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Writer’s Desk: Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Writer’s Desk with Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

Jennifer Marshall Bleakley is the author of Joey, the Pawverbs devotional series, Project Solomon, and Finding Grace. Jen has a master’s degree in counseling and worked as a grief counselor for several years before staying home with her children. Somewhere in between countless loads of laundry, library story time, petting zoos, and the blessed hours of nap time, Jen discovered a way to combine her lifelong love of animals and her longing to encourage others with her passion for writing. Jen often says that animals have much to teach us about ourselves, about each other, and about God, but in order to learn from them we must paws and pay attention. (She also really loves a good pun!) Jen lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, Darrell, their two children, Andrew and Ella, and a menagerie of pets, including a rescue cat, a sloth-like bearded dragon, and a very needy golden retriever.

Connect with Jennifer on her website, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

More about Pawverbs for Kids

In the style of Jennifer Bleakley’s bestselling books, Pawverbs: 100 Inspirations to Delight an Animal Lover’s Heart, Pawverbs for a Dog Lover’s Heart, and Pawverbs for a Cat Lover’s Heart, we’re expanding the series to include inspiring devotionals written specifically for children.

Kids love animals! Pawverbs for Kids is jam-packed with 30 true-to-life short stories or pawverbs. Each of these charming stories features kids and animals―and what a variety of animals there are: dogs, cats, frogs, birds, horses . . . even a bearded dragon and a grasshopper! Each story illustrates a biblical principle or lesson found in the Bible book of Proverbs. This book presents biblical truth in a whimsical way and invites kids to explore deep spiritual truth alongside extremely loveable pets!

Each pawverb includes:

  • A Bible verse from Proverbs
  • A short and engaging story
  • Reflection questions
  • A child-friendly prayer

God has given us animals, ultimately to point us to himself―to the one who is always there and who loves us unconditionally. In this book, children will not only find inspiring and heartwarming animal tales, but spiritual truths to touch their hearts and remind them of God’s unfailing love, wisdom, and grace.

Purchase a copy of Pawverbs for Kids.

Q&A with Jennifer Marshall Bleakley

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?
JMB: I have the same thing for breakfast every single day: Panda Puffs cereal and coffee with caramel-flavored creamer.

TG: Why did you write Pawverbs for Kids?
JMB: Even though I had two loving and awesome parents, I was a painfully shy child and found it difficult to talk to others. But I had an outdoor cat named Sugar that I could talk to. She became my confidant, my friend, and ultimately, her faithful presence in my life, pointed my young heart to God. My experience with Sugar planted seeds in my heart that God grew into the Pawverbs devotional series which explores the many ways animals can point people’s hearts to God. After writing the original book and books for dog lovers and cat lovers, I really wanted to write one specifically for kids. Pawverbs for Kids is the book I wish I had had as a child!

TG: Did you have any surprises or learning moments while writing this title?!
JMB: I always worry that I won’t have enough stories for these books, but God always provides—and this book was no exception. While writing Pawverbs for Kids, I seemed to come across stories involving kids and animals everywhere—even in my own backyard! Several of the stories in the book literally took place in my own backyard, including the very first story about an orphaned squirrel!

TG: What do you hope readers take away from your book?
JMB: I hope that as families read the book together it will foster spiritual conversations and help parents discuss big topics like anxiety, loneliness, and grief in gentle and fun ways by focusing on the animals and inviting children to see themselves in the stories. I pray that as children read the book, they will become more curious about God and start to see the evidence of his presence all around them.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?
JMB: I usually write with my dog, Gracie, lying beside me, and my cat, Foxy, sprawled out by my computer. They are my muses, my buddies, and I think they’ve appointed themselves my writing support animals!

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?
JMB: Write something every day to build your writing muscles. Writing really is as much about discipline as it is about art. And while there is definitely a creative aspect to it—which means that sometimes you’re just not feeling it and the words won’t come, you can build writing muscles and habits by writing a little bit every day. Write a short story, or a blog post; write in your journal or write a card to a friend; work on a new story idea or dive into a current project. But whatever you do, just keep writing!

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?
JMB: I am obsessed with the flavored water drink, Hint, and drink at least three bottles a day when I’m working on a deadline.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?
JMB: For me, the best way to push through writer’s block is to do something active—or mentally engaging—to keep me from thinking too much about my writing project. I’ll either take my dog for a long walk or try out a new recipe. Sometimes the best way to start the flow back is to do something entirely different.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?
JMB: I tend to focus more on getting the story out first and then go back through and edit later.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?
JMB: Not finishing! Almost everyone has a book idea, but very few see it all the way through. There is such a feeling of accomplishment and joy in finishing a project—even if you’re the only one who ever reads it. Finishing something takes a huge amount of discipline, and really builds those writing muscles.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?
JMB: To let your subtitle act as your writing filter. If what you’re writing supports your subtitle then keep it, but if it doesn’t, channel your inner Elsa, and let it go!

TG: What book(s) are you currently reading?
JMB: Indigo Isle by TI Lowe and Losing our Religion by Russell Moore

TG: What is your favorite place on earth?
JMB: My sofa—cuddled up with my family and dog, watching a movie.

TG: Cats or dogs?
JMB: Oxygen or water? 😉 I choose both!

TG: What is one thing you can’t live without?
JMB: I’ll be difficult give three: Jesus, family, and Panda Puffs cereal!

TG: What is the best song to blast when you need to be pumped up?
JMB: Grew Up on That by High Valley

TG: If you could time travel to any point in history when would it be, and who would you be hanging out with?
JMB: The creation of the world, and I would be hanging out with Adam and Eve keeping them far away from that tree!

