Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 27

A Look Back at 2017

I can hardly believe 2017 is at an end. It has come and gone in the blink of an eye. And yet, it has held so many blessings:

~My husband & my 23rd wedding anniversary!

~A new phase of life for us with both of our sons’ graduating (one from HS and one college) and starting job/college

~The publication of my debut novel (Under This Same Sky!!) 

~Book signings

 

~The completion of my second novel (Under Prairie Skies) which is set to release spring, 2018!

~New acquaintances, friendships & critique partner

Yet, it also brought several new challenges: 

~Parents with failing health

~Tensions between the U.S. and other nations

~The stress of change

~Periods of drought, (and for others natural disasters)

As with any year, 2017 held both joys and sorrows. I’m so grateful to have the Lord by my side through each and every high and low He is my constant, the One who uplifts me when times are tough and the One who stirs my heart to write words which hopefully will touch the hearts of readers. Without Him I am nothing.

My goal for 2018 will be to walk closer to Him, to seek His will for myself, my family, and my writing. Whatever the future holds, I’m confident He’ll be with me, giving strength for each new day.

I pray you too, know the Savior’s love and presence. May 2018 find us walking with our Lord, sharing His message with those who don’t yet know Him.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance.” (Psalm 33:12)

Has the Lord blessed you in an unexpected way this past year? If so, I’d love to hear about it!

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

A Christmas Fire + Giveaway by Hannah Conway

I’m honored to have my friend and fellow author, Hannah R. Conway here today to share about an incident in her past that helped stir a scene in her new release, Up in Smoke! She’s also graciously offered  to giveaway an e-book copy of her novel. So stick around until the end for your chance to win!!

With the holiday season well underway, I’m reminded of many merry Christmas memories, and one not so merry memory. I was in the seventh grade when only days after Christmas, our home caught on fire. Devastating. The smell of smoke, ash, and damp smoldering wood—unforgettable.

As a youth, I recall feeling quite vulnerable. Where would we stay? What would I wear? All of my beloved Christmas gifts, gone. Looking back on that moment now, with the perspective of an adult, I cannot help but recognize the fear my parents must have felt. The anxiety. The financial worry. Your life’s work—up in smoke. But thank God we were all okay.

Christmas seems to help us remember what’s really important, but so does a fire. The fire destroyed our home, but the firefighters were able to get out what was most important to our family—pictures.Though many of our family photos were singed, we still have them. A few items of significance were also able to be saved, like our childhood rocking horse, baby crib, and the kitchen table. Will still eat at that table when visiting Mom and Dad.

My latest novel, “Up in Smoke”, includes a house fire scene. I wanted my characters, Leanna and Garrison, to come to a point where all they had in life was what actually mattered. Up until this point, Garrison and Leanna had made some unwise life decisions, and Leanna, well, that girl just needed some prayer. Poor Garrison jumped hurdles to win her heart and prove his love, yet she held on to her pride and past hurts. Silly woman! So, I used a fire to help her see the light per say.

It’s interesting that the same blazing fire that provides heat, light, and life also has the potential to consume, and ruin. How appropriate for God to use such a powerful force of nature to give analogy to how He works in our life, and even in the life of Leanna and Garrison.

We, as believers, are being refined, tested “as fire tests and purifies gold”, and that process, is, well, often painful.

God’s Word tells us trials are tests. Trials help us to have strong faith and strong faith will bring praise and honor when Jesus returns. It’s like He’s saying, “this is gonna burn, but it’s gonna be so worth it, just wait and see.” And I believe Him. We should believe Him. He’s worthy of our trust.

It’s through the fire, through the trials, we begin to learn what really matters. Whether it’s an actual house fire, a moral dilemma at work, or simply life’s ups and down, the dross, “stuff” of life that doesn’t matter, bogs us down, or the sin in our life that needs to go, melts away one trial at a time.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but, Thank God For Trials! Thank God for changing me, for the gift of refinement, and for taking the time to do so.

