Linda Rawlins's Blog, page 3
June 11, 2015
Redemption - Guest author A.K. Frailey
Please welcome my guest author and blogger A.K. Frailey who is graciously hosting for me this week -
Redemption
I’m always wondering how I got myself in the latest fix, even when the latest fix isn’t really my fault at all. Like when the power goes out, or the phones don’t work, or the water filters get clogged. I find myself wondering if I did something to deserve such a rough day. When I have actually done something wrong, I don’t always feel the consequences right away but somewhere inside of me, I just wait, knowing that it’s coming – probably when I least expect it.
I know a lot of good people, but I don’t know any perfect people, close maybe, but not quite perfect. And I’m rather grateful that I’m not standing alone in my imperfection. But even more, I am grateful that there is a way out of bad days and sin itself.
Bad days need to be lived through. Sin needs to be repented. Repentance comes at a cost. It usually breaks a person into pieces and then puts them back together again…better than they were. At least that’s how it usually works with me.
IshtarCVIn the story of Ishtar’s Redemption, Ishtar is the son of Neb, a slave trader, who is enslaved by powers he neither understands nor controls. Ishtar sees what his father does to the innocent and something inside him breaks. He chooses another path. But he doesn’t really know where he is going to, he just knows what he wants to get away from. It takes all three books of The Deliverance Trilogy to fully tell the tale of Ishtar’s repentance and his eventual redemption. Because redemption is not just about getting away from sin, it is about embracing the hope of salvation. It is something bigger than Ishtar can conceptualize at first. It takes him a life time of experiences to glimpse that hope.
And in truth, it’ll take me a life time and beyond to fully grasp what God has promised me if I repent my sins, day by day, and cling to the hope that He will save me even from my worst self – if I let Him. We live in a very troubled world that is immersed in sin, broken, far from the God who made us, and loves us, and wants to save us. But in order to be redeemed – we must first repent. That’s the first step toward hope – even on the worst day.
If you would like to know more about Ishtar’s Redemption – Trial by Fire, book 2 of The Deliverance Trilogy, please check out the reviews on this website or on Amazon. Here’s the Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1uidTWK
The Road Goes Ever On - A Christian Journey...
The Deliverance Trilogy
Georgios I - Hidden Heritage
photo Ann Frailey
Author, A.K. Frailey Books
http://www.akfrailey.com/
Redemption
I’m always wondering how I got myself in the latest fix, even when the latest fix isn’t really my fault at all. Like when the power goes out, or the phones don’t work, or the water filters get clogged. I find myself wondering if I did something to deserve such a rough day. When I have actually done something wrong, I don’t always feel the consequences right away but somewhere inside of me, I just wait, knowing that it’s coming – probably when I least expect it.
I know a lot of good people, but I don’t know any perfect people, close maybe, but not quite perfect. And I’m rather grateful that I’m not standing alone in my imperfection. But even more, I am grateful that there is a way out of bad days and sin itself.
Bad days need to be lived through. Sin needs to be repented. Repentance comes at a cost. It usually breaks a person into pieces and then puts them back together again…better than they were. At least that’s how it usually works with me.
IshtarCVIn the story of Ishtar’s Redemption, Ishtar is the son of Neb, a slave trader, who is enslaved by powers he neither understands nor controls. Ishtar sees what his father does to the innocent and something inside him breaks. He chooses another path. But he doesn’t really know where he is going to, he just knows what he wants to get away from. It takes all three books of The Deliverance Trilogy to fully tell the tale of Ishtar’s repentance and his eventual redemption. Because redemption is not just about getting away from sin, it is about embracing the hope of salvation. It is something bigger than Ishtar can conceptualize at first. It takes him a life time of experiences to glimpse that hope.
And in truth, it’ll take me a life time and beyond to fully grasp what God has promised me if I repent my sins, day by day, and cling to the hope that He will save me even from my worst self – if I let Him. We live in a very troubled world that is immersed in sin, broken, far from the God who made us, and loves us, and wants to save us. But in order to be redeemed – we must first repent. That’s the first step toward hope – even on the worst day.
If you would like to know more about Ishtar’s Redemption – Trial by Fire, book 2 of The Deliverance Trilogy, please check out the reviews on this website or on Amazon. Here’s the Amazon Link: http://amzn.to/1uidTWK
The Road Goes Ever On - A Christian Journey...
The Deliverance Trilogy
Georgios I - Hidden Heritage
photo Ann Frailey
Author, A.K. Frailey Books
http://www.akfrailey.com/
June 3, 2015
Personal Metrics - Do they work?
