Exciting News and the Subsequent Screaming

Hi guys! 

I break this hiatus to bring you exciting news—I signed with an agent! 

The Story: 

I believe I mentioned early this year that I pitched my Alice in Wonderland spinoff, The Queens Three, on Twitter during #FaithPitch. I got two requests from agents, so sent out my query letters to them. About that same time, another agent turned down Blood and Dust, but invited me to query her with a different project, since she liked my writing. So I sent her a query also. 

Within a week of #FaithPitch, both agents responded. One passed on the project, but let me know that she had passed it along to another agent she thought might like it—which was awesome of her. The second asked for a full. 

Fast forward a while, and I get an email from Kenzi Nevins, of Cyle Young Literary Elite (C.Y.L.E) asking to see the full. She had been passed my query from the original agent and was really intrigued. So I sent it to her and waited. 

Last week I got another email from her. Apparently her emails to me had been bouncing (horror of all horrors) but she was trying again because SHE WANTED TO REPRESENT ME AND MY BOOK. 

Cue the screaming. 

My mom wouldn’t answer the phone, and Jarod was excited but not exactly sure what I was talking about, but luckily I have some excellent writing friends to scream with (you gals are the best). 

After a good bit of screaming and some heart palpitations, we set up a time for a phone call, and had a lovely chat. I was terrified for the first 45 seconds, and then things calmed down and I felt really good by the end of the conversation. Kenzi is super easy to talk to, which is great. 

After the phone call I spoke with one of Kenzi’s other clients about what it’s like working with her, then emailed the two other agents to let them know I had an offer, which I’m told is standard query etiquette. 

The next day I heard back from both of them. Both had some very nice and helpful things to say about the book. One passed due to lack of time, and the other made her own offer of representation. 

Cue more screaming and heart palpitations. 

So I scoured the internet looking at agency websites, and recent books, and all that good stuff. I talked to some of my writing friends, my family, and prayed on it. 

After a few days of stewing on it, I emailed Kenzi to let her know I accepted her offer. 

*Happy Scream* 

She sent over the contract, I asked a few questions, and then ladies and gentlemen

 I SIGNED IT. 

I am THRILLED to be working with Kenzi, and so excited to start taking steps to bringing this (and hopefully many more) books to life. 

To Be Continued

Hi guys!

As you’ve probably noticed, I haven’t been around here much (at all). Sorry about that.

Rather than keep you waiting, this is my official announcement that I’m going on a blogging hiatus. My brain just isn’t doing well right now, and rather than write complete garbage blog posts, I’d rather just pause and come back with fresh energy later. 

You can still keep up with my updates on social media, and I’ll see you guys soon. 

The ABCs of Pandemic Survival

Hello good folks. 

I’m coming to you today with a comprehensive list of how to survive a worldwide pandemic. Having made it this far, I’m basically an expert. Especially considering I was doing most of these long before social distancing started. 

A) Be a hermit.

It’s cool, really. Bilbo was a hermit and he’s loved worldwide. Don’t go outside, and if you do make sure it’s just to the boundary of your own garden. 

B) Be antisocial. 

Again, Bilbo perfected this, and he’s loved worldwide. It served him very well too. You’ll notice that when Bilbo broke his routine of antisocial hermit-hood, he was very nearly eaten by a dragon and thrown from the parapets by a gold deranged dwarf king. Avoid any such unpleasantness and all other people as well. 

C) Stock up on the essentials. 

Since you’ll be at home speaking to no one, you’re going to need a few things. I’m going out on a limb here and assuming you’re part of the population who didn’t make it to the store before the army of crazies descended and stole all the toilet paper. If that’s the case, may I suggest Imodium? A toilet paper pandemic is not the time to get the flu. Also, coffee. It prevents insanity, depression, and homicidal tendencies. (Results may vary) 

D) Binge watch

There’s never been a better time to watch your favorite shows. But, might I suggest taking into account the people you are isolated with? You’re already mentally taxed at this point. You really don’t want to have The Zombie Talk with a three year old. 

E) Binge cook 

All the recipes. Main dishes, side dishes, desserts and every dish in between. Remember though that trips to the grocery store are limited, ingredients are scarce, and there is no toilet paper anywhere. Binge cooking also tends to lead to binge eating, which could mean your pants won’t fit by the time this is all over. Binge with caution. 

