Inspirational Journeys: Stories that Matter
By Ann Harrison
Welcome to Inspirational Journeys, stories that matter ! Listen as I speak with K-12 authors about their writing process, how they found illustrators if needed, and speak with K-12 editors, agents, and publishers as they share tips for up and coming K-12 authors. Listen as I share editing tips and strategies, and platform building advice I learn throughout my author and editing journey, champion authors whose work I've edited, and give authors with disabilities a platform to share their writing journeys.
email me at annwrites75@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.
email me at annwrites75@gmail.com with any questions or suggestions.
Inspirational Journeys: Stories that MatterJan 26, 2021
00:00
19:12
Podcast update and Thanksgiving Wishes
I encourage you to visit my YouTube channel, until I get the Podcast feed up and running due to technical issues. The link for my YouTube Channel is:
https://www.youtube.com/user/annsmusic1
Nov 22, 202301:59
King of Realms with Britt Asher
I reached out to todays special guest after reading the
first book of her King of Realms series as part of the Hidden Gems ARC reader
program. I fell in love with her dynamic characters and the fantasy world so
much that I invited Brit Asher to share the story behind this series. Join us as
we talk all things fantasy for middle grade readers and their families. Don’t
forget to have your journal or notebook handy, because there are some golden
nuggets about publishing and marketing you writers will want to take advantage
of.
Britt lives in the frigid wasteland known as Minnesota.
While she hates the cold and snow, she appreciates the nice summers, the lack
of lethal creepy crawlies, and the pretty forests and lakes. Outside of
writing, she loves reading, high-speed walking, and high-speed walking while
reading--yes, that’s a thing, and no, she hasn’t accidentally walked off a
cliff (yet). One of her favorite places is Japan, where she lived for nearly
three years and ate far too many sweet potatoes.
Britt’s featured book is King of Realms.
Varric has two weeks left to live. That’s the least of
his problems.
Twelve-year-old
Varric wants nothing more than to save his mom’s life. After all, it’s his
fault she’s dying.
But
when he breaks into a castle to steal a magical relic that might save her, the
relic is stolen right out from under his nose. Even worse, he’s arrested for
the theft. Unless he can find and return the missing relic within two weeks,
he’ll be executed by a magical explosive on his wrist.
As
if that weren’t bad enough, Varric discovers that the relic is actually a key
to an ancient prison containing a malicious and powerful creature. Varric’s
quest to save himself and his mom turns into a race to keep the prison locked
and save all of humanity from destruction.
Purchase link:
books2read.com/kingofrealms/
Connect with Britt at the following links:
brittasher.com
www.facebook.com/brittasherwrites/
www.goodreads.com/author/show/34374119.Britt_Asher
www.amazon.com/author/brittasher
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
first book of her King of Realms series as part of the Hidden Gems ARC reader
program. I fell in love with her dynamic characters and the fantasy world so
much that I invited Brit Asher to share the story behind this series. Join us as
we talk all things fantasy for middle grade readers and their families. Don’t
forget to have your journal or notebook handy, because there are some golden
nuggets about publishing and marketing you writers will want to take advantage
of.
Britt lives in the frigid wasteland known as Minnesota.
While she hates the cold and snow, she appreciates the nice summers, the lack
of lethal creepy crawlies, and the pretty forests and lakes. Outside of
writing, she loves reading, high-speed walking, and high-speed walking while
reading--yes, that’s a thing, and no, she hasn’t accidentally walked off a
cliff (yet). One of her favorite places is Japan, where she lived for nearly
three years and ate far too many sweet potatoes.
Britt’s featured book is King of Realms.
Varric has two weeks left to live. That’s the least of
his problems.
Twelve-year-old
Varric wants nothing more than to save his mom’s life. After all, it’s his
fault she’s dying.
But
when he breaks into a castle to steal a magical relic that might save her, the
relic is stolen right out from under his nose. Even worse, he’s arrested for
the theft. Unless he can find and return the missing relic within two weeks,
he’ll be executed by a magical explosive on his wrist.
As
if that weren’t bad enough, Varric discovers that the relic is actually a key
to an ancient prison containing a malicious and powerful creature. Varric’s
quest to save himself and his mom turns into a race to keep the prison locked
and save all of humanity from destruction.
Purchase link:
books2read.com/kingofrealms/
Connect with Britt at the following links:
brittasher.com
www.facebook.com/brittasherwrites/
www.goodreads.com/author/show/34374119.Britt_Asher
www.amazon.com/author/brittasher
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Nov 17, 202315:41
The Role of Love with Paul Zolman
In today’s episode, my special guest describes the tool he created
to teach children and adults to love one another as God loves us. Be journal to
have your journal handy as you listen to this interesting conversation, because
he shares a unique approach to outlining your book for plotters and plantsers
alike.
Paul Zolman is the international
bestselling author of the Role of Love, but the true author of love is God. In
His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find
our way back to His pure love. So, what qualifies me to speak about love? My
childhood experience of the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and
the distaste it formed inside me, I searched for and eventually created a
method that transformed my life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a
family of abuse, physical touch became my preferred love style, only because of
the regularity. I could almost count on it. It was consistent. I came to think
that was the way to express love. But deep inside, I knew that was a twisted
belief. I wanted a better life for myself, which is why I created a paradigm
shift that works. In this book, you’ll find what helped me move from a
childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find
good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love. I hope
you join me.
Connect with Paul at the following links:
www.roleoflove.com/
facebook.com/roleoflovedice
instagram.com/roleoflovedice/
www.linkedin.com/company/roleoflovedice
pinterest.com/roleoflovedice
tiktok.com/@roleoflovedice
twitter.com/roleoflovedice
www.youtube.com/channel/UC1kniwkoHIW9EA5Ojv7NuLA
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
to teach children and adults to love one another as God loves us. Be journal to
have your journal handy as you listen to this interesting conversation, because
he shares a unique approach to outlining your book for plotters and plantsers
alike.
Paul Zolman is the international
bestselling author of the Role of Love, but the true author of love is God. In
His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find
our way back to His pure love. So, what qualifies me to speak about love? My
childhood experience of the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and
the distaste it formed inside me, I searched for and eventually created a
method that transformed my life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a
family of abuse, physical touch became my preferred love style, only because of
the regularity. I could almost count on it. It was consistent. I came to think
that was the way to express love. But deep inside, I knew that was a twisted
belief. I wanted a better life for myself, which is why I created a paradigm
shift that works. In this book, you’ll find what helped me move from a
childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find
good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love. I hope
you join me.
Connect with Paul at the following links:
www.roleoflove.com/
facebook.com/roleoflovedice
instagram.com/roleoflovedice/
www.linkedin.com/company/roleoflovedice
pinterest.com/roleoflovedice
tiktok.com/@roleoflovedice
twitter.com/roleoflovedice
www.youtube.com/channel/UC1kniwkoHIW9EA5Ojv7NuLA
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Nov 14, 202333:38
The Intricacies of Worldbuilding with Shelly Mack
My special guest Shelly Mack and I talk about the intricacies
of worldbuilding in today’s episode. Sometimes worldbuilding can be difficult, yet
it’s also fun to write, once you find fellow writers and editors to support you
and give you feedback to help you find the joy of writing fantasy. Join our
conversation and bring along your journal to capture any golden nuggets along
the way.
Shelly Mack is an
author of children’s books, including picture books and young adult fiction.
From a toddler through to adulthood, books have been a permanent part of her
day-to-day life. Her children and faith inspired her writing. Shelly wants to
keep books alive in a world that needs escapism and wishes to bring joy to her
readers through her books. As well as writing, she runs a ‘Meet the Author’
programme on Instagram, which has been a great addition to her author career.
Shelly is a full-time writer living in Scotland with her husband, two girls and
two cats.
Shelly’s latest
novel is entitled Landis.
A
world consumed by secrets. A group of friends with gifts they've yet to contol
A luring darkness that will choose one to do its bidding. A visionary prince
& a vengeful princess are divided by an impenetrable barrier. Benjamin must
harness his newfound power to prevent Alunattra from piercing her way back
through—lest she return to avenge & reclaim her throne. Welcome to Landis.
Get ready to believe.
Purchase
link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6NRB55L?ref_=cm_sw_r_apan_dp_7X5BRKTC5H6HE634BYG1
Connect
with Shelly at the following link:
https://linktr.ee/Shellymack
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
https://540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Nov 10, 202326:50
Heidi Gray McGill Returns with A Deeper Love
Heidi Gray McGill is back with a brand new novel. This isn’t
her true debut, because she’s self-published several books in her author
career. However, A Deeper Love is her first traditionally published book with
Celebrate Lit Publishing. Join us as we talk about her writing journey thus
far, and her experience as a hybrid author.
Heidi
infuses God’s love into her award-winning Christian fiction works.
Everything Heidi writes is purposeful. She believes in bringing a reader into
an awareness of who God is to them and how He interacts with them on a personal
level. She does this by crafting characters so relatable you feel part of who
they are.
Heidi’s masterfully written words reach deep into the reader’s heart and offer
healing through God’s Word.
McGill lives in a small town south of Charlotte, NC, with her husband of over
thirty years. When not writing, Heidi loves playing with her grandsons,
cooking, winning games, and exploring the world through books. Join Heidi on
her latest adventures by visiting the blog on her website at https://heidigraymcgill.com/.
Heidi’s
latest novel is entitled A Deeper Love.
I get
paid to do my dream job, usually by wealthy men who thrive on adventure. But
when their adrenaline rush is gone and vacation is over, I’m still here, on a
tropical island, with people who mostly leave me alone.
Except
for this guy. Seriously, Dan is the last man I want to get involved with. If he
got Decompression Illness, the doctors would likely call it Mercedes Bends. He’s
privileged and entitled and would never leave his city life behind for the
challenges of living on a remote Island. Don’t get me wrong—he’s prime shark
bait, but I’m not ready to fall deeply in love with someone who won’t stay.
There’s
no such thing as “going too deep” where spiritual things are concerned. But I’ll
stay at the surface and snorkel rather than dive into the depths when it comes
to relationships.
Purchase
link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLJ2CSNV?&linkCode=sl1&tag=authorheidigr-20&linkId=0aab96dd35dd9bae0eb2a9ac33ee36c5&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Connect with Heidi at the following links:
https://heidigraymcgill.com/
https://www.amazon.com/author/heidigraymcgill
https://www.instagram.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20851872.Heidi_Gray_McGill
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-gray-mcgill?follow=true
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiGrayMcGill
https://www.youtube.com/@authorheidigraymcgill/?sub_confirmation=1
https://heidigraymcgill.com/free_book/
https://heidigraymcgill.com/blog/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product
on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
https://540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Nov 07, 202325:39
Teaching Children about Science through Education and Entertainment with Emanuel Rose
In this
episode, my special guest and I talk about his children’s picture book series
and how his marketing team helped him self-publish his books. Join us as we
talk about how his children’s book series entertains kids and inspires parents
to dig deeper for answers to their children’s burning questions
Emanuel Rose was born and raised on the
West Coast of the United States. He has spent over three decades earning a
reputation in cutting edge marketing. A renowned expert in the field, Emanuel
specializes in branding, advertising, and day to day operations at his digital
agency, Strategic eMarketing. His passion lies in helping companies achieve
business success from the bottom to the top. Emanuel's unique approach to
marketing strategies has resulted in countless clients reaching their goals. Emanuel
enjoys learning his craft and implementing new techniques and theories for his
clients, not only in his home state of Oregon, but around the world. Together
with his hand selected staff, Emanuel creates opportunities while solving
challenges in the ever-changing digital landscape. He is a firm believer in
using his personal experiences to help others and this dedication continues to
impress. Not to be outdone on the digital battlefields, Emanuel is an avid
outdoorsman. He feels connected to the planet wandering the towering forests or
absorbing the energy pouring in from the ocean. His childhood fantasy of
discovering those special wild places translates to his writings. The freedom
and joy in exploring the natural world is a welcome addition to his life.
Emanual’s children’s picture book series is entitled Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree.
Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree is a
truly lyrical and spirited tale that takes children on a beautiful tour of
nature, coupled with vibrant illustrations and impactful storytelling that
shows the unbreakable bond between nature and the creatures who live within its
glory. Each book ships with a pack of Douglas Fir Seeds that can be
planted.
Each book comes packaged with the
gift of Douglas fir tree seeds and planting instructions; a list of
organizations that readers can explore supporting in their efforts to leave the
world a better place than they found it; and a personal note from the author,
Emanuel Rose, to guide your experience of this beautiful children’s book about
nature.
Purchase link:
emanuelrose.com/product/wenaha-henry-childrens-book-about-nature-seeds-to-a-tree/
Connect with Emanual at the following links:
emanuelrose.com/
www.facebook.com/StrategicEmarketing
www.instagram.com/strategice/
www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-leadgeneration/
www.pinterest.com/semarketing/
twitter.com/Strategic_E
www.youtube.com/channel/UCTi_Fzh3kaCZGSMUMQUBgWA
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any
product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
episode, my special guest and I talk about his children’s picture book series
and how his marketing team helped him self-publish his books. Join us as we
talk about how his children’s book series entertains kids and inspires parents
to dig deeper for answers to their children’s burning questions
Emanuel Rose was born and raised on the
West Coast of the United States. He has spent over three decades earning a
reputation in cutting edge marketing. A renowned expert in the field, Emanuel
specializes in branding, advertising, and day to day operations at his digital
agency, Strategic eMarketing. His passion lies in helping companies achieve
business success from the bottom to the top. Emanuel's unique approach to
marketing strategies has resulted in countless clients reaching their goals. Emanuel
enjoys learning his craft and implementing new techniques and theories for his
clients, not only in his home state of Oregon, but around the world. Together
with his hand selected staff, Emanuel creates opportunities while solving
challenges in the ever-changing digital landscape. He is a firm believer in
using his personal experiences to help others and this dedication continues to
impress. Not to be outdone on the digital battlefields, Emanuel is an avid
outdoorsman. He feels connected to the planet wandering the towering forests or
absorbing the energy pouring in from the ocean. His childhood fantasy of
discovering those special wild places translates to his writings. The freedom
and joy in exploring the natural world is a welcome addition to his life.
Emanual’s children’s picture book series is entitled Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree.
Wenaha Henry Seeds to a Tree is a
truly lyrical and spirited tale that takes children on a beautiful tour of
nature, coupled with vibrant illustrations and impactful storytelling that
shows the unbreakable bond between nature and the creatures who live within its
glory. Each book ships with a pack of Douglas Fir Seeds that can be
planted.
Each book comes packaged with the
gift of Douglas fir tree seeds and planting instructions; a list of
organizations that readers can explore supporting in their efforts to leave the
world a better place than they found it; and a personal note from the author,
Emanuel Rose, to guide your experience of this beautiful children’s book about
nature.
Purchase link:
emanuelrose.com/product/wenaha-henry-childrens-book-about-nature-seeds-to-a-tree/
Connect with Emanual at the following links:
emanuelrose.com/
www.facebook.com/StrategicEmarketing
www.instagram.com/strategice/
www.linkedin.com/in/b2b-leadgeneration/
www.pinterest.com/semarketing/
twitter.com/Strategic_E
www.youtube.com/channel/UCTi_Fzh3kaCZGSMUMQUBgWA
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any
product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Nov 03, 202311:30
Road Trip Rescue Book Launch with Becca Wierwille
Don’t let your limitations or disability keep you from doing the work God has called you to do. That’s what my special guest and I talk about in today’s episode. Beca Wierwille discuss how she has learned to write in spite of her disability. She also shares her writing process and tips for writers as an editor and as an editor. In spite of technical issues at the end, I recommend having a journal handy as you tune into this conversation, because there are a lot of golden nuggets to put in your writer’s toolbox.
Becca Wierwille writes stories to show kids they are wonderfully created for the unique adventures in their lives. Born with only half of her right arm, she aims to help others find beauty in what makes them extraordinary. Mom by day and novelist by relatively early in the morning, she wishes she could eat peach pie as often as most writers drink coffee. Despite her dreams of sandy beaches and mountain peaks, she loves living in Pennsylvania with her family. Road Trip Rescue is Becca's debut novel. Visit her online at beccawierwille.com or follow her on social media @beccawierwille. Sign up for her email newsletter to receive free resources and monthly encouragement.
Becca’s debut middle grade novel is entitled Road Trip Rescue.
Twelve-year-old
Kimmy trusts dogs more than people.
After all, her dog Bo never made fun of her for having one hand. But two years
ago, Bo disappeared.
When Kimmy stumbles across a magazine photo of a dog in upstate New York that
looks just like Bo, she knows she has to find him. Her parents seem oddly
unsupportive, but pink-haired, adventure-hungry Aunt Skylar agrees to a road
trip with a stop in the Adirondacks. Kimmy jumps at the chance to bring her
furry family member home.
Unfortunately, Aunt Skylar’s idea of a road trip isn’t the rescue mission Kimmy
had in mind.
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/Road-Trip-Rescue-Becca-Wierwille-ebook/dp/B0CCWV1SS4/ref=sr_1_1?crid=35UXM9PA7UTF0&keywords=road+trip+rescue+becca+wierwille&qid=1697126267&sprefix=road+trip+rescue%2Caps%2C356&sr=8-1
Connect with Becca at the following links:
https://www.instagram.com/beccawierwille/
https://www.facebook.com/beccawierwille
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want to participate inwriting workshops. Visit:
https://540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Oct 31, 202338:52
Teaching Children to Dream Big Through the art of Storytelling with Nathaniel Turner
Nathaniel A. Turner is a breath of
fresh air. As one of the most entertaining and captivating Renaissance people
of our day, he's sought after by organizations and individuals worldwide to
share the tools, techniques, and strategies to live life in the present with
joy on purpose. The Humanitarian Propulsion Engineer, College & Career
Readiness Strategist, TED Speaker, and author's work includes the books:
Raising Supaman, Stop the Bus, It's A Jungle Out There, Journey Forward, and
The Amazing World of STEM. Nate shares an audio version of his unique style of
envisioning and manifesting the best version of himself across numerous social
media platforms. Everything Nate shares today was proofed and measured for
nearly thirty years, beginning with endeavoring to give an unborn child a life
better than he had. Successfully designing his child's life backward, he
discovered that the process now known as 'The Life Template,' which includes a
suite of academic and social tools, techniques, and strategies, might be helpful
for others. It's worth noting that Turner's son not only met Harvard's
admission benchmarks (i.e., test scores in the top 1%, 33 college credits by
his junior year, proficiency in four languages, left home after his junior year
to play soccer in Brazil, and started a foundation to address teen
homelessness); he eviscerated the profiled criterion by his sixteenth birthday.
Nate's son met the rigorous educational requirements of the top colleges and
universities without means of wealth, privilege, legacy status, fraud, bribery,
cheating, Affirmative Action, or Adobe Photoshop. His son earned acceptance to
twenty-seven of America's best undergraduate colleges and universities, Ph.D.
fellowships to seven of America's best engineering graduate schools, and MBA
offers from four of America's top business schools. Today, Turner's son holds a
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.
Furthermore, Turner's son is a first-year MBA student at NYU's Stern School of
Business. Turner's 'Life Template' helped his son receive more than a million
dollars in free education. Today, Nate teaches businesses, schools,
not-for-profits, and families how to achieve any goal or objective, like being
college and career ready through backward design. Nate's life mission is
simple. First, he wants us to consider who we are and whether we are now who we
want to be when we are no more. Second, he wants us all to embrace our
responsibility to leave the planet better than it was when we arrived by helping,
serving, and making sure all who encounter us know their lives matter.
You can purchase Nate’s books at the
following links:
Homes
for All (The Amazing World of Stem): Turner-Bandele, Naeem K, Turner, Nathaniel
A, Richardson, Keva M: 9781735266688: Amazon.com: Books
The
Amazing World of STEM: Turner, Nathaniel A, Turner-Bandele, Naeem K,
Richardson, Keva M: 9781735266602: Amazon.com: Books
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0989587924?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_NW52RBPN4Z1QSWGMQZKW
Connect with
Nate at the following links:
https://www.nathanielaturner.com/
https://speakerhub.com/speaker/nathaniel-turner
https://www.facebook.com/RaisingSupaman
https://www.instagram.com/nateaturner/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielaturner/
https://twitter.com/NateATurner
https://www.youtube.com/c/Raisingsupaman
Oct 27, 202317:38
Haunted by You Book Launch with Louise Davis
I’ve got another book launch to celebrate with another debut
author for you. If you love clean, young adult, sweet romantic suspense with a
paranormal flare, I have just the book for you. In today’s episode Louise Davis
and I talk about her writing process, and publishing her first book.
Louise Davis is a powerful,
up-and-coming, young adult author who has an innate ability to instantly draw
readers into her stories with her dramatic realism. By combining a commercial
and accessible writing style with highly-riveting and twisting plotlines,
Louise’s novels are truly unique works of literary art. Her recent book,
Haunted by You, artistically showcases her wide-range of writing skills weaving
in romance, mystery, and suspense all in one thrilling book. She has always
loved reading books to her children and received a bachelor’s degree with a
focus in creative writing to write her own books, including her children’s
book, Grandpa’s Boots. It is through Louise’s profound character development
and realistic storylines that she’s able to not only entertain her readers, but
also teach them valuable life lessons in the process. When Louise is not
sharing her love for writing with the world, she loves to read, go on
adventures and spend her time with her five boys, husband, and various animals
on their peaceful 3-acre ranch-style home in Idaho.
Louise’s debut novel is entitled
Haunted By You
Set against the backdrop of charming
Charleston and Moncks Corner, South Carolina, Haunted by You is the story of
two seemingly opposite, yet romantically bound teens—Genevieve and Steve—whose
worlds collide when dark secrets of the past come back to haunt them. Haunted
by You takes readers on a unique and entertaining psychological journey through
whirlwind romance, real-life ghost stories, haunted pasts, deceit, and
heartache to reveal just how important cherishing life’s small moments really
is.
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/Haunted-You-Louise-Davis/dp/1636981720/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2IFMRLOMZINYZ&keywords=Haunted+by+You+by+Louise+Davis&qid=1697729807&sprefix=haunted+by+you+by+louise+davis%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1
Connect with Louise at the following links:
https://www.louisedavisbooks.com/
https://www.facebook.com/louisedavisbooks/
https://www.instagram.com/louisedavisbooks/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any
product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
https://540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Oct 24, 202323:51
A Mark In the Road Book Launch Celebration with Angelique Burrell
If you love young adult thrillers with a hint of sweet
romance and some speculative fiction elements thrown in, I have just the
conversation for you. Today, Angelique Burrell and I discuss her debut YA
thriller. We talk about her writing process, her submission and querying
process and she shares a few tips she’s learned along the way.
With an English
teacher as a father and a librarian as a mother, it's no surprise that
Angelique grew up loving to read. Now, she teaches high school English and
creative writing in a suburb of Chicago, working to bring her love of reading
and writing to high school students. She is blessed to have a supportive
husband, daughter, and son, who don't mind her binge writing, an extended
family who always encourage her creativity. Angelique and her husband Walt love
their home in Illinois, but their hearts are forever hiking in Lake Tahoe,
California.
Angelique’s debut
novel is entitled A Mark in the road.
Every tire track
tells a story. At least that's what accident experts say. And there's no better
expert than eighteen-year-old Mason. Mason dreads the skid marks left by
braking tires. Every mark - every near miss, dead animal, injured person -
plays like a soundless documentary in his mind. When Mason's on-again-off-again
crush Addie begs him to drive cross-country to help her move, he must face what
he thought was his greatest fear - the open road. But a tire mark left near a
missing woman's car on the Loneliest Road in America changes everything. As
Mason searches for clues, he and Addie drive closer to trouble and risk losing
everything. Can his strange gift finally serve a purpose? Can he race against
the clock and drive 2,000 miles before the skid mark disappears
Purchase links:
Anderson's
Bookshop: www.andersonsbookshop.com/book/9781957656199
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mark-Road-Angelique-Burrell/dp/1957656190
Connect with Angelique at the following links:
Website: www.angeliqueburrell.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aburrellauthor/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aburrellauthor
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any
product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
romance and some speculative fiction elements thrown in, I have just the
conversation for you. Today, Angelique Burrell and I discuss her debut YA
thriller. We talk about her writing process, her submission and querying
process and she shares a few tips she’s learned along the way.
