white man,” Squanto confirmed, again pointing to the Bible. “Friar told me this God helps forgive. Only this God strong enough to keep pain of past. He is God of all people, not just white man.”

“Yes, my towam. God is indeed strong enough to carry our pain and help us forgive those who hate us. And yes, I would be happy to teach you the Bible. There are many stories of such things in this book. Indeed it is a book both our people can benefit from.” William extended his hand, which Squanto shook. “Before you leave, might I ask a favor this night? Would you ask your chief to offer food for our celebration on the morn? I fear we will not have enough food for the winter if we eat it all now.”

“Do not fear. Great Sachem Massasoit to bring many deer at dawn. I hear him speak this to warriors.”

“Praise be to God,” William sighed. “Truly the Lord has provided our food and our home. There is much to be thankful for this day.”

Tisquantum could not help but agree. “Home. I want home, but no home with Wampanoag. Here with young children and families, I see true home. I find home with Englishmen.” He paused, staring into the ceiling of the home as if to thank the One on High who watched over his soul that night. “I thank Kiehtan for home.”

William Bradford remembered the Scripture in Hebrews the night before the Mayflower and Speedwell set sail for the New World, confirming the words spoken by the Indian. All these died in faith, and received not the promises, but saw then afar off, and believed them, and received them thankfully, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they say such things, declare plainly, that they seek a homeland. “Yes Squanto,” he agreed, again pumping the Indian’s massive hand with excitement. “We can both be thankful for this place we call home.”

All This Week, Blog Tour for "A Quaker Christmas"

2011-11-07T18:55:00.002-05:00

Feel free to join me all this week as I tour around guest blogging about the inspiration behind my novella, "A Crossroad to Love" in A Quaker Christmas. There will also be some book giveaways, too!

Places to stop by: (click on the highlighted words)

Seriously Write Blog

Novel Books

Writers Window (new!)

Author Memories (new!)

Have Your Cake from a Can and Eat It, Too!

2011-11-04T20:43:00.000-04:00

Good Cooking Recipe of the Month #2

This is a recipe passed down on my mom's side of the family. I believe it came from her grandmother. It's always been one of our family's favorites, even if one of the ingredients seems rather strange. I never tell anyone what's in it until they eat the first few bites. What they don't know won't hurt them in the least. But it's a scrumptious cake, and a nice touch on those chilly days. If you make it, let me know what you think.

"Spice Cake from a Can"

(Otherwise known as Tomato Soup Cake)

½ cup shortening

1 cup sugar

1 can tomato soup

1 ½ cups flour

1 tsp baking soda dissolved in I Tbsp hot water

½ tsp salt

1 tsp each nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, allspice

1 cup raisins

1 cup walnuts

confectioners sugar

Mix shortening, sugar and soup. Add dry ingredients, mix thoroughly. Add raisins and walnuts. Pour into greased and floured 9x9 pan. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes. Test with toothpick for doneness. When cool sprinkle with confectioners sugar.

Winners in the Red Rock Contest this past week -

2011-10-29T22:16:00.000-04:00

The Winners of this week's contest in the RED ROCK WEDDING Release party were (drum roll)

New England book - Joy
No winner for the Virginia Weddings book - no entries. :(
Gift card - Josh.

For the gift card I chose one out of the most who had the correct answers to the Utah Photo contest.

The correct answers were -

1- Arches National Park
2 - Bryce Canyon National Park
3 - Colorado River
4 - Great Salt Desert
5 - Queens Garden / Navajo trails (either one or both counted).

Thanks to all who stopped by!

Final Day of the Release Party for Red Rock Weddings!

2011-10-28T09:49:00.001-04:00

I hope you have enjoyed this week filled with interesting and poignant blogs and pictures of the scenic state of Utah! I have enjoyed introducing you to RED ROCK WEDDINGS and hope you will pick up this book for an enjoyable read this season.

Below is the final picture in the Utah Photo Contest. From today on you can e-mail me your guesses for the five days. From the correct entries received, I will draw a name for the Amazon gift card.

Here are a few reminders:

Amazon Gift Card!

The Final Day of the UTAH PHOTO CONTEST Each day on the blog there has been a photo from Utah featured as part of the ongoing Utah Photo Contest. For each day, take a look at the photo displayed and follow the instruction for that day. Keep track of your responses. There are a total of five different photos, one for each day. (DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS HERE IN COMMENTS or on any of the blogs. If you do your answer will be deleted and your response that day will be disqualified). From Friday, October 28th - through Saturday, October 29th until 10 PM, e-mail your five answers to me at: blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com. From the most correct responses in the photo contest, I will select the winner of the Amazon Gift card!

PHOTO # 5 in the Utah Photo Contest - in Bryce Canyon National Park there is a popular trail that takes you to a close look of the famous hoodoo rock formations. Name that trail.

*IMPORTANT - DO NOT post your answer here in the comments! **Keep track of your answers for each day and e-mail them to me Saturday October 29th at blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com There is a total of five photos in all in the Utah Photo Contest. This is Photo #5. You can look back for other photos on the other days if you missed any this past week. Must receive your entry via e-mail by Saturday night, October 29th at 10 PM est to qualify.

(for US residents only. Void where prohibited. Odds at winning depends on number of correct entries received)

A Journey from Pain to Thankfulness

2011-10-27T08:46:00.000-04:00

Today as part of the release gathering for Red Rock Weddings, I am so blessed and honored to welcome Mary Kessler. She is the mother-in-law of my sister and a woman who has been through an incredible journey after being diagnosed with multiple myeloma. She helped me tremendously in my research for the third book in the collection, "Wasatch Love" where the hero deals with his sister ill from leukemia and in need of a bone marrow transplant.

I am grateful to Mary for all her help. She has agreed to be a guest today and share her story of courage amid adversity with you.

A few days after my husband of 42 years passed away from brain cancer, my family doctor called me to tell me that I had multiple myeloma (MM). At first I thought she was calling to express her condolences at Fred’s passing. Which is something she would do.

MM is a treatable but non curable cancer of the bone marrow. It affects (primarily) your blood, bones, and kidneys. Seems my orthopedic surgeon neglected to inform me that I had MM after my hip replacement surgery five years earlier. My family doctor found out about my condition circuitously. This delayed treatment, which caused more bone damage (read – ongoing pain) than necessary. The only thing I was grateful for at the time is that Fred did not know I was sick.

After two bone marrow transplants, I am now in remission. I have a compressed and fractured L4 vertebrae which causes (strangely enough) constant leg pain. I have to sleep in a chair, and I had to start using a walker at 63 years of age. To try and stay in remission as long as possible, I take a chemo pill every day. It causes low blood counts, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems but no hair loss. But I am grateful the treatment exists and that insurance pays most of the $11,000 a month the pills cost.

But, all in all I am pretty happy. I thank God every morning that my pain pills work and try to enjoy the day. Then in the evening I thank God for the nice day. And the times when it seems too much, I just ask God to lift the burden from my shoulders.

Buy Red Rock Weddings which includes "Wasatch Love"

BOOK GIVEAWAY!! Leave a comment (where it says Post Comment) below for a chance to win the contemporary collection Virginia Weddings. It includes three stories in one, set in the lovely state of Virginia. Please include your e-mail address. Giveaway ends Friday, October 28th at 10 PM est.

Amazon Gift Card!

The ONGOING UTAH PHOTO CONTEST Each day on the blog there will be a photo from Utah featured as part of the ongoing Utah Photo Contest. Each day, take a look at the photo displayed and follow the instruction for that day. Keep track of your responses. There will be a total of five different photos, one for each day. (DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS HERE IN COMMENTS or on any of the blogs. If you do your answer will be deleted and your response that day will be disqualified). From Friday, October 28th - through Saturday, October 29th, e-mail your five answers to me at: blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com. From the most correct responses in the photo contest, I will select one winner of the Amazon Gift card!

PHOTO # 4 in the Utah Photo Contest - Name this unique feature found outside of Salt Lake City.

*IMPORTANT - DO NOT post your answer here in the comments! **Keep track of your answers for each day and e-mail them to me from Friday October 28th to Saturday October 29th as stated above. There will be a total of five photos in all in the Utah Photo Contest. This is Photo #4. You can look back for other photos if you missed any this week.

Traveling the Dusty Roads to Set the Scene....

2011-10-26T06:56:00.001-04:00

When it comes to researching a book like Red Rock Weddings, one must dust off their homebound shoes and hit the road to see all that there is to see. Nothing can breathe life into a tale one tells then by actually being there and visiting the setting. And that’s what my husband and I did when we flew out to Utah. We spent the week touring the sights and sounds and getting a feel for the place where I would set my three stories in this collection.