F) Spring Clean. 

Use this time at home to tackle all the neglected cupboards and closets in the house. 

Actually, don’t. No one needs that kind of negativity. 

G) Video chat with friends and family. 

Just make sure you never actually enter the camera screen. I know we’d all like to think we’re rocking a cool apocalypse outfit, but we’re mostly rocking the look of death by anxiety and sleep deprivation, with an unhealthy dose of caffeine and sugar high. 

H) Home and yard improvement. 

Beautify your space! Just remember, social distancing applies to the hardware store also, and your bank account is empty because you bought all the groceries for binge cooking. 

I) Embrace the opportunities 

Never before has it been socially acceptable to cosplay on a daily basis in public. Are you just gonna let that slip by? Why stop at a basic face mask when you can dress like the worlds best supervillain. And I, I will be on my couch, laughing hysterically at the memes people make of you. 

J) Cruise Baby.

Talk your town into putting on a cruise night. Wave and honk at people like you actually like them. Pretend it’s the golden days and play oldies. Wear sneakers and poodle skirts if you want. Hype of the fact that your dad and husband are gonna tear up the town like they did as youngsters. Then stare in awe and shock as your little sisters get pulled over instead. 

K) Get a creative outlet. 

Now is the perfect time to start up a new novel or other art form. It’s also a great time to scream into the sky that you hate it. 

L) Procrastinate. 

Now is our time procrastinators. We can put off today what can be done tomorrow. Know why? Because we’ll still be stuck in the stupid house tomorrow. 

M) Internet shop. 

We’ve already spent most of our life savings. Why stop at most? 

N) memes. 

Memes are the answer to everything. They will get us through. 

O) Let it out. 

Yell. Scream. Cry. Whatever. 

P) social media. 

There’s some cool stuff going on with everyone trapped inside going insane. And no one can pick on you for staring at your phone because they’re all doing the exact same thing. Your move, boomer. 

Q) Don’t rule out zombies. 

Just because they haven’t arrived yet, doesn’t mean they won’t start. Also, vampires. We’ve all been locked inside away from sunlight for awhile. 

R) Read.

Old books, new books. Read them all. 

S) Garden.

Unless you live in Nebraska. 

T) Sled.

If you live in Nebraska this is your alternative to gardening.

I bet you thought I was going to go through the whole alphabet with tips huh? Or even that I would match the first letter of the tip to the corresponding letter of the alphabet. But no. Just because I have the time to do it doesn’t mean I’m going to waste my time doing it. 

It’s not like you can come over here and stop me. 

How are you getting by through this weird time? Are you still clinging to your sanity, or have you embraced the madness? 

DISCLAIMER: This is in no way meant to belittle or make light of the people who are struggling with this illness or are suffering job loss because of it. My heart absolutely goes out to them and I’ve been praying every day this will end soon. This post is strictly me trying to find a little humor in the insane times we find ourselves in. 

I’m Not a Therapist, But—

These are strange times we’re living in, people. And I’m not sure what I think of them. 

Scrolling though my email and social media feeds, I see everyone is sharing their tips and tricks to avoid anxiety in this bizarre situation brought on by Covid19. 

And guys, I am not the person to write that type of post. I’m not a super cuddly, emotional person who is gonna give you a virtual hug and assuage all your fears. I might send you a meme. A somewhat morbid, rude meme. Because you can’t be scared when you’re laughing, right?

So I’m not going to try and give you Six Weapons to Use When Slaughtering Covid19 Fears and Anxieties (even though it sounds kind of fun to write). 

I am, however, going to remind you that God told us these sort of things would happen in the last days. Are these the exact and literal last days? I don’t know. They very well could be. But regardless if this is the beginning of the end, or just a super flu that’s going to blow over soon, we should remember God’s promised and commands to us. 

He promises to never leave us. He’s not practicing social distancing. 

Deuteronomy 31:6

Deuteronomy 31:8

He tells us not to fear and panic. 

Hebrews 13:5 (stop hoarding the toilet paper, guys)

Isaiah 41:10-14

2 Timothy 1:7 (I can’t read this verse without singing it anymore)

Pray. Pray. Pray. 