With an English
teacher as a father and a librarian as a mother, it's no surprise that
Angelique grew up loving to read. Now, she teaches high school English and
creative writing in a suburb of Chicago, working to bring her love of reading
and writing to high school students. She is blessed to have a supportive
husband, daughter, and son, who don't mind her binge writing, an extended
family who always encourage her creativity. Angelique and her husband Walt love
their home in Illinois, but their hearts are forever hiking in Lake Tahoe,
California.
Angelique’s debut
novel is entitled A Mark in the road.
Every tire track
tells a story. At least that's what accident experts say. And there's no better
expert than eighteen-year-old Mason. Mason dreads the skid marks left by
braking tires. Every mark - every near miss, dead animal, injured person -
plays like a soundless documentary in his mind. When Mason's on-again-off-again
crush Addie begs him to drive cross-country to help her move, he must face what
he thought was his greatest fear - the open road. But a tire mark left near a
missing woman's car on the Loneliest Road in America changes everything. As
Mason searches for clues, he and Addie drive closer to trouble and risk losing
everything. Can his strange gift finally serve a purpose? Can he race against
the clock and drive 2,000 miles before the skid mark disappears
Purchase links:
Anderson's
Bookshop: www.andersonsbookshop.com/book/9781957656199
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Mark-Road-Angelique-Burrell/dp/1957656190
Connect with Angelique at the following links:
Website: www.angeliqueburrell.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/aburrellauthor/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aburrellauthor
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any
product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Oct 20, 202329:22
A Deep Dive into Historical Fiction with Marguerite Martin Gray
I love to celebrate new book launches and champion the
Celebrate Lit Publishing authors who’s work I’ve edited. Today’s episode is no
exception! Join my special guest and me as we talk about her writing journey
and celebrate her brand new novella.
Marguerite
Martin Gray is the author of the Revolutionary Faith series, Gardens in Time
series, and Room for Love in the Suamalie Islands series. She enjoys
researching and studying history. An avid traveler and reader, she teaches
French and Spanish. She currently lives in North Louisiana with her husband and
rescue pets. Her two adult children and two grandsons keep her up to date and
young.
Promise Me Christmas is a Christmas novella, companion to
Revolutionary Faith Series, 1784 Charleston, SC
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBD4524R?crid=13Z6KSZ1AHDWG&keywords=promise+me+christmas&qid=1688802633&sprefix=promise+me+christma,aps,1631&sr=8-9&linkCode=sl1&tag=celelit-20&linkId=d1389c405b2ed09385eacf7f2deed398&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
Connect with Marguerite at the following links:
Newsletter:
https://eepurl.com/gF-3I1
Website/Blog:
https://www.margueritemartingray.com
BookBub:
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marguerite-martin-gray
Facebook
Reader Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1408197086342364
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/margueritemgray
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any
product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
https://540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Oct 17, 202329:36
Multifaceted Author Karl Beckstrand Discusses his Writing and Publishing Journey
In today’s
episode, my special guest and I talk about his writing and publishing journey.
College media instructor Karl W.
Beckstrand is the best-selling author/illustrator of twenty-seven
multicultural/multilingual books (65 e-books—reviews by Publisher’s Weekly,
Kirkus, The Horn Book, and School Library Journal). Raised in San Jose, California,
he has lived abroad, earned a B.A. in journalism, an M.A. in conflict
resolution, and a broadcast & film certificate. His western novel, To
Swallow the Earth, won a 2016 International Book Award. Beckstrand loves
volleyball and singing (in rock bands or choirs). His Y.A. stories, e-book
mysteries, biographies, Spanish/bilingual books, wordless and STEM books
feature diverse characters—and usually end with a twist. See: Amazon,
Apple/iBooks, Baker & Taylor, Barnes & Noble, Follett, Ingram, Target,
Walmart, and PremioBooks.com
Connect with Karl at the following
links:
https://premiobooks.com/book-author-visits
https://www.facebook.com/KarlBeckstrand.AuthorSpeaker
https://www.instagram.com/karlbeckstrand/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlbeckstrand/
https://www.pinterest.com/karlbx/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnBDasodvKjUEC_0X4yLpFg
https://twitter.com/PremioBooks
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any
product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
https://540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Oct 13, 202309:26
Writing Encouragement for Writers of All Ages with Shanti Hershenson
Today’s episode is a special one for two reasons. My special
guest is not only a children’s book author, she’s a teen author with a birthday
coming up in two weeks.
Shanti Hershenson’s first two novellas
were published when she was in the sixth grade, although her writing journey
started long before then. Ever since she could hold a pencil, marker, or
crayon, she was creating stories. They started from pictures, mere scribbles,
and eventually, turned into captivating tales. She lives in California with her
parents, sister, and furry friends. Besides writing, she enjoys skateboarding,
Beyblading, free-running, falconry, and of course, reading. She writes in a
variety of genres, including Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Historical Fiction,
although she mostly sticks to Sci-Fi. She advocates for anti-bullying, and you
may find her at open mic-nights, performing her spoken word poem Needles &
Thorns, which is about the struggle of bullying in middle schools.
Shanti’s featured book is entitled: Helipads in Heaven.
World-renowned author Dillon Hershkop has everything she wants in life,
but getting there hasn’t been easy. Now thirty years old, she has achieved
almost everything she dreamed of as a young girl: A dazzling career, a devoted
fan base, and a picture-perfect family—but despite all of this, she is also
painstakingly bored.That is why, when Dillon receives the
opportunity to become the test subject for a time-traveling experiment hosted
by JPL’s brand new Center for Experimental Science, she seizes the opportunity
to explore La Cañada—and the places she grew up around—without any immediate
reservations. In exchange, she can write a brand new memoir both about time
travel and the nearly forgotten experiences that shaped her into the talented
woman she is today. That is, if she returns.Dillon is soon thrown head-first as an adult
spectator into the complicated world of her ten-year-old self—fondly nicknamed Goose—from
her love of helicopters, writing, and all things Elton John, to her unreceptive
fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Vincent, her sourly judgemental classmates, and the
missed opportunities of a fourth-grade writer with a smothered voice.As she observes the childhood she does not
entirely remember, she begins to realize that there are reasons for the holes
in her memories—things she must not remember, because if she does, it may
become impossible to stand back and watch the oil of her bottled-up trauma be
poured into a fire from a distance. And if she goes against the direct orders
of the laboratory, the effects of tampering with a nearly unknown science may
permanently disrupt the fabrics of time, space, and Dillon’s existence.From the teenage author of You Won’t Know Her
Name, Helipads in Heaven is a deep and heartwarming
adventure of time travel, childhood ambitions, and at the core, a love letter
to unique children and those who dare to dream.
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/Helipads-Heaven-Shanti-Hershenson-ebook/dp/B0C97X49B6/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2E564HUJXFRRD&keywords=Helipads+in+Heaven+by+Shanti+Hershenson&qid=1696259960&sprefix=helipads+in+heaven+by+shanti+hershenson%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1
Connect
with Shanti at the following links:
https://www.shantihershenson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/shantihershenson/?hl=en
https://www.pinterest.com/shantihershenson/
https://www.tiktok.com/@shantiwhowrites
https://twitter.com/ShantiHersh
Oct 03, 202327:18
The Joy of Writing Educational and Entertaining Chapterbooks with Tonya Ellis
My special
guest and I have a fun and exciting conversation about our love of writing
children’s books. Even though today’s episode is audio only for the most part,
I get so excited to show off a new toy I made, that I forget that I don’t have
my camera on, and turn it on for a brief second.so if you’re listening on
YouTube, please disregard my split second video shot. For those of you
listening, I’ll share the picture of the crocheted ice cream I talked about as
part of the show notes blogpost on my site.
TONYA DUNCAN
ELLIS is author of the award-winning, 13-book, SOPHIE
WASHINGTON children’s chapter series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM
(HarperCollins, Balzer + Bray, 2024). She is a member of the Society of
Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, and the
Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation-sponsored Amplify Black Stories
storyteller cohort. Tonya has spoken and taught at writing conferences at the
Highlights Foundation and for SCBWI in New York City and for SCBWI Houston and
Austin, TX chapters. A former journalist and freelance magazine writer, she
holds a BA degree in French from Centre College of Kentucky and an MBA degree
from Washington University in St. Louis. Tonya is represented by Sara Megibow
of kt Literary. She
lives in Houston, Texas and is married with three children.
There are 13 books in the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter
series geared toward kids ages 8 to 12. African American preteen Sophie
Washington and her friends deal with common tween issues like fighting off
bullies, squabbling with siblings, managing social media and video games,
getting schoolwork done, fitting in, and puppy love, with a Texas-twist. Sophie
lives in the suburbs of Houston, Texas and sees alligators on neighborhood bike
rides, goes muttin’ bustin’ at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and
experiences flooding and hurricanes, which makes for all kinds of exciting
adventures. Books in the Sophie Washington series include Sophie
Washington: Queen of the Bee, Sophie Washington: The Snitch, Sophie Washington:
Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie, Sophie Washington: The Gamer, Sophie Washington: Hurricane, Sophie
Washington: Mission: Costa Rica, Sophie Washington: Secret Santa, Sophie
Washington: Code One, Sophie Washington: Mismatch, Sophie
Washington: My BFF, Sophie Washington: Class Retreat, Sophie
Washington: Lemonade Day, and Sophie Washington: Treasure
Beach.
Connect with
Tonya at the following links:
Website: www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/tonyaellisbooks/
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/tonyaellisbooks/
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@tonyaellisbooks
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
guest and I have a fun and exciting conversation about our love of writing
children’s books. Even though today’s episode is audio only for the most part,
I get so excited to show off a new toy I made, that I forget that I don’t have
my camera on, and turn it on for a brief second.so if you’re listening on
YouTube, please disregard my split second video shot. For those of you
listening, I’ll share the picture of the crocheted ice cream I talked about as
part of the show notes blogpost on my site.
TONYA DUNCAN
ELLIS is author of the award-winning, 13-book, SOPHIE
WASHINGTON children’s chapter series and THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM
(HarperCollins, Balzer + Bray, 2024). She is a member of the Society of
Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), the Authors Guild, and the
Brown Bookshelf’s Highlights Foundation-sponsored Amplify Black Stories
storyteller cohort. Tonya has spoken and taught at writing conferences at the
Highlights Foundation and for SCBWI in New York City and for SCBWI Houston and
Austin, TX chapters. A former journalist and freelance magazine writer, she
holds a BA degree in French from Centre College of Kentucky and an MBA degree
from Washington University in St. Louis. Tonya is represented by Sara Megibow
of kt Literary. She
lives in Houston, Texas and is married with three children.
There are 13 books in the SOPHIE WASHINGTON chapter
series geared toward kids ages 8 to 12. African American preteen Sophie
Washington and her friends deal with common tween issues like fighting off
bullies, squabbling with siblings, managing social media and video games,
getting schoolwork done, fitting in, and puppy love, with a Texas-twist. Sophie
lives in the suburbs of Houston, Texas and sees alligators on neighborhood bike
rides, goes muttin’ bustin’ at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and
experiences flooding and hurricanes, which makes for all kinds of exciting
adventures. Books in the Sophie Washington series include Sophie
Washington: Queen of the Bee, Sophie Washington: The Snitch, Sophie Washington:
Things You Didn’t Know About Sophie, Sophie Washington: The Gamer, Sophie Washington: Hurricane, Sophie
Washington: Mission: Costa Rica, Sophie Washington: Secret Santa, Sophie
Washington: Code One, Sophie Washington: Mismatch, Sophie
Washington: My BFF, Sophie Washington: Class Retreat, Sophie
Washington: Lemonade Day, and Sophie Washington: Treasure
Beach.