TG: If you weren’t a writer, what job would you have?
JMB: A dolphin trainer

TG: Who is your dream co-author?
JMB: Francine Rivers

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Writer’s Desk: Kimberley Woodhouse

Writer’s Desk with Kimberley Woodhouse

Kimberley Woodhouse is an award-winning and bestselling author of more than thirty books. A lover of history and research, she often gets sucked into the past and then her husband has to lure her out with chocolate and the promise of eighteen holes on the golf course. She loves music, kayaking, and her family. Married to the love of her life for three decades, she lives and writes in the Poconos where she’s traded in her hat of “Craziest Mom” for “Nana the Great.”

Connect with Kimberley on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, BookBub, and sign up here for her newsletter here.

More about The Secretes Beneath

Some secrets can only stay buried for so long. . . .

Anna Lakeman has spent her life working alongside her paleontologist father, drawing intricate sketches at every dig. When they find dinosaur bones near their home in Wyoming Territory, they’re given the opportunity of a lifetime and are swiftly caught up in the competitive era of the Bone Wars. But after her father becomes sick and Joshua Ziegler, an old beau, returns for the summer, Anna’s world is upended, and the practical, orderly life she has made for herself shatters.

Medical student Joshua Ziegler left his hometown to forget Anna, the one woman he truly loved and deeply hurt. But when he returns, time hasn’t erased the feelings they’ve always had for each other. After Joshua’s nephew goes missing–just like his sister did years ago–and Anna’s job is threatened, tensions mount and dangerous secrets are unearthed.

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Writing Desk: McKenzie Catron

Writer’s Desk with McKenzie Catron

McKenzie Catron is a wheelchair-bound, autistic, award-winning YA fantasy author of the “Numina Parable” series and co-author of A Traveler’s Guide to The Lucky Gryphon: Recipes & Regalings.

She’s been an Arizona resident for more than two decades and lives with her doggy soulmate and service beast, Grimm.

McKenzie is also a full-time creative makeup artist and alternative model fighting against disability stigmas one creation at a time. When she’s not spending her anxious days writing novels or taking photos in her studio, you can find her over on Instagram sharing her art as @mckenziecatron.

You can connect with McKenzie on her website, Instagram, and Goodreads.

More about A Daughter of the Trolls

Are you afraid of the bogeyman?

Eighteen-year-old Sparrow can’t remember a time when she wasn’t. And neither can her mother—or the trolls, imps, gnomes, and faeries who all live in the Glade and call it home. Though Sparrow’s weak heart keeps her wheelchair-bound, she and her mother have dedicated their lives to protecting the Glade, especially from the worst bogeyman of them all: the skin-stealing, poison-ingesting witch called Black Annis.

But one night, Sparrow makes a terrible mistake, and everything she once held dear is taken from her. The Glade is no longer a sanctuary, and the only way Sparrow can save her mother and her friends is to journey out into a monster-ridden world that wasn’t made for her or her wheelchair. Joined by her half-goblin friend, Rush, Sparrow will have to confront her fears before the ones they love are lost forever.

A Daughter of the Trolls will appeal to fans of European folklore and the darker Grimm Brother’s fairytales. This is a spine-tingling young adult fantasy adventure about evil witches, monsters, and the imperfect heroes who face them all. You’ll join Sparrow and her faerie friends on a life-changing journey where they face not only their outer demons but their inner ones as well.

Purchase a copy of A Daughter of the Trolls.

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Q&A with McKenzie Catron

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

MC: I live in Arizona, but I hate the sun with a fiery passion, so I essentially live like a vampire all day with blackout curtains throughout my house. Gloomy, grey-skied rainy days are my happiest days, which is why I’m trying my hardest to move back home to Oregon.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for A Daughter of the Trolls?

MC: I became disabled in 2018 and prior to that I was an avid reader and makeup artist who often worked with YA monthly book boxes. My neurodegenerative condition put me in a wheelchair, and I often found myself reading almost a book a day to cope with this huge change. However, I soon found I had a harder time connecting with the characters in the books I devoured. I can’t even roll over the carpet, how was I supposed to melt into fantastical worlds full of travel and adventure? After this realization, I sought out books with disabled main characters, specifically those who are chronically ill and use a wheelchair 24/7 without being paralyzed. My search came up empty and my ‘too much’ gene totally kicked in. I figured if I wanted something like that, I’d have to create it myself. At that time, I felt so lonely and so isolated, but I was only two years into my disability at this point. If I felt this way it was no doubt that there were others out there, some who were born with similar illnesses and disabilities, that couldn’t see themselves in book characters either. Thus began my drive to write inclusive and representative Own Voices stories that touched on mental health, chronic illness, and physical disabilities!

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

MC: I always make sure each chapter I write is AT LEAST 3,000 words long. This helps me reach, and most times surpass, my word count goal depending on how many chapters I plan on having.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

MC: Prior to my disease progressing, I would write all day every day. Nowadays as my brain degrades and I’m losing function of my hands, I’m seeing the value in rest. It’s great to keep a routine and to try to hit a word count every day to make a dent in your draft, but it’s so easy to burn yourself out. If you can, treat writing like a ‘regular job’ and have days off. Clock in and clock out, give yourself the opportunity to have time to make yourself meals with breaks, and keep up on your social life and family time.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

MC: I’m not going to lie…I have a diet soda addiction. I’m always sipping on something bubbly as I work, it keeps me feeling fresh and often settles my stomach/nausea.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

MC: That’s tough! I’m a complete plotter and obsessive list maker (thank you ADHD and autism) so 97% of the time I have a plan of attack every time I go to write, but recently I’ve been getting stuck. My advice to you and myself is that sometimes it’s best to walk away for a little bit. Don’t sit in front of your keyboard and stare at that screen! Either take a break and find a way to reenergize yourself or if you’re determined on still brainstorming, do so in a different environment. Maybe even talk out the reason for the block with someone. I do this with my parents, but usually, I’m not looking for advice or ideas, mostly I’m talking at them and rambling on about plot points and characters. Many, many times I’ve solved my own problem just by talking out loud!

