Who are you going to listen to?

“If you hear a voice within you say “you cannot paint,” then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ~ Vincent Van Gogh, Dutch Painter 

More words of encouragement

There is the pesky voice of the enemy who tells you "you can't do it. You're no good. You will fail." Good news is that he is a liar. So take heart if you hear these words. 

The best thing you can do is to continue. Keep  writing, painting, sketching, whatever your heart's desire is, do it. Don't stop. When you hear the words of defeat, do more. 

And be aware that the enemy can use more than just your own mind. He can also arrange for you to hear these word come from family, friends, and trusted coworkers. And if we are honest we must admit, that we have been used by the same enemy to discourage others.

So determine the course you have set. Understand that there is an enemy who wants you to fail. Even more understand the Lord desires for you to succeed. And guard your mouth that you are a messenger of hope and encouragement. And guard your heart from the discouragement.

You can do this. You can. Really. One step, one letter, one sentence at a time. You can.

To Go Indie or Not?

I'm standing in a long, and I mean looong, line. But only a few, maybe 60 out of thousands, will make it through the door. As I stand  between the narrow ropes keeping the line straight, I look to the side and see wide-open fields. Opportunity begs me to come. Promises me nothing other than to be free and risk the journey. I may win the prize or may wind up beaten. But I'll be free to venture into the new frontier. The land of Indie-publishing. 

Yep, I jumped the fence. The allure of uncharted trails too much for my entrepreneurial spirit to deny. The publishing industry is entering its own unknown territory. With the E-book revolution, nothing will remain as it was in the book world.

Are there pitfalls, dangers lurking for the intrepid author as they wield their pens against the overgrown grass of opportunity gone wild? You betcha. Going Rogue comes at a price.

But you can't beat freedom. Liberty is not a padded-wall life, but it is for those who look into the distant future, who long for open roads, and fight for their freedom.

Go For It.  If you dare.

So far, I have my front cover.
Am working on editing the book and establishing my author platform.

Is it at times daunting?  Yes. But as I look ahead, the rush of freedom brushes the fears aside. With the Lord before me, I run. I run the race set before me.

I'll check in next week and let you know how my intrepid journey is going.


God is Good!

You can do it, Monday!

I think I can, I think I can....
Remember that little book of the little train?
Start the day proclaiming that you can do it! Don't let the naysayers get an edge. Begin knowing that you've been given this day and along with it, the Lord has given you what you need to accomplish your goals.

So, what are your goals? Do you have any?

I am usually very goal challenged. I write by the Seat-of-my-pants and tend to live that way. But I am entering into a new chapter in my life. And I have things I need to accomplish.
Goals of the week

• Edit 10 chapters on Liberty Belle
• Write 3 chapters on my new WIP

I can do this. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.

Next Monday - I'll let you know how I did.

From Inspirational Spark

"A goal is a dream with a deadline."

~ Napoleon Hill

The Publishing Road

Just where am I on this road to publishing?

I do have 4 books finished. At least they have 'The End' attached to the last page.
Of course they all need their final editS and that is edit with a capital S.
I want them to be the best that I can make them.

The first book jumping out of the computer and into publish land, is Liberty Belle.
As you can see, I have the front cover finished thanks to  Delia Latham. She was a pleasure to work with.

But what do I have to do now? This very day?
 EDIT

So, beside working on my blog, I am going to have a quiet Saturday afternoon with Liberty Longstreet, Aunt Flora, and of course Sheriff Wade Calder. I'll let them tell me a thing or two that will enhance and tighten their story.

Till next week.

Things I will need to do before I publish Liberty Belle:

• of course finish the edit
• line up endorsements
• reviews
• blog interviews
• formatting for E-pub
• finish back cover of book
• Pray
• Pray a lot

God is Good

I am embarking on the great E-pub journey. My first book - Liberty Belle - will hit the cybershelf in May, 2012

There were many reasons to jump the traditional fences of the traditional publishing route.

• I am not traditional  : )
• I love my freedom
• I believe the Lord has directed me on this path (really the number one reason)
• Ability to be published this year rather than waiting - waiting - waiting

Keep in touch and I'll update my blog on what I learn about the process.

Time to get down to business.

The business of writing that is. I have proposals to finalize and send out.

I can do this.

Check out a short story I wrote about time at Fliterary

http://www.fliterary.com/

Enjoy and write!!

Next week is here!

The ACFW conference begins Thursday morning. Can't wait.

This year I'll be driving with my friend and fellow wordsmith, Betty Woods. So looking forward to the adventure the Lord has set before us.

I am thankful for all the prayers of those lifting up this conference. Thankful that American Christian Fiction Writers organization exists. Dedicated to helping those called to write stories that will prick, convict, lift up, console, and change hearts.

I am leaving tomorrow. Have I packed yet - no. But I am thinking about it. : )

Will check in and let you know how the conference is going. I am sure my brain will be filled with useful ways in which to write better.

When I get back, look out world. I intend to write like the wind and finish books started. And who knows how many stories will attack me and beg to be written.

See you in St. Louis.