Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 28

Becoming an Author ~ 4 Roads to Publication

I can’t tell you how long I’ve dreamed of being an author. I’ve penned short-stories and articles for many years, but always considered myself a writer. Not an author. To me that title is reserved for those who’ve battled their way through writing hundreds of pages of a novel, put in countless hours of edits and rewrites, and have stayed the course through to publication

Last September, I’m thrilled to say I signed my first 2-book contract! It’s been a long road, but now that my debut novel is in print and Book Two is in the making, I can finally consider myself an Author! The Lord be praised for bringing me to this point!

We’re blessed to live in a day and age where there is more than one avenue to publication. In fact, there are four ways to become an author. Each has its benefits as well as its drawbacks. If you’re a writer seeking to become an author, find which method suits your needs.

1) Self-Publishing – Many writers today are choosing to self-publish. If you have a good public platform and are great at social media, this might prove the way to go.

Benefits: Complete control over print/cover options, quickest way to publish, 100% of profit.

Drawbacks: 100% of expenses, publication falls solely on your shoulders.

2) Subsidy Publishing – If you’re eager to publish, but don’t have all the know-how of self-publishing, this option might be for you.

Benefits: Quick, lower expectations, some control over print/cover options.

Drawbacks: Share expenses with publisher, often must buy many books and sell on your own, expensive.

3) Small Traditional Publisher – Small publishers may not possess the selling power of larger companies, but they do have some great attributes.

Benefits: Allows more input on cover design/edits, personalized treatment, no expense falls to you unless you choose to purchase books at a discounted price.

Drawbacks: Must be willing to put forth effort to publicize & sell books, not as much exposure as large publishing company, only get a percentage of profits.

4) Large Traditional Publisher – It’s every writer’s dream to land a spot in this category. Competition is high and it often takes an agent or a memorable appointment at a writer’s conference to make it happen.

Benefits: Greater exposure to readers, on bookstore shelves, greater sales/income, publisher does much of the publicizing.

Drawbacks: Often a much longer wait to publication, more effort on author’s part to make necessary connections, often requires an agent, competitive, high-expectations, less input on design/edits.

I hope laying these options out has been helpful. Whichever path you as a writer choose, the most important aspect of becoming an inspirational author must be prayer and following the Lord’s lead. God has a plan for our lives, and it’s our responsibility to seek it out.

“ 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.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

If you’ve moved from writer to author, I’d love to hear your story in a comment below. Thanks in advance for sharing!

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

Writer’s Block ~ Moving Past the Blank Page

Every writer faces dry times, when the words just won’t flow. That blank page (or screen) can seem like an insurmountable barrier, especially when moving from one project to the next.

For months–years for some of us–we’ve held our characters firmly in our minds, spilling their stories out onto hundreds of heartfelt pages. When we finally reach “the end”, satisfaction pours over us. We’ve made it! Now what?

If you’re like me, the thought of starting a new novel venture both excites and overwhelms me. Writing a three-hundred page novel can seem a daunting task. There are new characters to develop. New plots. New settings. And if you’re a Historical writer like me, new time periods and surroundings to research.

So lets look at some simple ways to make transitioning from one project to the next a bit easier. Following are some suggestions to stir those creative juices just waiting to be released.

Give yourself a break. On completion of a project, give yourself a few days to relax and rejuvenate. Writing is both invigorating and exhausting work. Spend some off time doing something you enjoy. You’ll find yourself more ready to start again, once you’re refreshed and eager to get back to work.

Brainstorm with other writers. One of the best designs of God, is that He made us all different. Group activity fuels creativity. Find a few trusted writer friends, whether it be your critique partners or a writing group, and share your inspirations. Mix and match ideas, then weave the best ones into a storyline. No telling what great works will come of these pooled thoughts.

Eavesdrop. Now, this is not to say we should be seeking out gossip or infringing on others’ privacy. But if you should happen to overhear an interesting conversation, listen with your creative mind’s eye. Some tidbit of information may just spark an idea for a story question or plot. Put your creative energies to work by fictionalizing reality.

