Grace A. Johnson's Blog: Of Blades & Thorns, page 32

Welcome to September!

September is here, y’all. I almost didn’t make it. School started August 23rd, and it has been get-it, get-it, get-it every day since then trying to write essays, post replies, study. Not to mention all the note-taking. I have, like, thirty pages of notes already and it’s only been two weeks.

Point is, don’t take two eight-week courses at once.

Actually, the point is that I’m glad I could make it...because I probably won’t be showing my face again around here for a while. I do have a few posts scheduled for this month, but I’m not pushing myself to produce a lot of content...unless y’all are interested in reading about business ethics and globalized marketing—in which case, you’re more than welcome to read my college papers.

Anyway, let’s get into the progress report for last month and goals for this month! (Newsflash: there won’t be many.)

Last Month’s Progress

Top of my list, as usual, was Bound and Determined. I didn’t write the hoped-for four chapters...but I did make it to Chapter 48. Better than nothing. Daylight. I wanted it edited and ready for preorder before the end of August, and it was, although just barely in time! Thankfully, we got everything together to have an amazing launch tour which is currently underway right now! School prep. Suffice it say, I got done as much as I could before starting school. I finished some review copies, some beta-reading, and blog posts—but I still missed a few things I’d like to get done (but know I probably can’t).

This Month’s Goals

Right now, the main goal is to make it out of this alive. Once these two courses end in October (and the last eight-week course begins), things should slow down...but for now I’ll just be thankful to write one chapter in BAD. Daylight! I know the launch tour is already almost over, but that’s one of the biggest goals (if not the biggest) of this month! Reviews. I am INSANELY backlogged with books to read and others to review, so maybe I knock a few of those out! Book Nations...now, this is a secret side project of mine that I’m not officially revealing until *checks calendar* the 10th...but suffice it to say that I hope to get some stuff done with it this month!

And maybe that’s asking too much of me right now, but I’m bound and determined to get it all done! (See what I did there?) Seriously, though, if any of y’all are interesting in marketing and business law, y’all are more than welcome to take over my classes for me… Any takers? *scans the crowd* *crickets chirp* Nope? Nothing? Oh well. I can’t really blame you. It’s not as fun as it sounds.

Thank y'all for joining me for what will probably be the shortest post this month (length over quantity, you guys)! Before y'all go, I'm calling all my Held Captive readers to fill out a survey for me so that I can plan a new secret project! Here's the link, and if you haven't read Held Captive yet, then never fear! I have a post coming out in a few days with a super special surprise I think you might like!

Y'all have a wonderful September and new school year! I'll see y'all on the tour!

#monthlyupdates #wrapup #goals #survey #progressreport

Bookishly yours, Grace

Welcome to the Tour! (Daylight Launch Tour)

And now, for the moment you've all been waiting for...

The beginning...

Of the blog tour...

For the launch...

Of...

Daylight

9/11 short story. Coming September 11th, 2021.

It was too late. The whole world knew it, the nations shaking their heads at the fallen United States, our beautiful country of hope and freedom covered in blood and ashes. Only the devil could’ve planned something so disastrous. Only God could save us now. Only God could save August. It was all my fault that he nearly lost his life, dashing back into the hailstorm of debris to save a man who was already dead. I can only hope that he’ll recover—that we will recover. Because some things will never be forgotten.Coming to Kindle on Sept. 11th, 2021, Daylight is a heart-rending short story of grief and rejoicing in the aftermath of 9/11 by bestselling author, Grace A. Johnson.

Welcome to the launch tour, my friends and fellow bloggers - and are those some new faces I see? *points finger* You. Yes, you, there in the back...in the trench coat... That's it! Smile! You're on camera!

No, not really, but it is nice to see all of y'all here, joining me for what is not only my first official launch but the launch of my EIGHTH book! I mean, technically, one three of those are in print...and the other five are all super short stories, but still. I wrote 'em, I published 'em. They count.

Now, enough fiddling-fartin' around. Y'all are here for a party, aren't ya? Well then, let's party!!!

The Tour

You heard that right! I am having my first ever blog tour! Squeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyway, the schedule is below, so PLEASE, I urge you to check out these AMAZERIFIC posts from my even MORE amazing friends!!! There are interviews with moi, interviews with mah main man August, and reviews of the book! The tour officially starts TODAY and ends Sept. 11th...but I'll be announcing the winner to the giveaway on the 12th!

Sept. 1st:

Blog Tour/Giveaway Kickoff - ,www.graceajohnson.com

Character Q&A - ,www.thepeninspired.wordpress.com

Sept. 2nd:

Review - ,www.Kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com

Sept. 3rd:

Review + Interview - ,www.egbella.com

Sept. 4th:

Review - ,www.teenwritersnook.com

Sept. 5th:

Book Club Kit - ,www.graceajohnson.com

Sept. 6th:

Spotlight + Review - ,www.whimsicalwanderings.home.blog

Author Interview - ,www.gloryforgodalone.blogspot.com

Sept. 7th:

Author Interview - ,www.intomywritingjourney.wordpress.com

Sept. 8th:

Character Q&A - ,www.eccoltonauthor.wixsite.com/quillofhope

Sept. 9th:

What Readers Are Saying About Daylight - ,www.graceajohnson.com

Sept. 10th:

Review - ,www.vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com

Sept. 11th:

Review - www,.abigailkayharris.wordpress.com

Review - ,www.thebookcubicle.wordpress.com

Never Forget - ,www.graceajohnson.com

Sept. 12th:

Giveaway Wrap-up - ,www.graceajohnson.com

THE GIVEAWAY!!!