The canyon walk in Cedar City

We began our adventure in Cedar City, home of story #2 – “Heart of Mine” and the annual summer Shakespearean festival. There was a lovely canyon –like area which I used as the setting for my hero and heroine to meet as they walk their dogs. From there we traveled to Cedar Breaks National Monument and its interesting bowl-like canyon and onward to Bryce Canyon National Park with its famous hoodoos – all of which found a special place in this particular story.

We then headed for Moab, Utah, home to many a rafting company and our own rafting adventure to research story # 1 – “Love’s Winding Path”. My husband was great as I gave him a list of questions to ask our young river guide. He sat directly behind the guide on the bus ride over to the place where we would embark on our rafting trip and was able to find the answers to all my questions. During the trip I listened as the guide pointed

Window Arch in Arches National Park

out the unique rock formations by name, which I incorporated into the book. We then ended the day with a quick trip to Arches National Park and its formations which were again used in the story.

Lastly we made our way back to the prominent city of Utah, Salt Lake City, and took a drive into the Wasatch Mountains, the setting for my third and final story, “Wasatch Love”. There I found a trail I could use in my storyline where the heroine is injured and get a feel for not only city life but the mountains that surround the city. I found it vastly different from the red rocks we’d seen on earlier travels. But that’s what makes Utah so unique.

The Wasatch

I had a great time touring all these lovely spots and hope others will follow in my footsteps, even taking along this collection, if you want, to discover all the beauty that Utah has to offer along with the heroes and heroines of each story in Red Rock Weddings.

BUY Red Rock Weddings

There is still time to enter the giveaway from Tuesday which is another collection of stories from the northeastern states - New England. Leave a comment and your e-mail. Ends tonight (10/26) at 10 PM.

Amazon Gift Card!

The ONGOING UTAH PHOTO CONTEST Each day on the blog there will be a photo from Utah featured as part of the ongoing Utah Photo Contest. Each day, take a look at the photo displayed and follow the instruction for that day. Keep track of your responses. There will be a total of five different photos, one for each day. (DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS HERE IN COMMENTS or on any of the blogs. If you do your answer will be deleted and your response that day will be disqualified). From Friday, October 28th - through Saturday, October 29th, e-mail your five answers to me at: blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com. From the most correct responses in the photo contest, I will select one winner of the Amazon Gift card!

PHOTO # 3 in the Utah Photo Contest - Name this river that flows through a good part of Utah and is responsible for many of its canyons.

**IMPORTANT - DO NOT post your answer here in the comments! **Keep track of your answers for each day and e-mail them to me from Friday October 28th to Saturday October 29th as stated above. There will be a total of five photos in all in the Utah Photo Contest. This is Photo #3. You can look back for other photos if you missed them.

The Unsung Heroines of a Novel - Copy Editors!

2011-10-25T08:17:00.000-04:00

Today I welcome a special guest - Margorie Vawter, and my copy editor for Red Rock Weddings. I know as an author I'd be lost without her and other editors who work behind the scenes to bring out the best in my books. I credit Margie and others for really transforming the second book of this collection, Heart of Mine, to which I dedicated it to them.

Here's Margie:

Eleven years ago I started proofreading for Barbour Publishing, mostly in the Heartsong Presents! line. Soon I was proofreading across all the fiction and nonfiction that Barbour publishes. I learned a lot those first few years.

Then six years ago, I “retired” from teaching and went full-time doing freelance editing and proofreading. I added another publisher and read manuscripts for an agent. And I continued to learn and grow as an editor and a writer. Through the years, the Lord has given me several individuals that I edited, many of whom have gone on to publication. SO fun to have a part in their publication journeys.

Then I started copy editing (or line editing) for Heartsong Presents. I’ve met many wonderful authors and gained some precious friendships along the way. When JoAnne Simmons assigned me to Lauralee’s Utah stories, I was thrilled. I’d proofread several of Lauralee’s earlier books, so I was familiar with her as an author.

The challenge in line editing is taking the author’s vision for the book and making sure each sentence, each word, conveys that vision to the reader. Lauralee and I made a personal connection with her first book in the series, as it was a subject very close to my heart. As a result of working on that book, I gained a friend and prayer partner as we pray for each other’s wayward children.

I see my editing work as a way I can give to the Christian writing community, and it is very much a ministry to me. And it not only has made me grow as an editor, it has also helped me grow as a writer. This year has been a challenging year in many ways, but it also has had many surprises along the way. Challenges like my hubby and primary wage earner losing his job January 4 . . . and still being unemployed nearly 10 months later.

And surprises like being given my very first book contract—a historical romance novella for Barbour Publishing. The title of the novella collection is Sundays in Fredericksburg, and it is a “generational” collection set in Fredericksburg, Texas, from the early 1890s to contemporary. My book, A Shelter in the Storm, is set at the end of World War I and includes dealing with the Spanish influenza epidemic. And the other authors in the collection are Eileen Key, Connie Stevens, and Lynette Sowell—all authors whom I have proofread and edited in my work with Barbour. And Eileen and Connie are also two of my critique partners.

God is good. And I can’t wait to see what He has in store for me in the future. I hope it will continue to include working with authors like Lauralee.

Purchase Red Rock Weddings!

BOOK GIVEAWAY!! Leave a comment (where it says Post Comment) below for a chance to win the now out-of-print collection New England. It includes my first ever title published, Mountaintop. Please include your e-mail address. Giveaway ends Wednesday, October 26th at 10 PM est.

ONGOING UTAH PHOTO CONTEST Each day on the blog there will be a photo from Utah featured as part of the ongoing Utah Photo Contest. Each day, take a look at the photo displayed and follow the instruction for that day. Keep track of your responses. There will be a total of five different photos, one for each day. (DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS HERE IN COMMENTS or on any of the blogs. If you do your answer will be deleted and your response that day will be disqualified). From Friday, October 28th - through Saturday, October 29th, e-mail your five answers to me at: blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com. From the most correct responses in the photo contest, I will select one winner of the Amazon Gift card!

PHOTO # 2 in the Utah Photo Contest - Name the national park where you can find these unique formations.

**IMPORTANT - DO NOT post your answer here in the comments! **Keep track of your answers for each day and e-mail them to me from Friday October 28th to Saturday October 29th as stated above. There will be a total of five photos in all in the Utah Photo Contest. This is Photo #2. You can look back for other photos if you missed them.

Welcome to the Release Party for Red Rock Weddings!

2011-10-23T20:57:00.002-04:00

SO glad you are here to join the party. It's going to be fun!

I am pleased to introduce the brand new release of my three-in-one collection

Red Rock Weddings. In this book are three different and unique stories with life decisions affecting the characters set in the backdrop of scenic areas within the state of Utah. Also, look below for how to enter the various contests that will be featured this week, including an Amazon gift card giveaway!

Stories featured in Red Rock Weddings

Book 1 Love's Winding Path

Red rocks. River rafting. Freedom! Maybe...or maybe not.

Life as a river guide in Utah is far from peanut farming in Virginia, and Dan revels in the newness of this life. An awesome job, a cool car, a place of his own - and a gorgeous girl. But Jo has no intention of dating Dan. He's just a bit too sure of himself, and he shows no interest in God. When life in Moab takes some unexpected twists, Dan must face who he really is. Maybe the God stuff is true. But will he let go and believe, or continue to tough it out alone?

Book 2 Heart of Mine

Anson has no idea what's coming when he bumps into a pretty brunette on the canyon walk. But when she acts like she's seen a ghost-and then interrogates him as if she thinks he is one-his heart is drawn to her. Like her, he has also suffered loss. But the past affects the present and the future. And for Anson and Marissa, a real ghost of the past might suddenly be emerging. When all is revealed, will they find their faith faltering and the past keeping them apart?

Book 3 Wasatch Love

From the outside, Brenda Stewart has it all. A rich, influential father. Friends in high places. Men clamoring for her attention. But inside, Brenda is miserable. Her father is overbearing, her friends are fickle, and the men want her money and the prestige it brings. Like Jim Ensley. But Jim has his own problems. And fears. If he can't get that vice president's spot, all may be lost, personally and professionally. A night of indiscretion and Brenda's subsequent escape into the Wasatch Mountains causes havoc that Brenda and Jim could never have imagined. And where does God fit in?

Book Giveaways -

All this week during the release party there will be special contest for book giveaways. Check back each day to find out what will be given away and how to enter. You never know!

Amazon Gift Card Rules -

Each day on the blog there will be a photo from Utah featured as part of the ongoing Utah Photo Contest. Each day, take a look at the photo displayed and follow the instruction for that day. Keep track of your responses. There will be a total of five different photos, one for each day. (DO NOT POST YOUR ANSWERS HERE IN COMMENTS or on any of the blogs. If you do your answer will be deleted and your response that day will be disqualified). After Friday, October 28th - through Saturday, October 29th, e-mail your five answers to me at: blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com. From the most correct responses in the photo contest, I will select one winner of the Amazon Gift card!