Business is run by metrics. Metrics are used to measure things, usually performance or results. We use metrics to judge, track, and compare our decisions and choices. But what about personal metrics? As a physician, I’ve had patients who have come to the office for physicals, with pages of data relating to their medications, daily sugars, blood pressure, weights as well as other measurements. They were outstanding record keepers, precise, committed and complete. Yet their blood tests were awful, their sugars worse and overall health declined. I’ve had other patients who thrust a stained napkin towards me where a loved one had jotted down the names of the meds they remember taking. Yet, some of those patients had an excellent physical. Everyone uses metrics differently and what works for one, does not work for another. Some patients who were busy recording metrics were not necessarily exercising and those who worked out and watched their diet, may not have written anything down. We use personal metrics for other things, such as keeping track of our book sales or finances. We have modern technology which not only keeps track of personal metrics, but offers suggestions or comments when an activity is due or personal goal not met. For some, this technology is a wonderful tool for organization and can be very helpful. Others become so obsessed on the “numbers”, they lose track of the mission. Or perhaps the numbers they seek are not germane for their problem. It happens all the time. Whether you are dealing with health, finances, book sales or other data, decide what works best for you, why it works and how best to accomplish your mission. Are you shooting for the right goal and are you using the correct metric to get you there? Make sure you keep an eye on the bigger picture, set the proper goal, and use the tool, (or not) that works best for you.
May 21, 2015
4 Ways to tell if you treat your writing like a business
You love to write. You tingle when you hit the zone and are exhilarated when you have so much to share. Perhaps you have written a chapter or two around a beautiful pool on vacation, camping in the mountains or on a beach while inspired by the glorious ocean. You dream about quitting your day job and writing full time. Dreams can become reality if you are willing to do the work. But do you truly treat your writing like a real business? Here are a few ways to tell…
1. Do you have defined goals? As in a typical day job, you should have a writing space where you work daily. Next, set a timeframe with specific goals and deadlines and adhere to it. You can plan for so many written words per day or week and then make sure you hit your mark. Honestly, some days are golden and some days are not, but the point is you show up for work and put words on paper. You can give yourself “days off” for sick time and vacation, but keep the amount reasonable. Otherwise, go to work, sit down and write. You will always take time to edit and polish later in the process.
2. How do you feel when you “go to work” as a writer? Are you excited to get to your desk and type all you have written in your head overnight? Or do you feel guilty you are not doing the laundry, mowing the lawn or shopping? Do you procrastinate or redefine your goals each week, allowing yourself to do one household chore and double your writing goal the following week? Do you ever accomplish the new goal? You would not be able to perform household chores if you drove fifty miles to work each day. Do not let working at home distract you. Many writers admit they do not treat their writing as a “real” job. You can set the timeframe for the work flow which is best for you. Beyond that, ask for support to allow you to accomplish the goal you set.
3. Do you keep good business and financial records, using an organized system? Do you log all your material expenses and time as well as your income? Are you ready when tax time approaches? As writers, we do not always have to approve a specific budget each month, but do not become complacent about the materials, software, marketing expenses, conferences, computers, smart phones and other items you need on a regular basis to write. Keep great records and have them handy when needed.
4. Do you have your sales/marketing/metric plan all set? Are you building your social media platform on a regular basis? Decide which social media platforms and blogs work for you and then put aside a specific time period each week or day to post, respond, share and comment. Have defined days to review the analytics of your platforms to see what is “working” for you and what approach is not. Try to reach out and make new connections on a regular basis. Keep a well organized system of beta readers, bloggers, and author friends who are willing to share, tweet, or post for you. Be prepared to do the same for them. I like to write in the morning and take care of “business” in the afternoon.
“
Writing is a wonderful, creative outlet where you can express your thoughts, dreams and opinions of the world in which you live. For some, it is a wonderful hobby and for others a very involved occupation. Only you can decide what is best for you, define your goals and go for it! Happy Writing!”
1. Do you have defined goals? As in a typical day job, you should have a writing space where you work daily. Next, set a timeframe with specific goals and deadlines and adhere to it. You can plan for so many written words per day or week and then make sure you hit your mark. Honestly, some days are golden and some days are not, but the point is you show up for work and put words on paper. You can give yourself “days off” for sick time and vacation, but keep the amount reasonable. Otherwise, go to work, sit down and write. You will always take time to edit and polish later in the process.
