Ann Marie Bryan's Blog, page 21

Pray with understanding

“And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us.” 1 John 5:14 (KJV) Many times bad news motivate us to pray. We can’t see our way out of a situation so we take it to The One who knows us best. That is always a good thing. It is at the throne of grace and mercy that we will receive all our answers.“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And...

The First Draft

Regarding my writing process, I carry the storyline in my mind until I have a good grasp on where I’m heading with it. During that time, I get to know the characters - their backgrounds, personalities, likes and dislikes, pain points, etc. There are three elements that are always present in my writing  - a central theme, a major event that has changed the protagonist’s life, and conflict. I like to write about characters who are total opposites, because I have to take them out of their comfor...

The Editing Process

The most dreaded part of writing for me is the absolutely necessary editing process. I’m handing over my “baby” for a thorough examination and that can be nerve-racking. Often, I’ll wonder if my editors will understand the message I’m attempting to convey. Happy to report that usually they do. However, there is nothing quite like making those editorial changes. It is time-consuming and exhausting. Yet, it must be done because I want to release my best book.QUESTION: What is your approach to m...

Author Interview: Michelle Stimpson

I am delighted to interview national bestselling, award-winning author Michelle Stimpson. Check out her new release and our interview.On another note, today (7/27/2016), Michelle will join us in My Facebook Readers' Cafe to talk more about her new release, "Who Killed My Husband?" and also to discuss writing and publishing related topics. NEW RELEASEBy Michelle StimpsonAshley Crandall finally convinced her husband, Allan, to attend the Christian men’s retreat...but he ends up dead there. What...

For Aspiring Authors

Perhaps you have an idea for a book, but you are unsure how to begin. You have never attempted anything this huge and your life is already too hectic… a job, family, and several other activities. How can you successfully complete this seemingly insurmountable task? You can do this. Start writing. There is never going to be a perfect time. I know you’ve probably heard it a thousand times but it is the truth. True too, there is no magic formula. Writing is a discipline so keep at it, day by day...

Encounters of the Heart: Healing the Heart

“A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:13 (NIV).To survive a broken heart, you need to rise above the pain. When your heart is broken, you nurse deep mental and emotional wounds, and many times, you wonder if your heart will ever heal. I am confident that you will survive this. Healing your heart will take time. Trust God and allow Him to heal your wounds and set you free to focus on your future. "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares fo...

Encounters of the Heart: A Broken Heart

Oh, the joys of being in love - the rush, the tingle, the breathlessness, the friendship, and the anticipation of genuine affection and adoration. Being in love is a great and wonderful thing. It’s just beautiful. “You can touch the moonlight," according to Celine Dion’s song.But finding love can be challenging, even daunting at times. You think, I have finally found the one, but that did not end well, not at all. Finding the love of your life seemingly eluded you, leaving you with a broken h...

Walking In My Purpose

I believe I am. My purpose brings significance, value and stability to my life.My greatest passion is to empower others to succeed by gaining greater self-awareness through the knowledge of God’s Word. It is a natural calling to encourage others to achieve personal excellence so they can live life to the fullest.It has been an interesting journey to get where I am today. A journey, mostly, of learning to follow the footprints that God has laid out for me, of letting go of fear and wanting aff...

Discovering Your Purpose: Key Ingredients

You are perfectly designed for your purpose. Find it. Embraced it.It is your responsibility to determine your purpose. Thankfully, you are not alone, the Holy Spirit will guide you. Pray and spend time daily in the Word. These are the building blocks to understanding who you are in Jesus Christ. As you develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, He will reveal His plans for you. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”...

Discovering Your Purpose: The Journey

You matter! God has a unique plan for your life. He created you for purpose. You see, there is something that God wants done that requires your existence on earth. Ephesians 1:11 (NIV) tells us, “in Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will,” for your life. Ask yourself this critical question – what is my purpose?The answer to that very important question along with your views, values, and...