PHOTO # 1 in the Utah Photo Contest - Name the national park in Utah where this famous feature is located.

Have fun and be sure to pick up a copy of Red Rock Weddings!

Tomorrow's guest (10/25) will be my wonderful editor of Red Rock Weddings, Marjorie Vawter. Sure to be a book giveaway on that day!! And Picture #2 for the Utah Photo Contest!

Let's Go for a Ride with Guest Laurie Alice Eakes!

2011-10-18T12:52:00.001-04:00

This week I welcome multi-published author Laurie Alice Eakes who will share with you her life's journey to fulfillment as a writer of Regency novels.

Want to Go for a Ride?

I like to travel. I do not, however, like the process of traveling. In other words, I like destinations, not the getting to the destination part. Yet in the past three years, I have learned that life is not a destination—it is a journey.

For five years, I thought in terms of a goal and then I would be satisfied—I would get published and my husband would go to then graduate from law school and land an amazing paying job and we would have a nice house and family and. . .

Things didn’t quite happen that way. Oh, yes, my husband got into a great law school with a great job offer at the end. I sold a couple of books. And I wasn’t satisfied. Something was missing. Whether I’m a slow learner or just stubborn I don’t know, and I didn’t figure out the lacking ingredient, or, since this is about journeys, the missing wheel, until three years ago. Three years ago this month, I got the call that I had sold three books, bringing my total sales to five. In the next year, I sold seven more books, including three that are my second reason for celebrating this month.

Since deciding I wanted to be a writer, I wanted to set my novels in Regency England. But when I tried to sell this in the Christian market, I got flat-out “We can’t sell that era” Yet, amongst my sales during that amazing year that has kept my fingers hopping over the keyboard, I sold a three-book Regency romantic suspense series to a publisher I never thought would look at my work, let alone pay me for my books. A Necessary Deception was released this month, more than a book for me. More the fulfillment of a dream.

Yet that is not a destination; it is a journey. It is only the first book in the series, if one wants to be literal. It is another step in my career path, in the symbolic sense. It is the fulfillment of a dream and a reminder that I must keep my eyes on why and how I got to this milestone along the road.

Three years ago this month, I made the most important journey of all—I managed to travel the head knowledge of knowing my life needed to be in God’s will, surrendered to His plans, down to my heart and soul. My prayer for God’s will to be done in my life changed from Performa, to sincere.

These past three years haven’t been easy. To go into all the details would take up volumes, not a few hundred words. And through all the difficult times, I have seen God’s hand working on hearts and minds to make me a better person, a greater servant for Him. Knowing my future journey is in His hands Provides me with not merely peace, but the excitement of wondering what is around the next curve in the road.

Award-winning author Laurie Alice Eakes wanted to be a writer since knowing what one was. Her first book won the National Readers Choice Award in 2007, and her third book was a Carol Award finalist in 2010. Having her first book with Baker/Revell, Lady in the Mist, picked up by Crossings Book Club, and six of her books have ben chosen for large print editions by Thorndike Press. She has been a public speaker for as long as she can remember; thus, only suffers enough stage fright to keep her sharp. In 2002, while in graduate school for writing fiction, she began to teach fiction in person and online. She lives in Virginia with her husband, two dogs, and probably too many cats.

Necessary Deception

“Laurie Alice Eakes is one of the best storytellers the world has today.”—Delle Jacobs, award-winning author of His Majesty, the Prince of Toads

When young widow Lydia Gale helps a French prisoner obtain parole, she never dreams she will see him again. But just as the London Season gets under way, the man presents himself in her parlor. While she should be focused on getting her headstrong younger sister prepared for her entrée into Society, Lady Gale finds herself preoccupied with the mysterious Frenchman. Is he a spy or a suitor? Can she trust him? Or is she putting herself and her family in danger?

Discover a world of elegance and intrigue, balls and masquerades as Laurie Alice Eakes whisks you into the drawing rooms of London Society on this exciting quest to let the past stay in the past—and let love guide the future.

Praise for Necessary Deception -

“Eakes weaves the fine silk threads of historical richness, dangerous intrigue, and forbidden romance into a flawless literary tapestry . . . that will leave readers breathless.”—Louise M. Gouge, award-winning author of At the Captain’s Command

“A page-turning story with an in-depth knowledge of the period, an eye for detail, and an escalating mystery that will keep readers guessing till the end.”—Ruth Axtell Morren, author of Wild Rose and The Rogue’s Redemption

“This is the kind of book I look forward to reading when I want to be uplifted and carried away.”—Jennifer Hudson Taylor, author of Highland Blessings and Highland Sanctuary

**NEXT WEEK - Join me ALL WEEK for my RELEASE PARTY to celebrate "Red Rock Weddings" - adventure and romance in the scenic beauty of Utah! Guest blogs, book giveaway and a Utah photo contest for a chance to win a gift card from Amazon.com!

Fall is a Time For…

2011-10-11T13:26:00.000-04:00

Fall, fall. Falling leaves. Leaves in brilliant color. Mountainsides covered like a patchwork quilt in differing shades of orange, red and gold.

When think of fall I think of the following –

September 1 kicks it off – and my only son’s birth day back in 1990! This year it’s the big 21.

Hiking! There are so many lovely trails here in my state of Virginia to go on a short or long hike and see the beauty of the colors in the mountains, watch the leaves float on cool mountain streams, kick up acorns and leaves as they fall from above (and sometimes with a loud plunk like tiny missiles in midair and praying none hit you atop the head). I also like to take a few days and do a short backpacking trip. Crisp air, lovely scenery, and times of reflection in God’s great earth.

Raking – hey, remember those great leaf piles? Growing up we had huge piles of leaves from raking our massive front lawn and JUMP – into the pile we went, cushioned by the fall with mounds of leaves in pretty colors (maple leaves are the prettiest). I also liked leaf raking as a youngster, as I made my money for Christmas gifts by helping rake the front lawn and cleaning out “tree wells” ( wells my dad dug around each of our oak and birch trees. I never really understood why he did that, to be honest. And as I five year old I accidentally did a back flip into one of them and have a scar on my chin to this day).

Apples, apples everywhere. We enjoy going to the Graves Mountain apple festival here in Virginia to see apple butter being made, taste yummy doughnuts made with the apple butter, cruise the craft booths and then stop by the apple booth to buy a bushel of apples. And from that bushel comes apple pie, apple butter (the link is the recipe I have made in my slow cooker and love it, though I do use less sugar than called for) and homemade applesauce!

And wow, seeing how quickly stores start stocking shelves with Christmas items. Yes, I am seeing the decorations already, and its only October 10^th. Even saw my first winter –type commercial with the elfish-looking children in a winter wonderland looking for Puff tissue to wipe their noses.

Can winter really be coming?

COMING UP THIS MONTH on Blissful Life Journey!!

Starting October 16th, join me in welcoming multi published historical author Laurie Alice Eakes who will be my guest blogger!

The week of October 23rd I celebrate the release of my collection Red Rock Weddings! This is a three book contemporary collection of adventures set in the beautiful state of Utah. Some great giveaways and guest blogs plus scenic pictures of Utah all week (including a "Name That Scenic Area" photo contest)! Check out samples on Facebook!

"A Quaker Christmas" makes the ECPA List!

2011-10-07T13:36:00.000-04:00

We are thrilled to announce that our novella collection "A Quaker Christmas" is now on the ECPA multi channel list in the top 25! Many thanks to our loyal readers and booksellers!

ALSO COMING this month!!

The week of October 16th, join multi published historical author Laurie Alice Eakes who will be my guest blogger!

The week of October 23rd, join me in celebrating the release of my collection Red Rock Weddings out now! This is a three book contemporary collection of adventures in the beautiful state of Utah. Some great giveaways and blogs plus scenic pictures of Utah all week (including a "Name That Scenic Area" contest)!

A Pot Roast Kind of Day

2011-10-03T20:03:00.000-04:00

Good Cooking Recipe of the Month #1

(I decided it might be nice to cook up something new, like a recipe of the month, born out of my journey that day. Here's #1)

Today I awoke to a raw, rainy day, ready to take several hikers who had stayed with us up to Shenandoah National Park so they could continue their hike of the Appalachian Trail that runs the length of the park. When I arrived at the entrance station, the ranger there told us, "Just to let you know, it's snowing up there in Big Meadows. Be careful."

Snow? On October third? It couldn't be. But sure enough, as I drove along the Skyline Drive, flakes of snow drifted down from the skies. It soon gathered on leaves barely showing their autumn colors, weighing down branches and then began collecting on the road. I delivered the hikers to their destination and thought, have we gone from summer to winter and bypassed fall?

On the way home I stopped off at the market and there happened upon a nice chuck roast on sale, approx 2 1/2 lbs. With the cold day and thoughts of snow lingering in the back of my mind, this piece of meat brought to the forefront a nice pot roast dish. And I know I will score as its one of my hubby's favorites.