Utilize spin-off Characters. You’ve spent so much time getting to know your characters, you don’t want to sweep them aside, never to be thought of again. No one says you have to. I love when a character from one book or series makes an appearance in another. It’s like revisiting an old friend. That’s the fun of fiction writing–having the chance to create and touch the hearts of readers.

If you’re facing a blank page, I hope these suggestions have fueled new ideas to try. Or perhaps you have another way to get one’s creativity flowing. If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,

and I will give you rest.”

(Matthew 11:28)

What helps get your creativity flowing? I’d love to hear your thoughts and ideas!

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

Interview with Regina Rudd Merrick & Giveaway

It’s great to have one of my fellow Mantle Rock Publishing authors here today. And she’s giving away a copy of her novel, Carolina Dream!! So stick around to the end of the interview and enter the contest!!

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, Regina? What do you enjoy doing outside of writing?

Other than writing, my favorite activity is music and decorating – well thinking about decorating! I play piano and sing in our church’s praise band, sing in the choir, and do a lot of accompanying. My grandmother was a church pianist for well over 30 years, and only stopped when I was able to take over! I’m also an HGTV-aholic, and hope someday to visit Waco, TX of Fixer Upper fame. Some friends of ours recently visited Brimfield Market, a huge flea market in Massachusetts where they go in Flea Market Flip, so that’s also on the bucket list!

Sounds like you have a great bucket list. Your debut inspirational novel is entitled, Carolina Dream. Can you share with us its main storyline and theme?

Carolina Dream came about because of – you guessed it – a dream!! In the story, the main character, Sarah, has a recurring dream about a mansion in disrepair and a man with chocolate brown eyes. In attempting to avoid the wedding of her former fiancée, she latches on to the opportunity to travel from KY to SC in order to claim an inheritance from an unknown relative. Who knew she would find a mansion – AND a man with chocolate brown eyes? Overcoming fear and doubt, Sarah and Jared find that God has better plans for them than they could have dreamed.

Great storyline! How long have you dreamed of being a novelist?

I really never thought about it until a few years ago. Oh, as a teen, I attempted to write THE sequel to Gone With the Wind in which they lived happily ever after, but later I found fan fiction. That’s what ignited the writing bug. I wrote Christian-themed fanfiction on the same website as my good friend and published author, Lorna Seilstad. She was using it as a way to practice and develop her craft, and I was just having fun. After writing several novel-length stories surrounding the television show Sue Thomas, FBEye, I was invited to join a group of writers on the site that were interested in publication. I had started Carolina Dream by then, and that spurred me on to join ACFW and attend a conference. The rest is history!

Oh I loved that series!! Watched every episode! What project are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on the second book in the “Southern Breeze” series, titled Carolina Mercy. In the wings are a Western Inspy romance, and maybe a suspense!

Wow! Lots going on! What do you enjoy most about writing?

The best feeling is typing “the end.” It’s a feeling of accomplishment that is mostly unrivaled.

Amen! I know the feeling! What has been most helpful in your writing journey?

The editing process. Mantle Rock Publishing’s editor, Pam Watts Harris, is amazing. She doesn’t change the voice of the author, but every suggestion just makes it better and better. That was the most fun part of publication.

Pam is great! What advice do you have for others who are pursuing a career in writing?

Learn as much as you can about writing. Go to conferences – there are all kinds of them from large and expensive to small and inexpensive. Find a writing group. In mine, I also found my publisher. You just never know what contacts you will make when you get together with other writers!

Great advice! Could you share one interesting/funny tidbit about yourself or your writing that would bring a smile to our faces?

