Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Leaving It All Behind and Starting Over

Philippians 3:8, The Message: Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I've dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ and be embraced by him.

I'll own it. It's been a while since I blogged. The competition is fierce! Scores of people in Bloggerland are clamoring for your attention, friends. Shh...listen.



"I'm an expert on..."
"Get stuff cheap!"
"Win! Win! Win!"

"Write better!"
"Get published!"
"Buy my product!"

Do you have a headache yet?

That said, there are some blogs I love to visit. Most of these reveal a real person who wants to share something beautiful with me. Off the top of my head, I can think of three. Janie and Steve, Utah Trails is a gorgeous photo blog that whisks me away on horseback rides that I will never make in this lifetime. A Joyful Chaos is like a refreshing visit with a formerly Amish friend. I never leave Life Lessons without an insight that brings me closer to my savior, Jesus Christ.

So what can I do for you today? I am an author currently working on Amish historical fiction. Does that make me an expert on all things Amish? I'd be a fool to think so, and the Amish would be first to agree. I do live near Ohio Amish Country and I will have beautiful photos to share from time to time.

Can I help you find inexpensive stuff? I believe we were created with the desire to share good news. That's how the Gospel spreads, after all. If I find a good deal, I may share it, but I'm far from the best at this. I'm more likely to share the real Good News.
Will I do giveaways? Maybe.

Can I help you get published? I doubt it--my agent is not taking on any new clients at present, and my publisher has become drastically more selective since we began our association pre-9/11. My best advice is, you have to really, really want to get published and you have to work really, really hard. But take heart--if God has being published in mind for you, nothing can stop you!

Can I help you be a better writer? Sure--READ! WRITE TIGHT! I can also make an observation: The more I write, the less certain I am of how to do it well. Ask my editor! :-)

Will I be endlessly hawking my books here? No. I've heard many, many publishing industry professionals advise that it's absolutely essential to reach your readers through a blog (in fact, file this under "Get Published!"), but unless I'm sharing that I have a new book out, or sharing a book cover, that's it. I may, however, tell you about books by other authors, like Scratching the Woodchuck: Nature on an Amish Farm, by David Kline. Don't miss it!

What I really want to do is talk with you, make you smile and even make you laugh. I want to help you slow down and appreciate the beautiful world God has made. Writing is lonely, yet many of you face far worse circumstances. I believe what we most admire about the Amish is their appreciation for the simple gifts God has for us. He always provides something of beauty to lift our spirits, and that's what I want to share with you.

2 comments:

  1. I love the theme of your blog! I also love a good historical fiction book and wish you well as you write yours. I also admire the Amish.

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jennifer! I know how hard you work every day and I hope I can bring you a little joy now and then.

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"A forest would be quiet if no birds sang except the best." Amish Proverb