Once home, out came the small roasting pan and cover. I salt and peppered the meat and browned it in a little canola oil on both sides. I then added a can of beef broth, covered it, and tucked the pan in an oven at 350 degrees to let it slow roast over several hours.

I then began peeling carrots and potatoes. I peeled some whole onions and cut up several stalks of celery. Into the pot went the nice assortment of veggies to cook another two hours, soaking up the flavorful broth.

Wahla. Out comes the pot roast, its aroma filling the house, putting to rest the discomfort at the thought of frosty, bone chilling mornings and instead, making me hope for more days like this when the house is filled with warmth and the inviting aroma of another deliciously cooked meal. I thickened the broth into a nice gravy to serve over the meat. A perfect dish to welcome fall, even if there was a taste of winter thrown in for good measure.

Servings - depending on the amount of veggies you throw in: 4-6 servigns

Winners for the Final Day!

2011-09-30T22:29:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Patricia who won A Log Cabin Christmas and Deborah from way back in Discussions Day One (and who could not access Blogger that day but persisted anyway and went to my Readers Page on Facebook to participate!) who won the Gift Card for Colonial Williamsburg. Special thanks to my hubby who drew the winning names each day this week! It's been so much fun. Thanks for visiting our release gathering and we hope you will consider adding A Quaker Christmas to your holiday reading list this season!

Final Day of the Release Gathering and Secret Guest Blogger Rebecca Germany, Sr Fiction Editor at Barbour Publishing!

2011-09-29T23:15:00.001-04:00

Welcome to the Final Day of the release gathering for "A Quaker Christmas". We are SO happy to have our fiction editor for this collection, Rebecca Germany of Barbour Publishing, joining us for a guest blog about her inspiration behind "A Quaker Christmas." She has also offered to give away as a SPECIAL BONUS a copy of the NY Times Bestseller A Log Cabin Christmas. Comment on the post and leave your e-mail address to enter. This door prize ends September 30th at 10 PM est. Along with this, we will also be drawing separately for the Grand Prize of a gift card to the Colonial Williamsburg Gift Shoppe. Remember, you get another entry if you Facebook or Tweet this with others and "3" entries if you buy "A Quaker Christmas"! E-mail proof of sharing and /or purchase to: blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com.
View the book trailer.

Here's Becky -

Plain people of plain faith. What makes them so interesting to us?

With all the fiction out there right now about the Amish, it would almost seem to some like readers might be drawn in by the rules and orderliness of religion. But we know it goes deeper to a romantic notion we all have about escaping to a slower paced life where we can live out our faith away from the pressures of modern culture--though readers soon realize that is even a dream for the Amish.

The plain people of the 1800s didn’t stand out as drastically as the Amish and other Anabaptist do today. But still there were groups of faith-filled immigrants and like-minded Christians who clustered together, worked together, and dressed alike. The Quakers were one of those groups who we don’t read a lot about. Their attempts to live in peace often put them in sticky situations as they migrated into areas held by Native Americans or were themselves pressed by events like the Civil War.

I wanted to see some of these things explored through fiction, and I needed a Christmas collection. But one thing about the Quakers was that they have never made a big deal about religious holidays. In their non-assuming way, they will remember the significance of Christ’s birth, but don’t usually want to gain anything like gifts in return.

I called on authors to give me some story ideas that could incorporate both romance and an exploration of Quaker Christmas beliefs, and I think I landed on a very nice group of 4 authors. Though they worked apart, their stories blend well and celebrate the Quaker faith of days gone by.

Leave a comment and your e-mail for a chance to win A Log Cabin Christmas, and get bonus entries for the gift card if you Tweet or Facebook about this final day with Becky. If you purchase A Quaker Christmas, you get THREE bonus entries toward the gift card! Giveaways ends September 30th at 10 PM est.

Thanks so much for being part of our release gathering. We hope you had as much fun as we did!

Day 4 of The Release Gathering for "A Quaker Christmas" - Meet co author Ramona Cecil!

2011-09-28T22:07:00.001-04:00

DAY 4 of a Release Gathering for "A Quaker Christmas" is a special blog from coauthor Ramona Cecil. She is giving away a wonderful cookbook full of Indiana inspired recipes! Comment on the post and leave your e-mail address to enter. This door prize ends September 29th at 11 PM est. Don't forget the ongoing Grand Prize for the gift card - you get another entry if you Facebook or Tweet this with others and "3" entries if you buy "A Quaker Christmas"! Again if you are having trouble with blogger, visit my reader's page (see the widget on the right) and enter the discussion list to leave a comment or you may e-mail me your comment and I will post it (it's good as an entry to the giveaway for that day). E-mail comment, proof of sharing and /or purchase to blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com. Tomorrow is a SECRET guest blogger, so be sure to come back!

The idea for Simple Gifts came from something I learned years ago while working on a family history. While researching my dad’s family in Jennings County, Indiana, I learned about a great-grandaunt named Lucinda. I discovered she lost her first husband to a grain mill accident early in their marriage, but did have one child with him. I knew I’d probably never know the story behind her second marriage, so like a good writer I made it up.

I first wrote the basic story several years ago as a short story and without the Quaker twist. Since the original story was set at Christmas time, it was the first idea to spring to mind when I was invited to join this novella collection.

As I researched the Quaker angle, I learned some interesting facts concerning the Quaker faith and their observance, or lack of observance of Christmas. Through Quaker genealogist Karen S. Campbell, whose web site I serendipitously stumbled upon—something I consider a God-thing—I learned that a sect of Quakers called Gurneyites do celebrate Christmas, albeit very simply. Miss Campbell’s kindness and generosity in sharing her vast knowledge of all things Quaker was an invaluable asset as I wrote Simple Gifts.

Chris Gustin, owner and operator of Homestead Weaving Studio of Columbus, Indiana was another great resource I was blessed to find online. Chris helped me with the technical aspects of home looms and rug weaving as I wrote the weaving scenes.

My aim was to write a poignant Christmas story that depicts a young widow’s arduous and very human journey from grief to acceptance, to peace and finally to joy as she finds her way back to her faith and renewed trust in the Lord following a devastating loss. I also wanted to show the destructive power of guilt and how it can hamper us from following God’s will for our lives.

I hope my readers enjoy experiencing Lucinda and Will’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Leave a comment and your e-mail for a chance to win this wonderful cookbook full of Indiana inspired recipes. Giveaway ends September 29th at 11 PM est.

Day 3 of The Release Gathering for A Quaker Christmas - Meet co author Rachael Phillips!

2011-09-27T22:17:00.001-04:00

DAY 3 of a Release Gathering for "A Quaker Christmas" is a special blog from coauthor Rachael Phillips. She is also giving away TWO books (see below)! Comment on the post and leave your e-mail address to enter. This door prize ends September 28th at 11 PM est. Don't forget the ongoing grand prize for the gift card - you get another entry if you Facebook or Tweet this with others and "3" entries if you buy the book! Again if you are having trouble with blogger, visit my reader's page (see the widget on the right) and enter the discussion list to leave a comment or you may e-mail me your comment and I will post it (it's good as an entry to the giveaway for that day). E-mail comment, proof of sharing and /or purchase to blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com.

Here is Rachael -

My novella revolves around a nineteenth-century Quaker girl who loves God and her family. So why, last November, did I find myself climbing around a pirate cave on the Illinois shore of the Ohio River?

Like twenty-year-olds of any era, my 1825 heroine Keturah craves adventure. She sneaks a radical red shawl from a barrel of clothes sent by her non-Quaker aunt and wears it whenever free from her mother’s watchful eye. Charlie, the handsome, magnetic son of a deceased river pirate, has begun attending the local Friends’ Meeting. He promises her a forbidden ride on a steamboat—and a love and freedom she has never experienced.

I went to Cave-in-Rock State Park in Illinois to explore the cavern where Keturah and Charlie awaited the steamboat. I did my research on a beautiful fall day, but the few other tourists left, leaving me to imagine alone. A team of horses and a wagon could easily pull into the wide entrance of this cave, so it was not nearly as dark as when my heroine entered it at night. Of course, she’d heard rumors of river pirates using it as a tavern to entice weary flatboat travelers to dock and sample their peculiar form of hospitality, but all that had taken place a generation earlier—the late 1700s and the first decade of the 1800s.

As I sat, solitary in the shadowy inner chamber, the sun glistened on the sky-blue Ohio outside, and red maples sang gentle autumn songs. But the lichen-scabbed limestone walls whispered dark stories of whole families who disappeared through this cave’s mouth, seemingly absorbed into its ridged, starved-rib walls.

That moment, I really, really wished my big, strong husband had accompanied me!