You heard that right, my lovelies! There is indeed a GIVEAWAY!!!!!! You, mon ami, have the chance to win an e-copy of Daylight + some extra goodies like desktop wallpapers and printable bookmarks!!

Enter the giveaway by subscribing to my newsletter. Collect more entries by commenting on tour posts and answering the trivia question. One winner will be selected and notified through email. The winner will be announced on Sept. 12th on my blog!

The Sale

I know, I know. The book hasn't even come out yet and it's already on sale. But seriously, guys, if you preorder Daylight from NOW to September 10th, you'll get the special launch tour price of $0.99! Dat's what I'm talkin' 'bout! Once it releases, the price will go up to $1.99!

It's available pretty much everywhere, which is like INSANELY AWESOME because all my other book are only available on Amazon. Anyway, click ,HERE to view all the sites it's available on and ,HERE to preorder it on Amazon!

The Story Behind the Story

Y'all, this story...it's different. I probably said the same thing about Six O'clock and The River and everything else I've ever written, but it's true for Daylight too. And so my post today is not only to celebrate the upcoming release of this lovely little story, it's also to share with y'all the story behind the story.

We begin with a song, actually. "Sky Is Falling" was written after the events of 9/11, by Lifehouse lead singer Jason Wade. He said: "I wrote this after September 11th. I didn't write it specifically about that, but it's my observation on how quickly people can fall back into their everyday lives even after something unbelievably terrible has happened."

I love the emotion in all of his earlier songs, but "Sky Is Falling" is definitely one of my favorites - particularly the acoustic version.

(By the way...I own the graphics below but not the words on them...those belong to Jason.)

Their songs have inspired a lot of story ideas for me, but when I heard about Jason's inspiration for this one, I knew I just had to write something about it.

So Daylight was born.

The setting of New York during and after the events of 9/11 was definitely new to me. Foreign, even. Since I was born four years later, I've felt disconnected from the terrorist attacks that occurred that day.

So when I started writing, I turned to YouTube and some footage of the actual towers falling. I found this video from National Geographic with Rudy Giuliani:

I don't know, just watching it...hearing people scream...made it all so real. That's what I wanted to capture in Daylight - the gravity of what happened, how the world was affected, what it was like to be there. To be right in the middle of that and lose loved ones, be injured, or walk away entirely unscathed.

I honestly think everyone says their story is about "love and loss." I know I have, but to say it about Daylight would be an understatement. It's just a short little thing - a few thousand words, a couple of scenes - but it's about an entire lifetime's worth of pain, grief, mourning, and rejoicing.

I am beyond excited to share this story with y'all. I hope it has the same affect on you as it did on me, and that you enjoy it while connecting with the millions of people who experienced the same things my characters do.

Thank y'all for joining me for the launch tour of Daylight! Don't forget to follow the rest of the tour posts, enter the giveaway, and snag your discounted preorder copy today!!!

#daylight #blogtour #launchtour #thestorybehindthestory #giveaway #newbook #newrelease #shortstory #preorder #sale #ebook

Bookishly yours, Grace

What If...We Crossed a Line?

The sermon on the radio in my dad’s car the other day was one of the best I’ve heard in a while. The preacher was talking about living a called-out life as Christians and walking in the change we experienced through Christ. He also commented a few times about how being “seeker-friendly” doesn’t align with the way we’re commanded to live...that no matter how nice, put-together, and welcoming we are, some people just won’t choose to accept the free gift of salvation.

It’s nothing new to me, but it did bring back a lot I’d been thinking about when it comes to seeker-friendly churches and religion. And it made me wonder…

What if we crossed a line?

What if, in all our striving to look cool, be inclusive, and cater to the secular world, we forgot just what—or, rather, Who—those seekers are actually seeking? What if we’ve lost our identity as the Body of Christ by trying to look like the world? What if we’ve put Jesus in skinny jeans when, in reality, He wore tunics?

Those who are actively seeking peace, forgiveness, and a new way of life aren’t going to gravitate to something that has the same neon lights and hip hop music that a rave does. Those who long for a taste of righteous aren’t looking for a community of people who don’t live righteously. Those who desire to get to know God aren’t going to church for a motivational pep talk they could get from a self-help book and they aren’t going to reach out to a Christian if that Christian doesn’t look like Christ.

We were not called to look like the world.

We were not called to dress like the world, talk like the world, sing like the world, preach like the world, or live like the world.

We are a called out people. Not called in. We are called out of the world, out of the old ways, out of the secular—and called into Jesus, into purity, and into a way of life that no other idea, belief system, or religion can offer.

How are we supposed to introduce non-believers into this called-out life if we’re not living it? How are they supposed to change if we’re acting like them? What about Christianity is going to draw them if it’s exactly the same thing they’ve experienced time and time again?

People in skimpy clothes and body piercings, positive discussions, good music, games, pizza, an environment that’s painted in bright colors, a community that accepts them for what they are...that’s the kind of world non-believers already live in...and it’s the same kind of world seeker-friendly churches and some Christians are trying to offer them.

But that’s not what Jesus offered us.

Jesus said that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. He said He would give us rest. He offers us something the world doesn’t, something it can’t. Something the world has never seen before. Something that inspires change, not complacency and stagnancy.