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

MC: With my last handful of books, I’ve done light editing after every chapter so I don’t get too overwhelmed later. Most of the time this looks like reading through the chapter to ensure it makes sense and I touched every point I needed to reach before running it quickly through Grammarly. Then, after the whole book is done, I’ll get into the nitty-gritty. As I’ve grown as an author I adopted slight changes to these methods, but it’s important to find what works for you, not everyone else. Nowadays, I’m kind of flying by the seat of my pants, but having a progressive disease makes my case a little different, so currently I’m trying to find a new way that works for me and my ever-changing brain!

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

MC: Rushing through the process, especially if you’re planning on going the traditional route and querying agents to get a big publisher. It’s easy to get excited or feel urgent about trying to find agents and or indie publishers who take unsolicited manuscripts knowing that this stage can take months or years. If your book isn’t the best you can make it, it can’t reach its full potential. So, take your time developing, writing, and editing your story.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received?

MC: Watch out for those ‘ly’ words like softly, quietly, really, only, etc. Try to limit them as much as you can to what’s necessary in each chapter.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

MC: The next book in the Numina Parable trilogy and sequel to A Daughter of the Trolls, which is called A Goblin of the Glade, publishes November 28th! I’ve been dealing with some stroke-like events that have caused constant migraines, so the process of writing the 3rd Numina Parable book has slowed down a lot. But I have a book I wrote over a year ago going to an editor soon! This will be my first self-published novel, outside of the A Traveler’s Guide to The Lucky Gryphon: Recipes & Regalings cookbook/storybook hybrid I co-wrote with my friend and business partner, Stephen A.K.A. Quincy’s Tavern. At the moment, we are signing and shipping out preorders. We’ve got about 2,000 copies done and only 6,000 to go. So…essentially, I have a lot coming up haha

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Writer’s Desk: M.D. House

Writer’s Desk with M.D. House

In late 2020, M.D. House semi-retired from a successful career in the Corporate world. He enjoyed his time there and still consults part-time, but being able to pursue his passion for creative writing has been a blessing.

Many years ago, while writing on a very limited basis, he came within a hair’s breadth of getting a science fiction novel published. Since embarking on my new journey with much more time and focus, he has published that (very long) book and a sequel, along with six religious historical fiction novels (which were a surprise to me). M.D. House has gotten award recognition, including a Chaucer Award finalist nod for The Barabbas Legacy, along with a favorable review from Kirkus for The Servant of Helaman, a spy thriller.

M.D. House’s schedule is filled with new projects, including his first fantasy novel, provisionally titled Crossroads of Sundering Memory, the sequel to The Servant of Helaman, and a pair of screenplays. The third volume of the Patriot Star sci-fi series will be on the docket soon as well.

You can learn more about M.D., including interviews with people like Eric Metaxas, Tricia Goyer, and Dr. Paul Reeves, at mdhouselive.com.

Connect with M.D. House on his website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Bookbub, LinkedIn, and sign up for his newsletter here.

More about Sophia

After her miraculous rescue by the angel Raphael, Sophia, daughter of Barabbas and Chanah, sets out with the former slave Onesimus to find the elusive and itinerant apostle John. Once they find him, an unexpected trip outside the Roman empire into the mysterious northern nation of Sarmatia expands her understanding of God’s global efforts to gather his children to their Savior.

It also reveals in starker detail the pernicious, pervasive attempts by the adversary to disrupt the work and turn the children of God toward evil and superstition. Pride is her own weakness, and she must learn how to temper and control it, so that her mind might be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

What surprises await her as she travels great distances with the Lord’s beloved apostle to spread the message of the gospel? How differently does God see her life than what she has assumed? What will happen to the growing church’s relationship with Rome when Emperor Vespasian dies and his sons pick up the mantle? And how does John continue to have so much energy and faith?

Purchase a copy of Sophia

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Q&A with M.D. House

TG: What is your writing process like?

MDH: I’m more a planner than a pantser, but I tend to throw plenty of wrenches into my own plans, which is always fun/challenging.

TG: What is your writing Kryptonite?

MDH: Distractions, of course, but also finding enough time to read; any good writer has to continue to read other good books.

TG: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

MDH: Don’t worry about something not being “perfect,” which is unachievable by us mortals, anyway. The famous line “Fear is the mind-killer” from Dune has application here; perfectionism manifests itself largely through fear.

TG: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

MDH: Good editors – they are so, so useful.

TG: What did you edit out of Sophia?

MDH: A few things from the original outline, but nothing from any of the drafts. That was astounding. The first draft came out cleaner than anything I’ve ever written. I’m trusting that’s a good sign. 😊

TG: What is the most difficult thing about being an author?

MDH: Not being “predictable”

TG: As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot?

MDH: Eagle

TG: Which book that you’ve written is your favorite?

MDH: Sophia is the new favorite, though it’s not far ahead of Kindred Star (Book 2 of the Patriot Star series), which is a reflection of my sci-fi roots.

TG: Which of your books was the most fun to write?

MDH: It’s hard to say, but probably Pillars of Barabbas. I needed to get into the mind of Paul and tell portions of the story from his perspective. The research and study in the NT to prepare for that was incredibly valuable all by itself. The interactions with Emperor Nero were also so much fun to envision and then capture on the page. Really fascinating to think about. I’m also somewhat of a politics nerd, and the early saints had to deal with politics just like we do.

TG: Which was the most difficult — and why?

