Give Thanks

More blessings!

Thanksgiving time is upon us again. I have so much to be grateful for in every aspect of life, but this blog focuses on writing. Let me share some of my writing blessings with you.


A huge blessing this year was having Walnut Springs Press accept Defenders of the Covenant for publication. A lifelong dream come true! I can't wait to hold the book in my hands soon, and to share it with all of you.

I got to present at LTUE at BYU and at CONduit in Salt Lake this year. Both a huge thrill for me. I got to sit on panels with David Farland and other illustrious authors I've looked up to for a long time. I had a blast doing it too! And the best part is, I'll get to do it again next year.

This year, I wrote a novella, "Refuge," a short story, "Spirits Bright" (a Christmas story), and 240+ pages of a novel, "Shattered Skies." That's great output for me. I did lots of revising and critiquing too. That's the best writing blessing of all--the actual creation!

And then there is YOU. This writing community is such a blessing to me. You helped me celebrate my joys and drown my sorrows. You encouraged me in my goals and kept me going when I wanted to quit. Thank you!

What writing-related blessings are you thankful for this year?

P.S. I'm traveling for the holiday, so I won't be blogging again until next week. I hope you all have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving (those celebrating it, anyway).

Blessings Blogfest

While I pull together the results of the Out of This World Adventure, I'm participating in Tyrean Martinson's Blessings Blog fest. Tyrean has been posting her daily blessings for a whole year! I have found her posts to be inspiring and uplifting and they always make me smile. To celebrate the end of her 365 days of blessings, Tyrean is hosting the Blessings Blogfest. Here are my ten blessings for today:


1. The response to the Out of This World Adventure. I'm really pleased with the number of people who read and entered.

2. Summer has begun! The weather may not agree, but the kids are out of school and the summer fun can begin.

3. Went to a great convention over the weekend. Met lots of people and learned lots of great stuff.

4. Going out with my husband last night. We saw Thor and then had a yummy dinner.

5. My husband. He knows computers, he plays piano, he cooks, he washes dishes, he lets me go to conferences...

6. Writing. I am about to start a new novel, and that's always so exciting! =)

7. Writing/blogging friends. I have gained so much love and support from you guys.

8. Mindflights. I have learned so much from editing there, and associated with some really terrific people.

9. The power of prayer. I couldn't get through the day without it.

10. God's tender mercies. I experience more than I can count each day.

Tyrean always includes a scripture blessing, so I am too:

1 Corinthains 2:9: But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

Be sure and check out the other entries too. And stay tuned for tomorrow's announcement of our Out of This World Adventure winners!

Happy Turkey Day!

I just looked over my post from Thanksgiving last year (to make sure I wasn't going to be endlessly repeating myself) and realized that since this time last year I have gained 200 followers! That's a reason to be thankful. I do appreciate all you followers and those of you who stop by to leave comments.

I'm also thankful for the chance to share my thoughts and feelings with you, and to have some understanding company on this writing journey. It's not unlike the journey the pilgrims made, is it? We set off for an unknown world, encounter storms, disappointments, hard work that doesn't always pay off. And yet, there always seems to be something to be thankful for.

Today, I am thankful for the joy and satisfaction I feel as I continue to use and improve my talents. I am thankful for the chance to share them. I'm thankful for all the stories growing inside me, just waiting to be told. And I'm thankful for all of you.

What are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!