1 Peter 5:7

Philippians 4:6-7

Psalms 55:22

Hebrews 4:16

He’s got it under control. 

Romans 8:28

And if this whole Covid19 panic buying, quarantine infested life has you considering God for the first time, he’s got promises for you too. You don’t have to start tallying your good deeds when things get scary and hope it’s enough for God to lend you an ear. Our good conduct isn’t enough. But the good news is, it’s so much simpler than that. It’s as simple as Admit, Believe, Forever Receive. 

• First, you must admit that you are a sinner and need to be saved.
• Second, you must repent and be willing to turn from your sin.
• Third, you must believe that Jesus Christ died for you on the cross.
• Fourth, you must receive through prayer, Jesus Christ into your heart and life.

Romans 3:23 KJV “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

Romans 6:23 KJV “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Romans 5:8 KJV “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 10:9 KJV “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

Romans 10:13 KJV “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Romans 8:1 KJV “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

Romans 8:38-39 KJV “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So stay healthy, friends. Now is not the time to get the gang together and start licking door knobs. But rest assured we serve a risen savior who is more powerful than any virus or toilet paper shortage, and as his children we can talk directly to him when things weigh heavy on is. And if you ever need a listening ear, hit me up. We can chat. 

Coffee Makes the World Go ‘Round

When you have a baby, everyone gets busy telling you to take care of yourself. Drink plenty of water. Get lots of rest. Take it easy. Try to eat healthy. Get started exercising as soon as the doctor says you can. 

Good advice. Sound advice. Hard to follow advice. 

I drink water like it’s going out of style, and still had to go to the doctor to get an IV. 

Rest?? What’s rest? You can’t get any rest between a two year old and a newborn. They don’t nap in sync. 

Take it easy ... I don’t understand. I just spent nine months uncomfortable with less and less mobility. I have things to do now, people! 

I do try to eat healthy. I do. But have you ever had a craving? Mine is suddenly dark chocolate—something I don’t even like usually. But not just any dark chocolate. Frozen dark chocolate. I want it so crunchy I risk breaking a tooth. 

And ah, exercise. The mom bod. No one wants that. I don’t want that. But how, pray tell, do you have the energy to work out if you’re doing all the things and not getting any rest and constantly distracted by an undying need for frozen dark chocolate? 

Where do you turn? Who do you go to? What is there that can alleviate these stresses? 

Coffee is the answer to all the things. 

Coffee in your morning smoothie. Coffee in your coffee. 

Espresso in your (dark) chocolate chip cookies. 

All of the coffee. 

It’s really starting to make sense to me why my childhood buddy drank his coffee so black we couldn’t go shooting afterward because he was shaking so badly. We got problems. 

This has been a public service announcement. Or maybe a health warning. 

Gifs from Google

Spring Is In My Hair

It isn’t in the air yet. 

The frost still has a bite. 

And the wind is never gentle. 

No way to fly a kite. 

No, it isn’t in the air yet

No matter how I wish

But spring is in my hair

I can feel it. 

It’s pulling on the strands, 

Wishing them away

To build and play and run

On every single day

To scatter life and growing

And splatter colors so 

But It has to go on hold 

Because springs only in my hair

And the air is still just cold

Oh what a sadness

What dismal gray cast skies

I want to see the greening

But the sparkles only in my eyes 

My nose can smell the sawdust

My hands can feel the fluff

But my brain looks out the window

And tells me just give up

Because the season is fickle

It likes to tempt and tease

When spring finally casts out winter

It will not be with ease

It might just cause a tempest 

It might force winds to blow

But soon enough the signs will come 

and then I’ll really know

But for now I’ll go on dreaming

With the tendrils in my hair

And wait for blessed spring time 

to finally reach the air 

Alien Sick Days

Hi guys!

I’m convinced I need to change blogging to a day other than Wednesday. Every time Wednesday rolls around something rolls in with it that annihilates my ability to put together a proper blog post. 

Overdramatic, you say? There are far more dramatic people in the world than me. I assure you. 

I’ve been fighting a migraine since Lorie was born. I thought it was from the spinal, but the doctor says it shouldn’t last that long, and figures it’s my hormones. Her solution was to “force the migraine out of my body.” Like I’ve got some kind of alien parasite or something. 

