Cynthia Roemer's Blog, page 30

My Most Memorable Book Signing Moment

What a joy my first ever Book Signing was! I was nervous, excited, and sentimental all wrapped into one. I didn’t know what to expect. I questioned if there would be a good turn-out or if I would  have wasted my time and energy for only a handful of people. But I pressed on, hoping the day would bring a gathering of those as eager as I to celebrate what the Lord had done in my life.

I didn’t have long to wait as family and friends began to pour in, each with a smile that assured me they were indeed enthusiastic and ready to celebrate right along with me. From start to finish, the room was filled with laughter and good cheer. It was a day to remember.

But through all the special moments of signings, giveaways, and visiting with friends I hadn’t seen in some time, one unique encounter stood out. I believe it will forever be etched in my mind as an indelible memory.

A father and two young girls approached the table where I’d been signing books. They were among the few visitors I didn’t recognize. The older girl gingerly approached me, book in hand. I had sold out of books just moments before they arrived and was relieved she had one with her.

I greeted her with a smile and asked her name. “Eva,” she replied. She couldn’t have been over nine years old. Dark hair, dark eyes. Much like one of the characters described in my novel.

A bookmark rested at page 19. “Ah. I see you’ve started reading.”

She nodded and flashed a shy grin. It turned out her father lived not too far from us and had driven her by my house to show her where “the author” lived. I chuckled inwardly, feeling a bit like Laura Ingalls Wilder or some known celebrity. What a foreign feeling it gave me. I’m no one special. Just using the gift God has given me.

I signed her book and handed it to her, thanking her for stopping by to meet me and for reading my book–a huge undertaking for one so young. She clutched it to her chest like her most prized possession. The look in her dark eyes was one of awe, one that will stick with me for a very long time. For it was then I realized what an awesome privilege and responsibility inspirational writers have to speak truth and hope into the hearts of readers. Her expression made every grueling edit and deadline worth the effort. It was a God-ordained snapshot of what the Lord can do when we’re faithful to use the gifts He has given us.

Today, I asked my publisher how on-line sales were going. The numbers were mediocre, but growing. Then, in His gentle way, God spoke to my heart:

Don’t worry about the numbers. I know who will be blessed by this book and will see to it Under This Same Sky finds its way into the hands of those who need to read it. All you need do is trust.

What wonderful reassurance that God is in control. All I need do is trust!

Read more of Cynthia’s writing at Putting on the New Blog

Or visit her FB Author Page

~ UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~

Under This Same Sky is available on Amazon in both e-book and print.

We Have a Contest Winner!

Thanks so much to all who entered the contest for a copy of my debut novel: Under This Same Sky! I so appreciate your excitement and show of support! I wish you all could have won, but as only one winner could be chosen, it’s time to share who the winner is…

My congratulations to RHONDA FULLER ~ Winner of a copy of Under This Same Sky! I’ll be contacting you very soon!

It’s my prayer that those of you who  are kind enough to purchase a copy will be touched by Becky’s story. If so, I encourage you to post a short review on Amazon and/or Goodreads. Much appreciated!

Also, I would love to add you to my list of recipients for my Author Newsletter which includes an insider’s look at events surrounding Under This Same Sky and also the scoop on my upcoming novels in my Prairie Sky Series!

Learn more about the story behind Under This Same Sky by following my Book Launch activities. Here are a list of sites I’ll be featured on in the coming weeks:

April 21: Tish Martin Blog includes Giveaway of Under This Same Sky!

April 26: Where Faith and Fiction Collide 

May 1st: Stories of Friendship and Hope

May 3rd: Sandra Robbins Blog

May 4th: Whispers in Purple

May 5th: Julie Arduini Blog

May 6 Stitches Through Time (e-book Giveaway)

May 17: Live By the Word

May 22 Dare to Bloom with Gail Kittleson

May 31st: Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet with Jodie Wolfe

June 6th: The Engrafted Word with Savanna Kaiser

July: Fiction Finder Interview

Release/Giveaway ~ Under This Same Sky

Well, my long-awaited-for day has finally arrived. My debut inspirational, historical romance novel, Under This Same Sky has gone to print and is available on Amazon!

In honor of its release, I’d like to give away a print copy of Under This Same Sky to a random guest on my blog. There are several options to win, so the more you connect, the better your chances of winning. You’ll find the Giveaway box at the bottom of this post. Thanks for entering! I look forward to your comments!