2. How do you feel when you “go to work” as a writer? Are you excited to get to your desk and type all you have written in your head overnight? Or do you feel guilty you are not doing the laundry, mowing the lawn or shopping? Do you procrastinate or redefine your goals each week, allowing yourself to do one household chore and double your writing goal the following week? Do you ever accomplish the new goal? You would not be able to perform household chores if you drove fifty miles to work each day. Do not let working at home distract you. Many writers admit they do not treat their writing as a “real” job. You can set the timeframe for the work flow which is best for you. Beyond that, ask for support to allow you to accomplish the goal you set.
3. Do you keep good business and financial records, using an organized system? Do you log all your material expenses and time as well as your income? Are you ready when tax time approaches? As writers, we do not always have to approve a specific budget each month, but do not become complacent about the materials, software, marketing expenses, conferences, computers, smart phones and other items you need on a regular basis to write. Keep great records and have them handy when needed.
4. Do you have your sales/marketing/metric plan all set? Are you building your social media platform on a regular basis? Decide which social media platforms and blogs work for you and then put aside a specific time period each week or day to post, respond, share and comment. Have defined days to review the analytics of your platforms to see what is “working” for you and what approach is not. Try to reach out and make new connections on a regular basis. Keep a well organized system of beta readers, bloggers, and author friends who are willing to share, tweet, or post for you. Be prepared to do the same for them. I like to write in the morning and take care of “business” in the afternoon.
“
Writing is a wonderful, creative outlet where you can express your thoughts, dreams and opinions of the world in which you live. For some, it is a wonderful hobby and for others a very involved occupation. Only you can decide what is best for you, define your goals and go for it! Happy Writing!”
May 3, 2015
Where do you find your muse?
Can you believe it’s May? It was NY’s Eve four short months ago. Did you make resolutions? Like most of us, did those resolutions fall by the way when life intervened? Then, like most of us, did you make more resolutions to coincide with Spring? Well, now we are in May. May is beautiful, filled with graduations, weddings, communions, and blooming trees that start off the season. May can be busy, but it can be a good type of busy and certainly time to find your muse. Synonyms for muse include inspiration, and stimulus. Spring inspires us to get moving. Cleaning, planning, and renewing, like flowers and leaves on a tree. It’s easy to lose our focus in winter. Our survival skills kick in with the cold, dealing with work, deadlines, metrics, and budgets. Or perhaps, studying at school, finishing papers, projects and presentations. Don’t get me wrong. I believe in routine and discipline, but when my task list looks like a living, breathing, undulating creature as items boil and bubble upon it, I know it’s time to find my muse. Where do you find your muse? I find mine in beautiful weather, the beach, mountains, great music, sparkling water and the smell of a barbecue with a cold glass of wine or beer. Take some time to disconnect, unplug, erase the list, go outside, breathe the air and reestablish a bond with nature. Your time away from responsibilities will renew, refresh and strengthen your approach. Go find your muse, revitalize yourself, and bloom.
April 14, 2015
Do you read your reviews?
Stumbled across a chat room in which several people were having an in-depth book discussion about one of my books. I must admit it made me nervous about what I might read, but thrilled that the book was being discussed. An editor once told me never read reviews of your own books. He wanted to know how many books I would have read in my high school/college literature classes if they had had reviews posted in advance? How would you describe books like Grapes of Wrath, War and Peace, Isaac Asimov's I, Robot? I left the chat room and followed the editor's advice - just keep reading!
April 11, 2015
Spring has sprung
Spring has sprung – a time of new beginnings, warmer weather, renewed goals and promises. Many changes are on the horizon – remain open to a different path and allow yourself the freedom to bloom without fear, anxiety, guilt or recrimination. Our time is fleeting – rejoice, enjoy every moment of the life you have been blessed with and do it with pure delight! If you write - just sit down and do it from your heart. Marketing and Promo will follow but you have to do the writing and do it well before you worry about where it will go. Sit down at that blank page and just let it all go!
March 3, 2015
Great Quote
"You can make anyone a reader if you match them up with the right book" - Mary Logue writing as Mary Lou Kirwin in Killer Librarian
June 8, 2014
Catholic Fiction Listopia
Hi, I am new to Listopia. My books are listed under Catholic Fiction. If you have a moment, I'd be thrilled if you would vote for Sacred Gold, The Bench, or Fatal Breach on the Catholic Fiction Listopia List.
Then let me know what lists your books are on - let's make some noise -
Thanks so much!
Then let me know what lists your books are on - let's make some noise -
Thanks so much!
March 23, 2014
Book Review - The Ghost and the Femme Fatale by Cleo Coyle - cozy, Film Noir PI, paranormal mystery
The town of Quindicott, Rhode Island is holding a Film Noir Festival, hosted by the newly renovated Movie Town Theater. One of their supporters is none other than famous 1940's screen actress, Hedda Geist. The legendary femme fatale is almost killed when she makes an on-stage appearance for the first time in many years. The next morning, a book signing for another guest goes horribly wrong and ends in death.