Connect with
Tonya at the following links:
Website: www.tonyaduncanellis.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/tonyaellisbooks/
Instagram:
www.instagram.com/tonyaellisbooks/
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@tonyaellisbooks
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Sep 29, 202325:10
Forward by Fire with Pastor Writer Austin Moore
The only way
to move forward in God’s calling for your life is by faith. That’s what Austin
moore and I talk about in this week’s episode, as we celebrate his debut novel.
Austin Moore is a lead pastor who lives with his wife and
four children in Southeast Georgia. He has spent most of his life in full-time
church ministry while writing worship music. His ministry experience and a
newfound passion have led him to creative writing to tell the story of God’s
life-changing power in a new way.
Austin’s debut novel is entitled Forward by Fire.
All is lost as James’ car hurtles upside down through the
air…
…until he invokes the name of God.
He wakes up in a bizarre new world, but is it a dream? A
delusion? The afterlife?
His estranged daughter Mary appears in the haze of the
forest, but she’s apprehended by a strange dark force and taken away. James
feels just as powerless to reach her as always.
Whether this world is real or not, he’s got to try to find
her, and his only hope is a map with mind-bending supernatural power.
Can a man who’s never believed in the unseen step into the
unknown?
Would he relive the pain of the past and face a mysterious
evil to save Mary and fix what’s broken between them?
“What kind of father wouldn’t try?”
James is no man of faith, but faith is the only way
forward…
…and souls are on the line.
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/Forward-Fire-Austin-Moore-ebook/dp/B0C6H4VF1C?ref_=ast_author_mpb&_encoding=UTF8&tag=revaustinmoor-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c03b8f56fb9b44fd7fae49bec8944ce3&camp=1789&creative=9325
Connect with Austin at the following links:
https://austinmoore.net/
https://www.facebook.com/austinmoorebooks
https://www.instagram.com/rev.austinmoore
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
https://540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Sep 22, 202328:22
Streamline Your Author Platform to Align with Your Writing
What types of
books do you write? Does your author platform align with your writing? That’s
what I’ll be talking about in this weeks episode. I also share some changes
coming to the podcast and my YouTube channel and give you some encouragement
and prayers to help you move forward with streamlining your platform and becoming
an expert in the gifts God has given you in your calling to write.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
books do you write? Does your author platform align with your writing? That’s
what I’ll be talking about in this weeks episode. I also share some changes
coming to the podcast and my YouTube channel and give you some encouragement
and prayers to help you move forward with streamlining your platform and becoming
an expert in the gifts God has given you in your calling to write.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
540writerscommunity.com/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Sep 12, 202311:32
Joan Patterson Discusses her Faith in God and her Service Dogs
What would you do if you crossed paths with a service dog
handler? In today’s episode, Joan Patterson and I discuss the different between
a service dog and a guide dog. We discuss her latest book and her writing. Sit
back and enjoy our inspiring and informative conversation.
Career educator, author, and speaker Joan Patterson received
a Bachelor of Science in education and business and an associate degree in
Bible from Liberty University. More than three decades of multiple sclerosis
(MS) have confined Joan to a wheelchair, from which she communicates
passionately the life lessons God has taught her through service dog companions
Faith and Giles. Joan has spoken to churches, women’s groups, children’s
groups, civic groups, schools, nursing homes and professional groups.
Joan’s memoire is entitled: A Matter of Faith,
Surviving Life’s Crises with Four Wheels, Four Paws, and a Loving God.
In this unique memoir, Joan Patterson chronicles her
experiences as the human half of an extraordinary homosapien -canine
partnership. Adventures ranging from quirky, hilarious, poignant, challenging,
but never dull offer fresh perspective on how to survive life’s relentless
crises and develop a closer relationship with God. Joan’s hope and prayer in
introducing readers to her delightful, devoted canine partner is that each will
walk away from these pages with renewed faith and a deeper understanding of a
loving heavenly Father who is always there to help his children in time of
need.
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=a+matter+of+faith+joan+patterson&crid=TSNQ5LALAV5K&sprefix=a+matter+of+faith%2Caps%2C97&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_4_17
Visit Joan’s website at:
https://joanpatterson.org/
Listen to Joan’s interview with Patti Shene on her radio
show called Step Into the Light by clicking the following link and clicking the
play button on the first episode:
https://pattishene.com/stepintothelightradioshow
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the
site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Sep 06, 202340:31
Connect your Craft to your Writing WWJ Writing Conference encore Presentation
Here’s a sneak
peek at the fourth annual WWJ writing conference which was streamed live on YouTube
on Saturday August 19, 2023. My presentation is entitled Connect your Craft
with your Writing. If you enjoy this presentation, click the play list link below
to see the rest of the conference.
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
peek at the fourth annual WWJ writing conference which was streamed live on YouTube
on Saturday August 19, 2023. My presentation is entitled Connect your Craft
with your Writing. If you enjoy this presentation, click the play list link below
to see the rest of the conference.
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Aug 29, 202330:25
Surround Yourself with a Team of Prayer Warriors
Seeking first
the kingdom of God is important if we want to align with God and follow His
plan for our lives., I encourage you to surround yourself with a
team of prayer warriors. The passages of scripture I reference throughout today’s
episode include: John 15:4–5; Matthew 6:33; and Matthew 6:5–12. I read these
verses from the King James Version of the Bible.
My challenge to you is this: Seak first the Kingdom of God, invite
your family, friends, church members, email subscribers and people in your
writing community to be a member of your prayer team, according to God’s will,
and pray for one another. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three
are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
If you missed the Writing Warriors for Jesus 4th annual
writing conference, you can watch the replays here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
the kingdom of God is important if we want to align with God and follow His
plan for our lives., I encourage you to surround yourself with a
team of prayer warriors. The passages of scripture I reference throughout today’s
episode include: John 15:4–5; Matthew 6:33; and Matthew 6:5–12. I read these
verses from the King James Version of the Bible.
My challenge to you is this: Seak first the Kingdom of God, invite
your family, friends, church members, email subscribers and people in your
writing community to be a member of your prayer team, according to God’s will,
and pray for one another. Jesus said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three
are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
If you missed the Writing Warriors for Jesus 4th annual
writing conference, you can watch the replays here:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Aug 22, 202323:42
Takeaways and Updates from the Write His Answer Conference
In this return
episode from my short hiatus, I share my takeaways and some exciting updates that
I received while attending the write His answer virtual writing conference. Stick
around to the end, because I encourage you, dear listeners and viewers, to
attend a conference either by paying for it yourself, or applying for Cecil Murphy
scholarships whenever possible.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
The Write His
Answer virtual writers conference kicks off tomorrow August 9th, and
runs through Saturday August 12. There’s still time to register if you wish to
attend live, and scholarships are available. To learn more and register for
this fabulous lineup of workshops, continuing sessions, learning labs,
roundtable discussions, breakouts and more, visit the Write His Answer
conference website at:
colorado.writehisanswer.com
Mark your
calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing
conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the
conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time
after the live event by visiting:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
episode from my short hiatus, I share my takeaways and some exciting updates that
I received while attending the write His answer virtual writing conference. Stick
around to the end, because I encourage you, dear listeners and viewers, to
attend a conference either by paying for it yourself, or applying for Cecil Murphy
scholarships whenever possible.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
The Write His
Answer virtual writers conference kicks off tomorrow August 9th, and
runs through Saturday August 12. There’s still time to register if you wish to
attend live, and scholarships are available. To learn more and register for
this fabulous lineup of workshops, continuing sessions, learning labs,
roundtable discussions, breakouts and more, visit the Write His Answer
conference website at:
colorado.writehisanswer.com
Mark your
calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing
conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the
conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time
after the live event by visiting:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Aug 18, 202314:59
Inspirational Journeys is on a Brief Hiatus
Today, I jump onto the podcast and my YouTube channel to explain my reasoning for taking a hiatus, and say a little prayer for the listeners and viewers.
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want to participate inwriting workshops. Visit:
https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
The Write His Answer virtual writers conference kicks off tomorrow August 9th, and runs through Saturday August 12. There’s still time to register if you wish to attend live, and scholarships are available. To learn more and register for this fabulous lineup of workshops, continuing sessions, learning labs, roundtable discussions, breakouts and more, visit the Write His Answer conference website at:
https://colorado.writehisanswer.com
Mark your calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time after the live event by visiting:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Aug 08, 202305:03
Use Your Creative Gifts for God's Glory
Today, I want to share a crochet project God gave me and told me to make. The scripture this crocheted tree was bast on and inspired by is John 15:5. Take look at the image and ask God to peel back the layers of His divine imagery for you. What does he show you? Create a blogpost, social media post or create a YouTube video describing what God has shown you. Be sure to tag me on social media, so I can share your posts and rejoice in the Lord with you.
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability, and you want to participate inwriting workshops. Visit:
https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Mark your calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time after the live event by visiting:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Aug 01, 202311:23
Kingdom Connections Through Writing and Crochet with Christina M. Eder
Don’t let your limitations or disability keep you from doing
the work God has called you to do. In spite of health issues that prevent her
from looking at digital screens for long periods of time, my special guest,
Christina M. Eder continues to follow her calling to write. She also makes
crochet and pray scarves, table runners and blankets . Join us as we discuss
her writing process and her crochet and pray projects.
The author’s original intention of simply
sharing her thoughts and prayers with her Creator, morphed into baring her soul
to the world. By reading these personal reflections, I found myself looking for
Christina’s typical words of wisdom, while asking myself which ideas I’d like
to implement in my life. The more I read, the longer my list became.
It was intriguing that Christina concluded her
book with the “I Thirst” letter by St. Mother Teresa. Then it dawned on me that
she began by sharing 90 days of letters to God and concluded it with a powerful
letter that will make you feel like Jesus is talking to you. Reading that in a
quiet place, with Kleenex nearby, is highly recommended! Since one of her
letters was about the “bookends in the life of Jesus, I wonder if she planned
her book to also have bookends.
It doesn’t make any difference if you are
single, a parent, lover of pets or music, an artist, veteran, blue collar
worker, etc., you are certain to find something you can relate to in this. At
the same time, you will enjoy her skill of writing “word pictures!” I highly
recommend that you read “Knee Deep!”
This series of letters to her Creator is
amazing for its transparency of thoughts and feelings. It covers a wide range
of topics from the simple and mundane to the profound. Christina has a great
gift for putting her thoughts and feelings into words; she has a wonderful
repertoire of metaphors. It is confessional and inspirational, serious and
lighthearted, simple yet wise. I commend Christina for this courageous act of
laying bare her soul and mind for the benefit of others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! All of the
books by this author are inspirational, but I especially enjoyed this one. The
raw honesty is refreshing. It was an easy read and one that I will keep on my
shelf to read again and again. I just purchased a copy to share!
Easy to make connections and relevant to many
readers. I found myself relating to a number of journal entries. It was almost
like she was talking about (or to) me!
Purchase links:
Knee
Deep: A 9-Month Whirlpool of Handwritten Letters to the Creator (Frog Blog):
Eder, Christina M: 9781734659627: Amazon.com: Books
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knee-deep-christina-m-eder/1139652095;jsessionid=2BC43B1D554286F2822E8908EB667B46.prodny_store01-atgap09?ean=9781734659627
Connect with
Christina at the following links:
www.gueststarcoaching.com
www.facebook.com/EDERAuthor
the work God has called you to do. In spite of health issues that prevent her
from looking at digital screens for long periods of time, my special guest,
Christina M. Eder continues to follow her calling to write. She also makes
crochet and pray scarves, table runners and blankets . Join us as we discuss
her writing process and her crochet and pray projects.
The author’s original intention of simply
sharing her thoughts and prayers with her Creator, morphed into baring her soul
to the world. By reading these personal reflections, I found myself looking for
Christina’s typical words of wisdom, while asking myself which ideas I’d like
to implement in my life. The more I read, the longer my list became.