MDH: It’s one that hasn’t come out yet. I’ve completed four drafts of my first fantasy novel. I love it, and it’s shaping up well, but there’s still more work to do. I really want to make an impact with it.

TG: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

MDH: Well, it’s a toss-up between “Thank you!” and “I’m so sorry.” 😊

TG: What is coming up next for you?

MDH: I’ve started to visit some shows this year (see the pic from July 3-4 – you can spy the cover of Sophia I was teasing), which I thought I wouldn’t enjoy. It turns out I do because I’ve gotten enough people to come up and talk to me (which I love – I’m definitely a talker). I’m also working on a pair of sequels, plus the aforementioned fantasy novel, and two screenplays (in concert with professional screenwriters).

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Don’t Miss My Conversation with M.D. House (click the graphic below to watch!)

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Writer’s Desk: Shawna Coleing

The Writer’s Desk with Shawna Coleing

Born and raised in Western NY State, Shawna never expected to move too far from home. She craved adventure, but that adventure pretty much stayed in her head.

Then, after finishing college, she had the opportunity to spend a year in Australia, and she took it. She met her husband while there and now, two decades later, she lives in the middle of tropical Far North Queensland, about a kilometer from croc-infested waters.

She and her husband have three kids and Shawna still loves nothing more than staring out the window daydreaming and making up a good story.

Connect with Shawna on her website, Instagram, Facebook, BookBub, Goodreads, and sign-up for her newsletter.

More about Hidden Trial:

Charlotte, seeking solace in a quiet town after a harrowing overseas trip, discovers that a life of safety no longer satisfies her longing for adventure. So, when her sister, an undercover agent, sustains an injury that halts her operation, Charlotte seizes the opportunity to step into her sister’s role, taking on what appears to be a simple assignment.

Meanwhile, Will has spent years tirelessly searching for a kidnapped friend, desperately clinging to hope despite a trail that has long gone cold. When his undercover partner is injured and she proposes training her twin as a replacement, Will is torn by the ghosts of his past. The idea of involving a civilian weighs heavily on his heart, but the urgency of their mission persuades him to take the risk.

Little do they know that Charlotte’s involvement will lead them down a perilous path when the operation takes an unforeseen turn and they find themselves in a life-and-death struggle they never could have imagined. Now, they must surrender to God’s guiding hand and trust that He can lead them through the darkest of trials. But will it be enough to save them in this lifetime? Or will their enemy be the one to send them into eternity?

Purchase a copy of Hidden Trial.

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Q&A with Shawna Coleing

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

SC: I’m addicted to playing with my hair.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Hidden Trial?

SC: I’ve always been a big daydreamer and that’s usually where ideas spring from. I get the seed of something — in the case of this book it was how to get a small-town
girl mixed up in an international crime — then I stare at the wall or go for a walk and let my imagination run away with itself.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

SC: Nope. Just the discipline of sitting in front of my computer and getting words on the page.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

SC: Same as the above. But also, don’t let feelings of self-doubt or inadequacy stop you from putting words on the page. Most writers feel that way, especially at the beginning. You won’t know how good you are until you put yourself out there. And chances are you’re better than you think (we’re usually our own worst critics)

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

SC: Water, water, water, and coffee. I try not to snack if I can help it.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

SC: Going for a walk always helps me find ideas. Other than that, I sit my butt in the chair and write even if I don’t think it’s very good. That usually gets things moving.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

SC: I do three drafts so each draft has a certain amount of edits along with adding to the story. I also do a final edit for grammar and punctuation followed by a final read-through before sending my manuscript off to my editor.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

SC: Spending too much time second-guessing themselves and their writing.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

SC: If you want to be a successful author, you have to work hard, and get the books written. It sounds obvious and it’s something I knew going in, but needed to remind myself of when things were moving slower than I wanted.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

SC: I’m continuing my Hidden Alliance series which will probably end up with four books, and I already have ideas for the next series brewing.

Enter for a chance to win one of five copies of Hidden Trial.

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Writer’s Desk: Elly Gilbert

Writer’s Desk with Elly Gilbert

Elly Gilbert lives in central Kentucky with her husband, daughter, and twin sons. Being a lifelong bookworm, she finds immense joy in reading and writing inspirational fiction and devotions for adults and teens. Whenever she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her searching for the nearest nacho joint with her family or cozying up with her rescue dogs, Gus and Charli. She absolutely adore her pearls, never says no to dessert, and firmly believes that when it comes to earrings, bigger is always better.

Connect with Elly on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and sign up for her newsletter.

More about Under the Blue Skies

A matchmaker for an instant father. Secrets. And friends who just might find a happy ending if his past doesn’t destroy everything.

He just wants a fresh start…

Thomas Smucker moved to West Kootenai to escape his past. But when tragedy happens, he suddenly inherits a five-year-old niece…now what?

She’s always wanted a family…

Scarred by a childhood accident, Lovina Graber believes she’ll be single forever, despite her deep longing for a husband and family. And then she meets Thomas, an instant father, who needs a wife.

Lovina to the rescue…she’ll find him the perfect Amish woman. Even if she has to ignore the spark between them…

But her secrets could cost him everything

Thomas wants a wife…but he can’t ignore his feelings for Lovina. But when her secret comes out, he’ll have to choose between his niece and the woman he suddenly can’t live without.

Instant father. Matchmaker. A found family…and unexpected love. But will her secrets—and his past—destroy everything?

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Q&A with Elly Gilbert

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

EG: Gee. I’m pretty boring in general so picking just one boring fact is hard. Here’s my attempt: I live in the fourth smallest capital city in the country- Frankfort, KY. (That’s actually not too boring- Frankfort is a fun little town with a lot going on!)

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Under the Blue Skies?