Sometimes a writer finds herself doing things she never imagined in order to make her book the best it can be. If you’re a writer, what surprises have you encountered on your writing journey?

If you’re a reader, what do you think of Keturah’s relationship with Charlie?

**Rachael is giving away TWO books today only! Leave your answer to her question and your e-mail address for the drawing.

(UPDATE) Congratulations to Caroline who won Rachael's books!

DAY 2 - Release Gathering for "A Quaker Christmas" with guest blog and new giveaway!

2011-09-26T22:25:00.001-04:00

DAY 2 of a Release Gathering for "A Quaker Christmas" is a special blog from coauthor Claire Sanders. She is also giving away a gingerbread cookie cutter! Comment on the post and leave your e-mail address to enter. This door prize ends September 27th at 11 PM est. Don't forget the ongoing grand prize for the gift card - you get another entry if you Facebook or Tweet this with others and "3" entries if you buy the book! Again if you are having trouble with blogger, visit my reader's page (see the widget on the right) and enter the discussion list to leave a comment. E-mail proof of sharing and /or purchase to blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com
(update) Congratulations to Judy who won the cookie cutter!

Dear Readers,

I hope you enjoy my story, “Equally Yoked”. The title, of course, is a reference to the verse in II Corinthians, but I did not mean for my story to be based on that verse. Rather, I was going for the same image of two oxen pulling a wagon.

The main character of my story, Susanna Griffith, has always been a passive observer of her husband’s work in the Underground Railroad. But when she’s put in a position where she has to help a runaway slave, she is empowered by the experience. She asks her husband to let her continue in the work, despite the danger. In this way, she wishes to be equally yoked to her husband.

Susanna’s husband, Nathan Griffith, is a Quaker. I first learned about the Quakers’ staunch support of abolitionist causes when I read a wonderful book about the Underground Railroad. Beyond the River by Ann Hagedorn tells the story of how abolitionists in southern Ohio worked to help runaway slaves. You may have noticed that Nathan and his father attend the trial of John B. Mahan. This part of my story is historically correct.

John B. Mahan lived in Sardinia, Ohio. He trained as a Methodist minister and farmed land in that area. In September, 1838, Mahan was arrested by the sheriff of Mason County, Kentucky on the grounds that Mahan had traveled to Kentucky to help slaves escape. He was arrested in Ohio, taken in handcuffs to Mason County, and jailed for nine weeks. His arrest and the trial that followed were headline news. If he was convicted of the charges, all the abolitionists with whom he was associated would be in danger of being tried for similar charges.

He wrote many letters during his incarceration. Here is an excerpt from a letter to his wife which shows the kind of man John B. Mahan was:

Every day I look through the grates of my prison towards the Ohio. I desire to be with you; but I am admonished by my Master to be patient; God knows what is best for me and often times in my prison amidst the clanking of chains, I feel happy and am constrained to say it is enough, Lord. I think I feel reconciled to whatever may be the issue of my case. My hope and my trust is in the Lord.

Mahan’s defense rested on the indisputable fact that he hadn’t been in Kentucky during the time the slaves escaped. Although almost everyone expected a guilty verdict from the Kentucky jury, John B. Mahan was found not guilty of the charges. However, Mahan’s arrest and trial had long-lasting effects. During his months in jail, Mahan had suffered from a severe chest cold and cough (he was later diagnosed with tuberculosis). He never completely regained his health and he died in December, 1844 at the age of forty-three. He is buried in Sardinia. His tombstone reads “a victim of the slave power”.

I loved writing “Equally Yoked”, not only for the story but also to give my respect to the Quakers. Their beliefs helped found our nation and they continue to be tireless warriors against social injustice. I hope you’ll look for my next story based on Quakers. “New Garden Inspiration” will appear in the collection titled The Quakers of New Garden, published by Barbour Books. This new story is set in Indiana in 1861. Leah, a Quaker, agrees to a marriage of convenience to a non-Quaker. One day after her wedding, her husband reports for duty with the Indiana First Cavalry, leaving Leah to care for his two children. When her husband is wounded in battle, she must travel to Washington D.C. to care for him.

The Quakers of New Garden will be available on April 1, 2012. Look for more information about my books at my website

Welcome to the RELEASE Gathering for "A Quaker Christmas"

2011-09-25T18:58:00.007-04:00

We are SO glad you can be a part of celebrating this coming holiday season with us and our new release from Barbour Publishing. To kick things off - I am unveiling our lovely BOOK Trailer created by Barb Early! Also, if you will look under the DOOR PRIZES page listing, you will see the great giveaways being offered each day this week as part of the release celebration (you must stop by each day and leave a comment in order to be entered, but Great guest blogs await you!). There is also a Grand Giveaway for a gift card to Colonial Williamsburg (which can be used on site or online). Leaving a comment on this blog gives you one entry. Mention this release gathering on Facebook and Twitter for an extra entry for the gift card.. You can get "3 "extra chances at the gift card by buying A Quaker Christmas. Be sure to e-mail proof of your mention and your purchase to blissful63(at)gmail(dot)com

Monday's giveaway! - a cross stitch towel, handmade by Lauralee Bliss! Leave a comment here by Monday, September 26th at 11 PM EST for a chance to win. Stop by each day for more great door giveaways - Amish novels, a gingerbread cookie cutter, and more, plus our Grand Drawing on Friday for a gift card (see above)!
Blogger has been giving some viewers issues, so if you are having a problem, I am holding the exact same gathering on my Facebook readers page in "discussions". You can leave comments there as well each day for a chance to win the giveaways (but only one comment either here or on Facebook per giveaway). Check back each day for new blogs and giveaways.
(update) Congratulations to Andrea who won the towel.

We present to you the book trailer. Enjoy.

Winner of Laura's Book and other News!

2011-09-22T08:27:00.000-04:00

Congratulations to Judy who has won Laura's book, A Harvest of Hearts.

Starting next week all week here on Blissful Life Journey, I will be hosting a release party for my new novella in, A Quaker Christmas. I will be introducing the book trailer, stories about the book, guests, plus some great giveaways for those participating!

My guest blogger for October will be Laurie Alice Eakes. Be sure to sign up to receive this blog via Feedblitz or e mail so you don't miss out!

And if you have read my books and like was you read, be sure to "like" me on Facebook!

The Job is a Journey

2011-09-15T15:06:00.000-04:00

My journey in the work force is my writing. Long ago I did get a nursing degree and practiced for several years, but I always had a desire to write. I found that journey well on its way with my first published novel, Mountaintop.

But like most journeys, I had to plan and prepare. And one of the greatest things I did to help me plan is go to a writers' conference. You may be in certain work areas that require you to attend workshops, in-services and the like. I did as a nurse, and it gave me a more well-rounded approach to my work and what I intended to do. Best of all, I met with others who were like minded and could rattle off ideas and share experiences. I found these times to be the most valuable at conferences, like at a writers' conference. I could share in the trials of my fellow writers when perhaps a book pitch to an editor did not go quite as planned or their triumphs when a query was accepted.

With fellow author Diane Brandmeyer at ACFW 2009

I take in information much like a student with my notebook in hand, jotting down ideas about writing from editors and writers or how to take publication and communication to a whole new level via the Internet. In these challenging economic times, it does good to find out all you can about your work field. To be involved as much as possible using the tools that are available. I discovered what a great tool the Internet is to connect with others. Of course like everything else, moderation is the key. You can spend your entire day online. But with your particular field of interest, you can blog (like I am now through blogspot or wordpress) share passions and dreams with others I may never meet (via Facebook, Twitter and other social networks), learn about my field, share in the disappointments and the triumphs.

I love the written word, but writing that word so that I can connect with others makes it all the more meaningful to the journey.

**There is still time to join the passionate talk of Laura Hilton’s journey through breast cancer and her book giveaway.

Guest Laura Hilton and her Journey from Cancer to Triumph

2011-09-12T10:00:00.001-04:00

Blissful Life Journey opens its new blog format, formerly Blissful Writing Thoughts, by welcoming guest Laura Hilton. She shares a poignant true life story that will tug on your heartstrings but show you, too, what a great God we serve who has our lives in His most capable hands. Read Laura's testimony then find out about her wonderful Amish books, of which she is giving away a copy of her latest book, A Harvest of Hearts. Be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win.

Laura writes:

In July of 2008 I noticed a lump in my left breast. At first, I wasn’t too concerned. I was weaning my youngest daughter, and lumpy, bumpy, sore breasts are part of the process. But by August, the lump seemed to be larger. I kind of stressed over it awhile, debating what to do: call the doctor or see if it goes away on its own. September came. The lump got larger. And I decided that I’ll call the doctor. I told him that it was a breast infection and I needed antibiotic. Silly man, did he listen to me? Not at all. He scheduled me for a mammogram. My very first one.