When Paul said that he becomes many things to many different people so that all may come to know Christ, he didn’t say that he wore a crown of laurels, got drunk, and slept around so that he could relate to Romans. He didn’t say he made burnt offerings and fasted so that he could relate to the Jews. He didn’t say he ran around half naked and worshiped sticks so that he could relate to pagans.

No, instead, Paul studied the people he preached to and he learned what their strengths and weaknesses were. He found what they didn’t know, so that he could teach them what to know. He found an altar for an “unknown god,” and he used that as an ice-breaker, a conversation-starter.

He found what they were looking for, what they were seeking: the source of unknown power, the still small voice, the inner light they couldn’t quite grasp.

And he gave it to them by offering Jesus Christ.

Why don’t we, as the Body of Christ, stop looking at what the world has so that we can emulate it, and start looking at what they don’t have, so that we can offer them the only thing they need: Jesus.

#whatif #seekerfriendly #calledout #church #bodyofchrist #lifestyle #christianity #christianliving

Bookishly yours, Grace

Review: The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson

*Warnings*

#1 This is a long review, so pull up a chair and grab a bowl of popcorn. You’ll be here awhile. #2 When I read a review, I want substantial information. So I will not skimp on the details. Which may mean some spoilers, so watch out.

Stars: 4

Synopsis: William Snopes could have been a barrister with all the prestige due his talents...but he vowed long ago not to represent the upper class he came from. Until an enigmatic woman, an alleged pirate, and a missing Letter of Marque challenge him to break that vow and put his career and life in jeopardy.

Favorite Quote: “Father Thomas will tell you from his profession that it’s God’s most fundamental trait. The essence of who He is. In the courtroom, truth is tool and brick: powerful to wield and the only foundation for real justice.”

I think we all know that I like historical fiction, and some of y’all know that I, upon occasion, enjoy a well-written mystery. What no one, not even I, had the foggiest notion of, was that I would actually really like, of all things, legal thrillers.

I’m not surprised, though. The Barrister and the Letter of Marque (which I will henceforth shorten to The Barrister for convenience purposes) was an exemplary novel that spoke to the Nancy Drew and John Grisham in me. It was the perfect balance of history, mystery, intrigue, suspense, and romance. Well, I wouldn’t have minded a little more romance, but I honestly didn’t expect any, so I’m not complaining!

From page one, this novel kept me on my toes! The way Johnson crafted the mystery was artful and careful—and seriously, the next time someone gives me a spoiler-ridden prologue and I totally forget about it halfway through the book, I’m going to kick myself! There were so many red herrings, unseen clues, and hidden motives that kept me guessing.

Without a doubt, the mystery and suspense elements of The Barrister were perfect. But there was more to the novel, which I was exceedingly grateful for. Most of the time, mysteries and suspenses tend to focus only on the main plot, never on the characters, the message, or any subplots.

Not so with this novel. Nope. Johnson made each character so vibrant and brought them to life with quirks and patterns and quick glimpses into their minds—from William’s affinity for music, which created a score for the entire book, to Sergeant Rhodes’ love of Byron. William was a great hero—even-tempered and logical, almost morally grey at times but still possessing a moral compass and a sense of justice that drove him throughout the book. Obadiah, Edmund, and Father Thomas made a lovely supporting cast that truly fit the description by supporting William, from a technical standpoint as their characters complimented and contrasted with his and from a story standpoint, as they all stood by him and helped him with the case and all the trials (no pun intended) that came along with it. And Madeleine.

Y’all, I actually have good things to say about Madeleine. Which is weird, because I know from experience that no living man can accurately write a woman. (And by living, I mean that the generation of writers that seemed to somewhat grasp the female mind has since passed on.)

Except for Todd M. Johnson.

He actually wrote Madeleine’s character better than I think even Madeleine could—or at least any of the many female authors of this genre. She was strong and stubborn, but she didn’t overtake the story. She was genuine and heartfelt, but never overly emotional or whiny. She wasn’t a James Bond girl—there only to look pretty—but she certainly wasn’t a feminist-style character who tried to run the show. There was nothing excessive about her, and that’s what I liked the most. She was simple, uncomplicated, a refresher for William and me after all the secrecy and intrigue. And at the same time, she had substance. Oh, I know none of that makes sense, but once you read it, you’ll understand. Madeleine was a character that seemed real and was expertly written...especially considering it was a guy doing the writing. (No offense to guys; there are plenty of fantastic male authors out there...but they do just as fine a job of writing women as we women do men.)

(Although, if you catch me at the right time, you might hear me argue that women are better at writing men...but we won’t go there today.)

Not only were Johnson’s characters lovely, but the dialogue was perhaps even better. He truly captured the era with the dialogue, which perhaps provided the most authenticity to the Regency setting of anything in the entire novel, and I loved reading every interaction between the characters.

Unfortunately, the narrative did lack some of the color and style the dialogue did. By no means was it bad, but it didn’t bear the same unique tone...which was kind of sad. I always love reading narrative that emulates the setting of the story. Laura Frantz’s prose is so and such a pleasure to read.

In the end, though, it was the trial scenes that captivated me. They were, of course, the true essence of the novel, weren’t they? There’s something about trials that are so interesting. I don’t understand a lick of all the legal nonsense (although I do, of course, fully understand the concepts of privateering and piracy...this is me we’re talking about, you know), but once we enter the courtroom and start playing tennis with questions and accusations, everything falls into place. If I ever took up a sport, it’d definitely be word tennis.