Merry Christmas, Dear Readers! May God refine you into a glorious work of art that is worthy of honor and praise when Jesus returns.

Hannah Conway is a military wife, mother of two, middle school teacher, and speaker. Her novels are a deployment experience of their own, threaded with faith, and filled with twists and turns sure to thrill, and encourage. Hannah is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, and My book Therapy. She and her family live in Tennessee.

~What motivated you to start writing novels, Hannah?

This deep, deep desire; like, if I didn’t write, I would explode! Truly, I’ve enjoyed creating stories from a very young age, I simply needed to live a little before putting anything permanent down.

~What author would you most like to meet?

Just one? I’d have to say Tosca Lee. Her stories pull me in, keep my up way past my bedtime, and leave me salivating for the next novel. Fan-girling a bit over here!

~Where do you see yourself with your writing 5 years from now?

You know, I have a few goals regarding my writing career. I plan to write one book and one novella each year. Within five years I plan to write full-time for a living—say goodbye to the classroom, and increase my speaking platform. Lofty? No way.

 

Up in Smoke is available on Amazon.com

Connect with Hannah:

www.hannahrconway.com

 

 

Now it’s time for the Giveaway. Leave a comment to unlock several chances to win an e-book copy!

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Hope at Christmas

One of the best parts of Christmas is the spirit of hope and expectancy it holds. Children eagerly await the gifts and filled stockings of Christmas morn. Excitement fills their bright-eyed faces as they rise early to see if the coveted gifts they’ve hoped for are there beneath the tree.

But for those of us who are Christians, the true hope of Christmas came in the form of a tiny baby born in a stable. Jesus’ humble birth changed everything. His coming gave us the hope of Heaven, a priceless gift that only He had the power to give.

This Christmas, I pray you’ll join me in celebrating not only Christ’s birth, but in giving thanks to God for His perfect plan of redemption and grace. Without Jesus, there can be no Christmas. Without His sacrifice for our sins, there can be no hope of Heaven.

Now, we wait in hope of Christ’s second coming which will usher us home. Like children at Christmastime, may we live each day in expectancy, watching for His appearance, with hearts that are ready to meet the Savior.

May you have joy and hope this Christmas season as you celebrate with family and friends.

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

Trusting God’s Call by Guest Blogger Sara Foust

Today I’m honored to have another fellow Mantle Rock Publishing author as my guest. Sara Foust has a wonderful message to share about her upcoming mission trip and how the Lord is using her debut novel, Callum’s Compass, to help fund it. Sara has also graciously offered to give away a print copy of her novel, so stick around to the end for a chance to enter!

“Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” Ezekiel 37:4

Can you imagine standing over a valley, looking down onto the skeletons of slain men and women, and hearing from God asking you to preach to them? Really picture it. What a strong faith Ezekiel must’ve had! Not only did he do as God asked him, but watched (in amazement, I’m sure) as these bones came together and reformed living, breathing human beings. God asked. Ezekiel did.

Recently, I’ve felt called to go on my first mission trip. We leave April 30th and return the day before Mother’s Day. Boy, what a good Mother’s Day it will be for me! I have never left my husband and children for more than a couple days. I’ve never been out of the country. I’ve never been on a mission trip. I’m doing a lot of nevers. But I completely trust that God will take care of me and lead me where He needs me to be. And, I am absolutely honored that He would ask me to be a bearer of His truths.

There are many places in the Bible where God asks us to take His word out into the word and deliver it to them. I must admit I do not do it as often as I should. But, it’s been an amazing gift to see my first book come into form. To see the words I’ve prayed over for two years be printed and to hold them in my hand. It is one way I hope to share the truth of God’s love with the world. Through my written words, I hope God can speak to readers’ hearts and remind them that He is there with open arms.

It has been a tremendous year of growth and change in my life, and I so look forward to what next year will bring. To the mission trip. To my second book (hopefully). And to whatever else God chooses to call me to do next.