Oh, that’s an easy one. The very first time I met with my writing group, we met at Kathy Cretsinger’s home about 30 miles from where I live. We had a great meeting. I think it was myself, Kathy, Susan Page Davis, and Sandra Robbins. As we were leaving, I started backing out of the driveway and heard a loud “screech,” and couldn’t go any further! I thought, “Oh, no. I’ve hit somebody’s car!” No, not a car. I did, however, take out the Cretsinger’s flag pole, which was directly in my blind spot as I backed around the little loop in their drive. Fortunately, they were planning to take it down anyway, and have thanked me for accomplishing that for them. I guess they meant it, because a few years later, as owners of Mantle Rock Publishing, they published my book!

How funny! Kathy’s a good sport for sure! Thanks so much for joining us, Regina!

Carolina Dream by Regina Rudd Merrick

Book Blurb:

Sarah Crawford wants more from life than to attend the wedding of her ex-fiancée. An unexpected inheritance in South Carolina comes at the perfect time, just as Sarah is willing to use any excuse to get out of town.

When she meets potential business partner Jared Benton and discovers that a house is part of the inheritance, she is sure that God has been preparing her for this time through a recurring dream. But will a dream about an antebellum mansion, many rooms to be explored, and a man with dark brown eyes give her the confidence to take a leap of faith, leaving friends, family, and her job behind?

Regina Rudd Merrick began reading romance and thinking of book ideas as early as her teenage years when she attempted a happily-ever-after sequel to “Gone With the Wind.” That love of fiction parlayed into a career as a librarian, and she is currently the director of a small public library in Marion, KY. She began attending local writing workshops and continued to hone her craft by writing several short and novel-length fan-fiction pieces published online, where she met other authors with a similar love for story, a Christian worldview, and happily-ever-after. Married for 30+ years and active in their church, Regina and her husband have two grown daughters who share her love of music, writing, and the arts. Visit Regina on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or on her website at www.reginamerrick.wordpress.com.

Purchase links (Amazon.com):

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Read how God works in the lives of Cynthia’s characters in her debut inspirational historical romance novel, UNDER THIS SAME SKY.

~ Available in both e-book and print: Amazon.com.

Connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

Now for the chance you’ve been waiting for…the Giveaway! To enter, simply leave a comment below and unlock more opportunities to up your chances of winning a copy of Carolina Dream!

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Finding Time to Write ~ Every Writer’s Battle

No doubt about it. Our lives are BUSY! If we aren’t careful, we can run ourselves ragged just trying to keep up. If you’re like me, you can find yourself pulled in every direction, trying to balance family activities, work responsibilities, church and community functions, and household duties.

And I have to wonder, WHEN CAN I WRITE?!

To be serious about writing, one has to be intentional these days. So, if you’re struggling to find time to let your creativity flow, here’s some suggestions to better manage your time.

START YOUR DAY WITH PRAYER – Begin each day by asking for the Lord’s blessing. Taking a few precious moments to pray can make all the difference. When you submit your day and your writing to God, you’re placing it in His hands, and He’s sure to honor your request.

SET GOALS – As a writer, it’s important to set goals. Small goals as well as larger ones. On the larger scale, you may have a goal to complete a novel in a year, six months, or even three months, depending on your capabilities or time allowance. But smaller goals are also important. Try setting a word count goal for a week, or a day. Make it one that will require you to work to reach it, but one that is within your ability to complete. Each time you achieve a goal, give yourself a pat on the back, and set a new and higher one.

BE FLEXIBLE – While goals are important, writers need to be able to bend schedules as situations require it. While you may feel it necessary to protect your writing time from minor interruptions, some simply can’t be avoided. In offering up prayers for my day, I often pray the Lord will allow me to accomplish all that He has in mind for me to accomplish. If I’m honest, that may sometimes differ from what I wish to accomplish. So when interruptions arise, take a deep breath, reassess, and adjust your plans accordingly. Perhaps the Lord has someone in mind for you to encourage through that change in plans.

DEVELOP A ROUTINE – Like it or not, we’re creatures of habit. Most of us do well to have a set schedule to work with. Setting up specific hours to write keeps us motivated and creates a standard of expectation to go by. When we’re organized, we make better use of our time.

