A Rambling Writer and Her Tangled Thoughts

I had planned to take the weekend off from blogging, but really, why stay away from my community of writers?  So here’s a big jumbled mess of what’s on my mind right now.

So, first of all let me mention that I recently talked to Janelle Stalder, and her book, Eden, is being released this month!  Congratulations, Janelle!   She’s celebrating her release by offering a giveaway on Goodreads!  You can read my review of Eden here.  Not to mention, Janelle is one of the top search terms on my blog, so again, congratulations to her.  I expect great things from her and her writing.  So, enter the giveaway, and if you don’t win, go buy the book.

And, secondly, keeping up with Laura Stanfill’s good news post, I wanted to post some more good news that made my day.  As precursor to what I’m going to say, I have to admit to having one of the best church families in the world.  Ok, back on track.  When I arrived at church this morning, my pastor, Bro. Jimmy Bryan, stopped me and hugged my neck.  After the “good morning, sweetie” he proceeded to tell me that he read Piercing Through the Darkness and loved it.  Later on I find out that he told my brother-in-law he loved it and couldn’t put it down and was recommending it to my brother-in-law’s boss who also happens to be a member of our praise team at church.  (He bought a book by the way.)  Bro. Jimmy also asked me where it could be bought and then it was announced in church.  Which had me awe struck and nervous all at the same time since we’ve only been at this church for a year.

And again, while he was preaching, he said something and then said, “You understand what I’m sayin’, Emerald?” like he does in the middle of his sermon with a lot of other people and then added that I was a talented author.  I have to admit to smiling to this.

After the service, his wife, Sis. Ann, told me that “It was a good book, and if I say something’s a good book, I mean it.”  To say that this made my day is an understatement.

I don’t say this to toot my own horn so to speak but to keep up with the good news that Laura has been trying to spread in our community of writers.

Okay, being called an author reminded me a lot of Jo Eberhardt’s post on writer vs. author.  It means something totally different to be called an author than just claiming that you are one.  It also feels…awesome.

So, onto one last thing, and I swear I’ll quit boring you to death with what’s on my mind.  I follow Maggie Madly Writing, and if you don’t, you should.  I was recently directed to her page by Anthony Lee Collins.  (You should follow him too.)  Anyway, she posted a character meme the other day.  That same night I sat down and did it.  You definitely should try this.  It helps get into the mind of your characters in different types of situations.  A short story derived from this.  Unfortunately I’m not finished with it yet, but I hope to post it when I am.  It’s neat to put two characters from different novels into one.  Anthony Lee Collins did the meme as well, and you can read his answers here.  Jo Eberhardt’s is here.

Oh, I lied.  One more thing.  I really want to make these waffles.

Hope you all have a great Labor Day holiday! 🙂