William was truly a genius, and it’s always fun to read from the point-of-view of someone who knows what they’re doing, what’s going on, and how to react to it.

I do have to mention the small messages and spiritual truths Johnson interwove into the story—thanks to our dear Father Thomas. Every time the man opened his mouth, I applauded his wisdom. I really wish that there had been some softening of William’s heart toward the end of the novel toward God, though—perhaps if that meant he began seeing law and justice through His eyes, took the steps toward forgiving his father and the rest of the aristocracy, or simply started living as God had commanded him.

Either way, Johnson did have a lovely theme of truth and justice, and once you put that with vibrant characters, engaging trial scenes, and perfect dialogue, you’ve got quite the novel on your hands. I’m certainly glad I got the chance to read it, even though I’d no idea how much I would enjoy it!

Disclaimer: A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Snag Your Copy

About the Author

Todd M. Johnson has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years. Todd's passion for writing blends well with his legal career, and his novels are drawn closely from his personal experiences as a trial lawyer.

A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, Todd taught for two years as an adjunct professor of International Law, and has served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong.

The Deposit Slip, Johnson's first novel, debuted in 2012. His second novel, Critical Reaction, was released in October 2013.

A third novel, Fatal Trust, is set in Todd's hometown of Minneapolis, and released in early summer 2017.

#historicalfiction #christianfiction #legalthriller #regencyengland #suspense #mystery

Bookishly yours, Grace

Cover Reveal: Imagine by Teen Writers' Nook

EEEEYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Y'ALL OH Y'ALL OH Y'ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TODAY IS THE DAY, MY LOVELIES! TODAY I GET TO REVEAL TO YOU THE ABSOLUTELY FANTABULOUS COVER FOR TEEN WRITERS' NOOK'S ANTHOLOGY IMAGINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In typical TWN fashion, I'm going to make you scroll.

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and direct you to this post, full of fun Imagine sneak peeks

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and give you this graphic to tide you over

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this is fun

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all right. It's time.

Here

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ISN'T IT AMAZING??? DON'T YOU JUST WANT TO CRY??? SERIOUSLY GUYS THIS COVER IS PERFECT. LET'S ALL GIVE ISSABELLE A HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE FOR DESIGNING SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL.

*applause and cheers ring out*

The release date is September 21st, and you'll be treated with stories and poems by Grey S. Park, Linyang Zhang, yours truly, and many other fantabulous writers!!! ISN'T THIS EXCITING???

Anyway, I'mma leave y'all to fawn over that gorgeous cover... See ya in the funny papers!

#coverreveal #indie #youngwriters #teens #anthology #shortstories #poems #teenwritersnook #imagine #itstimetoimagine

Bookishly yours,Grace

What If...I'm Valuable Just the Way I Am?

Y’all remember my post about racial disclaimers, don’t you? I talked a lot about being proud of who and what God made you to be...and then I paraphrased a verse in the Bible: There is neither Jew nor Greek.

I left off half of that passage, and that’s what I want to begin this post with.

There is neither male nor female.

There are three different mindsets, so to speak. The first is the wrong one—often called politically correct, modern, or culturally acceptable. The second is the way God made us—which has been tossed aside for a wrong mindset and state of being. And the third is what God will make us—a higher, Heavenly perspective that we won’t fully understand until we’re in Heaven. A mindset that goes against nature to align with the spiritual.

That verse is written from a spiritual perspective. Physically, God made us to be male and female—not both, not neither, not one or the other depending on your mood. Spiritually, our sex doesn’t change who we are to God. One day, when we’re in Heaven, it won’t even matter.

But we’re not there yet. We’re here on Earth, where we have be given the gift of sexuality for the purpose of populating the Earth and glorifying God. Yes, we do need to be mindful of what things will be like when we’re in Heaven—but we also need to live our physical life to the fullest.

We need to understand our value.

And I’ve gotten off on a tangent, haven’t I? Well, on to the point of this post...

I’m a female.

And, unfortunately, I live in a time where females have lost their sense of value. If we’re not being told that we’re actually boys in girls’ bodies or that we should be attracted to the same sex, then we’re being told that we need to be more like men. We need to do everything that guys do—and better.

That’s called feminism—but it’s nothing of the sort. It devalues the natural state of women, makes us think that the way we are isn’t good enough. That we need to change. That we need to evolve. That we need to be stronger.

But...what if I’m valuable just the way I am?

What if I can find purpose and meaning in my body and the way it was made, even if it can’t operate in the same way a man’s can? What if I am strong in way men are not? What if I don’t have to be just like a guy to be valuable? What if I have been given gifts—superpowers, if you will—that men were not, that enhances my value in a way nothing else can, that I can use to further the Kingdom of God?

Women are not meant to compete with men. Why should we, when we’re in a category all our own?

We are meant to be mothers. Men weren’t. We are meant to be wives. Men weren’t. We are meant to serve others, to rock the cradle (and thereby rule the world), to pour into individual lives, to raise up more men and women for Christ, to love others’ children when we have none of our own.

I want people to find value in that again. In the gentle, loving spirit of a wife, mother, sister, and daughter that mirrors Jesus’. In the ability to have children and raise them. In the blessing of calling motherless children our own. In the position of a helpmate to the man (because, seriously, no one can keep a man in line like a girl can, or inspire him to dream, or fly alongside him).