EG: Initially, when I pitched the premise to Sunrise for my audition, I just knew I wanted to write an “instant family” story, but I wanted some twists, so I thought about what kind of wounds would make the characters more interesting. I knew I wanted to write a female main character who had some kind of physical challenge because that’s a very real thing that many women deal with and it really impacts how they view themselves as wives and moms. From there, the characters grew under Tricia and Susan May Warren’s brainstorming guidance.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

EG: Not really- but I do have a very supportive writing community that kicks me into gear when needed! Starting the day “sprinting” with other writers for 30 minutes sets the tone for a super productive day.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

EG: Find a community! Find others who understand what you are experiencing and can commiserate or talk you off the ledge. Write in small time chunks. You can do anything for 30 minutes.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

EG: I drink water all day long and not much else besides my morning coffee. Gummy candies are my favorite treat—especially gummy peach rings!

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

EG: Again, setting a timer and “sprinting” is hugely helpful to me- and having others to write alongside keeps me accountable. If I set a 30 minute sprint and only write 50 words, it’s clear I’ve not been focused.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

EG: Small things I try to fix as I go, but I find that I can’t polish a scene before moving on to the next or I never move on. There’s always more work to be done.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

EG: Thinking that experienced writers don’t struggle. That was huge for me—to realize that you didn’t just wake up and pop out a novel like a chicken lays an egg! You wrestled and questioned and revised. Getting that first editorial letter was tough but knowing that you get them, too, and they hit you just as hard was helpful in learning to de-personalize the critique.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

EG: I think you might have said to me a few hundred times, “Don’t delete that!” when I was ready to hit Ctrl+A and delete it all! Walk away from it and come back with fresh eyes.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

EG: A second Sunrise book is coming in 2025 featuring Lovina’s sister Josie—that’s been drafted and is in the revision process. I’m also working on some ideas for Southern small-town contemporary romances. I’m going to my first ACFW conference in a couple of weeks, so I’m hoping to generate some interest in that idea!

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Writer’s Desk: Melissa Hannigan

Writer’s Desk with Melissa Hannigan

Melissa Hannigan holds a master of arts degree in counseling from Midwestern Theological Seminary. She is the wife of John Hannigan, executive director of Celebrate Kids. They have been married for 17 years and have four children. Before becoming a full-time homeschool mom, Melissa worked with teen girls to overcome abuse, addictions, and trauma. She is passionate about helping people discover God’s best for their lives. Melissa is an Associate of Celebrate Kids and Ignite the Family.

More about Inconvenient Parenting

Hope and help for shaping Christ-honoring future generations.

Families are like little churches. They are meant to be places of discipleship, worship, and rest—places where we can fine-tune the gifts God’s given us so we can bless the world. They can be full of surprises and joy. But family life can also be heartbreaking and downright discouraging. Trained counselor and mother Melissa Hannigan knows how hard it is to cast and keep a vision of rich family life. How do we cultivate a family culture that’s vibrant and encouraging—a refuge amidst life’s storms?

Melissa is passionate about helping families build healthy, strong, God-honoring homes. In Inconvenient Parenting, she shares twelve qualities that are the key ingredients to that desired end:

Wisdom — Wonder — Vitality — Sensitivity — Flexibility ­­—Curiosity —

Creativity — Imagination — Inventiveness — Playfulness — Humor — Joy

Melissa shows us why, though inconvenient at times, it’s necessary to encourage and infuse these traits in our children and reveals how we can unknowingly discourage these qualities. Each chapter concludes with practical activities, book recommendations, and discussion questions to help parents immediately apply the principles discussed.

Become more connected to God and one another through the rich wisdom and help offered in Inconvenient Parenting.

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Excerpt from Inconvenient Parenting

How do we teach wisdom to our kids?

Wisdom starts with humility. We must first admit that we need help because we don’t possess wisdom within ourselves. We must be willing to be a student, desiring to learn and grow in knowledge. We never get to a place where we have learned everything we need to know, right? Modeling this type of humility to our children is an important first step.

We must hunger for knowing more about the world around us, and especially God’s Word. Do you have a hobby, or have you learned a new skill? Is there a Bible study that you have enjoyed lately? Have you demonstrated to your kids that you desire to keep learning and growing, or are you content believing that you already know everything you need to
know? If you’re reading this book, then you are demonstrating a desire to learn and to grow. That’s a great example to your kids!

I learned in the last ten years how to crochet. My children witnessed my frustrating beginning and pitiful first attempts at scarves and baby blankets. But they also witnessed me grow and develop in my ability, mostly through seeking more experienced friends who helped me along the way. Also, thanks to YouTube, I was able to teach myself some new crocheting skills. I hope my kids understand that this mom still has a lot to learn, and I am humbly willing to admit that and willing to put in the time and effort to continue to learn.

For you, it may not be crocheting; it could be birdwatching, tennis, or even the history of ancient Egypt that you’re learning alongside your kids as they study. As a homeschool mom, I get a lot of opportunities to say, “I don’t know, let’s research that!” My family is not under any delusion that I know everything, but they do know that what I don’t know, I can learn. More is caught than taught, and if we demonstrate an ongoing interest in learning, our kids will catch the excitement for learning too.

Ultimately, we want our children to see us going to the source of all wisdom. They need to see us seeking God’s Word for wisdom and direction. They need to hear us talk about what God is teaching us because we must never stop learning and growing, especially when it comes to the living and active Word of God. If we desire our children to seek godly wisdom above all, then they must see us doing that as well.

Maybe that means you occasionally include your children in your time of Scripture study. It may be more convenient to do your studying in private—trust me, I love my quiet time alone, but modeling this habit before your family, no matter how noisy it may be, helps them see the value that you place on God’s Word.

