OUT OF THE ASHES

I have to share the gorgeous cover to my next historical romance novel, which I pray will release this June. This is assuming all the edits run smoothly and nothing goes wrong! In the meantime, here's the unveiling of the cover, and a book jacket description so you can have some idea of what this book is about! I give ALL the credit to my amazing book cover designer, Roseanna White. She was able to implement everything I asked, even the royal-blue color for the dress! Her gorgeous design is what I believe will sell this book. I know, I know. They say, "Don't judge a book by its cover." But people DO! And she makes my book look good!

I just hope the inside of this book meets the expectations that this cover evokes!

Nathaniel Ward, wealthy entrepreneur, needs a wife. But he’s not interested in the preening, high-society women who are offered to him on a silver platter. He wants one woman, and one woman alone—a girl he met on the streets in Colorado when he was destitute after escaping the Great Chicago Fire that took his family. He sets out to find this woman and discovers she’s unattached. There’s only one problem, a shotgun wedding may be able to bind them, but will he ever be able to win her heart?

Amelia E. Taylor blows a kiss to a street rat. Little did she know that kiss would follow her years later to Green Pines, Colorado. When a handsome stranger arrives in her hometown, she guards her heart from the stirrings this man ignites. Despite society’s disapproval of spinsterhood, she is determined not to marry, having witnessed first hand the lack of love and horrors that accompany marriage. But will a shotgun wedding reveal the blessings that can arise out of the ashes?

"Discipline." Really?

A new post is up on THE LORD'S LADY for those of you who are interested.

THE LORD'S LADY

So . . . despite being such a mess, here's something I've come up with that I realized I should share with all of you.

In my quest to rediscover myself, I started this new blog titled THE LORD'S LADY. If you want to know what this blog is all about, how it got its title, etc. just click on the link above to learn more.

I was at first very excited about this endeavor, and one of my amazing writer friends, Roseanna White, designed the header for it. (I've had so much support from so many people, it's mind boggling!) Anyway, I've written a few posts for it, and maybe I'll share some of them here. But there's a part of me that thinks maybe I need to just stick to "teaching" the "word" in my novels. It comes more naturally to me that way. It's a more "personal" situation that way too. I'm also much better at one-on-one Bible studies, verses teaching to a multitude of women from several backgrounds, understanding and knowledge, I'm almost overwhelmed with how I can reach or touch so many lives on so many levels. Where does one start?

I'm learning, it's one thing to "know" something, but it's a completely different story when trying to "teach" or "explain" what you know or have learned to someone else. In many ways, it's just like writing a book. As writers, we've got to make sure we "show" the reader every aspect of a scene: setting, characters, emotion, etc. so they know where they're at, both physically and internally. But when imparting "knowledge" or "wisdom" (which I'm still a LONG WAYS in learning these things myself, so please realize I'm not thinking "I know better") it's different. In fact, I'm hoping we can learn from each other. There's so much I have to learn and discover. That's what The Lord's Lady is all about.

Either way, I've got a gazillion "ideas" for posts for this new blog, and I'll just see where it leads. At the moment, my favorite post is titled DON'T CLING TO PAPER NAILS if any of you would like to read it. And if you'd like to read the other posts, I'd be thrilled. Again, I really don't "know it all." I just LOVE talking about God's word and discovering His Truths and sharing His Truths.

As my seven-year-old daughter likes to say, "God is such a GOOD Person! He is so BIG and He's even bigger than our house! I just love Him, Mommy." Yes, those are her words. She has a lot to be grateful for since He allowed her mommy to stick around a bit longer. He's all she talks about.

I often thank God for letting me live. So often! When I get to witness conversations like the one above, when I get to teach my son a new lesson about life, when I get to sit and read a story to my youngest, when I get to run my two older daughters from school to work, I thank God that He let me live! During this process, however, I also recall the story of Hezekiah in the Bible and how he was sick, but God gave him sixteen more years, and during those sixteen years, he completely blew it and pretty much handed God's people over to the enemy. Anyway, when I thank God for letting me live, I also ask him to help me NOT be like Hezekiah. Gulp! I really don't trust myself. After all, if Hezekiah can blow it, not to mention David, Solomon, ETC, (and these folks had close communication with God!), how much better could I possibly do? So, yeah. I pray that as well.

Okay . . .