I want people to look at me with pride instead of disgust when I tell them that I want to be a wife and mother. Is that selfish? Is it wrong to wish that not only our culture but also the people in my day-to-day life would put as much value in helping men and loving children as they do besting men and killing children?

I don’t think so. I think I’m valuable the way God made me. I think my calling is as important as any other.

And I also think that those who feel called to live in a Heavenly perspective are as important. Those who want to dedicate their lives to Christ and a cause greater than ourselves are even more important than those who want to waste their lives pursuing earthly things that fade away.

Whether you feel called to raise up the ones who will change the world for God or you are one who will change the world, just know you’re valued. Your calling from God has more worth than any of the lies the world spouts.

You are valuable the way you are, because that’s how God made you. And you will grow more and more valuable as you step into your calling and become more like Christ. Let’s stop living in the state of defeat the world has put us in and start seeing ourselves how God sees us—valuable, vessels for His glory, and designed for His purpose.

Disrespect: Another Form of Bullying

You’re almost guaranteed to disagree. We all have our own opinions, views, ideas, beliefs. The idea of being totally in sync with someone is pretty outlandish, wouldn’t you say?

Make no mistake, I have no such illusions. I know that being of one mind in every aspect is basically impossible in this life - and I’m good with that. I disagree with my grandparents on theological views. I disagree with one of my best friends about popular music. I disagree with my sister about her pets. I disagree with people I don’t even know, simply because I have some slightly less-than-popular beliefs.

We’re all entitled to our own opinion and, at least here in America, we have the right to express it.

But that’s where disrespect comes in.

You see, my sister is a cat-lover, and over the course of the last few months, she’s joined several cat forums to gain insight and offer advice. Nothing too radical, right? Well, she found herself in a toxic community that stifled the expression of her opinions (seeing as how they didn’t align with their own) and disrespected her and her views. Instead of allowing her to gently state her opinion (or, in some cases, a fact), she was criticized and basically bullied - mainly for being in favor of breeding cats and not condoning kitty abortions.

Personally, I’ve begun to notice how someone I know is very heavy-handed in stating their beliefs and opinions - almost to the point where I feel like I’m being damned for silently disagreeing. They show little respect in how they present their views, even though it’s guaranteed that someone (in many cases, I) will disagree. To be honest, it hurts my feelings, because I do disagree on some accounts and it’s not as friendly as it ought to be - even though some of these opinions are simple things like favorite or least favorite books or clothing choices. Other acquaintances and friends show respect by presenting their opinions as opinions - not as facts - and by leaving the conversation open for me to agree or disagree without feeling like I’m an idiot or am being bullied.

Does that makes sense? Have you been in one of those situations before?

Probably so, because so often on social media, public forums, and in real life conversations, people are put down because of what they believe. Trust me, my family has been the victim of bullying for many, many years now - even amongst our friends. And it’s painful, even though we know that the thoughts of others is not what defines us.

That’s why I’m urging all of you to show respect when you’re engaging in a dialogue, posting on social media, or chatting with your friends. Whether you’re wrong or right, whether someone stands up and disagrees or not, please show respect. Don’t dis other people for what they believe. I don’t care if they’re Catholic, Muslim, or liberals.

Show respect.

They believe what they believe for a reason - even if you know it’s wrong.

So show respect.

I know I’m guilty of being disrespectful myself, for which I apologize. You have my permission to call me out on it or to stand up for your opinions if you ever feel like I’m putting you down for them.

I’m not asking you to accept their belief system or applaud them for their views - I’m just asking you to state opinions as opinions and facts as facts. To be mindful that not everyone is going to agree with you - and that’s okay. If you’re gently presenting your views, you might even plant the seed of change in their hearts and minds. But beating them over the head for belonging to a certain denomination, or not vaccinating, or not going to college, or breeding their cat, or not wearing a bikini, or wanting to get married and have kids isn’t going to help. Starting an argument never helps.

Proverbs says that a harsh word stirs up anger, but a soft answer turns away wrath.

Let’s not stir up anger or incur wrath. Let’s not bully other people. Let’s be mindful of the people we talk with and what they may think on the matter. Let’s speak gently, lovingly, as Christ would - not causing an argument or starting up a debate, but being a beacon of hope instead of a battering ram of justice.

Let’s show R-E-S-P-E-C-T. (Great song, by the way. At least, in my opinion. You’re welcomed to disagree. If you do disagree, what is it about the song that you dislike? I’d like to understand the reasoning behind your opinions so that I can come to a better understanding of how you think.)

Anyway...there’s that. I just had this on my chest after I got my feelings bruised last night (my feelings are more tender than they appear). It’s not new, though. I’ve been here before. My whole family’s been here before, and it’s just something that needs to be said.

Maybe this helps you to see things more clearly...or to know that you’re not alone.

Because you’re never alone. And that’s a fact.

#bullying #todaysculture #respect #bechristlike

Bookishly yours, Grace

What If...I Don't Need a Disclaimer?

Before we start, I’m going to actually give you a disclaimer...this post isn’t about legal disclosures. Unfortunately, we really do need those.

But I recently (I say recently, but it’s been, like, two months ago now) wrote down my typical warnings for my reviews. You know, that part where I say it’s a long review, get some popcorn, and there may be spoiler. Well, for these two books I was reviewing, I tacked on my “additional warning reserved only for this review.”

