Faith L. Potts's Blog, page 18

Midnight Comes by S.J. Blasko // author interview + blog tour

Happy Tuesday, reader pals! 
Today I'm here with an author interview, in celebration of S.J. Blasko's newly released poetry collection. I had the privilege of beta-reading this gorgeous collection a few months ago, and y'all... *collapses to the ground* It. is. fabulous. If you enjoy poetry, twisted fairytales, or just want to support teenaged indie authors, you're not going to want to miss Midnight Comes! <3 
I had so much fun doing an interview with the author, so read on to check that out! :D


SynopsisOnce upon a time...
There was a sorceress, who cursed a prince to become as beastly as his pride
There was a daughter, who watched from her window and ached to see the world
There was a mermaid, who traded her voice for a human soul
There was a stepmother, who saw beauty only in others, never in herself
And there was a boy, who forgot the warmth of love.

In five narrative poems exploring the darker, more human side of these classic fairytales, rediscover the characters as they are given a voice of their own.

Paperback || Kindle || Goodreads

Author Interview What inspired the idea of writing a poetry collection?
A couple of factors came into play for that. First of all, April is National Poetry Month, so I followed a couple of daily prompt sites and was bombarded with ideas from those XD. Second, my high school English and Creative Writing teacher held a poetry reading of his works and a classmate of mine opened for him with some beautiful poems. And thirdly, as if those weren’t enough, I was the co-editor of my school’s literary magazine this past year, which centered around (you guessed it) poetry. So I guess writing my own poems naturally followed.


Have you always written poetry or is this something you’ve started more recently?
I wrote a few poems growing up, but with the exception of a select few, they will most likely never see the light of day. It wasn’t really until this past year that I started writing the poems I’m proud of.


Which poem from the collection is your favorite?
That’s so hard to choose! I think for my personal favorite, I have to go with Mirror, Mirror.


How long have you been writing in general? (poems, stories, whatever)
I’ve been writing seriously for about five years, but I’ve loved stories my entire life. When I was little, I made up tons of them, but I either told them to myself or acted them out with my toys. I didn’t start writing them down until I was thirteen.


Do you prefer to write by hand or on a computer/tablet? Why?
For poetry, I prefer writing on a computer. It’s easier for me to organize my thoughts with the unlined white space, and it’s easy to move around and delete segments and lines that don’t work.
For story writing, I much prefer paper. It’s the same reason for both, ironically, the different mediums give me the right amount of space in my head to get the words out.


What does your typical writing schedule look like? (Like, how often do you write, where do you write, and what time of day.)
My typical writing schedule looks like tears and bursts of inspiration and more tears. I haven’t found a way to consistently work writing time into my day yet, so until I do, I’m a write-when-the-muse-strikes kind of author. And boy, does the muse strike like a sledgehammer.


Do you plan to publish more written works in the future?
Absolutely!! I’m already working on two more themed poetry collections, as well as a few novels. My biggest novel project right now is a retelling of the Peter Pan story, where Pan and Captain Hook are brothers, and the story centers around a girl with cystic fibrosis who comes to Neverland.


That sounds fabulous! Thanks for stopping by, Sierra! 

~*~

Your turn, readers! Do you read and/or write poetry? Did you enjoy the interview? Think you'll check out the fabulous book? I'd love to hear! <3

~Faith

Sunshine, Author Biz, and Sweet '18 || July Recap

July, one of my favorite months of the year, is gone again. And it was a dandy, y'all. <3


|| Life. ||
>> I had a fabulous time celebrating the 4th of July with my family. We hung out at home and ate good food and the bro set off fireworks after dark. To my surprise, he had a pretty good show. ;)



>> I re-read my darling novella, Dandelion Dust, which debuted last June. I hadn't read it since the final proofread, so it was rather bittersweet. And I didn't cringe *too* much. ;)


>> I got a job dog-sitting for 3 days, then another—cat-sitting for 11 days. And I'm going to be dog-sitting for three weeks next month, so I'm basically a professional now... B-)



>> I watched lots of Signed Sealed Delivered during the month of July. xD I finally got around to seeing Road Less Traveled, followed by To the Altar. Then I started re-watching the entire series. Golly, I love these people. <3 I also completed my DVD collection of SSD. ;)

>> I received the largest book order I've ever placed! I'm participating in a local author book fair in September, so that should be fun. Prayers that all goes well would be appreciated! <3



>> Speaking of author-ish news, I did a few other things. I started a Facebook page, designed and purchased business cards, and created a website!