~ UNDER THIS SAME SKY ~

 

Here’s the back cover blurb:

             ~ She thought she’d lost everything ~ Instead she found what she needed most. ~

Illinois ~ 1854

Becky Hollister wants nothing more than to live out her days on the prairie, building a life for herself alongside her future husband. But when a tornado rips through her parents’ farm, killing her mother and sister, she must leave the only home she’s ever known and the man she’s begun to love to accompany her injured father to St. Louis.

Catapulted into a world of unknowns, Becky finds solace in corresponding with Matthew Brody, the handsome pastor back home. But when word comes that he is all but engaged to someone else, she must call upon her faith to decipher her future.

~ ~ ~

Learn more about me and the story behind Under This Same Sky by following my Book Launch activities. Here are a list of sites I’ll be featured on in the coming weeks:

April 21: Tish Martin Blog includes Giveaway of Under This Same Sky!

April 26: Where Faith and Fiction Collide 

May 1st: Stories of Friendship and Hope

May 3rd: Sandra Robbins Blog

May 4th: Whispers in Purple

May 5th: Julie Arduini Blog

May 6 Stitches Through Time (e-book Giveaway)

May 17: Live By the Word

May 22 Dare to Bloom with Gail Kittleson

May 31st: Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet with Jodie Wolfe

June 6th: The Engrafted Word with Savanna Kaiser

July: Fiction Finder Interview

Thanks for stopping by and sharing my joy. The Lord has truly given my a blessing in allowing this life-long dream to come to fruition. God bless! And don’t forget to enter the Giveaway!

 

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Preparing for Publication ~ Moving from Writer to Author

In a matter of days I’ll no longer be simply a writer. As the sun crests the horizon April 28th, I’ll be a published novelist! The very thought of it can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many details to line out, and so much to think about that my head is spinning! I’m sure veteran authors with several books under their belts will look on and smile at us debut authors, knowing the adventure that’s ahead.

In my last blog, I mentioned some ideas to calm pre-publishing jitters so that you can drink in the joys! Today, I’d like us to consider some organizational ways to prepare for publication. Here’s a few of the insights I’ve learned as I’ve journeyed toward publication:

Keep Focused – When you’ve yet to connect with the right agent or publisher, it’s easy to get discouraged and think that time may never come. But if the Lord has placed a message on your heart to share with the world, He will–in His time and His way–bring it to fruition. It’s our job as writers to be in submission to His will and be productive while we wait for Him to act. So I encourage you to keep focused on learning the writing craft, meeting new people, making connections, and most of all keep writing! After all, the more polished your manuscript is and the more manuscripts you write, the farther ahead you’ll be when the Lord places the right publisher in your path!

Plan Ahead – Once your manuscript is accepted by a publisher or you determine to self-publish, time becomes a precious commodity. There are deadlines to meet, edits to make, and final read-throughs to wade through. When you throw a marketing plan into the mix, things can get pretty hairy! It’s best to map out your guest blogs, giveaways, book signings, marketing materials early on so that life doesn’t become too overwhelming. Gage your time and activities and be sure to keep a good record of your commitments!

Never Stop Learning  – The writing industry is ever changing and authors need to change and grow along with it. Each aspect of writing takes a great deal of effort to master, whether it be deep point of view, plot, characters, or theme. Take time to study the intricacies of writing. Read books that teach the craft of writing and well-written novels, attend conferences, take writing courses. It’s never too early to learn about marketing, and what is involved in the process of editing and publishing. Drink in all the knowledge you can as you journey toward publication. I guarantee you’ll be thankful you did. And so will your publisher!

How about you? What insights have you gained along your writing journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts! May the Lord bless your writing journey!

Read more of Cynthia’s writing at Putting on the New Blog:

Or visit her FB Author Page:

The Other Side of Book Publishing

Well, I’m finally a full-fledged Author! It’s an exciting time and also a humbling one as Under This Same Sky hits the market and my years of work on this particular novel come to fruition. As my novel finds its way into the hands of readers, I pray the Lord uses it to touch many hearts and lives.

As I’ve journeyed from writer to author, I’ve discovered something intriguing. While there is scads of information about writing a novel, finding an agent or publisher, marketing techniques, and every other aspect of writing one can imagine, there is one area of instruction that is virtually non-existent – that of handling the business side of publication.

As I ventured into the other side of publishing, I found myself totally unprepared for some of the expectations. Though I realized there would be income and expenses to keep track of, upon conducting a bit of research, I found there are a couple of requirements I hadn’t anticipated in the area of book selling.