One of those warnings looked like this (please note I haven’t actually posted my review for this book yet):

“I am a white Millennial. This book is centered upon the life of a young black woman in the 1930s. Therefore, I cannot and do not make any claims to understanding what African-Americans went through in that time, so please excuse any comments that may come off as offensive or racist or the like. (Not that I intend to make such comments, but y’all know how some people are.) Anything negative I say is not against blacks but simply the book itself and for reasons that have nothing to do with skin color, okay?”

I wrote that because I didn’t want to start an argument. I’m not racist, but the last thing I want to do is say something completely innocent, tick off a liberal, and cause this huge stink that makes me look racist.

So I added a disclaimer. And, in doing so, made myself look kind of...well, guilty for being white. Like it was my fault that my skin is lighter than the characters’ in the book. Like there was something wrong with how I look and when I was born.

But what if I don’t need that kind of disclaimer?

What if I don’t need to warn people about the color of my skin, my nationality, or my age? What if assuming that my skin color automatically separates me from other people is racism and the kind of ideology that critical race theory is pushing?

Now, I’m not at all guilty because I’m white. (Technically, I don’t really think you can classify a person as white, because at this point in time everyone is a little bit of everything...at least in America.) I’m proud of my skin tone. I’m proud of my ethnicity. I’m just as proud of my Sephardi Jewish, Portuguese, and Spanish ancestry as I am my Scottish, Irish, German, and Dutch ancestry. I’m particularly proud of the mysterious Negro and/or Native American blood that comes from my mulatto fifth great-grandmother. (We still have no proof of what exactly she was, but I have pictures that show my third great-grandfather looked just like an Indian chief. My money’s on Black Seminole.)

God made me this way. He painted my skin a shade that is right for me, then placed me in a family and heritage that would compliment it.

Just like He does with Africans, Native Americans, Asians, Arabs, and every other person on Earth.

Be proud of who you are, who God made you to be. But more importantly, be proud of who He’s making you to be, who you are in Him. Regardless of your skin color, the most important creation you are is a new creation in Christ Jesus.

No, I don’t need a disclaimer. You don’t need a disclaimer.

But just for future reference, there is no Jew, nor is there Greek. There is no white, nor is there black. God did not create us to be define by our earthly race. He created us to be defined by our Heavenly race. We are of a royal priesthood, an eternal Kingdom. We are children of God, and that’s above any other heritage, ancestry, nationality, or ethnicity.

Introducing Book Spotlights!

IT'S OFFICIAL! I'm making it possible for anyone to have a "Coming Soon" new release spotlight on my blog!

One of the many new services I hope to begin offering authors, new release spotlights, well, spotlight an upcoming book - with everything from the blurb to the purchase links to the author's bio to (if available) giveaway links! Everything that I do for blog tour spotlights or for new releases from my favorite authors!

All you (or an author friend) has to do is click here for more information and the request form!

ALSO, on a note that you have to pay for, I've reduced the prices of my book review packages, so if it wasn't in your price range then, it should be now! Check that out here!

If you're not an author, then feel free to share about the spotlights and reviews for a friend OR if you know of an upcoming book by someone else you'd like me to spotlight, you're more than welcome to fill out the form with whatever info you have!

Well, I reckon that sums that up! Sorry to interrupt your regularly scheduled program! I'll be seeing y'all!

#newreleases #bookspotlights #forauthors #authorservices #bookreviews #reviewingservices

Bookishly yours, Grace

A Day of Bookishness (Photo Dumps and Blog Tags)

I promised y'all bookish photos, so I'm giving y'all bookish photos!!! On top of that, I'm doing not one, not two, but THREE tags!!!

Beautiful People 's Author Edition Linkup/Tag

Stolen from Jen @ Living Outside the Lines

1. How many years have you been writing? When did you officially consider yourself a ‘writer’?

I first began writing when I was about nine or ten…but I didn’t officially consider myself a writer until I was twelve—when I started on what would later be my first completed novel. So, you could say I’ve been writing for almost seven years, but it’s really only been closer to four.

2. How/why did you start writing?

Tough question. Mainly because writing was like an on-again, off-again relationship for a couple years (ages nine through eleven), my reasons for writing changed over time. At first, I wanted to write just because I had this one story idea I wanted to get down. Then, as time went on, I realized I wanted to write for enjoyment, because I had myriads of ideas that I needed to pen at some point in time, and mostly to impact others with my writing.

It wasn’t until I was twelve that being a writer became not just a possibility but a likelihood, since it was then that I really felt called to write.

3. What’s your favorite part of writing?

All of it. And yet...none of it? I don’t know. That’s hard to answer, because my favorite part of the writing process—writing itself—is bringing a story to life and falling in love with characters and worlds. But my favorite part of being a writer is hearing from readers—be it in a review or a personal email. I love knowing that God was able to bring joy or inspiration to someone through my writing!

4. What’s your biggest writing struggle?

Again, all of it. Mainly time management. I can never seem to organize my time for blogging, chatting with my fellow writers, researching, editing, plotting, designing, reading, reviewing and everything else I do to make time for actually writing.

5. Do you write best at night or day?

Night, without a doubt. In part because I usually get most of my virtual chores during the day, but it’s also quieter and calmer when everyone’s asleep.

6. What does your writing space look like? (Feel free to show us pictures!)

Writing space? Pfft...right now, my space looks like my kitchen counter (trust me, you don’t want pictures) and my bed (which looks fifteen times worse than the counter, so you’re definitely not getting pictures). I could be making use of the laundry room as a mini office, but y’all. We don’t have AC in there, and here in South Georgia, you need AC. Even the winter. So I’m sticking with the kitchen and my bed for now.