The bodies continue to pile up from there! It turns out the deaths are related to a cold case from the files of Jack Shepard, an Private Investigator who was gunned down in 1949 in an independent bookstore now co-owned by Penelope McClure Thornton. Luckily, it so happens that Jack's ghost haunts the bookstore and has already helped Penelope solve a few murders. As a matter of fact, Penelope has found that she can "interact" with Jack in her dreams.
In The Ghost and the Femme Fatale, the fourth Haunted Bookshop Mystery, Jack and Penelope work together to solve multiple homicides crossing over decades in time. It seems Hedda and friends have been involved in murder in the past. The film festival is the first time they all meet again with explosive results.
Jack can take Penelope back to the 1940's while Penelope can discuss things with Jack in the current year. Their relationship heats up in both decades and solving murders is only part of their worries.
I fully enjoyed this mystery and I love this series. It combines cozy mystery with a classic film noir PI and a paranormal element while Penelope and Jack Shepard sort out cold cases, murder, mystery and hormones. Great read!
The bodies continue to pile up from there! It turns out the deaths are related to a cold case from the files of Jack Shepard, an Private Investigator who was gunned down in 1949 in an independent bookstore now co-owned by Penelope McClure Thornton. Luckily, it so happens that Jack's ghost haunts the bookstore and has already helped Penelope solve a few murders. As a matter of fact, Penelope has found that she can "interact" with Jack in her dreams.
In The Ghost and the Femme Fatale, the fourth Haunted Bookshop Mystery, Jack and Penelope work together to solve multiple homicides crossing over decades in time. It seems Hedda and friends have been involved in murder in the past. The film festival is the first time they all meet again with explosive results.
Jack can take Penelope back to the 1940's while Penelope can discuss things with Jack in the current year. Their relationship heats up in both decades and solving murders is only part of their worries.
I fully enjoyed this mystery and I love this series. It combines cozy mystery with a classic film noir PI and a paranormal element while Penelope and Jack Shepard sort out cold cases, murder, mystery and hormones. Great read!
cozy, Film Noir PI, paranormal mystery
The town of Quindicott, Rhode Island is holding a Film Noir Festival, hosted by the newly renovated Movie Town Theater. One of their supporters is none other than famous 1940's screen actress, Hedda Geist. The legendary femme fatale is almost killed when she makes an on-stage appearance for the first time in many years. The next morning, a book signing for another guest goes horribly wrong and ends in death.
The bodies continue to pile up from there! It turns out the deaths are related to a cold case from the files of Jack Shepard, an Private Investigator who was gunned down in 1949 in an independent bookstore now co-owned by Penelope McClure Thornton. Luckily, it so happens that Jack's ghost haunts the bookstore and has already helped Penelope solve a few murders. As a matter of fact, Penelope has found that she can "interact" with Jack in her dreams.
In The Ghost and the Femme Fatale, the fourth Haunted Bookshop Mystery, Jack and Penelope work together to solve multiple homicides crossing over decades in time. It seems Hedda and friends have been involved in murder in the past. The film festival is the first time they all meet again with explosive results.
Jack can take Penelope back to the 1940's while Penelope can discuss things with Jack in the current year. Their relationship heats up in both decades and solving murders is only part of their worries.
I fully enjoyed this mystery and I love this series. It combines cozy mystery with a classic film noir PI and a paranormal element while Penelope and Jack Shepard sort out cold cases, murder, mystery and hormones. Great read!
The bodies continue to pile up from there! It turns out the deaths are related to a cold case from the files of Jack Shepard, an Private Investigator who was gunned down in 1949 in an independent bookstore now co-owned by Penelope McClure Thornton. Luckily, it so happens that Jack's ghost haunts the bookstore and has already helped Penelope solve a few murders. As a matter of fact, Penelope has found that she can "interact" with Jack in her dreams.
In The Ghost and the Femme Fatale, the fourth Haunted Bookshop Mystery, Jack and Penelope work together to solve multiple homicides crossing over decades in time. It seems Hedda and friends have been involved in murder in the past. The film festival is the first time they all meet again with explosive results.
Jack can take Penelope back to the 1940's while Penelope can discuss things with Jack in the current year. Their relationship heats up in both decades and solving murders is only part of their worries.
I fully enjoyed this mystery and I love this series. It combines cozy mystery with a classic film noir PI and a paranormal element while Penelope and Jack Shepard sort out cold cases, murder, mystery and hormones. Great read!