LEARN YOUR CREATIVE TIME OF DAY – When do your creative juices flow most freely? I find my biggest word counts come in the early afternoon. How about you? Are you a night owl? Do you do your best work in the wee hours of the night? Or are you an early riser who finds inspiration in the promise of a new day? Be attune to the time of day that best suits your creative flare and set that as your focal point.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity

under the heavens.”

(Ecclesiastes 3)

What ignites your creative flow? I’d love to hear from you.

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

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

Celebrating 50 Reviews for Under This Same Sky

This week on Sowing Seeds of Hope, I’m celebrating 50 wonderful reviews for my debut inspirational historical romance novel, Under This Same Sky!

A huge THANK YOU to those who’ve taken time to read and review it. I truly appreciate your generosity.  As a thank you, I’m giving away an e-book copy of my novel between September 18 & 26th!

For your chance to win, just click the link below and follow the instructions listed on the site. You’ll be entered in a multi-book drawing that includes not only Under This Same Sky, but other novels and gifts as well.

Don’t miss out! Hop on over to Tish Martin’s blog and enter to win! Here’s the link:

Under This Same Sky e-book Giveaway!!

~ UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~

To learn more about Under This Same Sky, visit my Book Page or read the opening chapter on Amazon!

 

 

 

Obedient to God’s Calling ~ Writing with Purpose

Every novel writer dreams of making it big, landing a contract with a large publishing house and selling millions of copies. Unfortunately, very few writers realize that dream. Most of us will travel a more subtle path, one that likely includes less recognition. But that doesn’t mean we’ve failed.

God has a mission and purpose for each of our lives. Sometimes that plan may look different than what we perceive it to be. Yet, He is the potter. We are the clay. We can kick and scream our way through life, trying to be a goblet when the Lord intends for us to be a bowl. God gives us the choice. We can spend our days striving to achieve our own goals and agenda, or we can yield to His promptings and fulfill the purposes He has in store for us.

Having aspirations as a writer is important. That drive to achieve can see us through many a discouragement and setback. But, more essential than the desire to succeed, is having the desire to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives.

Keep the following thoughts in mind as you travel through your writing journey.

~Am I glorifying God through in what I write?

~Am I staying open to the Lord’s leading?

~Is what I write consistent with God’s calling on my life?

~Are there areas I need to adjust or draw to a close?

~What specifically is God wanting to accomplish through my writing?

~Is the Lord closing one door and opening another?

~What audience would benefit most through my writing ministry?

~Am I seeking my dream, or God’s?

I hope you’ll take time to pray about and ponder these questions. I know I need to. When we’re faithful in the seemingly small things, the Lord will bless and multiply our efforts. Only when we submit to His will can we know true contentment and peace.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!

You have been faithful with a few things;

I will put you in charge of many things.”

(Matthew 25:21)

I’d love to hear how the Lord is speaking to you. If the Lord has redirected your writing journey, I’d love to hear your story. God bless you for your obedience.

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

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

Hope by Guest Blogger Janell Wojtowicz

Ever since my book, Embracing Hope, launched in November I’ve been hot on the blog tour, but sometimes I run cold on topics. That shouldn’t happen to a writer, you say. Wanna bet?

As I stared at a blank page on my computer screen for this blog, a song on the Christian radio station I listen to wormed its way into my ear, Great is Our Lord by One Sonic Society. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGUo0-A_Gz8)

You give life, You are love You bring light to the darkness You give hope, You restore Every heart that is broken Great are You, Lord It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise We pour out our praise It’s Your breath in our lungs So we pour out our praise to You only All the earth will shout Your praise Our hearts will cry, these bones will sing Great are You, Lord

While the word “hope” stood out at first since it’s the theme of my novel, a line thumped me upside the head followed by the nagging question: Do I pour out my praise with the breath the Lord has put in my lungs?

Um… well… not enough, that’s for sure. But what better time to start than right now, and what better place than right here?

I praise God for the breath He’s put in my lungs. I should never take that for granted.