7. How long does it typically take you to write a complete draft?

Ah, it’s time for my deep, dark confession. I don’t draft (I really need to write a blog post explaining that, don’t I?), but instead write as best (and slowly) as I can to get a perfect only draft. I do edit it, though, and my current WIP, Bound and Determined, will require a LOT of editing and trimming once it’s finished.

Anyway, as for how long it takes me to write a manuscript...that depends. One short story took me an hour; another one took me six months. An 18k novella took me two weeks; my two novels took me six months; and my currently-157k-long WIP has taken me two years (or something like that) to get to where I am now.

We’ll just average it as six months.

8. How many projects do you work on at once?

Ah, it depends. Whilst writing Prisoner at Heart, I worked solely on it. But during my work on BAD, I wrote a few short stories, a novella, and my blog serial. As of right now, I think I’ve dwindled it down to just BAD…oh, and a collab project I’m doing with a friend of mine. I try to stick to one at a time, but you know how inspiration is!

9. Do you prefer writing happy endings, sad ones, or somewhere in between?

HAPPY ENDINGS ALL THE WAY! Unless we’re talking cliffhangers for series, in which case my endings can be very, very, very sad. (Just wait ‘til y’all—and I—get to the end of Bound and Determined. Hehehehe...)

10. List a few authors who’ve influenced your writing journey.

Julie Lessman Roseanna M. White Jody Hedlund Jane Austen Jerry B. Jenkins Melanie Dickerson

The list goes on…but those are the main ones, I think. Jerry B. Jenkins was my first favorite author, Melanie Dickerson prompted me to start writing, Roseanna M. White and Jody Hedlund opened me up to new styles and stories, and Julie Lessman has just inspired and influenced me in innumerable ways!

11. Do you let people read your writing? Why or why not?

Well, that depends. I don’t usually let anyone—family, friends, fellow writers—read my writing until it’s completely finished…but I have be letting a friend of mine read over BAD, which has been the most amazing blessing. (Thank you, Sophia!!!) I do share sneak peeks on my blog or a first chapter with some folks every now and then.

12. What’s your ultimate writing goal or dream?

My ultimate writing goal? Sheesh. I dunno, really. I mean, of course I’d like to write a lot of books (I have so many ideas, I doubt I’ll live long enough to write them all!) and in some respects, I would like to become somewhat of a household name within my genre—er, genres.

But, most importantly, I want whatever God wants for me and I want to glorify Him in all I write, say, and do!

13. If you didn’t write, what would you want to do?

So. many. Things. Honestly, I’m glad I decided to be a writer, because if not, I wouldn’t be able to decide on what I’d want to do! Anything from a dancer to an interior designer to a photographer to a graphic designer to a marketer/influencer to a baker…yeah, the list goes on.

The main things, though, which I suppose are more of what I want to do while writing rather than instead of, are being a stay-at-home wife and mother and a missionary. I feel called to be all three, I’m just not entirely certain of the order!

14. Do you have a book you’d like to write one day but don’t feel you’re ready to attempt it yet?

Y’all, I have approximately 8,000 books I want to write but don’t feel ready to. The most notable would be my Lady Samantha series (which has neither individual book titles nor an actual series name at this time), which is almost like Regency-era rom-coms/chick lit...but not. I don’t know, it’s such a strange mix of genres and Lady Samantha is just too fun of a character for me to butcher her stories with my subpar writing skills.

And...then there’s my Edwardian-era British mystery series...now that I can’t wait to write, but I know I’ve got a LOT of work to do before I’m ready for a full-out mystery!

15. Which story has your heart and won’t let go?

Oh, gosh. 80% of all the story ideas I’ve ever come up with falls into that category…

I will say that anything with Rina in it has basically carved a permanent place into my heart. She’s like the Iron Man of the GLU (Gracie’s Literary Universe)...everything starts and ends with Rina. Every story is Rina’s story (just don’t tell her I said that; it’ll go to her head).

But there’s also my Darren family (which has grown into the Darren/Cannon/Billingham family). They began with Beyond the Inner Storm, my first completed novel (or writing project of any kind, actually), so that story and those characters will always have a place in my heart! They’re actually due for a comeback eventually...but no spoilers!

Bree Dawn 's Never Have I Ever Tag // Writer's Edition

Also stolen from Jen @ Living Outside the Lines

The Rules

Link and thank the blogger who tagged you. (Thank you, Jen!) Include the graphic somewhere in the post (or make your own!) Answer the questions truthfully and honestly. Tag 3 bloggers.

Never Have I Ever...

…started a novel that I didn’t finish.

Um...haven’t we all? Because if not, then I’m in trouble. I rarely finish 99.99% of the novels I start.

…written a story completely by hand.

Thank God, no. I couldn’t survive that. Diary entries give me hand cramps, you guys. I did write a few chapters by hand...way back in the day. But I don’t write anything more than notes nowadays.

…changed tenses midway through a story.

Haha, hate to admit it, but yes.

…not researched anything before starting a story.

Wait. I was supposed to research before I started writing? Oops. Seriously, you guys, that’s how it is for almost all my novels. #pantser I research while I write.

…changed my protagonist’s name halfway through a draft.

Yeah, actually. In the very beginning, when I was writing Beyond the Inner Storm by hand in a sketchbook and transcribing it onto my mom’s computer, I went through my first and only major name change. Let’s just say Cade was originally Ryan before I realized I shouldn’t name my character after the hero in the book that inspired my book...