>> Another thing that happened in July, and a reason that it's one of my favorite months, is my birthday. I turned 18. For awhile before, I was a bit apprehensive about that seemingly-hunormous number. I mean, adulthood!? But, as a friend reminded me, it's just another season of life. It's a beginning; not an ending. <3



|| Books. ||
I read like 16 books this month, y'all, and acquired half that many... *heart eyes*
// ReadsLove Finds You in Victory Heights, WA by Tricia Goyer and Ocieanna Fleiss -- 4 stars
Almost Home by Wendy Lawton -- 4 stars
How I Had Fun Writing 10 Novels in 13 Months by Sarah Addison-Fox -- 4 stars
Finding Christmas Joy by Amanda Tero -- 4 stars -- Reviewed
The Missing Piece by Libby May -- 4 stars
Meet Marie-Grace by Sarah Masters Buckey -- 3 stars
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman -- 3 stars
Just Dance by Patricia MacLachlan -- 5 stars
Where Beauty Blooms by Victoria Lynn -- 4 stars
The Truth of Me by Patricia MacLachlan -- 4 stars
Dandelion Dust by Faith Potts -- (I kinda love this little book.)
When Sparrows Fall by Diana Blackstone -- 5 stars
Early Sunday Morning by Barry Denenberg -- 4 stars
Happy Birthday, Josefina by Valerie Tripp -- 4 stars
Josefina Saves the Day by Valerie Tripp -- 4 stars
Changes for Josefina by Valerie Tripp -- 4 stars



I got several lovely books this month and only paid for two of them! ;) 
God in a God-forsaken Land by Gene Stark -- review bookWoman of Character compiled by Lawrence Krimbough -- giftEmmeline by Sarah Holman -- gift from a friend I Don't Dance by Jesseca Wheaton -- gift from a friend Mere Hope by Jason Duesing -- review bookKeep Holding On by Melissa Tagg -- gift from a friend Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof -- CBD Max by Jennifer Li Shotz -- Barnes & Noble


|| Writing. ||
Writing actually went pretty well this month, all things considered. I was still participating in Go Teen Writers 100-for-100 challenge, I did Camp NaNo, and I finished the first draft of One Summer.


For Camp, my goal was to finish One Summer and finish the third draft of A Soldier's Freedom. I didn't get anywhere near finishing the editing side of my projects, but I'm okay with that. I've made good progress since then, and hoping to finish this week and get it sent off to betas.

If you want to read more about how Camp went or see snippets of my WIPs, check out the Camp NaNo updates that I did throughout the month! :D

Word count: 36,863


|| Blogging. ||// Favorite Posts The Write Conversation ~ The Serendipity of Hope

RebekahAshleigh ~ Summer Book Recommendations

// My Posts 






|| Goals. ||~ July Goals >> Read 8 books.      Nailed it!

>> Write 10,000 words.     YUSSS.

>> Finish another edit of A Soldier's Freedom + get it ready to send to betas.   Heh, not quite. xD

>> Finish writing One Summer.      Yup!

>> Post weekly on both blogs.       No...?


~ August Goals >> Read 8 books.

>> Finish editing A Soldier's Freedom.

>> Catch up on blog posts.

>> Start editing War Tears.

>> Go camping. *fingers crossed*

>> Complete a beta-reading project.



How was your July? Did you do Camp NaNo? Any plans for August? Are you a SSD fan?! 

Blessings, dears!
~Faith

Camp NaNo // Week Four {July 2018}

Ahh, yes, the final week of the month. Not a lot to report, so this may be brief, but my July recap should be up tomorrow. ;D Let's dive in!



day twenty-three // Monday // 1,273 + 1,080After going to a craft fair and eating some fabulous homemade ice cream and seeing this insane sign *points to pic* I got home and settled in to write...and I finished One Summer, y'all!! ^_^ I'm super pleased with how my darling little novelette turned out.



day twenty-four // Tuesday // 170Didn't do much on Tuesday... Went to town to the post office, which is like one of my happy places, and then got Starbucks because #yas.

I break out of his gaze, staring down at the tiled floor again. My heart pounds at the thought of putting the imagery in my mind into words, even if it would be understood instead of avoided. Even if he would listen, instead of consider me crazy and war-warped.  

But I don’t. I avoid it for a few minutes longer by responding with a question. “What branch did you serve in?” 

“The best, of course.”  