Sometimes I feel like there's so much in my head that I have to get it all OUT. So, I guess my braincells aren't completely fried. Right?

Enough rambling. I hope you like THE LORD'S LADY.

I'M A MESS

Ever since SURVIVING cancer, I can't seem to get myself in order. The collateral for my new publishing company fell through, and honestly, I'm fine with that. I prayed and asked God to open and close the doors. He clearly closed that one. So, I'm simply going to save what I can to publish one of my own stories and let one of my books be the guinea pig before I branch out with other people's books. But that means . . . I have to write. Me. No one else. It's all up to me to be the one to WRITE.

I've been so disillusioned because I haven't been able to write! There are so many reasons why.

Chemo/radiation did something to my brain. I remember it happening, how I couldn't think as sharply, suffering from forgetfulness and making the stupidest mistakes in spelling, it's really laughable. Back in January when I took on homeschooling, I approved of my daughter's spelling of "doll" as "DALL," until my son noticed it and made the correction. I mean . . . who does that? Of course, that was months ago, way back in January, and I've "learned" how to spell "doll" since then, LOL, but that's the kind of stuff I was facing. Actually, homeschooling has been a good "brain gym" exercise for me, and I can feel myself resharpening those "brainwave" connections.

I was also hoping to get my third book back from my publisher. They won't release the contract, and so I said I'd never write it. Not as a punishment, but just because it wasn't worth it financially. Ya know? It's A LOT of work writing a novel, especially one that long and that full of emotion and strife. But then, I keep getting this nudge from God about how my "yes should be yes, and my no should be no." After all, I DID sign a contract. I feel like I'm such a horrible person. My publisher helped me when I was sick, they stuck out their necks for me during that time, and prayed for me. And here I am begging to have my book back. Of course, it was all related to finances. But you know . . . I need to LET GO of my focus on MONEY. It truly is the root of all evil.

When I was dying, God provided for us in many "portions and in many ways." It's pretty foolish not to lean on Him now. Not to trust in Him after everything He's done for me. He CURED ME of cancer! What a fool I'd be NOT to TRUST Him now. I mean, really!

So . . . if DeWard will still have me, I WILL one day write that third book. I've got the story in my head. It needs to come out. But I just need to ask all of you for your understanding. For your patience. As I am not the same "Sandi" I used to be, and I'm still trying to figure "me" out, and I pray you'll forgive me when I make those foolish, perhaps "unfeeling" mistakes, as I'm trying to find this new path God has set me on. The only way that third book is going to be any good is if I "practice" a bit and warm up some by writing other things.

I'm working on a light story right now, and for the first time since before cancer, I've actually written two full chapters! For most writers of novels, that's not much, but for me, it's HUGE! It's GINORMOUS! I can also tell it's good for my "brain." So few understand what I've been going through. Just because the cancer is gone, doesn't mean the side-effects from all that poison put into me is gone. I'm constantly faced with remnants of it on a daily basis.

Focusing my time, my MIND, on my kids has been thee BEST thing I could have done. Teaching them, and giving them my ALL . . . I can't go wrong there. Ya know? Now, I'm comfortable enough to branch out a tiny bit more.

So, I'm asking for your prayers. You see, the other reason I couldn't write is because it became my idol. It was ALL I did. I neglected giving my kids the time and attention they deserved and needed when I was writing. I DON'T WANT to become that person again. I pray constantly that I won't, and right now, it's NOT a temptation. I'm not as OBSESSED as I used to be about writing. I enjoy it, but I don't NEED it. I'm not living, breathing, eating it. If that makes any sense. So now you know. That's my confession, and my sin. Despite that, I think God is slowly giving this gift back to me, little by little, in slow increments. And I'm happy to go slow, happy to move in three speeds: slow, slower, and slowest when it comes to writing. I don't ever want it to take over my family and my life like it did in the past.

Well, that's all I have to say. Time for bed, and I pray those people I've disappointed and have hurt will have the heart to forgive me. So many had done things for me while I was sick, and I was too sick and oblivious to realize just "how much" they did, and I know I've hurt some people's feelings by not expressing enough gratitude for what they did do. On top of that, I can't keep up on all the good that was done for me. I can't keep up with all the thanks I owe to so many! Please know, I'm grateful! I'm thankful! But most of all, I'm thankful to my Holy Father because HE'S the one who brought me all these wonderful gifts through all of you. Thank you for being willing to let Him use you as His instrument. I pray He blesses you for blessing me.

