The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Photo Courtesy Hubby and I did what many of you probably have done. We merged Christmas traditions our parents use to celebrate. When hubby and I first married we had to dicker through treasured traditions our families had. His parents set up the Christmas tree the night before Christmas. Oh, no. Uh huh. As resident female and leader in setting the mood for the season I insisted we get the tree by no later than December 5. "Fine," he said, "but the tree had to be a blue spruce."   My parents always had a scotch pine. The long needles made hanging ornaments easier. BUT this was not a deal breaker for me. He got the blue spruce, and I got December 5th. On to the next compromise. As newlyweds, we attended Sunday School Christmas parties. It was there that we found some great traditions to include in our own celebration. One was an advent log, and the other was treating Christmas like Jesus's birthday party. Once we had children, the advent

Today we welcome author: Jocelyn Green One commenter will win a copy of Jocelyn's book:  Spy of Richmond Scroll down to see how. Mary here. I'm so  happy to welcome Jocelyn to Let's Talk this weekend. What I appreciate the most about historical fiction is the way authors like Jocelyn make actual events come to life. They paint colors, create smells and tastes, and help us feel events we've never lived through.   I asked Jocelyn to tell us how God led her on her writing journey.  Here is what she said:  In the Dark, Still, Isolated Time in Alaska Ever since I was old enough to hold a pencil, I’ve been writing. My first book, as I saw it, was me writing captions for my Bugs Bunny coloring book that told a story. My goal from that point on was to become “an arthur” (author). Fast forward to college graduation. I had a degree in English with a concentration in writing, and I got a job as an editor working for a nonprofit on Capitol

ROAD TRIP! Older sister photo bombed in front, Younger sister behind her. Nieces in back. Mom to the right. No matter what our situation, I think we all like Thanksgiving food.  T o me, though, Thanksgiving is more about fellowship than the food. Let's change that to fellowship AND the food. ;) There are those, though, who have suffered tragedy on or around this day. The annual celebrations dig up hurt feelings. If you, reader, are one who is going through this trial, know that I am praying for you. Praying for peace, comfort, and a song in your heart. If you can, please join us for the rest of this post. You are loved. ~~ God wants us to get together. Adam wasn't left alone. God didn't even intend animals to be left alone -site two by two saved from the flood, (and all the pet lovers said Amen). Oh, and I AM setting aside all the biological reasons needed for procreation. :) God loves to fellowship with us. Yep. It's true! He

Today we welcome author: Amanda Barratt One commenter will win a copy of Amanda's book:  The Most Eligible Bachelor Series Scroll down to see how. Mary here. I'm so  happy Amanda, a young author, is visiting with us this weekend.  I met her three years ago at one of our local ACFW meetings. She helped the leader present "how to make a one sheet". My product is a result of their presentation. Everyone went home and tweaked, but the session proved very valuable. Amanda went on to...well, I won't spill the beans, she tells you in her post below. I asked Amanda to tell us how God led her on her writing journey.  Here is what she said:  Moments Both Holy and Harrowing Thank you so much for hosting me today, Mary! It’s been a joy and privilege to get to know you! My journey as a writer started – like many of our journeys do – in my early teen years.  I had just watched a film adaptation of Jane Eyre, and wrote a similar story f

When the movie "Unbroken" came out in the theaters ,I heard great reviews. I went and saw the movie and was equally impressed.  I had heard that the man in this story, Louis Zamperini, had come to know Christ. I didn't see anything about this in the movie. What I saw instead was Louis's strength to endure starvation, beatings, hard labor, sun exposure, isolation, lies, demeaning words, sleep deprivation, and much more. I read the book and learned so much more. The best part had been left out. So many other men in the same situation did not survive.  The few men whose bodies endured to the end of the war and returned home suffered post traumatic syndrome disorder. Nightmares, voices, sudden sounds...all tormenting their minds and drawing the survivors back to the prison camps. Louis struggled with the same problems. He lashed out at his wife and others around him. His body and mind had been broken and he didn't know what to do. One day Billy Graha

Today we welcome author: Belle Calhoune One commenter will win an copy of Belle's eBook:  Till the End of Time Scroll down to see how. International Readers invited to enter! Mary here. I'm so  happy Belle is visiting with us this weekend.  I asked Belle to tell us how God led her on her writing journey. Her words are really touching. Here is what she said:  Joyful Moments For Those Going Through Rough Times As the kid who grew up across the street from a public library, I have always been fascinated by books. I had childhood favorites such as Nancy Drew, Little Women and Rebecca. I was known to constantly have my nose buried in a book. Throughout my childhood and adolescence I was fortunate to live in a faith-based household.  I enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the Lord and always drew on Him for strength. My faith journey as a writer has taken me through some twists and turns. As an aspiring writ