A fellow Marine.

day twenty-five // Wednesday // 265Wednesday was my first day of work! I worked 9:00 to 2:00 and then got home in time to shower and head to church. Not much writing happened that day... :P


day twenty-six // Thursday // 107On Thursday, I helped my mom with a painting job, and went to the pool. Again, not much writing/editing. xD


day twenty-seven // Friday // 5,695Friday, we did some more painting and I got blood-stained hands. Oh, and I finished one book and read the entirety of another. Summer reading, for the win, y'all. <33



day twenty-eight // Saturday // 3,061On Saturday, I got lots of reading done, quite a bit of editing, and... *wiggles eyebrows* I received the darling little business cards I ordered last week!! They're sooo pretty and I can't wait to show them to y'all in my next post...if you haven't already saw them on my Instagram. *wink*


day twenty-nine // Sunday // 3,401Sunday was...a typical Sunday? Nothing too special, just church and lunch and lots of laughs over my grandmother's tale about her one and only plane trip...'twas amusing... xD

As we’re ushered into the house, in the space between the kitchen and open living room, another voice meets my ears. I cast a sidelong look into the kitchen to my left and find myself smiling yet again.  

Sashaying around the kitchen, Miss Lorance manages to toss together a fresh salad while waving a knife and singing along to Lee Ann Womack’s finest at the top of her lungs.  

“I hope you dannceeee.” She whirls toward the doorway—and stops mid-word when she spies three guys standing there, amused and greatly entertained. 

day thirty // Monday // 3,096More painting. Or rather, painting a garage inside and out. And painting myself head to toe. I still have paint on my wrists and ankles and the back of my arm because it won't go away.... *taps chin*



day thirty-one // Tuesday // 0Tuesday was rather fabulous. I admired birthday gifts from friends and family and piddled around with my book arrangements and tried to wrap my head around being an adult now and ate cinnamon rolls and pizza and watched Signed, Sealed, Delivered and it was fabbbbb. <33

(That totally wasn't a run-on. Do not doubt me, younguns.)



Camp goal: 40,000 words
Current word count: 36,863 words
Status: Didn't win...didn't even make half of my original goal...but pleased with what I did get accomplished. ;)

Yup, this post is even lamer than the proceeding three. *wink* I considered not even writing it, but moving on to my July recap without finishing this "series" would feel off to me, so here ya go. I have a couple more posts planned for the remainder of the weeks, and (hopefully) lots of good on-time posts for August!

Did you win Camp NaNo? Finish your project? LET'S TALK. xD

~Faith

Camp NaNo // Week Three {July 2018}

Well, whatdaya know? I survived another week. And I'm still desperately behind. And I still don't care. It's fabulous, y'all. xD


day sixteen // Monday // 828 On Monday, I went to town to run errands, had a visit from an out-of-town family friend, and finished up a cat-sitting job from the previous week. Oh, and I posted a poll on Instagram to found out how many people sucker their tomato plants (do you??) and the sucker-snappers lost.

Garden bounty
day seventeen // Tuesday // 137Walmart trip, nursing home visit, went by the DMV office to renew my drivers license and ended up registering to vote, then hung out by the pool and read an entire book...definitely a good day. ;)

Oh, and I assembled a desk chair that ended up not working at my desk... *taps chin*

“Prospective?” I sputter. “I’m the only aunt!”  

“Well, I guess Brock’s sister-in-law is technically the baby’s aunt too.”  

I roll my eyes. “She’s only related by marriage. Besides, she lives in like Antarctica.”  

“Canada, Char. They live in British Columbia. Something to do with Brock’s brother’s job.”  

“Whatever.” 

day eighteen // Wednesday // 1,179 + 1,908Wednesday was my sweet mom's birthday! <3 We didn't do much that day, but I did get quite a bit of writing and editing done. :D

"People say that you can’t fall in love that young, that you don’t know what you’re talking about, that it’ll never last. But they aren’t always right, Gracie. Sometimes, if it’s His will and if they’re being faithful, God lets two people fall in love young, so they have their whole lives stretched out ahead of them, instead of spending those years finding Him and each other. Not always, mind you, but sometimes." 

day nineteen // Thursday // 700 + 138I got a new bookshelf on Thursday! This cubic shelf used to be in our living room, in several different arrangements, and behind the couch most recently. Mom mentioned that she wanted to move it out since she won't need nearly as much space for textbooks this fall and asked if I wanted it. Um, yes please! xD


Since taking this picture, I've gotten a lamp for the top and added some more books to the empty cubes. It looks so nice!


day twenty // Friday // 0I went shopping with my mom on Friday in celebration of her just-passed birthday and my upcoming birthday. We drank Starbucks, ate Chick-Fil-A, found some clothing bargains, each bought new Chacos, and I snagged a book and a season of an enjoyed TV show from Barnes & Noble. <3



day twenty-one // Saturday // 2,257Saturday was a nice relaxing day, which I spent mostly reading. I also made cookies for a meal at our church on Sunday, tried a salted cold foam cold brew (RECOMMENDED, Y'ALL), wrote lots of fabulous words, watched Signed, Sealed, Delivered, and danced around the house singing country music at the top of my lungs. (Don't you wish you lived on our road??)

stars on my shirt, stars in my eyes 
day twenty-two // Sunday // 715Sunday was homecoming at our church, so after the special service and following meal, we came home and had a restful afternoon/evening. I reorganized my books by color...and hated it so much that I immediately pulled them all back off and re-did it by author. Apparently I'm slightly OCD when it comes to books.



