Fabulous Friday Feature-Gabrielle Meyer-A Love Affair with the Written Word

Today we welcome author:

Gabrielle Meyer

One commenter will win a copy of Gabrielle's new release: 

The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection

Mary here. I met Gabrielle a couple of years ago at ACFW. I also knew her from My Book Therapy, two great organizations. Gabrielle has such a sweet personality. You can tell from her smile, am I right? Sure. I asked Gabrielle to tell us how God led her on her writing journey. Here is what she said:

In Fourth Grade I failed Spelling and started a Love Affair with the Written Word

In fourth grade I failed spelling. It was the one and only “F” I’ve ever received—but that “F” spurred by love affair with the written word. My teacher told me I would become a better speller if I read more, so I went to the elementary school library and pulled out the first books that looked appealing: The Babysitter’s Club, by Ann M. Martin.

I became such a ferocious reader, my mom had to tell me to put down my books to eat, do my chores, or even go outside and play. When my aunt gave me Love Comes Softly, by Janette Oke, it was my introduction into historical romance—and, again, I fell in love. I read anything I could get my hands on. I was fascinated by books, and loved how they transported me to other times and places.

Early on, I wanted to be a writer, but I also wanted God’s will in my life. When I was a teenager, I asked Him to place desires in my heart that He wanted me to pursue. Thankfully, my love for reading and writing didn’t diminish, but continued to grow.

I dabbled in writing in high school and college, and began working for the Minnesota Historical Society as a tour guide at the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site. I gained amazing experience learning how to interpret history in an engaging manner, and how to communicate that history for a whole new generation to discover.

I can look back now and see the hand of God directing every step I took. I couldn’t see around the bend, or over the next hill, but He was guiding me toward publication. Even my work at the historic site would be part of my writing journey.

At the age of twenty-one, I was married, and a few years later we started a family. Though I wasn’t writing like I wanted to, I was still gaining life experiences. When my daughters were seven and five, and my twin boys were not quite two, I read a book that would change my life. It was The Colonel’s Lady, by Laura Frantz. The story so captivated me, I asked myself why I wasn’t writing historical fiction—and I had no good answer.

After reading that novel, I began to pursue publication with gusto. I delved into the writing community and was welcomed with open arms. I gained friendships and knowledge at a speed that still astounds me—and through it all, God was there.

I found writing craft books, attended retreats, went to conferences, pitched to editors, and continued to write during every spare moment I could find. I can’t credit my determination or drive to anything, or anyone, other than God. When rejections and critiques come, He is my only source of strength and endurance. When I have a decision to make, or an obstacle to overcome, He never fails to give me the grace and fortitude I need to press forward.

As I celebrate the release of my debut published story, Four Brides and a Bachelor, and as I look forward to more stories in the future, I can see God’s guiding hand—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He placed this desire in my heart, and He continues to amaze me with the plans He has in store.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

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Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four young children. 

As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people and events. Gabrielle has two novellas releasing with Barbour Publishers in 2015. She writes about her passion for history, Minnesota, and her faith.  can be found at www.gabriellemeyer.com 

Here is how you can connect with Gabrielle:

Gabrielle's website www.gabriellemeyer.com 

You can also find Gabrielle on:
Facebook, 
Pinterest, 
Twitter, 
Amazon, and 
Goodreads.

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The Convenient Bride Collection:

Join nine brides of convenience on their adventures in a variety of times and settings gone by—from a ranch in California…to the rugged mountains of Colorado…to a steamship on the Mississippi…to the dangerous excitement of the Oregon Trail…into high society of New York City. No matter the time or place, the convenient brides proceed with what must be done, taking nuptials out of necessity. . .and never dreaming that God might take their feeble attempts to secure their futures and turn them into true love stories for His glory.

Gabrielle's  A Groom for Josette

In 1855, Josette LeBlanc has a shipping empire to inherit, but only if she can find a husband before her half-brother turns twenty-one in three weeks. With no real prospects in St. Louis, Josette answers an ad from Little Falls, Minnesota, promising a hundred eligible bachelors for every single lady. Josette never imagines her marriage of convenience will turn to love, but when it does, it causes a whole new set of problems…

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The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection

Meet nine men from bygone days who have all the qualities of a true hero and who all the single ladies wish to court—though some are unassuming and overlooked until their worth is revealed. The socialite, the architect, the doctor, the masked vigilante, the missionary, the postmaster, archaeologist, the wealthy widower, and the heir can have their pick of brides, but which one will they choose?

Gabrielle's:  Four Brides and a Bachelor

In 1852, missionary Luke Longley travels a hundred and fifty miles downriver to convince a stranger to marry him, but when he arrives at the Belle Prairie Mission, he discovers there isn’t one single female missionary, there are four, and all are eager to become his bride. He only has one week to choose, but can he pick the right one before time runs out?~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To enter the contest for a copy of 

Gabrielle's new release:

The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection:

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The winner will be announced on my Facebook page

Thank you, Gabrielle, for joining us this weekend!

We love chatting with you and are looking forward to reading your comments and questions. Or at least your hi, hello, or hey.

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