 

Sara writes Inspirational Romantic Suspense from a mini-farm in East Tennessee, where she lives with her husband and their five homeschooled children. Her debut novel Callum’s Compass won second place in Deep River Books’ 2017 Writer’s Contest. She also has a story in Chicken Soup for the Soul: Step Outside Your Comfort Zone. To learn more about her, please visit www.saralfoust.com.

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KAT WILLIAMS’S brother died in a gruesome accident in the mountains of East Tennessee. She blames herself.

RYAN JENKINS’S fiancée was murdered. He couldn’t protect her.

With the death of her brother, Kat believes she is unworthy of love from anyone—even God. When a good friend elicits a promise that she will stop living in the past and then leaves her clues to a real-life treasure hunt, Kat embarks on an adventure chock-full of danger. To find the treasure, Kat will have to survive wild animals—and even wilder men. Can she rely on Ryan, the handsome wildlife officer assigned to protect her . . . without falling in love?

Ryan swore off love when his fiancée was murdered, but feelings long-buried rise to the surface around Kat. He volunteers to help with her treasure hunt, vowing to keep her safe. Together they venture deep into caves and tunnels . . . and even deeper into the depths of their unplumbed hearts.

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

 

Now’s your chance to enter to win a print copy of Sara’s novel: Callum’s Compass! Leave a comment to unlock several additional chances to win! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

The Reason We Give Thanks

Thanksgiving Day has come and gone, but I can’t leave it behind without sharing one final thought. And truly, isn’t giving thanks a wonderful precursor to the celebration of Christ’s birth?

While reading the story of Squanto and the first Thanksgiving to a group of second-graders last week, one child posed the question, “How did they know when to celebrate?”

The class had performed a play about President Lincoln setting aside a day to celebrate Thanksgiving, so the boy knew no date had been set up when Squanto and the pilgrims were around. What this child wanted to know was how the pilgrims knew it was time to celebrate?

It dawned on me then that the child had no clue as to the reason we give thanks, nor to Whom we give thanks. I took the opportunity to explain how the pilgrims had given thanks to God as an outpouring of gratitude for His provision and goodness. How, after a harsh winter during which many had died of disease and starvation, the Lord had provided a bountiful harvest and friendship with the Indians who taught the pilgrims how to survive and flourish in a new land.

How often do we get caught up in the flurry of activity surrounding Thanksgiving and Christmas and forget to give credit where credit is due? I found it heart-wrenching that many of today’s children are growing up without the knowledge that Thanksgiving is a celebration of the provision and bounty the Lord gives.

Thanksgiving has passed, but may we never forget to count our blessings and teach our children about the goodness of the Lord and why we have reason to celebrate.

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

Book Signing Blessings

Each of my three Book Signings has carried a flavor all its own. My first signing at my local library boasted a sell-out crowd, tons of community support and the unforgettable memory of a young girl’s admiration.

My second Signing took place at a chain bookstore in a large city (out of my comfort zone). Yet the Lord surrounded me with encouragement and a constant flow of family and friends.

This third Signing took place at my uncle’s request in a mid-sized town farther from my home where I knew few people. Poor weather conditions and low attendance made for few sales, but something much more valuable than book sales happened that day. The Lord used my Book Signing to bring about a treasured memory that will forever live in my heart…as well as my uncle’s.

You see, my aunt had become a recluse in her older years and had grown incapable of caring for herself. She refused to see anyone or go anywhere. Having taken on the role of caregiver, my uncle found himself tethered to her and unable to do what he once did. Their tradition of joining us for holidays had come to an end. And with no children of their own, he’d grown disheartened at not being about to visit with his extended family.

It was out of respect for my uncle, I agreed to set aside a date for a Signing. I could feel his excitement grow as we discussed the upcoming event. When the day arrived, my husband and I, along with my sister and parents traveled the hour and a half to the library where it was to be held. We spoke to my uncle on the phone when we arrived and to our amazement, learned he was late because he was bringing my aunt! How honored I was to know she was making the effort to attend. She wanted to be there!!