Camp goal: 75,000 words Current word count: 18,715Status: One week left and I'm not even halfway there... O.o
How is Camp going for y'all?? :D I know I keep saying this, but I really am going to get back active in blogging...maybe next week. Or next month. Ya know. *wink* 

~Faith 

Camp NaNo // Week Two {July 2018}

Already halfway through the month? I don't even think this is legal. Like, seriously, somebody needs to give summer a speeding ticket. (Wow, Faith, nice try there... xD)



day nine // Monday // 105 + 611 As I may have mentioned before, Mondays at the Potts house are pretty slow. Last week, I mostly just hung out, did a little editing, and read. And cooked spaghetti and took a walk and received four packages. Mail makes me happy, y'all. ^_^

Hmm...why is Faith buying so many author copies?
An announcement is coming about that...sometime.... ;)

day ten // Tuesday // 0Ahh, yes, the day I tackled running errands (libraries are officially in the 'errands' category now), catching up on blogging, a dentist, and a funeral home visitation. Oh, and then I let the little bro come along for a cat-sitting visit. Let's just say he keeps things interesting.



day eleven // wednesday // 245More reading, blogging, and catching up on emails. ;) Mom and Dad were attending a funeral and visiting a lady from our church at the hospital, so I picked the little bro up from work. We got ready, grabbed supper, and went to Walmart. He went in to buy a phone charger, and came back to the car because he was $0.62 short. xD A rollaway buggy nearly plowed the front of my car (yes, I unbuckled, jumped out, and grabbed it in record time. A guy in a nearby car was so amused), but we still made church in plenty of time—laughed a lot and played with glow sticks like preschoolers.

I'd say we did pretty good adulting alone.


day twelve // Thursday // 0 + 3,933 Totally rocked editing Thursday morning by conquering an entire chapter in, like, 20 minutes. xD Our church served a lunch to a World Changers crew last week (if you know what that is, speak up), so Mom and I helped with that and attended another funeral visitation that afternoon. It was one of those days that calls for a sundress and a smile and staying up until the wee hours of the morning to chat with amazing people. Re-watched I Can Only Imagine, too... 10/10 recommended, y'all.



day thirteen // Friday // 255Friday was pretty slow as well, and then cat-sitting with the bro that night... Well, we won't even go into how he accused me of losing the people's cat...in their house... *cough*

(The cat was fine, in case anyone was concerned. Fat and sassy as ever. Just hiding from the long-legged noisemaker I'd brought along. Can ya blame him?)


day fourteen // Saturday // 258Saturday, I attended a lovely wedding...at 10:00 AM. (Is that normal? Because I will totally not be doing it. 10 PM is much more likely for this chick. Mornings aren't my thing.)

“People have different dreams and different goals for their lives, and rightly so. Everyone’s story is different and no two lives are the same. Some people dream of living in faraway places or traveling the world, but I’m not one of them. This church, this community, and that ranch a few miles south of here is my future. I’m sure of it.”  

I contemplate Ryder’s words while he answers a question that came from the far side of the room. He’s sure…he knows exactly what his future will look like. With so many unknowns in my life this year, just the thought of that reassurance makes me long for what he has. 

day fifteen // Sunday // 101On Sunday, we had church (obviously) and then lunch with friends (funnn). I took a dozen selfies and read something about the meaning of the word 'propitiation'. It means "a sacrifice that bears God's wrath and turns it to favor." Can we just stop and think about that for a second?! <3

Total goal: 75,000 (Yup, I lowered it.)
Current word count: 10,853 words
Status: Still behind. Maybe I'll catch up, maybe I won't. As long as I finish One Summer this month and get A Soldier's Freedom edited in time to send off to betas, I'm not gonna stress over it. It's summertime, y'all. ;) 

I may be around again this week with a bookish or life post, but no promises... I'm behind on both blogs and my Camp goal, and yet I'm lazing by the pool, reading books, and brainstorming a book trilogy? Why, yes. Yes, I am. *wink*

