Grace A. Johnson's Blog: Of Blades & Thorns, page 37

The Queen (Reign: Part 9)

Y'all, I am terribly sorry that this is coming out a day late! I meant to have it out last night, but life intervened, so here we are now! Just know the next installment will (Lord willing) be next Thursday!

Anyway, enough chit-chat! Let's get into the story!

Reign

Part 9: The Queen

Ambrosia

Nymphs were more beautiful than I’d expected. The Naiad—Charis—was the strangest creature. And yet...she was so pretty. Enchanting, really.

But that was the point, I supposed.

Brehn would fault me for my curiosity—and he’d have good reason to—but despite the awaiting lecture, I leaned forward, gripping the edge of the little boat, and just kept staring at the Naiad and the two Sirens.

And since I was the queen, unabashed staring wasn’t at all rude, trust me. They should be pleased the Queen of Magni paid them any mind.

At least, that’s what the Regent would say, in his smooth voice, with a tight smile. Even though Brehn hated him (don’t tell me that wasn’t obvious), the Regent was never hard with me. He hid any anger, like he did pretty much every feeling. ‘Twas a good quality, and just one reason why I didn’t mind him. But Brehn was adamant about hating the man, so here we were. Dragged out of the castle on a fool’s errand.

I loved my uncle, don’t get me wrong, and I trusted him with my life. But I knew Renout better than he did. I knew what made him tick. And I knew that he wouldn’t have me murdered.

Not that Brehn had said that. He didn’t need to. I knew him better than I knew the Regent—and I could read his face better than I read a book.

The Regent was up to something worse than just killing me and Brehn. I just didn’t know what. Yet. Had it not been for Brehn and his wild impatience, I would’ve been at home solving this mystery.

Instead, I was on my way to Parvi. Under different circumstances, I’d be upset—all right, I was still upset. I didn’t want to leave Magni—or run for my life either—but maybe I’d find a piece to the puzzle in this messy old place.

I sighed, letting my gaze slide down to the river for a moment. I looked horrible. I mean, of course I did. I hadn’t slept last night and I hadn’t brushed my hair and I honestly didn’t think I’d ever looked so bad in my life.. For a second, I wondered how my mother would think if she saw me. Would she understand, like Brehn, and tweak my nose and kiss my forehead? Or, like my father and the Regent, would she quirk an eyebrow and call for a maid to bathe me and stuff me in a fancy dress?

I’d never know. She’d died the day I was born, and Brehn said that after that, Father was never the same again. Renout picked up most of the king’s slack and dealt with problems that weren’t his. Brehn always said that he’d used my father’s “vulnerable state” to begin his takeover of the kingdom, but I knew the truth.

Renout was dedicated to Magni. Sure, he didn’t always get things right. Far from it. My father had no doubt been a better king before Mother died—but Renout had learned with him and had given up his life for his home.

Hence the mystery. Hence me examining the sea creatures more closely. Hence me wondering what was up with the City, with Parvi, with the Regent in the high castle. With Brehn acting so funny.

Either he knew something I didn’t (doubted that; I had eyes and ears in places Brehn wouldn’t even think to look) or he was assuming something that wasn’t true. Which was like him. He was always assuming that I deferred to him, that I was a child under his care and guidance. And maybe I was. Or maybe I was stronger and wiser than he thought. I’d been raised a queen, after all, not as a child with no worries.

I looked back up at the Siren—what had Charis called her? Seira? She was still talking with the Naiad and the other Siren, Charis’s watery body swirling around and light bouncing off of the Sirens’ scales. No wonder men were so captivated.

I wasn’t, though. I was hungry and tired and thirsty and ready to get out of this mucky place. I frowned, pulled Pascal into my lap, then speared those chatty creatures with my best glare. “We best get on with it, don’t you think, Seira? We’re burning daylight.”

The oldest Siren flipped back, eyes as big as saucers. “Well, I-I—yes, of course, Your Majesty.”

I grinned. She followed my orders much better than Brehn did. Maybe our trip wouldn’t be so bad after all.

Missed Part 8? Read it ,here!

#theriver #reign #serial #fantasy #theguardiansofmagni

Author Interview: Daisy Torres

Y'all remember my second mini reviews post? In it, I reviewed this lovely debut novel by a friend of mine - Daisy Torres. Well, several months later, and I finally have this amazingly talented writer on for an interview!!! (I know, I know. It's about time!) Anyway, she had some awesome answers to my questions, and it was so fun to learn more about her! I hope y'all enjoyed our interview and take the time to check out her debut novel, Era of Shadows! (Click on the cover below to view the book on Amazon!) You're guaranteed to love it!

GJ: What first inspired you to write?

DT: When I was little, my mother always made me write a one-page story for school. I detested it. I preferred staring blankly at a wall and daydreaming instead, which I did during most of the time I was supposed to be writing. I remember a time when I was pretending with my brother--and a plastic tub--that I was an Indian princess and was going to be married away as the first born daughter of the chief, so I took my brother and our "boat" and sailed away on the cotton rivers of a blue blanket. Mom watched this entire story and told me, "Why don't you write this stuff? That's a fine story right there!" And that was when it clicked that all of my daydreams, nightdreams, and ideas, could be turned into stories. It literally felt like a wall broke. I was all powerful. I could do anything, be anyone. Suddenly, I loved writing XD

GJ: What are the driving forces behind your writing now?

DT: Well, besides loving to share the hundreds of story ideas I have and my love for words, money. I'm hoping to make a career out of writing so that some day, Lord willing, I can be a stay-at-home mom (or single person) and do other things that I enjoy doing, like painting or writing or baking.

GJ: Can you name any authors who have inspired your voice in different ways? How can you see their influence in your writing?

DT: Okay, first off would be the author of Finvarra's Circus, Monica Sanz, and secondly would be Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery. Aaaand a tiny tiny dash of Narnia's author, C. S. Lewis.

GJ: What are some of your most favorite books/genres - to read and write?

DT: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Historical Fiction, and Mystery! But Fantasy over all.

GJ: What do you do when you aren't writing?

DT: Well, for now, mostly school. Outside of that, I love to paint, draw, crochet, embroider, play my ukulele and harmonica, learn Chinese (Which I'm actually working on writing a book in!), bake, and listen to music! I'm very artistically minded and can't stand math, so I tend to rebel against it when I can XD

GJ: Tell me a little bit about your debut novel, Era of Shadows. What inspired it?

DT: "Debut novel" makes it sound so official and satisfying XD Well, I've always loved Alice in Wonderland. In fact, it was one of the very first fantasy novels I ever read! One day, I was talking with my little brother (We tend to bounce story ideas off of each other--although his goal is to create video games!) and told him that I wanted to create a retelling of Alice in Wonderland from the Red Queen's perspective. In the original story, she was the villain, but I think it's fun to twist things like that around a bit XD

GJ: What was your writing process for EOS? Did you pants it? plot it? How long did it take you to write?

DT: Alright, so EoS was actually the first novel I'd ever fully plotted out. My previous novel had been completely played by ear (and was terrible, hence why it is not in the public eye as of now XD), and because that one had been so unorganized that I couldn't remember things I needed to remember and didn't know things I needed to know, I wanted EoS to be completely pre-planned. I definitely preferred planning everything. It took me three and a half years to write it, actually! Which seems weird, because it was only about 40k words, while my current novel (The Art of Deception) which also took me at least three and a half years, is almost at 80k words XD

GJ: What are you currently working on now?

DT: My Historical-Fiction-turned-Science-Fiction, The Art of Deception. I would like to think that I'm about 6/8 done with it!

GJ: What is your most favorite character of any of your books, and what endears them to you?

DT: Well, a close friend of mine and I worked on a book a few years ago called, Where Dreamers Hide. One of the three main characters in it, Skye, has hit my heart the most. I put a lot of pieces of myself in her character--much more than most characters. A tie for Skye would have to be a character in TAoD named Nyx, who was inspired by my dog, who just entered heaven the day after this year's Mother's day. She was my best friend, so Nyx's character really hits hard with me haha.

GJ: What led you to choose self-publishing?

DT: The control more than anything, but also the lack of money. I wanted to decide where my book went and who made a movie from it (fingers are still crossed on that one XD). But I also don't have the money to publish traditionally, so that kind of forced my hand a bit lolll.

GJ: What are your thoughts for other aspiring writers on writing and publishing?

DT: Don't ever give up! Your relative who you love and admire very deeply may have just told you your writing isn't that great, but don't give up! If Twilight can do it, so can you. Don't think thoughts like "Am I really meant to be a writer, or am I just a reader who wanted to try writing and never stopped?", because I've been there, and those thoughts just slow you down. You might never become the next Rick Riordan, but your great great grandkids one of these days will have a piece of you that most great great grandkids don't get to have from their grandparents. Or, God might have exactly that in store for you! The kingdom of Heaven was built with quite a few writers! Now, as for publishing? Personally, I say you should look into both and determine what seems right for you. Some people won't have the time or will to self-manage their writer's Instagram feed. That's okay! I don't either XD Some people feel better letting a professional deal with their book than themselves. But then there are some people, like me, who want full control over their novels and who don't want to spend a lot of money on publishing. (Also, for all you self-publishers out there, I recommend "Abbie Emmons" channel on YouTube! Very helpful information there!)

GJ: What do you want your readers to take away from your writing?

DT: That's a tough one, because this changes with every novel. In TAoD, I want to convey a sense of God's grace and redemption, no matter how bad the person is. In some books? I didn't even have a theme, I just wanted to tell my story XD In EoS, I wanted to show that people can pick up the ashes and move forward. It really depends XD

GJ: Have you ever endured any discouragement being a young author? If so, what inspired you to persevere?

DT: Yes. As I stated earlier, sometimes, you have relatives that just don't understand that your calling in life is different from their own--and that's okay! But it can be hard. And dealing with the fact that someone criticized your word child can be harder. Seeking God's will for my life really helps when I feel down, or turning to my favorite writing blogs for help. Also, when I keep in mind that I won't always feel down and I should keep writing even when I don't feel like it--really helps, because you will get out of that negative slump, and seeing that you managed to get somewhere in your story during that, even if it was mostly useless fluff, will inspire/motivate your future self a bit more.

GJ: What are your greatest aspirations for your future, be it as a person or as a writer?

DT: I'm hoping to be an artist/writer with enough books/art sold to comfortably pay for life! I'm currently thinking about attending a Christian art college somewhere, but I'm not completely sure about that yet. Someday I want to get married, settle down in a cottage on the sea and be a stay-at-home writing mom. I would really like for my writing to pay off then XD It might not, but it sure would be nice if it did. I would also like to go to China some day, as I currently feel like God is somehow leading me there. I have felt that calling since I was 6 years old, so whether I go physically or use my writing to go, I would like to be there someday. I also have a small dream of being a Christian counselor, but I don't know if I ever will or not.

GJ: What has being a writer taught you?

DT: I would like to say it's the minds of people. I feel like I tend to study people just a tiny bit more because of my writing, and this sometimes helps me know certain things about people that others don't quite pick up on. It has also taught me that you can talk to yourself and not be clinically insane. Also, coffee is a lifesaver. Aaaand that I need a better sleeping habit, because as I finish writing my side of this interview, it is 3:25 AM and I am going to be sleeping sounder than the dead in the morning when I need to get up XD

Daisy Torres is a Christian teen writer, born and raised in South Texas, with an unhealthy obsession for notebooks, languages, pencils, words and fictional worlds—whether of her own making or not. She love music, and plays three instruments—Ukulele, Harmonica, and Piano. Check out her website!

This post includes an affiliate link. I may earn a small commission when you click on the link at no additional cost to you.

June Updates

Normally, my updates post is out by the first day of the month or at least the first Monday. Well...believe it or not, I totally forgot about this post until, like June 2nd, and life got in the way of me having this up by Monday…

So here we are. Wednesday, June 9th. The month is practically over already—at least, my mom seems to think so. She keeps speeding up to Father’s Day. Speaking of which, any suggestions on what to get my dad???

My horrible gift-giving habits aside, I have a few things I’d like to share with y’all real quick this month…

My writing progress

Never mind. That's embarrassing. If y'all want to keep up-to-date with how much (or how little, as was the case in May) I write each month, sign up for my newsletter here! Otherwise, I think I'm just going to back...away...slowly...because, suffice it to say, I didn't do so well last month.

HOWEVER, I am about halfway done with Daylight (I hope to open for betas before the end of the month) and with Reign (shooting for 12-16 installments). So there's that.

I know I said back in May that I'd be done with all this then, but, uh, y'all know how life is. I'm also working on two extra submissions for contests, so it's not like I haven't been writing. I have. Ish.

My goals for June

I'm trying not to expect too much out of myself this month. Mainly, if I could get to Chapter 50 in BAD, finish Daylight, and write a couple blog posts, I'll be pleased. But considering I'll probably write five short stories and seventy-two blog posts and three words in BAD, I guess that counts as high expectations.

But my actual realistic goals are to (1) write/post about five book reviews, (2) interview Rina (more on that later), and (3) write three installments of Reign (tomorrow's will probably be pretty late in the day...). OH! And send out my first street team newsletter - either next week or once I actually finish Daylight. Depends on what kind of information I have to share. If you haven't signed up for my street team yet and you'd like to, please click here to fill out the form!

Oh, and of course I'm pumped to share a winner for my writing prompt contest! I've gotten some amazing submissions so far (there may be a tie), so keep your eyes peeled for the winner on June 20th! And if you're interested in submitting a story, read over the rules and prompts here!

Other stuff...

If you're interested in reading my latest Kingdom Pen post, you can check it out ,here! I actually think it's one of the best articles I've ever written...so there's that.

I've been updating my ,Pinterest board for Reign...and it's kind of exploded...so you'll find a TON of fun aesthetics and inspirations for it!

I don't know if y'all have heard, but Amazon is coming out with something called Kindle Vella - it's a way for writers to publish serials through Kindle (more info ,here), and I'm thinking of writing a few serials. One idea I have is for a sequel to Reign, but other than that, I'd like y'all's suggestions on stories you'd like to read! Are there any genres or plot tropes you'd like me to try? Let me know in the comments!

Also, I'm thinking of putting together book club kits for my novels (and hopefully for Daylight too, with a lot of fun goodies). They'll be free downloads, complete with discussion questions, Q&As, and more! Would that be something y'all'd be interested in?

On a random side note: what are your thoughts on Grace A. Johnson nonfiction? I have a few ideas...

Anyway, I mentioned interviewing Rina sometime this month, so I would love for y'all to supply me with some questions! Y'all have until June 25th to ask, so ask away using this form here!

In conclusion, June may be busy and full of blog posts...or I could disappear, turn off my wifi and just write BAD. We'll see! I would definitely appreciate any feedback y'all have on Kindle Vella serials and whatever questions you have for Rina!!

Y'all have a fabulous summer, my lovelies!

Review: Strangers and Pilgrims by Kristina Hall

At first glance, Strangers and Pilgrims is a pretty simple, straightforward story. Well-paced plot that held its own over the course of the book. Three-dimensional characters that were portrayed realistically. Obvious theme that has an impact. A classic western setting. Lots of dropped gs.

But once you start reading, woo-wee! You’re in for a wild ride!

To be honest, I kind of expected SAP to drag. I mean, there’s really only one plot point—avoiding and/or getting rid of that slimy Ed Burton so that the rest of the world can resume living—and that has to stretch out over 20-ish chapters. There’s no mystery, only a smidge of suspense, and the barely-there romance doesn’t come about until over halfway through.

Doesn’t sound very captivating, does it?

Well, don’t let that fool ya, ‘cuz, y’all! This book held my attention the entire time! I kept flipping pages (aka, tapping my Kindle screen) to read more, hungry to know what happened next! Hall paced the story so well that shoving the powwow with Burton to the very end didn’t seem like a stretch at all! In some ways, I felt like it was a slow, steady story, but in others, it flew by! I love it when a story messes with my perception of time and length like that.

So maybe it was just the pacing that kept me reading...or maybe it was the characters! Sally was laugh-out-loud hilarious—and, I mean, who can resist a redheaded kid with a Texas accent and a few humorous quips, am I right? Doyle was a lovable old coot, for sure, and Burton made a pretty frightening (and also slightly insane) villain. I mean, I’d been rooting for an HEA for everybody the whole time, so it would’ve been cool to have seen Burton’s inner motives and maybe—just maybe—have him come to Christ before he died...but I also think the character’s refusal to change did drive the point about eternity home, you know?

As for Harry and Rose? Well, shoot, y’all. Give me a Confederate soldier any day and I’ll be pleased! Harry was the typical Southern gent/war veteran—all tender kindness and bullheaded stubbornness. Admittedly, he was missing just a little something, and so was Rose. I mean, I liked Rose, far as heroines go, and I liked that Hall didn’t give her a sugar-coated life or make her some snarky independent woman (y’all know I can’t stand those). But, eh, she didn’t have that wow factor. Honestly, few heroines do. I’m just hard to please.

Speaking of Confederates...I am so beyond happy that Hall portrayed how Confederate soldiers were treated by them durn scallywags and carpetbaggers after the war accurately! Of course, I loved having a Rebel for a main character, but more so I loved having a Rebel who was lovable—not some stupid, miserable poor white trash, like how 99% of all Southerners (particularly Rebs) are portrayed.

As both a Southerner and a Rebel, I’m pretty sure I can attest to the fact that, yes, at least 80% of all Confederates were just as upstanding and God-fearing as Harry.

But that’s enough of that. Y’all know I could go on for days…

Which I promise you I won’t. This time.

Now where was I? Oh, yes, I think I was just about to get started on Hall’s writing style.

Let me say this, from a technical perspective, Hall gets an A. There were little to no typos (if there were any, I never caught ‘em); her sentence structure was great; her paragraphs were clear; everything flowed smoothly and consistently; all historical facts were accurate; her dialogue felt real.

Personally, I would’ve liked some more description (although I do appreciate that Hall kept all the action clear) and just a closer look at everyone/everything. I felt kind of detached the whole time, like I was on the outside looking in. Despite that, she did give us a pretty good view of the POV characters’ thoughts (if not their emotions), and on that note, their internal struggles were all very well-developed and carefully handled.

Speaking of struggles, I really enjoyed the theme. It was different than most Christian fiction—since Hall wove the usual theme of forgiveness and salvation in with a deeper glance at what eternity and Heaven really means. And, yeah, it was preachy. I do think no one can write an unpreachily-preachy book like Julie Lessman, but I do appreciate all these new authors pouring their love and faith in God into their stories and being wholly unashamed of the Gospel. Because, you know, approved writers are not ashamed.

There were some things I would’ve liked to have seen—such as Harry and Rose witnessing to Burton, and something said about Harry killing those two men in the first chapter (I guess that qualifies as self-defense, though)—but, you know, plot comes first. That being said, they took everything to God in prayer, and that pleased me immensely. ‘Cause, seriously, don’t get me started on characters who don’t pray. That ain’t a fun topic, trust me.

Long story short (because I promised y’all I’d cut it short and refraining from gushing about Rebel soldiers), Strangers and Pilgrims was better than I expected and better than the blurb makes it seem. It’s very well-balanced and has that classic Western feel to it, minus the cursing and John Wayne and plus a lot of awesome Christian content. This is definitely the book that could convert you to a Western reader (or a Christian), trust me!

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

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin.

You can find her on ,Goodreads, ,BookBub, and her ,website!

Cover Reveal: In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh

Well, hello there. I assume you're here for a cover reveal. You are? Goody, because I want to introduce you to the absolutely gorgeous cover of Toni Shiloh's upcoming release, In Search of a Prince.

This girl right here is looking forward to finally reading a Shiloh novel, because I have heard so many good things about her books! So hopefully we can read her newest one together!

Anyway, to go with that beautiful cover right there - you have been checking it out this whole time, haven't you? - I have to share the blurb!

So, without further ado, let's find out what will lie beneath that amazing cover! (Can we all agree that Bethany House always designs some of the best covers? And that this one is so captivating? We can? Goody.)

About the Book

Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha’s Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops the mother of all bombshells—Brielle is a princess in the kingdom of Oloro Ilé, Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, King Tiwa Jimoh Adebayo, is failing.

Distraught by her mother’s betrayal, Brielle is further left spinning when the Oloro Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before assuming the throne or the crown will be passed to another. Uncertain who to choose from the council’s list of bachelors, she struggles with the decision along with the weight of her new role in a new country. With her world totally shaken, she must take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring.

I don't know about y'all, but that sounds so fun and unique! Admittedly, I don't read a lot of African-American fiction (which is subject to change), so maybe there are more stories with a similar plot and feel, but I've yet to hear of them! At least, not Christian ones, so this will be such a fun experience!

About the Author

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. She writes to bring God glory and to learn more about His goodness. Her novels, Grace Restored, was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, Risking Love a 2020 Selah Award finalist, and The Truth About Fame a 2021 Holt Medallion finalist.

A member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and of the Virginia Chapter, Toni seeks to encourage authors in the writing industry. She loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. You can learn more about her writing at tonishiloh.com.

Follow Toni on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, BookBub, Pinterest, and subscribe to her newsletter!

#BHPFiction #coverreveal #christianfiction #christianromance #contemporaryromance #romance

Introducing Imagine...

Y'all, oh y'all, oh y'all. (That is not an exclamation, but I'm certainly gonna turn it into one.)

Something absolutely amazing is happening!!!! Now, a lot of y'all probably already know about this (since TWN and I share a lot of the same followers, which is super cool), but for those who don't, please stick around, because I have some FABULOUS news for you guys!

But before I get into it, I just want to say (1) thank you to Izzy for letting me share about this here and (2) whether you're a writer or not, you're more than welcome to join in on the fun!

Now, where was I? Oh, yes, details. You see, Teen Writers' Nook (which you may have heard about...if not, you really need to check it out) is hosting their first ever writing(ish) contest(ish) (Izzy's words, not mine) for their followers!!!! You can submit a short story (or poem, or narrative nonfiction) that meets their guidelines (which I will share in a minute) for a chance to be included in a real, live, published anthology!

There's more, but first, y'all have got to see this...

This AMAZING trailer that Issabelle put together! Y'all just take you a look-see at that there, then mosey on back over here for more information...

You're back. Good.

Let's get into this...the prizes include:

Amazon e-gift card (hopefully) A publication opportunity Fame in the Teen Writers’ Nook community.

And the guidelines for your entry:

This contest is for TWN’s followers/readers/commenters (so if you are not a reader/commenter/follower, please click here and subscribe!) Your entry can be a short story, poem, or narrative nonfiction. And if you want your story/poem/nonfiction piece to have Christian themes and elements, that is perfectly acceptable. We want to include stories that showcase the different writing styles of each of our readers. Basically, just write what you want to write. Your entry can NOT be previously published. This also means that your entry can not be something that was posted on your blog or any social media form (this counts as previously published). Word maximum: 5,000 words Your entry MUST be clean. What we mean by this is that your story can not have any foul language/cuss words and also cannot take God’s name in vain even in the form of acronyms. However, you may say if a character “cursed.” It’s just that actually stating the word or even the first part of it will remove you from our consideration list. Your story may have romance (kisses, hand-holding, etc.) but any immoral content even if it is only implied will remove your story from our consideration list. Your story also cannot be overly gory/graphic, but mild violence is allowed. If you have any concerns or questions over what is and is not allowed, please feel free to contact us. ANY STORY THAT DOES NOT ADHERE TO THESE CONTENT GUIDELINES WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY AND REMOVED FROM OUR CONSIDERATION LIST. Your story’s main characters MUST be between ages 12-19. When your story is complete and ready to submit, fill out this Google form and attach it as a document in the space provided. Note: if you are having trouble sending your manuscript through the form, please contact us. Please write your story in American style so everything can be uniformed (e.g., “favorite” instead of “favourite”). Your story must be typed in Times New Roman or Arial, 12 point font, double spaced. You must have your story submitted before June 30th at midnight EST, anything submitted after this will be deleted without reading. Your story will be judged blindly, so you cannot have your name anywhere on the document, including in the document’s title name. Instead, on the next page at the end of your story, please include a short author bio in third person, where you can state your name.

See? That's not too hard!

Anyway, I just wanted to let y'all know about this amazing opportunity for writers! And, if you're not a writer and/or not interested, please do TWN a favor and share their post (or mine) with your friends, any writers you know, or on social media! Don't forget to follow Teen Writers' Nook, because not only do they have a w e s o m e resources and articles for writers, they also have some stories you might be interested in reading!!! That, and Izzy, Katherine, and Alana are just generally wonderful people, so, you know, there's that.

Oh, and, you know, keep your eyes out for when Imagine releases. Yours truly will be sharing any and all pertinent information here, but I do suggest regularly checking back with TWN! Y'all will definitely want to read it!!

With love and blessings always, Grace

What If...Love is More Than Acceptance?

Lately, Christians have been told they need to love more. Love harder. Love better. We’re told this by media, politics, certain communities, Taylor Swift, and in some cases, even our own friends, families, and churches.

Now, I won’t deny that there’s some truth to this. A lot of people—most everyone, really—struggle with selflessly loving others. That’s just one of the perks of being human. We’re imperfect, fallible, frail. Incapable of being enough for another person, being everything someone else needs.

Which is just one of the reasons why being told to “love” ticks me off, quite frankly. You can’t expect anyone in this world to give you their total support or fully accept you. I’m not saying they won’t, I’m just saying that having such high expectations of people will only make the heartbreak worse when/if they don’t meant them.

And by you, I mean people in general or certain communities and organizations—the interpretation is up to you.

But what really irks me is that we have sorely misinterpreted love, in more ways than one. We’re always hungry for approval, support, and acceptance, labeling these things love and being disappointed or angry when we sense we’re not receiving that “love” from others. And it makes me wonder...what if love is more than acceptance? What if the reason why everyone is so concerned about “hate” is because what they’re looking for...isn’t love at all? What if loving and being loved means more than just accepting a person for who or what they say they are? What if it doesn’t mean any of that? What if, instead, love is supposed to change you?

1st Corinthians 13 tells us that “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Love is gentle and pure. Love is selfless. Love doesn’t rejoice at wrongdoing—it’s holy and righteous.

Love isn’t what bends and changes to fit each person. Love isn’t what feels right to a person. Love isn’t what accepts anything and everything.

Love is unmoving, unchanging, stable and steady. Love is and Love was and Love will always be the same. Love is what changes you. Love is not just true, it is Truth.

You know why?

Because God is love.

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1st John 4.7-12).

Or how about this: Anyone who does not know God—who has not been saved and sanctified by Him—is wholly incapable of loving, because God is love and without Him, without Love, you are nothing.

God doesn’t bend to the will of man or accept your sins. You know why? Because God doesn’t rejoice at wrongdoing. He is a holy and righteous God, and sin has no place before Him.

So when He loves someone—and He loves us all—He changes you. He washes your sins away and makes you new. Makes you pure. Shows you what love is and how you can love others.

I’m probably not making much sense, am I?

Well, let me just say it plainly: Stop telling me to love people, when what you want is for me to accept their sins and declare them as okay or right, when all I want to do is love people how God loves people. I want to show them that they are more than their sins or what they think they are. I want to introduce them to a Savior who can make them new and pour His love into them. I want to help them change, grow, become pure.

So, yeah, that makes me a hater, per Taylor’s definition, but that’s what God has called me to do—love people with Love. The only love out there. The love that changes them.

With love and blessings always, Grace

Trust the Planner (A Graduation Message)

I don’t know about you, but I like plans. Routine. Lists. There’s something comforting in knowing what you’re doing before you do it, having control over the way your day or career or life is going. And what really burns my britches is when things don’t go as planned.

The wise King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 16, verse 9, “A man’s heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.”

It’s a fairly simple concept. He’s saying that no matter what we determine in our hearts to do, God is always one step ahead, preparing a path for us—and sometimes that path is much different than we imagined or even wanted. Maybe His path seems horrifying and not at all what you think you need.

I’ll be blunt with y’all—graduation is upon us in mere days. Across the country, young adults are experiencing one of the biggest changes in their lives this month: their first step into reality. Whether they’re graduating from college and searching for a job, graduating high school and applying to universities or tech schools, or entering the workplace, twelve percent of the US population is about to embark upon one of the scariest journeys of their lives.

Some of them have it all figured out. Cap and gown—check. College—check. Major—check. Scholarship—check. Dorm room—check. Part-time job—check. They’ve made lists and plans and calculated everything.

Maybe you’re one of them. Maybe you’re not. Either way, we’ve all been there, and we’ll probably be there again, on the brink of something new and exciting, planning all our steps.

My message is for you, because as you make your schedules and write your lists, you are totally unprepared for life. Life isn’t confined to one person’s plans—it’s wild and unexpected. Sometimes it’ll do nothing but throw lemons at you (in which case, I suggest lemonade). Other times, it is the most beautiful thing. Whatever the case, you can’t bet on life and expect to win.

Do you know why?

Because there is something—Someone—greater at work in our lives. There is a God Who sees your plans and lists and laughs—yeah, I’m sure He laughs. He has something even better in mind, after all. Something beyond all your wildest dreams. Something you could never plan.

It may be tough getting there. It may be rocky at the start. You may not understand God’s plan or His path for you—and you might veer off of it. But that’s why we go to Him in prayer and seek His will. Ask Him what His plans are for you. Consult Him before your calendar.

We can plan all we want. Make schedules. Dictate actions. Book flights. Allot time. Save money. Pass tests. Pray like St. Patrick.

But…in the end, our Sovereign God wins out. Whether or not you heed His commands and follow His precepts, His plan is the only one put into motion, the only one which comes to pass. He is God and there is no other.

His ways are higher than our ways. His thoughts are so much higher than ours. We think we have it all figured out, exactly the way it should go, but He sees the big picture. He sees where, yes, we screw up. He sees where something goes wrong. He sees where our life impacts someone else, long after we’ve passed away. He sees how one slave feeds thousands in a famine. He sees how a blind baby displays His immense glory. He sees why an innocent Man must die for one wretched soul two thousand and twenty-one years in the future.

That’s why I ask you to trust the Planner. Trust God and His divine will and purpose for your life. Only He knows how many souls you can reach, how many people you can impact. Let Him use you!

Life won’t come easy—especially now, during this new beginning and glorious unfolding—so place your life in the hands of Almighty God. Whether you’re graduating high school or college in a few days, getting married next month, having your first child, or retiring from your job, place all your hopes and dreams and faith in God! Seek His will for your life, and He’ll plant His desires into your heart and bring them to fruition.

Don’t miss out on your purpose by planning your destiny. Let the God Who sees—El-Roi—direct your path. Deviating and rebelling will only get you lost. Let Him find you now.

With love and blessings always, Grace

Don't Forget to Submit!

GUYS! Today marks t-minus TWO WEEKS until my short story writing prompt contest ends! Consider this a friendly reminder to prepare your short story and submit it ,HERE before the deadline of June 15th!

Don't remember the rules? Here's my ,original post!

Forgot the prompts? I've included them below!

Aren't the least bit interested? Share about the contest on your blog, social media, and with your friends!!!

The Prompts

Writing prompt #1:

Castle ruins were not an ideal place to establish a new empire—but I’d try my best.

Writing prompt #2:

The crown had belonged to me…in a dream.

Writing prompt #3:

You aren’t supposed to see me, but there you are. Smiling directly into my eyes.

Anyway, don't forget to submit and share! I cannot wait to read y'all's entries!!!!! Happy writing, my lovelies!

Review: Oh, The Fallen by Abigail Kay Harris

This is a hard book to write a review for. Why? Because in only fifty-one pages, I’ve been to war and back and had my heart ripped from my chest. How am I supposed to put that kind of experience into words?

I don’t typically read war stories or tearjerkers. Mostly because, deep within the walls of my crusty exterior, I’m actually a softie. Like, one whose eyes moisten upon occasion. Hard to believe, I know, but still true.

So Oh, The Fallen was different for me…and yet, in a way, not.

Not to mention that I’d actually never heard of the lovely Miss Harris prior to joining her launch team… (Sounds terrible, yeah, but how else am I supposed to meet people?)

Needless to say, I see why so many of my GR friends love Abigail Kay Harris’s writing. There is something so real, so raw, so genuine, and so powerful in her writing that immediately pulls you in. It’s convicting and encouraging at the same time, you know?

Oh, The Fallen especially was full of wisdom and just jam-packed with chill-inducing moments of true faith that really spoke to my soul. (Particularly after a lot of let-downs with popular Christian fiction. It is so refreshing to read something preachy. I’m serious.)

I’ll keep this review brief, since I really need to let y’all go and purchase this book…so what I want you to know about Oh, The Fallen is that it is pure and painful. Hopeful and hurting. Admittedly, yes, Harris’s writing didn’t always flow perfectly, and maybe I think the characters could’ve been a little more...what’s the word? Deepened, maybe? Defined? Either way, it was a lot to cram into fifty-one pages—particularly when you’re including the perspectives of five characters.

In the end? You need to read it. If you’ve ever felt pain or grief over the loss of a loved one, if you’ve never understood the purpose of war, if you’re just in the mood for something to tug on your heartstrings, I highly recommend Oh, The Fallen. It was so beautiful, so befitting this day (Memorial Day, here in the US), and I simply cannot wait to read Oh, The Lamented, coming out Veteran’s Day. As the granddaughter of a Vietnam vet, I felt a special connection to this story, and I know that worldwide (not just here in America, you guys), people will be touched by Harris’ novella of sacrifice and love.

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

About the Author

Abigail Kay Harris is a daughter of the King with a personal degree in book-nerdiness. A sister to seven, her passionate love of the written word and deeper meanings hidden in normal things leads her to spend her time reading, writing, using sarcasm, and defining obscure words. When she’s not chasing words, she enjoys watching shows, classic romance movies, tea, sunrises, and the outdoors, especially mountains, beaches, and forests.

You can follow her on ,Amazon, ,Goodreads, ,BookBub, ,her blog, ,MeWe, ,Facebook, ,Pinterest, and subscribe to her ,newsletter!

Order your copy of Oh, The Fallen on Amazon!