…written a story in a month or less.

YES! I’m pretty proud of it, in fact! I wrote my 18k-word novella, The Gift of Her Heart, in two weeks!

…fallen asleep while writing.

Nope. I have to force myself to go to sleep, so...

…corrected someone’s grammar IRL/online.

Yep. #grammartroll

…yelled in all caps at myself in the middle of my novel.

Uh, no. I would never dirty up my pristine manuscript in such a manner. #perfectionist To be perfectly honest with you guys, I might have done this once, but I don’t remember. If I did, I’ve since backspaced it.

…used “I’m writing” as an excuse.

Been there, tried that. Didn’t work.

…killed a character that was based on someone I know in real life.

I don’t base characters after people I know (at least, not intentionally), so no.

…used pop culture references in a story.

Um...maybe? I don’t write a lot of contemporary fiction, plus I know next to nothing about popular culture, so the closest I’ve gotten is mentioning Alicia Keys in Daylight.

…written between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.

Really? Dude. No. And whoever does needs help.

…drank an entire pot of coffee while writing.

I’m not a huge coffee drinker (unless it’s iced...with lots of sugar...and whipped cream), so nope.

…written down dreams to use in potential novels.

Uhhhhhh...my dreams are waaaaay too freaky to use in a book, trust me. Like, y’all don’t want to know.

…published an unedited story on the internet/blog/Wattpad.

Yep! Every installment of Reign was unedited...and woefully so.

…procrastinated homework because I wanted to write.

#homeschooled All work is home work. But, yes, I guess I have.

…typed so long that my wrists hurt.

Lord have mercy, no! Probably should, though.

…spilled a drink on my laptop while writing.

Thank God, no, I have not. I did spill sweet tea near it once, but I’d just finished writing and shut it off. And my brother spit water on my laptop screen once...suffice it to say that was not one of my best moments. At all. …forgotten to save my work/draft

Nope. My writing software reminds me before I close it out. Thank you, LibreOffice!

…finished a novel.

I should hope so, or else I’d have a lot of unfinished novels running around Amazon.

…laughed like an evil villain while writing a scene.

MUAH HA HA HA!!!! This is a huge yes for me.

…cried while writing a scene.

I teared up. Once. I think. Maybe. Don’t ask me when.

…created maps of my fictional worlds.

Yes...but let’s just say I’m better at drawing roses than maps. And that I don’t know how to work those online map making thingamabobs.

…researched something shady for a novel.

I’ll put it like this...I still don’t know how to make a bomb. There are literally no resources about bomb-making on Google. WHAT IS AN AUTHOR TO DO???

The Tagees

#notaword #dontcare

Vanessa Hall Kristina Hall Issabelle Perry @ Into My Writing Journey Kads @ Your Writerly Friend Kads Victoria All About You Around the Blogosphere Tag

Tagged by Teen Writers' Nook and Joelle Stone (Yes, I was actually tagged! Twice!)

The Rules

Answer the questions below on your blog. Tag at least a couple other bloggers. Have them answer these questions!

The Questions

What’s your favorite book/book series and why?

WHY?! This is SUCH a hard question!!! Plus, I don’t think I can pick the Daughters of the Seven Seas series, can I? Yeah...probably not.

Anyway, maybe the Unblemished series by Sara Ella. Maybe the Daughters of Boston or Winds of Change or Isle of Hope series by Julie Lessman. Maybe...AUGH! I DON’T KNOW!!!

As for specific books...ooooyyyyy...well, Pride and Prejudice, for sure, A Passion Redeemed by Julie Lessman, A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman, and The Colonel's Lady by Laura Frantz - just off the top of my head, that is.

Who is your favorite author?

M’kay, y’all, this is even worse. My favorite authors at the moment are Julie Lessman, Jane Austen, Tamara Leigh, and Laura Frantz. And that’s just the short list.

What is your favorite food?

All of it. Okay, not really. I have preferences. Anything with sugar.

Seriously, I love Mexican food (particularly queso blanco...aaahhh) and Italian food (or, rather, Americanized Italian food served at a restaurant commonly known as Olive Garden), PIZZA, seafood, and peach ice cream.

What gives you inspiration for your books?

Oh, all kinds of things. Mainly the Holy Spirit—He inspired Held Captive, that’s for sure. Music. Other books. TV shows and movies. Stuff like that.

If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

SCOTLAND.

Nuff said.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I am an introverted extrovert, and no, my MBTI type does not exist. I am a rarity among people.

If you had a warning label, what would yours say?

Warning: Contains high levels of eccentricity, an increased percentage of useless facts, and more than your daily value of sarcasm. Not approved by the FDA. Consume at your own risk.

(That seriously took me, like, five minutes to come up with.)

The Tagees

Seriously, y'all, I am the only person who hasn't done this tag yet...

Katja @ Little Blossoms for Jesus Kristina Hall Chelsea @ An Ordinary Pen

YOU MADE IT!!! I know this was a long post, but I had a ton of fun sharing all this with y'all! I hope you enjoyed learning more about me as an author and blogger, and taking a peek at some of my recent reads! Which of these tags have you done? Which picture was your favorite?

#blogtags #abouttheauthor #abouttheblogger #neverhaveiever #allaboutme #authoredition #writersedition #photodump #bookishness

Bookishly yours, Grace