Okay, we won’t go into a discussion about what a wonderful experience that was. . . Not. Instead, the doctor, unhappy with the inconclusive results, decided to schedule me for a needle biopsy. Now, apparently there are several different kinds of those, and the kind he did had a hook on it, and they had to put me “partially asleep” to do it. Meaning that allegedly I was awake enough to hear and respond to commands, but not awake enough to know anything that was being done. Then we played the waiting game while I recovered from the unnecessary surgery and fumed because the doctor wouldn’t give me an antibiotic.

When the day came that the doctor read the results, he showed the same compassion that one would expect from a rural cattle farmer. He looked me in the eye and said, “You have breast cancer. I’m taking the breast.”

And I responded, “You’re kidding.”

Silence.

I proceeded to argue with him about how he was wrong and everything. He still didn’t listen. Instead he blithely went his way, scheduling surgery to remove a part of my body.

I didn’t know what to do. Blindsided by that totally unexpected diagnosis, I followed blindly in my doctor’s wake. He did a mastectomy. He’s old school, so he included my lymph nodes, the works. Then after I heal, he finally sends me to an Oncologist.

We won’t go into what the Oncologist had to say about my ancient doctor’s methods either. But despite arguments with him I was scheduled for three months of chemotherapy, six weeks of radiation, and then three more months of chemotherapy.

Being diagnosed with breast cancer—or any cancer—is a serious wake up call. I started delving deeply into the Word, spending massive amounts of time in prayer and Bible study. When I wasn’t feeling one hundred percent from the necessary treatment, I had loads of time to spend doing that. I learned to put my trust completely in God. Not in Me. He had control over whether I survived breast cancer, lived to raise my five children, or to ever realize my dream of seeing a book in print.

That was three years ago this month that I got the diagnosis. I’ve been in remission from a disease I never really embraced or accepted. I’m grateful that He decided by his grace to spare me. That two of my five children are now considered adults by the US government. And that not only are two of my books in print, they’re in the CBD catalog, and they are going to bookstores oversea.

As a result of the diagnosis, I’ve been able prayerfully put my writing in His hands. He knows the plans He has for me. And for you. It may not take a cancer diagnosis for you to put your complete trust in God, but know that whatever the circumstances you face, God knows. He is able. And He has a plan. The Bible says, in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Sometimes it’s hard to see what God’s plans are when poison is pumping unto your veins to kill cancer cells. When the water company calls and tells you have an $800 water bill and a bad leak. Or when other things go terribly wrong. God has a plan.

For me. For you. And even in the midst of trials, we can trust Him. 1 Peter 5:7: “Casting all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you.”

Laura's Amish Books

A Harvest of Hearts Book 2 of the Amish of Seymour series, September 2011

Matthew Yoder volunteered to be part of the swap of Amish men from his Old Order Pennsylvania Amish Community, to the Amish community in Seymour, Missouri. There is nothing for him in Pennsylvania, as the youngest of twelve children, and the lack of farmland around Lancaster County, he felt he could make a better future in another district. Shanna Stoltzfus has been raised Amish, and couldn’t wait for her rumspringa so she could pursue her education. She hated having to quit school in the 8^th grade to stay home and learn everything that makes a home run smoothly. But now she has earned her GED and is taking college courses, but her family is begging her to come home; her little sisters miss her. And there’s something about newcomer, Matthew Yoder that draws her attention. But is it enough to give up her dreams of education and join the Amish church?

BUY this book or Laura's first Amish novel in the series, Patchwork Dreams.

Laura Hilton, her husband, Steve, and their five children make their home in Horseshoe Bend, Arkansas. She is a pastor’s wife, a stay-at-home mom and home-schools three of her children. Her two oldest children are homeschool graduates and are in college. Laura is also a breast cancer survivor.

Her publishing credits include Hot Chocolate and Shadows of the Past from Treble Heart Books; a devotional in a compilation from Zondervan; and the first book “Patchwork Dreams” in her Amish of Seymour series from Whitaker House released in April 2011, the second book, “A Harvest of Hearts” in September 2011, and Promised to Another in April 2012. Laura has her business degree from Ozarka and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Laura is a professional book reviewer for the Christian market, with over a thousand book reviews published at various online review sites.

To enter the giveaway, please leave your name, a comment, and your e-mail address. Ends Wednesday, September 21, 2011.

(For US residents only. Odds at winning depends on number of entries received. Void where prohibited)

A Day Never Forgotten...

2011-09-10T20:47:00.001-04:00

Ten Years ago...one terrible, nightmarish journey. September 11, 2011. A day wrought in tragedy and death. Can anything good come of it?

September 11, 2011 a little after 9 AM. It had become a usual routine for me to do some work before turning on the TODAY show and eating my breakfast around 9 AM. Today was no different. I had just done some cleaning , we were going to have a friend come over in the afternoon to look at my husband's computer. I settled down as usual in my chair with a bowl of Raisin Bran. The TODAY team had just joked about something. Then Katie Couric came on to say that there was an incident at the World Trade Center. A small commuter plane had hit it, they were saying, and switched live to the scene. I sat there eating my cereal, thinking what a terrible thing to have happen once again (I recalled the bombing there about seven years back). I told my son who was in the back getting ready for school to come see the burning building. As I was watching this live, I saw a huge jetliner careen across the screen and into the second World Trade Center building, followed by a tremendous fireball. I nearly dropped my bowl but managed to put it on the table. This was history unfolding before his eyes and mine. I knew we were under attack and a terrible event was happening. And it went on for hours. More planes. More explosions. Buildings collapsing. The innocent dying. It was an event from hell.

My parents used to talk about the Day of Infamy when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor. They were kids back then. I had been to the Arizona memorial in Hawaii and was moved. But I never thought I would witness an attack in my lifetime. Until September 11, 2001 when our own airplanes and US citizens were used against us. It was a horrifying thing.

What good can possible come from something so awful? I do know that for the first time, everything stopped. No one cared about money or politics. People came together and prayed. People hung the flag, put it on their cars instead of college alma maters, burned candles, sung patriotic songs. USA shirts and hats were worn everywhere and were hot ticket items. People were Americans. We grieved as a nation. We were family.

Dear God, I pray nothing like this will have to happen again to make us realize who we are as a nation - one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

What were you doing on 9/11, and how did it affect you?

A Journey to a New Look for My Author Blog

2011-09-06T13:37:00.000-04:00

Over the next week I am making changes to a blog that was once called "Blissful Writing Thoughts" to Blissful Life Journeys. I wanted to make the blog more all-encompassing to take on a broader spectrum of life rather than just concentrating on the journey of writing. This theme also coincides better with my other passion - hiking and helping hikers through my blog Blissful Hiking. So stay tuned as I fine tune this blog.

There will still be special guests, book giveaways...
and coming in a few weeks - with book snippets, book trailer, clues for door prizes, and more...

The QUAKER CHRISTMAS release party!!

Winners of Donita's Books!

2011-08-22T22:20:00.001-04:00

The winners of Donita K. Paul's books are-

AJ Hawke has won The Vanishing Sculptor

Debra has won Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari

Kimberli has won To See His Way

Thanks to everyone who stopped by! More giveaways are coming as is my release party for "A Quaker Christmas" the week of September 19th-26th! Don't miss it, with door prizes and lots of fun!!!!

Final Day of Dragons, Devotions, and Donita K Paul - "Keep the Pages Turning..."

2011-08-19T14:47:00.001-04:00

This is the final day with Donita K. Paul as she encourages authors to give our audiences writing that keeps readers turning the pages!

Donita has done just that, with her very popular Dragonkeeper Chronicles.

Stay tuned at the end for her brand new release in the Chiril Chronicles, coming in October, 2011 (you can preorder below)

AND there is still time to enter her wonderful giveaway of THREE books! (ends August 22)

"Usually, when people get to the end of a chapter, they close the book and go to sleep. I deliberately write my books so when the reader gets to the end of a chapter, he or she must turn one more page. When people tell me I've kept them up all night, I feel like I've succeeded!"
- Sidney Sheldon (was an Academy Award-winning American writer. His TV works spanned a 20-year period during which he created The Patty Duke Show (1963–66), I Dream of Jeannie (1965–70) and Hart to Hart (1979–84), but he became most famous after he turned 50 and began writing best-selling novels such as Master of the Game (1982), The Other Side of Midnight (1973) and Rage of Angels (1980). He is the sixth best selling writer of all time.)

Yes, yes, yes! This is a sadistic truth common to successful authors. There is not better compliment than for a reader to say she was kept up all night by cliffhangers. Of course, you must also know that writers spend many sleepless nights getting their characters in situations creating great tension and the physical need to see the conflict resolved. That’s writerese for “keep ‘em turning the pages.