Blessings, dear friends! Thanks for sticking with me! <3 ~Faith

Camp NaNo // Week One {July 2018}

Greetings, writerly pals!! Who is powering through their Camp goal?! *imaginary hands raise* Now, who is dragging behind and hoping to catch up later this month? *Faith's hand pops up*

Yeah, I've not been very focused on writing or anything related to it lately...which is where we're going to toss the blame for my needy inbox and the lateness of this post. xD


I'm doing Camp NaNo a bit different this month. Instead of the usual-for-me one project, I'm working on two—the first draft of One Summer and the third draft of A Soldier's Freedom. So far I'm doing pretty good at swapping back and forth without leaving my brain (and motivation) in one or the other of the WIPs. In my daily word count listed below, the first number will be for One Summer and the second will be for A Soldier's Freedom. ;)


day one // sunday // 0 words Not much to tell about Sunday. Since we had just gotten home from the missions trip on the evening before, I basically just wanted to sleep. xD

Oh, and I stole Dad's shoes.

day two // Monday // 158 words Again, I had too much of a trip-hangover to do more than relive the previous week, write the bare minimum, and sleep. xD


day three // Tuesday // 134 + 346 Ahh, yes, the day I began to feel human again. I got some words written and edited, went to town to the post office (I love that place. #SSDfeels), and drank a huge coffee because...because life is too short. *nods wisely*

As we roll down a dirt road, I rest my forehead against the cool window and stare out across the wide expanse of spacious prairie, dotted with cattle. It’s pretty…but rather flat. I don’t have anything against flatland, but it’ll never hold the same appeal that a majestic range of mountains does. 

But I’m definitely grateful to be here, in Oklahoma. I can deal with the vulnerable feeling of being visible from what seems like a dozen miles away. It’s not like I’m moving here. 

day four // Wednesday // 488 + 75Happy fourth, lovelies! I spent the day writing, reading, dog-sitting (more on that in a second), watching fireworks, eating good food, and wearing red, white, and blue like a true American. xD



day five // Thursday // 556 words Wednesday through Friday of last week I took care of two sweet pooches for a neighbor. Ruby, pictured below, is an adorable but crazy wild mess of energy. xD

Just look at that face though! <3

day six // Friday // 106 words Good grief, this post is looking lame... Not much special happened on Friday either. I went to the pool, but a thunderstorm blew in and we didn't get to swim. xP


day seven // Saturday // 392 + 1,593 Saturday was a rainy, dreary day...which I soaked up while writing and editing and reading and enjoying not having much to do. ;)

“I didn’t come to Oklahoma to fall for some sweaty cowboy.”  

Finally, Hannah turns to face me, a smile gracing her cute face. “You didn’t go to Guatemala to find a bestie either. Never say never, Char.”  

I laugh along with her, flopping onto my back and leaning my head on her shoulder. “This is different though. I don’t have time for anything other than soaking up the next twenty-four hours until I have to say goodbye to you.”  

“Ugh…” Hannah reaches over to grab my hand. “Don’t remind me.” 

day eight // Sunday // 175 + 1,322 Our church is hosting a World Changers group this week (if you know what that is, please tell me...it seems that no one does xD), so they were at church on Sunday morning and we had a meal afterwards and hung out for awhile. Then we visited my grandmother and went back to church for the evening service 'Twas a good day, and I got some writing and editing done that night. ;D



Total goal: 85,000 words (roughly, 10k in One Summer + an edit of the existing 65k A Soldier's Freedom + 10k in new ASF scenes)
Current word count: 5,345
Status: Terribly behind, but oddly okay with that, because the rest of the month should allow me more brain-power to focus on my stories.


Who else is doing Camp this month? How are y'all doing on your goals? New or repeat project? Anyone else hyped just because it's summer?! <33

~Faith

The Thief, the Damsel, and the Dragon by Angela R. Watts || blog tour

Welcome, ladies and gents, to one of the final stops on my friend Angela's blog tour. That's right—Angela from The Peculiar Messenger is releasing a novella and I couldn't be more excited to read it!! <33

Synopsis“... the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” ~ Psalms 91:13
Edward Prosner is going to steal from the small town mayor of Fall Springs, North Carolina. He’s got a flawless plan of action and is determined to return honor and justice to his father’s good name. The problem he faces? He needs a date for the mayor’s dinner party.

Lucy Levitt is a huge romantic at heart, but with her family’s ranch and her part-time job, she has no time for dating. She believes God will place her soulmate in her life when the time is right. When the new man in town asks her out, how can she say no?