We tried a couple rounds of prescription meds with no success, so yesterday they had me come in for IV fluids and more meds to perform the exorcism—I mean migraine purge. 

Wonderfully, it seems to have worked and I’m currently headache free. Which is really saying something because since I got home last night my body has been conspiring to cause me as much stress as possible. 

Such as the fact that my left eye swelled up like a balloon. Not even joking. It was nearly shut, my eyelashes disappeared, I couldn’t close the eye without it putting massive pressure on my eyeball. I spent the whole night looking like a cyclops. Or maybe more like a banished fire nation prince. Because the rest of me was still pretty. 

Went to sleep only to wake up two hours later with massive stomach flu problems. Pretty much camped out in the bathroom from midnight to five, and then snagged about an hour of sleep before everyone woke up and needed attention. 

To top that off, my eye is still swollen. If it sticks around much longer I’ll have to develop an interesting backstory for it. Because “it randomly blew up and I have no idea why” isn’t all that epic. 

One thing is certain. I am thankful for the Nick Jr channel, the fact that newborns sleep all the time, and that the alien migraine seems to have found a different host. 

All gifs from Google

A Little Miss

Hi guys!

Sorry about the impromptu hiatus last week. But I’ve got a good reason. 

I would like to introduce Loraina Fable, born right on her due date. 

We had planned to try a VBAC this time around, but things didn’t turn out that way and we ended up doing another C-section. This time was considerably better than with Henry though, as I was able to be awake during the procedure and interact with her right after she was born. Recovery has been much better also. 

We’re all home and happy now, and big brother is absolutely thrilled (though he’s a little put off that mommy can’t rough house or drive him to the store because a doctor cut a hole in her tummy).

Little miss Lorie is a doll, and we’re so blessed to have her. 

Needless to say, I haven’t done much besides change diapers, feed kids, and try to sleep. I’ve got several new books screaming at me, and I can’t wait to dive into them (feeding a baby gives a perfect opportunity to read) but I’ve been fighting migraines caused by the spinal anesthesia and focusing on a page is a no-go. I’m hoping those wear off soon though and I can soak in some good reading and maybe get some more work done on The Queens Three. 

For anyone wondering, Jarod chose Loraina based on Lori from the Lonesome Dove movie, and I picked Fable because it loosely means story. 

Obviously I would love a daughter named story. It was as close as I could get to a literary name without picking an actual book character. (Although Lonesome Dove was a book first, and I hear the protagonist in Adrienne Young’s next book is named Fable. So that’s a win.) 

The plan now is to get back to blogging weekly like I’m supposed to. I shall try. 

What have you been up to? Would you name a child after a book character? 

The State of the Realms

Hello everyone! 

Still no baby, just in case you’re one of the people who keeps asking me. I promise, I will announce when she is born. I will not be waiting weeks to mention it. 

In a random burst of inspiration (nesting hormones?) I’ve been madly revising The Mad Hatter. 

I’m actually pretty much certain it’s the nesting hormones driving this effort. Which is a double edged sword. On the one hand, its spurred me to add multiple new chapters and beef up the word count, working my way to the halfway point in about five days. 

On the flip side of that though, there have been multiple times where I was just about to dive into a new scene when suddenly I was struck by an inescapable need to wash all of the baby clothes and fold and put them all away. Now. 

It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. 

Things are progressing nicely though. In the most exciting news, it received a new title. The Mad Hatter is now The Queens Three. 

Which brings me to the next notable change: Bunny and the Queen of Ravens now each have their own points of view in the story. 

It’s been super fun and super difficult to dive into each of their personalities and give them distinct voices and reveal more of what makes them tick. It’s not perfect, but I’ve gotten some good feedback and can’t wait to flesh them out even more. 

It’s really fun getting to spend more time in the fae realm (which needs a real name) through them. 

Molly’s boyfriend, Matt, got a new name. He’s currently Brett. There were too many M names running around the place. I’m not sure Brett is the winner though, so it might change again before I’m through. 

The word count is creeping up. Not quite where I want it, but it’s definitely improving. 

One thing that’s been a relief (and worrisome) is I haven’t found any major plot holes or useless threads. A few clarifications and tweaks yes. But gigantic glaring issues? No. It’s rather strange. 

But then again, it comes with the territory.