Depending on which state you reside in, new authors may need to secure:

A BUSINESS LICENSE – My state (IL) requires anyone selling a product to apply for a business license. Each state is different, however, so to ensure you are within the law of your state it’s best to contact the Dept. of Revenue to check your particular state’s requirements. It’s to your advantage to apply ahead of any book signing events or releases.

APPLYING SALE’S TAX – Once you’ve applied for a business license, you’ll be given a tax ID # which will be used when filing sale’s tax. Each sale of a book requires sales tax to be applied. It is the author’s discretion as to if he/she adds the tax to the price of the book or absorbs the cost. Out of state sales and giveaways are generally not liable to sales tax.

While the business aspect may not be our favorite part of the writing industry, it’s important to be well informed. Once we have a handle on all that’s required, it will be easier to concentrate on what we know and like best: WRITING!

 

 

 

Pre-Publishing Jitters and Joys

I have to admit, these past several months since I signed my first book contract have proven some of the most joyful yet nerve-racking I’ve ever experienced. What a challenge it has been to juggle all the editing, rewrites, marketing, decision making, and learning I’ve had to do. Not to mention keeping pace with writing my sequel set to release a year later! It’s been a bit daunting at times, to say the least.

Yet, what a blessing it’s been to watch the story I’ve pored over for years transformed from manuscript to novel—something I can see and feel and hold in my hands. It’s truly a life-long dream come true.

Perhaps you’ve not quite made it to that point yet. Be encouraged. The Lord has great plans for you and will place you where you need to be in His good and perfect timing. And when that time does come, here’s a few tips I’ve gleaned along the way that might ease the publishing jitters and increase the joys.

Take Things One Step at a Time – One key element I learned to help keep my head above water is to focus on what I need to accomplish for each particular day. Dwelling on the entire process proved overwhelming and intimidating. When I focused on one thing at a time, I was able to chip away at the tasks that I needed to complete. I celebrated each small achievement then moved on to the next issue at hand.

Prioritize – I had to decide what was most necessary to accomplish first. I made a list, organizing tasks by dates and degree of importance. When I had a deadline to reach, I set all else aside and focused on that need alone until it was finished. Once that obligation was fulfilled, I was able to move on to the next project on my list.

Be Flexible – While having an organized plan to go by is a definite plus, I’ve also learned to shift gears when I need to. At times, I would just begin making progress on my sequel then would get edits back from my publishing editor. So I had to set aside Book Two and return to working on my first novel. I had to learn not to be too rigid with my plans and meet the most pressing needs first.

Entrust the Outcome to the Lord – One of my biggest stresses as a soon-to-be published author would have to be self-doubt. Early in the publishing process, I was plagued with thoughts like: What if my writing isn’t good enough? What if no one likes it or reads it? What if I don’t have what it takes to make this novel a success?

Eventually, the Lord gave me peace about the experience. I stopped fretting over things I had no control over and began trusting that the Lord had His hand on the situation and I was where He wanted me to be. What a wonderful, freeing revelation that was for me to know He has my back, that I don’t have to try to accomplish everything on my own.

I pray you too discover God’s presence and plan for you as you journey through the publishing process now or in the future. Blessings as you continue in His will.

What lessons have you learned in your journey toward publication? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

UNDER THIS SAME SKY

Learn more about Cynthia’s new release: Under This Same Sky on her Books page. Connect with her on Facebook or Twitter.

Read more inspirational articles by Cynthia at Putting on the New Blog

Novel Writing: The Good, the Bad and and Ugly

Those of us who are writers, know the hard work and dedication that go into the craft. Inspirational writers are called to speak words of wisdom and encouragement into the hearts and minds of readers. An important and much needed ministry.

But, like any profession, there are highs and lows. There are basically 3 phases writers go through in developing that tough exterior so necessary to make it in the writing industry. I’ll refer to these as: the good, the bad, and the ugly (to borrow from an old Clint Eastwood film).

First, comes the Good stage. This is the phase when words spill out like water. When we’re drinking in every aspect of the writing craft we can and learning how to apply it to our work. Perhaps we join a critique group, or writer’s club, such as ACFW. We’re forming new friendships, building a platform, and making connections. Maybe we even secure an agent. Our skills are improving. Our hopes are high. Everything’s great. 

Then comes the Bad stage: Those dreaded rewrites and edits. When the writing that flowed comes to a grinding halt. Our critique partners make us dig in and work. Months pass while we wait to hear something positive from our agent or a publishing house. When nothing extraordinary happens, our hopes begin to dim. 