The first date seems ordinary enough, but then they begin to realize that they can’t fight their dragons alone.

Goodreads || Amazon

EEPPS, doesn't it sound great?! And it's set in North Carolina, y'all... ^_^ I can hardly wait to get my hands on this little darling. Click the links above to check it out on Goodreads and grab a copy for yourself!!


Author BioAngela R. Watts is a sinner saved by Yahweh's Grace and she strives to glorify the King in all she does. She’s a homeschooled highschooler who lives with her loving family and ranch animals at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee. She’s been writing stories since she was tiny and hasn’t stopped since, though she also enjoys ranch and housework, painting, babysitting, and watching sunsets.

Blog: thepeculiarmessenger.wordpress.comFacebook: Angela R. WattsTwitter: PeculiarAngelaGoodreads: Angela R. WattsPinterest: AngelaRWattsInstagram: angelar.watts

Giveaway
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Schedule
Monday, July 2ndAuthor Interview // Julia @ Julia’s Creative CornerBook Spotlight & Author Interview // Michaela Bush @ Tangled Up In WritingReview // Loretta @ Just WritingTuesday, July 3rdBook Spotlight // Faith Blum @ Bookish OrchestrationsReview // Chloe @ Purely by FaithReview // Grace Maples @ Proclaiming His ExcellenciesBook Spotlight // Annie @ Letters from Annie Douglass LimaWednesday, July 4thReview // Hannah Gridley @ The Heart of the RoseAuthor Interview // Medomfo @ Writings from a God GirlThursday, July 5thAuthor Interview // Malachi Cyr @ Brainstorms with RainReview // Kellyn Roth @ ReveriesFriday, July 6thAuthor Interview // Sarah Willoughby @ R535Author Interview // Kate Willis @ Once Upon an OrdinaryReview // Abigail McKenna @ Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe DoorsReview // Gracelyn Buckner @ LiteraturaSaturday, July 7thBook Spotlight // Abigail Harder @ Books, Life, and ChristBook Spotlight // Faith Potts @ Stories by Firefly

Graduation Party, Mission Trip, and Loads of Books || June recap

Yes, I'm aware that June ended last week—aware, but in complete and total disbelief. Hoowww is half the year already gone?! Sometimes I feel like time is just slipping through my fingers. I grasp it and hold on as long as I can, but it still slips away, and only the memories remain.

(Yeah, I'm kinda sidetracked. But aftermath of the trip + glitchy internet is my excuse for the tardiness of this recap, sooo... Let's move it on out.)



|| Life. ||>> I hosted a readathon! After asking around on Goodreads, I got a lot of positive feedback, so I ended up hosting a weekend readathon. It was lots of fun and I plan to do it again sometime!


>> My parents hosted a graduation party for little ol' me at our church fellowship hall one Saturday. I acted like I'm the adult that my birthday is about to force me to be and talked and peopled and surprisingly survived... *wink*




>> I went on a missions trip, to a town about five and a half hours from my home, with my family and youth group. And, y'all, it was amazing. We roofed houses and built handicap ramps and made new friends and laughed way too hard. <3 I won't go into great detail here, but keep an eye out on Chosen Vessels for a post about that fabulous week of my summer.





>> Two of my bestest friends started a cover design/formatting business! Hop on over and check it out. :D


>> Um...that's all?? I know that tons of other things happened in June, but I can't think of another worth mentioning! I took a million and one mirror selfies and sunsets pictures, and listened to oodles of music...not that any of that is new. xD



|| Books. ||
// Reads Andi Dreams of Gold by Susan K. Marlow -- 4 stars
Andi Far From Home by Susan K. Marlow -- 4.5 stars
Have Courage, Be Kind: The Tale of Cinderella by Brittany Candau -- 5 stars
Chasing Sunsets by Karen Kingsbury -- 5 stars
Brush of Wings by Karen Kingsbury -- 4 stars
At the Little White Cabin by Marian Schooland -- 4 stars
George Washington: The Crossing by Jack E. Levin -- 4 stars


// Books
I got oodles of books this month! I hit a library bookstore clearance one weekend and got The Crossing, Land of Silence, Beyond All Dreams, D-Day: 1944, and the WWII collection. 
I ordered Signs of the Times from Thriftbooks because I'll need it for ASL class (next month *gulp*)...so I just had to get Deepest Roots of the Heart and Remember Wake as well. ;)
Lastly, I bought Kate's Innocence from the author. And Emmeline, Trouble in Scotland, and Time-Life: Billy Graham were gifts! <3

Does this series have some amazing covers and spines or what?! My aunt gave me the first 15 books of the 24-book series. Can't wait to give them a try!


|| Writing. ||
Well, June wasn't exactly a record-breaking month on the writing home front. (That doesn't even make sense...)