But we cannot simply stop at showing our children the importance of learning new things. That is only the first step toward wisdom. They must also see us seeking to apply that knowledge with discernment. They need to see us taking what we are learning in God’s Word and applying it in our daily lives. They need to hear us talking about relying on the Holy Spirit for discernment and praying for strength to implement whatever God is asking us to change. No matter the age of your children, they will benefit from seeing a parent who humbly seeks God for truth and then shares about the ways they are applying that truth! This is true wisdom!

How do we empower our children to seek out truth?

The first step is to become students of our kids and discover how they learn best. In her book 8 Great Smarts, 9 Dr. Kathy describes the eight ways children learn. She calls these different learning styles their “smarts” because it describes the natural way that they are wired to receive information. Some children are music smart and love listening to different genres of music or using instruments from other cultures—these children will be inspired to learn in musical ways. Another child will thrive outside in nature—being surrounded by creation, and therefore an outdoor environment, makes learning more engaging for them. Our job as parents is to figure out how they are wired to encourage their unique style of learning. When we understand how our children are created uniquely it becomes much easier to create settings for learning.

Another great step in helping our children become wise is to introduce them to various ideas and information. Charlotte Mason, a pioneer in early childhood education in the 1900s, believed that a child’s mind was just as hungry as their stomach and that a parent’s job is to provide variety for them to feast on.10 This feasting will look different depending on the stage of your child’s development.

When our children are babies, we can provide visually stimulating environments, talk to them often, play music, and read picture books to them. Elementary-age children are eager to learn new things; for parents, this is an ideal time to capitalize on this desire. Read engaging stories, find out what they are interested in, and learn about it together. We went through a period where one child was fascinated by the Titanic. We read books, studied the history of the era, and watched documentaries. These activities reinforce the message that in our home, when we are interested in a topic, we will study about it together!

This is also the perfect time to help your children learn how to identify reputable sources of information. Wisdom is not just the gathering of facts but involves discerning where to go for that information and what to do with that knowledge. This is something we must intentionally teach our children.

By the teenage years and into young adulthood, children should understand where to go for reputable truth and scholarly sources. Hopefully by this point, they understand the value of God’s Word and its infallibility. We must help them develop a biblical worldview that stands firm on the unchanging Word of God. Once their worldview is firm, it is time to encourage studying a variety of cultures and viewpoints that don’t necessarily align with their worldview. Invite people of different cultures and views into your home and learn more about them. Help your teen learn how to think critically about current events. They must be able to defend their faith, so introducing apologetics is helpful. Encourage your young teen to travel. Mission trips are a great way to see that the world is so much bigger than they realized. Even if your family can’t physically go anywhere, there are boundless resources that can transport us to foreign lands. The point is to help our children value understanding and insight.

It seems so simple, right? Just model a love of learning, expose them to lots of valuable information to feast on, help them develop a strong biblical worldview that filters all things through the lens of Scripture, and they will be wise. Okay, maybe that doesn’t sound simple, but it is doable. So why aren’t we as Christian parents doing a better job of this? (I’m looking in the mirror when I ask this.) May I gently suggest that while we have the best of intentions, we let lesser things distract us?

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Writer’s Desk: Lisa T. Bergren

 

Lisa T. Bergren is Tim’s wife, Olivia, Emma, and Jack’s mom, and an explorer of people, places, and stories in many genres. She’s written over 60 books and sold over 3 million of them, with the help of some good publishing people and readers like you.

Connect with Lisa on her website, Instagram, Facebook, BookBub, and sign up for her newsletter.

More about Estuary:

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace…or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Nico’s theory that their lost Betarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

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Q&A with Lisa T. Bergren

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

LTB: I’m not a morning person or night owl. I’m a middle-of-the-day person.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for Estuary?

LTB: My passionate River of Time tribe. I’ve never had readers go so crazy for a series. People re-read them (some annually). Gotten tattoos. Named their children after characters (along with pets and guitars). And so I was pulled back into the waters! (And willingly went.)

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

LTB: I do best if I get away from home, plug in my headphones to listen to soundtracks, and just fall back into my story. Library, hotel, or a room with a good view.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

LTB: I feel I am not qualified to answer this. Ha! I am productive in spurts. Some of my friends write every day. I write a ton in a short period of time.

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

LTB: Water and iced tea. Almonds. A little dark chocolate.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

LTB: I sit down and make myself write the next scene. Or if I’m REALLY stuck, I’ll move to the next scene that captures me.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

LTB: I edit the last amount I wrote the day before and that helps me get back into the story and roll forward. So I end up with a second draft. Then I do a third.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

LTB: Point-of-view. If you’re writing first-person, you have to see everything from that one character’s perspective (which makes it very challenging). If you’re writing third person, you need to stay in one character’s perspective for the scene. Don’t “head-hop.”

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

LTB: There should be tension of some sort on every page. (Relational, situational, emotional, etc.)

TG: What is coming up next for you?

LTB: Rip Tide, book 2 in the Oceans of Time

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Writer’s Desk: Mary Connealy

Writer’s Desk with Mary Connealy

Mary Connealy writes romantic comedies with cowboys and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She is a two-time Carol Award winner and a Rita, Christy, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 75 books and novellas. She has over a million and a half books in print.
Her most recent book series is WYOMING SUNRISE.

Connect with Mary on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and BookBub, and sign up for her newsletter here.

More about The Laws of Attraction 

Can they risk giving in to the attraction between them while their lives are on the line?

If widowed seamstress Nell Armstrong has to make one more pair of boring chaps for the cowboys in her tiny Wyoming town, she might just quit the business altogether! So meeting Brand Nolte, a widower struggling to raise three girls on his own, seems like her dream come true. Brand has no idea how to dress the girls properly, and Nell finally has a chance to create beautiful outfits while also teaching the girls to sew.