COMING OCTOBER of 2011 in the Chiril Chronicles - Book 3

Ellie is a simple country girl living with her large family. Hungry for adventure, she eagerly accepts an invitation to attend the royal wedding in Chiril’s bustling capital. En route, Ellie is separated from her traveling party. She finds herself lost in an enchanted city made by giants. Unable to leave, her only companions are the wild children, who roam the streets, and Bealomondore, the handsome artist and recently distinguished war hero. Ellie and Bealomondore must solve the mystery of the city and it’s children in order to break the enchantment and escape the invisible walls which imprison them. Throughout their quest, they learn about obedience, redemption, and love.

Buy now on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or CBD

All this week (until August 22) leave a comment and your e-mail address for a chance to win one of three great books by Donita! You may comment each day if you wish about the devotion, but your name goes in once.

1. The Vanishing Sculptor (a fantasy novel, see the cover for it above)

2. Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari (children's picture book)

3. To See His Way (Heartsong Presents historical romance)

Day 4 of Dragons, Devotions, and Donita K Paul - "It's Never Done..."

2011-08-18T12:58:00.002-04:00

Day 4 with the talented Donita K. Paul and her all-week devotions on writing. The contest for three giveaways is still going on, too!

All this week, leave a comment and your e-mail address for a chance to win one of three great books by Donita! You may comment each day if you wish about the devotion, but your name goes in once.

1. The Vanishing Sculptor (a fantasy novel)

2. Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari (children's picture book)

3. "To See His Way (Heartsong Presents historical romance)

Devotion for Day Four

"The story goes on and leaves the writer behind, for no story is ever done."

- John Steinbeck (was an American writer. He is widely known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel The Grapes of Wrath (1939) and East of Eden (1952) and the novella Of Mice and Men (1937). He was an author of twenty-seven books, including sixteen novels, six non-fiction books and five collections of short stories; Steinbeck received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.)

A story is never done? That’s right. And this doesn’t include the forever polishing that some writers are prone to do. My editor has had to take the manuscript away from me. I can always think of one more thing to do. In fact, years after the book is published, I’ll think of something that would have made the story even cooler!

But when a book lands in the hands of a devoted reader, and if the author has done her job correctly, the reader finishes the story. How? The author describes a barn; the reader provides his image of the barn out of his own experience. The author depicts a character with a certain personality; the reader draws upon people he knows to flesh out the fictional person. Every reader adds to the substance of the tale. And each reader provides variables the author could never have projected.

If the author has created a fluid story, one that is worth investing time in, the reader will continue the development of plot, setting, character, and conflict. The books we, as readers, remember the best, the ones we treasure, contain stories we relate to, ones we actually “own.”

Day 3 of Dragons, Devotions, and Donita K Paul - Writing is Hard Work

2011-08-17T13:12:00.002-04:00

All this week, the multi-talented Donita K. Paul is offering devotions and sound wisdom on writing. Day 3 - the hard work of writing. Besides her talents in writing, Donita also makes lovely jewelry called The Dragon Lady Shoppe. Check out the wonderful work she has done.

ALSO ongoing all this week - a great giveaway for THREE of Donita's books, all different and all sure to please! Stay tuned at the end for details!

"Every writer I know has trouble writing."

- Joseph Heller (an American satirical novelist, short story writer and playwright. His best know work is Catch-22).

When an author claims he sat down and the words flowed out of his mind, through his fingertips, to keyboard, and to print, he’s lying. Or misrepresenting the truth. Or conveniently forgetting the pacing, pulling of hair, and kicking of cabinets.

Good writing requires hard work. If a section flows easily, the subconscious has been working on the scene during long walks, washing dishes, standing in checkout lines, and weeding the flowerbed. Writers not only work while sitting at the computer but all day long with every observation they make. Impressions are collected: the smell of cloves, a toddler’s tantrum, drums beating, and a burnt finger. When it comes time to integrate scene, character, and conflict, the author might as well admit it’s a job, not a recreational activity.

1. The Vanishing Sculptor (a fantasy novel)

2. Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari (children's picture book)

3. CHANGE - Donita is offering instead "To See His Way" (Heartsong Presents historical romance)

**TODAY is also the FINAL Day to enter my Heartsong Giveaway! Check it out here.

Day 2 - Dragons, Devotions, and Donita K Paul - Waiting

2011-08-16T13:24:00.002-04:00

Day 2 with Donita K. Paul on waiting. AND stay tuned at the end for details about this wonderful picture book and some great giveaways she is offering this week! Like...THREE of them!

Devotion, Day 2

"In order for a writer to succeed, I suggest three things - read and write - and wait.."
Countee Cullen (was one of the leading American poets who was popular during the Harlem Renaissance.)

I’ve often given advice like this, only mine was “read, read, read and write, write, write. I had an “aha!” moment when I read Mr. Cullen’s quote. “WAIT!” yes, and yes again. So many new authors want to jump from first rough draft to agent and publication. It rarely happens that way, just like a young man doesn’t one day jump in a pool and when the Olympics. There is a lot of training and experimenting and practicing between the first dip and the trophy. Give yourself time to grow, both as a skilled writer and an experienced human. Believe me a sixteen year old understand emotions and people and relationships a lot better than a six year old. And a twenty-six year old has an even better chance of writing a universal truth in a mature piece of work.

The Dragon and the Turtle - Donita's first picture book with Waterbrook Press!

Friends come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Sometimes they’re
even dragons.

Roger loves adventure. Today he’s playing pirate, sailing the high seas, dancing to the hornpipe, and catching fish. But the wind’s blown him off course and he’s . . . well . . . lost.

When Padraig, a kitten-sized, bug-eating dragon, encounters the lost turtle, he offers to help Roger find his way home. Roger’s directions take some time to follow—his house looks brown, sounds like singing, smells like baking, feels like sand, and tastes like strawberries—and along the way, Roger and Padraig become friends. And friendship always yields unexpected rewards. Like cookies.

Read more about the series and how to order at Dragon and Turtle

1. The Vanishing Sculptor (a fantasy novel)

2. Dragon and Turtle Go on Safari (children's picture book)

3. Out in the Real World (a Heartsong Presents romance)

More devotions every day!

Dragons, Devotions, and Donita K Paul! Day 1

2011-08-15T15:38:00.004-04:00

You are in for a real treat! I am so blessed to have Donita K. Paul as a special blogger all this week. I knew Donita back when we were authors together for Heartsong Presents, and it's wonderful to see how God has expanded her gifted writing talents in the area of fantasy.

Every day she will share a special writing devotion with you as well as information about her new releases, including her first-ever picture book, The Dragon and the Turtle, just for children! Donita has always had a special heart for children's picture books, so this is a true answer to prayer for her. AND she will introduce her new book coming in October - Dragons of the Watch.

Devotion for Day One

"Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds you plant."
- Robert Louis Stevenson (a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer. His best-known books include Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.)

This is a good maxim to remember at all times, but especially if you are an author. We don’t reap a harvest every day. In fact, that moment when you hold a new book in your hands for the first time is very rare. But we plant seeds a lot! Every time we knock out a dynamite sentence, or piece together a perfect paragraph, or conquer a transition, we have sown in the literary field. Okay, that’s a bit over the top. But really, when you are an author, you can’t label the hours you are working. You may spend 2 hours at the computer, and accomplish little. Fifteen minutes in the doctor’s waiting room may flesh out a character, provide dialog for arguing siblings, or firsthand knowledge of CPR. Thinking of the right word while washing dishes is part of your “work.” There are little seeds of writing all over the place, so learn to celebrate the small things. They arrive in abundance whereas the harvest can be a long time coming.

Stay tuned for a new devotion every day as well as news about Donita's books and jewelry line! On Day Two -Donita has a special announcement to make!

**THERE is still time!!** To enter my book giveaway for my very first ever Heartsong Presents novel, Mountaintop!
(Jenny was the winner. Thanks!)

Farewell to My Very First Publishing House

2011-08-01T19:48:00.001-04:00


My very first title with Heartsong Presents in 1997. See below on how you can win a copy

Wow, what a heavy heart. I just received word that the house which published my very first title, Mountaintop, is closing its doors. Heartsong Presents, a division of Barbour Publishing. Another casualty to a dwindling economy and the need to downsize, and one near and dear to my heart.

Heartsong Presents was one of the few publishing houses back in the early days that took on brand new authors like me and without an agent. They had a neat little book club that put out several books a month, so they were looking for writers. I joined the club first to see what books they published and met such popular authors now as Wanda Brunstetter, Colleen Coble, Loree Lough, Kristin Billerbeck, Donita Paul, even Tracie Peterson, all who began their now highly successful publishing careers with titles published by Heartsong Presents.

I developed a story I thought might go - a story of two hikers (imagine that!) who meet in the unforgiving White Mountains of New Hampshire and who learn to lean on each other and God when the going gets rough. I submitted it and anxiously waited. I didn't hear anything for a good long time and contemplated quitting the writing business (I had very little patience back then). I talked to a good friend of mine who said - "Hey, Lauralee, did God tell you to quit?" Well, no. And a few days later, the editor of the line, Rebecca Germany, called me on the phone to discuss my book and a contract. I was ecstatic! About a year later Mountaintop was born. And so too followed many other titles with this company, including my first ever historical book line.