As I started in May, I continued in Go Teen Writers' 100-for-100 writing challenge. I wrote 3,412 words, all in One Summer, the prequel to Dandelion Dust.

I was filling rather discouraged on this particular project. I couldn't focus, the words weren't coming, and I wasn't even sure I wanted to finish it. But, because I chose it as my project for 100-for-100, I was eking out the minimal word count each day.

But then...the mission trip happened (for which I took a break week from writing), and I returned home with oodles of inspiration. So now I'm happily writing the mandatory words each day—and then some! I'm not sure what I'll do with this book once I've finished, but I'm pleased with how it's turning out. <3



|| Blogging. ||// Favorite Posts The Barefoot Gal ~ A Letter to All the Baby Graduates

Colorful, Creative Cards ~ Broken is Beautiful Too

Rachelle Rea Cobb ~ How to Write a Romance Novel Even if You're Single

One Name ~ They Forgot. He Remembered.

Ink Blots and Coffee Stains ~ They Say We are World Changers // a poem

Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Father ~ Maybe

Precious Treasures of God ~ The Lost Art of Listening

Totally Graced ~ Sweet Summertime

Important Nothings ~ Wonder


// My Posts 
Part One ~ Part Two ~ Part Three






|| Goals. ||// June Goals>> Read 10 books.      Heh, nope.

>> Write 5,000 words.      Another no. xD

>> Work on new scenes for A Soldier's Freedom.       #failed

>> Post my short story from April on here.        YES! So glad y'all enjoyed it. :D

>> Share about the trip with y'all.          Another nope...let's try for this month.

>> Go on a missions trip.           Mhm. <33

>> Celebrate my 3rd blogging anniversary and the 1st anniversary of my precious debut novella.         I ended up not celebrating my book anniversary on here, but I did have a book sale last week in celebration. :)


// July Goals>> Read 8 books.

>> Write 10,000 words.

>> Finish another edit of A Soldier's Freedom + get it ready to send to betas.

>> Finish writing One Summer.

>> Post weekly on both blogs.


In case y'all wondered what a tired, overheated
version of Faith looks like...
How was your first month of summer, lovelies?! Tell me all about it. <3 Who else is swimming and loving the heat? Any summer book recommendations? Wanna be a beta-reader of A Soldier's Freedom? (Sign up here!) Got any ideas for random questions I can include here next month?? xD

Later,
~Faith

I Don't Dance // Blog Tour + Book Review

Greetings, readers! I'm here today with the blog tour for the newest release of my sweet author friend, Jesseca from Whimsical Writings for His Glory. Yup, this little gem releases today!

I suppose we could begin by drooling over this lovely cover and graphic... <33


SynopsisTy and Jen have been friends for nearly as long as anyone can remember. But when Ty goes off to college and leaves her behind, he has to face the reality that he cares for her as more than just a friend.
As graduations approaches and with only one summer left before he begins basic training, Ty must make a decision. Military life is never easy; is it fair to force it on the one he loves?
In the midst of wrestling with the question and coming to the realization that summer is quickly drawing to a close, Ty struggles to face questions he cannot answer, and is forced to examine his own heart.
Is it possible that God has a future for him with Jen? Or will the summer close with only memories of days gone by?

Their relationship would be old fashioned. But that was okay. Because old fashioned and whimsical fit perfectly with a southern summer.

Amazon || Goodreads
ReviewOh my goodness, where do I even begin?! My critique partner stepped out of her domain in the world of historical and into my beloved genre—adorable summer contemporaries!

If you'd told me this time last year that I was even going to be writing this review, I would have laughed. "Jess, writing an old-fashioned romance? I think not." But here we are, on release day for I Don't Dance. A sweet lil' book that holds a special place in my heart, all the way down to the country-music-hinting title and a setting that I'm familiar with.

So yes, this darling little book is a love story, about two young people who find themselves falling in love in a whirlwind summer, under a sunset sky. A time of sibling chaperones, ice cream dates, and making the most of their time together.

The romance is sweet and precious and everything a romance should be. Ty is the honorable knight in shining armor. (Or...uniform. Whichever you prefer.) Jen is the sweet girl who's best friend is falling for her. Mike is the hilarious sidekick, full of laughs and jokes and excellent advice. Not to mention I'm 109% for him getting his own story...

