The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Today I welcome an author who has chosen to give a portion of the proceeds from her recent book,  Climbing Heartbreak Hill, to One Fund Boston to help those who were injured.  She is a Christ-like lady who can warm your heart:  Joselyn Vaughn Enter to win Joselyn's  book,   Sucker for a Hot Rod Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter. I met Joselyn when I moved to Michigan and joined the local ACFW chapter. We immediately connected and I found what a wonderful friend she was. When talking with her I asked her to share how God has led her on her journey. This is what she answered: How God Has Lead Me on My Writing Journey It can be simply described as ‘in His time.’ And as much as I want to struggle against that and have things happen when I want them to, God’s timing has been best. In high school and college, I could never fit writing classes into my schedule. My parents believed I had some talent and allowed ...

There are few events in which the whole town will show up for. But when one happens, it is well worth the while to go. A few days ago Sheridan, Michigan, a small rural town in the lower peninsula, had a Memorial Day parade.  Being from the small town farther south, I didn't know about the parade until I set out on a day trip with my daughter. To get to our destination we had to go through Sheridan. As we approached the city we found "road closed" signs. At first I was bothered at the inconvenience. Following detour signs always leaves me wondering if the person setting up the signs really wanted to play a joke on unsuspecting travelers. Seriously, when the detour lasts more than a few minutes, I wonder if I will every find the way to where I'm going. I turned the corner at the first detour sign and saw the gathering place for a parade. What a treat! Men, women, and children pushing strollers, pulling wagons, and carrying packs hustled toward Main Street. Not...

Every once in a while two celebration events happen on the same day. Isn't it fun? The first event I celebrate with you is: Memorial Day A day of parades, patriotism, and parties. Memorial Day is a time to celebrate the sacrifice of soldiers both past and present.  My family participated in this way: My husband served in the Air Force,  My father in the Army,  My brother in the Marines,  My brother-in-law in the Navy  I believe all four served during war or "police action". How blessed our nation is to have the men and women who protect us. Let us celebrate and appreciate each one's sacrifice. I am thankful to you. May God bring great blessings in your life and your family's life. The second celebration event today is my daughter's birthday. Birthdays are always fun, but when a holiday enables family to come together and celebrate as a larger group the merriment increases tenfold.  My daughter's birthday doesn't al...

Today I welcome an author who discovered her gift for writing after an illness. She is a Christ-like lady who can warm your heart: Kathy Herman Enter to win Kathy's  new release, Not By Sight   Five Books will be awarded! Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter. The Discovered Gift I had never aspired to be a writer. But at age fifty, I had to retire from our family-owned Christian book store due to joint problems and decided to take a stab at writing a children’s book. I had managed the children's department at our store, read every book I put on the shelves, and thought for sure I could write them. But after two weeks of staring at the blank screen on my laptop, I was sorely discouraged.  My husband, Paul, told me to write something—anything—it didn’t have to be a children’s book. So I wrote a scene: a detective sitting on a park bench, a lake in front of him and a quaint little town behind him. He was waiting f...

...make a joyful sound unto the Lord How will you make your sound today? This doesn't refer to singing only. There are so many ways to make a joyful sound to the Lord. Let's talk about some. A friend of mine is concerned about a neighbor. She is planning on making a meal to take to the neighbor next week, perhaps taking a fun movie, and spending time brightening the neighbor's day. I can't wait to hear what happens. My daughter and I spent time chatting today. We laughed and snorted at funny stories. On Sunday, there will be singing in the sanctuary.  During the weekday, writers of Christian works write words of encouragement, mystery, love, and suspense. At work, our smile is likened to a joyful sound. At home, our meals ease growling stomachs. Our driving could make a joyful sound....I think many of us need to work on this one. :) Taking care of our appearance can make a joyful sound.  Spending time with God can produce a ...

Seven of ten gals from the Writers Alley met for a retreat this last weekend. We came from Oregon, Michigan, Tennessee, North Carolina, Florida, Missouri, and Iowa. Our excellent hostess, Angie, offered her home. Her awesome hubby took the kids camping while we invaded the home. We arrived at various times during the day on Friday, Ashley arrived at the airport in the evening. We celebrated with a cupcake party, stayed up 'til the morning hours and talked. Saturday, our work day began. We began with worship, praise, devotion, and prayer.  Next, We spread our work around the table. Each Alley Cat. And moved outside to discuss each member's current work, read a scene from their current work, brainstorm ways to take the story deeper, and present near future goals. During lunch we continued the discussion digging deep into each story, identifying what the hero and heroines goals, motivations, misconceptions, black moment, etc....

Today I welcome an author who has a tremendous gift for writing and ministry. She is an award winning author :  Tricia Goyer Enter to win Trish's  book, Lead Your Family Like Jesus .  Scroll to the end of the post to see how to enter. God Opened Doors I didn't Think Possible A year after I helped launch Hope Pregnancy Center, I was invited to take a trip to Europe with my two writing friends. One day, after visiting the Mauthausen Concentration Camp in Austria, the true events of WWII inspired a new novel idea.  After arriving home, I poured the story onto the paper, writing from the perspective of a Nazi wife forced to witness the horrors of a death camp, yet powerless to do anything about it. The story was different from anything I’d written before. It was much deeper, heart-wrenching. It expressed a young woman’s helplessness and pain—things I’d recently learned about on deeper levels. I started researching and contacting WWII veterans...

This book tells a tale we can all relate to: rejection. At some point in our life we have been rejected for something or by someone. And while we try to cope, our hearts still hurt. Dr. Kendall Haynes is a successful thirty something doctor with her own practice. Her investment in years of training and hours of dedication to her patients could be seen in her busy office and an unwanted status as a single female. Sure the occasional guy came along, like Griffin Walker, military pilot who needed her professional help, even a dose of friendship, but any request for a date stalled. Griffin wouldn't have encroached on Dr.Haynes time except his younger brother's asthma attack required her medical services. Had she not saved his life in a crowded restaurant, he'd probably never met her in the first place. And how she happened to appear when his jeep broke down in the middle of nowhere, he couldn't say. There was no room for love in his flight plan, especiall...

For the mothers and daughters, husbands and sons out there, did you home have fun celebrating Mother's Day? I hope so.   The following is used with permission from Pastor Dan Mead: To those who gave birth this year to their first child--we celebrate with you. To those who lost a child this year--we mourn with you. Tho those who experienced loss this year through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away--we mourn with you. To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment--we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don't mean to make this harder than it is. To those who are adoptive moms, foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms--we need you. To those who have warm and close relationships with your children--we celebrate with you. To those who have disappointment, heartache, and distance with your children--we sit with you in grief. To those who lost their mothers this year--...