It was intriguing that Christina concluded her
book with the “I Thirst” letter by St. Mother Teresa. Then it dawned on me that
she began by sharing 90 days of letters to God and concluded it with a powerful
letter that will make you feel like Jesus is talking to you. Reading that in a
quiet place, with Kleenex nearby, is highly recommended! Since one of her
letters was about the “bookends in the life of Jesus, I wonder if she planned
her book to also have bookends.
It doesn’t make any difference if you are
single, a parent, lover of pets or music, an artist, veteran, blue collar
worker, etc., you are certain to find something you can relate to in this. At
the same time, you will enjoy her skill of writing “word pictures!” I highly
recommend that you read “Knee Deep!”
This series of letters to her Creator is
amazing for its transparency of thoughts and feelings. It covers a wide range
of topics from the simple and mundane to the profound. Christina has a great
gift for putting her thoughts and feelings into words; she has a wonderful
repertoire of metaphors. It is confessional and inspirational, serious and
lighthearted, simple yet wise. I commend Christina for this courageous act of
laying bare her soul and mind for the benefit of others.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! All of the
books by this author are inspirational, but I especially enjoyed this one. The
raw honesty is refreshing. It was an easy read and one that I will keep on my
shelf to read again and again. I just purchased a copy to share!
Easy to make connections and relevant to many
readers. I found myself relating to a number of journal entries. It was almost
like she was talking about (or to) me!
Purchase links:
Knee
Deep: A 9-Month Whirlpool of Handwritten Letters to the Creator (Frog Blog):
Eder, Christina M: 9781734659627: Amazon.com: Books
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/knee-deep-christina-m-eder/1139652095;jsessionid=2BC43B1D554286F2822E8908EB667B46.prodny_store01-atgap09?ean=9781734659627
Connect with
Christina at the following links:
www.gueststarcoaching.com
www.facebook.com/EDERAuthor
Jul 28, 202326:27
When You've Had Enough, God is Enough with Paul Granger
Has there ever been a time in your life when you say to God,
“I’ve had enough?” I know I have, and my returning guest, Paul Granger talks
about a time when he’s felt this way as well. Join us as we discuss how God becomes
enough for us and gives us rest to continue on a much deeper and more profound
journey than we could ever imagine.
Paul's job is "ambassador of Christ"; anything
else falls under that call. One of the ways God has invited him to live
out the call to "love God and love others" is through creating
authentic, accessible space for conversation and community, and advocating for
those that may go unseen. This happens through content like the Where did you
see God? Podcast and serving with East End Fellowship and YWAM Virginia.
He is a husband, father of three, and fan of a good fire pit.
Paul’s latest book is entitled I have had enough: How Elijah kept going when he
had nothing left to give:
“I have had enough, LORD. Take my life.”
1 Kings 19:4
These are not the words of a weak man, but of the great
prophet Elijah, who after faithfully serving God and seeing Him work, found
himself utterly depleted and hopeless.
Can you resonate? Have you tried to serve God, only to
find things getting worse? Have you tried to be faithful, only to find
your actions misinterpreted? Have you given so much and felt more was
taken in return?
I have, and it is an utterly demoralizing place to be; yet
we can find encouragement in Elijah's story, because the verse above was not
the end.
This short book takes us through the story of Elijah in 1
Kings 17-19, where the ups and downs of his difficult invitations from God can
help us discern how we can keep going when we have nothing left to give.
Purchase link:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9SK17GG
Connect with Paul at the following links:
wheredidyouseeGod.com
www.amazon.com/author/paulgranger
www.facebook.com/wheredidyouseeGod
www.instagram.com/wheredidyouseegod/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Mark your
calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing
conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the
conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time
after the live event by visiting:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
“I’ve had enough?” I know I have, and my returning guest, Paul Granger talks
about a time when he’s felt this way as well. Join us as we discuss how God becomes
enough for us and gives us rest to continue on a much deeper and more profound
journey than we could ever imagine.
Paul's job is "ambassador of Christ"; anything
else falls under that call. One of the ways God has invited him to live
out the call to "love God and love others" is through creating
authentic, accessible space for conversation and community, and advocating for
those that may go unseen. This happens through content like the Where did you
see God? Podcast and serving with East End Fellowship and YWAM Virginia.
He is a husband, father of three, and fan of a good fire pit.
Paul’s latest book is entitled I have had enough: How Elijah kept going when he
had nothing left to give:
“I have had enough, LORD. Take my life.”
1 Kings 19:4
These are not the words of a weak man, but of the great
prophet Elijah, who after faithfully serving God and seeing Him work, found
himself utterly depleted and hopeless.
Can you resonate? Have you tried to serve God, only to
find things getting worse? Have you tried to be faithful, only to find
your actions misinterpreted? Have you given so much and felt more was
taken in return?
I have, and it is an utterly demoralizing place to be; yet
we can find encouragement in Elijah's story, because the verse above was not
the end.
This short book takes us through the story of Elijah in 1
Kings 17-19, where the ups and downs of his difficult invitations from God can
help us discern how we can keep going when we have nothing left to give.
Purchase link:
www.amazon.com/dp/B0C9SK17GG
Connect with Paul at the following links:
wheredidyouseeGod.com
www.amazon.com/author/paulgranger
www.facebook.com/wheredidyouseeGod
www.instagram.com/wheredidyouseegod/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Mark your
calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing
conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the
conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time
after the live event by visiting:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Jul 25, 202340:07
Make your readers remember your story long after the last page
This week, I
want to check in with you to share what’s happening in my writing life, and
give you reflections on making your book a memorable reader experience . I give
you two metaphors when you think about the books we love to read and the stories
God has given us to share. I also share a couple of questions from the
Uptimate-self-editing-checklist-format document, which you can download, along
with a host of other self-editing documents at the following link:
successfulchristianselfpublishing.com/
I had to paus
a moment, because the Holy Spirit gave me John 15:5 to share with you, and I
had to ask Him where I was going with that thought, and that’s when he gave me
the mental image I share with you.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Mark your
calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing
conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the
conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time
after the live event by visiting:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
want to check in with you to share what’s happening in my writing life, and
give you reflections on making your book a memorable reader experience . I give
you two metaphors when you think about the books we love to read and the stories
God has given us to share. I also share a couple of questions from the
Uptimate-self-editing-checklist-format document, which you can download, along
with a host of other self-editing documents at the following link:
successfulchristianselfpublishing.com/
I had to paus
a moment, because the Holy Spirit gave me John 15:5 to share with you, and I
had to ask Him where I was going with that thought, and that’s when he gave me
the mental image I share with you.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate inwriting
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Mark your
calendars for August 19 from 9 a.m. to5 p.m. for the 2023 WWJ writing
conference, which will be live streamed on YouTube. If you can’t watch the
conference live, you can go back and watch the videos in the playlist any time
after the live event by visiting:
youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsc18KIWy0rvL_3AU23UVJcNiYT4JGKNS
Jul 18, 202332:02
Kingdom Connections through Photography with Donna Edman
Have you ever
thought about taking your art to the next level? This week my special guest,
Donna Edman, explains how she used her photography to help women over 50 share their
advice to their 20-year-old selves and share their stories.
Donna is an award-winning portrait photographer with a
passion to honor people and encourage them to share their legacy. Her ability
to engage
with clients helps them feel comfortable and the results are
portraits which capture their authentic selves.
When Donna is not with clients, she is teaching photography
to adults and children. She thinks anyone can learn to develop their “creative
eye.” She encourages
her students to believe there are things that would be not
seen if you didn’t photograph them.
Donna and her high-school sweetheart husband live in
Fullerton, California. They have two adult children, two adorable grandchildren
and two goofy dachshunds.
When Donna is not with her clients and students, she’s
creating images of architecture, nature and anything else she thinks is
beautiful. When she is not
creating photos, she’s playing with her family, cycling and
swing dancing. Occasionally she sits still long enough to watch art films and
read.
Connect with Donna at the following links:
www.donnaedmanphotography.com/
www.facebook.com/DonnaEdmanPhotography/
www.instagram.com/donnaedmanphotography/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
thought about taking your art to the next level? This week my special guest,
Donna Edman, explains how she used her photography to help women over 50 share their
advice to their 20-year-old selves and share their stories.
Donna is an award-winning portrait photographer with a
passion to honor people and encourage them to share their legacy. Her ability
to engage
with clients helps them feel comfortable and the results are
portraits which capture their authentic selves.
When Donna is not with clients, she is teaching photography
to adults and children. She thinks anyone can learn to develop their “creative
eye.” She encourages
her students to believe there are things that would be not
seen if you didn’t photograph them.
Donna and her high-school sweetheart husband live in
Fullerton, California. They have two adult children, two adorable grandchildren
and two goofy dachshunds.
When Donna is not with her clients and students, she’s
creating images of architecture, nature and anything else she thinks is
beautiful. When she is not
creating photos, she’s playing with her family, cycling and
swing dancing. Occasionally she sits still long enough to watch art films and
read.
Connect with Donna at the following links:
www.donnaedmanphotography.com/
www.facebook.com/DonnaEdmanPhotography/
www.instagram.com/donnaedmanphotography/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Jul 11, 202316:29
Champions of Light book launch party with Althea Damgaard
I’d like to introduce you to yet another member of the 540
writers community. My special guest Althea Damgaard and I celebrate the launch
of her debut novel entitled Champions of Light. If you watch the YouTube video,
you’ll see Althea decked out in her 540 writers community t-shirt. Come along
and celebrate with us in the comfort of your living room, or while you’re
walking, jogging, running errands or doing one of the many tasks needing to get
done.
Althea has always loved writing stories and reading since
she was a kid. Now disabled with Multiple Sclerosis, she spends most of her
time writing, reading and improving her craft. Her go to fiction is fantasy and
science fiction, but she will read any story that promises some adventure and
the need to overcome. When not doing that, she is spending time with her
husband and family, playing with her cats or playing games.
Althea’s debut novel is entitled Champions of Light.
Darkness strangles a
kingdom. Can those destined to rule overcome it in time?
Runaway Rhoanda, betrayed by her father for arranging her
marriage without telling her, should have expected it. Winter hangs on in the
mountains, closing the pass to the west. Caught stealing, the city watch takes
her to the Cathedral of Light. She learns the truth about the Light while trying
to hide her identity. Her parents would use her as an excuse to attack this
kingdom.
Sergeant Vern can’t shake his desire to drink nor his anger
at the Lord of Light for letting his sister die young. He continues to work
under his alias, but time is running out. A treacherous spring thaw and the
Dark endangers the kingdom. Angels weep and shift positions in a mural
fulfilling prophecy. Vern must change his view of the Light so he can step into
his true role.
Will they find enough faith in the Light to overcome their
trials and save a kingdom?
Purchase link:
www.amazon.com/Champions-Light-Althea-Damgaard/dp/B0C6W18P99
Connect with Althea by visiting her website:
books.altheadamgaard.com
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate in writing
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the
site.
writers community. My special guest Althea Damgaard and I celebrate the launch
of her debut novel entitled Champions of Light. If you watch the YouTube video,
you’ll see Althea decked out in her 540 writers community t-shirt. Come along
and celebrate with us in the comfort of your living room, or while you’re
walking, jogging, running errands or doing one of the many tasks needing to get
done.
Althea has always loved writing stories and reading since
she was a kid. Now disabled with Multiple Sclerosis, she spends most of her
time writing, reading and improving her craft. Her go to fiction is fantasy and
science fiction, but she will read any story that promises some adventure and
the need to overcome. When not doing that, she is spending time with her
husband and family, playing with her cats or playing games.
Althea’s debut novel is entitled Champions of Light.
Darkness strangles a
kingdom. Can those destined to rule overcome it in time?
Runaway Rhoanda, betrayed by her father for arranging her
marriage without telling her, should have expected it. Winter hangs on in the
mountains, closing the pass to the west. Caught stealing, the city watch takes
her to the Cathedral of Light. She learns the truth about the Light while trying
to hide her identity. Her parents would use her as an excuse to attack this
kingdom.