I praise God for the many people I’ve met (in person and virtually) on my writing journey. Several have become very special to me because of their encouragement.

I praise God for giving me wonderful parents who exemplified a fervent faith in God. I praise Him that I’ve had my mom for so many years (she’s 84), and that someday I’ll be reunited with my dad in heaven.

I praise God for my loving husband who has stuck by my side for 24 years and patiently supported my quest to publish my novel.

I praise God for the four seasons. I live in Minnesota where I experience all of them. God’s creation is magnificent, as is evident from the fireflies that hover over a lake at dusk to the gazillion snowflakes that fall, none of them duplicates.

I praise God for the 35-year ministry He’s given me through writing. It’s been frustrating and heart-breaking at times, but I’ve seen His plans at work.

I praise God for His inerrant Word that is a “lamp for my feet and a light on my path” in such a dark world.

I praise God the Father for His all-encompassing redemptive love and guidance made possible through His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit.

And when it’s hard to find a single reason for praise, I praise God that He hears my cry for mercy, that He is my strength and shield, and that He helps me. (Psalms 28:6-7)

How about you, dear reader? What praises can you pour out to God?

Janell Butler Wojtowicz, born and raised on an Iowa farm, was one of those kids who loved to write the dreaded “What I did on summer vacation” essay. It’s no surprise that she has spent her entire 35-year career in writing, including journalism, Christian higher education public relations, and local government public information. She is a freelance writer/editor, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Janell and her husband, Frank, live in New Brighton, Minnesota.

Christian college dean Drew McKinley mourns his dead wife and still wears his wedding ring. He stumbles on a desperate journey to understand God’s motives for her tragic death. Crossing his perilous path is Allison, a graduate student and new employee in the dean’s office. Even as she deals with financial hardships, she recognizes Drew’s unresolved grief from her own loss. Putting up a roadblock is Chris Whitney, the handsome but egotistical student senate president. He carries the secret burden of a dysfunctional family and a below-the-surface temper. The road Drew must navigate is fraught with career upheaval, a reawakening heart, substance and domestic abuse, a violent assault, and the struggle for forgiveness and restoration. Will Drew finish his journey to embrace the hope God offers, the love Allison shares, and the guidance Chris needs, or will he turn his back on all three with catastrophic consequences?

Twitter – @janellwoj

Blog – http://janellwoj.wordpress.com

Author Facebook – www.Facebook.com/janellbwoj

Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16046310.Janell_Butler_Wojtowicz

 

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

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 and Barnes & Noble.

Surrendering Your Life’s Dreams to God

One of the hardest things I’ve ever done is leave my college-age son and travel the 3 hours home without him. Yet the first time he returned home, I glimpsed in him a new appreciation for his home and family, and us for him.

Often it isn’t until we let something dear to us go, that we discover how precious it truly is. And it isn’t until we relinquish control and leave a situation in God’s hands that we fully learn to trust.

As a writer, I know first-hand the scores of difficult hours it takes to produce quality writing. Recently, I blogged about each of us having deep-seated goals and dreams. I’d like to take that topic a step further by siting the importance of giving those aspirations to God.

Through blood, sweat, and prayers, we writers chisel out words to formulate the stories or messages God has placed on our hearts to share. Then we query, submit, and seek out agents, editors, publishers, and readers to affirm and champion our efforts. In the sea of writers, we pray somehow our work will be noticed.

Yet, many times, when things don’t happen as we wish, or don’t move as quickly as we hope, discouragement sets in. We begin to doubt our abilities, our calling, and our purpose. Before I was a published novelist, I have to continually remind myself God is in control. I had to–and still do–condition myself to give up my own ambitions and entrust my writing to the Lord. He has placed it on my heart to write, therefore, I must trust that if I submit to Him and wait on His timing, He will bring about what’s best for me, and for His kingdom.

Whatever your life dream is, I encourage you to do the same.