Thirdly, comes the Ugly stage, when rejections pour in and we’re told we need to make some major changes, if we’re ever to be published. Discouragement sets in, and we wonder if we have what it takes to make it in this competitive market. We even question if God really called us to write at all.

Yet there’s a forth stage Clint Eastwood’s movie neglected to portray.  The Surrender stage. It’s this final stage that makes everything worthwhile. When we surrender our writing to the Lord and allow Him to do with it what He wills, our lives become richer and fuller than we ever imagined. We aren’t all destined to be best-selling authors or world-renowned speakers. But, if we remain faithful to our calling and obedient to God’s spirit, He’ll use us in ways we never dreamed.

God’s plans often differ from our expectations. We may start out in one facet of writing and find our journey shift in a completely different direction. Yet, if one heart is touched by what we write or say, it hasn’t been wasted. The key is to stay open to God’s leading.

For, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Whichever stage you’re in, I hope you’re encouraged to remain obedient to your calling. May you persevere over discouragement, delays, and disappointments. God grant us all the grace to know His plan for our lives. May He ever be the guiding force behind each word we write or speak.

What encourages you in your writing journey? I’d love to hear your story.

Read more of Cynthia’s writing at: http://puttingonthenew.com/author/cyn...

Visit her Facebook Author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCynthi...

Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cynthiaroemer

Writing Basics for Inspirational Writers

What makes a person a writer? Is it merely putting words on a page? Or is it having something worthwhile to say? Better yet, what makes one’s writing truly inspirational?

I’ve always been encouraged to write what I know. And though, I agree that personal experience is an important aspect of writing, I think it’s important to take that thought one step further. To be a true inspirational writer, one must write not only what they are knowledgeable in, but what the Lord places on their hearts to share.

Whether writing fiction or non-fiction, there’s a part of me woven within each page. My life experiences, my faith, my convictions, even my biases infiltrate everything I write. But if those experiences aren’t laced with the Lord’s guidance and leading, the words I convey are just that…words on a page. 

Inspiration comes from God, the Author and Creator of us all. When we seek His guidance, through prayer and Scripture, He empowers us to write words that will strengthen and encourage, not only ourselves, but all who read them.

Jesus said, “apart from Him we can do nothing”. (John 15:5) Alone, our efforts come to nothing. But under the Lord’s leadership, they flourish.

Whether you’re a writer, a doctor, a bank teller, or a school teacher, if you’re a Christian, our mission is the same: to live our lives in such a way that we reflect Christ in all we do.

What inspires you as a person? As a writer? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Read more of Cynthia’s inspirational writing at: http://puttingonthenew.com/author/cynthiaroemer/

Find her on Facebook and Twitter

 

A Balanced Life | Priorities in Writing and in Life

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” (Proverbs 16:3)

Balance is something we often take for granted, until something throws it out of whack. We often hear we need to eat a balanced diet (mainly that we need to ditch the snack foods and throw in more leafy greens, whole-grains, and fruits.) But what about a balanced life? How important is that? What does a balanced life look like?

In this crazy-busy lifestyle most of us lead nowadays, finding balance in our lives isn’t top on our list of to-dos. Yet it’s often when we lose our focus and let our agendas pile up that we find ourselves near the breaking point. Patience wears thin. Tempers flare. Relationships melt down. Families dissolve. Stress-related illnesses spike to unimaginable levels. Sound familiar?

So, how do we find balance in this face-paced, many-faceted world? How do we decide what stays and what goes? For me, it boils down to priorities–asking myself, what truly matters? What has staying power in my life?

I love to write! As a free-lance writer and Inspirational Historical Romance author, I can easily get caught up in my writing and neglect other aspects of my life. Housework for one! When life is busy, and I can’t carve out an acceptable time to write, I grow frustrated—at times obsessing about finishing a scene or a story on a certain day, even if it means rushing through my personal Bible study, or getting the evil eye from my husband for working too late!

That’s when I have to take a step back and remind myself that even good things (like writing inspirational novels/stories) can become a negative if it interferes with my time with the Lord, my commitment to family, or serving others.

There’s a fine line, a delicate balance we must walk in order to keep in step with what God wants to accomplish in our lives. Each of us has to find the right balance for his/her own life. No one else can decide it for us. God has a plan for each of us. Only by staying in continual contact with Him through prayer and Scripture can we learn what that may be.

Do you struggle to find balance in your life? If so, I’d love to hear your thoughts on what works for you.

Read more of Cynthia’s inspirational writing at: http://puttingonthenew.com/author/cynthiaroemer/

Find her on Facebook and Twitter

 

Finding Time to Write

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 grasp 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.

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