Sergeant Vern can’t shake his desire to drink nor his anger
at the Lord of Light for letting his sister die young. He continues to work
under his alias, but time is running out. A treacherous spring thaw and the
Dark endangers the kingdom. Angels weep and shift positions in a mural
fulfilling prophecy. Vern must change his view of the Light so he can step into
his true role.
Will they find enough faith in the Light to overcome their
trials and save a kingdom?
Purchase link:
www.amazon.com/Champions-Light-Althea-Damgaard/dp/B0C6W18P99
Connect with Althea by visiting her website:
books.altheadamgaard.com
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability,
and you want to participate in writing
workshops. Visit:
beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the
site.
Jul 04, 202326:06
Allow the Holy Spirit to take you from Whine to Shine with Cherrilynn Bisbano
Have you ever planned to have a conversation with someone,
only to have God change the direction of your conversation from start to
finish? This is exactly what happened with my special guest Cherrilynn Bisbano
and me in today’s episode. I invite you to join our conversation and let the
Holy Spirit speak inspiration into your life and your writing as we discuss her
book, her writing and teaching. She asks me questions to give me space to share
my own writing news and experiences.
Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer in fiction and
non-fiction. She offers coaching, editing, and ghostwriting services at Mind to
Manuscript™ Coaching. She loves to help writers achieve their publishing dream.
Cherrilynn is an expert at book
proposals and memoirs.
Cherrilynn AKA the Attitude Adjuster has been teaching the
Bible for twenty-five years and is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics
include attitude, prayer, God’s will, and more.
She is a contributor to Blue Ridge Conference blog,
VineWords, and Arise Daily. She considers it an honor to be published twice in
Chicken Soup for the Soul; Award-winning books Heart Reno, Breaking the Chains,
and Get to the Margins Author’s Anthology.
Cherrilynn teaches writing at Christian Leaders Institute,
has an associated degree in communications. Certified as a Christian Spiritual
Coach, and is earning her Chaplain certification.
Cherrilynn proudly served in the military for twenty years,
earning the John Levitow Military leadership award. She lives with her eighteen-year-old son,
Michael, Jr., and husband of 21 years, Michael, Sr. she fondly calls her
M&M’s
Connect with Cherrilynn at the following links:
https://cherrilynnbisbano.com
https://www.facebook.com/cherrilynnryerson.bisbano
https://twitter.com/bisbanowrites
https://www.instagram.com/cherrilynn3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherrilynn-bisbano-569b8838/
Subscribe to
the 540 Writers Community for free, if you need some writing accountability and
to participate in writing workshops. Visit:
https://beckyantkowiak.com/join-the-540-writers-community/
to sign up for
the newsletter and search for 540 writers community on Facebook.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Jun 29, 202348:27
The Importance of Finishing What You Start in Your Walk with God as a Writer
In today’s
solo episode, I talk about the importance of finishing what you start, because God
has a purpose and a plan for our lives. We all have a message to share and when
we complete the task God has set before us, He can use our writing for His
glory.
The passages I
used to illustrate my points are: 2 Corinthians 8:10–11; Ephesians 2:10; 3:20–21;
and Romans 8: 28–30. All passages of scripture are taken from the King James
version of the Holy Bible.
My book
recommendation is Finish: Give Yourself the Gift of Done by Jon Acuff.
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/Finish-Give-Yourself-Gift-Done-ebook/dp/B01N4VVT1Z/ref=sr_1_1?crid=C525S3W2WX18&keywords=Finish+by+Jon+Acuff&qid=1687797220&sprefix=finish+by+jon+acuff%2Caps%2C140&sr=8-1
Check out Jon Acuff’s
website:
https://acuff.me/
And his
Goodreads page:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3086191.Jon_Acuff
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Jun 27, 202315:56
The World Needs Your Story with Benecia Ponder
Benecia Ponder is a Story Coach and Book Publishing Mentor
to Inspirational Authors—faith-driven creators who share their God-given gifts
and
life experiences through powerful stories that inspire and
impact lives. Benecia is the award-winning author of six books of her own and
has helped hundreds
of entrepreneurs make a bigger difference and profit by
getting their stories out of their hearts and onto the page to impact and
inspire the people they
are called to serve.
Benecia's clients want to tell their story and have a real
impact on the world. They want to open doors to connect with people they feel
called to serve.
Since 2006, Benecia has been helping entrepreneurs and
organizations clarify, hone, and share their messages to inspire change.
With more than two decades of passionate experience helping
storytellers go all the way from outlining to publication, Benecia loves to
speak, teach and
motivate entrepreneurs.
Want to show your people how to write, publish, and leverage
a book that boosts their business with more clients, credibility, and cash
flow? Benecia would
love to be a part of that.
"I believe we all have a message...a beautiful,
transformational message that has the power to create a positive impact in the
lives of others.”
Connect with Benecia at the following links:
www.inspirationalauthors.org/
inspirationaldevotionals.com/
instagram.com/beneciaponder
www.facebook.com/inspirationalauthors
www.linkedin.com/in/beneciaponder
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use
promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site.
to Inspirational Authors—faith-driven creators who share their God-given gifts
and
life experiences through powerful stories that inspire and
impact lives. Benecia is the award-winning author of six books of her own and
has helped hundreds
of entrepreneurs make a bigger difference and profit by
getting their stories out of their hearts and onto the page to impact and
inspire the people they
are called to serve.
Benecia's clients want to tell their story and have a real
impact on the world. They want to open doors to connect with people they feel
called to serve.
Since 2006, Benecia has been helping entrepreneurs and
organizations clarify, hone, and share their messages to inspire change.
With more than two decades of passionate experience helping
storytellers go all the way from outlining to publication, Benecia loves to
speak, teach and
motivate entrepreneurs.
Want to show your people how to write, publish, and leverage
a book that boosts their business with more clients, credibility, and cash
flow? Benecia would
love to be a part of that.
"I believe we all have a message...a beautiful,
transformational message that has the power to create a positive impact in the
lives of others.”
Connect with Benecia at the following links:
www.inspirationalauthors.org/
inspirationaldevotionals.com/
instagram.com/beneciaponder
www.facebook.com/inspirationalauthors
www.linkedin.com/in/beneciaponder
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use
promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site.
Jun 20, 202327:55
Powerful Whispers from the Holy Spirit with Christa Speath
The Holy Spirit speaks to us through powerful whispers. That’s
what my special guest Christa Speath and I discuss, along with her writing
process in today’s episode. Be sure to have your journal ready, because there
are some golden nuggets you’ll want to walk away from this conversation with.
Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries.
It was founded in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a
compelling
message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He
prompted her to write a seven-week devotional titled “Powerful Whispers”.
Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to
more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the
hurting and share
the love of Christ. This blessed wife, mother of two, and
businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day.
So much so that
in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a
Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the
promptings of the
Lord and encourage others in Christ.
Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries
where she publishes her own books, writes encouragements and God whispers on
her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various
social media accounts.
Connect with Christa at the following links:
www.christajoyministries.com/
www.facebook.com/ChristaJoyMinistries/
www.instagram.com/christajoyministries
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
what my special guest Christa Speath and I discuss, along with her writing
process in today’s episode. Be sure to have your journal ready, because there
are some golden nuggets you’ll want to walk away from this conversation with.
Christa Joy Spaeth is the founder of Christa Joy Ministries.
It was founded in 2022 when Minnesota-based author Christa received a
compelling
message from God. In a prayer cabin called “Whisper,” He
prompted her to write a seven-week devotional titled “Powerful Whispers”.
Since then, Christa’s eyes, heart, and ears were opened to
more whispers, so that she may start fulfilling her new purpose of helping the
hurting and share
the love of Christ. This blessed wife, mother of two, and
businesswoman is passionate about living up to God’s plans for her every day.
So much so that
in 2022, she stepped down from her decades-long career as a
Registered Dietitian at a large food manufacturing company to pursue the
promptings of the
Lord and encourage others in Christ.
Today, Christa owns and operates Christa Joy Ministries
where she publishes her own books, writes encouragements and God whispers on
her social media accounts. In addition, she does guest blog posts for various
social media accounts.
Connect with Christa at the following links:
www.christajoyministries.com/
www.facebook.com/ChristaJoyMinistries/
www.instagram.com/christajoyministries
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Jun 16, 202325:02
Connect with the Holy Spirit as you Write with Kyllie Martin
Do you connect with the Holy Spirit as you write? Do you find joy in your writing? These are some of the topics my special guest and I discuss in today’s episode
Kyllie currently resides in Redding California with her husband and two children. A New Zealand speaker and author passionate to see the Kingdom
of God fully expressed here on earth. After years of moving from one trial to the next she found joy to new levels and received the oil of gladness for
her mourning. When she's not spending time with her friends and family you'll find her working on her next project and planning their return to New Zealand.
Kyllie Martin thought she’d navigated two decades of suffering well, joyfully even, until God placed her in an environment where she encountered
authentic, attractive, overflowing joy. After witnessing first-hand the strength that joy imparts, she wanted it for herself. So, she asked the Lord to
teach her about His joy. Thus began a two-year journey of study and exploration. In her debut book, Unlimited Joy, Kyllie shares what the Lord taught her
as she traced the theme of joy throughout the Bible and allowed the Holy Spirit to fill her again and again with the joy of the Lord.
As you read, you will discover there’s more to be had than simply getting through life’s challenges with your faith intact. You’ll learn how to:
Overcome despondency and encounter heaven’s joy
Practically activate joy in your life
Facilitate a joy-outbreak in your community, church, and nation!
Jesus wants you to have more than just a little bit of joy. He wants you to experience the fullness of it! Receive it, release it, and be transformed by
the power of supernatural joy.
Purchase link:
https://www.kylliemartin.com/unlimited-joy
Connect with Kyllie at the following links:
https://www.facebook.com/kylliemartinauthor
https://www.instagram.com/kylliemartinauthor
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site.
Jun 13, 202332:22
Kingdom Connections Through Fiction with Wendy Jo Cerna
A Kingdom connection is always orchestrated by the Holy
Spirit, especially when the connection is between two like-minded fiction
authors. This is what happened when Wendy Jo Cerna appeared as my first guest
in my brand new Kingdom Connections interview series. Come join us as God shows
us how he can provide the inspiration needed to write life changing fiction
that meets people where they are so they can hear the message He has laid on
our hearts to advance His kingdom.
Born into a family of educators in Minnesota, Wendy Jo
Cerna’s love of books and education was inevitable, eventually leading her into
the
world of theater in college, where she earned a BA in Drama
from the University of Washington and later an MS in Psychology from Walden
University.
After an inspirational nudge, Wendy Jo authored, The
Baby-Catcher Gate in 2017, followed by her second fictional work, The
Agreements, in 2020. Her most
recent novel, Solbakken: A Tale of Generations, is an
intriguing story of mystery and generational bonds.
Tora, a 65-year-old woman, is wading through an identity
malaise on the tail end of the covid era. She is at odds with her daughter and
unsure
of the impact of her life on a broader scope. A break-in at
her grandparents' homestead in far northern Minnesota gives her a cleanup
project to sink her
teeth into. As she sorts through the mess, she uncovers
family secrets that lead her to lines of inquiry with her extended family and
further examination
of her family tree. All the details begin to fall into place
by means of surprising discoveries, vivid dreams, and a strange new neighbor
whose history
is shrouded in its own layer of mystery.
Purchase link:
www.amazon.com/Solbakken-Generations-Wendy-Jo-Cerna/dp/1957293160/
Connect with Wendy at the following links:
www.facebook.com/wendyjocerna
www.instagram.com/wendyjocerna/
www.wendyjocerna.com/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Spirit, especially when the connection is between two like-minded fiction
authors. This is what happened when Wendy Jo Cerna appeared as my first guest
in my brand new Kingdom Connections interview series. Come join us as God shows
us how he can provide the inspiration needed to write life changing fiction
that meets people where they are so they can hear the message He has laid on
our hearts to advance His kingdom.
Born into a family of educators in Minnesota, Wendy Jo
Cerna’s love of books and education was inevitable, eventually leading her into
the
world of theater in college, where she earned a BA in Drama
from the University of Washington and later an MS in Psychology from Walden
University.
After an inspirational nudge, Wendy Jo authored, The
Baby-Catcher Gate in 2017, followed by her second fictional work, The
Agreements, in 2020. Her most
recent novel, Solbakken: A Tale of Generations, is an
intriguing story of mystery and generational bonds.
Tora, a 65-year-old woman, is wading through an identity
malaise on the tail end of the covid era. She is at odds with her daughter and
unsure
of the impact of her life on a broader scope. A break-in at
her grandparents' homestead in far northern Minnesota gives her a cleanup
project to sink her
teeth into. As she sorts through the mess, she uncovers
family secrets that lead her to lines of inquiry with her extended family and
further examination
of her family tree. All the details begin to fall into place
by means of surprising discoveries, vivid dreams, and a strange new neighbor
whose history
is shrouded in its own layer of mystery.
Purchase link:
www.amazon.com/Solbakken-Generations-Wendy-Jo-Cerna/dp/1957293160/
Connect with Wendy at the following links:
www.facebook.com/wendyjocerna
www.instagram.com/wendyjocerna/
www.wendyjocerna.com/
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Jun 09, 202334:35
5 tips for creating character rules for Fantasy and its Subgenres
When writing in
the fantasy genre or any of its subgenres such as contemporary fantasy, Urban
Fantasy, and Magical Realism, I’ve found that the best to make sure your
characters drive your story in a way that satisfies the reader is to create
some rules. These rules include rules for ghosts, angels and other spiritual
supernatural characters; rules for any team or group of characters who work together
for the greater good of your world; rules for unusual characters including magical
toys, inanimate objects with special abilities etc.; rules for magic systems;
and rules for supernatural or mythical villains.
Special shouts
go to Caitlin Alexander, author of She’s Still Here:
https://www.amazon.com/Shes-Still-Here-Paranormal-Investigator/dp/1957656077/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2XMKM8P7UTDA4&keywords=She%27s+Still+Here+by+Caitlin+Alexander&qid=1685716716&sprefix=she%27s+still+here+by+caitlin+alexander%2Caps%2C106&sr=8-1
published by
Monarch Educational Services:
https://monarcheducationalservices.com/
Caitlin gave
me the idea for creating rules for the characters and elements of fantasy
listed above.
If you’d like
to learn more about Magical Realism, visit:
https://kimventrella.com/2019/02/14/magical-realism-in-middle-grade/
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the
site.
Jun 06, 202316:00
Scott DeLuzio shares his story of survival, after losing his brother (reprised)
In honor of memorial day, I’m re-airing an episode from back in October of last year. This week, my special guest shares the story of surviving the loss of his brother, who was killed in action while they both served in Afghanistan and overcoming grief, survivors guilt and PTSD, in order to share his compelling story with the world. He also started a podcast to share the stories of others who’ve served in the military and suffered with some, if not all, of the same struggles he went through after coming home from his tour of duty in Afghanistan. Grab a cup of your favorite beverage and join the conversation. After you’ve heard this compelling story, be sure to share it with your friends and loved ones, and say a prayer for the men and women who serve your country, wherever you are, as you listen or watch this week’s episode.
Scott DeLuzio is an Army veteran, having served six years with the Army National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010. Scott’s brother, Steven, was also deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Unfortunately, Steven was killed in action on August 22, 2010. After returning home, Scott struggled with coping with the stresses of combat, the loss of his younger brother, and adjusting back to civilian life. In the years following Scott’s deployment, he noticed other veterans dealing with their struggles in unhealthy ways. Scott started his podcast, Drive On Podcast, to connect with current and prior service members. He interviews veterans and civilians to discuss personal triumphs, life experiences, and emotional hardships to give hope and strength to the military community.
Scott lives in Surprise, Arizona, with his wife, Vicki DeLuzio, and their three children.
Connect with Scott at the following links:
driveonpodcast.com/
twitter.com/scottdeluzio
twitter.com/driveonpodcast
www.facebook.com/driveonpodcast
www.linkedin.com/in/scottdeluzio/
www.linkedin.com/company/drive-on-podcast
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkO9JA_H1z2A8zbvadyhglQ
www.instagram.com/scottdeluzio/
instagram.com/driveonpodcast
If you’re looking
Scott DeLuzio is an Army veteran, having served six years with the Army National Guard, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010. Scott’s brother, Steven, was also deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. Unfortunately, Steven was killed in action on August 22, 2010. After returning home, Scott struggled with coping with the stresses of combat, the loss of his younger brother, and adjusting back to civilian life. In the years following Scott’s deployment, he noticed other veterans dealing with their struggles in unhealthy ways. Scott started his podcast, Drive On Podcast, to connect with current and prior service members. He interviews veterans and civilians to discuss personal triumphs, life experiences, and emotional hardships to give hope and strength to the military community.
Scott lives in Surprise, Arizona, with his wife, Vicki DeLuzio, and their three children.
Connect with Scott at the following links:
driveonpodcast.com/
twitter.com/scottdeluzio
twitter.com/driveonpodcast
www.facebook.com/driveonpodcast
www.linkedin.com/in/scottdeluzio/
www.linkedin.com/company/drive-on-podcast
www.youtube.com/channel/UCkO9JA_H1z2A8zbvadyhglQ
www.instagram.com/scottdeluzio/
instagram.com/driveonpodcast
If you’re looking
May 29, 202335:40
Stories of Faith, Courage, and Grit with Susan K Beatty
Do you
love stories about faith, courage, and grit? Do you love stories where the protagonist
learns to trust in God to give her the faith and courage to face life’s
challenges in order to complete the tasks He sets before her? If so, you’ve
come to the right place. Today, my special guest and I talk about her women’s
fiction with Faith, Courage, Grit, a hint of Romance, and in her latest book,
suspense. Grab a snack and a cup of whatever beverage suits your fancy and join
the conversation. Be sure to have your journal handy, because you may find a
valuable nugget or two along the way.
Susan K.
Beatty is in her third career—from journalist to homeschool tech writer to her
life-long dream to be a novelist. She is proof you can start a new writing
career late in life. Susan released her first published fiction in September
2019 and is now an award-winning author. Novel number eight released May 16 and
number nine releases May 30, 2023. She is passionate about finding courage
through faith and grit. Susan is the author of the
California
Homeschool Manual (in her second career), was the assistant
director of the SoCal Christian Writers’
Conference, and is
the president of her local ACFW-OC Chapter.
Susan’s latest
book is entitled Relinquished.
No one takes her kid and gets away with it.
When Teagan Parsons discovers that the Amber Alert on a celebrity couple’s
child is actually her daughter, she’s determined to rescue the daughter she
relinquished years ago. If she’d only realized the emotions her mission would
rekindle…
Having a cousin in the FBI gets her closer to the case than she could have
dreamed, but instead of listening to the lead FBI agent’s warnings to “leave
the job to the professionals,” Teagan begins following everyone she suspects.
That old saying, “Don’t quit your day job,” has never been truer, but she’ll do
whatever it takes to bring her daughter home safe.
Mitch McCartney has enough trouble on his hands without dealing with a
guilt-ridden, biological mother bent on making up for past sins. Teagan seems
to have developed a talent for getting things wrong and putting herself in
danger. Oh… and she’s adding theft to her rap sheet—theft of his heart, anyway.
Then Teagan goes missing.
Learning you can’t undo the past is a tough enough lesson without adding on
more mistakes, but with Mitch’s help, Teagan may, with the Lord’s Guidance,
forge a brighter future this time.
Purchase link: amzn.to/40mxRGO
Connect with
Susan at the following links:
www.susankbeatty.com/ (Website)
Subscription link: bit.ly/3H6TWl4
madmimi.com/signups/27766cdc2adc4e8fb10cf446d3b32711/join
www.facebook.com/SusanKBeattyAuthor/
www.facebook.com/groups/1169775503218317/
www.amazon.com/author/susankbeatty www.goodreads.com/author/show/19509173.Susan_K_Beatty
www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-k-beatty
www.instagram.com/susankbeattyauthor/
www.pinterest.com/SusanKBeattyAuthor/
twitter.com/sk_beattyauthor/
love stories about faith, courage, and grit? Do you love stories where the protagonist
learns to trust in God to give her the faith and courage to face life’s
challenges in order to complete the tasks He sets before her? If so, you’ve
come to the right place. Today, my special guest and I talk about her women’s
fiction with Faith, Courage, Grit, a hint of Romance, and in her latest book,
suspense. Grab a snack and a cup of whatever beverage suits your fancy and join
the conversation. Be sure to have your journal handy, because you may find a
valuable nugget or two along the way.
Susan K.
Beatty is in her third career—from journalist to homeschool tech writer to her
life-long dream to be a novelist. She is proof you can start a new writing
career late in life. Susan released her first published fiction in September
2019 and is now an award-winning author. Novel number eight released May 16 and
number nine releases May 30, 2023. She is passionate about finding courage
through faith and grit. Susan is the author of the
California
Homeschool Manual (in her second career), was the assistant
director of the SoCal Christian Writers’
Conference, and is
the president of her local ACFW-OC Chapter.
Susan’s latest
book is entitled Relinquished.
No one takes her kid and gets away with it.
When Teagan Parsons discovers that the Amber Alert on a celebrity couple’s
child is actually her daughter, she’s determined to rescue the daughter she
relinquished years ago. If she’d only realized the emotions her mission would
rekindle…
Having a cousin in the FBI gets her closer to the case than she could have
dreamed, but instead of listening to the lead FBI agent’s warnings to “leave
the job to the professionals,” Teagan begins following everyone she suspects.
That old saying, “Don’t quit your day job,” has never been truer, but she’ll do
whatever it takes to bring her daughter home safe.
Mitch McCartney has enough trouble on his hands without dealing with a
guilt-ridden, biological mother bent on making up for past sins. Teagan seems
to have developed a talent for getting things wrong and putting herself in
danger. Oh… and she’s adding theft to her rap sheet—theft of his heart, anyway.
Then Teagan goes missing.
Learning you can’t undo the past is a tough enough lesson without adding on
more mistakes, but with Mitch’s help, Teagan may, with the Lord’s Guidance,
forge a brighter future this time.
Purchase link: amzn.to/40mxRGO
Connect with
Susan at the following links:
www.susankbeatty.com/ (Website)
Subscription link: bit.ly/3H6TWl4
madmimi.com/signups/27766cdc2adc4e8fb10cf446d3b32711/join
www.facebook.com/SusanKBeattyAuthor/
www.facebook.com/groups/1169775503218317/
www.amazon.com/author/susankbeatty www.goodreads.com/author/show/19509173.Susan_K_Beatty
www.bookbub.com/authors/susan-k-beatty
www.instagram.com/susankbeattyauthor/
www.pinterest.com/SusanKBeattyAuthor/
twitter.com/sk_beattyauthor/
May 26, 202327:49
How I Took my Open Air Poem to the Next Level
In this episode,
I explain how my tech assistant, Jack and I recorded my poem entitled Open Air,
set to music with some outdoorsy stuff in the background. You can watch me
dance to this accidental music track here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWfqRfKNm4c&t=13s
You can also
read the poem and listen to the before and after versions of the recording
here:
https://www.annwritesinspiration.com/2023/04/25/original-poetry-open-air-poem/
May 16, 202312:46
Disconnected Book Launch Celebration with Riley Cross
In today’s
episode, Riley Cross joins me to talk about her writing process
and her debut novel entitled Disconnected. As Riley and I talked about her
writing process, we coined a new term for writers who plot a little and pants a
little. NaNoWriMo calls us plantsers, but we coined the term plotser to
describe us. Come join in the fun filled conversation, where you’ll find a few
nuggets for writers and readers in the mix.