Whether you’re an inspirational writer in search of a publisher, a stay-at-home mom with hopes of starting your own in-home business or a career person climbing the corporate ladder, if you’re a Christian, it’s essential you dedicate whatever you’re hoping for or working towards to the Lord.

When we honor God through our dreams and ambitions, He is certain to bless the outcome. Those blessings may come in different ways than we ask or expect. But one thing is certain, if we’ve surrendered our will to the Lord, He’ll work things for our good.

What hope or dream do you struggle to surrender to the Lord? I’d love to hear your experiences.

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

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 and Barnes & Noble.

 

Preparing for a Writer’s Conference

Preparing for a writer’s conference is stressful in and of itself, but with less than two weeks left to prepare before last year’s ACFW Conference, a virus on my computer nearly sent my stress level off the charts! Instead of the quiet afternoon I’d planned for polishing up my fiction proposal, I spent much of the day on the phone with a technician trying to clean up my compromised computer.

In moments like this, it’s easy to give into frustration and feel out of control. But there are ways to combat these uninvited delays that can restore one’s sense of peace. When preparing for that long-awaited-for writer’s conference, or any important event, try the following suggestions to downsize stress and get the most out of the experience.

Remember God is in Control. We often fool ourselves into thinking we have it all together, but it doesn’t take long (computer problems, finances, health issues) to realize our lives are dependent on the Lord. When we rely on His strength to see us through, we’ll have peace in knowing we’re in His perfect plan and timing.

Prepare Early. Though my computer glitch spoiled my plans for the day, it didn’t throw me off course. Thankfully, I had given myself extra time to account for such delays. Preparing far in advance provides a bit of leeway for the unexpected. Give yourself plenty of time to organize and prepare. Then you’ll feel much more cool and confident when you slip into the chair opposite your chosen agent or editor.

Pray. Prayer is vital to preparing ourselves spiritually in face of the unnerving task of baring our souls through our writing. When we humble ourselves before God, asking Him to bless our journey, He is certain to respond. And though His plans may differ from our own, if we allow Him, He’ll lead us down the path that is best.

Get plenty of rest. This may sound counter-productive when there is much to be done, but an overworked mind and body lend to stress and distraction. When we take time to relax and get the rest our body craves, we’ll be more alert and ready when the big day arrives.

How about you? Do you have a particular way you take the bite out of the stressful moments in your life? I’d love to hear about it.

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

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 and Barnes & Noble.

 

 

Following Your Dreams ~ Setting Goals as Writers

We all have dreams…those driving pulses that spur us to action and set our souls afire. Whether small or great, each of us have deep-seeded wishes we’d like to fulfill. For me, it’s writing. Nothing ignites my creative energies like sitting down at my computer and pouring out words that prayerfully will encourage and strengthen others in their faith.

Though my dream has been to be a published novelist, my goal is to touch lives through my writing. And, while I had to wait more than thirty years for my dream to become a reality, my goal of touching lives is fulfilled each time the Lord enables me to write an article, short-story, or devotional that sows seeds of hope and encouragement into reader’s lives.

What about you? What goals and dreams do you long to achieve? While you’re searching, here are some questions to keep in mind.

Is This a God-Honoring Pursuit? Is your dream something the Lord can be a part of? As Christians, God should be involved in everything we do. If we find ourselves veering away from God in pursuit of a dream, it’s time to reel ourselves in and reassess our priorities.

Is It Reachable? Is your dream attainable? Do you have the resources or skills to achieve your ambitions? It’s one thing to work toward a challenging goal, but quite another to pursue the undoable. Be certain what you hope for is in line with your abilities.

Is My Motivation Right? What is the driving force behind your dream? Is it for God’s glory, or your own? I truly believe God gives each of us individual goals to strive toward. It’s up to us if we honor Him in our achievements, or ourselves. In whatever we do, we should be certain He receives the praise and that we point others to Him. What are your goals and dreams? I’d love to hear what the Lord has accomplished through you.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed,

do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

  giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

 (Colossians 3:17)

Read more of Cynthia’s work 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 and Barnes & Noble.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY