Suzanne Woods Fisher's Blog, page 29
August 2, 2017
‘The Return’ is Here!
Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.
Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family’s rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she’s taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy’s captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans’s hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.
Purchase your copy here:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD
Praise for The Return:
“. . . this latest novel. . .is perhaps the best of the series. Compelling and multi-layered, the story of a land divided by fear and prejudice proves timely.” —RT Book Reviews
“Heart-wrenching, captivating, soul moving novel. Fisher has yet to disappoint me.” —Interviews and Reviews
I am celebrating the release of The Return with a fun giveaway! Click over to the contest page for more details (we’re giving away an iPad + tons more goodies!)
July 31, 2017
Author Spotlight with Susan May Warren
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Susan May Warren’s book, A Matter of Trust. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of My Daughter’s Legacy, Linda Kish! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
Champion backcountry snowboarder Gage Watson has left the limelight behind after the death of one of his fans. After being sued for negligence and stripped of his sponsorships, he’s remade his life as a ski patrol in Montana’s rugged mountains, as well as serving on the PEAK Rescue team. But he can’t seem to find his footing–or forget the woman he loved, who betrayed him.
Senator and former attorney Ella Blair spends much of her time in the limelight as the second-youngest senator in the country. But she has a secret—one that cost Gage his career. More than anything, she wants to atone for her betrayal of him in the courtroom and find a way to help him put his career back on track.
When Ella’s brother goes missing on one of Glacier National Park’s most dangerous peaks, Gage and his team are called in for the rescue. But Gage isn’t so sure he wants to help the woman who destroyed his life. More, when she insists on joining the search, he’ll have to keep her safe while finding her reckless brother, a recipe for disaster when a snowstorm hits the mountain.
But old sparks relight as they search for the missing snowboarder—and suddenly, they are faced with emotions neither can deny. But when Ella’s secret is revealed, can they learn to trust each other—even when disaster happens again?
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a northern girl—have lived most of my life in Minnesota, except for a 10 year stint when we were missionaries in Russia, and 3 years in East Tennessee where my two oldest were born. (Hubs was in missionary aviation training school in Elizabethton, TN). My first book was published the year after I came home from Russia, but I wrote 4 novels in Siberia while I was honing my skills. Since then, I’ve written about fifty-six novels, most of them epic romantic adventure, but also historicals, rom-com, historical suspense, thrillers and a few Christmas novellas. I’ve won a few awards (the RITA, the Christy, the Carol) and landed on some best-seller lists, but my best accomplishment is my four amazing adult children and being married to my beloved husband, Andrew, for nearly 30 years.
Do you have a day job as well? If so, what is it?
Writing is my day job, but I also run a website for novelists – Novel.Academy – that teaches aspiring and advanced writers how to write brilliant stories and grow their careers.
When did you start writing your first book?
My FIRST book was written at the age of fourteen. (The epic adventure of a cowgirl, her horse and the boy who loved them!) The first serious novel I attempted was an epic historical saga about a Russian family, from 1938-1988. (50 years!) It took me 2 years and ended up being 800 pages long. We used it as a high-chair for the kids. The next one was considerably shorter—a 55 word historical novel for Heartsong Presents based very loosely on my grandparents’ romance set in WWI. But before that got published, my next novel, a trade-length romance set in northern Minnesota was picked up by Tyndale House. It was published in 2004—Happily Ever After. It’s the book that launched my career.
How did you choose the genre you write in? Or did the genre choose you?
I think it chose me!! I love writing romance, but I also love suspense. And, I’m an outdoorsy, adventure loving person, so my romantic-suspense novels tend to take place outdoors and often include search and rescue rather than racing-from-bad guys (although I have that also). I tend toward the survival type shows rather than Law and Order, too, so I naturally write in that direction. So, I’ve sort of adopted my own genre, “Epic Romantic Adventure.” (Although there are others writing in that, also!)
Does writing energize you or exhaust you?
Well, all great writing is exhausting because you have to dig deep into your own experiences to find that emotional truth to put on the page. But, I LOVE to write. I so look forward to a full day of simply digging into a great story. So, in that sense it exhilarates me to write a new story. I’m going to go with Energize as my final answer.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
No. I believe in an absence of words, perhaps. And maybe a confusion on not quite knowing what to write next. But that can be so easily answered by the question: What does your character fear happening? (and then writing to that end!) Not knowing where to start the scene can also be solved by asking: how does your character feel right now? or What is at stake for your character in this scene? Then, pull out the character’s current thoughts and start from there. So, no I don’t believe in writer’s block. 
July 28, 2017
Friday’s Photo Caption Contest: Waiting for your Wit
Last week’s winning caption goes to Mike Peloquin, for “Do you know the way to San Jose?” caption. Email me, Mike, and I’ll get a signed copy of a book in the mail to you! All of the captions were great last week…that picture touched a heartstring!
Here’s this week’s photo for you to caption (oh, so many options!)…can’t you just feel the wind in your face?
July 26, 2017
Wednesday’s Wonderings: Breathe
Take a breath in and breathe it out. Of all the things we do in our life, breathing is the one we take most for granted.
How many breaths do you think you take in a 24 hour period? 23,000-26,000!
Long, long ago, Moses had the nerve to ask God what his name is. “I am,” God said, recorded in the original Hebrew as YHWH.
Over time we’ve added an “a” and an “e” in there to get YaHWeH.
But scholars have noted that the letters YHWH represent aspirated consonants that, when spoken in Hebrew, sound like breathing.
It brings up a wonderful question: what if the name of God is synonymous to the sound of breathing?
What if all human beings praise the name of God, whether they think they’re doing it or not?
What if our connection to God is meant to be THAT intimate…an unconscious connection to Him, day and night? Involuntary. Reflexive. Automatic.
We live in a broken world…but maybe this is something that can’t be broken. We are designed to be in constant communication with God.
Talking to him…listening to Him.
Inhale, exhale.
July 24, 2017
Author Spotlight with Mindy Starns Clark
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Mindy Starns Clark’s book, My Daughter’s Legacy. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of Unraveling, Deanne Patterson! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
A thrilling tale of two women longing to follow God’s leading, make the most of second chances, and find true love at last
Virginia, 1864
Therese Jennings cannot abide the thought of owning slaves. When her widowed mother inherits a plantation, Therese flees to Civil War Richmond, where she works as a governess by day and tends to wounded soldiers at night. But when trouble befalls her family, can she reconcile her obligations with her beliefs? And will love—whether with an old beau or a handsome new suitor—ever fit in her broken world?
Virginia, present day
Nicole Talbot’s life is back on track after years of substance abuse. Home from college for the summer, she’s finally ready to share a shocking secret, one that raises new questions about a traumatic childhood experience. But when facts she uncovers cast doubt on her family’s legacy, she must risk all that she’s gained—her fresh start, her family’s trust, and her growing relationship with a new man—to unlock the secrets of the past.
What part of the country do you consider home?
My husband and I live near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, about halfway between downtown Philadelphia and Lancaster County.
Currently, how big (or small) is your household?
We have two daughters but both are grown and on their own. Fortunately, we’ve really enjoyed our empty nest, though of course it’s great when we can get together with the girls, which we’re able to do often.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Hang out with my husband, go paddleboarding, read a lot, travel, go to the movies, visit my kids, play with my dog.
Is there any habit or hobby you have that might surprise readers?
I’m into felting, which is a type of needlework used to create little figurines. In my spare time, I’ve slowly been creating scenes for a children’s picture book, Little Ones of Lancaster County, which I’ll eventually publish but for now am just enjoying creating at my own pace.
You’ve just turned in your manuscript, and your editor won’t return it with revisions for at least a week or two. Where would you go for a vacation?
If money’s no object, I’d head somewhere warm with a beach and turquoise water—maybe St. John, USVI, which is my favorite island. On the other hand, if I’ve just turned in a manuscript, I’d more likely spend those two weeks cleaning the house, returning phone calls, cooking actual meals, hanging with my hubby, and generally catching up from the prolonged isolation and tunnel vision that finishing a book requires for me.
What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
Pralines and Cream. Yum!
Are you a dog or a cat person?
Dog.
What does that tell us about you?
Probably nothing, I’m severely allergic to cats, so I really have no choice in the matter.
What was your favorite childhood book?
James and the Giant Peach
What made it so beloved?
I’m not sure, something about this poor little boy who found a fantastical way to escape a bad situation. It just captured my heart and my imagination.
How many unfinished book ideas or manuscripts do you currently have?
Oh wow, 600? 1000? 10,000? I’m an idea factory, there’s no way I could count all the projects, ideas, proposals, concepts, etc., that live on my hard drive or in the in the back of my brain. Sounds like a blessing but it’s also a curse because I can’t turn it off even when I want to.
What’s your favorite movie?
Babe.
Favorite TV show?
Of all time? Probably Northern Exposure. Currently, my husband and I have really enjoyed streaming Person of Interest.
If you were casting yourself in a movie, which actor or actress would you pick?
Not sure, maybe Melissa McCarthy.
Why?
Because she has a good sense of humor, lots of self confidence, and a happy marriage. Plus she cracks me up!
Purchase a copy of the book:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD
Mindy Starns Clark is the bestselling author of more than 20 books, both fiction and nonfiction, with over a million copies sold. Mindy and her husband, John, have two adult children and live in Pennsylvania.
July 21, 2017
Friday’s Photo Caption Contest…Waiting for your Wit
Last week’s “Swan Boat” caption goes to Paula. Email me and I’ll get a signed copy of a book in the mail to you! Here’s this week’s photo…it was taken by my friend (thank you, Sue B.!). I can’t wait to see what you come up with for this one!
July 17, 2017
Author Spotlight with Sara Ella
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Sara Ella’s book, Unraveling. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of Flourished, Kim Salch! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
One kiss changed her future. Can another alter her past?
Eliyana Ember doesn’t believe in true love. Not anymore. After all she’s been through between capturing the Void and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what’s right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she’s trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about—like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.
But why does she feel like something—or someone—Is missing?
When the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, become threatened, Eliyana discovers her connection with Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. El needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can she find a way to sever her tie with Ky without killing him, and keep herself from truly falling for him in the process?
Can you tell us about your newest release? Is it part of a series or a stand-alone?
Unraveling is the second book in the Unblemished trilogy. It starts off about 2 months after the first book, Unblemished, ends. I’ll let the blurb tell you the rest . . .
What happens when happily ever after starts to unravel?
Eliyana Ember doesn’t believe in true love. Not anymore. After defeating her grandfather and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what’s right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she’s trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about—like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.
Now that the Verity is intertwined with her soul and Joshua’s finally by her side, El is ready to learn more about her mysterious birth land, the land she now rules. So why does she feel like something—or someone—is missing?
When the thresholds begin to drain and the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, begin to fail, El wonders if her link to Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. For light and darkness cannot coexist. She needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can El find a way to sever her connection to Ky and save the Reflections—and keep herself from falling for him in the process?
Is anything or anyone in this book based on real-life experiences?
Elizabeth, my main character’s mother, is based very much on my own mom. From her favorite Earl Grey tea to the way she guards El with her life, Elizabeth is pretty much the woman who raised me.
Eliyana is also very close to my heart. Her insecurities most often stem from real experiences or emotions I’ve had. I’ve had people who know me well tell me that El has my personality in more ways than one.
Who was your favorite character in this story, and why?
I feel like I can’t share this bit of information without giving something away . . . so instead I’ll share my favorite SIDE character and that has to be Ebony. She started off as a walk-on but became so much more in the closing chapters of Unblemished, and now in Unraveling she often times takes center stage. I love her feisty attitude and the way she approaches things as if she doesn’t care, but deep down she harbors insecurities just like Eliyana.
Compared to your other books, was this one easy to complete or challenging? Any idea why?
Oh wow, what a perfect question! If you read the dedication at the opening of Unraveling you will notice I dedicated the book to my editor, Becky Monds. As I wrote Unraveling, so many things in my real world unraveled around me as well. Those trials made the book feel impossible to complete, but in the end I think this book turned out even better than the first. My heart and soul went into this book and I hope that comes through to any reader who picks it up.
What was the hardest scene in this book to write? What made it difficult?
How do I choose just one? Haha! I’d say it was most difficult for me to write the scenes from Joshua’s POV. El’s voice is so clear to me, but as Joshua is a guy I had to take a little more care in constructing his inner monologues. He goes through quite the transformation in Unraveling and it was challenging to pace that while also finding his unique voice.
What did you (or your editors) edit out of this book?
I honestly couldn’t tell you unless I went back and read it. Writing and editing Unraveling was a whirlwind. I think we added more than we took out, only because the first draft was a scraggly, bony thing. All the more reason the book is dedicated to my amazing editor!
What’s the most difficult thing about writing from the point of view of the opposite sex?
Um . . . I’m not a guy! LOL! But seriously I think it’s hard to see through a man’s eyes because I don’t think like a man. Everything is so vast to me, and I know men are a little less descriptive and get to the point faster (usually, haha). I think it was hard for me to make Joshua’s and Ky’s thoughts and speech more concise than Eliyana’s. I was constantly whittling down Joshua’s dialogue and thoughts in particular. Ky can be more chatty when he opens up, but Joshua is a tough shell to crack and it was a huge challenge to keep his point of view true to his character.
Read the first five chapters of Unraveling here.
Purchase your copy here:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD | SaraElla.com
Not so long ago, Sara Ella dreamed she would marry a prince (just call her Mrs. Charming) and live in a castle (aka The Plaza Hotel). Though her fairy tale didn’t quite turn out as planned, she did work for Disney—that was an enchanted moment of its own. Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings.
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July 14, 2017
Friday Photo Caption Contest: Waiting for your Wit
Last week’s winner was Alice Majka for her caption about middle children (of which I am one!). Alice, pop me an email and I’ll get a signed book sent to you. Here’s this week’s pix…such a serene swan, despite her extra baggage!
Ready, set, caption!
July 12, 2017
Get a book bag* when you pre-order ‘The Return’!
“This latest novel. . .is perhaps the best of the series. Compelling and multi-layered, the story of a land divided by fear and prejudice proves timely.” —Romantic Times
Beautiful and winsome, Betsy Zook never questioned her family’s rigid expectations, nor those of devoted Hans, but then she never had to. Not until the night when she’s taken captive in a surprise Indian raid. During her captivity, Betsy faces brutality and hardship, but also unexpected kindness. She draws strength from native Caleb, who encourages her to find God in all circumstances. She finds herself torn between her pious upbringing and the intense new feelings this compelling man awakens within her.
Handsome and complex, Hans is greatly anguished by Betsy’s captivity and turns to Tessa Bauer for comfort. Eagerly, Tessa responds, overlooking troubling signs of Hans’s hunger for revenge. When Betsy is finally restored to the Amish, have things gone too far between Hans and Tessa?
Inspired by true events, this deeply layered novel gives a glimpse into the tumultuous days of prerevolutionary Pennsylvania through the eyes of two young, determined, and faith-filled women.
Pre-order a copy of The Return here:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | CBD | SuzanneWoodsFisher.com
50 readers who pre-order a copy of The Return and send a snapshot of their receipt and their mailing address to Suzanne (suzanne@suzannewoodsfisher.com) will be entered into a giveaway to receive a book bag!
July 10, 2017
Author Spotlight with Natalie Maki
Scroll down for a chance to win a copy of Natalie Maki’s book, Flourish. Winner will be announced in the next Author Spotlight feature. Congratulations to last week’s winner of On Love’s Gentle Shore, Lisa B Redecop! Please e-mail your mailing address to my assistant Christen (christenkrumm@gmail.com).
Despite our desire to flourish, many women, myself included, often hesitate to go straight to the source of all strength, the Word of God. Yet God promises, “If you seek me, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29:13). There’s no better way to know the character of God than to dive straight into the Bible.
Nearly four years ago, I finally dove straight in, beginning my journey with the Lord through the entirety of his Word. As I share what the Lord has taught me with honesty, redemptive vulnerability, and a dash of self-deprecating humor, my hope is that you will read this and say, “Ah, me too! And, where’s my Bible?” My heart’s desire is for all of us to walk in the fullness of life God has for us, to become deeply rooted in the Word, and to be able to say together, “I have seen the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13).
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a woman who wears many hats, occasionally, all in one day. I am an attorney, a writer, a mother, a wife, and soon to be an auntie! My favorite hat is the big old mom sunhat with a dorky under-neck tie that I wear while chasing around my delicious toddler daughter. I grew up in sunny California, attended Wheaton College just outside Chicago, and until recently, was living 15 blocks from the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. In October of last year, our family boomeranged back to California and I couldn’t be happier to be home. We totally skipped winter last year and I am not sorry.
Do you have a day job as well? If so, what is it?
A few years ago, the Lord used my frustrating quest for a day job (working as an attorney) to reveal his deeper purpose for me. He taught me that seasons filled with delays and disappointments on our end are really his kindness and care for us. When things happen that we don’t understand, we often think, “Why, God? Why didn’t I get this perfect job? Why isn’t this situation working out? What the heck are you doing up there?” There have been many times when I’ve sent those angry arrow prayers up to heaven, demanding to know why God wasn’t doing what I thought would be the best thing for my life. Looking back now, I can see, in almost every instance, no matter how unpleasant at the time, exactly what he was doing with me. If we let him, he uses every single situation and works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28).
When did you start writing your first book?
I think I’ve been a writer for years without knowing it. I used to compose essays in my head as I fell asleep at night and crazy ideas for stories would come to me in the shower. I edited a book for a professor in college, and worked on law review in law school, all things that finally lead to the realization that I wanted to write a book about what God had been teaching me.
Nearly four years ago, I was in the midst of a dark post-law school season. I was unbelievably frustrated with my job situation or lack thereof. In a fit of anger, I threw open my Bible at the beginning and said, “I’m going to know you, God, whether you like it or not.” Turns out, he likes it very much. Even though I was a lifelong Christian, I had never read the entire Bible. I thought I knew God, and I did, but not at the level he longed for or the level I needed to abide in his presence. That fateful day began a rich and beautiful four-year long journey through the entirety of God’s Word and I wouldn’t trade that time with him for anything.
During that process, I started writing little things here or there and sending them to the close ladies in my life. At first, I just shared a psalm, or an encouraging sermon, or something profound I picked up during my devotions. Gradually, I began writing in my own words, putting words to what the Lord was doing in my heart. Slowly, very slowly, I became a writer. The email list grew and one woman asked, “Where can I read the rest of your pieces?” I said, “Uhh .. in my email ‘sent’ folder?” I started to ask the Lord, “What should I do with this? Should this be a book or a blog?” The idea of a blog sounded very intimidating to me but I felt a lot of peace about writing a book. I said, “Ok, Lord, I’m not writing this book until you give me a title. A few days later, he gave me the word “Flourish” from Psalm 52:8, “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God, I trust in his unfailing love forever and ever.” A year and a half later, Flourish was born.
How did you choose the genre you write in? Or did the genre choose you? Please explain.
The genre definitely chose me. In fact, I made up a genre to categorize my writing—I call my book a devotional memoir because each chapter incorporates Scripture into whatever the Lord is working on in my heart like a devotional, yet I also share personal stories about his work on all facets of my heart, like my envy, my anger, my media consumption, or my worry.