SAYING "GOODBYE" TO THE PAST, AND "HELLO" TO THE FUTURE

BIG CHANGES are underway.

I haven't spent much time writing on this blog. After beating cancer, I really didn't want to sit down on the couch (where I spent two whole years) and stare into my computer screen when I could be staring into my children's beautiful faces.

Since "re-learning" how to live, in January, I started homeschooling my two youngest children. I never thought I was "smart enough" to take on such a task, but a close friend (who has a teaching degree), told me I CAN do this! And . . . I CAN! YAY! Anyway, I'm homeschooling for a number of reasons. I wanted to make up for lost time, plus, they weren't doing all that well in school. So, ever since starting with homeschooling, everything is going GREAT!! They are happy to have one-on-one with Mom, and I'm happy to see them grow, make progress, and hug and snuggle with them while we read together. I will say, those first few months of homeschooling were stressful with no set curriculum and just trying to get them "caught up." There was no time for friends or writing on blogs or books. Anyway, I've learned a lot since then, and things have calmed down significantly. But one thing is certain, my God will always come FIRST, then my husband, and then my kids. Books and writing are LAST on my list.

I used to think offering one of my books to God was a big thing. After all, I wrote it to glorify Him! But I've come to realize there are greater things to bring to His throne, and it's an offering that I know without-a-doubt is pleasing to Him (not to mention, something I can take with me to heaven): My children. Now, instead of visualizing myself entering into that throne room with my book in hand, I envision myself carrying my children in my arms and laying them at the feet of my heavenly Father who gave me these precious beings to mold and shape into people who will glorify and honor Him. Only with God's strength can I be successful at doing that! Honestly, homeschooling is an amazing way to make that happen. My six-year-old no longer comes home (she did this in kindergarten) saying "Oh, my G_ _!" And I remember registering my son for preschool years ago, and one of those preschoolers was using the "F" word! Nice to know they no longer will have those "lovely" influences. They were doing very well despite those things, but it required a lot more work, keeping on them and staying ahead of the game. Not to mention hours upon hours of homework for my oldest, and hours of homework for my first-grader because she didn't complete her assignments in class, and no time to play at home after school because of that! Whew! Now, I have no one to combat but our own little selves, and the kids can PLAY like kids are meant to do! We meet up with other homeschool kids in the neighborhood, and the children go at it, having a blast!

Now, back to books . . . many of you have asked when that "third book" will be coming out. I'm afraid I've only reached Chapter Two (that was last year or so), and I haven't moved forward since. I can't write it because it's kind of "dark" like the first two books, and after spending so much time on death's doorstep, I just don't want to "go there." I also thought, if I could self-publish my book, maybe I could write it because I'd make more money. So . . . I BEGGED my publisher to terminate my contract with them for the third book so I could earn full profits on it. After twenty emails back and forth, they've put down their foot and have refused to release me of my contract. That means . . . my third book will never be written. Yes, you heard me right. My third book will NEVER be written. And what's crazy is . . . I'm RELIEVED. I begged and begged to have my book back, and finally when I realized it wasn't going to happen and had to let the story go, I surprisingly felt relief. I think ultimately, I simply didn't want to write another intense, "dark" story. Plus, chemo has taken it's toll on my brain, and focusing on a blank page, knowing I have to complete an entire novel . . . hmm. It's been a challenge.

It's really time to move on. So, I'm saying "goodbye" to the past and "hello" to the future.

And . . . I'M STARTING MY OWN PUBLISHING COMPANY! I've done a lot of work for others and their publishing companies, and I feel like if they can do it, surely I can too! So, please pray for me as I take on this new venture. Doing this actually inspires me to WRITE! I may not be able to write that third book, but I can write LOTS of other books! And I have LOTS of ideas! In the meantime, I've been editing and making some much needed money, so why not publish other authors who can't get their books into the bigger houses? There are so many amazing, talented authors with great stories out there who can't get their foot in the door with those bigger publishing companies. Well, I want to be the one to discover them and make their work shine! AND this is where I can publish my own work. The word-count can be what I want it to be, and I can write ANYTHING I want! YAY!

Life is GOOD. Thank you God for giving me a second chance!

***Click on the link to see my new (unfinished) website for TULPEN PUBLISHING.

Showcasing author Christine Lindsay

Please welcome my wonderful friend and fellow author, Christine Lindsay!