What a blessing it was to witness my uncle’s joy, not only in seeing all of us, but because of my aunt’s willingness to participate. Though sales and attendance were low, our spirits were riding high as we cherished the blessing of each other ~ family celebrating together.

I pray you too will have opportunity to celebrate with family you don’t often see this Thanksgiving. May the Lord bring you joy and peace as you give thanks for all His goodness.

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

 

The Happiest of Thanksgivings to you all!

Thankful Hearts ~ Expressing Gratitude

Each Thanksgiving my family has the tradition of sharing thoughts on what we’re thankful for. Yet I have to wonder, are there more practical/beneficial ways to express our gratitude to God?

Matthew 25:40 says, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

So then, when we bless others, we bless God.

I started brainstorming ideas of how we can show God our gratitude instead of just telling Him. {Show verses tell. Sounds like something a good writer is trained to do.} =)

Soon I’d compiled a list of ways we can express our gratitude to God by touching the lives of others. Here’s my top 20 picks!

1) Spend some quality one-on-one time with your spouse.

2) Hug your children.

3) Send a Thinking of You card to someone on your heart.

4) Share a meal with someone who can’t or isn’t able to return the favor.

5) Pray with someone who’s hurting.

6) Offer to take a shut-in on an outing.

7) Give to a worthy charity.

8) Be someone’s hands or feet.

9) Send a care package to a missionary or military person.

10) Invite someone who has no place to go to your Thanksgiving gathering.

11) Volunteer.

12) Smile at a stranger.

13) Lend a helping hand to someone who’s struggling.

14) Visit someone in a nursing home or assisted living.

15) Be a listening ear to someone.

16) Reach out to someone who’s lost a loved one.

17) Share the gift of laughter.

18) Help someone in need.

19) Show forgiveness toward someone who has hurt you.

20) Tell someone thank you!

“I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.”

(Psalm 69:30)

Do you have an idea to add to my list? I’d love to hear it!

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

Rescued Hearts ~ God’s Plans for our Lives by Hope Dougherty

Today I’m thrilled to have fellow MRP author, Hope Dougherty, as my guest. Hope writes Christian suspense romance novels. In the following post, she shares about the message woven into her new release, Rescued Hearts, in a very personal way.

**Hope has graciously offered to give away a copy of her book, so be sure to stick around until the end to enter!

The message in Rescued Hearts is based on 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.’” The main character, Mary Wade Kimball, is a children’s clothing designer who comes from a family of preachers and missionaries and church ladies who want her to join the family business, so to speak. She thinks they’re waiting for her to fail at designing so that she can follow God’s path, in other words, their path for her.

This scenario might seem extreme to some, but I’ve met people who think the only real work is with the church. They don’t exactly frown on other vocations, but they don’t applaud them either.

For a hurting world to be reached, however, Christians need to be everywhere, helping to spread the Good News of God’s love.

I’m reminded of the scene in Rescued Hearts when Mary Wade discounts her business by comparing it to her aunt’s life-long missionary work in China and to Brett who’s a deputy. She thinks those jobs are more important than hers. Brett validates her career by explaining her designing brings beauty into the world. He continues with, “You don’t ruin it like people in my line of work.”

The verse from Jeremiah really resonates with me right now. Two of my children are second lieutenants in the US Army. One majored in Chinese in college. China is a neighbor to North Korea which is in the news almost every day and not for good reasons. My other son majored in Arabic—the language of the Middle East, which brings to mind Syria and Isis and the Taliban.

Oh, my.

People ask me, “How do you feel about the boys being in the Army?” My response comes from Jeremiah 29:11. I’m living God’s plan for me, so I want my sons to live God’s plan for them. They feel called to what they’re doing, so I trust in the One who loved them before I did.