I write honest, redemptively vulnerable (and hopefully self-deprecatingly humorous) essays about the intersection of real life and the power of God’s Word. People often say, “Wow, you’re so vulnerable and honest and open, it must be hard to share like that.” I smile and say thank you, but privately I’m thinking, “Oh no, should it be hard to share like this?! Doesn’t everyone else feel this way a little too?” My writing reflects my personality, and I don’t know how to be any other way. Sure, now everyone knows about my anger, my struggle with envy, and my tendency to worry the socks off of every situation, but come on, who doesn’t struggle with those things from time to time? If you don’t, please send me a note, I’d love to know your secret.
Does writing energize you or exhaust you?
Writing absolutely energizes me. It’s definitely work, I have to exercise discipline to sit down and do it, but the Lord will often give me pieces almost fully formed. They swim around in my head persistently until I write them down. I feel wonderfully empty when I finally get all the words out, like my mind can be quiet because I’ve said what I needed to say. Writing really helps me process my own feelings and make sense of difficult situations or relationships. I’ve written more than one piece not fit for public consumption but the practice is incredibly therapeutic.
Do you believe in writer’s block?
Yes. For me, so many things have to be right before I can write. I need to be well-rested and spiritually fed. I need to have time and space to think. I need perfect silence. I need a to-do list that’s been mostly dealt with, a cup of hot tea and a full tummy. Reading this list, it’s kind of amazing I ever get any writing done at all.
Do you create an outline before you begin? Do you have the end in mind, or do you just wait and see where the story takes you?
Sometimes I create an outline, sometimes I just start writing and see where the Lord takes me, although I usually have a few ideas ahead of time. When I’m in a hurry and won’t be able to write a full piece in one sitting, I run to my computer, open a new document, and jot down the title, two or three Scriptures, and enough ideas to jog my memory for when I actually get to sit down and write. I like to get everything out of my head and then re-organize and edit heavily later. I believe in lots and lots of editing. I personally edited the manuscript for Flourish at least nine times, and it was edited six times by other people. The passage of time is so important, that’s one of the things I like about writing a book over blogging. With a book, you have time to step away and come back to your work with fresh eyes. I think the end product usually ends up better because of it.
What kind of research do you do? How long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
The research for Flourish was done in the school of real life. That’s one of the reasons the book took so long to write. I could tell the book wasn’t finished yet, but you can’t Amazon Prime spiritual growth and maturity. It took time to learn what the Lord was trying to teach me, and then even more time to be able to distill that knowledge into an intelligible piece of writing that made sense to anyone else. When I finished the last chapter in draft form, I felt a release like, “Alright, it’s finally ready to move to the next stage.”
Are you part of a community of authors? If so, how has it helped you?
For starters, you have been so incredibly gracious with your time and wisdom. You’ve listened to all my crazy ideas over coffee and you’ve been so helpful in navigating this entirely new field. A few months ago, you asked me if I had ever thought about writing fiction. I said, “No way! I have no idea how to do that!” Yet as soon as I finished Flourish, the Lord gave me two ideas for fiction books, something I never would have had the courage to entertain without your encouragement. My dear friend Laura Thomas, the founder of Missionarymama.com, has been another wonderful resource. And I love picking the very experienced brain of my friend Maria Keffler, author of the Deo Volente series. I also rely heavily on my crew of first readers. I bounce all my new writing ideas, cover art, bio text, etc. off of them and they’re the ones I turn to when I feel like I’m crazy for pursuing this dream. It takes a village for most things in life, writing included.
Order a copy of Flourish here:
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | CBD | NatalieMaki.com
Natalie Maki is an attorney and writer who lives in sunny California with her family. She is a graduate of the Columbus School of Law at Catholic University and Wheaton College. You will find her talking to strangers, reading great novels, hiking, eating delicious food, trying to wear pajamas as real clothes, and chasing sleep. Say hello at nataliemaki.com.