Christine Lindsay is an Irish-born writer, proud of the fact that she was once patted on the head by Prince Philip when she was a baby. Her great grandfather, and her grandfather—yes father and son—were both riveters on the building of the Titanic. Tongue in cheek, Christine states that as a family they accept no responsibility for the sinking of that great ship.

It was stories of her ancestors who served in the British Cavalry in Colonial India that inspired her historical series Twilight of the British Raj of which Book 1 Shadowed in Silk has won several awards, and Book 2 Captured by Moonlight. Christine is currently writing the final installment of that series called Veiled at Midnight to be released August 2014.

Also coming out February 2014 is Londonderry Dreaming, a romance novella set in Londonderry Northern Ireland, not far from Christine’s birthplace.

Her newest release is a short Christmas story, Heavenly Haven, and has just been released as an Ebook Oct. 15, 2013.

Christine makes her home in British Columbia, on the west coast of Canada with her husband and their grown up family. Her cat Scottie is chief editor on all Christine’s books.

Please drop by Christine’s website www.christinelindsay.com

Follow her on Twitter and be her friend on Pinterest and Facebook

Heavenly Haven by Christine Lindsay

Avalanches happen to other people, not us. Marital problems happen to other people, not us, especially nine days before Christmas. At least that’s what Jack and Shaina Burke thought. Married for ten years, avalanche control expert Jack, and Shaina, only wanted to celebrate their December anniversary in a romantic way, until the shifting snows on the mountain bring havoc tumbling down upon them. Can they find renewed love in a heavenly haven of snow?

One of the 5-star Reviews for Heavenly Haven:

Reader, Kathryn Svendsen—Now that's what I call a romance! This was a wonderful novelette about a married couple and what a few angry words between them can do. What I loved about it was that the romance was between a married couple.

Most romance stories we read are between people who are not married and part of the reason why they are attracted to the other is how drop-dead gorgeous or how sexy handsome he is. This romance is between two people who have been married for ten years and have gotten to know one another's flaws and rough edges. We don't know if they are perfect looking or not. But we do know that whatever they look like, and whatever quirky habits or funky flaws they might have, Jack and Shaina do love each other. That is love, and that is what Ms. Lindsay shows us how God loves us.

Set in the beautiful Steven's Pass area of the Cascade Mountains in Washington State nine days before Christmas, Ms. Lindsay uses her considerable gift of descriptive language to present a story that you can easily see, taste, touch smell and feel. She is a master at creating the image in the reader's mind. I felt like I was right in the vehicle with Shaina and the children after the avalanche.

This story is a masterpiece! I gave it 5 stars. It should definitely be on your Christmas reading list!

Why I wrote Heavenly Haven by Christine Lindsay

The above review from reader, Kathryn Svendsen, is part of the reason I wrote this novelette. Like most women, I work, work, work. There is always something to do, and this past year I realized that my dear husband was suffering from loneliness due to my extremely busy schedule. Something had to change.

On our summer holidays we drove through the majestic Canadian Rockies, and at the summit of Roger’s Pass I noticed a large artillery gun. I asked my husband why on earth that was there, and he explained that avalanche control experts shot artillery shells into the snow caps to trigger avalanches. They did this to carefully control the snows from building too high and thick and thereby causing a fatal avalanche.

I mulled this over as we drove, and compared that to the changes I had to make in my life. My marriage had to come first, even at the expense of my writing career. So, I chose to cut back on my writing so I could spend more quality time with my husband. This little novelette is similar, but fictional, and I hope that my characters, Jack and Shaina, will inspire you to keep your priorities in line as well. Blessings on you and your loved ones.

Heavenly Haven is available as an Ebook on Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and Kobo.

Christine Lindsay would love to connect with you on her website www.ChristineLindsay.com, or drop by her blog for inspiration www.ChristineLindsay.org or follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

AND THE WINNER IS . . . .

JOYCE JUDD! 

CONGRATULATIONS on winning a signed copy of Sarah Fallis's book, THE DRAMA OF REDEMPTION! 

WHOOOO, HOOOOO!!!!!!!!!

I will contact you via email. :-)

Sarah, thank you for being on my blog and telling us about your book!

For those of you who wish to purchase a copy of her book, click on the following link: THE DRAMA OF REDEMPTION.