Both my sons are strong witnesses for God among people who need His strength and wisdom and love. The safest and best place for all of us to be is right in the middle of God’s will. Don’t you agree?

Connect with Hope:

Facebook

Twitter @HopeTDougherty

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Website:

Connect with Cynthia on Facebook and Twitter. Read more of her writing at: Putting on the New Blog.

 

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

 

 

Now’s your chance to enter to win a print copy of Rescued Hearts!! Leave a comment to unlock more chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Creating Compelling Heroes and Heroines

What makes a hero and heroine compelling to readers? Often it’s the fire and ice relationships that make for an interesting read. In the world of fiction, as well as real life, opposites seem to attract.

When creating lead characters, writers often choose unlikely combinations. A backwoodsman and a city girl. A rich heiress and a jewel thief. Why is it that makes unusual relationships more appealing to readers?

I can think of 4 compelling reasons:

It’s Unexpected – Fairytales are full of princes and princesses who fall in love and live happily ever after. But today’s readers like a challenge. They would much rather read about an international spy who falls for the woman he’s sent to investigate. Unexpected relationships tend to…

Pique Interest – Readers seem to enjoy the back and forth dance unusual love relationships inspire. They keep turning pages, wondering how the author will draw these two unique love interests together. To succeed in this, writers must…

Create tension – A story wields a lot more power and intrigue when the leads have to battle insurmountable odds to find true love. In Romeo and Juliet, true love is hindered by family conflict. In The Westside Story, it’s opposing gangs that bar the starry-eyed youths from happiness. Differences spark conflict and fuel…

Intriguing Plots – The greater the challenge presented in drawing lead characters together, the more intriguing the plot. Compelling characters demand creativity on the part of writers. But in the end, it’s still the happily-ever-after that gives readers the greatest sense of satisfaction.

As a reader, what do you find compelling in the lead characters? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Read more of Cynthia’s writing at: Putting on the New Blog.  Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com

 

Refining Your Writing ~ The Power of Editing

So you’ve written a novel. You’ve polished it until it shines, and are ready to submit to an agent or editor–at least you think you are. Then you take another glance and find you’ve overused a word or your sentence structure is too similar in places. No matter how many times you read over your work, there always seems room for improvement.

Sound familiar? Maybe, like me, you’re wondering, will I ever “arrive” as a writer? Will I ever have my novel so fine-tuned no one will find anything to correct?

Editing is a necessary, often grueling task that requires time and skill. Yet, is there such a thing as over-editing? How do you know when enough is enough? There seems to be no end to it. Following are five suggestions to make edits a little less taxing as you ready your manuscript for submission.

Read – One of the best ways to stay abreast with today’s fiction is to become an avid reader. Choose not only popular books, but ones in your genre that capture your interest. There’s nothing like ingesting a well-written book to help refine your skills.

Have a Teachable Spirit – Always be learning. Read books that skillfully teach the craft of writing. Attend writers’ conferences as able. The more knowledge you gain about writing, the easier it will be to put that wisdom into practice.

Get Connected – Get plugged into a writer’s group or with critique partners. The ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) offers a vast variety of ways to hone writing skills and meet like-minded people. Seek out knowledgeable, skilled authors and form relationships. Most are more than willing to share their insights and experiences.

Seek Quality Not Perfection – When it comes to edits, it’s important to remember no manuscript will ever reach perfection. You could approach dozens of noteworthy writers/editors and each would tell you something different. There comes a time when you just have to take that step forward and trust God to get you where you need to be.

Pray for Wisdom – Most importantly, pray for God’s guidance as you write and as you make decisions in your writing journey. If He has placed it on your heart to write, He’ll be faithful to take you down the path He wishes you to go. It’s our job to be obedient to His calling.

What helps you improve your writing skills? I’d love to hear your suggestions. May the Lord bless your journey!

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.”

(James 1:5)

Read more of Cynthia’s writing at: Putting on the New Blog.  Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY, available in both e-book and print at Amazon.com