The editors at Heartsong Presents gave me a chance with my work and alllowed me to grow in my writing.

Now sadly they are closing their doors. But I will never forget what they have done for me and the books they published to help launch me in my writing ministry. To my editors, line editors, copy editors, marketing, everyone in Heartsong Presents, thank you for 15 great years. I will miss you very much.

**Special Giveaway!! - I only have a few special copies left of my very first release, Mountaintop. I will be giving away one copy of this book near and dear to my heart. Leave a comment and your name and e-mail to enter. For anyone who signs up to receive this blog via e-mail or by Feedblitz, I will put your name in again for 2 chances to win (be sure to let me know). One name will be picked Wed, August 17th.

Odds at winning depends on number of entries received. Void where prohibited.

On August 15 I am blessed to have an old Heartsong friend, Donita K Paul, now a successful fantasy author, as my special guest blogger. Don't miss visiting with her!

To Bermuda

2011-06-20T20:48:00.000-04:00

Bermuda, Photo courtesy of Bermuda Tourism

Blissful Writing Thoughts will be taking off for several weeks to tour Bermuda (perfect for writing that romance novel with those interesting pink beaches, huh?) and then visiting family and hiking Vermont's Long Trail in the month of July. I hope to to see you back here in August with my special guest Loree Lough to kick off the next segment of great guests and writing inspiration! And I will be gearing up for my next brand new release - A Quaker Christmas, coming in September, with some interesting blogs about this novella.

Until then, I hope you enjoy your summer. I am always happy to hear about where your travels take you, whether here in US or around the world. So feel free to share!

The Sting of Life

2011-06-14T10:19:00.000-04:00

Oh, the sting. I was out yesterday enjoying the gorgeous weather with low humidity and picture perfect skies. Hiking along a pretty trail enjoying some lovely views of the Shenandoah Valley. Suddenly some kind of stinging insect (bee or otherwise) flew right into my face, got lodged behind my glasses and bit me beside the eye. Instant pain radiating to my head and neck. Thus endeth the hike, a few miles short of my goal. I went out to the road, and a park ranger happened to be there at the overlook and took me back to my car. Today I still have swelling and pain in my face to remind me of a very unwelcome intrusion in what was to be a nice day.

The sting of life, and maybe when we are enjoying some beauty or some wonderful blessing. It seems everything is zapped. The blessing is gone or it appears, and you wonder what to do.

I believe it's these times that faith is really tested. Not on the nice days. But when things are throw at you when you don't expect it, be it the big or the tiny with stinger (like a bee). What are you going to do? This is where the scripture comes to play - the testing of faith produces patience. An eternal weight of glory. No matter what is coming our way or what it could entail. To stand on God's faithfulness to see us through it. Not let it get to us but let our faith get it.

So to the bee, yeah, you put a crimp in my hike. But I'll be back for more days in God's creation.

Reader Feedback - the not so Good and the Great

2011-05-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

Plants bloom after rain falls, bringing color on the journey along the Appalachian Trail

I thought this was a perfect picture to illustrate what happened, and quite unexpectedly. Many weeks back I received some reader feedback cards having to do with my last book for Heartsong Presents - Wasatch Love. I must say it was rather discouraging. I received only negative remarks. One reader basically said the book had no redeeming value whatsoever. As was written - "I HATED IT!! Too much sex junk!! Not Christian!" Inspirational theme - "Where??"

Another wrote - I would have enjoyed it more if - "Sin and fornication weren't taken so lightly and matter-of-factly. Forgiveness and true repentance should have been clearer."

I was devastated. I wondered if I had missed the mark with regards to this work. In fact, when the editor sent me the galley proofs for the book to be included in the fall re-release of the Utah series, I looked it over, trying to keep an open mind to see where it may have fallen flat. Truthfully, I could not see it. I believed that while the characters were indeed flawed (as we all are!) God provides a pathway to redemption. Through their situation, they were able to grow together in friendship and eventually in love.

Fast forward. I open the mailbox today to find a fresh batch of feedback forms on my books. Inwardly my spirit groaned. More folks complaining about this godless work. But looking through them, there was not one negative comment. And nestled among the forms was a handwritten letter by a reader. I hope she won't mind me sharing some of her words that she wrote concerning Wasatch Love -

"This (book) is one of the most comprehensive Heartsong Presents novels I've ever read on rebuilding relationships with God directly involved and doing the work.

"You fill the pages with how to's for love, finding Jesus, healing wounds, fixing relationships, caring for others...

"Thank you for helping to reignite my counseling efforts. You are dear to me."

Wow! Talk about a complete and total reversal. I thought I had blown it with this book. But I realized that this is really God's ministry. God's work. His work through what I can do with my meager means of writing. No, my books won't please everyone. Just so long as I please God with it and pray the story reaches those few to see the message - that with God, all things are possible.

Congratulations!

2011-05-19T22:55:00.005-04:00

Congratulations to Carla who won Martha's newest book!!

My next guest in June will be Lynn Coleman! Be sure to subscribe to the blog for great writing inspiration and popular Christian fiction authors to come like Loree Lough, Laura Hilton, Laurie Alice Eakes, Margaret Daley, among others.

Guest Martha Rogers on What is YOUR Excuse?

2011-05-09T14:46:00.008-04:00

I am so pleased to have guest Martha Rogers here with an extraordinary story of her path to publishing as well as introducing her newest release slated for June!! And leave a comment for a chance to win!!

What Does Age Have to Do With Anything?

We make so many excuses for not submitting our writing. I don’t have enough time. I have too many other obligations. I’m too young. I’m too old. I’ve got too many rejections. I don’t have an agent. Any sound familiar? If I had used the excuse of age, I would never have been published. My agent believed in me and kept submitting my manuscripts. When I wanted to quit, friends encouraged me to keep on.

When God calls us to a task, He expects us to finish it. If we’re obedient to that call, He will give us what we need to complete it because He who began the work in us will carry through until it’s completed. Galatians 6:9 tells us not to grow weary when we’re doing God’s work because we’ll reap a harvest when God sets the time.

So many younger authors were getting contracts and having success that I wondered if He’d forgotten how old I was getting. Well, God doesn’t forget. He doesn’t sleep. He never quits work. He’s always there willing to help us reach our goals when we call on Him for help. The Lord does expect us to do our part. That part is to put ourselves in that chair and write.

My first contract came at age 73. God’s timing was perfect. It always is. I’ll be 75 in two months and by that time I will have five novels and one novella published with another five novels contracted. When God opened the door for me, He kicked it wide open. Prayer, perseverance and patience reaped the harvest at the time God ordained.

Do whatever it takes to write. If you’re serious, God will help you find the time. At other times He may tell you to wait a season and take care of other things first. Listen to His voice and calling. Write as much as you can when you can. Be patient, and pray for His guidance in all that you do. Jeremiah tells you to call on Him, and He will answer and tell you great things you do not know. Jeremiah also tells us that God has great plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future. So press on to what God has called you to do whether it is to wait for a season to begin or whether it is to work hard now, for pressing on will lead you where you need to go.

So what excuses have you used to keep from submitting?

Martha Rogers is the author of Becoming Lucy; Morning for Dove; Finding Becky; Caroline’s Choice; Not on the Menu, a part of a novella collection with DiAnn Mills, Janice Thompson, and Kathleen Y’Barbo; and River Walk Christmas, a novella collection with Beth Goddard, Lynette Sowell, and Kathleen Y’Barbo. A former schoolteacher and English instructor, she has a master’s degree in education and lives with her husband in Houston, Texas.

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Summer Dream

As the daughter of a small-town minister in Connecticut, Rachel Winston fears that the only way she’ll ever find a husband is to visit her aunt in Boston for the social season. But when Nathan Reed arrives in town, she can’t help but wonder if he could be the one. Although attracted to Rachel, Nathan has no desire to become involved with a Christian after experiences with his own family. What’s more, until he resolves his anger with God and his family, he has no chance of courting her. When Nathan is caught in a devastating blizzard and lies near death in the Winston home, Rachel and her mother give him a lesson in love and forgiveness that leads him back to his home in the South. Will he make peace with his family and return before Rachel chooses a path that takes her away from him?

Summer Dream will be available in June on CBD, Amazon, and Barnes&Noble on line or pre-order now. Check with your local Christian book store for availability.

To win a copy of this new title available in June, please leave a comment with your e-mail address. Thanks for stopping by and be sure to subscribe for all the latest writing news and future guests to come like Loree Lough, Lynn Coleman, Laurie Alice Eakes to name a few!