Riley Cross is a SciFi Author who loves merging the elements of
fantasy, science, and reality together. Her debut novel, Disconnected, is being
released on May 10th! Whenever possible, she enjoys brewing chocolate coffee
and writing to pirate-themed music. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok
with @WritingbyRiley to continue the conversation!
When her parents and grandfather are
killed in a series of mysterious accidents, the teen is plagued by disturbing
fragments of memory that suggest the deaths were no accident. Only Kaynine, her
loyal robot dog, knows for sure what happened, and Chiara must find its
corrupted memory files. She is desperate for the truth even if the cost is
abandoning Silas, her long-time friend and unsanctioned crush.
She is on the verge of losing it
all: honors-class ranking, best friend, and her dream of becoming an inventor.
The virtual realm and reality
collide as Chiara's coding skills enable her to search for answers in the
Forbidden Library. And when her journey takes her past Unity's city limits and
face-to-face with other social outcasts, Chiara realizes that one girl with a
book just might be dangerous enough to crash the entire system of lies.
Fans of
dystopian science fiction will love the novel's deadly plot twists as it
explores the darker nature of chasing perfection.
Purchase Disconnected at the following links:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/disconnected-riley-cross/1142839644
www.amazon.com/dp/195765614X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KKK3MBXVM7TM6N2AK568
Connect with Riley at the following links:
Twitter : twitter.com/WritingbyRiley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/riley.cross.102
Instagram: www.instagram.com/writingbyriley/
Website: writingbyriley.wixsite.com/writepi
episode, Riley Cross joins me to talk about her writing process
and her debut novel entitled Disconnected. As Riley and I talked about her
writing process, we coined a new term for writers who plot a little and pants a
little. NaNoWriMo calls us plantsers, but we coined the term plotser to
describe us. Come join in the fun filled conversation, where you’ll find a few
nuggets for writers and readers in the mix.
Riley Cross is a SciFi Author who loves merging the elements of
fantasy, science, and reality together. Her debut novel, Disconnected, is being
released on May 10th! Whenever possible, she enjoys brewing chocolate coffee
and writing to pirate-themed music. Follow her on Twitter, Instagram, or TikTok
with @WritingbyRiley to continue the conversation!
When her parents and grandfather are
killed in a series of mysterious accidents, the teen is plagued by disturbing
fragments of memory that suggest the deaths were no accident. Only Kaynine, her
loyal robot dog, knows for sure what happened, and Chiara must find its
corrupted memory files. She is desperate for the truth even if the cost is
abandoning Silas, her long-time friend and unsanctioned crush.
She is on the verge of losing it
all: honors-class ranking, best friend, and her dream of becoming an inventor.
The virtual realm and reality
collide as Chiara's coding skills enable her to search for answers in the
Forbidden Library. And when her journey takes her past Unity's city limits and
face-to-face with other social outcasts, Chiara realizes that one girl with a
book just might be dangerous enough to crash the entire system of lies.
Fans of
dystopian science fiction will love the novel's deadly plot twists as it
explores the darker nature of chasing perfection.
Purchase Disconnected at the following links:
www.barnesandnoble.com/w/disconnected-riley-cross/1142839644
www.amazon.com/dp/195765614X?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_KKK3MBXVM7TM6N2AK568
Connect with Riley at the following links:
Twitter : twitter.com/WritingbyRiley
Facebook: www.facebook.com/riley.cross.102
Instagram: www.instagram.com/writingbyriley/
Website: writingbyriley.wixsite.com/writepi
May 12, 202322:33
Reflections on my 3 day Coffee Fast
In this
episode, I share my reflections of my 3 day coffee fast, and how the Lore
showed up in a bog way. I also have a song recommendation. The song is entitled
Job Suite by Michael Card. You can listen to it on YouTube here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P7XVS1VIzHc
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
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at:
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May 09, 202316:49
I'm Asking You to Bathe my New Book in Prayer
I am taking a
big leap of faith, guided by the Holy Spirit. I want to ask you to bath my new middle
grade magical realism book entitled Shadows On the Wall: Spirit Writer Society
book 1 in prayer, because I believe with all my heart, that God can use entertainment
and the genres that children love to draw middle school kids closer to Him. I
pray that he touches the lives of parents and encourages them to buy the books
for their children. Please pray for a successful book launch, beginning with
the beta reading process, all the way through the launch of the book. Thank you
in advance, and I will do the same for you.
big leap of faith, guided by the Holy Spirit. I want to ask you to bath my new middle
grade magical realism book entitled Shadows On the Wall: Spirit Writer Society
book 1 in prayer, because I believe with all my heart, that God can use entertainment
and the genres that children love to draw middle school kids closer to Him. I
pray that he touches the lives of parents and encourages them to buy the books
for their children. Please pray for a successful book launch, beginning with
the beta reading process, all the way through the launch of the book. Thank you
in advance, and I will do the same for you.
May 05, 202306:38
Let me Tell you a Story
What story
will you tell your audience? Let me tell you a story. That’s the topic of today’s
episode. The Holy Spirit led me to share my story of how I became an author and
the reason for my podcast title. This episode was inspired by a TEDX talk
entitled The Danger of a Single Story, which you can watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4a7oQ5vwP4
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the
site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal
at:
https://paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
May 02, 202309:22
The Process for my Second Book is Different from the First
In this
episode I explain why my process for the second book in my Spirit Writer
Society series is vastly different from the first. I also encourage you to
trust your process, no matter where you are in your writing journey.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal
at:
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Apr 25, 202308:34
Taking a Step Back from Podcasting
God is leading
me to take a step back from podcasting. I’m not giving up on the podcast, my episodes
will be less frequent. In this episode I explain why
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10% off any product on the site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
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at:
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Apr 18, 202309:25
Celebrating Milestones in my Walk with God as a Writer
Today is a day
to celebrate my milestones as I walk with God as a writer. First of all, I want
to say happy 4th anniversary of Inspirational Journeys: Stories that Matter! My
second milestone is that I finished editing my Middle Grade novel and uploaded
the manuscript to Google Docx and shared it with a few select beta readers. I
have a couple more people to share it with, but now I’ve done what I needed to
do, now it’s time for me to let God take it from here. I also want to celebrate winning milestones of
other writers.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal
at:
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Apr 14, 202308:11
Moving Forward in my Calling to Write
In today’s
episode, I give a few updates on my writing life and share some encouragement
with you to help you move forward in your calling to advance the Kingdom of God
and change the world with your words as you follow God’s calling to write.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal
at:
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Apr 11, 202308:06
The Connection between Art and Writing with Lynda Lambert
In today’s episode, Lynda Lambert and I talk about her
connect between her art, painting in particular, and her writing. Here’s Lynda’s
bio in her own words.
My mission statement:
Seeking euphoria through art and writing, I
reveal what is forgotten, lost, or invisible.
My books:
Concerti: Psalms for the
Pilgrimage, Kota Press, (2002)
Concerti: Psalms for the Pilgrimage, Kota Press (2002)
Walking by Inner Vision: Stories & Poems, DLD Books, (2017)
Star
Signs: New and Selected Poems, DLD Books (2019)
first
snow (chapbook) Finishing Line Press (2020)
Songs for the Pilgrimage, DLD Books (2021)
My degrees:
BFA Slippery Rock University of
Pennsylvania, 1989 (Painting)
MFA West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV,
1991 (Painting)
MA in English, Slippery Rock University of
Pennsylvania, 1994
Connect with Lynda at the following links;
Website: https://www.dldbooks.com/lyndalambert/
Blog: http://www.lyndalambert.com/
Email: llambert@zoominternet.net
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal
at:
https://paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
Apr 07, 202338:38
Maggie and the Mountain of Light Book Launch with Mark Snoad
Today marks the launch of Mark Snoad’s debut middle grade
novel entitled Maggie and the Mountain of Light. Join us as we celebrate this
book launch and learn a little about how God called Mark to write.
Mark Snoad is an author and teacher
living in Aotearoa New Zealand. As a professional make-believer, he strives to
find the magic and joy in everyday life. It’s definitely there, at the edges.
You’ll soon discover it, if you believe. Mark lives with his wife, two daughters
and rascal dog, Wilbur.
Mark’s debut novel is entitled Maggie and the Mountain of
Light.
A Middle Grade contemporary fantasy featuring a 12-year-old female
protagonist named Maggie, who battles food allergies, asthma, and anxiety. Maggie attends an 'apocalypse training'
camp in London run by the Wayfinder Girls (a pseudo Girl Scouts). Maggie finds
out about the secret that the Wayfinder Girls have kept hidden from the
world; they protect Earth from inter-dimensional threats. Maggie is invited
to join the elite Guardians programme but struggles to know what to do; she is
barely coping with this world as it is, let alone having to deal with other
worlds. She reluctantly accepts, only to be swept up in a magical adventure
which pushes her, and her unit, to the limit. It's been described as Men in
Black for kids but features an all-female team.
Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-Mountain-Light-Wayfinder-Girls/dp/1957656123/ref=sr_1_1?crid=30WZ0OP8TJ9MD&keywords=maggie+and+the+mountain+of+light+mark+snoad&qid=1679874819&s=books&sprefix=maggie+and+the+%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C283&sr=1-1
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maggie-and-the-mountain-of-light-mark-snoad/1142832719?ean=9781957656113
Connect with Mark at the following links:
https://wayfindergirls.org/
https://twitter.com/SnoadMark
https://www.facebook.com/mark.snoad1
https://www.instagram.com/mark.snoad.writer/?hl=en
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the
site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal
at:
https://paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
Apr 04, 202328:26
4 Benefits of Keeping a Writing Journal for Nonfiction
In the second
episode of my benefits of journaling for writers series, I discuss the
following benefits of keeping a writing journal for non fiction: listing blogpost,
article or nonfiction book ideas; taking notes during your online research,
copying URLs of sources; taking notes during expert interviews.
Visit
www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get
10% off any product on the site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal
at:
https://paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
Mar 31, 202311:02
Beth Jones Returns to talk about Walking with God in the Prophetic Lifestyle
In today’s episode, God has anointed my conversation with Beth Jones about her latest book and the two new books He has given her for the near future.. Pray with us and have your Bible and a method for taking notes handy, because this conversation has some golden nuggets about prophecy and writing the vision and making it play, as the Lord states in Habakkuk 2:2. Beth also shared Isaiah 30:21 with us, which tells us that we will hear God’s Voice as He guides us down the path He has chosen for us. May this conversation be a blessing to you, as it was for us as we recorded it. Beth Jones is an International Speaker and Author, wife to fire chief-paramedic Ray, and mom of 3 beautiful daughters Heather, Eden, and Leah. She also has an adopted black cat with green eyes, Natalya, who follows her everywhere. Beth’s mission is encouraging others to use their gifts for God’s glory, fulfilling their purpose, and living a life they love. She also helps aspiring speakers and authors to share their hearts’ unique, powerful messages.
Connect with Beth at the following links:
https://www.BethJones.net
https://www.amazon.com/author/bethmjones
https://anchor.fm/bethmjones
Subscribe to my newsletter by filling out the form at the top of my homepage at: https://annwritesinspiration.com for a free copy of this template and some other freebies I have on my site for email list subscribers.
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the site.
Support this podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
https://anchor.fm/inspirational-journeys/support
or you can give a one-time donation via PayPal at:
https://paypal.me/annHarrisonBarnes?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US
Mar 28, 202326:27
7 Benefits of Keeping a Writing Journal for Fiction
To start my
mini series on journaling benefits for writers, I’m going to talk about the
benefits of keeping a fiction writing journal. A journal is a place to dump
unwanted thoughts and feelings, to write
your prayers and responses from the Holy Spirit, capture new ideas, develop
your new ideas, brainstorm plot points for stories, flesh out your characters
and keep track of your story’s timeline. I encourage you to have your journal
handy as I take a deep dive into each of these benefits.
Visit www.everyday-excellence.com
and use promo code Inspirational Journeys to get 10% off any product on the
site.
Support this
podcast with a monthly donation by visiting:
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Mar 24, 202322:15