The Storyteller | Mary Vee

Today we welcome author: Renee Ryan One commenter will win a copy  of Renee's new release:  Wagon Train Proposal Great news!  International readers are invited to enter.  Renee will send a paperback copy to the winner,  even International Mary here. Renee is one of the super authors I met at ACFW. I only had a chance to eat a meal at the same table, but in that short time I felt an immediate connection. Her fun spirit. Her friendliness. Well, I simply had to share with you. I asked Renee to tell us how God led her on her writing journey. Here is what she said: A Dangerous Indifference I started writing fiction an entire decade before Kindle, Nook and other modern e-book devices existed. I consider this a huge, unexpected blessing. I wasn’t ready to publish when I began this journey. I had a lot to learn about writing a book. But the pain of rejection (especially in those early years) was difficult.  ...

I usually wait for some striking idea before writing these posts. Sometimes that means I'm writing the ideas the night before, other times I am inundated with thoughts and can write weeks ahead. I do this because I don't want to just jot down anything. This is a golden time I get to spend with you. A time we can chat about issues that stir our hearts and bring us close to God. These ideas frequently come at the strangest time. This one is no different.  Here I was, wallowing in a grumpy, nobody loves me mode most of day. It didn't start that way. God woke me with a beautify sunny sky (my favorite). The birds sang and scurried about the yard. Ducks swam in the lake. He helped me think of Him as I got up and started my day. I thought of several prayer requests posted here on this blog, and ones from Facebook. I prayed for my friends and their concerns. Then the grumpies came, knocking my feet out from under me. I prayed. Said Bible verses. Sang Sc...

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 c...

Photo Courtesy The truth about priorities: Sometimes we need to focus our energies and get the task done. Sometimes we should set the task aside. God expects us to take care of the most important tasks first. He also expects us to know when to let go and let Him handle the situation There are times when getting rattled about a priority is good. John the Baptist did. Yes, we know the result, but he also made the right choice. I don't know that I would have had the strength to stand up to Herod like he did. There are some very important causes that need strong voices. Photo Courtesy There are times when we need to focus on priorities.  Making our bed each day to show respect and stewardship for what God has given us Doing the dishes each day to stay healthy. Taking care of those in our charge (children, elderly parents, etc) Getting up in the morning to go to work. Going to church. etc. There are also times when we really need to let ...

Today we welcome author: Sandra Byrd One commenter will win a copy of Sandra's new release:  Mist of Midnight Mary here. I have hung around a lot of the same places Sandra has. I just realized I haven't shared her bubbly spirit yet. An added plus she has a new release this month. Well, I just had to get the ball rolling and invite her to share what God has done in her life. You're gonna love her story. Here is what she said: When I do What God Says, I Feel His Pleasure When I was a kid, I wanted three careers: to be a hair stylist, to be a waitress, and to be an author. After I mohawked my Barbie I knew I wasn’t cut out for the hairstylist career. Mary: I think many of us are secretly raising our hands to confess we did similar things! I was a waitress in a Jewish deli when I was a teenager, and then I worked for a caterer. Writing, however, was the real passion.   I went to college on a writing scholarship but then I got nervous...