But Nell is much more than a seamstress, and the investigative skills and knowledge she picked up alongside her late lawman husband soon become critical when a wounded stagecoach-robbery survivor is brought to town. As danger closes in from all sides, Nell and Brand must discover who has a target trained on them before it’s too late.

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Q&A with Mary Connealy

TG: What is your writing process like?

MC: I write one thousand words a day seven days a week. No set length of time, just however long it takes to get one thousand words. I tend to write late at night but not always. I don’t need tea or music or silence.

I’m very low maintenance as a writer.

TG: What is your writing Kryptonite?

MC: None really. Slow and steady wins the race for me. If something stops me now, I just go and pick up the writing later in the day.

TG: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

MC: Hmmm . . . I honestly was pursuing publication the whole time I was writing. And I just love it so much. I think if no one wanted my books, I’d just keep writing still. So to my younger self . . . save every idea you get, because you will get to them someday.

TG: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

MC: A computer, I suppose. I doubt I’d have made it with a typewriter. Being able to delete and rewrite is hard to imagine on a typewriter, and I do that a lot.

TG: What did you edit out of The Laws of Attraction?

MC: I wanted to make Nell’s role as a judge a much bigger part of the story, but I spent the story getting her to the justice of the peace job and didn’t really have much space left for her to do it. But what little I did was fun.

TG: What is the most difficult thing about being an author?

MC: I love everything about being an author. Difficult for me is getting out from behind my computer and living, talking to real people. Moving my muscles. I’m just so at home in my make-believe world.

TG: What is the first book that made you cry?

MC: Wow, tough question. I’m not a big crier. I didn’t cry at my children’s graduations or their weddings. I don’t cry when they’re sick or when I’m worried about them. I’m more apt to cry over an episode of Little House on the Prairie, so again with the make-believe world. First book? I’m stumped.

TG: What is your favorite underappreciated Christian novel?

MC: I’m not sure it’s underappreciated, but I loved Angela Hunt’s Unspoken. That really packed a punch. It seemed to just be a nice, tidy romance novel and then all of a sudden pow!

TG: As a writer, what would you choose as your mascot?

MC: I write cowboys. It’s gotta be a horse.

TG: Which book that you’ve written is your favorite?

MC: This is a hard and cruel question, Tricia. Hmmm . . . it’s hard because I tend to be so deep in what I’m writing currently that I’m always going to say, “This new one.” My favorite, funniest wedding scene was from Now and Forever. My favorite moment was in Doctor in Petticoats when Belle Tanner stepped into view from a campfire. My favorite hero might be Gage Coulter from Fire and Ice. My favorite dog is Brutus from the WYOMING SUNRISE series. My favorite heroine is probably Ilsa from the BRIDES OF HOPE MOUNTAIN series. I guess I could go on like this indefinitely, but I love Nell in The Laws of Attraction and love her romance with the hero, Brand Nolte. She mostly wanted his daughters but couldn’t figure out how to get them without taking him, too.

TG: Which of your books was the most fun to write?

MC: Wow, these are hard questions. I had a blast with the WYOMING SUNRISE series. The research I did for a blacksmith for Forged in Love was so fun. And reading about Wyoming and women’s suffrage was fascinating.

TG: Which was the most difficult — and why?

MC: I’m going to pick Out of Control. I had a fictionalized Carlsbad Cavern in that one and did so much research and cross-referencing of the rock formations in that cavern. It was hard work, but I loved it.

TG: If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

MC: I wish I was as brave as you.

TG: Finally, what is coming up next for you?

MC: Book #3 of the WYOMING SUNRISE series is coming in October. Marshaling Her Heart is the exciting conclusion, full of roping and riding, lawmen and robbers, and two strong, honorable, faithful people falling in love in the midst of mayhem.

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Writer’s Desk: Dr. Heather Holleman

Writer’s Desk with Dr. Heather Holleman

Dr. Heather Holleman is an associate teaching professor at Penn State, speaker, and author. She designs advanced writing curriculum for the English department and loves helping students thrive professionally. She has written eight books, including the bestseller Seated with Christ: Living Freely in a Culture of Comparison, and an award-winning book on evangelism (co-written with her husband, Ashley Holleman) called Sent: Living a Life That Invites Others to Jesus. Heather’s book, The Six Conversations: Pathways to Connecting in an Age of Isolation and Incivility, helps fight the loneliness epidemic by inviting readers to enjoy better conversations. Her most recent fiction book, This Seat’s Saved, written for middle-grade audiences, helps young readers discover they are already seated at the best table with Jesus. Heather also serves with Faculty Commons in the professor ministry of Cru. She and Ash have two daughters and three cats, and Heather blogs daily at heatherholleman.com. Her podcast is “The Verb with Heather Holleman.” When she’s not writing or teaching, Heather is growing a plum orchard, looking for turtles in the woods, or gathering with friends for dinner and a movie.

Connect with Heather on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, listen to her podcast, and sign up to receive her blog in your inbox.

More about This Seat’s Saved 

Class schedules, locker combinations, and the play for popularity — middle school is a new world with new rules.

At the start of 7th grade, Elita Brown’s friends enjoy their seats at the popular lunchroom table. Meanwhile, Elita hides in the bathroom. This is not how she envisioned middle school. And her omission from the popular table is only the beginning of her problems. What will she do when she’s terrorized by the meanest girl in school and accused of a crime she didn’t commit? Elita befriends an older couple living in the woods and gains confidence through her project on the red fox. Will Elita find her way and take her seat at the best table? Full of suspense and divine moments, readers will be captivated by this story.

