Monsters that attack us

I saw a question on one of the groups I belong to, and I wanted to post my thoughts about it here. It was in regards to jealousy. That green-eyed monster that attacks all of us--even if we don't admit it.







As I'm sure you've noticed, this blog isn't written just by me. No, we've grown to an authorship of 7 total awesome women & writers. Did you notice that last part? Writers? 




Let's look at the authors of this blog.

Aileen Stewart is the author of children's books.

April McKinnon is our resident reviewer (aka author of thought-provoking reviews)

Darlene Shortridge writes Christian romance

DeeDee Wike writes Devotionals for busy people

Karina Harris writes Christian romantic suspense

Kristi Burchfiel writes Devotionals and Bible studies

and I, Amanda, write Christian romance/romantic suspense



Do you notice a pattern here? Each of us are authors. (I consider April McKinnon an author as well. Have you read any of her reviews? They're not just hokily put together words. No, she's an excellent reviewer with talent! Trust me. You need to read what she thinks about books.)



There are even writers in our group that write basically the same genre. Kristi & DeeDee both write devotionals. Darlene, Karina, and I all write Christian romance. Now, please bear with me a moment while I digress on purpose.





When I first started my writing journey, I was green. A newbie. And, I noticed things about authors. I noticed there are know-it-all authors you can't tell a thing to because they know it already. There are authors that are friends with you for a short time while you help them. And then they never return the favor. (I call those the user-authors.) Some authors absolutely refuse to acknowledge you as a writer if you're just starting out. Or aren't just like them. Or...you get the idea. There are even a few that will read your book and happily slam it because you're not as good as they are. Trust me. That one hurts...!



Then, there are the elite few. Those that want to help others. Those that want more Christian books out on the market. (Yes, unfortunate as it is, the groups mentioned above, most are/were from the Christian genre.) Those that instead of looking for fame and fortune, are using opportunities to serve God, because they have a passion. They want to reach the lost for Christ. Some write devotionals that inspire people to live for and love God. Some write children's books because they want to reach the young at an early age. There are those reviewers who love a good book with a message, and they spread that word around. Some write fiction, because let's face it. Fiction books can oftentimes go where preachers and ministers aren't welcome and minister to those that would normally not listen.



So, let's answer the question I've been asked.

Aren't you jealous when another Christian writer obtains something you want?

My honest answer? (like I'd lie to you...!)

At the beginning of my journey? Yes.

As I traveled and have  grown on this winding writer's road?

Not anymore. In fact, I'm thrilled for them. I root for them. I try to help them promote their books.

Because, frankly, I don't have time to write every Christian book out there and we're using our talents to serve our amazing God. When they have a victory and I've helped, I consider it my victory as well. And I'm glad to be a part of the team!



What about you? Have you ever been attacked by the green-eyed monster? How did you defeat it?












Lonely Hearts The Price of Trust 
Winner of the Sisters in Cahoots $25 Olive Garden Gift Card....Crystal!Thanks to all who stopped by!
Grand Prize Winners of the John 3:16 MN Kindle Giveaway...





KINDLE WINNERS



have been announced at http://john316mn.blogspot.com



as well as shown below!












Let's thank the following John 3:16 Authors for sponsoring our 2 free Kindles



Deborah McCarragher Joy Hannabass, Rose McCauley Elaine Cooper

Amanda Stephen Tom Blubaugh Paulette Harper Theresa Franklin

Susan Craft Carol Brown Lynn Dove Martin Roth Saundra Dalton-Smith

Katherine Harms Heather Bixler Lorilyn Roberts Laura Davis

Bob Saffrin Sid Frost Sammie Chandler Donna Dawson





Congratulations to the Grand Prize winners:



marniepohlmann@shaw.ca  Marnie Pohlmann



pattersday@gmail.com   Patricia Day





Winners of our two Kindles from the John 3:16 Marketing Network Giveaway Blog Hop!

Thank you to all those who participated last week!  Also, if you signed up to win some prizes at the other participating blog sites, winners have been announced and if you were a winner, you will be notified by email within the next couple of days.

 Names were selected using random.org.







Blessings,
Lynn
www.shootthewounded.org
http://lynndove.wordpress.com/
http://wordsalt.wordpress.com/



Lorilyn

http://lorilynroberts.com

http://john316mn.blogspot.com

http://lorilynroberts.blogspot.com












Lonely Hearts ~ a sweet Christian Romance
The Price of Trust ~ Christian Romantic Suspense
http://www.booksbyamanda.com