The faith themes were so real and well-done they brought me to tears. Their questions, their doubts, their above-all-else faith and trust in God. It was inspiring. <3

This book is summertime and Scotty McCreery and Krispy Kreme donuts. It's uniforms and pickup trucks. It's holding hands and dancing in the rain and falling in love.

It's beautiful and sweet, and I love it oh-so much. <3


Author BioJesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

Blog || Instagram || Goodreads || Facebook || Pinterest 

GiveawayFirst Place will receive a paperback copy of I Don’t Dance + Scotty McCreery’s Clear as Day album (U.S. winners only) 
Second place will receive an e-book copy of I Don’t Dance + $5 Krispy Kreme gift card
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour
Thursday, June 21stSoleil Bourdon//Review, Book Spotlight - Reviews By Soleil Faith Potts//Review, Book Spotlight - Stories by Firefly Janelle Martin//Review - The Ramblings of a Bookworm
Friday, June 22ndLaura//Review - Beautiful Things Chloe//Review - Purely by Faith Reviews Rebekah Eddy//Review, Author Interview, Book spotlight - Rebekah’s Remarks Molly Anne//Review - Set Apart for Him Abigail McKenna//Review - Novels, Dragons, and Wardrobe Doors
Saturday, June 23rdAngela Watts//Book Spotlight - The Peculiar Messenger Kaylee H.//Book Spotlight - Keylee’s Kind of WritesKellyn Roth//Review - Reveries Kate//Book Spotlight - Twin Thoughts

Window Fellow {pt.3}

Need to catch up? Pt.1 and pt.2 are at these links! :)

I went back the next day—kind of inevitable unless I wanted to walk three extra miles around town. My steps slowed as I neared the street corner, wondering… 

Just as I’d feared, he wasn’t there. No sign of anyone at the second-story window. I held my head high and smothered out the threat of tears. This wasn’t going to get me down. 

But my resolve wasn’t nearly strong enough. 

I felt awful all day. So preoccupied was I that I missed three questions in second period and nearly plowed a professor in the hall. 

The day that followed wasn’t much better. I overslept, missed the bus, and arrived at class twenty minutes late. I was going to have to do something. 

On the way home, three days after I’d learned his secret, I stopped at the corner where Window Fellow’s house was situated. Withdrawing the note that I’d written earlier from my pocket, I re-read the scribblings.

Please come back to the window. I miss your smile. 
-Annalyse 

I’d written “I miss you,” overthinking every thought that could possibly (in a thousand years) cross his mind when he read it, before deciding that it was a tad presumptuous and flirty. So I added “r smile” and stuck it in the mail slot before I could talk myself out of it. 

Which wouldn’t have taken long.


*


I don’t know what power I expected my little note to have, but I definitely had high hopes. Those hopes were rather dampened, however, when again the next morning he was not at the window as I passed. 

Nor the next day, or the next, or the next… 

A week passed. During which, I struggled to keep up with classes, while simultaneously mourning the loss of a friendship. A friendship that I didn’t realize the value of until it was presumably lost for good. 

But on this particular morning, I was choosing to look on the bright side of things. Like, the semester being nearly over and the long, glorious summer stretching out ahead of me. 

I leaned my shoulder against a telephone pole behind the bus stop and let my eyes drift close, enjoying the warm sunshine, the chirp of birds, and the hum of a city coming alive. 

“Good morning, Annalyse.” 

I jerked upright at the sound of his voice, spinning to look across the street. Please, please, please… 

Sure enough, he was back at the window. 

Forearms leaned on the windowsill, hands clasped together, face wearing a hesitant smile. 

“G-good morning,” I stuttered. “I wasn’t expecting you.” 

He didn’t reply, only kept studying me in a manner that was partially unnerving and partially endearing. 

“Thank you for the note.” 

I shrugged, quaking inside. I wasn’t sure if I could have this conversation. “You’re welcome. It wasn’t much of one.” 

“It was what was written in between the lines that meant the most.” 

I smiled, a load lifted from my shoulders. He understood what I couldn’t say, couldn’t write, couldn’t find the words to express. 

“I guess you were right about every pattern being broken.” 

Honestly, this guy. I laughed, shaking my head. “I made that up on the spot.” 

“And you thought I didn’t know that?” He grins down at me, quite handsome, come to think of it. 

“Uh, so, do you want to go out sometime?” 

I smiled, really smiled. Broad and happy and (probably) stupid looking. “Sure, but don’t you think I should know your name first?” 

“They call me Nate.” 


* 

(Yes, that is the end...at least for now. I left  it hanging  on  purpose until I decide if I want to continue. )


Thoughts? Did you enjoy the story?  Would you like to see more about Nate and Annalyse? :D