Personal and Writing Update:
This is about a 4-minute read
On Memorial Day, my husband and I went hiking for a few hours. We went to our tried-and-true spot, Oxley Nature Center. It was the setting for our engagement photos, as well as where we had one of our first outings as friends.
Besides having a great time, the hike was inspiring for my work-in- progress.
My protagonist, Garrett Bettencourt, is hoping to transition from shooting weddings to wildlife photography (if you read my free short story, “Rescue in Amalfi”, you know it’s his childhood dream to pursue wildlife photography/photo journalism.)
On the hike, I thought how Garrett would’ve enjoyed capturing these moments we saw:
- Watching a crane bob his head into the water.
- Catching a fish jump out of the water like an acrobat.
- Seeing beaver marks on a tree stump.
- Spotting a turtle swimming across the lake.
Except for getting bit all over from blood-sucking insects, I enjoyed the day.
(The image above is from our engagement session. Of course, we’re reading. Photo courtesy: Chelsea Taylor.)
The Voters Have Spoken!
Last month, you voted on a title for my short story for a Christmas Anthology. The winner of the vote is: “Lina’s Choice”.
So, since the people have spoken, I’ll keep my original title.
Thanks for voting!
FYI: I want to offer the novella, Christmas at Sonshine Barn, and this Christmas anthology as a bundle in late fall. This isn’t a guarantee, but I’m hoping it will happen, so I can give you the option.
Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash.
Featured Author for June: Susan Marie Graham
NOTE: For those new to this newsletter, each month, I’ve been featuring a Lady Lit author- we’re the ones writing the Christmas anthology.
Susan Marie Graham writes stories that explore the Christian experience in our fallen world, in both historical and contemporary settings. Her interest in vintage movies and World War II inspired her first novel, There Will Your Heart Be.
Susan has been writing since she was ten, but never thought of it as a career until she quit her corporate job and moved alongside the great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, along with her husband and uncompromising cat, Shadow.
Follow Susan on these platforms:
Website: https://susanmariegraham.com/
Social:
https://www.instagram.com/booksbysmg/
https://www.facebook.com/booksbysmg/
https://www.pinterest.com/susanmariegraham/
A Historical Fiction Novel: There Will Your Heart Be
In 1944, what does a good Christian girl do with an unwanted pregnancy and a burning hatred for the man who assaulted her? Annalaura leaves home to protect her loved ones, especially Eddie, the love of her life.
But Eddie will stop at nothing to find her and bring her home.
And when her attacker resurfaces looking for absolution, she’s confronted with Jesus’s command to forgive in the midst of her thirst for revenge.
From small-town New Jersey to New York City to the war-torn Philippines of World War II, the lives of three broken people cross, telling the redemptive story about forgiving the unforgivable and the power of God’s grace.
Get it on Amazon
My Dad’s Book Is on Amazon!
One of my celebrated accomplishments from May is finishing my dad’s book and getting it uploaded on Amazon. I worked as the editor, project manager, and interior book designer.
I enjoyed collaborating with Dad on this legacy project. The book is a collection of letters he writes monthly to his grandkids.
However, the book isn’t just for Gen Z’ers, but for everyone since he covers several topics related to life: Christian living, marriage and family, and leadership.
I benefited from this project as the letters reinforced vital leadership values I need.