Parents and teachers who loved Seated with Christ can invite their middle school reader to This Seat’s Saved. With great discussion questions and a main character who learns to read her Bible, trust God for the first time, and understand what it means to be seated with Christ from Ephesians 2:6, This Seat’s Saved will help young readers on their journey with Jesus.

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Q&A with Dr. Heather Holleman

TG: Everyone always asks for an interesting fact, we’re going to flip the question. What is one boring fact about yourself?

HH: I read grammar books for fun. I love semicolons.

TG: Where did you get the inspiration for This Seat’s Saved?

HH: After speaking on my nonfiction book, Seated with Christ, I realized how many women still carry the wound of feeling rejected from the middle school lunchroom. I began to dream about a fictionalized account of a girl who can’t find her seat in the lunchroom, realizes she’s not popular, and must learn from Ephesians 2:6 what it means that she’s already seated at the best table with Jesus.

TG: Do you have any habits or rituals as a writer?

HH: I love lighting a candle, drinking coffee or a warm beverage, putting on my coziest clothes and slippers, and sitting at my desk.

TG: What habits would you encourage others to take up to be a more productive writer?

HH: Schedule 2 hours of writing every other day. If you go longer, that’s great!

TG: What do you snack on or drink while writing?

HH: Coffee, water, nuts.

TG: How do you overcome writer’s block?

HH: Writer’s block usually stems from shame and not imagining your ideal audience who cannot wait to read what you’re wanting to write. If you have writer’s block, imagine you’re writing something to a person who really loves you and believes in you. The other key factor in writer’s block is the false belief that the writing must be your best work. Just get the writing out. It doesn’t have to be your best. That’s how I finished my dissertation for my PhD.

TG: Are you an “edit-as-you-go” writer or do you wait until the very end before you do any editing?

HH: Wait until the end.

TG: What would you say is the most common mistake new writers make?

HH: Not taking time to develop a written voice. They don’t sound authentic because they don’t know what their writing voice is.

TG: What is the best piece of writing advice you’re ever received?

HH: Insert a 3–5-word sentence into every paragraph if you can. It’s the easiest way to create a written voice. Short sentences grab the reader.

TG: What is coming up next for you?

HH: Perhaps a sequel to This Seat’s Saved, a screenplay, or a book on prayer connected to the attributes of God.

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Writer’s Desk: Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Writer’s Desk with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson is an award-winning author and humorist, a popular blogger and speaker, host of the The Story Table podcast and co-host of Rocking it Grand. Her titles include Suck Your Stomach In and Put Some Color On, and Finding Deep and Wide. She and her husband Phil live and farm in Lake Providence, Louisiana. They have two happily married kids and six grandchildren.

Connect with Shellie on her website, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

More about Seizing the Good Life

Living on high alert drains your energy and steals your joy. There is a better way and Seizing the Good Life will help you find it as it takes you through the Gospel of John.

If our chaotic culture has left you drained of joy, here’s some good news: there is a way to get it back—and keep it.

Let’s face it. Joy is becoming as scarce in our culture as fresh eggs at the grocery store. Constant headlines about one catastrophe after another, along with living in a society bent on erasing God from our consciousness, can leave us stressed out and working hard just to get by—far from the good life of abundant joy Jesus promised us.

And yet, He did promise us that His yoke is easy and His burden is light. So how do we go about seizing the good life from the jaws of depression and hopelessness that threaten us now?

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson has walked this path and knows the way. With the Gospel according to John as her roadmap—and plenty of personal stories, insights, and a healthy dollop of humor for good measure—she can help you not only rediscover the peace and joy found in friendship with Jesus, the Lover of your soul, but maintain it over the long haul.

God never intended for you to hold on to a dry faith with chewed-up fingernails. You really can know peace and joy in the middle of our anxious and angry culture. A deep dive into this study will help you seize the good life once again.

Purchase a copy of Seizing the Good Life here.

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Q&A with Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

TG: What is your writing process like?

SRT: I’m a churner, which I suppose I should unpack because all I’ve ever heard of are plotters and pantsers. For me, being a churner means I don’t wait for inspiration to strike, for a muse to show up, and start dropping words. I have limited time to write so I block out several hours a day and I write, trusting Jesus to be His faithful self with what comes from my dedicated time.

TG: What is your writing Kryptonite?

SRT: My writing Kryptonite is grandkids. The End.

TG: If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?

SRT: In full sad disclosure, I haven’t always written with my readers in mind, wanting my words and my journey to help them! It was more about me being a successful writer. If I could, I’d tell my younger self how much sweeter it will be when you figure out that it’s not about your publishing career, but the eternal souls reading your words!

TG: What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?

SRT: Hands down, my LOGOS Bible software. I use it every day.

After that? Time spent with fellow creatives!

TG: What did you edit out of Seizing the Good Life?

SRT: LOL! A lot! When I first started writing it looked like I was going to have a four-volume commentary once I was done. I quickly realized that I’d need to have one major thought per chapter to hold my readers’ attention and not risk boring them to tears!

TG: What is the most difficult thing about being an author?

SRT: The hardest thing for me about what I do is having to fight feelings of selfishness because I “should be” doing something with or for my family. Only Holy Spirit saves me from that guilt and when I’m not listening to Him, I’m super prone to falling for it!

TG: Finally, what is coming up next for you?

SRT: I have a partner in another lifestyle site for grandparents. It’s called Rocking it Grand. We have one book out and we’re about to write a follow-up.

Personally, I want to follow up with Sierra, I want to write on Peter, and I want to write a mashup of humor and holy. I don’t have a lot of details on the last one. Holy Spirit has just begun talking to me about it. If you’re thinking I need prayer for my going in many directions brain, you are so right. I do! I do, indeed. LOL!

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